Hey Mom and Dad!
Sorry, I don't have a ton of time today, I'll just warn you now. We had Sis Martin's MRI in Keller today, so that ate up all our email time. Sis Martin had a kind of scary development last week. For a few days (and on and off still, I'm not convinced it's gone entirely) she woke up, and couldn't move her right side from her shoulder down. She's said it was like extreme numbness and fatigue, but when I poked her right sides she couldn't feel me doing it. It was really scary, so we were ready to have the MRI done, and we pray and hope that it all works out. She can move (and walk) today and hopefully it'll stay that way! And she did see a neurologist before, and has had MRI’s before also, but these complications came up from a concussion she sustained in the MTC. Though she does have a bad history of brain damage and concussions.
I'm happy to hear William's rash is finally taken care of! It's about time! And I can't believe you are getting more snow! I hope y'all stay safe with the ice and rain and now snow again! You're in my prayers, always. Mom, I've been trying to think of a cool experience with prayer I can tell you, but nothing comes to mind, at least nothing that is really RS lesson status. I can just bear my testimony of the power that prayer really does have in our lives. There have been more nights than I can now count where I knelt by the side of my bed, and prayed far more earnestly than I have before, tears streaming down my face and pleading with God to help the people I am working with. Asking Him, that please, help me know how to help the people; to understand the scriptures more fully; to overcome my weaknesses that have never before been this obvious. And though I'm still so far from perfect, though I still lack so much knowledge of the scriptures and I still struggle to know how to help the people, as I strive to do my best, I've seen the Lord work miracles, even just mini ones. I've seen the spirit work to help me become more knowledgeable, more patient, and more the woman I know He wants me to be. I guess I just wish everyone could know what it's like to really feel the power of prayer in their lives. I know as we strive to pray more earnestly, and with real intent (meaning we're really intending to do what we're told) we will have the Lord's influence in our lives. But it all comes down to if we ACTUALLY, REALLY WANT that influence. We cannot be scared of what the Lord is going to make us, even if it is so much different than what we had planned. Because it is far different. It's far more grand, and far more eternal. For this knowledge, I am forever, eternally grateful. Thank you for raising me to know Heavenly Father myself.
No word from Joel or co. this week. We're trying though! Not much else to tell. I am so happy to hear you're reading from the Book of Mormon again as a family. I love that book so much. What a blessing that we have it in our day. I love each word of it! It sounds like Garrett gave an awesome talk. I'm so proud of him, and am so excited for him to be able to serve the Lord as a missionary. I know he'll be great.
Also, I love Gnomeo! I didn't realize I forgot to tell you I got him. Thanks for the Valentine’s package! And I love having my gnomes on my desk. Please tell Kaisa happy birthday for me tonight! Enjoy the party with everyone, and don't forget to tell them that I love them and I hope they're doing well! Also, I didn't realize the Thompson's were actually moving! Tell them to travel safe for me. I love them, and hope this all works out the way they're wanting. Y'all are in my prayers!
I love you sooooo much! ❤☀:)
Sister Erika Marks ☃
Sorry, I don't have a ton of time today, I'll just warn you now. We had Sis Martin's MRI in Keller today, so that ate up all our email time. Sis Martin had a kind of scary development last week. For a few days (and on and off still, I'm not convinced it's gone entirely) she woke up, and couldn't move her right side from her shoulder down. She's said it was like extreme numbness and fatigue, but when I poked her right sides she couldn't feel me doing it. It was really scary, so we were ready to have the MRI done, and we pray and hope that it all works out. She can move (and walk) today and hopefully it'll stay that way! And she did see a neurologist before, and has had MRI’s before also, but these complications came up from a concussion she sustained in the MTC. Though she does have a bad history of brain damage and concussions.
I'm happy to hear William's rash is finally taken care of! It's about time! And I can't believe you are getting more snow! I hope y'all stay safe with the ice and rain and now snow again! You're in my prayers, always. Mom, I've been trying to think of a cool experience with prayer I can tell you, but nothing comes to mind, at least nothing that is really RS lesson status. I can just bear my testimony of the power that prayer really does have in our lives. There have been more nights than I can now count where I knelt by the side of my bed, and prayed far more earnestly than I have before, tears streaming down my face and pleading with God to help the people I am working with. Asking Him, that please, help me know how to help the people; to understand the scriptures more fully; to overcome my weaknesses that have never before been this obvious. And though I'm still so far from perfect, though I still lack so much knowledge of the scriptures and I still struggle to know how to help the people, as I strive to do my best, I've seen the Lord work miracles, even just mini ones. I've seen the spirit work to help me become more knowledgeable, more patient, and more the woman I know He wants me to be. I guess I just wish everyone could know what it's like to really feel the power of prayer in their lives. I know as we strive to pray more earnestly, and with real intent (meaning we're really intending to do what we're told) we will have the Lord's influence in our lives. But it all comes down to if we ACTUALLY, REALLY WANT that influence. We cannot be scared of what the Lord is going to make us, even if it is so much different than what we had planned. Because it is far different. It's far more grand, and far more eternal. For this knowledge, I am forever, eternally grateful. Thank you for raising me to know Heavenly Father myself.
No word from Joel or co. this week. We're trying though! Not much else to tell. I am so happy to hear you're reading from the Book of Mormon again as a family. I love that book so much. What a blessing that we have it in our day. I love each word of it! It sounds like Garrett gave an awesome talk. I'm so proud of him, and am so excited for him to be able to serve the Lord as a missionary. I know he'll be great.
Also, I love Gnomeo! I didn't realize I forgot to tell you I got him. Thanks for the Valentine’s package! And I love having my gnomes on my desk. Please tell Kaisa happy birthday for me tonight! Enjoy the party with everyone, and don't forget to tell them that I love them and I hope they're doing well! Also, I didn't realize the Thompson's were actually moving! Tell them to travel safe for me. I love them, and hope this all works out the way they're wanting. Y'all are in my prayers!
I love you sooooo much! ❤☀:)
Sister Erika Marks ☃