Monday, October 31, 2011

YOU ARE...

Are you ready to be blown out of the water?!
"Truly, life is beauitful."

"Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself."

"Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy."

"A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of spiritual doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth. Some people are like rocks thrown into a sea of problems. They are drowned by them. Be a cork. When submerged in a problem, fight to be free to bob up to serve again with happiness."

"Find the compensatory blessings in your life when, in the wisdom of the Lord, He deprives you of something you very much want."

"Thank your Father in Heaven and His beloved Son for the plan of happiness...they have power to crown your life with peace and joy, to give it purpose and meaning."
The rest of the talk-- you should totally treat yourself by clicking here and reading Richard G. Scott's Finding Joy in Life! It is one of my FAVORITES!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

I BELIEVE IN CHRIST... SO COME WHAT MAY!!!

Today for the closing song we sang "I Believe in Christ" -- text by President Gordon B. Hinckley. Like finding a verse of scripture that you have read over and over and over-- and then something "pops" out at you that you are convinced was never there before--but sure enough is there now, in your very moment.... This hymn was that for me today.

The last verse says, "I believe in Christ; so come what may". The ceiling parting and light beams streaming down could not have been more penetrating then these words to me. My mind took on the following conversation:
"Well Bryndi. Do YOU believe in Christ?"
"Yes."
"Then--COME WHAT MAY."
So come what may...! No matter what! In a sense the words are saying, "Bring it on-- for Christ, I believe in!" And Elder Wirthlin's mother said it best, "Come what may, and love it."

This week as I have been deep into the end of Alma, I was reminded with the "BE" that I had forgotten how much I loved! "be up and doing"!


And the greater part of that, it actually says, "begin to be up and doing". What a beautiful reminder to me and my commitments/covenants/desires for God and His son Jesus Christ.! Because I BELIEVE IN CHRIST-- come--whatever may--and may I love it!! And as for me and my life--I will BE up and doing!

Sam and I took a ride a few weeks ago after the snow storm to see the last of the fall leaves. I love this shot! Bleak as the day was-- but evergreens forever UP and DOING their thing--which is pointing up! And the fall leaves letting their "light/color" so shine even in the mist of WHAT DID COME. They shone in the storm--come what may! It was beautiful!

Then sings my soul-- my Savior God to thee-- How great THOU art!

Jesus IS the Christ. And I BELIEVE in Him!

Monday, October 24, 2011

GOD PREPARES A WAY!!

So this is nothing new... but can I just tell you how amazing Heavenly Father is?!?!

I have a sweet sister that I visit. And in all honesty, I was shocked with how the Lord opened up doors for me to even have contact with this girl. The first time I visited her with my companion, her boyfriend was there and although he was kind, he made it clear that the gospel was not for him. Last month we set up an appointment to go see her and she asked for me to text her the day of so that she wouldn't forget. I sent a text, called a handful of times, and sent more texts in the course of two days prior to the appointment. Nothing. (You may think a little compulsive, but no-- not true. For I felt okayed from up above, and with the responsibility of caring over those given me in a visiting teaching charge--I knew that God would prepare a way... and He surely did!!!)

My companion and I had pressing schedules the day of the appointment and both needed to be somewhere near 7pm. I told my comp that I had not been able to get a hold of our sister to remind her, but that if she was up for it we would just go by and see if she would keep the appointment that we had set up the week prior. As we drove, I felt impressed that I needed to go over what the bible dictionary talks about with prayer. It was my companion's turn to share the lesson, so I just made a mental note/plea that God would make a way to share what needed to be shared.

We pulled up and knocked on the door and the thought came to my mind that there was movement inside, but no one came to the door. We knocked a few times and then on the way back out to my car, I asked my companion if she would mind us sticking around a little bit. (My thoughts to sticking around was about 10 mins max, but thought if she was to come home we could see her then.)

We had a great time chatting and after finding out my companion has a tender heart for those with physical disabilities we watched a movie I put together a while ago on a little girl in a wheel chair. Our eyes were both wet as we sat in the car and watched the youtube clip off my iphone.

All during our discussion I kept glancing for a sign of a car. Well wouldn't you know it--we sat outside for nearly 30 mins. This is really not a normal practice for me, or for my companion. And just as the movie was finishing--the front door to the gal's house threw open and there her boyfriend stomped out across the grass. I called out his name and he was startled to see me. He gave me a fake smile, lessened his grumpy movements because, I believe, he knew that someone else now was seeing his huffy actions.

Our gal came to the door and was calling him back. It was obvious a disagreement had just taken place. I rolled down my window and called to our girl asking her if we could come in. She had no choice really, because was she really going to say "no"!! NO she was not. She kept calling to her boyfriend as we walked to the door and then made an excuse of how she had been in the back yard which I knew was not truthful, but I was so overwhelmed with gratitude to God for "making" a way that I just smiled at her as she let us in.

We stepped inside and it was apparent they had just been in the front living room. Our sweet sister then confessed that they had been in there and after receiving my text (about 20 mins after we had already come by) that we were just waiting for her outside, her boyfriend became upset and after a battle of words not wanting us there, stormed out of the house--thus HIS STORM--caused a wake for us to ride back into the house! See--! God is truly brilliant! :D

This sweet girl opened up and shared with us her past and about how she just gotten out of Jail for the last time and her experience with the Book of Mormon while she was there. She even showed us her notes she and one of her cell mates had taken on the Book of Mormon. Everything came together as God had me share with her about prayer as written in the bible dictionary. The spirit was present and we know our sister's heart had not only been lifted but she had been given some moments to reflect on things God has already done for her.

My companion and I both left her house rejoicing in God and the miraculous power He had in making a way. And the boyfriend?? He threatened to leave her, but as we were teaching, our sister's little sister came in the house and said that the boyfriend was in the garage sleeping in the car. Ahh, the power of manipulation thankfully did not win out that day!!

Well this journey does not end there and is still continuing.

Our sister texted us and thanked us for stopping by. My companion and I made conference journals for all of our girls with their favorite colors/treats and quotes. I went be the friday before conference and to my surprise this sister came to the door. I was able to give her her journal in person and mentioned I had not heard back from my texts in a few weeks. She told me she had changed cell number and was willing to text me the new number. I left her door step praising god for making a way for me to get her new number.

Well--that was three weeks ago, and since that time I have tried every which way to get a hold of this sister. After I gave her her journal, with her new number she text my companion and I both deep gratitude of thanks... So I knew she didn't hate me for stopping by.

All month she has been on my mind and her lack of not responding to anything. How can I see her? How can I help her feel God's love. I have been given the charge to watch over her, to serve her and to love her--so surely the Lord would make a way yet again!

I decided to up my prayers with love and concern for her. Since Oct first I have stopped by her house several times with no success of having anyone come to the door. All texts, un answered. (I sound like a stocker right?!!--Ha, maybe in the world's eyes I am, but we must do all that lays in our power and then stand still to watch God's miracles unfold D&C123:17.)

Wed- Andrea and I went to stop by what I felt was a prompted visit and found my gal's sister there. She came and talked to us and the visit was completely inspired and both Andrea and I left the house praising God for the chance to talk to the teenage sister.

Yesterday as I was praying how I was going to see my sister, the impression came that I needed to go to her home. I have had this thought several times this month and besides wed night, found no success in reaching her. But the impression came. I text a sister in my ward and asked if she would like to be my companion for the visit, for my actual companion already had family plans. The "substitute" companion invitation was turned down--but I have never been bound to only visiting IF I have a companion. God can still use us if we have the guts.

I pulled outside and was stopped by my neighbor and when she asked where I was going, I sheepishly replied that I was trying a "surprise" attack on trying to catch my sister home. After admitting that and seeing my neighbor's face I felt a ting of guilt and questioned whether the whole thing was a prompting or just me grasping at any way to care for my sister.

I drove to her house. AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS--actually found the house without driving through a lot of different roads first! (Miracle because she lives in a weird area that I always go in and out of neighborhoods to find.) As I pulled up I saw the garage door open and joyed seeing a car inside! And even more joy when the back up lights came on. I got out of my car and ran over as the car pulled into the street... AND THERE WAS MY SISTER and her boyfriend! She had the look of "caught" and "I was just leaving". My look was one of pure joy, "God, you are sooo good! You got me here with only a 20 sec window of opportunity!"

We chatted in the street. Them in the car and me outside the window. It was no more than 5 mins of talking when another car pulled up and the man asked my sister about her mom. I could tell from her expression she was less thrilled to see that man/"Caught again" and when he left I asked who he was and she said he was a man from her mom's ward. I smiled internally for surely that man must have been seeking a way to check in on the family too! And surely the sister was just thinking she had bad luck--but I praised God at all His magnificent ways to send in the troops and open steel bolted doors!

My gal committed to a visit wed night and the better news is that her boyfriend will be in Wy and won't be a powerful physical reason of why not to let us in.

Seriously, amazing!!

Now has she wanted to come to God or give up all the things keeping her from God--! The answer is a resounding "not yet"! HOWEVER--God has given me stewardship to love and care for this sister, regardless of the choices she makes. And HE MAKES A WAY for us to love/care for His sheep!! He knows this girl, and loves her more than my imperfect love even knows how.

...this I know, that God has and will continue to prepare a way!! And some of my sweetest recent experience have been when God has told me to do something that my natural man quicker than snot answer was, "NO WAY"! But a WAY is what God will prepare if I am just willing to move my feet/open my mouth and act immediately on the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

And do I have all the free time in the world?! I have just committed to getting up an hour earlier each day because I need MORE time. But if I am for God, and am sincere about wanting to be on His errand--then even in the business and craziness of life and all it throws at us-- God WILL make a way for us! He has been for me!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

BRILLIANT!!

"My beloved brothers and sisters, today I would like to speak about one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times. The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions that have come out of the industrial and technological revolutions. This is the gift of great value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon..." --President Ezra Taft Benson

So I finished reading the October Ensign. Yes, the conference editions are always my favorite and I save them--when they are not given away--but October's Ensign I have to say was amazing cover to cover!!!
New insights to scriptures stories! Inspiried council! Testimonies from different members all over the world. Time and time again I found the spirit cementing the truths yet again in my heart. I feel like buying 10 copies just so that my future posterity can surely have one! The issue is that BRILLIANT!!!

Just a few of my favorite quotes from it's pages:

In the scriptures " we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family" (Teaching, No Greater Call).
-
...we who are privileged to have the Book of Mormon, to be members of the Lord's Church, to have His gospel, and to keep His commandments know something of God's infinite love. pg 14
-
I realized that I had been limiting the power of God by assuming He could not use me in any way He saw fit. pg 14
-
The Book of Mormon is an incomparable treasure and the instrument of conversion that the Lord has designed and provided for our dispensation. pg 30
-
Thus, the birth, life, and atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ are the greatest manifestations of God's love for His children. pg 33
-
What, then, is the difference between clinging and holding fast to the rod of iron? Let me suggest that holding fast to the iron rod entails, in large measure, the prayerful, consistent, and earnest use of the holy scriptures as a sure source of revealed truth and as a reliable guide for the journey along the strait and narrow path to the tree of life--even to the Lord Jesus Christ. pg 36
-
We need our own secure and settled faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we need help in strengthening our families so that this faith flows into the hearts of our children and grandchildren. Faith in Jesus Christ, when solidly anchored in our souls, brings true conversion, and in its wake come repentance, honest discipleship, miracles, spiritual gifts, and enduring righteousness. pg 41
-
There is nothing more important to share with another than faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It brings understanding to the challenges of this life, happiness amid difficulty, and eternal life in the world to come. pg 45


My list could go on and on because my notes are thick!!

I LOVE the Book of Mormon! It truly brings one and their heart to Jesus Christ. What can reading the Book of Mormon do for you?! Just change your life!!!!!!!!!! If you would like a free copy- click here. Ezra Taft Benson said about the Book of Mormon:
There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called "the words of life: (see D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in great and greater abundance.

I feel these words from Richard G. Scott could be my own for I say AMEN to them!
"What does the Book of Mormon mean to you? Has it been a source of inspiration and power in your life? Will it continue to be?
"If you have not yet drunk deeply form this fountain of pure truth, with all of my soul I encourage you to do so now. Don't let the consistent study of the Book of Mormon be one of the things that you intend to do but never quite accomplish. Begin today."

There were so many things from the Oct Ensign that touched me...! I seriously could write a few pages on this--but I particularly felt the spirit while reading this account.

I Felt a Fire Inside

Claudia Williams, Florida, USA

I grew up attending Sunday School at a church next door to my childhood home in Michigan, USA. I had a wonderful teacher who filled me with a love for Jesus Christ.

Each week she passed out cards illustrating events from the Savior’s mortal ministry, including principles He taught and miracles He performed. Each week I pasted the cards into a scrapbook and reread the stories in the Bible. As I grew older, I continued to study the Gospels in the New Testament.

Years later, during the summer of 1968, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the home of a family member. She declined the elders’ invitation to learn about the Church but sent them to my home.

At our first meeting the missionaries taught me that “a falling away” had occurred from the Church that Jesus Christ had established (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3). What they taught coincided with my personal study, so when they asked if they could visit me again, I agreed.

During their next visit, I had a list of questions. Did Latter-day Saints baptize by immersion? Did they believe in priesthood authority? Did they believe in the healing of the sick? Their answers supported what I had studied in the New Testament. At the end of the visit, they left me with a book they said testified of Jesus Christ.

I set the book on top of the TV and went to bed. But in the middle of the night, I was awakened by a strong feeling I later recognized as the Holy Ghost. I felt prompted to start reading, so I read for an hour and a half before returning to bed. A short time later, I reawakened with the same feeling, so I read some more.

This pattern continued for the next two nights. I loved what I was reading and recognized that the Book of Mormon testified of Jesus Christ.

I decided to ask God for direction. For the first time since I was a little girl, I knelt to pray. I asked Heavenly Father to help me know what to do with the fire I felt inside of me. When I finished my prayer, I felt prompted to revisit the account of the Lamanites’ conversion in 3 Nephi 9. I read that they “were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not” (verse 20).

The phrase “they knew it not” spoke to me. The thought came to me: “The Church of Jesus Christ really is on the earth!” I was eager to talk to the missionaries about what I had read and what I now knew. But when they responded to my questions with an invitation to be baptized, I told them I couldn’t. My husband wouldn’t understand.

As I continued to think about that verse, however, I realized that it contained clear direction for me to offer the sacrifice of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” I prayed and asked my Father in Heaven to help me, which He did. After my husband took the missionary discussions, he gave his consent for me to be baptized.

How grateful I am to a loving Heavenly Father for that precious and powerful experience I had as a young mother in reading the Book of Mormon. It led me to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, the influence of the Holy Ghost I felt those nights in 1968 is now a constant gift—something that has guided me during my more than 40 years as a member of the Church.


The Book of Mormon has changed my life!!!!! And continues to do so! I am pretty sure I have read through it at least 20+ times on my own and that is probably an under estimate, and yet I find new verses, deep truths, renewed desires to becoming like Christ. I LOVE THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the Oct Ensign for confirming everything that is already in my heart!!!

Brilliant!!

May your love affair with the scriptures start TODAY!!!!!! (President Hinckley always used to talk about having a love affair with the scriptures--and I can testify that I DO!!!!!!!!!! And if you haven't had such a relationship with the sacred volume, YOU CAN!!)

BRILLIANT!!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

...BE GLAD!

Last night in institute our studies brought us to section 29. I have studied section 29 before, but as we read verses 31 and particularly 32 my mind opened up to what is probably an obvious insight, but the symbolism was new for me.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:31-32 reads:
For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal—

First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work—
So the order in that second verse is:

Phase 1
1st - SPIRITUAL

2nd - TEMPORAL

then the order changes


Phase 2
1st - TEMPORAL
2nd - SPIRITUAL

With phase 1, we were all created 1st spiritual before ever coming to earth. God prepared a way to have an earth life for us = 2nd temporal. Phase 2 -- born into this earth life we full fill
the "1st" and become "temporal" with our new bodies. And because of the veil placed over our minds we now, on/in this earth life, need to full fill the 2nd and become once again Spiritual! A complete Beautiful circle [square picture-but I think you get the idea]!


So again...this earth life is about becoming Spiritual beings yet again. For we were once! And we have all finished steps 1 and 2 of phase 1 for we all were created spiritually and given a plan for mortality. And we have all finished the 1st step of phase 2 by becoming temporal--for surely our being born in into this life with bodies that age and fall apart, we have accomplished becoming temporal first. NOW for the 2nd step of this journey--becoming spiritual once again, THUS preparing us to be able to live in the Kingdom of Heaven.

I know there are a lot more applications with those verses, but I thought it was a beautiful reminder of what I am to be doing. Christ says:
Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.
This life is NOW about becoming spiritual yet again. The Lord's council to David Whitmer is a good reminder to me! Doctrine and Covenants Section 30:
Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker…
I often fear man and forget that I am to RELY on Jesus Christ for strength. And too often I fall into the temporal trap of focusing on things that are temporal= having my mind be on "the things of the earth more than the things of [my] Maker"!

Well it's a new day!! And I am all about making my brown arrow--become and achieving white -- the 2nd step of phase 2. To become spiritual once again!!

Jesus is the Christ! He lives! -- And I know it!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

GOD WON'T YOU CHANGE HIM?

I recently came back from a wonderful trip from Florida. Mom and Dad spoiled Thayne and I with some park hoping adventures. It was wonderful! Saw a few miracles, LOVED the beauty, and wished that others sweating standing in line believed in the the power of deodorant! :D

Thank you mom and dad for a much needed vacation!

RACE CAR DRIVER
Thaynermack and I took a red eye out to Florida, hoping to get one extra day there in which we could go to the temple.

Nearing almost 1am, an announcement came on that the plane was over booked and they were looking for volunteers to leave in the morning instead. Which the airlines would provide a 400 dollar voucher, food, and a hotel room along with the morning flight out. Thayne and I didn't "need" to be in Florida, so we hopped up and walked over to the counter. I got excited about having a ticket "paid" for so I could go out and visit Kiss and Nyk sometime.

Just as we were about to be the ones putting our names on the list, I had the slightest of all impressions, that we should not do it. I told Thayne that I didn't think we should go and he asked if I didn't feel good about it. I told him the "small" (and when I say small, it was almost unnoticeable) impression, he being the amazing kid he is, said no problem, let's go sit down. So we left the grand opportunity and I wrote it off that God probably was saving me from anxiety of making sure everything went smooth the next day.

We boarded the plane and prepared our blankets and neck pillows for the long into the morning hour flight.

The guy sitting next to the window came and sat down and he seemed to be a nice guy. As the flight departures were being rapped up he and I had some small talk. He was in Utah on business. Turns out he is a stunt race car driver. Only about 200 in the USA with his profession. His line of work involves commercials and movies. He just signed on with the new Charlie's Angels TV serious. He (ha, he does have a name- Mark) Mark showed me one of the scripts for the Charlie's Angels-- talked about how car A is going 200 miles per hour, hits car B which rolls several times, and car A is to spin out of control ... etc. I looked at Mark and asked him if he really was going to do that. Without a wince, and matter of fact-- he said "Ya". He said he knew what to do to make the car roll and flip in any direction. He said high speed chases for film were a piece of cake! NO problem and he felt completely confident that whatever the direction the director wanted to have happened, he COULD make happen. (Yes, if you are picturing a girl in the middle seat with her jaw slightly dropped, next to the calm collective race car driver--you have pictured the airplane scene correctly!)

His gig in UT was near Tooele at a race car track there. For 8 hours a day his contract was such that people would pay 150 dollars per ride... that is, sit and go in a race car for 3 mins! He said he was doing that all week. Where do people get money like that to spend on 3 mins of time?!

Well needless to say I was sitting by "Mr Hotstuff". But the whole time while speaking, the guy, who is clearly "well off" was very chill, calm, and had a great peace about it. I felt impressed to ask about his family. He married around his 40's and has three little girls. And at the talk of them, this already kind and soft hearted man, became even more soft. His love for his little girls was evident.

The next three hours we talked about the gospel. Apparently 20 years ago Mark had gone to visit a ward and all he could remember was that the women and the men separated. We talked about prophets and General conference coming up the next weekend. After sharing a principle on the temple Mark said, "So if I understand, your church has a great emphasis in your dead. I don't think my church does that." At times I wondered if he may be "sleeping" through the conversation, but sure enough the spirit urged me to share on and after each principle he would recap what he was understanding... "So you believe in living apostles and my church just teaches about dead ones"... We were the only ones on the whole plane with our over head lights on. Thanyer was snoring next to me, and he was joined with a sounds of other heavy sleepers. After several hours we decided we had better get a little shut eye. We turned off our lights. I stared into the dark plane and the tears just started to roll in gratitude for such an opportunity. Sharing the gospel to someone with someone who was pure in heart was worth any pass up on any voucher! I kicked myself for not having a copy of the Book of Mormon on me. The first time in 6 1/2 years of flying for business trips and such--and no Book of Mormon! In all honestly, I didn't even think to bring one. I shared that with Patti to which her response of shock was that was always my first thing to pack. But I didn't. A few tears dropped in morning my lack of preparation.

Landing in Georgia woke up all snores. As I pulled out my tickets for our connecting flights, I noticed my conference ensign. just one more week of the challenge left! For a split second, I didn't want to give it away, for surely the edition had become like my personal scriptures. Completely marked up with impressions and insights... but God had prepared a way even with the lack of preparation on my end. I showed Mark the Ensign and his eyes lit up as I shared showed him the prophet. I told him to keep it which I half expected him to turn me down, but he thanked me and took it.

I would love to write that something amazing has happened with Mark, but no more contact after that day has been responded--but this I do know--God's elect are being called in and prepared. Mark's heart was so good, and I felt how choice of a human being he is. It was an honor to share a red eye flight with him. And I praise God for providing a means! Oh I love flights!!

GOD WON'T YOU CHANGE HIM?
We were blessed to go to church on Sunday while in Florida. The Relief Society and Priesthood lessons were given on charity. The RS lesson was wonderful. The teacher was nervous, but had prepared with the spirit. Towards the last few mins of class an elderly sister in the back, visiting from Idaho (surely any wards around Disney World get a variety of members from all over coming) raised her hand. With quite some difficulty she painfully shared a very personal experience. She and her husband were called to serve a mission. She questioned the stake president because of her husbands loss of memory, but he assured her that they were needed. Off on their mission they went. She said the days and weeks went on, and her husband became worse. He could not remember appointments or dates. She said after him asking her for the 12th time what time church started, she just wanted to yell at him that she had already told him 11 times within the last 10 mins. This sweet sister, took her worries over to the Lord and expressed that she knew that God could heal her husband. That she didn't want to be the one with the only working memory. She fasted, prayed and pleaded with God to change and fix her husband for surely she should have to go one with him like how he was. The answer came--but competely different then she expected... the answer came that God would not heal her husband. Heavenly Father told this sister, "I am trying to teach you charity."

The sister was weeping and her voice was quivering sharing such a personal weakness. She said often times she just wanted to get angry with her husband and frustrated at how many times she has to repeat herself. She said she was deeply humbled that day, that God was using her husband to help her learn charity. That it was not her husband that needed fixing or to be changed--but it was her own weakness and lack of charity towards him.

This sister was crying and the rest of us were sniffing. Her comments stirred my soul. Patience is a christlike attribute. For surely the Lord is long suffering in our weaknesses and our selfishness. Impatience is a perfect manifestation of the lack of charity one's being is not claiming/using/manifesting. How her comments hit me in such a personal way.

Read this quote from President Hinkley tonight:
To those of you who live in troubled homes, may I suggest that you let love become the lodestar of your family life. There is too much of shouting, too much of recrimination, so many tears in the homes of some of our people. Love is the only remedy. It is the very basis of marriage. It can be nurtured and strengthened, or it can be starved and weakened. The power lies within ourselves. Bridle your tempers, husbands. Wives, hold your tongues. Revive the wondrous feeling that brought you to the marriage altar. --Gordon B. Hinckley
I thanked the sister afterwards for sharing her story. Still shaking she said she fought the prompting to share it all class, but finally could not fight off the spirit any longer. I apologized that she probably was suppose to share that story at least for me and thanked her for her courage in raising her hand.

Deep lesson on Charity. Deep reminder on how often my charity is not suffering long, patient, and/or kind. God is kind with all my weaknesses. And is patient. Can I not learn to be the same with others? My weaknesses may not be someone elses. And my faults-their strengths. My powers, their limitations. But God, who perfectly sees and views all, I think would have me be more kind, more patient, more quick to love then to criticize. Actually, unless directed by the spirit, I don't think there should be any room for criticism in my life. Criticism is surely not building. I pray to seek for more charity and the strength to exercise it's power to influence my thoughts, my heart, my tongue and my actions...

These are the words we sang in sacrament today. I sang hard and probably a little too loud, as my cheeks became wet...
As now we take the sacrament, our thoughts are turned to thee,
Thou Son of God, who lived for us, then died on Calvary.
We contemplate thy lasting grace, thy boundless charity;
To us the gift of life was giv’n for all eternity.

As now our minds review the past, we know we must repent;
The way to thee is righteousness— the way thy life was spent.
Forgiveness is a gift from thee we seek with pure intent.
With hands now pledged to do thy work, we take the sacrament.

As now we praise thy name with song, the blessings of this day
Will linger in our thankful hearts, and silently we pray
For courage to accept thy will, to listen and obey.
We love thee, Lord; our hearts are full. We’ll walk thy chosen way.

And so my life is this Sunday evening. A week seeking forgiveness, a week contemplating boundless charity.. Hands now pledge to do HIS work and courage to accept HIS will--TO listen and obey.... I love the Lord, my heart is full. I will walk His chosen way. Oh how I love God! The more I learn of Him and His doings, the more I stand all amazed.

PS. If you are just wanting a great 10 min reminder read this week CLICK HERE.

Friday, October 7, 2011

WHAT IF YOU WOKE UP TODAY WITH ONLY THE THINGS YOU THANKED GOD FOR YESTERDAY?

What things would you have today if that were the case?

So work brings about needing to check facebook nearly all day. Let's just say it is a curse and a blessing. Today it ended up being such a choice choice blessing, for Marcel commented on someone's post that had the title of this blog in it. "What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"

Apparently this saying has been around for a long time because when I Googled the saying to find out who's quote it was, there were lots of folks that have quoted it. So sorry, have no clue who to give this brilliant quote to.

Sooo, without going into all the details... personally, this day was quite rough. The storm outside, bleak, dark, and dreary seemed to match the battle in my soul. A weakness was consuming my thoughts and heart. At one point during the morning I pleaded that there had to be some way to turn the switch in my body for I knew I was being irrational. I saw the words on Facebook, and was moved with the idea of gratitude that the quote is clearly stating.

I made this little sign to stick in the back of my phone. I took a picture of it and sent it to Sam. His response back moved me:
"It is a good statement! I like it... I would [have woken] up and have nothing but my family, health, the atonement of Christ still effective in my life, and you! So I would still be happy!=) "
Sam's text caught me completely off guard and was the "switch" I had been praying for. Tears fell onto my desk and I left for a more private place to pray.

I knelt down and asked God to forgive me. If I were really living today with only what I thanked God for yesterday--I am a bit ashamed to say I wouldn't have the atonement and I may not have the Savior for today. This statement and Sam's comments brought a profound change in me. And the weakness I had been struggling with seemed to be banded from my mind. Peace, determination, strength and comfort filled my soul and a desire to be more grateful every day for all I have was the promise and plea on my heart.

As I walked back to my desk I couldn't help but noticed that there was a significant change in the weather outside my window. The storm was still there, but the intensity of the darkness had been lightened. And although the sun could not be seen through the clouds and the storm was still ever present--there was more "light" to be had in the gloom. Others would say this is just chance, but I know this change in the weather, if not for others--was surely for me from God. It represented everything that had just happened inside me. My morning of dark, deep cold battle, to a change that lightened the mood even though the storm/battle was still in process.

With wet eyes I report that I had strength the rest of the day and didn't have to fight such a dark battle--for I had been given "light"! What a choice kindness from God Himself, through the means of some kind friends posting and texting... Gratitude. God had shared with me that I was lacking being thankful.

This evening, I pulled out my Book of Mormon to continue my reading challenge. Tonight was Alma 24. And at the chapter heading of this chapter, I had written next to the chapter heading, "How to gain perfection in this life". I don't remember when I wrote that comment on the so I was a little eager to dive into the pages and be reminded why I would write that. Four different times in four verses right at the front of the chapter it talks about how the people THANKED God. I smiled. Second witness from God. ...

What did God want me to know today?! --that being filled with gratitude is an eternal principle for the goal/path of salvation. It is an empowering principle. I can testify being filled with gratitude makes for a more joyous life too. Storms, even if they must stay, are not as "dark" when a grateful heart is present.

Two witnesses! Oh how patient is Heavenly Father. How thankful I am to Him and His Son.

All is well, the world in my life is sweet. Today was just a 2 Nephi chapter 4 morning and afternoon... Nephi's words I claim as my own, for they are exactly what my soul cried:
I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.

And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
God's love for me today came in the form of those words posted in Facebook, and a friend who shared what he thanked God for yesterday. I know in whom I have trusted.

Jesus is the Christ! And I, for one, am so THANKFUL for Him, today! And hope to remember to be thankful for Him always.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

HEROS

I don't believe in coincidences. Therefore, everyone that comes in to my life comes for a reason. I have so found this to be true. I have had some great truths taught to me in the last few weeks...

ABOUT HEALING
In Florida last week (thank you mom and dad--LOVED IT!) I was helping take a gals picture outside the hotel and when I went to say goodbye I extended my hand to her. (I had just met her 4 mins prior to extending my hand.) She said, "No, NO! We are about healing." and with that she pulled me into a big hug. She was talking about her company and working with oils--but how true her statement was. We ARE about healing! May I be more quick to give hugs!

FASTING
In speaking with Kiss on the phone she mentioned that she has been fasting every week for someone we both love and admire. Her comment threw me off a bit, and I confirmed with her that she had been fasting every week for this loved one. She said yes. I have a deep testimony of fasting and on the mission I discovered the power of fasting weekly. This is not required, and some may frown on it, but the scriptures that said they would "fast oft" rang true to my soul, so weekly fasting has been a great part of my life... but to hear my sister share this with me, out of the blue, that she was fasting weekly for a loved one, I was deeply humbled and touched by her faith, love, and determination. She told me to the effect that although she could not change one's heart or desires, she could fast and pray for them often and give her faith to God to work any miracles He would like. I stand all amazed!

FATHER's REVELATION
During conference on Saturday, Brytt came over to me and was showing all that he was doing to organize his computer. As he was showing me his work files, church, files and family files, he pointed to a note he made. Now my eyes drifted down a few lines from his original note and I read the words he typed of an impression he had during conference about what to teach his children about who they are and what they are being prepared for/needed to do in this life. It was a very personal note, but my eyes became wet as this good father, was accessing revelation from God for and behalf of his family... oh the truths he will instill in his children because of the impressions he wrote down, and I know, will follow.

EXCITED FOR THE ETERNITIES
Meet Steve! This amazing guy types out his sentence to communicate. Tonight he typed about being excited for the increase in having children in the eternities and then he typed that he was very excited to be a brother and a father in the eternity. Now I don't know too much about Steve yet, so I don;t know if he is an only child, but for him to be so faithful and strong, loving and excited knowing he will get to be a father here after where his physical body will not allow him to do such now. I was moved at his excitement and complete joy for/in the future. What an example.

ASSIGNMENT
Sweet Marin found this paper her daughter had written in her computer yesterday. She had an assignment to do something out of her comfort zone... so what does she choose to do?! Goes to an assisted living residence. Her kindness and determination to do something outside her comfort zone--! Surely one of God's elect. Here is her experience with love(!):
My Comfort Zone
Olivia Barney B3
I walked into the Summerfield Assisted Living Facility feeling nervous. At 8:15 pm there was nobody out. I wish I had come here earlier. I thought to myself. I walked around the building for about 5-10 minutes. There was nobody to talk to. As I made a second trip around the building, I saw an old man who appeared to be about 10 years younger than he really was, emerging from his room.
“Hello,” he said.
“Hello, how are you?” I asked. He sat down in the chair outside of his room.
“Not very good, and I can’t get an aid to come help me.”
“Did you pull the cord?” I asked. I didn’t see the blinking light that signals for the workers to come.
“No” he said, “Do I have to?”
“Yeah, do you want me to?” This was my chance to start a conversation. He told me that he did want me to. After I did that favor for him, I sat down on the floor and introduced myself. He told me his name was John Botts. He told me that he was born in a small town in North Dakota. His father owned the biggest store in town, and his mother was good at saving money. He said that he was one of the more fortunate people at that time to have been able to go to college; He went to college in North Dakota.
“I met my wife at college, I miss her. I haven’t seen her in a long time.” He said with tears in his eyes. I wasn’t sure if she had died, or if he was just in such poor health that he was sent to live here and she lived somewhere else. I was going to ask my brother-in-law what happened when I got home because he worked at Summerfield. But later as I continued to talk to him, I found out that she had passed away 3 or 4 years ago. As I held his hand, he continued to talk to me about his life. He served in the army during World War II, on an island full of cannibals. My heart reached out to him as he told me about his 9 children and his wife. At one point, he couldn’t remember where she was. My heart sank as he told me how he didn’t think he was good for anything now that he was 89 years old. When I asked him if I could hug him, I almost cried when he replied with tears in his eyes, “Of course you can.” He told me that my visit with him had made him feel better, as he had felt so sick. At 9:15, I had to leave. As I left, I hugged him, promised to visit, and said: “I’m glad I met you.” Those words were not just to make him feel good; they were true. They are true—I meant every word. This report has helped me to realize that even the most simple things like listening to someone for forty-five minutes, can mean the world to someone else.
The willingness to share does not make one charitable; it makes one free.” ~Robert Brail. I will never forget this experience, thank you Miss Rowley for letting me do this. It has changed me. As I wrote this paper, I found this quote. I decided to live by this quote.
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” ~Edward Everett Hale.
Date I did this: October 3, 2011
Doesn't that just want to make you go and do something to serve/uplift someone?! It did me! And again with the woman in Florida wanting to give me a hug over a hand shake--"We are about healing"!

What an example you are Olivia!

There are a handful of others I could add from my family and friends. These are just fresh on my heart.

We just never know who is watching. And I for one am an observer of others. Oh I praise God for the examples he places in my life. There are no coincidences! General conference was amazing! I loved it! I am still chewing on how one is to teach like how the spirit teaches us. I LOVE being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!!! It was my choice, and it has been my decision to try to keep all the commandments of God as best I can. I LOVE having God apart of my every day life. I am not perfect, and have much to work on, but I love what freedoms, power, strength, wisdom, guidance, peace, and full fulfillment the gospel brings me!

He lives! AND He will come again sooner than later! Oh may I prepare!