Opening Up to Spiritual Growth - Count Your Blessings

 

Today in church, we sang 'Count Your Blessings,' and it hit me so hard I almost started ugly crying. The past few months have been incredibly heavy, and I really needed that reminder. Focusing on gratitude and remembering God's goodness is such a powerful cure for worry, burdens, and doubt. It encouraged me to find hope in my struggles by trusting in Him and reminded me that recognizing our blessings brings real comfort, spiritual strength, and the power to keep going.

These two verses in particular....

V2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings;

See what God hath done.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings;

See what God hath done. 

V4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small, 

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings;

See what God hath done.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings;

See what God hath done. 

Opening Up to Spiritual Growth - Studying the Book of Mormon

Today at church everyone was baring their testimonies of their excitement of the 2024 Come Follow Me program which is studying the Book of Mormon. I concur with them. I'm exciting too!

Our first week of studies was on the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon. This consisted of the title page, testimony of the three witnesses, testimony of the eight witnesses, testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the brief explanation about the book of Mormon.

As I've pondered what I've read this past week what I keep thinking about is Joseph's father. In Prophet Joseph Smith's testimony he speaks of having been taught by the Angel Moroni and after the third visit he went to work but was exhausted and his father noted it and sent him home. He didn't make it all the way home before the Angel appeared to him again and told him to tell his father, among other things. What has impressed me was his fathers response. "He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenger." I've thought a lot about that this week. How impressive and how spiritual he must have been to respond to his son as he did.

In addition, the following were great reads:

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It? by President Russell M. Nelson. Quote, "We need to feel, deep in "the inmost part" of our hearts, that the Book of Mormon is unequivocally the word of God. We must feel it so deeply that we would never want to live even one day without it."

Our Light in the Wilderness. by President Henry B. Eyring. Quote, "Sometimes we need to look back on our lives to remember how we have been helped on our journey. As we look back, we can feel the Savior's influence again. When the scriptures say, "Remember, remember" (Helaman 5:12), I think they're telling us, "Don't just remember what you once knew or felt; rather, feel that light again.""

My Thoughts for 2024

I'm not so good at new year resolutions but I am particularly good at procrastination. So, how can I fix this? Still working on that answer! However, my thoughts for 2024 have been in the following categories BUT not in any particular order: 

• Physical
• Mental
• Spiritual

Physical: I need to be more active. I had been doing fairly good in this area when we first moved to Nova Scotia but then I got a job and it stopped. Les and I have spoken on this topic in great length and what we have determined is that on the weekends we need to get out. This might be as simple as working on our property, beach walks, hikes, etc. There is so much for us to explore as newbies in Nova Scotia, but I know I need to get in better physical shape to do some of the things that we'd like to do. Often, I feel bad that I hinder us in this area, but I also just don't know how to get out of my funk of not doing it. Make sense? Rambling. I know. Anyway, something I'm going to work on. Currently, my thoughts for myself are to do something physical when I get home from work. I can tell you now for my first week into January I went for a walk once after work. I did have a bit busier schedule BUT not THAT busy! Anyway, 1 day out of 7 is a win, isn't it?! 

Mental: Maybe mental isn't the right word when I think of this category? I'm just thinking of doing things IE: hobbies. I read. A LOT. But there is more to life than just reading. So, I need to start working on some of the other things I enjoy doing or want to learn to do. This past year I did get out and learn a few new things just to get out and try something and it was great! You might be asking what I'm thinking of. Well, let me tell you! Here is my list (again in no particular order):

• Genealogy course (this hasn't been touched for a few years)
• Pine basket making (learned to do in 2023 and now my in-laws have sent me piles of pine needles)
• Calligraphy (got the supplies and that's where that ended)
• Learning to play my guitar (started and that's where it ended) 
• All things Cricut (got one for Christmas (thank you Haddad's) and now I look forward to creating)
• Working on a quilt I started years ago

I'm sure the list goes on but that's a start. Can't overwhelm myself now!

Spiritual: I've been in a spiritual funk for quite some time and its time for me to get out of it! I'm going to start having a weekly spiritual blog entry. This helps me rethink what I've learned in my personal studies and in my various meetings. I've wanted to do this for a couple of years now and just never got to, but this is the year!

Honestly, my head is kind of all over the place as I evaluate what I'd like to improve and start working on. For now, these are my thoughts!

 Signing off.

Jen

Opening Up to Spiritual Growth - Parking of the Sacrament

Today I had an opportunity to sit in on the 5th Sunday rather than go to primary and I'm so happy I did. As a group we reviewed instruction from Elder Neil L. Andersen regarding Reverence, Joy, and Power in Partaking of the Sacrament and discussed some of his steps and what our ward's goal is in this regard. 

Steps:

1. Anticipating at Home - I noted striving to prepare and be worthy. I'm not always so great at making sure I'm prepared prior to leaving my house but from my house to the church I've always got inspirational music playing to help me. My goal is to work better at preparing more prior to leaving the house!

2. Rejoin in the Foyer - I noted that greaters and visiting in the foyer prior to entering the chapel will help us socialize but also help us keep the chapel a reverent place.

3. Preparing in the Chapel - I noted being seated at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the meeting, which I usually am. I love when there is prelude music as its a continuation from my preparation from leaving the car.  The primary song words Shhhh.... be still, come to mind.

4. Partaking of the Sacrament - I noted personally ponder the atonement. 

5. Confirming in the meeting - I noted accept invitation to speak. Also, what helps me stay focused is to take notes and to listen to the promptings and noting those promptings. When I do this I gain a lot more from the meeting.

6. Rejoicing in the foyer - I noted again a time to socialize OUTSIDE of the chapel. I generally don't take advantage of this as I'm headed straight to primary to fulfill my calling.

7. Returning to home - we didn't actually get to this part as we ran out of time but Elder Neil L Andersen noted 'always remembering Jesus Christ, Always having His spirit.'

Hummingbirds in December!

My sister Tricia wrote the following:  "There are so many things that remind me often of my Grandma Cross, but my sister and hummingbirds are two very important ones!

Grandma would be shocked and thrilled, as we are, to see hummingbirds at this time of year and in this cold. She would also be proud of us for defrosting the feeders and providing them with food (even if Jen didn’t use her formula for it😳) Jen, just like Grandma did so often, is getting her afternoon enjoyment from sitting and watching the hummingbirds 😊 The cat has joined her but has a different agenda!"

Trip to Nova Scotia

 Loved Nova Scotia!  More details coming soon......

Hirtle's Beach, Nova Scotia

Crooked Lake, Italy Cross, Nova Scotia

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Les at Port Prim Lighthouse, Digby, Nova Scotia

Jen at Port Prim Lighthouse, Digby, Nova Scotia.  COLD and WINDY!

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Storm Chips - where all 4 flavour's are in one bag!

Inflatable SUP

It has been soooooo hot here this summer.  A couple months ago I ordered an inflatable SUP from Vancouver Life and was able to pick it up this morning!!!!! Super excited!!

Fly Hills Adventures

On our way back home, we decided to drive up Fly Hills.  I've often heard the Haddad family talk about Fly Hills but had never been. On Fly Hills, you can look down at Salmon Arm and into the valley.  Such beauty!

Cherry Picking

A visit with Les' parents and we decided to do some cherry picking at Tasty Acres in Salmon Arm. Yummy!!!!! 

Guess whose bucket was 4lbs and whose was 2lbs?!

Mount Woodside Adventures on Father's Day

Unusual in our household to have Les home on a Sunday AND on Father's Day! Got to spend time doing one of the things he loves to do.... adventures on the backroads (FSR). We spent the day on Mt. Woodside. This is between Mission and Agassiz where you'll often see hang gliders taking off. The road was rocky, dusty and steep but the views unbelievable (Fraser Valley views, Harrison Lake Views, etc.)!

Agassiz to the far left

Fraser Valley

Stacey Lake

Harrison Lake

Back Road Adventures on the Lost Lease Forestry Service Road

We headed out on the logging roads today!  Checked out Sylvester Road / Lost Lease Forestry Service Rd. just passed Mission.

Salisbury Lake

 

Stave Lake in the distance

Logging Road Adventures - Norrish Creek Forestry Rd.

 Back on Norrish Creek Forestry Road checking out some different areas.  We truly do live in a beautiful part of the world!!

Golden Ears

Can't complain about this view at work!!

Crafting

 

Gifts for co-workers can be hard work - committed myself to always gift homemade. So happy with how this years Christmas craft turned out! Frames are thanks to Les' woodworking skills!!

Afternoon Delight

 A sunny, brisk lunch hour walk got me some much needed vitamin D, fresh air and wildlife crossing my path.  Ready for my afternoon now!

The World of Science is AMAZING

Being diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome four years ago I'm still in pretty regular contact with the Hereditary Dept at the Cancer Agency. Now that I think about it, I don't know that I've really ever mentioned this diagnoses.......

2 years after being diagnosed with uterine cancer the Hereditary Dept from the Cancer Agency contacted me to let me know that they were now testing anyone that got uterine cancer under the age of 50 for Lynch Syndrome, a hereditary disorder caused by a mutation which individuals have a higher than normal chance of developing certain cancers often more aggressive and often at younger ages. Yes, uterine cancer being one of them.

My Genetic Counsellor really didn't think that I had it just from looking over what we had on file but I said yes and after testing my tumor sure enough the results (after waiting nearly a year) came back showing the mutation genes in MSH6 and MSH2, two of four deletions that are responsible for Lynch Syndrome.

From that point on I have had and will have for the rest of my life annual screening for colorectal cancer (those with Lynch syndrome carry up to an 85% risk of contracting colon cancer). I've already had a hysterectomy due to the uterine cancer but I have bi-annual screening of my ovaries (those were removed on July 9th so that testing is no longer needed).

The tricky part to all of this is the fact that once I was diagnosed it was time to find it in my DNA. Being as it's a hereditary disorder I have a 50% chance of getting from either my mother or father (from the history we've been able to put together we're guessing my mothers line). After two tries both tests came back inconclusive. It was decided that until the wonders of science had more to offer to test all of the Lynch Syndrome genes (currently only had MSH6 tested) we weren't going to get any further.

Fast forward 4 years and I found out at the beginning of the year that there was a possibility that more testing is available for me. On July 4th my sister, Tricia and I met with my Genetic Counsellor to go over my file and family history. In the end I was offered a 68 gene panel testing (wow!) with results in less than 5 weeks. Now remember 4 years ago there was only 1 gene panel available for me and took 6 months for results. The world of science is AMAZING!!

July 31st I had my result given to me over the phone. ALL 68 genes negative. WHAT????? This means that there is no hereditary mutation showing up in my DNA, which is fantastic news for my children, siblings and parents. However, what does this mean? The Genetic Counsellor is now going to request that my tumor be retested so we have two fresh tests to compare (DNA & tumor). Apparently there is a possibility that the tumor created the MMR (mismatch repair gene).

Currently I'm waiting for the thumbs up from the Hereditary Dept that they'll test the tumor. Once that's done we wait again for results. What are the chances that the tumor will do this? 5%. Seriously, I'm one of the 5%?! This still doesn't give my family the clear. We have to wait for the test results. If my tumor still indicates Lynch Syndrome it will no longer me a hereditary disorder where family will have a possibility of a higher chance of developing cancer but they aren't in the norm either but the middle ground. We'll learn more of what exactly that means as more data comes in. So for now everyone is still being treated as though they could have Lynch Syndrome.

Makes me wonder what science will discover in another 5 years!!

I SOOO Don't Like Surgery

My Gynecolost finally had to tell me this past May that being as I've been screen for the past 6 years it's time to make the decision.  Keeping the ovaries and having my family doctor continue setting up the screening or have him remove my ovaries?  Basically, he wouldn't be seeing me anymore.

We knew this decision was coming and..... Due to cyst issues I feel like I'm constantly getting ultra sounds because every time I go in for screening and see something I have to go back in a couple months later.  It's time to remove them.

I'm scheduled for surgery tomorrow and I'm REALLY REALLY dreading it.  I know it's the right thing to do but I hate surgery, more specifically coming out of anesthetic.  It does horrible things to me.  My other fear is what removing my ovaries will do to my hormones.  Instant menopause is kind of scary but if you recall from breast cancer I've already experienced a chemical menopause, still NOT fair but it is what it is.

Recently I've really learned that this is a moment when I need to lean on others Faith to help me get through this okay.

Our plan is to go in Laproscopically BUT there is a chance that I might have to be opened up.  Have a mentioned that I start my new permenanet position with the School District a week after surgery?!  I really really need this to be done Laproscopic. 

Halloween 2017

What happens when you work in an Elementary School on Halloween.....

Jen the Rain Cloud

We like to be different!!

The pumpkin carving was done by our Japanese Exchange, Mr. Minoru Akagi.....pretty impressive for a 1st time even with the upside down look.  The watermelon carving was completed by Eli.

Birthday/Retirement Celebrations

My sister and I had a chance to join in with the celebrations of Jack & Donna's 65th Birthday and Retirement.  A fun girls weekend on the island visiting friends and family!

Jennifer, Jack, Tricia

I Smile Every Time I Wear These.....