Sunshine

A lady recently wrote about me on her blog and said that I was probably lying about my health

because it couldn't be as good as it sounds. She wondered what reason I had to hope. I wrote

back to her and then I got a phone call from her. We had a very nice conversation and I basically

explained my feelings to her. She has cancer as well and other problems. I have been thinking a

lot about happiness and hope and how that it is a choice. We all have our personal struggles and

I work at being happy just like the rest of the world.


Today, I was singing a hymn about sunshine and it made me realize how important it is to have

it in our hearts. Here are the lyrics.

You can make the pathway bright, Fill the soul with heaven's light, If there's sunshine in your heart;
Turning darkness into day, As the shadows fly away, If there's sunshine in your heart today.
If there's sunshine in your heart, You can send a shining ray That will turn the night to day;
And your cares will all depart, If there's sunshine in your heart today.
You can speak the gentle word To the heart with anger stirred, If there's sunshine in your heart;
Tho it seems a little thing, It will heaven's blessings bring, If there's sunshine in your heart today.
If there's sunshine in your heart, You can send a shining ray That will turn the night today;
And your cares will all depart, If there's sunshine in your heart today.
You can do a kindly deed To your neighbor in his need, If there's sunshine in your heart;
And his burden you will share As you lift his load of care, If there's sunshine in your heart today.
If there's sunshine in your heart, You can send a shining ray That will turn the night today;
And your cares will all depart, If there's sunshine in your heart today.
You can live a happy life In this world of toil and strife, If there's sunshine in your heart;
And your soul will glow with love From the perfect Light above, If there's sunshine in your heart today.
If there's sunshine in your heart, You can send a shining ray That will turn the night today;
And your cares will all depart, If there's sunshine in your heart today.

So.....what is the sunshine that we put into our hearts and how do we get it? It is the Son of god.

I like the words of Peter in 1 Peter 3:8-12.

Basically, he explains how we should be acting if we truly want that sunshine!

(We would strive to be of one mind, have compassion, love others, be courteous, have no guile,

seek to have peace, not return evil for evil, etc.)

Then Peter said that the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto

their prayers. I really like those verses.


I am trying to make a conscious effort each day to have sunshine in my heart and it isn't always

easy. I mess up a lot...and then try again. I am trying to put God at the center of my

life. The scriptures are a great strength and comfort to me as is prayer and service. I love the

hymns and beautiful music. They also give me strength. I try to remember to serve others.

My motto is "Do my best with God's help." So, I am trying to go forward with a smile:) and trust

in the Lord. He is certainly someone that I can trust...and in the process....I find sunshine in my

heart and it brings me happiness!

Coloring For a Cure: Written by Maria (Margaret's daughter)

My mother, Margaret Manning, was diagnosed with MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA CANCER on her birthday last year (March 20, 2009). She immediately began treatments at the Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas. Family, friends, and loved ones donated generously as insurance didn't pay for all of her medications. Currently (February 2010) Margaret is 90-95% well! She is in partial remission but has been advised by Dr. Burzynski to continue her treatment plan until the cancer is completely gone.

In an effort to help raise money for the last few months worth of medication, Margaret's grandson, named Tate, came up with his own plan of how he could help his Grandma. He said, "I have it ALL figured out... I'm going to color pictures from my coloring book and sell them for money!" Later that night, Tate sold his first picture for five dollars... He was ecstatic and determined to continue making a difference. During the last two months, Tate has raised over $100 from selling pictures that he has colored! Tate's idea has gained momentum and now 7 precious children have volunteered to join him in his efforts.

Would you like to BUY a colored picture from Tate, Rebecca, Anson, Ryan, Emma, Lily, Shyre, or Brityn?!? (See pictures below) Just donate ANY amount of money (at least enough to cover the stamp) and one of the children below will mail a picture back to you!

(Please make sure that your Paypal address is correct. If you have a preference of who you'd like to color your picture, please specify in the "notes section" of Paypal, otherwise we'll just rotate between the children).

Please email Maria
onesmartchicken at gmail dot com
if your child would like to participate in "Coloring For a Cure"

Feelings

Six days ago, my mother in law had a severe stroke and is in a hospice center. It's very difficult

to have her in this condition and it breaks our families hearts. I know that it won't be long and

she will be moving on to the next stage in life....which is to return to our Heavenly home.

Because I know for myself that Heavenly Father lives and that Jesus Christ conquered sin and

death, it makes it easier to deal with death when it comes. I found a very special poem that

touched my heart and I would like to dedicate it to my mother in law at this time.


You are the other Mom
I got the day I wed your son.
And I just want to thank you Mother
For the lovely things you've done.

You are a lovely Mother,
And I am a lucky wife!
I wonder if you know how much
you've added to my life.

You used to pat His little head,
And now I hold his hand.
You raised in love a "Little Boy."
And gave me then a "Man."

(I love you Mother!)

Then, at the same time, I've been thinking about Thomas, who is serving a full time mission for

the Lord in Washington State. In just two days, it will be a year since he has been out. One

more year left and we will have him home! Yea! Yet, at the same time, we are receiving so

many blessings from his service that I want to have him continue. But most

importantly, he is teaching the gospel to my brothers and sisters in Washington and that makes

me happy. I feel very blessed to have the true gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and to know of

God's plan for me. So, we are planning to send him a special love package for Valentines Day

and for his 1 year mark as well. The main thing he wants is pictures. It's hard for Thomas at

this time to be away from family especially because he loves his grandmother so much. But, he

has a great understanding of God's plan and he will be fine.

I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves his parents so much. Larry and I have

had some real choice experiences singing hymns to his mother and just being there with her.

Also, Larry has also enjoyed spending time with his Dad and going out to dinner together.

These are hard times and but we will get through them.