Refiner's Fire

Our van had an engine problem on our way home from Institute.

We are grateful for roadside assistance on our auto insurance.

Just a few more finishing touches and this painting will be complete!

Bryce's and Grandma's paintings side by side.

Bryce's first attempt at acrylics.

It's been a while since I have updated Bryce's blog and felt it was time to get moving on it.  The title is the reason for this update.

If you had the chance to listen to General Conference, you will know which talk I'm referring to with this quote, 

"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love?  Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend.  As President Monson said to the Relief Society sisters so movingly last Saturday evening: "That love never changes... It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful.  God's love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it].  It is simply always there."  Never, ever doubt that and never harden your heart.  Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life.  Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being.  Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings.  Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Believe in miracles.  I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost.  Hope is never lost.  If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior's own anguished example; if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead."  Like a Broken Vessel, Jeffrey R Holland October 2013 General Conference

Elder Jeffrey R Holland's talk really touched our hearts. (His talks always touch our hearts.)  The past 11 months have been a steady challenge for Bryce.  The end of November, will mark a year since this journey for Bryce first began.  There are days he wonders how much longer he can handle the pain.  He wonders how many more sleepless nights he will need to endure?  How many more visits to the doctors who still can't seem to figure out what's going on?  How many times will he be poked and bent and twisted into positions that only cause more pain and swelling for the next several days?   He is truly being refined by the Refiner's Fire.  

We have been blessed in getting through this challenge.  We have had visits from good friends and family.  We have been able to attend Institute and feel the Spirit.  He has been given priesthood blessings by those who love him.  He is mentioned in our prayers- always.  His name has been on the prayer rolls of the temples.  We have also been able to take him to the temple.  He has helped tutor neighbors and family with math and computer programming.  He is teaching Emma and Gracie piano lessons.  He is still able to play the piano and guitar.  He has learned to paint.  We have learned to pray.  We have learned more fully how to fast with a purpose.  We are learning how to endure it well.  We are feeling our Heavenly Father's love through those angels that help us get through each day.

Thank you for your prayers, visits and love.