Church!

I've grown weary of saying everyday that I still have a fever.  Earlier today I was thinking, "I need to stop talking about the fever and just tell people when it is gone" (because that will be a happy day, indeed!).  But as I was talking to my neighbor Marilee tonight, I realized I need to ask people to put their prayers and faith into the fever going away, into the doctors being able to figure out what is going on, and into my getting back to feeling good so I'm ready for another surgery on Friday.  So, that is what I'm asking for today!  The hematoma is getting a little smaller, but it is still very painful when I massage it.  I wish I knew how long it will take to go away.

I was able to go to church today, and it felt terrific to be back!  I've only missed two weeks, but I'll probably have to miss next week again, so it was nice to get there.  I got lots of hugs today, the support and love we feel is truly overwhelming.  We live in the best neighborhood!  I have a scripture I want to share:

• Alma 7:11-12 (prophecy of Christ's earthly mission) - 11.  And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might by fullfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.  12.  And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy . . . that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. 

Isn't that cool?  It is easy (relatively) to understand how to use the atonement when we make mistakes and need repentence.  But the atonement is so much more than that!  It covers everything!  Every trial, illness, disappointment, and loss.  He has felt all of that pain already, and that is why he stands ready to help us get through whatever it is we face.  We just have to ask and have faith.  The scripture covers every possible problem we could face before mentioning the mistakes we'll make in verse 13.  Pretty amazing.

Mat goes back to school tomorrow, the big kids too.  I'm a little nervous about caring for the baby by myself, so I've lined up helpers for this week.  I'm so grateful to all of you!  I have a long list of names and phone numbers, most of you have never heard from me (but you will . . . treatments are coming soon) because we've had so many offers for help.  Today at church McKinley got fussy during Sunday School, so I took her out in the hall, and lasted about 2 1/2 minutes before I went back and passed her off to Mat.  My left arm is so weak still, and that's my surgery side, so I avoid that with her.  She is so active and is constantly twisting and turning and grabbing and stuffing things in her mouth.  It doesn't take much to wear my out.  : )