Never Give Up

Recently my wonderful husband made a choice. A choice as he would say would leave him empty handed. His sense of humor has carried him through one of the hardest times in his life. I have watched in total amazement as he has embraced what was "handed" to him. He lost his right arm from a long hard battle of surgeries and chronic pain. The choice was for a quality of life that before was and endless endevour of pain that limited the daily enjoyment of life. Putting total faith in our Heavenly Father that things would work out knowing it will not be easy. You have no idea what you use your arms for until they are gone. Ray could totally use the poor me card but holds his head high and learns how to do things differently. He has taught me if there is a will there's a RAY. Never Give Up!

Our Humble Prayer

On This bright October day as the sun shines through the hospital window. I reflecte on the things that was lost the day before. My loving husband lost his right arm. He was making jokes right until he went in. "Honey, I will still have one good arm to hug you with" As he hugs me with his left arm. Today my heart is full of gratitude of the things we are given. Way more than we lose. To feel both arms of my savior hugging me as I know my husband will be perfect once again. 

The struggles we may face we don't have to walk alone. We have our sisters in heaven who look out for those in need. I am very blessed to have them circle around me to lift us up. So thankful for my favorite red headed daughter who is taking so great care of my kids worries and tears. My oldest boy who is there to physically kick their butt when they get out of line. Also, my wonderful ward family who have circled their chuck wagons around us to share their food. 

As a sister in heaven, a daughter of a Kiing, and a little sister of our wonderful Savior. They know and feel our love, tears and pain. They know our circumstance and are there, if we only take a moment and let them carry us. As I pour out my prayers for my husband to stay positive and to never give up. We will be given more than we have lost.

I am thankful for my husband, my savior, my sisters and my family. I love each and every one of you.

Love K

Prepared to lose It

My husband this week made a decision that would change the rest of his life. He teasingly makes up jokes About  loosing his right arm. His famous one is he would give his right arm to be out of pain. If you haven't guessed he has decided to have his right Arm amputated. After 20 years and 20 surgeries he is done with the pain. He finally begged the doctor once again to just take it. I am definitely the more negative one of us. I noticed that he never looks down or around he just moves forward. He trips a few times but never gives up. I wish I had that faith that he does. He talks about later in the next life he will have his arm back. So this is just an inconvenience for a short matter of time. He will be fine and is just looking for the bionic arm he can get with all the attachments. We were looking at prothstetics and he said it had to be made out of titanium. Because he is sure that everyone who needs one wasn't doing what the were suppose to in the first place. My lesson from my husband is don't look back and have no regrets. Heavenly Father knows all of our situations and it is how we deal with it that matters. Have Faith, Be prepared when you are about to lose it.

Love K

Ten Virtues

I ran across the Ten Virtues from Gordan B Hinkley. 

Ten Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes.

Now who wouldn't want to try this.....?

LOVE

Love is the only force that can erase the difference between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness. Love is like the Polar Star. In a changing world, it is constant. It is the security of the home. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.

HONESTY

Men and women of integrity understand intrinsically that theirs is the precious right to hold their heads in the sunlight of truth, unashamed before anyone.

MORALITY 

Both experience and divine wisdom dictate that moral virtue and cleanliness pave the way that leads to strength of character, peace of mind and heart, and happiness in life.

CIVILITY 

Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, and consideration of others. All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility of respect for others of going the extra mile.

LEARNING 

No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve, and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence.

FORGIVENESS 

The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. Imagine a world filled with indivduals willing to both apologize and accept an apology. Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who processed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either---or both---when needed?

THRIFT And INDUSTRY

I commend to all virtues of industry and thrift, which I believe go hand in hand. The labor and thrift of the people make a nation, community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make the family independent.

GRATITUDE 

Gratitude is the beginning of civility,decency and goodness, of recognition that we can not afford to be arrogant. We should walk in with the knowledge that we will need help every step of the way.

OPTIMISM 

My plea is that we stop seeking our storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we "Accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort. 

FAITH 

Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. Faith has always, and always must be, at the root of any meaningful practice and endeavor.

You may not be able to change another but, we can look at ourselves and try to become a better person with these ten virtues.

Love K

Sisters

This week I have been consumed with the fear of failure. The fear that I may not be a perfect Mother, Sister, Friend and even employee. I lost the faith in myself and the path that Heavenly Father has set before me. I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself. I had my self a nice little pity party. I felt little bit of emptiness and a few tears. Then I had a cute little Sister in Heaven reminded me at how important it is to focus on the positive. That we are all in this together and we can help support each other along the way. It's amazing what a warm smile, hug or just a note may brighten a sisters day. It is more than blood, we are part of a bigger family. We have an amazing bigger brother who is the greatest example of all. Let's make him proud by helping and supporting our Sisters in Heaven.

"Even though clouds may come my way........Sunshine will always follow."

Recovery

So, have you ever felt like you were justified treating your love one who is addicted in a very mean way. because you don't have an addiction. Addiction can come in all shapes and sizes. But, really we are all here on earth to overcome the natural man. We feel that because we don't have a problem means we can manipulate, lie, yell and scream at an addict. This creates chaos in the home and can even be more damaging than the actions of an addict. How we react to problems we face is really the test. My husband would love to get blessings when he was drinking. I asked the bishop is that a good idea to be doing in that state of mind. He turned to me and asked "Would Jesus do it?". It was an eye opener for me as I just humbly shook my head yes. It is so very hard to not judge an addict because we feel that we are better than them. But, really we need recovery or to repent for the many horrible things we have done to our loved ones. So, hug your addict today and say sorry for the way you have treated them.

Admitting to the Truth

Admitting to the truth that I can not rescue my loved one from addiction and the attempts to do so have made my life unmanageable. I have taken on the responsibility of things that were not mine. I was unaware of my change of focus from Christ to myself. When you become so involved in protecting loved ones from the addicted you loose sight of what can be a comfort in the rough times. Build your relationship with god he will lighten your load and ease your burden. I do not have the power to change anyone but I can change my focus and accept the help to manage my life. Love K