1
Fb I want to be grateful that I need to wait to see how Trish's feeling today, I am grateful that my neck is feeling better and I was able to make bread and prepare for the young missionaries to come to have family home evening at our place this morning. I am grateful we could see some fireflies outside last night and grateful that I got good sleep last night. I am thankful for my hat and 4 cottage cheese and that I was able to lose the weight I wanted to and do better about not eating sweets or carbs. I'm thankful for how my heavenly father helps me with every challenge of my life and I'm thankful for Marco Polo and 4 prayer and for everything. Thanks father, Patricia
Revisited Porters and Sister Weaver and mciffs
2
Up in the night with head pain but I got back to sleep and slept well❤️👆
Joshua didn't answer when it was time to take him to church. We went to church then afterwards went to Nash's home to give the sacrament to Brother Nash. We got to meet their son Isaac as well. Went walking and later did a family home evening with Rodriguez's. Afterwards we just did Bryce and talk through video chat to Heidi and send it. Trisha has been sick most of the day. Cindy went over to help.
3
I made breakfast for Joshua and we went over baptismal questions. We've been served at the senior citizen Center and after I rest I got some office things taken care of before we went to Porter's for dinner and another discussion. Dan works with the adults and teenagers and I work with the two young girls. We met a new teenager named cherish at the Porter's house
4
Helping at Senior Citizen Center. Making arrangements and reminders about a support group being at our house since Lucy has a surgery tomorrow. Support group at our house at night
5
Catching up on things in the morning. Going to the mission interviews a 7nd Dan helped at the Family History Center while I destressed then visited the walkers at night
6
This morning Joshua came that is we picked him up and he came for a discussion and Jack Kramer joined us at our apartment. A talked about prophets especially present Nelson and bar witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel. Jack helped a lot with talking about overcoming Word of Wisdom problems. At night food missionary young missionaries invited us to go visit an investigator. Her name is April. They gave a wonderful lesson about the resurrection and I think we learned a lot in the process. Especially about asking for a commitment at the beginning that she would do the challenges they gave and also asking for her permission to send her inspiration each day.
7
Today the young missionaries came over to do come follow me with us then we went to Sister Whitworth for lunch and then to brother Hales for our missionary meeting and to the doctors to talk about my neck. At night we watched singing with angels.
8
Joshua went with us to Brandon and Jamie's baptism. In the afternoon we were able to help Cindy c paint her pantry.
From Darla
What My Journey with Cancer Is Teaching Me
Darla Isackson
After months of mysterious symptoms which neither my primary care doctor or a specialist could diagnose, pain was added to the mix and my husband Doug took me to the emergency room Saturday, May 4. The first test they did (a CAT Scan) showed two large tumors on my liver and I was immediately admitted to the hospital. I was there for a grueling six days with each day giving us worse news. My first visit to the oncologists after my release to get the final report involved several waits during which I was sometimes in tears. There was never a place I less wanted to be. I have spent a lifetime of effort to keep the laws of health in order to avoid just such an eventuality. For just a few minutes I went into the “it’s not fair” mode, but gratefully didn’t stay there. The report was: cancer that started in the colon, metastasized outside the colon wall, then to the liver. All tumors too large to be operable. Six months or less, possibly extended a little by treatment.
Miracles that Followed
So many have told me they are praying for me and asking for miracles. I’m receiving miracles, in the best way possible: in my Spirit. I love the scripture, “Care not for the life of the body, but for the life of the soul” (reference). I know God is not “doing this to me” but that the whole process going on in my body is a result of natural law, the toxins I have been unremittingly exposed to, the damage done to my body by accidents, medications, and choosing to run faster than I had strength. But I know that God brings good from all things and I’m seeing that good in so many ways.
The Lord’s Tender Direction
I’ve been given some of the most direct and clear personal revelation of my life these past few days: that my job is not to “wage a valiant war against cancer.” I’m not to “fight” for the extension of my mortal life. I am not pleading for a longer life than He wants to give me. Instead I am praying for the strength to complete my life’s mission in the time He may allot.
I’m finding the “peace that surpasseth understanding” by surrendering my life to God’s will. Every day Doug and I recite the scripture “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths (Psalms 3: 5-6).”
The Blessing of Advance Notice
I’ve been given the gift of advance notice, of time to tie up loose ends, to prepare and help others prepare in mind and heart. What a precious amazing gift. I live so much more of my time in gratitude than ever before in my life. And I sense that all the words of testimony I’ve written over the years and sometimes berated myself for not living up to perfectly are who I am. They are the very fiber of my soul and being. They are the truth. While I know I will not leave this world with all my weaknesses conquered or turned to strength, I know that weakness is not sin. The Lord has told us, “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble”(Ether 12”22). Humility is so essential as I continue on this quest. I have to remember that my weakness is the most important thing I have if it leads me to depend on His strength. I’m remembering all over again that I cannot forgive or perfect or sanctify or save myself. And that we are all equal in our need to say, “Jesus Christ, Thou Son God, have mercy on me” (reference). Only one transgression disqualified Adam and Eve to live in the presence of God and there are no such things as little sins and big sins. We are all equally dependent on the grace of Christ for our redemption from sin and for the blessing of loosing the bands of death and taking part in a glorious resurrection. No one is less than or better than because we are all sinners who need the Lord completely. The glorious message is that He gives that redemption so freely when we turn to Him with no posturing or pretending that we can do any part of it ourselves. When I realize how completely I need Him every hour and quit feeling like I am somehow supposed to perfect myself by my own will power or strength, I find peace.
Surrounded by Love
I’m basking in the spirit of love. I’m surrounded by love. My heart is full of gratitude for every drop of love that descends on my soul like healing rain. Worry and fear have no place in this and when they appear I quickly turn them over to the Lord and ask Him to replace them with faith.
And what do I hope for? A few times I’ve hoped for healing, for my will to be done to be able to stay with my husband and family longer. But when is long enough? At what point could I be ready to say, okay that’s enough time. I’m ready to surrender now? At what point could they say, “Okay, now I’ve had enough time with you and I’m ready to let you go?” No. It has to be up to God and He will lead me every step of the way. In Moroni we are told: “And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold, I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise” (Moroni 7:41).
Hope for positive outcomes, outcomes we “want” is not what the Lord needs us to have, it is hope in Christ and a glorious resurrection and I truly have that hope.
“All Things Work Together for Good”
I’m already seeing the good. Inexplicitly, I’m experiencing some of the happiest and most peaceful moments of my life, such as when the Spirit simply bathes my husband and I in the ability to communicate heart to heart on a level we’ve rarely achieved before. Like when heartfelt prayers pour out of me in a way I’ve longed for and been missing lately. Like when my heart is knit together with love for those who come to support me in this journey, like when healing happens in relationships that I’ve prayed for years, sometimes decades. Like when loved ones help me lighten Doug’s load of my surplus possessions and every bag or box that leaves the house is a physical relief (and happening so much more quickly than would ever have happened otherwise). Like when I realize that the critic on my shoulder that has plagued me with self-doubt most of my life has been silenced and replaced with images of me as a little lamb being tenderly cradled in the Savior’s arm and loved completely.
Looking Ahead
I know the days ahead may challenge me in ways I can’t imagine. But I will be praying to maintain the perspective I’ve gained in these past days. In the meantime, my body is weak, but all is well with my soul.
8
Today we took Joshua with us to Jamie and Brandon's baptism. We came home and talked afterwards. He's very anxious to get baptized. The Heather missionaries said they would support that. Later we went to Cindy Carlson 2 help cleaning sand and paint her pantry
9
Today was eventful and exciting. I began the day trying to help a sister get a roll of quarters for laundry. Next I made biscuits and gravy and fried potatoes for the linger longer after church. We picked up Joshua and went to church then went to the luncheon afterwards. Today was breakfast for lunch. Josh with an mat with the district leader for and baptismal interview. At night it's 6 Joshua was invited as well as ourselves to Schoens for dinner.
10
Served at senior center, working on some things at home, Joshua Nadine, dinner at Porter's
6-12
We brought flowers to Lucy and Willa. I was having trouble with my nap so I laid down for a few hours. We then had a miracle when we were able to have remembered yet the mission Book of Mormons that we needed who happened to be in St Louis. At night we had a discussion with Joshua and then dinner at Kathy and John McMullin.
After the dinner Joshua had his final baptism interview. He passed!!! This is so exciting! Now we get to prepare for his baptism on Sunday
6-13
Fb I am thankful for the joy and excitement I see in his eyes as he embraces the gospel, for two squirrels on my deck, fur slippers on my feet, for a guitar that sometimes keeps me company, I am thankful for people who go out of their way to help us from St Louis and for my turquoise purse! :-)
We were saddened today when we went to have a visit with Laura and Josh and their son Thomas. They weren't there. There is a van there picking people up in front of their place. I don't know why. After that we went to lunch at The Bishop's house and Joshua came over in the afternoon to get ready for his baptism with a program and hey invitation. Unfortunately my neck started hurting and so I was resting with an ice pack.
The young missionaries came over at night after Joshua and gone back he doesn't have a car at the moment so damn always drives him back and forth. A gift it's love. It usually takes about 12 minutes each way) we worked somewhere on the program for him.
14
Today is the day where Willa has her back surgery. We are praying for her.
I went to physical therapy and Dan worked with Joshua helping him get ready for the baptism on Sunday. We picked up postcards for the support group them visited single sisters
After that we went to visit with Josh and Laura and Thomas. It turned out to be about a two-hour visit! He seems very interested in the Book of Mormon and accepted the Braille Book of Mormon.
6-15
It's hard to believe the month is half over already. And another half months you will have one third of our mission completed! So, today the young missionaries come for come follow me and I plan to make sweet rolls. At noon I am having my bracelet button party. I have invited about 20 people so I will be happy if five or ten cap. I hope we are able to enjoy one another. There's a combination of members and non-members. After that we have Joshua come over and we'll be talking about his plans for after baptism and that the confirmation for the Holy Ghost will take place next week on Sunday instead of right after the baptism.
There were 6 ladies who came to the bracelet party. 3 members and 3 Non members. We had a good time and had a nice lunch. Later we visited June waiver and tried to visit Michelle danner and we visited Willa.
6-16
Today was a very special day. We picked up Joshua and took him to church. There were about 5 investigators at church that we've been working with. We were very surprised to see Joshua or Josh, Lara and Thomas tea disabled family at sacrament meeting. After that after church we went to get set up for the baptism and got some pictures. The we were grateful that so many people came to the baptism. I was probably about 40 people. These Services went well and the baptism was beautiful. Dan was able to baptize Joshua. And Joshua had to be baptized twice because the first time he put his foot up. The rest of the services went well and the videos were well received. The bishop spoke and set it by the hail. After that we dropped Joshua back off at home. His mother and stepfather came to the services. At night The Baird family invited us over for Father's Day dinner. Dan was the only other father there at the. Bairds. It was awesome! Dan got to receive phone calls from Tiffany and Heidi and Joseph and he got a really cool package with red things in it because he is a rediculously awesome father. I made him homemade beef jerky
All 4 missionaries came to ask us to add our numbers to theirs.
6-17
We had Joshua come for breakfast. We served at Sr. Citizen Center. I went to physical therapy and we had dinner at Porter's tonight. Dan gave come follow me and I worked with Sammy getting her ready for her baptismal interview
6-18
We went to the summer read to succeed program at the library. At night we had the wellness group at our house. Only one came but she needed it.
6-19
Read to succeed at the library, visiting Milner's and Joshua at night.
6-20
I was up by 4:30 a.m. and we went to the temple by 6:30. We were able to make the 9 session. And be the witness Capitol. After that we K-State brother Burrell around 1:00 then I came home to get ready for Jonathan and Rachel's come to dinner. Dan went with the missionaries to visit Lima kiss. Rachel was too tired to come so lonely Jonathan came that we had a wonderful German dinner and enjoyed a long visit. It was so nice to just be home tonight.
6-21
During my morning block today I wasn't paying attention and stepped in a puddle of water but had slime at the bottom. I rolled my ankle and knee refill. The miracle is but I'm okay. I wasn't hurt. Maybe a bruised but that's all. I am so thankful. Today I went to physical therapy and Dan got Josh and we had him over for some more after baptism discussions. We went to Brother Hales in the afternoon for our meeting. At night I went to visit with Laura and she shared more about her life story. It has been very difficult for her. I also took she like to also took her to get ice since there electricity was out for so many hours. At night when I prayed for her the distinct words that came to me a few minutes following my prayer were"Laura is going to be OK."
There were some 80 miles per hour winds that happened at night especially in Jackson.
6-22
Today we went to the porters to help Sammy get ready for her baptismal interview tomorrow. We also visited with Coby abd Sunny and then with Willa at the Life Care Center then sister Robison
23
Fb I am thankful for the sound of birds🐦 singing near our window as I wake up this morning, for sweet hymns🎶🎶 that play through my mind, for feelings of gratitude and the ability to thank my Heavenly Father, for courageous friends who come try out our church⛪, for pictures of grandchildren that play my heart♥️, I am thankful that I can feel thankful, it is one of the most Exquisite blessings of my life.
I felt sad when Wella chose not to come to church today after her daughter Julie talk to her.
Joshua's blessing. Physically, spiritually, mentally... Instrument..
God gives immediate hope for eventual deliverance
A sister said whe she was praying she had an impression of the Lord holding her face in his hands and crying with him. He couldn't sve the problem right then.
2012 Elder Baxter story
Kids have inbox for discussions
At Church Joshua with kid in the gift of the Holy Ghost. The bishop gave him a blessing and it was beautiful. He was also blessed with mental clarity. Later the bishop met with Joshua to set up a time for him do you have his priesthood interview can you received the aaronic priesthood. He was so excited!
We had a tornado warning!!
6-24
Neither one of us slept too good. A lot on her mind. I went to Walmart already. We serve at Senior Citizen Center and meeting with Joshua at night we went to Porter's for dinner and to get ready for Sammy's baptism
6-25
I had a wonderful why can talk with God this morning. Dan did to on his run. In the morning he took Joshua on an important errand while I helped with reading and we all met at to do service at Senior Citizen Center. Jeremy...... In the afternoon we visited in Cape. At night we had our wellness support group back at the Sadie building with Lucy.
2-26
The elders stopped by to say goodbye since two of them are moving on to new areas.
We helped at the read to succeed program Dan visited with Mary Miller and check brother McNew to Fam. Hist. had a discussion with Josh and Lara and at night took Joshua 2 I'm eating to learn more about family history as well as a young single adult activity.
6-27
I spent two hours organizing in the study and the trunk. I also got to see seven deer on my walk. We visited Gail Meyer. I did finances then we visited Chantel. Later that night all the missionaries teen guy, I'm free again and talked about getting come out on me with the young single adults
6-28
I went to physical therapy and Joshua came over for a discussion about church and priesthood organization.
Tonight I learned that Darla will probably pass away before the end of July. Less than 1 month.😢😢
Dan and I made plans to go back home for Darla next week!!!
6-29
Josh and Laura let us know that they are no longer interested in having lessons😕😕
We took the missionary to of the missionaries with us to help Gerber's with their move. After that we went to care2 her dancing. In the evening we went with the East missionaries to Marble Hill 2 teach discussions to a husband and wife. They live on kind of a rural farm with peacocks and chickens and Cat and other Critters. They're very loving couple. She is much older than she is but it's easy to feel the love they have for each other
30
Today we take Joshua to church and at church Jonathan plans to bring three of his friends so we'll make sure there's a place for Jason who is handicapped. After church with Sammy's baptism(we both had talks) a beautiful event with lots of support. She looked beautiful and her new dress. After that was a meeting with the missionaries and making our plans and changing some arrangements for this week's activities so that we can go on our trip Tuesday
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