tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9029467212970345372024-03-19T02:11:07.336-06:00Lessons Not Lost on MeI know Jesus is the Christ. I love going to His holy house. I believe in mighty prayer. The Book of Mormon has changed my life and I read it every day. I want to be and do John 17:3-4. I know God hears and answers prayer. Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-74348150380655785022020-11-26T21:25:00.000-07:002020-11-26T21:25:22.155-07:00Day 7 #GiveThanks<p> The last couple of days have been wonderful. Mr. D. Brined a turkey and took on a lot of the cooking projects. I was able to spend some time with the kiddos on a thanksgiving project. The Lord helped a video come together, that I felt the spirit strongly at different moments. I am so thankful for my little family. And for our extended families. For the righteous women and men who have gone before us. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; text-align: right;"> </span><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> H</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0088ff;">a</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">p</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">p</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">s</span><span style="color: #d35dfa;">s </span><span style="color: #0088ff;">i</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">s</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00;">:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 255, 255); color: #01ffff;"> </span></span></b></span></span><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">a zoom meeting with most of my extended family. What a blessing to get to see everyone in your craziness of life. </span></span></p>Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-14393200318519236392020-11-25T21:53:00.002-07:002020-11-25T21:53:16.619-07:00Day 6 - Air Hugs #GiveThanks<p> My daughter can be such a thoughtful little girl. For a while, I would leave at 5:30 p.m. to go to water aerobics. She would hear me going to the front door and as I would be closing the front door she would come running from there dinner and she would give me a hug or run to show me an I love you sign. đ€đŒ Sweetheart! </p><p>Today she finished her lunch and got down to go take her nap. I turned around to find her giving my legs a hug and she hugged Daddy... and then not able to get back up in the booth with her brother she said, "TK, air hug!" And he and she proceeded to send each other air hugs. Then her happy little self said goodbye and ran down to her nap. When she is happy, she is sunshine! And she freely gives away love--and so easily. She can be very, very thoughtful.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; text-align: right;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; text-align: right;"> </span><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> H</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0088ff;">a</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">p</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">p</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">s</span><span style="color: #d35dfa;">s </span><span style="color: #0088ff;">i</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">s</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00;">:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 255, 255); color: #01ffff;"> </span></span></b></span></span><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">SLEEP and bedtime! </span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-41253767047195587882020-11-24T22:38:00.000-07:002020-11-24T22:38:12.102-07:00Day 5 _ COME FOLLOW ME, FAITH AND INSPIRED CHILDREN'S LITERATURE. #GiveThanks<p>Tonight was my night to prepare something for ou<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/902946721297034537/4125376704719558788?hl=en#" target="_blank">r Come Follow Me</a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>time. I stepped into another room to read and prepare. This week covers<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/902946721297034537/4125376704719558788?hl=en#" target="_blank">Ether chapter 12</a>! So much good stuff. </p><p>As I thought about the faith presented in that chapter, I pondered what I could share with my children about faith and what it is, and how to teach them. I grabbed a book that has illustrations of where we were<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/902946721297034537/4125376704719558788?hl=en#" target="_blank">before</a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>we came to this earth life. </p><p>We talked about how they already exercised faith in Heavenly Father by choosing His plan and coming to earth to get a body, gain experience, and to choose to serve Jesus. Both my children's eyes lit up when I told them they had already exercised great faith. The spirit was present.</p><p>Then we read this book: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRVYiG0eZzgTaMLvNKEK1Vi1QaJbw34QVz17AhLhej2dWKyS4JX4uwgV8BORxCttey8otkeqRlkpAn4ek9mwd5Veh-q7Mfp2zkAGCxwqkDbZf0NQbL4qAu7CewAqwI-sJwaiYpW32BBs/s880/Screen+Shot+2020-11-24+at+9.52.15+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="676" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRVYiG0eZzgTaMLvNKEK1Vi1QaJbw34QVz17AhLhej2dWKyS4JX4uwgV8BORxCttey8otkeqRlkpAn4ek9mwd5Veh-q7Mfp2zkAGCxwqkDbZf0NQbL4qAu7CewAqwI-sJwaiYpW32BBs/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-11-24+at+9.52.15+PM.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It is based on a true story of a little family that right before planting season, their father is called on a mission to Norway. Because of all the demands on the mother, they are very late planting their precious grains of wheat. When everyone's fields around them are green and tender, their field is still just brown dirt. The daughter is devastated and angry at God for having her father on a mission. She is fearful that their crop will be lost to an early frost. <div><br /></div><div>Soon a swarm of crickets comes into their little area and devours all the fields leaving nothing behind to be harvested. The daughter is again angry... <p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="color: #b812e6;">"In the days that followed, thunderclouds caused a heavy darkness to settle over the battered community. "Go away." Eliza cried. "there's nothing left to run-on now." </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="color: #b812e6;">None of it made sense. She had been faithful when Papa was called. She had worked until her hands blistered and her tanned skin was as dark as the soil. She had prayed without stopping and had tried not to murmur. Yet their beautiful valley was chewed to shreds. Eliza had never felt quite so dark. Angry words came blurting out.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="color: #b812e6;">"We need Papa!" she cried. "Papa should have said he wouldn't go!" But before her last words were lost in the dim light, she felt Mama's hand resting firmly on her head. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><span style="color: #b812e6;">"Choose Eliza," she said. "Will you keep giving your heart to fear and sadness? Or will you give it in faith, to God? Choose this day--yes, or no? It's time to choose."</span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p>The girl goes to be alone and think and comes to the conclusion that she will live by faith. I won't go on with the story unless someone out there would like to read it, but our living room was filled with a very sweet spirit. Mr. D gave our closing prayer... it was wonderful and heaven was in our home... </p><p>We did the reading program of 1000 books before Kindergarten with my two oldest. We have been working on it (not for the program, but the program went along with what we were already doing). I don't have a theme when I go and check out library books... I just start down one shelf, pick out 40 to borrow and then proceed to do the exact same thing, starting off where I last grabbed books. We have already gone through most of the children's literature at our public library. And in all of that reading... there have been maybe less than 10 books total that moved me/inspired me to the point that I wanted the book in our home. That seems crazy to me!!! So why do we get the books then? For the fact that I get to snuggle and be a "good" mommy without trying as I am not usually having to be a referee or hush contention. My kids eat it up and if I didn't fall asleep while reading they would let me read to them for hours. </p><p>I am sooo thankful for inspired children's literature. Literature that helps them to think, to ponder. Literature that inspires them to come closer to Christ. I am grateful for the reminder of the faith my children already exercised towards Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ before ever joining our family. And I am thankful for our Come Follow Me time. </p><p style="text-align: right;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> H</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0088ff;">a</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">p</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">p</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">s</span><span style="color: #d35dfa;">s </span><span style="color: #0088ff;">i</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">s</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00;">:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 255, 255); color: #01ffff;"> </span></span></b></span></span><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">Orange cake brought over by our thoughtful neighbor. YUM!</span></span></p></div>Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-32796854616702043352020-11-23T20:58:00.001-07:002020-11-23T20:58:46.656-07:00Day 4 - Humans #GiveThanksAbout a month before school started, I was reading <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/magazines/friend?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Friend </a>magazine with my kiddos on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We had read through several articles and then came to this one. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaSGHXx_KgvYx3OR4p985U3Lw_OKI2h9dW5dJu59pUU5zIi9BmtCzAUE3WPR9VV3607aXpri8-wW7pYOPH6yGt_eMetUh0pcG3_9ZkmtyV2299V8xnbgrfb0wQyJmiKf9Iuo1Xl-147A/s2048/february-2015-friend-magazine-mormon_1377323_prt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1562" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaSGHXx_KgvYx3OR4p985U3Lw_OKI2h9dW5dJu59pUU5zIi9BmtCzAUE3WPR9VV3607aXpri8-wW7pYOPH6yGt_eMetUh0pcG3_9ZkmtyV2299V8xnbgrfb0wQyJmiKf9Iuo1Xl-147A/w281-h368/february-2015-friend-magazine-mormon_1377323_prt.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><div>I started reading and then was overcome with emotions. My kiddos asked me why I had stopped reading. And then they asked me why I was crying because I wasn't/couldn't talk. Back up a few months... with COVID 19 I had many friends who had chosen and/or were impressed to do homeschool with their kids. I had been praying for months about what was right for our family. As I read this article to my children, it was impressed upon my heart that God wanted my children in school. That He had people to reach out to--through my children. And that they would be a light for Him and bring others to Christ. It was hard to choke back the emotion. I had been pondering and praying for so long. And here was my answer. I was/still am deeply grateful to God for the personal revelation for our family. <div><br /></div><div>I have been incredibly overwhelmed by the amazing teachers and staff who have faced COVID challenges with courageous hearts. What an absolute blessing it has been to have them love and serve not only my children but our whole community. And I know that such teachers and staff can be found in any community! I applaud them and their tireless efforts. My family prays for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend someone needed help on their home, and good men, including my husband, came together and gave up most of their Saturday in physical labor. I don't toot their horn or the fact that I have an awesome husband [it is a true statement he is awesome but that is beside point! đ€Ș] --but I PRAISE the fact that there are good men who give of their time caring for the needs of those outside their own families. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had a fairly large, somewhat last min project this past weekend. Mr. Dashing and I put out calls to many different folks to help. The troops came in! Masked up, everyone so willing and eager to help. One friend, in particular, is a mother to eight between her blood and foster children, and give or take on any day she can have a household of 11+. She has a can-do attitude, and she is amazing at "rolling with the punches" as she likes to call it. With a large family of littles up to a stellar Senior, to say her plate is "full" would be a gracious understatement. But yet she gave of her time and energy to a project that needed to get done. She helped on Saturday and then again on Sunday. In thanking her in a text, she responded, "...Please keep letting us know of service opportunities." !!! Never mind that just a month ago this same beautiful friend gave her whole Saturday to help pack someone's house who needed help and she rallied in the troops and made a way for more people to show up and help the very desperate situation. đ</div><div><br /></div><div>From the mail carrier who will slow down her pace just so my little boy can go and love on her, to the folks at the grocery store who always open up a lane to check me out at nearly closing time so I don't have to take my mountain of a grocery cart through self-checkout, to another friend who when I was apologizing for all the inconvenience I felt I was causing her--she rejoiced in having the opportunity to give service. ... These folks are so inspiring to me. And I often leave from my interactions with them wanting to be better. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, and MANY days, I am grateful for HUMANS who reflect the Savior's love. Who give of their precious time selflessly. They all make me want to be better. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><span><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> H</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0088ff;">a</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">p</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">p</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">s</span><span style="color: #d35dfa;">s </span><span style="color: #0088ff;">i</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">s</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00;">:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 255, 255); color: #01ffff;"> </span></span></b></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">a freshly cleaned sink and floors that have been swept!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-54377645237564356442020-11-22T21:21:00.003-07:002020-11-22T21:49:18.454-07:00DAY 3 _ HE, IS, BESIDE US[me]. HYMN 93 #GiveThanks MUSIC<p>Today was Sunday #2 of no singing or even humming--but my heart was more at peace with the notion. The opening hymn was Prayer of Thanksgiving. We pulled out our hymn books that we take in our diaper bag as a habit of wanting to be able to read the words with our our young children and not have them think we are on our "phones". </p><p>My eyes became wet as I read through the start of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/text/hymns/prayer-of-thanksgiving?lang=eng">verse</a> two: </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><i>Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,</i> </p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><i>Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;</i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><i>So from the beginning the fight we were winning;</i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><i>Thou, Lord, wast at our side;</i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><i>All glory be thine!</i></p></blockquote></blockquote><p>Beside US [me, my family and the little COVID respecting, distancing, mask wearing congregation, the world] to guide us, our God with us joining. In those words, I almost could not see or sing them in my heart as my eyes were blurred...but it was as if the Lord himself was reminding/saying to my heart, He was beside us/<b>me</b>, joining with me in the silence of listening when we can't sing. Being beside me through the craziness of the days. It was a beautiful impression. </p><p><a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/this-is-church/home" target="_blank">Church</a> was wonderful! I am so thankful I was able to partake of the <a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/belong/church-community/the-sacrament" target="_blank">sacrament</a>. When the sacrament cloth covering is gently laid over the bread and water--sometimes a wrinkle comes up in how the fabric settles. I am always filled with gratitude when a deacon or priest will take notice and take the time to smooth it out. It is a reminder to me the tenderness we should keep of love and adoration for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His atoning body/blood. </p><p>The speakers were sublime, inspired, and obviously worked to have the spirit as they prepared and shared. Their messages were of hope and gratitude focused in and on the Savior. I wish all my family could have been there to hear their words as I have done a somewhat poor job trying to retell their talks! </p><p>In between the talks, was a father daughter duet on the piano of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/my-heavenly-father-loves-me?lang=eng" target="_blank">My Heavenly Father Loves Me.</a> which my little two year old started to sing in our pew. đ </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dywebPwc1NE72Qvg-NMPrbsvzHzywC5m5ubx7RGUfIYUF16VDXQlQRku_bk_ant5fp7bUJ3qT6fNN-Vxi_0aA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is a recording of Alan Walker (my friend's visiting dad) playing at a different ward meeting... but this is the song he and Mallory played today. It is beautiful! And what they were playing about [lyrics below] is equally beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gifts of music!<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>1. Whenever I hear the song of a bird</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Or look at the blue, blue sky,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Whenever I feel the rain on my face</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Or the wind as it rushes by,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Whenever I touch a velvet rose</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Or walk by our lilac tree,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Iâm glad that I live in this beautiful world</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Heavânly Father created for me.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>2. He gave me my eyes that I might see</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The color of butterfly wings.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>He gave me my ears that I might hear</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The magical sound of things.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I thank him revârently</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For all his creations, of which Iâm a part.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, I know Heavânly Father loves me.</i></div><p>The whole meeting was a spiritual feast. Thank you Heavenly Father, for letting me get to partake in such beauty church meeting.</p><p style="text-align: right;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-kWbJd6cIpB5raSWb6_1kYLgcHGVfJmFeypXBvWYNkmQTrn_nG2Y18QpZE2mzFr8FLLwMjginZPAyqzCB1EnzZqtTVaL0-alqGIcwVtp7nZBjf22ZmU3JakIK1ZdeN5O2WDLP4JiyfU/s2048/2029.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-kWbJd6cIpB5raSWb6_1kYLgcHGVfJmFeypXBvWYNkmQTrn_nG2Y18QpZE2mzFr8FLLwMjginZPAyqzCB1EnzZqtTVaL0-alqGIcwVtp7nZBjf22ZmU3JakIK1ZdeN5O2WDLP4JiyfU/w400-h300/2029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: start;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: black; text-align: start;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><b><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> H</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0088ff;">a</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">p</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">p</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">s</span><span style="color: #d35dfa;">s </span><span style="color: #0088ff;">i</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">s</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00;">:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 255, 255); color: #01ffff;"> </span></span></b></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">this s</span><i>tatement from my four year old. Never-mind that it was at 5:30 this morning. They put their chairs in a circle and each had a copy of </i><a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/requests/free-book-of-mormon" style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Mormon</a><i>... Oh, the tenderness--seeing them "study" my favorite book! </i></span></p><p><br /></p></div>Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-40923156819488431592020-11-21T22:38:00.002-07:002020-11-22T21:22:13.358-07:00Day 2 #GiveThanks<p> I was putting Bugaboo down for his nap. As I went to shut the door he raised up in bed and looked concerned at my hand in the door. I wondered if he thought that I was going to shut my fingers in the door. I said good bye but he still had a look on his face that he wanted me to do something. He finally said, "Mom, do I love you sign." Then I realized he was trying his hardest with his two year old fingers to make "his" sign. My heart melted that he wanted me to do the sign. </p><p>The other day in the car, I moved my mirror so that I could look at him and smile. He was working with his hands and I just smiled back not realizing what he was trying to do. After some "hard" work, his little exasperated voice came and said, "MOM teach! Teach, teach I love you sign, teach." Then I realized what he was trying to do with his hands. So I showed him how to do the I love you sign. đ€đŒ. </p><p>I know what he was wanting me to do, but in my mind I seemed to hear was that I should teach him how to love. Teach him how to show love. Teach him how to receive love. Typing this out seems a bit funny as he is a toddler. HE is the one who can teach me a thing or twenty about love. And yet what am I teaching, by my actions, reactions, or non-actions about my love and God's love? </p><p>Today I am thankful for a little boy who wants me to say I love you.</p><p>#GiveThanks</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: right;"><b style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> H</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0088ff;">a</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">p</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">p</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="color: red;">e</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">s</span><span style="color: #d35dfa;">s </span><span style="color: #0088ff;">i</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">s</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00;">:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 255, 255); color: #01ffff;"> </span></span></b><i> a little beautiful four year old saying, </i><i>" Heavenly Father loves you" with her own I love you sign... </i><i>on my 38th birthday. What a profound gift. </i></p>Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-44913471806563657622020-11-20T22:00:00.005-07:002020-11-22T21:23:17.498-07:00President Russell M. Nelson on the Healing Power of Gratitudeâ #GiveThanks<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tlcILxGmVrI" width="480"></iframe><div>#GiveThanks</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Hello my friends... it has been five-ish years since I have posted on here! Much has happened. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found out a week ago that President Nelson was going to share a movie with the world... and I have looked forward to this day with much anticipation, and my soul has rejoiced!</div><div><br /></div><div>President Nelson requested for seven days to make our social media turn into our gratitude journal. I closed my Facebook a while ago and I pondered if I was to open it back in an effort to do my contribution of sharing. My mind came to this blog.... this blog that has so many bits and pieces of my soul and study all over it. This blog took a back burner and then a near extinction. But like finding an old friend, the Lord has soothed my soul with past "journal" entries on here that I had forgotten and even reading, can't remember happening. There is defiantly power in recording the God moments in our lives. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #e5baff;">GRATITUDE JOURNAL </span></div><div>So I start off this seven-day venture with thanks to GOD for allowing me to hear a prophet of the Lord pray! We have some beautiful stories of prayers in the scriptures and even pieces of when the Savior prayed, but rare the full details. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I feel overwhelmed to know that God has a living prophet on the earth today. Just like Adam was a prophet, Noah, Abraham, Moses--for their day to lead and be God's mouthpiece on the earth, I know that President Russell M. Nelson is God's ordained, and chosen by God, prophet. I am filled with gratitude for the technology that allows me to get to hear from him outside of the scheduled General Conference message. I felt it was a sacred privileged to be allowed to hear how he prays. I pictured in my mind's eye that I was in the temple as he prayed. I rejoice that God has not left us alone to wander and wonder!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #d35dfa;"><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> H</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #0088ff;">a</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #01ffff;">p</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #04ff00;">p</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: red;">e</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #ff00fe;">s</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #d35dfa;">s </span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #0088ff;">i</span><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #01ffff;">s</span><span style="background-color: #444444; caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00;">:</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(1, 255, 255); color: #01ffff;"> </span></span></b><i> a little four year old coming up and asking if she can wipe down the stairs and banisters for me. âŁïžđ And if that wasn't enough she then asked if she could wipe down the walls and the cabinets. Yes, PLEASE! What a sweetheart. </i></div></div>Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-73599322822973430902015-07-08T15:40:00.000-06:002015-07-08T15:40:05.515-06:00HE TRUSTS ME ENOUGH, TO LET ME GROW Wow! For one, I was not sure I even remembered how to sign onto my blog. And from the looks of it, for good reason! Apparently it has been almost a full year since my last post... has my life really become all that different?! [A "YES" just screamed in my head.] :)<br />
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A little while ago I was listening to the <a href="https://www.lds.org/friend/?lang=eng">Friend</a> magazine in preparation to teach sharing time. I came across an activity page which shared the idea of using a large drink container, filling it with dirt, and planting some carrot seeds. So what did I do the very next day? Headed to the Dollar Store of course!<br />
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I didn't know how well the carrots would do in my kitchen window since the sun only shines on it for a few hours a day. Not to mention there have been some vacations here and there with no one to water. I have been surprised just how hardy the seeds have been!<br />
This morning as I was cleaning up the kitchen I looked up and noticed my carrots in the window. Both containers were planted at the exact time. It was <i>obvious</i> that bigger container was the better choice.<br />
I smiled as I thought of my son and how I am going to need to make sure that I give him room to "grow" so he can grow. My thoughts then seemed to change all at once to how Heavenly Father is giving <i>me</i> room so I can grow.<br />
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If life stays unchanging, sheltered, and comfortable, I will likely end up like the carrots in the mason jar, never fulfilling the measure of my creation. But a wise, perfect Heavenly Father knew/knows what I need in my "earth life" container. Challenges, heartaches, joys, laughter, death, sorrow, love, hope, darkness, light, silence, noise, and peace... All those types of experiences combined together, equal a perfect container/condition to grow. <br />
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I am so glad He trusts me enough, to let me grow.</div>
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Happiness is a tooth that finally stays down, badminton for family night,</div>
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and 72 hour kits coming together.</div>
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I am grateful for carrots growing in my window.</div>
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<br />Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-55837974951978663062014-07-15T15:51:00.000-06:002014-07-15T15:51:35.582-06:00SHE SAID A PRAYER_Lesson Not Lost<div style="text-align: center;">
(Apparently I never posted this... well I am pushing the publish button now.) </div>
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My sweet visiting teachers came over yesterday with a few of their kids. One of my teacher's was recounting a recent morning she had had with her children.<br />
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The morning was crazy, school was going to start but shoes were not yet on but four each seemed to have their own agenda. This dear sister found herself feeling overwhelmed and borderline going to break. There were only moments to get everything done the children seemed to have their own agendas. She told them they needed to have a prayer and re-start their morning or she was going to lose it. She said they all had a prayer and with in a minute after the prayer, all was in order, shoes on and they were heading towards the car. I was surprised to hear that your not being obedient children at the moment would stop and have a prayer with her. She mentioned that they all knew that if they didn't, the day would just not go right.<br />
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I was impressed with the morning storm she was facing--but this wise mother's inspiration like these rays of light over the ocean--was to stop, re-group and have a prayer.<br />
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Sometimes the answers [have a little prayer as a family] seem way to simple to be the answer.... I was impressed by this Mother's faith and adherence to the spirit.<br />
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Lesson not lost on me!<br />
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I am grateful for husbands who allow their wives to serve. (Thanks Babe!)</div>
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Happiness is being DONE with exercise for the day--because that means I actually did it. :)</div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-23742368011058571662014-07-15T15:49:00.000-06:002014-07-15T15:52:52.105-06:00MAFIA, KIDNEY STONE, and HE KNEW_ Lessons Not LostTime seems to slip away quickly, and although I have had MANY things I would have loved to blog about, other priorities have taken over and writing has been put on the back burner. But today my heart is full and I just need to share some of the things the Lord has given me to see/experience/hear.<br />
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<b>MAFIA FOR GOOD</b><br />
The other day a sweet woman contacted Mr. Dashing to see if she could get a blessing set up for her daughter who was going into surgery the next day. We both made some calls to find another priesthood holder to help. Mr. Dashing dressed in his suit (as I knew he would) and with me attending and wanting to show respect for the priesthood blessing, dressed in a dress.<br />
We stopped by the home of another priesthood brother who has a pretty awesome story about his journey/becoming active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He came to the car--and I worried that he might feel bad because of how we were dressed. After some time in the car he asked Mr. Dashing if he had just gotten off work or just liked to be in a suit. The answer came that Mr. Dashing tried to dress in a white shirt and tie when administrating in the priesthood whenever possible. That was new news to this brother and he said he had never heard of it. But the conversation was left at that.<br />
We went into the home and after some good conversation, these two priesthood brethren laid their hands on the 30 year old's head and gave her a blessing of strength, peace and comfort for the next day surgery.<br />
After the blessing was given, this good brother, Ed, placed his hands on the shoulders of the young woman and testified to her about the blessing of receiving a blessing before surgery. He showed his scars on his head from a brain surgery and this good sweet man testified that he knew that no matter what happened the next day--he <i>knew </i>Jesus would be with her. I was touched by his powerful, simple testifying of what he knew to be true. The words out of this rough and tough pictures up and down the arms, large man--touched me.<br />
We drove home with the spirit and asked Ed some different questions. He said that he had recently gone through the temple and that there was no turning back now. That He, then he proceeded to jab Mr. Dashing and then pointed back to me-- that we ALL were now solders for God because we had all been through the temple. That no matter what our priesthood holders said/asked, ours was to follow and serve. I smiled as I listened to his love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I thanked Heavenly Father for a man that was so willing and worthy to use the priesthood of God at a moments notice.<br />
Moments before arriving at his home Ed said, "I love the gospel! It is like being in the Mafia for GOOD!" He then explained in the mafia (I didn't ask him how he was so attached to the Mafia-- :) maybe a story for another day) you might get a call to do something needed at 2 am--and you just go and do it. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints-- whenever you get a call to do good (this day it was at 6:30 at night) you just go and do it! I smiled with his die heart conviction to the gospel of Jesus Christ and his commitment to be a solider for God.<br />
Ed got out of the car and as he went to shut the door he said the next time he would be dressed appropriately and have a shirt and tie on. He said it was the first he had heard of it, but he said he would do the same. We later heard that he chatted with bishop in asking him if one should wear a shirt and tie for administering a blessing. Bishop mentioned that whenever possible--that dressing for the priesthood was best. Ed then told Bishop he would do it. ...:) Oh this man who is in the Mafia for GOOD! ;) Warmed my heart and left me praising God. Great example to both Mr. Dashing and myself.<br />
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<b>KIDNEY STONE</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder and Sister Cloward - Joberg Africa</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1908222370"></span><span id="goog_1908222371"></span>I was chatting with my dad and mom the other day over facetime. Amen for the internet FINALLY in their African home! Makes communicating without glitches--so much nicer!<br />
I asked how their fast Sunday had been to which Dad replied, great and horrible. They had the missionaries over for dinner, but dad had become very uneasy with a sharp pain attacking him. A kidney stone! He did his best to be a host with much pacing. A few times he laid on his stomach and had my mom knee his back to help move the kidney stone along. Sometimes she was successful which resulted in 30 mins of rest/sleep--but followed by intense pain, pacing the floors, mopping and doing anything else to keep his mind distracted. I have had my own kidney stone before so I knew in general what my dad was going through.<br />
But the miracle of this agonizing moment was an aw-ha given to him through the spirit. See, early that morning as he and my mom were fasting for all of us in the family--my dad had been pondering over the sacrament prayers.<br />
As Latter-Day Saints, each Sunday we partake of bread that has been broken and blessed which represents Christ's body and also we partake of water that represents the blood he shed for each of us. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--when we are baptized, we promise to take upon us Jesus Christ's name (that is--try to do as He would do/live/be). We covenant to serve and love others, to keep His commandments, to mourn with those who mourn, comfort/support/care for those in need. We also are baptized because even Christ (our sinless brother) was baptized to fulfill all righteousness/follow what was asked by Heavenly Father.<br />
Our baptism is a symbol/outward expression of our inner commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that one must be baptized by someone who holds the priesthood authority (authority to act in God's name) to preform the sacred ordinance. When we are baptized, it is symbolic of putting away our old life, of whatever it was/is, and being "born again"-- to God. That means committing to keep and live His commandments. In doing so, we believe we receive a remission of our sins. That through the atonement of Christ, we are cleansed and clean- without any spot.<br />
After we are baptized we are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And with that confirmation (again only done by those who have authority given them by God to do the ordinance of laying their hands upon our head) we are told to "receive the Holy Ghost".<br />
We believe by living/striving to repent each day and trying to keep the commandments we can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost--the third member of the Godhead--whose job is to testify of truth, of Jesus Christ, and of Heavenly Father. Also he leads us and comforts us. Okay... back to the sacrament.<br />
If baptism in part is for a remission for our sins--and each of us sin every day because we are not perfect--then logically we should just stay in a baptismal font and NEVER get out because we would need to be baptized all the time! Right?! No, we are not to live in a font. But why it is so important to a Latter-Day Saint to attend church every week-- is that is where we partake of the sacrament, the bread and water representing Christ's body and blood that was shed for us-- and through that partaking of those emblems, we <i>renew</i> our baptismal covenants.<br />
So IF we partake the bread and water with a repentant heart, and we seek to be better and strive again to live as God would have us live--it is as IF we are being "baptized" each Sunday--we start our week fresh and clean, un spotted-- and ready to "KEEP TRYING/STRIVING" to do what we have promised God we would do.<br />
That is just a little back ground--- so back to my dad, he was pondering over the broken bread which is in similitude (represents) Christ's body that was broken and bruised for each of us. As my dad pondered about it--he said he just didn't get it. That perhaps there was something more "deep" then the bread physically representing all Christ gave us with his physical life/living. During the administration of the sacrament my dad asked God to help him better understand the broken bread.<br />
Well--that night, prayer answered! For after he had suffered through the attacks of the kidney stone, he felt that the attack was in direct answer to his pleading to better understand the Savior's physical suffering. That He [Jesus Christ] truly has felt all of our heartache and sorrows as well as our physical agonies.<br />
My dad believed he was given that brief encounter with a kidney stone as a tender mercy into a request to better understand.<br />
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My father's words got me thinking. He said mom already was "clued" into what the bread meant by what she has had to endure... but it was just coming to me. I pondered it all week and then the Lord gave me the Ryerse's talks...<br />
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<b>HE KNEW--SO I HAD PEACE</b><br />
This past Sunday brought a talk by Brother and Sister Ryerse. The words have stuck with me--and moved me. Sister Ryerse said that growing up she had pretty bad kidneys and had to go into the hospital often for treatments. Finally at 11 years old they decided to try a surgery to help correct/fix whatever was wrong with her kidneys. It sounds like it was a pretty risky procedure. And even at 11 she could remember feeling great anxiety and fear over the surgery. But she was given a blessing and was reminded that the Savior had already felt all the pain she would be going through/have--He knew exactly what she was facing... and although she didn't know how the outcome would be, she went into the surgery as a 11 year old with peace knowing that the Savior had already felt/knew what she was going through. (*Miracle--the surgery was a great success !! and shortly after her surgery the medical world stopped preforming that type of surgery because what there had been too many fatal outcomes with the procedure. She had been protected and preserved.)<br />
Brother Ryerse talked about the struggles of dating Melanie (Sister Ryerse) because her mom was so set on that HE was not the right one for HER daughter. Apparently the mother in law caused many tears and heartache as Sister Ryerse had received revelation from God to move forward with brother Ryerse in marriage but her mother was not supporting/would not have it.<br />
Brother Ryerse then said he had a profound dream while they were dating that he was sitting with Melanie's mom and expressing all the reasons he loved her daughter but she would not have it. And the more questions she asked the more Brother Ryerse tried to answer them but was left short handed by being able to satisfy any of the accusations of the mother in law to be. At the end of the dream, Melanie's mom stated to Brother Ryerse that in time things would be okay. He held to that--- and although it sounds like quite a bit of a "hell" in their dating process and probably a bit into their marriage--over time (several years and 4 kids into the marriage) it has been okay.<br />
Both talks were BEAUTIFUL examples of faith and perseverance/trusting in God-- even with great odds.<br />
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SOOO why is this all touching? My dad's experience and Melanie's-- I have never written on here because there are so many of my friends who's timing for marriage and/or children have not come to fruit yet-- My time for marriage was at age 30, and a time for our first child is apparently at age 31--close to 32. Our little guy is due Sept 28th.<br />
I can't even express all the feelings and emotions I have gone through, that both Mr. Dashing and I have been through in the last 29 weeks, let alone the almost year of marriage.<br />
And the next two 1/2 months, no doubt, we will yet experience many more things in regards to being parents and raising our little one to God.<br />
I have been at times brought to my knees in pure fear for labor and delivery--as well of needing to wear the mother hat.<br />
After serving a mission in New Jersey, when I came home I found myself weeping every time I was around children. It was sometimes out of control and outright feeling of ridiculous. I longed to teach my own little ones about Jesus Christ and God's plan for them, that God hears and answer's prayers, that we lived with him before we came here to this earth, and this earth life, in big measure is learning to be obedient to the commandments of God so we can yet again, return and live with our Heavenly Father. These thoughts would consume me when I was around little children. Sooo MUCH that I had to prayed to have my heart locked from so many tender emotions. (Yeah, not sure if that was wise or not) but lock my heart He did because I finally STOPPED weeping when I was around children. YEA!<br />
Yes I wanted to be a mother, but because that did not seem to be in my current life plans--I moved on. I strived to do everything within my power to be God's tool as a single person. I don't say this for bragging or to be "seen" a certain way--I am just writing how I choose to deal with my dreams of wife and family not coming in my time table. I certainly didn't want to just do nothing because what "I thought was best" was not coming to past. So I choose to focus on what I could or what I felt God would have me do when the blessings I had sought for were not on the horizon for nearly 10 years....<br />
But here, now, with the reality growing inside of me (literally with kicks and jabs-our little man is surely going to be a great swimmer like his dad) and the truth that if it is God's will, we will have a little bundle in our arms in the not too distant future---the thought of labor, delivery, and motherhood IS such an awesome monster, or I should, HAS been a monster.<br />
I have taken comfort in knowing the world has been populated for thousands of years by women doing what just freaks me out to do, and in a large part they have succeeded. But what my fears were not allowing me to realize--came in my dad's and Mel's experiences... the realization/aw-ha that Jesus Christ has already felt what I have been through and will yet go through. That my situation, no matter how closely related to someone else's, Jesus Christ is the one who will know exactly what I am facing. And although I don't know outcomes or have any clue to the pains to be physically felt and emotional/mental ones that will come with the motherhood package--HE DOES. HE KNOWS! And in <i>HIM</i> knowing, my heart takes great peace in knowing there is no part of this journey He has not already walked/ is ready to re-walk with me...!<br />
Yes, I know I am slow on the bandwagon and these truths I have already realized in other areas of my life, but like reading a scripture for the 100th time and finding something completely new or just pressed to the mind in a different light--this aw-ha is amazing! And this week I am facing the future with a determined peace of mind and confidence....<br />
I am so grateful for where I live. For the people who have been placed on my path-- for all those who have already dived into motherhood that have been great examples.<br />
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To all those who find that the dreams they have so long dreamed that have not come true--but they still are giving their all to God and trying to trust in His timing, how beautiful their examples are to me.<br />
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I am not sure why Mr. Dashing was saved/prepared for me. Some days he is more celestial than I know what to do with. And I am not sure why we have been given this time to have a family--but I know that whatever path each of us are on, if we will trust in God (who has our best interest at the center of His entire existence) we will never have to face/do what we are asked to do--alone. For our exact path (whatever it is in life) has been walked by the Redeemer of all mankind. And <i>if </i>one chooses to have faith in Him, despite the unknowns, that someone truly can live <i>in/with</i> peace and hope, regardless of what the outcomes/happenings of their individual journeys may bring.<br />
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Today I am rejoicing in people who testify about being God's solider, in white shirts and ties with men willing and worthy to serve in/with the priesthood. I rejoice in beautiful examples given to me of the personal lives of others, which move me in the direction of faith--because of them living their faith!<br />
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Happiness is God placing a new piece into the puzzles before my eternal soul's journey. </div>
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I am grateful for prayer, and repentance and the chance to become better than I am. </div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-22962000696323927322014-05-15T21:04:00.000-06:002014-05-15T21:04:55.870-06:00GOD'S HASTENING for CHINAThis touched me! God--preparing 17 from China to be leaders for that country when the doors are flung wide open!! <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/noahs-story?lang=eng&cid=HPWE051414133">Watch Noah's story here.</a></span></div>
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I am thankful for Mr. Dashing! He taught CPR to the WY last night. I was suppose to be his "dummy" but it was totally out of my comfort zon<span style="color: #0000ee;">e to lay down i<span style="color: #0000ee;">n front of any group</span></span>--but he had so kindly helped with all of babysitting, set up and take down for the RS meeting this week so in so many ways I owed him the favor back.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jDTRbtNmsEgThQHUqCoo01Njbs_B8a8ElEa1EH7neo-1HeOnl1fjKUOYO7jsdSVycXy4U1yLIrPTu1Jw7SEQvXVynQDwBBGcsMMxY_xywLZqNtHxyPaiudL-8l6VI_OojH2WCfeqGmU/s1600/Mr.+Wilson.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jDTRbtNmsEgThQHUqCoo01Njbs_B8a8ElEa1EH7neo-1HeOnl1fjKUOYO7jsdSVycXy4U1yLIrPTu1Jw7SEQvXVynQDwBBGcsMMxY_xywLZqNtHxyPaiudL-8l6VI_OojH2WCfeqGmU/s1600/Mr.+Wilson.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a> <br />
I was dreading it. I didn't get to see him until I reached the church, pretty sure my face was already blushing from the <i>thought</i> of having to be the "dummy". To my GREAT surprise and HUGE relief--Mr. Dashing came up with and made a Mr. Wilson so I didn't have to be the victim.<br />
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Greater love have no husband than this!!<br />
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Thank you my Handsome man and THANK you Mr Wilson. He even came with a bucket in the chest so that when the girls pressed down it sounded like they were working on a "real" CPR dummy.<br />
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Oh my smarty pants Mr. Dashing! Thanks babe for saving my cheeks HOURS of uncomfortable redness. :) Love you!<br />
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Happiness is living in such a day when the gospel is being preached everywhere!</div>
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I am grateful for ANYONE who assists God in His hastening. I have been witness of several amazing sisters this week who selflessly serve and give of themselves, even when it is not the most comfortable thing. </div>
<br />Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-77270778358413110412014-04-21T12:59:00.001-06:002014-04-21T12:59:47.723-06:00A MIRACLE IN SUNBEAMSI have another post long in coming, but as this just happened yesterday, I needed to share it!<br />
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Yesterday was my first day teaching Gospel Doctrine. I was calm in part because MR. AMAZING DASHING spent<i> all</i> of Saturday organizing and doing house chores so I could prepare for my lesson. It was difficult on me to have him working while I was studying away--but he too likes to prepare for lessons and was sympathetic to the reality that he has a wife that has never read the Old Testament for herself-EVER and knew I needed the <i>time</i>! What a priesthood hunk I have got! I love him.<br />
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Because of the holiday and teachers being out of town, I agreed to take over the third hour with the sunbeams. So after Gospel Doctrine I rushed to take into my possession the nine little sunbeams. It has been a LONG time since I taught four year old. Eight girls and one boy. Mr. Dashing helped for a moment and then had to leave to Young Mens. Some other primary workers asked if I needed a pair of extra hands, but I already knew they were short teachers as I had just taken on two classes. I sent them on their way trusting that God knew I was just trying to help out.<br />
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Big chairs for the tiny "seats" and a squished room made for a very oblong circle. It didn't help that I had a metal covering on the floor in the back of the room. All the little Easter shoes liked to try and sneak back and "tap" dance through the lesson. On top of the constant leading children away from the crate we learned about the creation. With the every 30 secs or so of "I want my Daddy" "Where are the treats" "Is this over yet" "My favorite color is purple" "she is in my chair" and so on... Seriously at moments, it was like dad says... "trying to herd cats"!! ;)<br />
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Not even into half of the hour, we were finishing a little activity-- when I heard a cry that turned into a sobbing scream. I looked under my table only to discover that my little bottle of peppermint oil was out of my bag and a three-year-old girl had opened it and had rubbed her hands into her eye. I don't know about any of you--- but peppermint oil has got to be worst then pepper spray in the eyes.<br />
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WHAT TO DO?!?!? This class was in a remote part of the building where other classes were not. I didn't have a co teacher. I had NO idea who this little girls parent's were, (I had already tried to figure out what her "name" was with no success of understanding her little language) and I didn't even know who the primary president was. Truly--I was as SUBSTITUTE as one can get in the church! I grabbed the little girl knowing I needed to try and wash her fast, but knowing once water got on her the burning would intensify even more. All the children were distressed because of the cries of this little girl. I asked them all to keep coloring and to stay put while I took her to the bathroom. The little fear in their faces matched my own anxiety. I told them she would be okay but we needed to get her washed.<br />
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We rushed into the bathroom and washed her hands with soap. Her eye was already red and swollen. I silently prayed not having a CLUE what to do. Knowing that even if I washed her eye the burning may last for a long time. I told Heavenly Father I was just trying to do my best but couldn't leave all the other children to find this one's parents.... After washing her hands and her permanent smelling eye, I grabbed some paper towels, soaked them and gave them for her to hold up to her eye. With her still crying I did the only thing I could think to do... I carried her back to class and kept her on my lap.<br />
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Angels must have attended the room for no four year old escaped! As I walked in the room, I saw their eyes and little hearts were filled with concern for their classmate. I sat in front of them still holding the girl in my arms and told them what had happened. I then shared with them that we needed to have a prayer for this little girl and ask Heavenly Father to help her. A little girl came to the front of the room. With the girl still crying and wimpering in my lap, this other girl and the whole class folded their arms. I helped the little girl with her prayer....please bless this girls eyes to get better and to be okay. The little girl sat down and the drama of the moment seemed to calm the children for a little bit.<br />
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Still trying to open her red swollen eye the little girl on my lap let out some discomfort grunts for about five mins... or was it a little less? Then, all of a sudden she did not want the wet paper towel any more and she practically jumped off my lap to take her own seat. (*Her seat that she had barely sat on in the first place because she was one of the children that were all over.)<br />
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About seven mins after the prayer she wasn't even touching her eye and other than the redness and the little swelling she acted as if she had never got peppermint into her eye. By the end of the class not only were her bangs dry from where I had gotten them wet, but there was NO redness in her eye any more!!!!<br />
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Truly a miracle!!<br />
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As we closed up our lesson, someone else gave the closing prayer and we all thanked Heavenly Father for the miracle that He had preformed. I guarantee you it was NOT my faith that blessed us yesterday--but all the sweet, believing blood of these three and four year olds! I had witnessed their miracle!<br />
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I hope at least one of them will remember what God did for a tiny girl, in a tiny, room, with peppermint oil in her eye. I know this is something I will not forget.<br />
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And HA wouldn't you know it?!?! The dad of this little girl came in after class was over and although there was nothing physical that would give away the encounter with the oil (and being slightly tempted to not even tell him what happened)--I told him what had happened. He mentioned that they like peppermint oil at their house too and they all know too well that it is not good in the eyes! I smiled as the one child who has had experience with oils in the home, was the child who had the oil in the eye.Maybe that is why she opened up the oil in the first place--having watched her mom use similar little bottles?!<br />
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Oh the faith of children! If mine could be as such!<br />
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<span style="text-align: right;">Happiness is the Dashing man who allows me time to try and magnify my callin</span><span style="text-align: right;">g.</span></div>
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I grateful for peppermint oil rescuing angels and the prayers and faith of four-year-olds!</div>
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God is a God of Miracles!</div>
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Oh and PS. </div>
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A big thanks to Amber and Brian who recently moved here from Ohio and came to church yesterday to support us singing in the ward choir! It was like having our own family in the congregation. Thanks you two!</div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-38565435059651436632014-03-09T17:05:00.001-06:002014-03-09T17:05:53.514-06:00TRUSTING GODAfter all my revelation was: "Stay/can't go until the Condo sells" and "Trust your husband". With this revelation I stayed in Utah, while Mr. Dashing moved out to WY last Oct. A few weekends here and there--watching budgets with gas costs for the 10 hour round trip drives, and thank goodness for Thanksgiving in Nov and Christmas in Dec which allowed us to be together. Friends always asked me how "being" married was and I would tell them when I "was'' I would let them know!<br />
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Well for the first time since Aug 30th, I have just experienced my VERY first weekend where we have not been traveling or cleaning a condo but are actually living in the same state and under the same roof! Let me tell you, it is AWESOME!<br />
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This miracle of us even getting to live together started back in Nov when someone Mr. Dashing worked with suggested I turn in my resume to her place because they would be hiring. We knew we had some time but come the end of Dec/start of Jan I had some very strong impressions to get my resume in.<br />
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With the help of my patient and devoded Mr. Dashing and blessed Cindy's timely editing, my resume was in the start of Jan. A day later a job interview was set up and I found myself visiting Mr. Handsome in WY for the interview.<br />
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What if this job took?! What would I do with the condo? How would this all work?<br />
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The interview I felt went very well and a few weeks later was confirmed by the gal wanting to hire me that in fact she did want to hire me-she just had to "wait" some time to give me the job. Mr. Dashing and I felt to move forward with faith. Impressions were followed, emails back and forth to Africa, loving folks that decided to buy back the condo, a three week notice given to my job and moving boxes galore! All these things/a move to take place in about a three week window. When God's timing arrives--it arrives.<br />
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I had still not "heard' officially from the job but we were fairly confident all would work out.<br />
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The week of moving (mid Feb) to WY came and I was a bit of a mess. So much to do, working 4 10's and then coming home to try and get ready for the move. How would I be ready for when Mr. Dashing would come a few days prior to all the wonderful help set up? (By the way, he came out a day earlier than planned which was not only awesome but very inspire! Thanks babe! STILL was a GREAT and needed surprise.)<br />
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As the stress and worry (I sometimes allowed to) weigh on my heart, the Tuesday of the week I was moving I was awoken with the scripture from Proverbs in my head.<i> </i><br />
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<i>"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." </i> </blockquote>
I had never really tried to memorize this scripture before, but my mind knew all the words. And for a straight hour, this scripture played and replayed in my mind in a very vivid way. I saw words, and me "leaning" to my own ways but then seeing myself "lean" on the word LORD and TRUST. It was very vivid...<br />
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By the time I hit the shower just after 6 a.m. I verbally made the comment, "Okay Lord, I get that thou wants me to TRUST thee." Because of the stress with the move that weekend and me not knowing how we were going to move all of our stuff, I figured God wanted me to <i>trust</i> that it would all work out. So of to work I went, with trust in my heart. <br />
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So imagine I am at work and about 3:10 I find that I missed a phone call. I go into a back room and who is it? The employer I had interviewed with, that practically told me I had the job, had just left a message that there had been budget cuts and they no longer would be hiring anyone. The gal wished me good luck with my endevors and that was that.<br />
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"Ohhhh, I get it! Heavenly Father, this morning with the scripture--that was to prepared me for this!" Normally I would have fallen to my knees crying in dispair. I did fall to my knees and tears did roll down my cheeks but they were tears of gratitude. God KNEW that I wasn't going to get that job that would secure having insurance. But He also KNEW that that job was the tool to start the motion of getting the condo sold and making a way/providing the means for me to move and actually work on the wife and marriage catigories under the same roof as Mr. Dashing. The urgant prompting to put in my resume, to the almost too good to be true interview, to the acknowledgment that it was a "done deal" with the hire--- all HIS tools to make a way for me to move at the timing He had in plan. The tears were simply gratitude that He had given me the morning I had had with the reminder that I was to trust in Him.<br />
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I left that room with a peace and a calm that I <i>know</i>, can only come from God. <br />
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So coming up close to a month, I am actually getting to work on the whole "wife" and "marriage"roles in the same location and house as Mr. Dashing! Still no job on the horizon yet, but we are trusting in God. His timings and ways may not be our own, but He knows better than we do. And we know in whom we trust!<br />
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To all those who helped with our packing, cleaning, and loading--- BLESS YOU! In so many ways God litterally sent earthly angels when I was in need of some help. I am a big "time" succor. And because I value time and what I do with my own, when others offer theirs for and in behalf of MY needs, I don't know if there is a sweeter, more kind gift that can be given. Or a gift that causes my eyes to leek so easily. For all the prayers and well wishes to get Mr. Dashing and I together--THANK YOU! Thank you!<br />
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And a note to all my friends at my past job for nearly nine years--Heritage Makers. I truly have been spoiled to be surrounded by great examples. My co-workers were/are of the highest caliber of integrity and honesty, of love and devotion, service and unity. I know that I was given an "ideal" to work in. When being interviewed I was asked what I didn't like about my current work situation. I paused for a very long time not knowing what to say and finally said that I wished the kitchen sink was larger. Yes the gals interviwing me had a chuckle with this, but they just simply did not know the type of people "BLESSINGS" God has allowed me to work with. And not just the folks I worked with, but their spouses and family not in the work arena... individuals who Love and reverence God and one another too. I have had nine years of training on how to be a better person and what it is to give more of "self". <br />
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To my team and fellow co-workers from HM-- I LOVE YOU, more than I know how to express! Thank you for coming/being in my life. <br />
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So we are trusting God. What will be our next adventures? Only God fully knows, but as Mr. Dashing always reminds me, "It will all work out." Heavenly Father<i> knows </i>what He is doing. (Thank goodness too!)</div>
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Happiness is knowing God is in the Details. Even if you don't have a clue what they include. </div>
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I am grateful to a husband who is patient and kindly loving as I try to figure out this wife and marriage thing. :) </div>
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Love you babe! </div>
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HELLO WYOMING!</div>
<br />Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-70038631414073025342014-02-05T18:41:00.001-07:002014-02-05T19:29:33.295-07:00FEAR(I apologize to anyone who received an email from this post! I hit publish on accident. This is the "real" post! So sorry!)
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-utlnGSkreYEZ4b8IJ7Jm3gumjqwkexg68RcGOIJNEIkM0XmIWOKvPmuarF88l_N_kLCXISEwxECCKuNiiE8Kow7jrRBQ_FOpVPTcPrh8OHU1cTei65Q4rD65Qn9KiuorC-7rzrtmWc/s1600/Snake+Eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-utlnGSkreYEZ4b8IJ7Jm3gumjqwkexg68RcGOIJNEIkM0XmIWOKvPmuarF88l_N_kLCXISEwxECCKuNiiE8Kow7jrRBQ_FOpVPTcPrh8OHU1cTei65Q4rD65Qn9KiuorC-7rzrtmWc/s1600/Snake+Eyes.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't claim this awesome picture of what sand looks like close up in Africa! Thanks to the guide and my parents camera! Awesome shot! As my mom says, "Sand Crystals"! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Tonight, Mr. Dashing and I read through <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/57?lang=eng">Alma 57</a> in the Book of Mormon. ....profound NEW insight for me!<br />
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The Nephites are contending with the Lamanites. The captured Lamanites prisoners are so many that a small number of Nephite soldiers start to march the Lamanite prisoners to a different city so the city will be able to help maintain the prisioners. The prisoners break free. Gid was the chief captain over those who had been appointed to guard the prisoners on the march. In his word's he shared what had happened with the breakout of the prisoners....<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Behold, we did start to go
down to the land of Zarahemla with our prisoners. And it came to pass
that we did meet the spies of our armies, who had been sent out to watch
the camp of the Lamanites.<span class="verse"></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="">
And
they cried unto us, sayingâBehold, the armies of the Lamanites are
marching towards the city of Cumeni; and behold, they will fall upon
them, yea, and will destroy our people.</div>
</blockquote>
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And
it came to pass that <b>our prisoners did hear their cries, <u>which caused
them to take courage</u>; and they did rise up in rebellion against us.</b></blockquote>
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And
it came to pass because of their rebellion we did cause that our swords
should come upon them. And it came to pass that they did in a body run
upon our swords, in the which, the greater number of them were slain;
and the remainder of them broke through and fled from us.</div>
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="34"></a> </blockquote>
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And
behold, when they had fled and we could not overtake them, we took our
march with speed towards the city Cumeni; and behold, we did arrive in
time that we might assist our brethren in preserving the city. </div>
</blockquote>
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<div class="">
And
behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And
blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered
us; yea, that has done this great thing for us. (emphasis added)</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
HOLY COW!! Stay with me here.<br />
<br />
The prisoners [in this case they were those from the Lamanite army] are the enemy. When they heard the Nephites [the spies] "cries" about what may happen to the people in Cumeni, they <i>took courage</i> and <i>did rise up</i> in rebellion.<br />
<br />
To my mind came the comparison of when we have "cries" a.k.a "fears"...We are told over and over in the scriptures to "fear not" and be of good cheer. <b>PERHAPS</b>--when we show fear [fear of the future or to what is happening to a loved one, or whatever circumstance we find ourselves in or perceive may happen] Satan and all of his followers--when they hear/see our cries [our fear] <b>they take courage and rise up </b>against us--EVEN MORE then when they were just 'marching alongside' us!?!<br />
<br />
Satan and his band are already trouble! I surely don't need them taking courage and rising up <i>even more</i> against me!!<br />
<br />
Conversation with myself: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Q: Well that is just great! :/ I fear all the time, so now I am doomed even more?! My fear gives Satan more power?!<br />
A: Well yes fear is "power" to Satan, but no you are not doomed. In the end of those verses see what Gid says: "And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us."</blockquote>
God still can help us and does help us when our weakness of fear manifests, just as he helped the Nephites against the prisoner outbreak. And in this particular story their cries caused a chain reaction that in the end made it so Gid and his men could go back to the main army and help save them from being overpowered. [For another time--that is a look into how God can make strength out of our weakness and in no way am I approving of fear here, but it is another layer to the spiritual onion.] <br />
<br />
We are to fear God which will help keep our natural man in check, but all other things we are not to fear, but be believing. Great lesson for me! Sweet insight to what Satan and his band do as a result of seeing my fears.<br />
<br />
So why the awesome sand picture at the top?! Did you see "them"? Two snake eyes and part of his face hiding smack in the middle. Apparently it is a deadly snake but my parents guide was chill taking the picture for them.<br />
<br />
We never know what is around the corner, but with putting our trust and faith in God and doubting nothing-- He will deliver us in His time and in His way. One constant theme in the Book of Mormon is deliverance. And sometimes that <i>deliverance</i> comes in the form of "strength" to simply endure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Happiness is a way made to live in the same state as Mr. Dashing! Here I come WY--ready or not. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I am grateful for parents who are determined to conquer their new challenges. </div>
<br />
<br />
And p.s. I have no time to write this post and yet the insight was too profound not to take the time!Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-21837937385264734982013-12-07T20:18:00.001-07:002013-12-07T20:18:34.856-07:00RATTLESNAKE VENOM and THE POWER OF FORGIVENSSI know this is quite long--but this is a chapter from my Grandfather's book and I have been wanting to post it forever!<br />
<br />
There are treasures of truth and profound insight in here. I have read this many times and never get tired of the amazing stories and reminders. Whether for your own life or you become inspired to share with someone you love--the truths are profound.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness is a freeing enabling agent. Shackles are crumbled, bondage broken, and where darkness once consumed, the light of peace delivers. <br />
<br />
I LOVE this!!! Enjoy!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span><span>Dissolving Resentments and Achieving Forgiveness</span></span></i></span></span></h4>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(To Him That Believeth: Claiming Heavenâs
Blessings. By: Frederick & June Babbel)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Accumulated
resentments are warping or destroying the lives of millions of people in this
land and in other countries around the world. Resentments are insidious by
nature. They generally create greater havoc with the one who harbors them than
with the person or persons against whom such resentment is focused. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
long as we cling to resentments, we short-circuit the glorious regenerating
power of forgiveness in our own lives and delay its benign influence in the
lives of those against whom resentment is focused. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Key to
Well-Being</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
considering this vital subject, let us remember that love is the fulfilling of
all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:40.) To overcome resentments requires
Christlike love. Out of love grow gratitude, thanksgiving, kindness,
tenderness, humility, meekness, joy, and, above all else, forgiveness. These
are all godly virtues through which we can be lifted up. We can have increased
light until there is not darkness in us. â⊠and that body which is filled with
light comprehendeth all things.â (D&C 88:67.) What a glorious promise!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
the other hand, doubt, worry, anxiety, fear, hate, bickering, strife,
disputation, contention, fault-finding, and resentments come from the evil one.
They are on his side of the Line! They have no association with faith. They
have no relevance with trust. They are the antithesis of love. Recall how the
Apostle Paul emphasized this fact to Timothy: âFor God hath not given us the
spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.â (2 Timothy
1:7.)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
cannot serve God and mammon! We cannot nurture seeds of distrust, seeds of
suspicion, seeds of jealousy, and others, all of which stem from doubt. If we
do, we deny ourselves the power of God athat can operate in and through us. We
cannot serve two masters. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have
you ever wondered why you did not receive a blessing you desired? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ye
endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing which was offered
unto you; but behold ⊠there were fears in your hearts, and ⊠this is the
reason that ye did not receive. (D&C 67:3.)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
must rid our minds, our thoughts, our feelings and our actions of all negative
qualities. By entertaining or cultivating such negativity in our lives, we are
opening the door to the adversary and relinquishing our diving strength and
power to be used by him for his avowed purposeâour misery and ultimate
destruction. (2 Nephi 2:27.)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Power of Forgiveness</i></b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><b> </b> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
day at the Church offices, I was walking down the hall when President Levi
Edgar Young motioned for me to come into his office. As I entered he invited me
to be seated and said, âBrother Babbel, if you have a few minutes I would like
to share with you a lovely experience I have just had.â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I
sat down he said, âDid you happen to notice that elderly gentleman whom I just
helped into the elevator?â I replied affirmatively. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
President Young related to me the following experience. That man, who appeared
to be in his eighties, had approached him earlier that afternoon, and President
Young had detected from the manâs broken English that he was of Germanic
origin. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âAre
you President Young?â he queried. âLevi Edgar Young?â came his next question. President
Young responded affirmatively to both inquiries. â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âWere
you ever a missionary for your Church?â President Young informed him that he
had been engaged in several missions.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âWere
you ever a missionary in Germany?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âYes,
I served a mission in Germany,â came the reply. âIn fact, that was my first
mission. I was about nineteen years old.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âDid
you ever labor in a city of Leipzig?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âyes,
that was my first field of labor.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
this elderly man continued: âDo you remember a time when you were tracting on
the third floor of an apartment building? As you attempted to give a man on of
your tracts and a brief message, he became very angry. He struck you, threw you
down the stairs, and continued to maul you until you reached the street, where
he left you lying in the gutter bruised and bleeding. Do you remember that?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>President
Young said that he had to ponder this question for some time before he could
remember it. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With
tears coursing down his aged cheeks, this man dropped to his knees and pleaded:
âPresident Young. I am that man. I have waited over fifty years for this day
that I might come here and ask your forgiveness for what I did to you at that
time. I did accept your message later and became a member of the Church. Since
then I have tried to do what is right. I have come here now to ask your
forgiveness.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
gaining control of his own feelings, President young responded, âOf course,
dear Brother. I forgave you. Donât you remember that I turned and forgave you
while I was lying in the gutter?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
President Young continued: âBrother Babbel, because I honestly forgave that man
as sincerely as Jesus Forgave those who maligned him while he hung on the
cross, the memory of that even had been taken from me completely. Until this
good Brother brought it to my attention, it had never crossed my mind.â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
he shared with me this sterling counsel: âThis is one of the great lessons we
have to learn in life. The Lord has said, âI, the Lord, will forgive whom I
will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.â (D&C 64:10.)
It is pleasing to him if we forgive the moment that such an incident occurs. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âWhen
this is done,â he concluded, âthe load is lifted from you and the healing
influence can go from you to make the matter right. On the other hand, if that
person who was guilty of the offense does not seek forgiveness, he will carry
the burden that will weigh him down and become more distressing with each passing
year. What compassion I feel for this elderly brother who has lived with his
tormented conscience for over fifty years!â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Curse of
Resentments</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later
when I was living in the Portland, Oregon, area, an urgent call came from a
valued friend who had been bedfast for nearly a year. Now his condition was
critical. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
I reached his home, I found him resting on his front room couch. His wife was
in the adjoining dining room, ironing his burial clothes. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
told me that his family doctor had informed him earlier that afternoon that his
life was nearing its end and that it was now only a matter of a day or two, or
perhaps a week at the most, until he would expire. Then he remarked: âThe
strange thing about this whole matter is that the doctors still do not know
what is wrong with me. They just know that I am dying. Tonight I just felt that
I wanted to visit with you before I prepare to meet my Maker.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
continuing our conversation, I received a divine insight as to what his real
problem was. âBrother,â I responded, âI believe I know what is wrong.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
seemed started, but genuinely interested, as he urged, âPlease tell me.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âYouâve
had a number of very serious hurts and disappointments in your life,â I said,
âthat have filled you with bitter resentment. Many of these have never been
resolved.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
seemed incredulous and somewhat apprehensive as he inquired, âWhat do you know
about them?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âNot
a thing,â I replied, âunless you tell me about them. I only perceive that you
have been deeply hurt many times. Yet you have never forgiven those who were
responsible for these offenses.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âWell,
I must admit,â he countered, âthat I have had some pretty bitter experiences.
But since I accepted the gospel, I believe that I could forgive those who were
responsible if they asked for my forgiveness.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âBut
that is not how the principle of forgiveness works,â I said. âWhen any serious
grievance takes place, the Lord requires us to forgive the guilty party the
moment the infraction occurs, if possible.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I related
to my friend the experience that President Levi Edgar Young had shared with me
earlier. I could tell that he was beginning to get the message. I inquired
whether or not he had ever visited the rattlesnake farm near Salem, Oregon,
where they extract venom and process small cans of rattlesnake meat for
venturesome gourmets. He said that he had heard of the farm but had not been
there. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âRecently
I heard of an experience that was conducted there,â I said. âOne of the
caretakers took one of his large rattlesnakes and put a forked stick behind its
head so it could not coil to strike. Then he began to tantalize it with small
chicks and other food. The snake kept trying to coil unsuccessfully, and venom
dripped quite freely form its fangs. Within minutes the snake stiffened and
died. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âThe
caretaker then commented that a rattlesnake can stand just about anything
except its own venom. When it cannot discharge the venom as fast as it is
produced, it dies of its own accumulated poison.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
I suggested to my friend that his own condition somewhat paralleled that of the
snake: âWhen you have any resentment, hurt, bitterness, or hatred in your
heart, regardless of the cause, if you do not get rid of it at once through the
spirit of forgiveness, the hatred will continue to fester and grow and
increase, since that is the basic Law of the Harvest. Unless contained, these
negative feelings will finally consume and destroy the person who harbors them.
This is what has been troubling you and what, even now, has brought you to the
point of death.â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
friend began to sob unashamedly. In the process he removed his nightshirt and
showed me his bare back. I had never seen a back like this, not even in the
concentration camps in Europe. Across his back were large criss-crossed scars
that were scabbed over with ugly flesh. Some of them were so deep a person
could almost lay his arm in them. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
he related to me how his father used to come home occasionally in a mean,
drunken stupor. His temper would flare up and he would take a heavy whip from
the wall and flog whatever was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>within
reach. This whip, a âcat oâ nine tails,â was leather with several strands. At
the end of each strand was fastened a large brass ball with metal spikes that
could tear the hide off an animal. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
one occasion my friend was the victim. Just fourteen years old at the time, he
was whipped into unconsciousness. How long he lay on the floor he did not know,
but as he regained consciousness, he found himself lying in a pool of his own
blood, with his back fairly torn to shreds. He managed somehow to crawl from
his house, and he vowed he would never return. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
this point I interrupted, âYouâve kept that promise, havenât you?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âYes,â
he replied. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âYouâve
never forgiven your father for that flogging, have you?â I next inquired. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âNo,
I guess not,â was his reply. âBut if dad were to ask for my forgiveness, I
think I could forgive him now.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âIâm
concerned,â I said, âthat you still donât understand the underlying principle.
You have had the divine responsibility of forgiving your father from the moment
that you regained consciousness, so that the healing power of forgiveness could
come into your own life and relieve you of this terrible burden. In doing so,
you might also have started the process of healing for your father as well. But
because you have continued to nurture this resentment, it has festered and
grown until it is literally consuming you. In addition, I feel you still have a
number of other resentments against others that likewise have never been
resolved. These are adding to your burden and hastening your untimely death.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
friend then recalled numerous other cases throughout Canada, Montana, and the
Pacific Northwest, none of which had been resolved. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âWhere
does your father live?â I asked next. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âThe
last I knew, he was living in North Dakota,â my friend responded. âI havenât
see him or been in touch with him for over forty years.â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
we finished talking I invited him to sit upon a chair so I could give him a
special blessing and outline for him what must be done. In the blessing he was
instructed to get out of bed the following morning, take his wife, and drive to
his fatherâs home in North Dakota, with the assurance that his father was still
alive. He was also to drive to the homes of all the other people against whom
he had resentments, no matter where they lived.â<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
each case he was to ask for their forgiveness for having harbored resentments
against them. âDonât go there and try to persuade them to beg for your
forgiveness,â I admonished. âRather, your assignment is to ask their
forgiveness for your having failed to make a reconciliation these many years.â
The blessing outlined how he was to ask for such forgiveness. In addition, I
blessed him with the necessary strength to accomplish this task successfully.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>About
four or five weeks later my friend stopped his car in our driveway. As he
stepped out of his car, I greeted him with, âBrother, youâre a well man now,
arenât you?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âYes,â
he responded, âI havenât felt this good in many years.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
then began to relate to me his experiences. He told me about meeting his aged
father, who was now in his eighties and nearly blind. When his father came to
the door, he inquired in his usual gruff manner, âWho are you?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
friend informed him that he was his son. Still rather brusquely, his father
responded, âWell, what do you want now?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
friend answered: âDad, I have come home to ask for your forgiveness. For years
I have held a bitter resentment against you for what you did to me when I was a
young man. I had no right to feel resentment toward you. Can you forgive me for
holding a grudge all these years?â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
said that his father looked stunned for a moment. Then he broke down and cried,
threw his arms around his son, and sobbed, âSon, Iâm the one who should have
asked for your forgiveness, but I didnât have the courage. Can you forgive me?â</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
my friend added: âYou know, we made a complete reconciliation. The spirit of
peace and forgiveness flooded both of our lives. I had a similar experience in
every home I visited, as you directed me to do in my blessing. Today I am a
happy, healthy man. I am at peace with myself and with my Lord.â </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Within
six months my friend was the third-highest sales producer for the large life
insurance company he represented. Just before Christmas he and his wife were
called to go on a special mission to New Zealand. More than thirty years later,
as far as I am aware, he is still very much alive, enjoying life and serving
his fellowmenâthis man who was doomed to die in 1951!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Challenges and
Benefits</i></b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These
events have had a profound influence in my own life and in the lives of many
others. This principle of forgiveness is so vital that we should be overjoyed
to put it into daily use. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
we really understand and practice the principle of forgiveness as the Lord
outlined it, we will be doubly blessed. First, we will be freed from the burden
of accumulated resentments that continually multiply and fester when harbored
in our hearts. Second, we will activate the principle of forgiveness in our own
lives. Unless and until we forgive others, the divine law specifies that there
is no forgiveness for us, for we must be measured by the precedent we have
established in our forgiveness of others or in our own lack of forgiveness.
Third, we will hasten the principleâs purifying influence in the lives oft
those against whom our resentment is focused. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This,
then, is the standard by which we shall be measured: </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>⊠ye
ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother has
trespassed standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the
great sin. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I,
the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to
forgive all men. (D&C 64:9-109.)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
in most matters in life, we set the standard for our own forgiveness. Since we
all need forgiveness in abundance, we should welcome the opportunity to lavish
it upon every living soul with whom we come in contact, including our bitterest
enemies! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No
one can have a happier life unless this principle is practiced daily to open
the doors for our own forgiveness and to bring about the healing needed in
those who have been guilty of the offense in the first place. Unless and until
we do, the greater sin remains with us since we are deliberately shortchanging
both parties involved. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In a
very real sense, harboring resentments can contribute to our own untimely death
as well as the misery of those against whom such resentments are focused. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>âŠ</div>
</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRYYDI9qxs2HkaCY-I7A7VPc1XtYqLlhRQUlpg3PrAmX_WcyP-7JwhVFQ0DDhX5dsbWmTS-Yrt_UXI5f6Qqg0wQF5g0fMkUpWWrHd-SZizbeOGujMeY0OxITR8zeL2cyznb6TK1dLGck/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRYYDI9qxs2HkaCY-I7A7VPc1XtYqLlhRQUlpg3PrAmX_WcyP-7JwhVFQ0DDhX5dsbWmTS-Yrt_UXI5f6Qqg0wQF5g0fMkUpWWrHd-SZizbeOGujMeY0OxITR8zeL2cyznb6TK1dLGck/s640/IMG_1224.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mr. Dashing took this shot. I quite love it!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All because of Him...! God has a plan.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Happiness is the heart that forgives.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Grateful for a God that prepares a way. </div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-60321670656440836102013-12-06T12:11:00.002-07:002013-12-06T21:57:47.192-07:00WHEELCHAIR--OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoqnaCAZ5HTQiVr1O2tif7a-OgxBFD4k2honUoK0KrkR7XUdb_AlFEuomrp31QHXSGi-uOipUsGiqjLOQT7aLwZhKI2U2Mwyl3ln0fTcD2MFBbN8ihA288mVVtNJhFcUzS31g3olLhh0/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoqnaCAZ5HTQiVr1O2tif7a-OgxBFD4k2honUoK0KrkR7XUdb_AlFEuomrp31QHXSGi-uOipUsGiqjLOQT7aLwZhKI2U2Mwyl3ln0fTcD2MFBbN8ihA288mVVtNJhFcUzS31g3olLhh0/s640/IMG_0817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sent for the <i>one</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfE1sEKPh3Ykj1znwtcilbOU8x5ebpXIzoXB3eWuLUSXqZuMBlljVThkQQkYgJSRldk873QofdAskrWOBRqXO06hPdwzqAPdq9U1Pcseg16pyNEWC1-Qtq5vd-sIcxQ3fl2f8yftAOU4/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Brother Travis Storey got up and bore a beautiful testimony Sunday.
Truly God is mindful of each of usâof âthe one.â<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Travis is a busy father of seven. On top of his Dad duties, his
amazing wife Kiji has been fighting for her life against cancer. Her battle in
and of itself is a miracle. She and her devotion to God even in the midst of
the storm is a great inspiration to all who know her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Travis is finishing his dental program and working with
clients up in Salt Lake. All that is on the Storey familyâs plate makes his
morning routine all the more admirable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Travis has the habit going to the gym. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Before</i> the gym (which he goes to in the early morning hours) he
finds a church parking lot where he parks and spends some time reading the scriptures
and in prayer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently during in his morning routine, Travis had an
impression to go to a specific location before going to the gym. He followed that
impression and found himself driving near the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon,
which is nowhere near the gym. As he drove, he passed what he thought was a
wheelchair. The road he was on did not have any sidewalks, and it was dark, cold
and windy outside. Travis wondered what a wheelchair was doing out in the
middle of nowhere. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feeling that perhaps someone needed help, he turned his car around
and started searching for the wheelchair he had seen. Sure enough, there was a
person in the wheelchair. Travis could tell the person was in need, so he
pulled his car over and asked what he could do for him. The story that unfolded
is amazing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently this guy,
I will call him Joe, had come with some friends into Provo to celebrate a
friendâs birthday. They had a great time. But when the evening ended and the
cars were loaded up, somehow Joe was left out of the head count. He had no way
to contact his friends to say, âHello, I am still here!â <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joe didnât know anyone locally he could
contact. He just knew he needed to get to Mount Pleasant to make his class the
next day and he had no vehicle to get him there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what did Joe do? The only thing he could doâhe started to
wheel himself in the direction of Mount Pleasant. (Note: Mount Pleasant is an
hour away from Provo <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> up through a
dangerous canyon.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He had started his trek in Provo at 9 the previous night and
had been wheeling towards his destination until Travis found him around 4:45
a.m. the next morning! Travis said Joe was only about three feet tall and due
to a spinal condition wasnât able to stand upright to straighten his back. He was
not dressed properly for the cold and was found shivering. Having shorter arms,
Joe moved himself by walking his feet along. With no sidewalks along the road,
whenever a car came by, Joe would move his wheelchair off the road so as to not
get hit by the passing vehicle. Joe had been praying for someone, anyone, to
help him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Travis later found out that Joe is from Californiaâwhich
âjust happensâ (I write that in quotes, because nothing ever JUST happens!) to
be the same state where Travis served his mission, and from Pleasanton,
Travisâs favorite city of his mission. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe served a mission at the MTC Call Center for two years,
taking calls and working with referrals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He described his experience there to be difficult, spending hour after
hour, day after day in front of a computer screen taking phone calls for what
seemed like a fruitless task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
found that out, Travis felt the need to testify to Joe that he (Travis) had had
several referrals come through while on his mission from people who had
contacted the Church through the MTC Call Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt that Joe needed to hear that the work
he had done during those difficult 2 years planted seeds that missionaries from
all over were able to harvest and that Travis had personally been able to baptize
investigators in Pleasanton, CA, the very city where Joe was from. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Travis thanked Joe for all he had done on his
mission. As his morning workout was traded for a trek up to Mount Pleasant, Travis
continued talking with Joe as they made the ride together toward Mount Pleasant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Travis relayed how we are all just like Joe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We do not physically have a way of getting
ourselves back âhome.â We needed a Savior to provide the way, to provide the
âvehicleâ (namely repentance, forgiveness through a perfect Atonement and a
resurrection which overcomes the sting of death) to help us make the trek back
to Heavenly Father. Travisâs car was the âliteralâ vehicle for the determined
and courageous Joe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it can be with all of us, with me! Who on the journey of
life needs a âliftâ?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Sunday, Travis bore testimony that that he always studies
the Book of Mormon and scriptures before he goes to the gym each morning
because it is his âsacred time with ⊠Heavenly Father,â when his mind is the
sharpest and he can feel His presence the strongest. Travis said he has had
many spiritual experiences and insights during that dedicated time, his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spiritual exercise</i> before his physical
exercise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Travis's experience with Joe made me think of a clip I watched where Elder David A. Bednar made a profound statement that has not
left me since I heard it. This clip is excellent about an extraordinary thing
that took place on the BYUI campus, but what he states at frame 4:02 has left
me with a deep profound, lasting insight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8hMhVE36M0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8hMhVE36M0 <br />
<br />
Did you catch that?!!! Elder Bednar was sent to England for
the âone.â The conference and all the other large meetings were great add-ons, <i>but</i>
God sent him<i>--for</i> the one!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brother Storey was sent for the <i>one</i>! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
God is mindful of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> each</i>
one. What a blessing and great opportunity is ours to go out daily seeking the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ones</i> whom God would have us find, the
ones God would have us give a âliftâ to with the means He has provided to bring
that one just another step closer to their/our eternal destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Seek the one.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HOW CAN I INCREASE MY SPIRITUAL EXERCISE?</b></span> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Brother Storey was kind enough to share with me some things he has at the front of his study journal. The promises are clear for those who will take the Book of Mormon into their daily study. It has changed my life forever, and continues to bring me closer to Christ. I <b>LOVE </b>Brother's Storey's list and add my testimony to the truth of what he testified 100%! (Thank you Brother Storey for following through and sharing your story!)</span><br />
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<b>President Ezra Taft Benson</b> It is not just that the <a href="http://mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon">Book of Mormon</a> teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. <span style="color: red;">There is a power in </span><span style="color: orange;">the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.</span> You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the <span style="color: red;">power to stay on the strait and narrow path.</span> The scriptures are called âthe words of lifeâ (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,<span style="color: orange;"> you will find life in greater and greater abundance.</span> (Ensign, Nov 1986, 4) </blockquote>
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<b>President Joseph Smith (Jr)</b> Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: âI told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and <span style="color: orange;">a man would get nearer to God</span> by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.â</div>
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<b>1 Nephi 15:24</b> Nephi interpreting the vision of the tree of life to his brethren speaking of the iron rod. ââŠit was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it,<span style="color: red;"> they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.</span>â<br />
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<b>D&C 21:5-6 </b>Revelation given to the prophet Joseph Smith, âfor his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouthâ, âFor by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and<span style="color: red;"> the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his names glory</span>â<br />
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<b>2 Nephi 32:3 </b> Nephiâs words <span style="color: red;">âfeast upon the words of Christ: for behold the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.â</span><br />
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<b>Iâve noticed three things that occur when reading the book of Mormon prayerfully. </b>Number one on the list always occurs. The second and third don't always occur but do very often.<br />
1. The presence of the spirit is abundant through all facets of my life that day.<br />
2. I find principles come alive from off the page that I need to learn and which I can directly apply to an area of my life. [And I, Bryndi, would add that often the principles that have just come alive for me, God often places others on my path that are in need of and blessed by the exact same principles.]<br />
3. Flashes of insight, ideas and bits of inspiration occur in my mind while reading that may have nothing to do with the story but non-the less have a purpose in my life in that moment. I have come to know through time that these arenât random ideas and thoughts but are Gods words unto me that are precious and must be recorded.</blockquote>
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I am grateful for wonderful friends who have the gift of reviewing and reworking words! Cindy, thank you!</div>
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Happiness is a date night with Mr. Dashing to Temple Square!</div>
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Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-1151628937437250502013-10-10T18:43:00.001-06:002013-10-10T18:43:47.818-06:00"I am now paying better attention to what I am singing"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFWI7CERcv-OBOmghf7K6HX0bgdIK9zEYWIOtcd6XJTYsm3ibvspCyoas9tDNCVlGq-dhB_S5PGf44J-xUAiIrNQZhcwiWfLgjjUc7R67YPzPIxrmcdTOSd0MlsU_Pgks_G8GahEKLAs/s1600/1147517_698022257671_511408759_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFWI7CERcv-OBOmghf7K6HX0bgdIK9zEYWIOtcd6XJTYsm3ibvspCyoas9tDNCVlGq-dhB_S5PGf44J-xUAiIrNQZhcwiWfLgjjUc7R67YPzPIxrmcdTOSd0MlsU_Pgks_G8GahEKLAs/s400/1147517_698022257671_511408759_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
I could not post this back on 8.13.13, but this was a sweet thought from my friend Hill--and <i>today</i>, I feel it needs to be posted. <br />
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"...my little guy has been super sick the last few days- teething led to an eat[ing] infection which led to throwing up and diarrhea - poor kid. The only way I have gotten him to calm down is by singing to him. Whether rocking him or laying in my bed as long as I sing he stops. That's not the crazy part, it can't just be any song, it has to be hymns. It has been a really cool experience because I have to open the hymns app on my phone, which doesn't have the notes, just the words. To read/sing the hymns has had a huge impact on me because I have really paid attention to the words of the songs and what I am singing. Many times the words to songs I have sung in church all the time have brought me to tears because I am now paying better attention to what I am singing."</blockquote>
I couldn't help but think after reading Hill's awesome experience... was the baby sick so mom would sing to soothe, or was the baby sick <i>so</i> mom could have closer moments <i>with</i> God--the venue being words in the hymns?! :)<br />
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Reminds me of what <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-windows-of-heaven?lang=eng">Elder Bednar</a> just said this past conference:<br />
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"...blessing that comes to us [this was in reference to paying tithing, but I think blessings that come from a mother who seeks to be good, kind, serve and bless her little ones the way God would have her do]... may be greater capacity to change our own circumstances [singing hymns to soothe a baby boy] rather than expecting our circumstances [always perfect, never sick child] to be changed by someone or something else."</blockquote>
What things am I feeling frustrated with or tired from--that are really just opportunities to have closer moments <i>with</i> my Heavenly Father?! Am I willing to invest/take such moments? I sure hope so! <i>All </i>things shall work together for our good...<br />
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Thanks Hill for sharing your moment!<br />
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Brightly beams our Father's mercy! </div>
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Happiness is a quote like this:</div>
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"<i>The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy</i>." --<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng">Richard G. Scott</a></div>
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Happiness is a brother and a sister who took the time to share their awesome </div>
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insights from <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?cid=HPFR100413105&lang=eng">General Conference</a>... they both inspired me to want to not only go back </div>
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and dive in deeper, but caused my heart to rejoice with what personal revelation</div>
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they received! Thanks Muss and Chick! LOVED your insights! </div>
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I am grateful for <i>His </i>mercy and mothers who sing!</div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-16363577981948304962013-10-05T08:04:00.000-06:002013-10-14T11:00:56.673-06:00THE WORD'S OF A MOTHER with three little ones...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5OebIDWpboe4eFxj806ruVKR5X88ViprtsbCHdIRasSaZmEye5KDU0GnYwL5oMtqAobTmRfIndB-V_WM-iAfnf1cD9B2MA_HIMdOdYf-5AzJzY-IEsZnt_Y9xZiDNKbdldCZz1l6AJs/s1600/BE1B48A2-0DFE-578E-6014DF11CFE7E130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5OebIDWpboe4eFxj806ruVKR5X88ViprtsbCHdIRasSaZmEye5KDU0GnYwL5oMtqAobTmRfIndB-V_WM-iAfnf1cD9B2MA_HIMdOdYf-5AzJzY-IEsZnt_Y9xZiDNKbdldCZz1l6AJs/s640/BE1B48A2-0DFE-578E-6014DF11CFE7E130.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryn & Nyk and our awesome "hearts"! I am about to show you 24+ years later.. of what is in the little girl in yellow's heart! </td></tr>
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"YES" !!! it has been a LONG time since I blogged. And I have so much I want to blog about, but it will have to wait--because this is just TOO good to wait!!<br />
Nykelle (whom I call "Chick"--long story of full nickname) sent me an email of an experience she had this week. It is the story of a Mother of three young ones--and what she discovered in a moment of deep frustration and exhaustion. It is a story of a mother who turned to God and found that God's hand was ready to supply her with the inspiration/impressions she needed.<br />
As I read her email and was filled with so much emotion. I don't even have kids yet but I felt I could relate... I saw myself in this story. Where I DID NOT see myself, and I wish I could say I would have done what she did, was what she did with her agency and thoughts after she heard her husband's prayer. Truly an inspiration! I loved what she did when she discovered where she was. LOVE the revelation and impressions she received....<br />
To any mom or (non-mom) that has normal frustrating life moment's but is still seeking to have God and charity about her, this is a <b>MUST READ</b>! Plus not to mention the impressions she has with the scriptures-- <u>are profound</u>!!<br />
I love you Chicky! Thank you for sharing this with me. (And yes, I have Nykelle's permission to post on here--because she is just so cool like that!)<br />
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<i>From an email entitled:</i> What I learned this morning...<br />
Date: 10.3.13<br />
From: Nykelle Pollastro<br />
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"Cade woke up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_737566685" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:30 pm</span></span>
screaming in pain... he just had his 6th poopy diaper for the day. It
was official. He had some sort of diarrhea bug going on. I wasn't too
surprised, considering 2 days ago he had picked up the broom in our
kitchen and put the sweeping end in his mouth repeatedly by the time I
got to him. It seems he is always putting the most germ-infested
substances right in his mouth. He is also drinks bath water regularly...
so having this many poopy diapers wasn't too alarming, although his
screaming did happen to wake up Abri, so she started to cry as well.
Carson was gone at YM, so I was on my own to get the 2 kids under
control. </div>
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"Abri woke for a feeding about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_737566686" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:30 pm</span></span>, and then I was awakened again at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_737566687" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:25 am</span></span>,
but not by her, it was by Cade and Mia. Cade had climbed up on top of
the dresser and was flipping the light on and off, and Mia was hiding in
her closet with no panties on... she had just peed the bed... sleep
deprived and frustrated, I went in there and told her to get her panties
on, be quiet, and get back in bed, and if she made so much as a peep,
she would go to the garage. I put Cade in bed and told him it was the
middle of the night and he needed to go back to bed. I wasn't too kind
on either approach, and was quite edgy in my tone of voice, since I
couldn't "yell" with the baby asleep, I was still pretty loud and about
as mean as I could get with my words. </div>
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"I went back to bed, but couldn't sleep, considering the 2
never went back to sleep either. It was in and out trying to put them
back in bed and tell them to be quiet. I was clearly annoyed and
frustrated. Carson was leaving for work, and we had our typical morning
prayer. In his kind and gentle way, he taught me a great lesson. In his
prayer, he asked that we could have the Spirit in our home and that Mia,
Cade, and Abri could be taught how important it is to have the Spirit
here, and then he prayed that they could feel it in our home. That's all
he said and left. Of course the prayer went right to my heart and I
knew that prayer was for ME-- every word was for me to learn and change
my heart. I could tell the Spirit wasn't there, because frankly I was
too frustrated to feel it. I was tired and cranky from the newborn and 2
others not listening, and I let that emotion come out in a negative
way. I pondered a few minutes in my bed, repented in my heart, and asked
the Lord in my mind how was it done? How do I raise little kids calmly
and keep the Spirit here when I'm so tired and so frustrated?! </div>
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"Right after that Abri started crying, so I went and fed her
and decided I needed to read scriptures while I nursed her. I told Cade
and Mia to go ahead and color in their room since they wouldn't be going
back to sleep. As I read, I just happened to be on the <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/8?lang=eng">chapter of Lehi's dream</a>, but this time I learned some new lessons. The first
learning glimpse was when Lehi was following the "man in a white robe"
and as he was, he beheld himself in a dark and dreary waste. The next
verse then says that he had traveled for "many hours" and then he began
to pray. I thought to myself, why did he wait so long to pray? He should
have prayed right away, and he would have been given light sooner! Then
it dawned on me that this is what I have been doing, I will allow
myself to "travel in darkness" or in frustration, irritation, or anger
with how the kids are acting for several hours before I pray to the
Lord... Lesson #1 LEARNED.</div>
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"The next lesson was what happened right after the prayer. Lehi
prayed, and then he saw a tree whose fruit was "desirable to make one
happy." We know from Nephi's interpretation that the fruit represents
God's love. This dawned on me that if we can train ourselves to pray
right away in times of darkness, the Lord will respond by showing us how
to feel Godly love! Isn't it amazing that out of all the things the
Lord could have done, he chose to show him the fruit. This taught me a
great lesson on the power of God's love and how it is just a prayer
away, and I now realize that most of our prayers are answered in some
form of "fruit," meaning that the Lord is trying to show us how to have
Godly love, because that solves most, if not all our problems! Lesson #2
LEARNED. </div>
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"The last lesson from reading this morning was that Lehi saw
his family at the beginning of the path, and they saw him at the end
result; the tree of life. They SAW their father in the place where they
wanted be. This means that Lehi had set the example for them! He didn't
stand by the river, or in the Great and Spacious building, or off in the
fields and yell to them, "Hey! Look over there at that tree! That's
where you want to go!" Instead, he was THERE at the base of the tree
with the fruit, setting the perfect example of where to go, and showing
the end result because he personally had partook of the fruit and made
it to the tree. This teaches me that I have to SET THE EXAMPLE for my
children. They will do as I do. They need to see mommy keeping the
Spirit in the home. I can't teach them to feel it and have it's
presence, if I am getting out of control in raising my voice at them, or
disciplining in a way that makes me lose the Spirit..... Lesson #3
LEARNED. </div>
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"This was such a powerful and humbling lesson for me, I wanted
to share it with you. I'm grateful for this inspiration this morning! I
hope you have a great day! LOVE YOU!!!"</blockquote>
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AMAZING hu?! And I get to be the sister who received that type of email! Don't be jealous or hating! ;) There is enough of my Chick to share! :D<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still a blond and still a brunette -- More sister love than can be imagined!</td></tr>
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I am grateful for Mother's who know & act on what they know!</div>
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Inspired sisters make the world better!</div>
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<b>P.S. </b>My FIRST General Conference as a married woman! Two GREATS that I am in love with! Best time of year! In just two hours we will be listening to a living Prophet of God--right in the comfort of our home! You can join us if you would like! What to know what God wants us to be doing with the days like they are? Watch conference! What to know why we are here and what is the purpose of life? Watch conference! Lost and confused, feel little or no worth, YOU are not alone! Watch conference! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?cid=HPFR100413105&lang=eng">>>>WATCH HERE</a><<<</span></div>
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(It is going to be incredible!!! You just wait and see! Answers to prayers, revelation, direction for life. Test the Lord! He won't fail you. There is a purpose to this life. You lived before you were born. And we ALL will live again after this life! You are important. God has a plan for you! Don't believe me, that is okay. You can ask God for yourself. I promise in His way and timing, He will answer your every sincere prayer!)</div>
<br />Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-22313014093776467502013-07-29T02:55:00.001-06:002013-07-29T17:51:39.499-06:00Summiting A New Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So many beautiful things at such a crazy time of life...<br />
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About 4 month's after receiving direct revelation to move to the family ward... I received a call from a man in the Singles Stake asking if it was alright to interview me. I went to the interview not knowing a thing and puzzled as I was being interviewed by a Stake I was no longer a member of.<br />
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The interview was one of the most sacred and amazing interviews I have ever experienced in my life. Brother Jensen (the one interviewing) could not tell me what it was about but said he would get back in touch with me.<br />
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A week or so later, several impressions, and a mistaken phone call I found out I was possibly being called to be an institute teacher... turns out my wonderful Singles Ward Bishop--Bishop Stu, had been asked by the Stake for names for institute teachers. He wrote the email responding that with the situtation in his own ward, he did not have any names that he felt that he could offer as the leadership that he had in the ward was very needed and he could not spare anyone.... but then the impression came to submit<i> my </i>name. I was no longer in his ward let alone the singles Stake. I had been gone for over four months. But this dear sweet Bishop followed his impression and told the Stake that I was out of "jurisdiction" but that they should look into interviewing me. Through the whole process l had other Missionary couples and the head of institute teachers in the valley--praying for my name to be considered too.<br />
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Because a sweet prompting to leave the singles ward and hit a family ward... <br />
Because a sweet Bishop followed an impression to submit a name not even in the Stake boundaries...<br />
Because sweet couples and a wonderful Brother Gebert prayed for me...<br />
Because a current Bishop allowed me to serve in multiple areas... <br />
...five months of Mission Prep... An amazing co-teacher... over 130+ amazing students-- with 50+ with calls...<br />
I attended one in-service training meeting...<br />
And there <i>he </i>was..! <br />
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We met for only a few moments during a brief training in May. After MUCH research and great inside work from the wonderful Trudi, a phone number was found! [FINALLY!] A phone call, message, and a returned phone call. A few texts here and there and a hope that at least I would get to see him in the next inservice training in the summer. The more I facebook stocked him, the more I put him in the file of "unattainable".<br />
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That was that.<br />
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The only training (time to see him again for the summer)--I ended up missing as I was babysitting in IL. [Sad cry and a sigh].<br />
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But wait... (nearly two months later) a text the night I missed the training asking me if I was okay and that I was missed! Afew phone calls, some promptings followed, a date set up... And Whalha!<br />
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This is a taste of my last four weeks... swept literally off my feet. </div>
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Ballroom dancing... <br />
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Drives up the canyon...<br />
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Ping-Pong sessions with Dany and Tim!<br />
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Star gazing and glow in the dark dodging...<br />
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Family reunioning...<br />
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Mountain strolling...<br />
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Temple attending...<br />
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Dancing with Myrna...<br />
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Lot's of journaling... <br />
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Sore cheeks from smiling...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And so much more...!</span></div>
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It's been a busy four weeks. And I <i>can't </i>wait for the <i>next</i> four!<br />
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Captured! </div>
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Or more correctly stated: </div>
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RECEIVED! </div>
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One good man,</div>
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whom I love. </div>
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Who would have thought?! <i>Me</i>!! With such a wonderful catch. :)<br />
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God is a God of miracles. Oh how I love Him...!</div>
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Happiness is the hand that fits so well in mine.</div>
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I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.</div>
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To be continued..? :) We shall see! </div>
<br />Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-75067309752824726312013-06-24T18:28:00.001-06:002013-06-24T18:28:27.089-06:00Lessons in Parenting: 101 Mom Class in IL--three day course (baptism by immersion, or in this case maybe more appropriately, baptism by fire)! :D<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So Nykki is awesome and worked hard to earn a trip to New York to see wicked... I tell you what. If I were to covet/want something (but I won't because that is breaking a commandment) it would be Chick's ability to set goals. She is so driven. When she puts her mind to something, there is no stopping her. She is truly an inspiration.<br />
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Well her trip was a way for me to be a full time mom for a few days in IL. I learned some good lessons... <br />
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<ul>
<li> Yellow Popsicles "taste like brownies and the orange ones taste like juice" according to one very happy little Mia. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li> It is possible to drive a swirly little go machine around a slightly hilly block with one hand while the other hand is helping consume an apple. (And people think Utah are crazy drivers! They haven't met Cade yet! ;))</li>
<li>Nykki told the truth when she said it is better to take a morning walk at 6:30 a.m. because even at 7 a.m.--one can look like they had a GREAT work out when in reality they just walked outside. </li>
<li>Sweat-does/can GLISTEN! ;) </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>When there is so much fun to be had outside... after using the potty, underwear pulled up quickly is more conducive to getting one back out to playing! </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li> Humidity can effect the camera on your phone. </li>
<li>Laughter--(child laughter) really does the body good! </li>
<li>There IS a time to be silly. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li> Discovering a lady bug can quite any moment! </li>
<li>Having the courage to pick it up is pretty cool too! </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li> When in a hurry at the library (before the children claw each others eyes out over the toy trains) you shouldn't just assume that because there is a section of books awarded the Newbery Medal--they would be good and appropriate reads for four year-olds... or even enjoyed by this 30 year old! From "stupid" every other word and "fool of the world"... I kept making up words to replace the words I wasn't ready to teach little ears!</li>
<li>Of course Mia's favorite book was the stinky cheese man. She is the product of her father! (Love you Carson :D) When we came to this page in the book, she quickly made a comment that the fox had a "good" side and a "scary/sneaky" side. One observant 4 year old! The power/influence of marketing! </li>
</ul>
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As I was serving dinner, I walked passed the kitchen garbage can and apparently decided it would be fun to stub my toe. I let out a little grunt and then stood there trying to put pressure on what I had just done. Mia asked what had happened. I told her and her reply was:<br />
"You should pray and ask Heavenly Father to make your toe better. I know that if you pray to him, it will feel better." This was the second time something had come up and she suggested that I pray. (*Oh the workings of a mother in the home! Way to go Chick!)<br />
Later that evening as she said the family prayer she remembered two hours prior of my stubbed toe and asked for Heavenly Father to heal my toe. After the prayer I thanked Mia for being so considerate and thanked her for praying over my toe. The cute defiant Mia responded, "Silly, I didn't <i>pray </i>for you. I was just showing you how <i>you</i> can pray and ask Heavenly Father to bless your toe."<br />
<br />
--Out of the mouth of a babe!!<br />
<br />
Thoughts from a short week of being a full-time mother of two?<br />
*My little sister is even more cool than I ever expected!<br />
*I have a testimony of the quote shared at conference, "A Child Who Sings Is a Happy Child"<br />
*I want the walls in my home to be as inviting and as intentional as Nyk's are.<br />
*I really do love waking and being up early. All effort to do so before there are distractions--worth every effort. (Now to just remind myself this when I don't want to leave my pillow!)<br />
*When a child is screaming and arching their back in your arms, and another one is running away and the whole store is looking at you like you are a child abuser--I can totally relate to you! Any mom who takes their children grocery shopping--hands down--IS A SUPER HERO! :)<br />
*If I ever have a friend at the park who is struggling with crying and very vocal kiddos who do not want to leave... I will run and try and help by distracting the child with karate chops to every object on the way to their car! (THANK YOU MACK and HOLLIE! I would have never made my plane on time without you!)<br />
*God sure exercises an amazing amount in confidence and trust in our ability to learn, grow and become better as we try to raise children as a joint effort. *He knows how in the world all of our mistakes/errors/short comings can be made right through His son Jesus Christ's atonement! I am grateful He has perfect knowledge in this--for I can put full confidence and trust in His knowledge and perfect understanding. <br />
*Parenting--Kuddos to those who don't shrink from their responsibilities and keep giving, serving, receiving day in and day out! Your task is awesome. Don't give up! You are remarkable!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Happiness is John Buck's (met on the plane ride) answer to the question what top advice he would give to someone seeking a companion/getting married. The very first thing he shared was that you need to find someone who loves God more than they love you. I beamed with his advice, because that has always been #1 on my requirements too! ... but to hear it from this good Christian, 26 years (I think it was that long) past upper minister, I could not help but smile. He also shared that if someone loves and serves God--they won't need help books/courses on how to be a loving spouse because they will do the things which they learn from the Savior's life in how to treat those around them. Definitely the ideal! Loved his answer! He is a loving grandfather full of great faith, and it was an honor to meet him.Thanks John for the advice!</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I am thankful for personal revelation and the ability to commune with God. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
And all prophets who wrote down revelations in the scriptures, so I could have them to study... One day I hope to all thank you all in person on the other side!</div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-71081236579309414272013-06-14T19:04:00.000-06:002013-06-14T19:04:21.884-06:00BOOK RECOMMENDATION!<br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Review!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Securing Your Family
Legacy</i></span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">by Douglas Cloward</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Would I recommend this book?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Hands down, YES! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I am single, but the book is about families, still
worth the read?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Yes. My thoughts have been
directed and inspired with what I want to do with my personal life now and my own future family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">What was my overall takway?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">The world sure needs this
(!)âand-- I want/will be more intentional with my life and especially with the
relationships of love and influence I have in my sphere of exsistence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Few of my favorite
quotes from the book:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>âBefore we can make character-defining stands, we must
know what our standards are.â</li>
<li>âDo you know how to control the heartbeat of your home?â</li>
<li>âI didnât have their blood, but I was being infused with
their values and heritage.â</li>
<li>âThe most effective self-security system parents can
erect begins with a clearly defined code of family conduct, honor, and personal
character.â</li>
<li>ââŠchoices always come with consequences.â</li>
<li>ââŠâŠwe are all busy. Even people who arenât doing anything
are busy doing it!â</li>
<li>âTraditions can be started anytime. You are in charge of
themâŠâ </li>
<li>âThe dreams, hopes, and influence of intentional parents
hold the power to direct and change the world.â</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">*The last chapter of this
book reenforces Hollands councel about dreaming and the need to dream-- </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
âGod expects you to have enough faith and determination
and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact,
He expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and
stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future--to love it and rejoice
in it and delight in your opportunities.â God is anxiously waiting for the
chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has.
But He canât if you donât pray, and He canât if you donât dream. In short, He
canât if you donât believe.â Jeffrey R. Holland</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLbIaCRiP1ACBO69UgXAiBPxx58DWciz0mJIgDSYMCj9yMRYABovJrWxh20LzNIrOghPN3X0Sefy3Rr5DGKHBBppA4GDXIWAPkXfiD0ZBSFQBmBrLaXxUmRfS_fyP-NXZhR-AogK0oz0/s1600/image.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLbIaCRiP1ACBO69UgXAiBPxx58DWciz0mJIgDSYMCj9yMRYABovJrWxh20LzNIrOghPN3X0Sefy3Rr5DGKHBBppA4GDXIWAPkXfiD0ZBSFQBmBrLaXxUmRfS_fyP-NXZhR-AogK0oz0/s400/image.jpeg" width="400" /></a> **When people asked me about my Dadâs book, I would tell
them what I knew <i>about</i> it and that I was excited for it to be printed, but I did not feel like I could
promote what I had not read myself. WELLâI have read it, (surprise Dad :) !! ) and I endorse this book full heartily.
I would sign my name on it, and not at all because I share the author's blood,
but because I have read for myself and have been inspired by the truths brought
before my mind and heart! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
Way to go Dad!! Can't wait for your novel and other books to be be published! You are gifted in story writing!!<br />
<br />
I love you!<br />
<br />
To my family, friends, and anyone who wants to live an intentional life with their family... I <i>highly</i> recommend reading, <i>Securing Your Family Legacy. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLbIaCRiP1ACBO69UgXAiBPxx58DWciz0mJIgDSYMCj9yMRYABovJrWxh20LzNIrOghPN3X0Sefy3Rr5DGKHBBppA4GDXIWAPkXfiD0ZBSFQBmBrLaXxUmRfS_fyP-NXZhR-AogK0oz0/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
Happiness is someone following through with an impression--and that impression</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
having a direct impact on MY life.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
Grateful for snuggle time with those I love on a porch!</div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-30796515754838730782013-06-10T22:05:00.000-06:002013-06-10T22:05:23.823-06:00TWO TIES AND A BOW-TIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikR0nUJPCo25_8qF6jTUMdle7tcwBxiyq-PG4ZfHQYc9ADkGCmg-4Zotl9SQjkA1koXjXUUvPDsw4WeLDj3-NwhOcHJXBasriXyWy_JTV5Np8Xt0fwFnWN6fv3V8EUukf8RIrKfJvW-s/s1600/doogs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikR0nUJPCo25_8qF6jTUMdle7tcwBxiyq-PG4ZfHQYc9ADkGCmg-4Zotl9SQjkA1koXjXUUvPDsw4WeLDj3-NwhOcHJXBasriXyWy_JTV5Np8Xt0fwFnWN6fv3V8EUukf8RIrKfJvW-s/s640/doogs.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
For whatever reason, Mr. Doogies takes getting dressed for Sunday very seriously. He carefully button's up his shirt which is usually re-buttoned with love by his mom or aunt! I have to admit, he dresses for Church with a reverence and in a way I have never witnessed a child do. I really think it is because his heart knows whom he is dressing for! <br />
<br />
Yesterday as sacrament was being passed I whispered to Doogies asking him what his favorite story of Jesus was. He didn't give me any indication he had an answer. Wanting to encourage his sacrament thoughts, I mentioned, "Like when Jesus feeds all the people with the bread and fishes..." Without skipping a beat, he whispered, "I like when He prayed so hard-he bleeded." A little shocked by his answer I asked, "You like when Jesus was in Gethsemane?" Doogs replied, "Yes--when He prayed so hard--He bleeded."<br />
<br />
What a beautiful four year old profound interpretation/observation.<br />
<br />
Thanks for my sacrament focus Mr. Doogies. I love you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>EYE SINGLE TO HIS GLORY</b></span><br />
Yesterday in Relief Society our teacher posed an awesome question. She discussed the scripture about keeping one's eye single to the glory of God. She asked each of us to turn to our neighbor and discuss what that phrase meant for us personally in our life. One woman answered that for her it meant that with retiring soon she should be going on a mission... but she is too scared to go. But keeping her eye single, is accepting the next step she feels she is to make, which for her, is a mission. Another sister's eyes started to glisten as she said what having an eye single to His glory meant for her. She didn't elaborate because of time, but I gathered from the emotion that her eye single meant having patience in God's timing with having a family...<br />
<br />
I always viewed that scripture as a blanket statement of putting God's will first/keeping Him in my main focus. BUT this inspired teacher pointed out that each of us in our own individual lives can reflect and thus discover what having an eye single means for us in whatever challenges we are facing. <br />
<br />
Inspired question! Inspired teacher!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Happiness is the insight of a child.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I am grateful for Dad's tartar sauce, Mom's custard, and a couple that enjoys dancing together!</div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-80560790721478227882013-06-02T23:30:00.000-06:002013-06-03T08:04:23.304-06:00"âŠnot really aboutâŠsheep and goats."Well I started this post over a year ago...! And apparently I saved it as a draft ???<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">be of good cheer</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">go in search</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">gather them together</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">bring them <u>back</u></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">[to] the place of water</span></i></div>
<br />
This is so sweet!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy5KesiGp9S0sQPhbFbBI2VN0j8N0VScDNpls7Os9f0FWsF_mtDVsZkes7CMi7zOZ2I85Am7JfZq0ZKBpn3h1iXmJiHtk8rmlDhf7kKVbHYmJhh_mDzfIUZBOemT7N8wtyGfOroSN2lY/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy5KesiGp9S0sQPhbFbBI2VN0j8N0VScDNpls7Os9f0FWsF_mtDVsZkes7CMi7zOZ2I85Am7JfZq0ZKBpn3h1iXmJiHtk8rmlDhf7kKVbHYmJhh_mDzfIUZBOemT7N8wtyGfOroSN2lY/s640/family.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Miss you Nyk, Carson, Tay and Kiss!)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="chunk hl-id-13841342 hl-id-77076400" id="chunk110028">I was reading Ammon's account of him contending with all the bad guys by cutting off their arms. <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/17?lang=eng">That story</a>, to me, has always been one about Ammon's courage/bold faith and undaunted spirit against all odds. THIS time however, because of <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard?lang=eng">Elder Holland's comment</a> on parables not really being about sheep and goats--I was impressed with the workings of/with the sheep!!</span><br />
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<span class="chunk hl-id-13841342 hl-id-77076400" id="chunk110028">A few questions to consider before reading:</span><br />
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<span class="chunk hl-id-13841342 hl-id-77076400" id="chunk110028"><b>Q's: </b>What is water symbolic of in the scriptures? </span><br />
Did the sheep ever actually partake of the water when they were <i>first </i>brought?<br />
What was the cause of their scattering?<br />
When brought back to the water <i>again</i>, why were they<br />
1.) not able to drink the water right away? <br />
2.) not scattered the second time, because they were scattered the first time? <br />
Did they eventually water? <br />
And to whom did they get to return home to? <br />
--<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
26 And after he had been in the service of the king three days, as he was with the Lamanitish servants going forth with their flocks to the place of water...and all the Lamanites drive their flocks hither, that they may have waterâ<br />
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27 Therefore, <b>as</b> Ammon and the servants of the king were driving forth their flocks to this place of water, behold, a certain number of the Lamanites, who had been with their flocks to water, <b>stood and scattered the flocks </b>of Ammon and the servants of the king, and they scattered them insomuch that <b>they fled many ways.</b><br />
âŠ<br />
31 And it came to pass that he [Ammon] flattered them [the servants of the King] by his words, saying: My brethren, <b>be of good cheer</b> and let us <b>go in search of the flocks</b>, and we will <b>gather them together</b> and <b><u>bring them back</u> unto the place of water</b>; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us.<br />
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32 And it came to pass that <b>they went in search of the flocks,</b> and they did <b>follow </b>Ammon, and t<b>hey <u>rushed forth with much swiftness</u> and did head the flocks </b>of the king, and <b>did gather them together <i>again</i></b> to the place of water.<br />
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33 And <u>those men again stood to scatter their flocks</u>; <b>but </b>Ammon said unto his brethren: <b>Encircle the flocks round about that they flee not;</b> and <b>I go and contend with these men who do scatter our flocks.</b> </blockquote>
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34 Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth and stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus; and they were in number not a few. </blockquote>
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... 39 And <b>when </b>he had driven them afar off, <b>he returned</b> and <u><i><b>they watered their flocks and returned them to the pasture of the king...</b></i></u> (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/17?lang=eng">Alma 17</a> emphasis added)</blockquote>
I hope my excitement in this subject does not kill the message! In response to the missionary who feels he is everyday/all day just "Home Teaching"... change the word "flock" to "members".<br />
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Perhaps for full time missionaries or member missionaries, the temptation is to think that there is only <i>real</i> joy in bringing someone to Christ's living waters who has <i>never yet </i>been. But the truth is, we all have been and partook of His waters before coming here to this earth. <br />
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For those members who may have been brought to the waters of baptism, perhaps some have not taken what Christ's waters have to offer by actually "drinking" in the gospel. Perhaps the demons of addiction, lack of commitment, family loyalty/traditions, laziness, sorrow, grief, fear, despair, sadness, struggle with commandment keeping, marital struggles (the list goes on and on) where "standing" ready to scatter whoever was brought to Christ...and those "standings" were successful.<br />
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BUT YEA to the missionary (member or full time servants) who are being of good cheer
with the inspired assignment of going and searching, swiftly heading
off, bringing back, encircling, contending, disarming the opposition, and making a
way <i>for</i> a watering! His watering! Then together--heading for the pasture of the King.<br />
<br />
It is an exciting time to be alive with God's hastening going on! I testify to all, that the sweetness and <i>real </i>joy is that someone i<i>s able and does</i> partake. Whether it is their first mortal experience to the place of water or they have been <i>brought back</i> for the 100th time... when one <i>does </i>partake, one is changed! <br />
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Oh the wisdom of our great God!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">be of good cheer</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">go in search</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">gather them together</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">bring them back</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">[to] the place of water</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> "together" would imply that there is more than "one" to gather... we are talking about families! And God would have us bring <u><b>them </b></u>back TOGETHER to the place of water! Oh the hastening of His work! Oh you missionaries, if you are given such an opportunity--EAT IT UP!</span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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I am grateful for flower "snowball" fights. </div>
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Happiness is glistening eyes caught in the dark as one starts to realize that he wants to partake of Christ's water. </div>
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Sweet is the joy the gospel brings!</div>
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If God <i>allows</i> and grants you the sacred work of going in search, gathering and bring back so one might partake... I promised you, you will count your blessings 10 by 10 and you will be surprised at what the Lord has done!!<br />
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Its not really about sheep! </div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-14275105188193345702013-05-13T22:57:00.000-06:002013-05-13T22:57:29.588-06:00"ROOM TO CROSS AND CONTEND"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks back I was studying in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/2?lang=eng">Alma 2</a>⊠and had some sweet thoughts. Amlici has gone against the voice of the people, and has dubbed himself King over the band that supports him. He decides to go to war against his brethren. Talk about the impact of having âcontentions among ourselvesâ! Brethren fought against brethren.<br />
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In the middle of the battle (after loosing 12,000ish of his followers) Amlici hooks up with a Lamanite army which is described as âbeing as numerous almost, as it were, as the sands of the seaâ. Those type of odds have got to be a little bit daunting!<br />
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The scriptures say that Alma, (the one that saw the angel/is now the high priest over the land) goes at the head of his army to contend with Amlici and his army. Alma, as a Leader, teaches by example some awesome principles that I can apply to my life.<br />
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Alma and Amlici were going head to head and obviously had to take a âbreatherâ from the battle because:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
29 And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with the sword, face to face; and they did contend mightily, one with another.<br />
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30 And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, <b>being exercised with much faith</b>, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.<br />
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31 Now when Alma had said these words <b>he contended again</b> with Amlici; and he was strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the sword.</blockquote>
It says he contended again with Amlici. And he obviously had some type of time to offer such an awesome, selfless prayer. And BEING EXERCISED WITH MUCH FAITH, he asked (no doubt according to the will of the Lord) a pretty powerful/selfless wish, and his words were granted.<br />
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I asked myself, am I being exercised with much faith that in a moments notice I can pray with that much power?! (Yep I have room to defiantly improve upon! :) thank goodness God is a perfectly patient God!.).<br />
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But again, look at this awesome Leader Almaâwhat he did. He contended with Amlici, killed him. Started beating up the King of the Lamanites, but the king retreated and sent his guardsâŠ<br />
<blockquote>
33 But Alma, <b>with his guards</b>, contended with the guards of the king of the Lamanites until he slew and drove them back.<br />
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34 And thus he <b>cleared the ground</b>, or rather the bank, which was on the west of the river Sidon, throwing the bodies of the Lamanites who had been slain into the waters of Sidon, t<b>hat thereby</b> <i>his people</i> <i>might have room to cross and contend</i> with the Lamanites and the Amlicites on the west side of the river Sidon.</blockquote>
âŠCOOL!!! WITH HIS guards (those closest, bound in convent, strength, trust worthyâwhatever would deem you the possession of being a "guard" for your head Leader)⊠together they slew and drove back the enemyâŠ. And <u>the ground was cleared</u>! Why? So the rest of the army (anyone I love or am working with) could go and contend with all the other bad dudes/content with their [challenges, whatever that challenge/enemy may be].<br />
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What is symbolic of a ground being cleared? Didnât the Savior âclear the groundâ for me so I could walk the path of repentance, to have a way to escape the very jaws of Hell!? Not taking away the trials, but He cleared the way so I could âhave roomâ to walk on and fight the battles/tests placed before me?!?! In what ways am I âclear[ing] the groundâ for those in my family, those whom I work with, those whom I serve? Am I teaching with the spirit in which sets up a âclear groundâ where others will have âroom to cross and contendâ to make covenants and progress?! ⊠Did I loose you on this?! :)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A.) I want to be someone who is being exercised in much faith so at any given moment I am literally a tool for those I love with my prayers and my desires.<br />
<br />
B.) Am I working at qualifying to be on the front line = devoted/supporting whatever God allots to my path so that I can be a <i>guard</i> for/with Him, and for truth?!<br />
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C.) What am I doing to clear the way (teaching, serving, preparing the ground) so that I am giving room/making room for someone else to be able to contend with/go to war/conquer the challenge âenemyâ before them?!</blockquote>
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GO ALMA!!! Go GUARDS!! Is this not what being a member of His church is all about?! Clearing the ground!<br />
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I am thankful for "cleared" ground.</div>
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Happiness is a new semester of Mission Prep. </div>
Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-902946721297034537.post-90615330538782841922013-05-04T20:23:00.001-06:002013-05-04T20:23:56.490-06:00VIRTUE OF KINDNESS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Thank you" "Thank you" "Thank you"... the words out of a most gracious bride... No grumpiness, hurried attitude, just a lot of "thank yous" for everything offered to Ashylnn. </div>
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I watched her in and outside of the temple, her grace, her goodness, her kindness... truly she is an elect daughter of God. It was nearly 8 years ago when I was walking down the hall at the Deaf Ward in Provo, UT and I saw these twins. I had a fleeting longing to get the chance to work with them in YW's, but quickly repented and told the Lord I was happy with my allotment of awesome little sunbeam class I had. Little did I know that at the time they were not in young womans--but God had plans for them and I to be together! </div>
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I watched both of these women blossom, and as God took me from them and into a singles ward, I continued to watch them, with their awesome peers, lead and build up a whole ward! </div>
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What a sacred moment to be in the temple with Ashlynn today. Her journey opening up to being a wife and eternal compaion, and Ashley's journey pointing her towards the mission. </div>
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There are no words! I love these girls!</div>
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Happiness is a temple marriage and sealing!</div>
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I am grateful for the constant hand of the Lord not only in my life, but in all lives. </div>
<br />Bryndihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499338783671202959noreply@blogger.com