It was a fun President’s Day at the Abplanalp’s. Amos had to work, but the kids and I soaked up some Arizona sun on the tennis court. Porter was helping Kirra with her serve.

After Amos got home, we had a family night lesson about the “mighty change of heart” spoken of by Alma. We learned to self evaluate our own hearts asking the questions Alma asked the Nephites who had been converted. We had everyone ask themselves following questions:

Do I seek true repentance?

Do I reflect the attributes of Christ?

Do I strive to submit my will to God’s will?

Sometimes pride and selfishness, jealously or bitterness, anger or even exhaustion can distract us from the Holy Ghost who is always trying to soften and heal and change our hearts.

We played graveyard for our game. Since Amos started chemo, that has been his favorite family night game. It’s the one where you have to lay very still and if you make the slightest move you are out.

Just as we were about to have ice cream for our family night treat, we got a knock on the door from Amos’s previous bishop who surprised him at church yesterday. I now realized that I called him the “old bishop” in my last post and I need to repent for that. We shared wonderful memories and had a joyful visit with Bishop and Sister Murdock.

We were talking about all the prayers and blessings Amos has received since this journey began. Amos works with a Jewish man who vocally says his name in his synagogue every week. Amos’s name has also been on the prayer roll in countless temples. The waitress at a restaurant near our home confirmed that her Christian congregation has been praying for him too. I know that the Lord is aware of Amos and aware of the prayers of many faiths on his behalf. We want you to know that we know He hears them all and we appreciate them.

Amos has one more good day of energy to look forward to before the chemo cycle starts again on Wednesday.