We're Staying Stateside

Brett got a call from International today. ;(
Basically it comes down to this----
Option #1: Brett reports immediately to Colombia. This means leaving us behind for now.
Option #2: Brett declines the position to Colombia. This is because, they can't legally take the job away from us because I have cancer. It has to be him that withdraws.
Our Decisions---
Option #1: Brett is NOT leaving our family. If we knew for sure that it would be a couple weeks, or a couple months or even just until April, we could maybe consider this option. However, they won't even review my case until after April. Then, there is still an option for them to deny my clearance. We just can't take the chance of being away from each other for years.

Option #2: So sad but this looks like our lot. It's unfortunate it's happening now [8 months later] because we never wanted to put them (those in Colombia) in a position where they couldn't do the job or do it short-handed. I have always felt that it was unfair to make them wait at all but we didn't really have a choice. They have been so great to work with us and be patient BUT.... I guess it's time to move on. To where???? Absolutely NO clue! But for those who wanted us to stay in Fargo--- you got your wish!!! (Just so you have fair warning---I think I may blame this on you for now. LOL)

Continue in Patience

As I have been struggling this week, I came across this video. It almost makes me MAD! LOL I thought that because of raising four kids and fighting cancer I had learned patience. But not so!
Elder Uchtdorf testified that "God's promises are not always fulfilled as quickly or in the way we might hope. Patience means staying with something until the end. It means delaying immediate gratification for future blessings. The work of patience boils down to this- Keep the commandments, trust in God our Heavenly Father, serve Him with meekness and Christlike love, exercise faith and hope in the Savior and never give up!"

Also in General Conference this past weekend, I felt as if President Henry B. Eyring's talk was meant for me. I wrote down the things he said as if it it could be me speaking.

 "My personal ambitions might have clouded my view of reality and made it hard for me to receive revelation. He let me seek counsel and gain His permission to stay. He knew all the reasons that my service might still be of value. I am here to turn to my Heavenly Father frequently in prayer that He would have me do those things that I have not yet done. My desire to hear and do His will gave me a soul-stretching opportunity. We can't insist on our time-table when the Lord has His own. I thought I had spend enough time here and was in a hurry to move on. Sometimes our insistence on acting according to our timetable can obscure His will for us. We remove the pavilion when we feel and pray, "Thy Will be done and in Thine own time." His time should be enough for us since we know He wants only what is best. Submitting fully to heaven's will is essential to removing the spiritual pavilions that we sometimes put over our heads. But it does not guarantee immediate answers to our prayers. The Lord's delays often seem long, some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises."

What do these mean? I still don't have any answers but I do know that God knows what He's doing. I hope I have the faith to pray that He helps me know as well!

Prayers, Fasting, Blessings, and Answers

PRAYER
I have totally stepped up my prayers these past couple weeks. (That's sad to have to admit) And it has helped tremendously. We also know we have felt the power of the prayers offered in our behalf. So...Thank you!
A couple thoughts keep coming to me as I pray. Mostly it is a couple of Scriptures that are constantly in my thoughts. I thought I'd share them.
First, from Matthew 11: 28-30 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
AND
paraphrasing Mosiah 24: 13- 16 (From Elder Bednar's talk)

“I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs. … “And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon them were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:14–15; emphasis added).

Aren't those such perfect TEAM SHAY mottos? I love answers to prayers!
FASTING
My little Fam decided to do a Family Fast this Sunday for our new Adventure and for some of our family members that are facing other challenges. (And from what I understand many others joined us. Thank you for that as well! We are really lucky to have you all) I wanted to share a few cute things about my sweet son. I mentioned before how I had discussed with the kids that you can fast anytime that you need a little extra help and how Justice said he was gonna fast this Sunday. Well it turns out that later that day, he was chatting with Brett and said that he is going to fast the next 3 Sundays just because we need a little extra help. How sweet is that? He is such a great kid! Luv ya Buddy! XOXO!
From our fast, we feel that we continue to receive the peace and hope of the Lord in our lives. Also an assurance that He is leading us. Perhaps only a baby step at a time- but we'll take it!
BLESSING
I mentioned before but I am so at peace to know that Brett is an honorable Priesthood Holder. But it's always worth repeating. ;) He gave me a blessing this morning. I know that if it had been God's Will he could have pronounced a blessing upon my head for me to be healed completely on the spot. But not sure that's God's plan for us. He did bless me with peace and comfort, health and strength and the wisdom to meet this challenge. So that's what we're gonna do!
ANSWERS
I was looking back at my notes from Sister Wrigley's Integrative Wellness Training that I attended back in March. (Was that really only last month? holy cow! It seems forever ago) One thing I love about keeping a journal (aka Blog) is that down the road, things you felt, learned or experienced (and wrote down- my little journal plug for the day! LOL) can take on new meaning as you feel, learn and experience new things. Does that make sense?
Can I just say that EVERYTHING from her Training was said directly to me for this time. Is that not little freaky? or AMAZING?
A few thoughts before I'm done blabbing for the day (you can read the Training yourself by clicking on the link for all the good info)...
1. God knew times would be tough but he made a plan for me that "that ye may bear it" (1 Cor 10:13).
2. God created amazing bodies and a Word of Wisdom to help take care of them. Good foods, physical activity and rest I think will be essential in this journey of mine.
3. Positive thinking, being creative and keeping the right perspective will only be beneficial in this fight!
4. It will be SO important to surround myself with loving people, simplify my life and not compare my "lotto ticket" to anyone else.
5- First and foremost- the One with ALL the answers is God! Not the doctors, not helpful stories, not alternative medicines, and especially not me! He is gonna have to be in the drivers seat here! Next, there is a reason this is happening at this time and to me! Just gotta figure that out! And finally, FAITH- Above all I have to trust that God knows what He's doing and He is in charge! And pray "more earnestly" for His guidance.

OK...
Is that not amazing? Do you believe me now that she gave that Training for me?? Holy cow! And to think I was a little less than optimistic about having her back again. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut!! LOL Thank you Heavenly Father and to our sweet Relief Society leaders for following the Spirit on that one. It was perfect!