Sunday, September 24, 2006

Today's fasting

I received no great communications from the divine today.  I found great comfort in a hymn we sang today, Be Still My Soul.

 

1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;

With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend

Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as he has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

 

3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

 

I felt prompted to bear my testimony of the power of fasting.  I, of course, fought that prompting being the anxious person I have become.  But I decided it was better to be obedient than stubborn.  So I bore my testimony of the power of fasting – how He has blessed us financially when we have asked for help – how He has answered us as we have enquired about expanding our family.  And then I explained that we are all united in prayer and fasting for my little sister who had been diagnosed with an incurable condition that could take her life before she’s ten years old.  I explained that we are hoping, “but if not”, if the Lord should choose to take her, our strength will come from the sealing powers of the priesthood.  I said that if we obeyed His commandments and kept our covenants, she could be part of our family forever.  Then I expressed my gratitude for our Savior who makes eternal families possible.

 

It was interesting to see people’s reactions; people were sorry for us and saddened at the whole idea.  Others promised to pray for a miracle.  One sister (who has buried a couple of her children) said that there are some things worse than death.  She is right.

 

My prayer is selfish – I want her to live, but I want her to be free from pain too.  I want her to have as normal a life as possible.  I am hoping for a miracle, I am grateful for our forever family!  Thank you Mama and Daddy for letting us fast today for Jie.  I love her.  I appreciate your wonderful examples to me!  Thank you for our family.  Please keep us all updated.

 

Love,

Shelly

Moving Day!

Yesterday from 9 AM to 6PM, we moved my parents, brother, and sister into their new home. We were blessed with many wonderful priesthood holders coming out from their old ward and their new ward to help load and unload the moving truck.
They bought a wonderful 29 acre property in Plantersville, Texas. I am, of course, repenting daily of my envy :). The property is so beautiful. There are trees all over. Cows graze on the surrounding properties. There are two lakes stocked with fish. It's so wonderful! We plan on enjoying ourselves up there often :).

Friday, September 08, 2006

Labor Day at the Farm

We spent Labor Day at the Farm that the Ball's are buying. They will be moving in around the 14th of September and we are very excited.


We had wonderful brisket sandwiches and lots of food. Kathie, Cindy & Jeremy, Donna, all came out with us to see the Balls farm.


We had a small early birthday cake and present for Kathie.


Everyone loved the lake and fishing. We caught quite a few fish but threw them all back.


Becca got to drive the golf cart and could not stop grinning.


After the farm we went swimming over at saddle creek.


It was a great Labor Day celebration.