From Bristol to Boise with Faith

 From Andrew: From Amy: Where do lost items go at the laundromat? The washed and found

 Elder Brian J. Holmes Newly sustained General Authority Seventy "You have to be willing to step out of the boat sometimes, and I’ve learned there are many boats. It’s not just a one-time thing.There are different situations and challenges in life, and you have to keep stepping out. And that’s how your faith becomes stronger. Faith is a principle of action and power.” 

 Knowing  this,  that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:3

It is Well with My Soul | The Tabernacle Choir

  On Monday’s walk we saw five dragonflies and three hummingbirds. We also heard a bullfrog. We saw another hummingbird during our Tuesday walk. Sucking on Chimes brand Ginger Chews helps calm my acid reflux. So far my favorite flavor is mango. I look forward to trying Meyer lemon flavor. It is chip seal season in Eagle, Idaho. We can’t drive anywhere without coming across road construction.

Winner for this week is Enna, our 9-year old granddaughter. Enna and Doris are reading the book Remarkable  together, in which ther eis a monster in the lake named Lucky. Original map: Enna's interpretation: Runner up this week is Thomas, Enna's father: Thomas' interpretation: Semi-aquatic egg-laying mammal.

Additional treatment side effects have presented themselves. In addition to fatigue and gastrointestinal issues, I now have muscle aching and skin bruising. These side effects came before an additional chemo medication will be added to my regimen on Thursday and my next infusion will be on Friday. 

  My goal is to make a flower for each week of our new “mission.”  We just completed week eleven and I have made thirteen flowers. My Grandmother's Flower Garden Blocks Completed

  Our daughter Amy and two of our daughters-in-law (Greer and Britta) celebrated birthdays this week. If we are lucky, our grandson will be born this upcoming week. Paul told me that he wished he could take my pain away so I could have a day free from suffering. I am touched by the depth of his love for me. For a Savior who does help me when I am in pain whether physically, mentally or emotionally. He doesn’t take away my pain, but gives me the strength to endure it. We were able to serve in the temple this week. The ordinance workers did everything they could to make the experience easier for me. Our ministering brothers helped Paul move sewing room furniture up from the basement.  My friend, Suzette, brought me a print of a painting created by Jenedy Paige entitled  Every Sparrow.  I love looking at it. It reminds me that my Savior will always catch me. Tracy and Jennifer came to our house on Friday and restored my sewing room. They emptied all boxes ...

My niece and nephew were able to visit locations in Sweden where my great great grandfather Hakan Andersson lived.  They took pictures and my sister shared them with me. Hakan is the first ancestor whose life I researched in Swedish records.  To actually see where he lived filled my heart with joy.

  Patient or Patient? Many years ago I was frustrated when a situation I had prayed about was not getting resolved.  I did what I always did when I needed direction. I called my father on the phone. “Daddy” I said, “Do I not have enough faith?” His answer surprised me, but has been a source of wisdom ever since that moment. “Doris” he said, “You have faith, but what you need is patience.” My current cancer journey has proven my father’s insight to be correct.  Being a patient does not mean I am patient.  I believe patience is a virtue I am to learn on this journey. I take comfort in the following scripture: Hebrews 10:36  For ye have need of  patience , that, after ye have done the  will of  God, ye might receive the  promise .  

  Cycle Two (Continued) “Come what may” This week will conclude Cycle Two. In general, we hover between two perceptions: 1) Time is going so fast. And 2) This treatment will take such a long time. The months, weeks, and days seem to race by, but because the duration of this treatment is anticipated to be 24 months, the time measured in terms of completing treatments creeps along slowly. We are anxious about the next step because we continue to hope for successful outcomes. Yet, we know there are risks and discomforts associated with increasing the treatment regimen. Since each cycle is 28 days – or four weeks – that means 26 cycles for us. But there may be some adaptation occurring over the course of treatment. Nevertheless, this upcoming week represents a new step in the intended treatment plan. Beginning on Thursday Doris will be given an additional oral chemo medication. We will learn more about things this week, but based on our understanding, this new medication will attac...