Make or Break Us!

Good News today! Doc called and some more of my biopsy results came back today. Two weeks ago they took two samples of nerves from my legs to test for small fiber neuropathy. About 40% of people with sarcoidosis get this additional complication. But I DO NOT HAVE IT! YAY I was so excited to finally hear some good news!

I was feeling so discouraged about last night and this news just made my day. I also was extremely flared up from yesterday and mad at myself for allowing myself to overdue once again!

 My hubby really wanted me to go to his final 25th missionary reunion tonight. I was very nervous about going so late at night, because I get pretty rough at night.

I knew it meant a great deal to my hubby to have me with him so I went  knowing I would probably flare up for the weekend, but it was conference weekend so I could just rest up while I watch it. I wanted to do be there for my hubby and knew that I must  trust in the Lord and he would help me make it through.

At the reunion I met many of my husbands previous companions and his mission president Lionel Kendrick and his wife. They spoke for about an hour and uplifted me beyond belief. He spoke on adversity and I felt as if every word was directed toward me. It really helped both of us realized that what we are going through is exactly what the Lord wants us to, and that we must go through these things to strengthen and refine us so we can become even more like Him.

 Kim with President Lionel Kendrick and his wife at the 25th and final missionary reunion.

Kim and many of his old missionary companions

President Kendrick also said that everyone gets discouraged during our trials but it is how we handle that discouragement is what really matters. I knew that I needed to hear this tonight!  I needed to be reminded that discouragement is just part of the growing process and if we learn to overcome it well, we will be blessed and make it through our trials by staying happy and positive no matter what comes our way.

Tonight I also spoke with the wife of one of my hubby’s companions from his mission.  She has been suffering for the past 10 years with a chronic illness. She shared many of the same challenges we have been going through. It was so amazing to share similar struggles with her. We cried, laughed, and lifted one another.   Knowing what she has went through gave me the strength I needed tonight to make it through with an even greater appreciation for life and why we must go through our battles!

Tonight I came home feeling so uplifted and encouraged. I know that we must be tried in all things in order to receive the glory prepared for us and that no one is immune or exempt from trials. We all will struggle in different degrees but what matters is how we handle the struggling  which will be what makes or breaks us!