'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6

We found out I had ovarian cancer two days before Christmas. We try to focus on the Savior more during the Christmas season, but this Christmas was all about Him. We decided to make Christmas simple by giving Spencer and Sally one present each. Spencer wanted a bike ; Sally wanted a kitchen. Brian and I were given the gift of eternal perspective. We all know that our mortal life will someday come to an end. However, I have always taken for granted my physical health and expected to live through my nineties. So, this new experience with cancer has definitely been a reality check. We spent our holiday crying alone and together, pleading with the Lord for his tender mercies to help us through this trial. And of course, relating the news to close family and friends.

My favorite memory with Sally and Spencer was our Nativity tradition. Brian read the account of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 and while the children reenacted it.

I have never felt the love of my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, more than at this time in my life. My favorite doctrine in the gospel of Jesus Christ is that of eternal life and salvation...that families can be together forever. I know this is the greatest gift that I can receive because of the love of my Heavenly Father and the life and sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' John 3:16