All week, I was wondering what picture I would use to start the blog today, leaning towards the beautiful Fall tree just across the street (because I am so obsessed with the changing colors on the leaves now), but then I woke up this morning to the news that President Nelson had passed away, and the horrible and tragic shooting at an LDS church builidng in Michigan, I felt like this would be more appropriate.  

 Recently, it seems that each day our faith is tested in some way.  We've experienced health issues, struggles within family relationships, financial worries - I could go on and on.  I don't know that times will get any easier - it is the society we live in now, but I do know that we can not only survive, but we can thrive through these challenges if we renew and strengthen our faith in Christ.  

Steve and Terri Jenkins, our good friends from Japan, have been serving as senior missionaries to the Air Force Cadets here in Colorado Springs.  They recently requested a change to their mission assignment so they could help their daughter, Christina, who lives in Oklahoma.  I think Christina is maybe around Kate's age, but her husband was just diagnosed with a malignant tumor located on the back of his heart. They left their four children at home with Steve and Terri and are currently receiving medical care at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I am sharing this only because Christina has written some very poignant thoughts about faith that I think we can all learn from. 

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared an experience about receiving a blessing from President Nelson before undergoing surgery. Elder Holland said, "I was moved to tears under his hands. That is what came through. It was not Dr. Nelson who would have known anything and everything about whatever was going on with a few bones and joints . . .it was Prophet, Seer, and Revelator Nelson.  The language of that blessing wasn't a medical opinion.  It was faith." 

Christina went on to say, "that pierced me- that contrast. Depending on medical opinions or focusing on faith.  That is the choice that makes the difference between enduring and being refined by this process or buckling under fear and crumbling in despair.  We know that God didn't give RJ this cancer, but in His loving wisdom, He gave us His Son to provide the way for dealing with it, whatever the outcome may be.  It's how we are still feeling peace and joy in the midst of this terrible storm, not knowing when or how it will end".  

Maybe this is why "Faith in Every Footstep" is one of my favorite hymns. I know this is something I am trying to work on, and I would encourage all of us to find hope and peace through our Savior.  One of the things that President Nelson asked us to do was to pray more often - so let's do that!  Let's all look for some rays of sunshine this week ❤ 🌞!

THANKS to these beautiful ladies who stopped by to visit this week.  We love seeing you! 

Sammi brought me some beautiful Hydrangeas!  LET ME KNOW WHEN ANY OF YOU ARE FREE FOR LUNCH 😀

  

THE PATIENT IS DOING BETTER!

  Dad is doing great. In fact, the physical therapist who comes to the house said h

e was exceeding all expectations and has a greater range of motion than most patients in this phase of recovery.  There is not a lot he can do since the surgery was on his right shoulder, but he's being a trooper.  My next hurdle is talking him into letting me shave his face.  He is pretty furry right now 😳.

 The other night we were watching TV together and he was so sweet and asked if I wanted to watch an episode of Call the Midwife.  I didn't want to turn that down, but after the show was over, I told him he could watch something else, but instead left it on Sister Monica Joan and her cohorts, and we ended up watching two more episodes.  Guess who also has now become a BIG fan of Call the Midwife. 

I think one of the reasons we like the show so much is because it brings back memories - the first couple of seasons, there was a nurse who reminded me so much of my Mom, and in the later episodes, they deal with polio, thalidomide, which caused babies to be born with deformities, and the measles epidemic.  I can vividly remember when those were the headlines of the day.

TO CHICAGO    

Because of Dad's surgery, we were not able to make it to our Hans Zimmer concert in Chicago.  Kate and Jonathan went in our place and had a great visit with Kim, Chris, and family.  Kate took family photos for them, and Sayre got to visit the Lego store (his Heaven on Earth).  Kate said the concert was good but LOUD - 

Why do concerts have to be soooo loud now? (or am I just getting old???)

  So sorry we missed Hans Zimmer, but looking forward now to March when Phantom of the Opera will be in Denver❤

BEING A SENIOR (in high school) is hard work! There is always an abundance of activities, classes, and credits to keep up with, and then, of course, looking forward to graduation.  

This week, Blythe participated in Maine South's Powder Puff game.

I don't know when I've seen someone so cute with black smudges all over their face.

SIBLING NEWS ~

Shannon had a couple of rough days this past week, and Dad got a phone call from PACE that she would not be able to stay at Lark Springs.  We are not quite sure what that means, but I will keep you all updated when we know more. 

Jenny sent a message to us on Friday, saying that Francie is declining - sleeping a lot during the day and not eating well. Ruthie is going this week for a visit, and I'm hoping Dad and I can go for a week in late October or early November.  I will keep you all updated on news from California.  

THANK YOU, CHRIS, KIM, AND BLYTHE, for the Sunday Selfie!  

You make my heart happy! 😊

I love our family so much!  I think of each of you every day and you are always in my prayers.  Have a safe and joyful week ❤