Sunday, July 31, 2016

No Trial is Wasted - July 31st

We made it to Chicago. We have an early morning of tests and scans tomorrow. We will meet with Beth’s oncologist mid-morning to go over the results. Beth mentioned that she expects her tumor markers to be up again.  Since the chemo was not working and we chose to stop treatment there is nothing fighting the cancer. We are just hoping and praying that her antibody infusion she got 3 weeks ago has slowed the growth down. The last visit, 3 weeks ago, showed her tumor markers had doubled. If that is the case again tomorrow we may choose to not continue the antibody infusions as well.  

Lately I have been listening to General Conference talks and BYU Devotionals and am humbled by the wisdom and guidance that we have readily available to us with just a few clicks of the computer or smartphone.

I was listening to a talk today and Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained how the works of God can be manifest in us if we approach adversity with faith in the Lord:

“We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same. … The Lord will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He will use them to bless the lives of countless others.
Another quote I read the other day really hit home as well.  

Apostle Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”

I am thankful that we have inspired leaders that can help put life into perspective and help us through tough times.

We love you all...

#BattleTogether

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Amen!! We will all be in heaven together one day and we will be so thankful for these refining times. Praying for you with all that I am.

Unknown said...

Love this! Thank you for sharing those quotes. They really hit home with me!

Write on! said...

I'm following your blog daily so I don't have to take up your time. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and experiences. Our family is praying for you!

Unknown said...

Beautiful Alan. You'll never know how your strength to share and profess your faith has touched my heart. Continuing to hold you up in prayer and send you love..

MPk said...

Beautiful quotes that your family exemplifies. Thanks for inspiring all of us. #BattleTogether