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RESPONSIBIILTY

Where is our shame,
as we cast the blame?

Who's at a loss,
because of their boss?

What's in our head,
as we're being led?

When will we feel the pain,
if we receive no gain?

Why do we do less then our best,
trying to be like the rest?

THE MEDICAL MIRACLES AND BLESSINGS OF PREGNANCY

In 2002, it was demonstrated that fetal cells may play a critical role in repairing a mother's damaged tissue. In one case, a woman suffering from hepatitis, a serious liver disease, stopped her treatment against medical advice. Surprisingly, she recovered. Her own body could not regenerate healthy liver cells. When a specimen of her liver were tested, it was discovered it incorporated thousands of male cells still left in her circulation from a pregnancy nearly two decades before her illness. Those left over fetal cells had generated new liver cells, and thereby saved the mother's life. "What a nice way for a child to repay its mother's dedication!"

It is a miracle how a mother's body's immune system makes accommadations for having a baby. This is how it works: 

First trimester, the mother's body treats implantation as if it were an open wound that requires a strong inflammatory response. After all, to implant itself in the wall of the uterus, the embryo has to break through the uterine lining, damage the underlying tissue, and distrupt the mother's blood vessels to secure an adequate blood supply. All those activities require an inflammatory response from the mother to secure the adequate repair of the uterus and the removal of dying cells. During this period the mother feels terrible because her entire body is struggling to adapt to the presence of the fetus. YET, WITHOUT HER IMMUNE REACTION, THE PREGNANCY WILL NOT "TAKE".

Second trimester of pregnancy is, in may ways, the best time for the mother. The period is one of growth and development. Both mother and fetuse reach a symbiotic stage that is anti-imflammatory: now that the "wound" is healed, the inflammation had died down. The woman no longer suffers from nausea and fever as she did in the first trimester. 

Third trimester the fetus completes its development. All it's organs become functional and ready to deal with the external world. Now the mother needs to deliver the baby. And delivery, too, is achieved through imflammation: an influx of the mother's immune-system cells into the uterus provokes the release of hormones that induce labor, or contractions of the uterus. The contractions expel, or deliver, the baby. 

The miracle of having a baby is that When a mother conceives a child, that child is a mix of genetic material from both parents. The father's genetic material is foreign to the mother. Normally when the immune system encounters something within the body that is foreign, it attacks and eliminates the outsider, even such needed things as organs or tissues from other people. 

"To appreciate how the ealry fetal cells can cooperate with the immune system of the mother, recall what happens after a sperm fertilizes an egg. The fertilized egg repidly divides to form the blastocyst, a hollow ball of cells with an inner cell mass and outer layer. The inner cell mass gives rise to the embryo, which develops into a fetus about eight weeks after conception, when the major organs of the future baby become recognizable. Teh outer layer of the blastocyst becomes the so-called trophoblast. The trophoblast cells invade teh lining of the uterus and thereby begin implantation. Within a few weeks of making its home in the uterus, the trophoblast further transforms into the fetal part of the placenta, teh conduit for the passage of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus. (Some of the mohter's cells form a second part of the mature placenta.)

The immune system eliminates invaders in two ways. The first, known as the innate immune response, neturalizes invading pathogens before they can harm the body. In a wound, for example, white blood cells known as macrophages engulf invading microorganisms and also release signaling proteins called cytokines. The signals activate other parts fo the immune system, such as natural killer cells, which gobble up everything foreign in their path. This response requires no prior exposure to the invader. Acquired immunity is an additional, highly specific, and generally more sophisticated response. It relies on antibodies and specialized white blood cells called B cells and T cells that target particular foreign material to which the body had already been exposed. Those immune-system cells become active and multiply if they encounter molecules or parts of molecules called antigens associated with foreign organisms. The immune-system cells "remember" their encounter with those specific antigens and react to further exposures faster and more vigorously." 

"The trophoblast and the mother's immune system join forces to fight their common enemies: infectious microorganisms. (A mother's immune system to protect her own body from illness is actually heighten because of the immune forces the trophoblast calls to it's aid). When the trophoblast cells "call for help", the mother's immune system responds with coordinated actions. In short, the mother's immune system becomes active in the early stages of her pregnancy to protect, not to harm, the embryo, to promote inplantation and subsequent embryonic growth. 

Think of the cells of the mother's immune system as musicians in an orchestra. The macrophages are one section, the T cells another, the natural killer cells a third. During pregnancy, the trophoblast functions as a guest conductor. The success of the pregnancy- the musical performermance- depends on how well the trophoblast communicates with each kind of cell in the immune system, and how well they all work together. Some responses to the trophoblast signals, are that the natural killer cells help transform the mother's blood vessels, macrophages help the blastocyst migrate to the uterine wall, and dendrictic cells help in attaching the blastocyst. Macrophages also clean up dead maternal cells. When the trophoblast invades the uterus, it sends out signals that program the death of some uterine cells, to make room for the blastocyst. The dead uterine cells need to be removed quickly or disease will result in the mother."

"All the activities of pregnancy can be derailed by viral or bacterial infection. Clinical studies have shown that infections cause as much as 40% of incidence of perterm labor. Furthermore, of the most severe cases of preterm delivery pregnancies that end after less then thirty weeks of gestation), 80% show evidence of infection. 

Inflammation from infection often complicates a pregnancy, jeopardizing the well-being of the mother and her developing embryo. Natures's solution is harsh: to save the mother, the infection not only causes inflammation, but also triggers early delivery, or miscarriage. . . . To our surprise, the signals triggering miscarriage may be initiated by the same quest conductor, the trophoblast. If a virus, say, is infecting the uterus, the trophoblast recognizes the virus through receptors. It's cells signal the mother's immune-system cells to mount an aggressive immune response. Then the mother's T cells and natural killer cells, attack the infection, as well as the trophoblast. The battered embryonic tissue is then expelled; the mother miscarries." 

You need to be careful about bacteria because"too much bacteria can lead to miscarriage," but some may be need because there is a "possibilty that bacteria plays an essential role in priming the uterus for implantation."

Hope you all feel more educated now and see what a blessing and how amazing you can even have a child :) 

From "Pregnancy Reconceived" article by Gil Mor in Natural History magazine 5/07

WE ARE INSTRUMENTS IN A GREAT WORK AND PLAN

In Moses 1:39 The Lord says,"For behold, this is my work and my glory, to bring to past the immortality and eternal life of man."

In your mind, what does this mean?

One day a few years ago, a thought came to me about the Savior as I was leaving work. In my mind I could see Him. He was holding and carrying a very heavy load on his back. He was obviously very strong or He wouldn't have been able to do that, but when I saw His face I could see that He had tears in His eyes. I started thinking about how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are all powerful, wise, and knowledgeable, yet they, even the greatest of all, think so much of me and you, that they weep for us when we are hurt or lost.

Isn't it amazing, how, what we go through and do can make such a difference to an all powerful, wise, and knowledgeable being! That experience helped me to realize how much we all mean to Our Eternal Father and His son, Our Savior, Redeemer and elder Brother. We truly are the Father and Son's greatest priority! Everything they do is for us.

I wrote a poem about my experience that day. I want to share it with you. It's called "His Love".

His power is greater then any man

His love for you provided a plan

He could have anything

He could do anything

There are no limits to his abilities, knowledge, or love

Everything he does is for you and for me

He is so strong

But He's not afraid to show He has a softer side

A tear stained face for a sorrow seen,

Asking, "Why, why won't you just come to me,

And I'll heal you, and help you to carry your load.

I never wanted you to make this journey alone."

So if you are willing,


He is so forgiving.

So come, come unto Him,

And He will help you,

and heal you.

He is your dearest friend

He loves you

and there will be no end.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want to share with us their power, so we can become our highest and best selves, and overcome all of our challenges and weaknesses. They desire the best for us. They want us to have what they have. They want to share their power with us, so we can become like them and also bless and help others. Their love, and concern for us is so great, that they can not help, but to be deeply interested in who and what we are becoming.


Our Father and Savior are so merciful to bless and assist us every day. They do not care so much about who we are, or what our circumstances are, or why we have ended up where we are in the world. Because what they really are interested in, and care about, is helping us get from where we are now, to where we would be most happy, and changing us from who we are now into someone who can do and be all that they can be. Their love is endless, and their power the greatest. Their wisdom is beyond our imagination. They are everything good and right, and they can do anything we may need them to do.


Psalms 8:3-5 says, "When I consider they heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;" "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the Son of man, that thou visitest him?" "For thou has made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour."

We all have amazing potential and abilities. President Lorenzo Snow said, "We are the offspring of God, born with the same faculties and powers as He possesses, and we are capable of enlargement through the experiences we are now passing through in our second estate." (FHE manual pg. 21) We are all important to the Lord. Today, I hope you will see how you have a part and place in the great work of the Lord, and that each of us are equally important to and needed by the Lord in the building of His Kingdom.

"Remember the Worth of Souls is great in the sight of God." D & C 18:10

We all have a use to the Lord. In everyone of us He sees value because "We are all made in His image and likeness." D & C 20:18 " . . . We are gods; and all of us are children of the most high." Psalms 82: 6

In Romans 8:17 it says, "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." "Also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect." D & C 84: 110 Remember we all have a use. Sometimes what we will do will change, but we are still needed. It's like a car. There are many different parts, but if something (no matter how small) is missing or not working right, eventually it becomes apparent that the car (no matter what the driver does) can not function to it's fullest performance, unless what is broken is fixed or what is missing can be found or replaced.


In Romans 12:5 it says, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." If we are to function to our fullest potential, we must work together or be used together, similar to how the parts of a car work together or are used together by the driver to get somewhere.


John 17:18-19, 21-23 says "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." "That they all may be one; as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.", "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

We are all important and the Lord has a use for us in His kingdom. Isaiah 64:8 says, "Oh Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

Below is just a list of ways Our Father in Heaven and Savior could use us as instrument in their hands to help fulfill their promises and purposes.

Sometimes we are used to help carry burdens (Mosiah 14:4; Psalms 55:22)


Sometimes we are used to lighten the way (2 Sam 22:29; Romans 2:19; Isaiah 58:11)


Sometimes we are used to hold onto or to tie around someone until they are brought to safety (D & C 78:18; 1 Thes. 5:21; James 4:10)


Sometimes we are used to gather or hold things together (1 Cor.1:10; Deut. 31:12)


Sometimes we are used to bind wounds up and help them heal (Psalms 147:3; Ezk 34:16)


Sometimes we are used to help those far away from God to hear Him. (Luke 10:16)


Sometimes we are used to help others build muscles spiritually, emotionally, mentally, etc


(D & C 31:8)


Sometimes we are used to help others see things they can not see: We might help them see their potential or see who Heavenly Father is, or What is coming, or where they should go, or who they really are. (John 3:2)

MY LITTLE ANGEL

The gentle breeze blew as I sat on our porch one night late in August. The stars were gleaming brightly as I gazed up at them. Each star’s light a little dimmer or brighter then it’s neighbors. The old screen door squeaked as my little Jody quietly peaked out. She was almost five and oh so sweet. “Mommy,” she whispered, “Are you Ok?” The cool air seemed to absorb her little voice.


“Honey, I am fine but shouldn’t you be in bed,” I asked.


“But Mommy, I can’t sleep,” she said in a quiet voice. I stood up calmly and walked towards her. “Do you need another story,” I asked.


“I had a dream,” she said, as she opened the screen door and stepped onto the porch. I put my arm around her. “Do you want to tell me about your dream,” I asked. She nodded a yes, than we took a seat on the top step of our old white porch.


“I was in heaven with Jesus,” she began. “We were standing in a cloud talking, than he walked to an opening in the cloud. He said, “Come look.” When I looked into the hole, I saw a blond haired girl almost my age. She was smiling and happy. She shined like an angel, pure and bright, but soon she started growing older. Her smile faded away and a frown appeared. Tears filled her eyes and I could tell she was very sad. Her hair had darkened and her spirit dimmed.


“Mommy,” Jody interrupted, “I knew her, but I don’t know how.” She continued, “Jesus said I needed to find this little girl. He said more to me but I can’t remember what else he said.”


After my sweet daughter finished, I felt the tears swelling in my eyes, and chills went up my spine. “Mommy, are you ok? Is something wrong,” she asked compassionately.


“No, Dear Jody, nothing is wrong. You are so sweet. That was an interesting dream. Would you like me to write it down for you, so you can remember it? Are you going to be able to sleep now” I asked.


“Yes Mommy,” she said, “I will. I love you!”


“I love you too. I’ll come tuck you in, in a minute,” I told her.


Once Jody disappeared into the house, I began thinking about my childhood. I hadn’t thought of it for years. I remember being a happy child, though circumstances weren’t the best. My parents tried really hard working for something better.


All at once the memory hit me. My throat was in a knot and the tears started to stream down my face. I remembered a little blond haired girl about my daughter’s age. I knew her once, a long time ago. “Why would Jody have a dream about her,” I thought.


However, soon I put the thoughts of the little girl in the back of my mind. It wasn’t a big concern of mine, but Jody continued to search.


A few months after her dream, our small family went to a Christmas concert of my little sister’s. Jody loved music and she listened intently. The choir sang, “What Child Is This?” Dear Jody listened so closely to every word.


She turned to me and smiled sweetly. I looked over at my husband, who was trying not to fall asleep. Then suddenly, Jody said, in excitement, “Mommy, Mommy, I see her. I see her.” She was looking directly at me. “Mommy,” she said, “she’s you. I didn’t see her before but she’s you.”


After the concert, I went to read Jody a story. She seemed concerned, “Is there something you need to talk about,” I questioned.


“Mommy, who made you sad,” she asked.


“What do you mean,” I replied.


“Who made you sad? Who made you hide who you were,” intently she questioned.


I didn’t know what to say. “I can’t remember,” I told her. I brushed her hair back with my fingers, kissed her forehead, and turned off the lights before I left.


Then I wondered, “Why did I forget myself?” I had been missing but didn’t even realize I was lost. I wandered out to the porch and thought. I sat at the top of the stairs, and watched the sun set. I thought of my childhood. I had gone through a lot of trails, but there were a lot of good memories. Those priceless years of my childhood were spent in poverty and neglect. However, I hadn’t known until I went to school, I supposedly was less.


I watched the stars come out, as the sun continued going down. I looked up at them. How interesting that they all sparkle different but they all sparkle! It’s kind of like people. We may look different but it doesn’t mean we are less a person. We are all still valuable, even if are value isn’t as visible as another. Sometimes, people even hide their value because they are afraid if they show it someone will try to take it from them. Dear Jody helped me realize that. I looked up to say thanks for my little angel. The tears shimmered in the moonlight and all the stars shined bright. I knew no one was better then another.

CHILDREN

Suffer the little children to come unto me

What small faces,

What small hands,

In these children God's presence stands.


What choice spirits,

What choice souls,

Through these children God is known.


How sweet their innocence,

How sweet their love,

These dear children come from above.


In their childhood,

In their growth,

These dear children must be shown.


What pure minds,

What pure hearts,

God's children play such a wonderful part.


What great beings,

What great lives,

Many blessings await our surprise.


How awesome our power,

How awesome our right,

But we must choose to follow the light.


And in this life,

And in this test,

We must remember to do our best.

"ABORTION!" My Heart and Mind Cry Out:

How could anyone do (or allow) such awful things to be done to such innocent, completely dependent, absolutely helpless, and defenseless creatures known as the youngest of human beings. It seems so unbelievable anyone would ever do (or believe such a thing is ok), unless they were totally crazy, insane, ignorant, selfish, heartless and insensitive, or so full of hate and apathy they didn't care about the life of another person.

Some women may just be so scared or embarrassed about getting pregnant they think killing their child will make everything better, but it doesn't. It might seem like ending a baby's life would be better then having the baby. I've had a baby and I know that being pregnant isn't very enjoyable for a lot of women. You feel sick and your baby moving around can be annoying, etc. Then taking care of him or her after he or she is born is a lot of work and can be overwhelming. If a woman is not married or doesn't have a support system to help with a baby, I can see why it may seem better to kill a baby, however, if you can't do it alone there is help.

If you don't want your baby because you don't love the man you got pregnant with, find someone else who will take your child and care for and protect him or her. Honestly, I've worked with many children and I know that each child is capable of good things and becoming a wonderful asset to this world. Give your baby a chance, just because you don't love the baby's father doesn't mean that you can't or won't love your baby. What if he or she is like you? I guess if you hate yourself, you'd hate that thought too and that's really sad! Get some help, instead of an abortion! That would be much better for you. We all deserve love. You, Your baby, all of us! You may believe you will never see or hear your aborted child, but there will be a time when you will have to face up to the responsibility of creating your child and then ending his or her life.  

Do you know what you deny when you abort your child? That child would some day be a friend to someone. That child could love and be loved by adoptive parents, siblings, family and many future friends, lovers, etc. Your child could be the next person to created some awesome invention, or discover a cure for some awful disease. There are so many things a child could become, no one could know without giving a chance to their child to become something and contribute to our world. Our world does not have too many children, what the world has too many of is: selfish, greedy, irresponsible, uncaring, insensitive, heartless, ignorant, lazy, insane, hateful and non-empathic adults who never learned better by choice or from poor guidance in younger years. Please do not be one of those adults, we definitely have too many of them already!