From Bristol to Boise with Faith

Original Map From Kyle: An elephant and a giraffe holding onto an umbrella on a windy day.   Original image From Amy: A Brontosaurus

 From Steve: From Jonathan:

From Doris:   Christ the Lord is Risen Today  

  From Doris:   Since my last infusion on January 2nd, I have been blessed with a significant decrease in pain and increase in stamina.

  From Doris:   Today is Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday 2025, we spoke in church. It was our mission farewell. The next morning, I received test results that indicated I had a form of cancer.   We have a momma duck nesting in our back yard. She has eight eggs in her nest. She has been there for two weeks. We estimate her ducklings will hatch in a couple of weeks.   The word cleave has two opposite meanings (cut apart, cling closely) making it a contronym.   I have made 61 English paper pieced flowers. I need 130 to make my quilt. It will take years for me to complete this quilt, but it will exemplify the truth that by small and simple steps great things come to pass.   I found out that Blackham, England, is only five miles away from Hartfield, England, where author A.A. Milne lived. The Pooh sticks bridge and 100-acre woods are near Hartfield.   My father was taught how to prune trees by his father-in-law. Paul was also taught how to prune t...

From Doris:   As I approach the one-year mark of my cancer diagnosis, these are measurable improvements in my health: I have more strength in my body. I have more stamina. I have less pain. I have less brain fog. I can more easily focus on what I can do instead of what I can ’ t.   Paul and I go on walks. When I need to rest, we stop and sit on a bench and just soak up the beauty of another spring morning.               Those rest stops allow me to feel the majesty of God ’ s creations.               We walk four days a week. On average we walk a mile each day.   For the first time in over a year, I was able to find ancestors who need temple ordinances and reserve their work.  It is wonderful to have the chemo brain fog lifted enough to be able to do research again.   My white blood cell count remains in normal ran...

  From Doris:   Elder Patrick Kearon October 2025 General Conference   Our Saviour uttered one final understatement, without which there would be no cause for hope or rejoicing this day. After the agonies of Gethsemane and at the conclusion of the torturous cross, He simply said, “ It is finished.” Messianic prophecy had been fulfilled, and the full payment of the debt for humanity ’ s sins and suffering had been paid. He declared “ finished” His infinite and eternal sacrifice. Yet His Atonement would not be complete until He Himself experienced new life on the third day, the new beginning, as a glorified, resurrected being through the power of the Father.

  From Doris:   John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends .

  From Doris:   A Time of Renewal   I have always loved Spring, except for the years in which I lived in the metropolitan Phoenix area. In Phoenix, Spring was the beginning of hot weather. Here in Eagle, it is a time to be celebrated.   Spring is the season of birth. Certainly, the mother duck nesting in our backyard is proof of that. Spring is also a season of renewal. The trees that have been in a dormant state for months are now filled with blossoms. Daffodil bulbs that have been hidden underground are now showing their glorious flowers. Grass that was brown and looked dead is now green. Trees, bulbs and grass have not been dead for months but were awaiting Spring.   I have not been dead these last few months but have been awaiting a renewal of my health. That renewal has begun, but I do not know when it will be complete. Will my body ever return to its former capacity?   It may not, but I believe the spiritual lessons I am being taught a...