Day 168

      Katie had tummy troubles all day yesterday.  She has been eating less and less.  She didn't eat dinner the night before last, and she barely ate anything all day yesterday (she ate a few bites of cream cheese during the day) and she ate a little bit of soup for dinner (after we gave her an anti-nausea pill).  I am trying to keep her drinking so she won't get dehydrated.  She is getting paler as the days go by.  However, she still has continuous smile on her face and she is quick to laugh.  She is such a ray of sunshine!  We are glad for all the joy she brings into our home daily. 
     We go back to the clinic tomorrow for more chemo.  For the remainder of this phase, it doesn't matter if she makes counts or not, we proceed with the treatments either way.
     Richard G. Scott said: "Faith and character are intimately related. Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. Your exercise of faith in true principles builds character; fortified character expands your capacity to exercise more faith. As a result, your capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of life is enhanced. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to benefit from exercising the power of faith. You will discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another. Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience.

     Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed.

     The bedrock of character is integrity. Worthy character will strengthen your capacity to recognize the direction of the Spirit and to be obedient to it. Your consistent exercise of faith builds strong character. A secure foundation for your growing character is laid by making Jesus Christ and His teachings the center of your life.

     Material things do not of themselves produce happiness and satisfaction and the joy of attainment on earth. Nor do they lead us to exaltation. It is nobility of character, that fabric of inner strength and conviction woven from countless righteous decisions, that gives life its direction. A consistent, righteous life produces an inner power and strength that can be permanently resistant to the eroding influence of sin and transgression. Your faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His commandments will strengthen your character. Your character is a measure of what you are becoming. It is the evidence of how well you are using your time on earth in this period of mortal probation.

     An axiom we all understand is that you get what you pay for. That is true for spiritual matters as well. You get what you pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of the truths you learn. What you get is the molding of character, the growth in capacity, and the successful completion of your mortal purpose to be proven and to have joy."  (The Transforming Power of Faith and Character, Ensign, Nov., 2010).