Through My Eyes

I AM

2012-01-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

I know it's not spring--but can you notice what all these pictures have in common? and beside the obvious tulips... what is it about these tulips?

Notice the LIGHT! (It almost looks as if there is a light bulb inside each tulip.)

You can't see through them but you can see light through them...!

I have an insecurity that creeps it's ugly little head from time to time. Seems to be a reoccurring theme in my life. Obviously by it's occurrence, it is something I have not overcome yet. The insecurity or rather the temptation to not be who I know I should be and deep down inside want to me.

...I share, on a very, very personal side, my journal from tonight with you. It may not make sense to anyone, and is deeply personal, but sometimes we are suppose to "let" our light that we would normally keep very private, "shine" [be shared]. I share my journal not to say "look at me" but rather what Christ, the Gospel, and Heavenly Father are TO me.

1.27.12

I just finished reading out of 2 Nephi 15 with Ridges book. So good! It talks a lot about the last days and Isaiah saw the wicked and the righteous, it was just amazing. It was good and with my lack of time, I have had to go through the chapter for 2 days. But so good!
       Tonight, as I read what the wicked were doing, over and over in my mind I found myself asking, "Lord, is it I?". And my eyes filled with tears in not wanting to be like that. Great fear and destruction is waiting those who will not have God for their god. And although much is coming, and Brother Ridges points out that Isaiah/God want us to know WHY he is doing things so that we can use our agency wisely... but as I read the temptation to have terror and fear for the last days came upon me, but then the remembering the sweet words of if we are prepared we shall not fear. I don't want to fear, nor do I need to fear. I am grateful for the gospel in my life. How I love it. How I need it. How I long to be who God wants me to be. I feel strengthened and uplifted by his hands. I yearn to learn about him and like Uncle Dave says, lay hold on all of his dealings with the children of men. Me too. I have a long ways to go, but I do see his hand. And I praise his name! I love him! I love Jesus Christ and I long to be like him. I long to have as Penny Hughes on accident typed that it was going to be a "god year" instead of good year... I do want it to be not just a God year, but a God day, week, moment. I want Christ to be the motivation and the reason behind my heart and the things that I do. I want to see as I am seen by Heavenly Father. I want to lift burdens and strengthen those who are weak. I want to lose my life to him, for it is not even my life to lose, for I am bought with a price. But rather I rather take His life/way of life up as my own. I am so tempted to think that my way is better, or that what I want or desire trumps. Christ went about healing folks one by one and spending his time with those that most needed him. I NEED him and how I want to be his hands for those who NEED him. We all need him.
         I am not yet a mother, and I often ponder how mothers do all that they do. Truly selfless beings that adapt and keep the temperature warm, the smiles coming. Like Karisa said, MOM = “Manager of Miracles”. How to keep a home, love the children, still serve and be about God's work with my children. I have a desire to instill in them love and faith in Jesus Christ. A desire to give of themselves freely. To be humble followers. To not just be hearers of the word but doers. What a role given to mothers. My own mother who lifts and serves, blesses others through her faith and cheer. My sisters and sister in laws who day in and day out give of their heart and soul. I know there must be balance and I dread slackening on my commitment to God and pray that even while being a mother I can be secure and ever improving in my relationship/relying on my God. IT is an area of my life I do not want to give up on or slacken in. I must find a way to keep the balance of having time with God even in the mist of all the pressures and wonderful strains of being a mother and raising a family. But my relationship with Heavenly Father--I plead that I might not slacken. That I can be all he wants me to be and give and do, while still getting/taking time to commune with him and read his word. All done in wisdom of course, but I see the demands on a mother and a wife. And I notice the demands and I am only a viewer from the outside for I have not been a mother yet. Oh I have the desire to love and not judge. To lift to cherish. I have a desire to be at home and serving in the kingdom. I say that now but I see how heavy some mothers have become. How does one keep the joy? How does one make sure she stays bathed in help as Sister Beck says, even in turbulent times? I don't know the answer, but I know that it stems and has to do with keeping Christ in my day every day. Keeping Him in my center. How to do this as a mother... I must find a way. I want to be a mother for Christ and this gospel. I want to be a wife that will adorn herself for her husband.
     ...
         Random journal, but my soul is full and stirs with Wonder. I love my God. I love my Savior. How I yearn to be like them. How I yearn to bring anyone to them that would come. I live and want to live my life for them.

I studied in John tonight, and was yet reminded again that the desires I have, although don't match with a world outlook, are truly the desires of my heart. I am to "let my light so shine". I am not sure why I try so hard to hide it at times, or rather to not be seen as "churchy" ... but truth be told, this is who I am.

And WHO am I? I am Bryndi K Cloward. I AM a daughter of God. I have Heavenly parents who love me, who's Godly traits are embryos inside me waiting to be 1.) discovered and 2.) developed & shared. I am a keeper of the Cloward and Babbel names. My parents and ancestors' blood runs through me and I will be true to the divine in them and me. I am a holder of my tongue. The Savior suffered long and I will learn to birth (as dad says) that embryo--to nurture it. I believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men...I believe all things, I hope all things, I have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things (13th Article of Faith). I am not perfect. I am perfectly flawed. Through Christ my weaknesses can be made strengths. I will be, in the form God allows me to be, a mother and a wife that keeps Christ at her center. I am a barer of light. HIS light and I will let His light shine through me. I am Bryndi K Cloward. I am a hard worker, I am full of integrity and I see the "God" in those around me. I am a keeper of mens hearts. I am a giver of love, and a seeker of obtaining and giving unconditional love. I take joy and become bliss filled as I see/recognize His hand not only in my life but His hand in the lives of others. I am Bryndi K Cloward. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--my own choice and blessed choice it is!! I am For Jesus Christ and am a builder in His kingdom. I know HE LIVES.

I am Bryndi K. Cloward-- and I will let His Light, so shine, through me.

This is who I am/strive to be. And no matter what, Heavenly Father and His will come first... I will go. I will do, for I KNOW who I am.

I am Bryndi K Cloward. I am a child of God.

POP QUIZ!

2012-01-26T19:34:00.004-07:00

What is the greatest temple that has ever been built?

This was the question asked by the pretty new Stake President Sunday evening. President Clare and his wife (I have no idea if the last name is spelled right) were invited to come and speak to six singles wards... my ward was in charge of getting the speaker... THANK YOU BROTHER WALKER! (I must say it was probably one of the top five firesides I have ever attended outside of CES firesides. Maybe coming up to the #1 I have ever attended! It was that good!)

President Clare suggested that we had better be careful with which temple we selected because his mission covered Kirtland. :) When he asked the question, I immediately thought of my OWN personal temple. After a few quick suggestions of different temples, someone called out that "WE" were the greatest temples God has ever built. President Clare had found the answer to his question!

The greatest temple ever built is...

(Here is Taybabe outside Manti this past summer. Love you TREEBS!)

I was studying Isaiah this week in 2 Nephi 12 and Isaiah 2. Last year I went through 2 Nephi with Isaiah for Airheads by John Bytheway. This year I decided to go through with David J. Ridges's Isaiah Made Easier. (Very happy with this decision.)

Vs. 10 in 2 Nephi 12 states, "...the glory of his majesty shall smite thee." Brother Ridges comment with that verse is, "you will not be able to stand the brightness of his glory at the Second Coming and will thus be consumed; see D&C 5:19." The GLORY of the Lord is what consumes the wicked.

Brother Ridges continued, "Some years ago, a student asked me how the temples would survive the burning at the Second Coming. Verses 10, 19, 21 plus D&C 5:19 provide a simple answer. Temples can stand the glory of the Lord. Therefore, they will not be burned."

As I read these words, all the thoughts from the fireside and the greatest temple ever built settled my mind. God's temples can withstand His glory! And why not! We are told that He does not dwell in unholy temples. SOO if I can prepare my physical/spiritual temple, my body, to become holy--a place where He can dwell-- MY TEMPLE [body] will be able to with stand the glory of God = NOT BE BURNED AT HIS COMING because my temple will already be used to being full of light, HIS LIGHT, His glory!!! Of course add in your fire insurance of paying tithing to the whole package too--but what another beautiful reason to make sure that my body becomes a temple where God can dwell!

And just as a treat... Krisi shared this GREAT talk with me on Grace (click here). It is so worth the read! Thank you for sharing Kristi! I LOVED IT!

"But wo..."

2012-01-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

"... unto him...that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!"

"O... turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation."

"Come... every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters..."

"...do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy... come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness."

"...remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice."

My morning devotional was with Nephi's brother Jacob this morning. SOO good!

I personally love it when I am reminded to "let" myself do something...LET MYSELF REJOICE!! LET MY SOUL DELIGHT in feasting upon that which doesn't perish/or can't be corrupt = REJOICE in/because of CHRIST! My soul DELIGHTS in HIM!

BLESS GOD'S SHOES!

2012-01-12T09:32:00.003-07:00

So this is a bit of a spoiler... sorry if you haven't gotten to this story in this month's Ensign (click here to view the Jan Ensign) but I read this story yesterday and was moved by it. So much that it made it into my journal and I thought I should post it here.

Daddy’s Shoes
Priscilla Costa Xavier, São Paulo, Brazil

     Several years ago while my parents were helping the Relief Society organize some clothes, shoes, and other items to be donated to the needy, my father noticed a well-kept pair of shoes in the middle of a pile of items. At that moment he felt a strong impression to keep the shoes.
     My mother laughed and said, “This pair of shoes is three sizes too small for you. They wouldn’t even fit!”
     My father, however, strongly insisted. After several jokes from the sisters, they finally allowed him to keep the shoes.
     As soon as he arrived home, he cleaned them, filled them with newspaper, and placed them in a box on top of his dresser. We received instructions not to touch the box. For five years it remained in the same place.
     One day a new family moved into the house next door. They had two children and a six-month-old baby. My sister and I immediately became friends with their two girls, who were our age. We shared with our new friends what we were learning in church, and we invited them to Primary. They were excited and eager to learn more about what we had shared with them.
    After returning home from Primary, they didn’t stop talking about the Church with their parents. Our parents then invited the whole family to hear the missionary lessons and go to church. They joyfully accepted. They loved the lessons, and we were excited to attend church with them.
     But when Saturday came, their daughters seemed disheartened. When we asked what was wrong, they said their parents no longer wanted to go to church.
     We were disappointed and asked Daddy to talk with their parents. When he told them about the blessings of attending church, the father replied, “Yes, I know all of this. The problem is that I haven’t worn any other kind of shoe besides my sneakers in a long time, and I know that we should go to Church meetings well dressed.”
     At that moment my father looked at my mother. She knew exactly what to do. The shoes in the box on top of Daddy’s dresser fit our friends’ father perfectly, and the entire family went to church. It was a wonderful Sunday for them and for us. Soon they became members of the Church, and today they are a beautiful eternal family.
     I know that my father received direction from the Holy Ghost to keep those shoes. As a result, I always seek His guidance in looking for families ready to hear the gospel. I know He prepares families, and I know we need to look for them and bring them to Christ.

The whole concept of the story is amazing to me. The dad felt to keep the shoes... was even teased for it. He took them home and cleaned them and then put them up with the request that on one touch them...

I hope I would follow such an impression, and I believe that I would have. HOWEVER at the end of a month, maybe two months, I would be tempted to think that I was a little crazy for keeping the shoes. And sure at the end of the first year with spring cleaning and getting rid of items I no longer use... I would have picked up those shoes and shrugged my shoulders, told myself that it was interesting that I had had the prompting to follow but to what fruit (?) and then I would have given the shoes away. But not THIS man! For FIVE YEARS he held onto the shoes! FIVE YEARS!! And surely the end of the story makes the five years all the more beautiful and magnificent.

God knew that the family moving next store would have their girls start to go to church. And God knew that man next door so well, that when the time came to come to church He knew the man would be embarrassed to go to church in sneakers, thus stopping the man from actually following through with his desire to go to church in the first place. SOOO Heavenly Father prompted someone to keep a pair of shoes. (And what steps in the man's life who kept the shoes had he gone through, to be able to recognize and then act on a prompting of the spirit?! That in itself must be an awesome journey.) That faithful man for five years kept the shoes... until the unfolding of God's masterful plan! And surely there are so many more details to God's plan.... I am only stating the ones that I can see. (And we know, that man's wisdom is nothing compared to God's.)

God knows us perfectly. He knows our past, present and future. What projects/promptings has He started five, ten, twenty, one hundred years ago to bring about sweet "fruit" in my/our every day life?!

Our journey started LONG before coming into our mother's womb. God's plan was set in motion with Christ as our Savior, and all of us who have ever come to earth, shouted for joy at the opportunity to come to earth. We were joyful at the idea of being able to become more like our Heavenly Father. More like Him in the fact we would get a body by coming to earth and have opportunities to grow and progress. We would make mistakes here on earth, repentance needed and a way to overcome sin... because we all sin. And the only way to return to live with our Heavenly Father someday is to be clean, completely. Our Heavenly Father knew this, so in His perfect and infinite wisdom He provided a Savior, His only begotten son in the flesh, Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ, being prepared, but still having the choice to not be the/OUR Savior, came and chose to be obedient to the Father's plan. Jesus Christ suffered and died, and then triumphed over the grave just so you and I could have the opportunity TO choose to follow Heavenly Father while here in the mortal state of our existence.... talk about thousands + years (we don't know with God's counting of "time") that God placed all these things in motion just for us to be here on earth, now and experience the things we need. ... How many "pairs of shoes" does Heavenly Father have stored for us in the closet of life?!!! In the closet of the eternities?! And how long have some of those shoes [blessings] been waiting for the right, specific moment?! Well getting married to an eternal companion, will SURELY be one of those SWEET pairs of shoes, that I would suspect God, at least on my end has been working saving/working on my whole life, and maybe it started with ancestors and traits and stories of faith passed on....

God's closet of shoes must be HUGE! I have choice blessings that happen each day. Some in a moment, and some blessings [shoes] that I can see were prepared way before I ever received them!

So why a snail for Joseph Smith's quote of "When the Lord commands, do it"? I walked out of the Condo this past year and found this little guy creeping across my sidewalk. (I have to give him credit, his shell was quite beautiful, although I was in NO hurry to pick him up and take him home.) But this little snail seemed to have the longest journey to get across a walk way. A cement path I deemed as pretty smooth concrete, however when getting that close to the snail I discovered, as you can see in the picture, how rough and rugged the cement really was. And to a tiny snail, surely the openings in the cement could not feel amazing to slide across. (Is that what a snail does anyway, slide?! :D) That little snail, when viewing life at "his" view, although I deemed and walked the same path many times and praised my "smooth" sidewalks... once in the sight of his path, I was able to see that his journey was quite rough and rugged. How choice when God allows us to view someone's journey from their own perspective.

Everyone, even snails, have battles they are facing! The little snail didn't give up! (After staring at it for a few moments, I think I saw it move one 1mm! I know I at least saw one of it's antenna things wiggle! ;) )

A man held onto a pair of shoes, too small for him, for 5 years, not knowing why.

We never know what pair of "shoes" HE [our Father in Heaven] is preparing for the exact moment someone will need the shoes on their feet.

Truly when the Lord commands, DO IT!
BLESS God's SHOES!!
And bless the person who is "storing" a pair of His shoes!

"We don't believe in prayer..."

2012-01-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

So what a title to start this blog entry with! I know right!?! I felt the same way when I heard my Bishop make the comment in Ward Council yesterday. He did pause after he said those words, but here is his whole inspired statement. "We [as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints] don't believe in prayer, we believe in mighty prayer!" --Bishop Karl Lifferth

What a statement! And what a true statement. The impact of his words sunk deep into my heart. Truly we are a people who not only have greater insight to prayer, and because of that insight--are believers/users of MIGHTY PRAYER!! (Check the blog if you can't read the text below.)

Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God. --Alma 6:6

Who [Jesus Christ] will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer. --Jesus Christ

And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me. --Nephi

And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. --Enos

True statements... and if I am not exersizing the right and knowledge of "mighty" prayer--what things may I be missing out on and not just for myself but those who I love and have any kind of stewardship. Thank you Bishop Lifferth!

Another awesome reminder I was given yesterday was a by a guy that just moved into my ward a month ago. His name is Jason. He stood up to bare his testimony and said, "If we are not applying the atonement of Jesus Christ in our life, then we are not progressing." What a dead on statement. So true.

Yesterday was a beauitful day. Filled with so many miracles. A friend on my committee came out and we did some visits that I had felt to do. I had only asked him at church (short notice) to come out with me but he was more than willing to go on the visits. It was awesome to go into homes and see him chill and loving the individuals. It was uplifting and edifying.

Yesterday as I closed my fast in gratitude for a lot of blessings, I felt impressed that I needed to stop by a friend's house before the CES fireside. In "reasoning" with God I mentioned that this perticular guy had not been to church in months and other then hello's during the holiday I had not really talked to him, although I had tried many, many times. I wondered if I should give the guy the heads up that I was coming to see him, but I litterally felt to just drive to his house and invite him to put on his shoes and come with me to the fireside. The fireside started at 6 and about 6:05 I got to his house. He had just gotten home from work. I told him there was a fireside and I was there to pick him up and have him go. He hesitated for a moment, but I told him to grab his shoes and we would go. He went and changed out of his work clothes, fixed his hair (out of respect for not wanting to wear a baseball cap into the chapel), laced up his boats and we were out! We only caught the last 20 mins or so of the fireside talk, but I sat amazed knowing he had actually gone with me.

I dropped him off at his place and after a few hours of conversation, he mentioned how crazy it was that I had come over. He said that God must have read his mind. I inquired to him what he meant. And he told me that in overcomeing something in his life, he has kept himself to himself and not wanting to get out. But that this day, he wanted to "get dressed up and go out". Shortly after those thoughts I was at his door. And it didn't matter if it was a fireside, he recognized that God was answering a prayer he didn't even know he said (or at least not officially). I just smiled and told him it had nothing to do with me--but that God loved him and made a way for him to "get out". In texting the EQ President last night, he mentioned that he had felt to go invite and pick up the guy to go to the fireside--but seeing he would be late decided not to. I did not fill him in that God had back up plans!! If Plan A didn't work, I have no idea what number of plan B, or C, I was---but this I know-- God LOVES his children. He LOVES US! He hears our prayers, and surely our MIGHTY prayers.

My life has been a little messed up. So focused on the business of my career, which has been needed at this season of the year, but I have become a little complacent and not "mighty" in praying and truthfully not mighty in a lot of things: faith, trust, hope... and there has been a separation of not evening allowing God to use my life in the service of others, because of my complacent. So yesterday was a sweet reminder how much I LOVE being for HIM! Truly, I don't want my life to be my own. If there are lives to lift, to bless, to encourage, to cheer, to brighten, to listen, to smile and hug, I pray that if God needs a runner for any such tasks, I can live in such a way that He might request/prompt me. I truly want to LIVE for HIM.

And in sharing this last bit--I speak nothing of myself. For in me there are so many awesomely beautiful flaws. Awesomely beautiful because they are reminders that I need to keep striving to becoming like God and relying on/keep seeking Him. Without him, I am truly nothing (as to my own strength, I am weak.) But WITH HIM I can be all he wants me to be! And I have access to His help and assistance as I journey here below.

My cup is full.

I don't believe in prayer, I BELIEVE IN MIGHTY PRAYER!! Oh to ever be applying the atonement of Jesus Christ to my life, not only to be made whole, but to progress--to journey and venture to Him helping me fulfill the measure of my creation. He really can do it! After all that I can do, HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!

COME SHAKE IT!

2012-01-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

So this is going to be awesome!! Citlalli had some kind Zumba Instructors say that they would donate their time and the Classic Skating Center also donated their building for free! There have been so many kind people who have put together a lot to help out with this fundraiser!

It was just a few weeks ago that Todor, Citlalli and a group of us went up to temple square to enjoy the lights. There were soooo many people and it was not the safest envorment for Todor to be around that many germs... but he stayed outside and we had a great evening!

Truly, I can't tell you all the miracles that have happened. $20,000 was raised in just two weeks in order to save some of Todor's Cells to do a Stem-Cell Treatment. Many more people have dontated so much here and in Bulgaria.... So this Zumba class is just one more way that Citlalli has thought of to help raise funds. I hope to be there! NOT to Zumba of course! (We all know how sad it is when I try to "shake it" but I will be there taking video and enjoying all the folks!)

If anyone is in Orem next Saturday, you would be welcome to join us!!

FUN REUNION

2011-12-30T00:56:00.001-07:00

So a few weeks ago I received a text inviting me to come watch some of my old young woman give sacrament talks in their ward. I was deeply touched and of course didn't want to miss the opportunity! It has been several ward changes and different callings since I served in young womens... but the girls were just as amazing as before and even more so!

It was amazing to hear their testimonies of Jesus Christ and their conviction the the gospel. It just so happened that one of the presidencies I served in--all of us in the presidency were present. I beamed with pride as I listened to them bare their testimonies. Nothing on my end, but truly can there be a sweeter gift to a past leader then seeing that the girls she loved so much, have still chosen Christ in their life?! It was a very sweet and a rewarding Sunday.

We decided that we needed to have a get together, so tonight was the night. We laughted hard and played a picture game, then exchanged our favorite quotes with each other. BAD x-leader--I kept the girls way to late and their poor parents have had to stay up all night waiting for them!

My heart is full. I really love these girls. Becca was able to come and we sure missed having Amy.. but we decided we will just have to do a temple trip all together.

Truly choice daughters of God. It was a choice evening. Thanks girls!!

AM I FOAMING?

2011-12-29T08:54:00.003-07:00

So this picture is a bit silly--and it is missing Kiss, Tay, Nyk and Cars and the kiddos--but there is a LOT of love here!! The holidays were wonderful! Perhaps I can post some thoughts a little later on that. I LOVED having Christmas on Sunday this year. I would opt for doing it on Sunday every year for surely the spirit of the day was enhanced by attending and singing the songs that celebrate Christ's birth and life here on earth. It was magical.

BATTLE BEFORE THE DAWN
Yesterday I was back studying in the gospels and was impressed by the story of the man that brings his son to Christ for healing. (Matt 17, Mark 9, Luke 9.) The Father comes kneeling (Matt 17:14) before the Savior. I know there are LOTS of applications with this story. Beautiful ones... but the one that I was impressed with as I read last night--was the struggle BEFORE the deliverance/relief.

In Mark's version: "And they brought him [the guy's son] unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming." And Luke says: "And as he was yet a coming the devil threw him down, and tare him."

WELL ISN'T THAT THE TRUTH!! When I can see the "light" at the end of the tunnel, or I am on the path of coming to the Savior/willing to give up a weakness, addiction, a whatever-- "AS" I am yet coming... the devil and/or my natural man has a hay day and throws me down and tries to have one last attempt at taring me down. At breaking me so that I will not finish my journey/Commitment to Christ.

My great home teacher shared with me that his Mission President told him that the toughest struggles for someone will come right before their mission and right before getting married. Because so much good can come out of both decisions, why wouldn't Satan try his hardest to distract, tempt, lead away, discourage, beat down on the soul who is trying to make such a step?! Satan is no dummy. But either is our God!!

In Mark 8, the story of a blind man is shared. The blind man was brought to the Savior... and then an interesting thing happens. Christ who can do anything, "took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town;". Christ did not heal him right there in the city. And perhaps there it was too dangerous for him to heal in the city, so he took him out to be away from vultures who would try even harder to end his ministry... but the concept is beauitful. Christ HAD the power to do it then and there--but chose to lead him by the hand to a different place BEFORE healing him. There are times in my own life, where I know I can be healed, and I am at the feet of the Savior--but in HIS wisdom and Mercy and his perfect understanding which I usually don't comprehend or see--I am led on a journey to where I can be healed. Even if my healing comes in the form of just having my heart more concrete to Him--even if my infirmity/struggle is not taken away... my resolve and determination can be fortified and strengthened. Sometimes the burden is not taken off the back, but "The Lord shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it." -- President Thomas S. Monson.

Christ can take us by the hand and even with our "blindness" lead us along to the place where he can heal us... whatever "healing" he has in store... not our will, but Heavenly Father's will be done...

So many applications for life! As we turn to the Savior, as others help bring us to him, or we choose to head towards him ourselves--SATAN WILL NOT LET US GO WITHOUT A FIGHT! Seeing Christ enter into our life (meaning, us making the steps to come to him) Satan will be ticked off and will try to "tare" us and push us to the ground and have us wallow in the foam of discouragement, of frustration, the foam of bitterness, of doubt, or resentment or of pride. BUT the Savior can take us by the hand, even in our "blinded" state, and although he might not choose to heal us in the current area of our life, he will lead us to the place where he sees best to provide the opportunities to help us see what he would have us see.

So if you are on your path to the Savior, determined to hand over something that is not so GodLike in your life--be prepared that Satan is not going to let you go without a fight!!! BUT FIGHT YOU MUST--FOR CHRIST WILL TAKE YOUR HAND AND LEAD YOU ON YOUR PATH TO GREATER HAPPINESS, DEEPER CONVICTION, AND MORE FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD'S PLAN FOR YOU... FOR ME!

TUCKED IN PANT LEGS

2011-12-23T09:54:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I stopped in a rush at Kmart to pick up something really quick. The lines were not too long which I was grateful for because of course I was in a hurry.

As I stood in my line, I looked at the cashier one line over from me. The way Kmart set up their check-out lines, this cashier was basically standing in my line, just facing a different direction. I happened to glance down and noticed that his pants were tucked into his white socks and thought it was a bold style. Our eyes connected and I smiled/half winked at him to say hello. We didn't exchange words because he was already working with a customer but he acknowledged me with a smile back and I went back to getting ready to check out. The woman and man in his line asked him how he was. Very joyfully he thanked the couple for asking him how HE was and that many people don't ask such things. He then proceeded to tell them how great he was for it was Christmas.

I was very pleased to hear such an interation between sales associate and customer. With the cashier's comment of people not being very personal, for whatever reason I looked back at his pants again. But this time instead of seeing the bottoms tucked into the socks, I noticed that the pants were probably three of even four sizes too big of slacks. And they were being held together by a belt. They were black, and I hadn't noticed how big they were before. My heart dropped. I don't think he was tucking the pant bottoms into his socks for style, but rather to hide how big they were. I was filled with more admiration, love and compassion for this cashier. My mind seemed to play out several different reasons as to why he would be wearing such large pants...

The rest of my check out was fast. I finished my purchase and walked towards the door, but paused to get his attention. I know, I was a little creepy I guess, but I waited for him to look over. Which he did and I nodded and sent him a smile. To which he lifted his hand to his brow, saluted me with a nod and smiled back. No words spoken... but I won't forget his optimistic, sincere cheer. I walked to my car changed.

Sunday one of the speakers mentioned that charity is seeing someone at their full worth. Outside of the scriptures and President Monson's amazing talk on charity (click here) I don't think I have heard a more perfect definition of charity. Perhaps Heavenly Father in his infinite wisdom and mercy allows us random views/insights into people's lives to help fill in the areas of charity that we have not perfectly fulfilled yet. Oh the gift to strive and plead for of being "quick to observe". (Brilliant talk given by Elder Bednar and one of my personal favorites! Click here to view.)

I am so thankful God allows us moments to see into the lives of others. Ever so brief at times, but my interaction with the cashier that wasn't even my cashier... I most likely will never know his story. But regardless of circumstances, his attitude reflected love and kindness. What a great example he was to me! Lesson not lost.

My heart is full.

Three clips to bring the spirit! The first one--may we all listen to the promptings/impressions of the spirit. The second one was introduced to me by my friend Steve. His pastor shared it with him. The man truly "saw" others worth. That can be said with the last clip too.

Merry Christmas! Christ is the reason!

DON'T FAIL TO SEE...

2011-12-10T10:59:00.009-07:00

This morning as I was getting ready for my day, I listened to this experience that Sister Menlove had with her grandchildren. I remember hearing the story in General Conference, but I don't remember it being so profound. I was touched. She recounted:

A few months ago I had an opportunity to take a morning walk on a mountain trail with four of my grandchildren. We each brought a bag so we could collect treasures from nature. As we looked for pieces to put in our collection, we found many different colors, designs, and textures in the leaves and rocks. It was hard to choose. I soon noticed that the children’s bags were filling up. Each leaf the children selected was unique, but because it was late fall, most of the leaves had dark weathered spots, irregular shapes, or faded and discolored parts. Because of this, I was reluctant to add things to my bag. I was looking for a leaf that showed the brightest colors and had no flaws. If it wasn’t perfect, I wasn’t going to treasure it. But this meant that my bag had very little in it.

Later, as I thought about this experience, I realized that I had cheated myself of much delight and happiness that could have been mine. I didn’t appreciate the uniqueness of the objects because I was looking for what I had deemed perfection. My grandchildren had been wiser than I had been. They had savored the odd shapes and spots on the leaves. They giggled at and enjoyed the brittle crispness of the dying leaves, and they delighted in the soft, faded colors. They filled their bags with happy treasures to take home. We can fail to see and enjoy the unique happiness and beauty in each day if we are so focused on our desire for what we want instead of what the Lord has designed for us. (For full article click here.)

Now there is a lot to say of what am I "filling" my earthly bag with. We are told that we are to go in search of a pearl of great price, and when we find it, we should sell all that we have to obtain it. But I am thankful for this sweet reminder of seeing/finding the joy in life rather then seeking/only focused on the "perfectness" of something/anything! I surely would have only placed the most beauitful and most perfect leaves in my bag as well!! What if God did that?! Only picked out the perfect and flawless children to communicate with/and or to love? Well he would only have one Son in that bag, namely Jesus Christ. But yet, I know that God treasures each of us! Even with our unique flaws/imperfections.

Sister Menlove's story reminded me of a morning I had in May with Ms. Mia Bella.

It was cold, and cold, and lifeless, and did I mention COLD?! :) Mia and I went outside to "see" what we could see. No leaves, brisk wind, mud and dirt everywhere. Needless to say the morning would not be counted as one of my top 10 beauitful mornings-- or so I thought!

Mia was running around and playing in the dirt. Having such a fun time. She would find an obstacle of sagebrush in her path and then only with the confidence that graces an adventurous two year old she would try stepping over the brush. It was fun seeing her confidently lift her leg and with a glance towards me that seemed to say, "Did you see how high I just lifted my leg?!" When she landed her footing successful, she would squeal and flap her arms in delight. I was trying to be the responsible "aunt" in keeping her out of the more muddy spots, while allowing her the freedom of roaming around where she chose to.

Again, this morning was nothing to talk about for it was pretty bleak. Or was it?

At one point I got close to the ground for kicks and giggles of wanting to capture the perspective of a two year old footstep. I captured a lot more than a shoe!

My bleak/lifeless morning changed in an instant to breath taking yellow and gold spread splendor! The ground was literally covered with hundreds of smaller than dime flowers. They were EVERYWHERE! Mia had discovered them before me! (The picture of her above crouching down is of her capturing one of the flowers. If you look closely to her right you will see a littering of yellow. Click on the picture and you will see even better how there are flowers everywhere!)

My morning changed! Not because God put leaves on the trees and dried up all the mud. But rather He allowed me to see, what I had failed to see... His beauty! His hand! His sunshine! I expected to see it in the warmth of the air and in the hoped for "life" in the trees. He however, had provided it just inches off the ground.

A guy on Sunday shared a quote that his mission companion shared with him. "Perspective brings patience." So eternal perspective, when viewing things as they really are--the "bigger picture" patience is provided. Well my inches off the mud view provided a new perspective. As well. Like Sister Menloves discovery of missing out in all the joy and treasures she could have enjoyed had she not be so focused on perfection, I too could have missed the most beauitful display/arrangement of sunshine right above the mud!

Perspective!!

A friend shared her despair as tears fell from her cheeks. With life's changes she could not believe that God had taken so many things away from her. I asked her if she had thought of all the things that Christ had done for her, to which she responded that she could not think of one thing he had done for her. (It was like living Elder Oak's talk from General Conference for myself.) My sweet friend, with tears of anger and tears of sorrow, grasped for any form of happiness, but sadly she was convinced that her happiness would only be found in her boyfriend coming back and her getting to "just live" her life how she wanted, without guilt or responsibilities.

I tried to share with her the hundreds of yellow flowers that marked and covered the path... but one must come to discover what is literately growing out of the "muds/hardships" of life for themselves. She saw only what I saw at first... a lifeless, cold, bleak morning, and in bitterness and with anguish of soul her tears continued to flow.

My brother had a significant dream back in 2003:

"I had a dream a little while ago in which I was going to class when I began to feel quite thirsty. So I went to the drinking fountain and took a long drink, but as I did so I noticed that I couldn't feel the water in my mouth or throat. I drank again, again I felt nothing. Slightly irritated I got a large bottle of water and proceeded to empty its contents down in my mouth, I still felt nothing and I was becoming more and more thirsty. This was becoming quite aggravating so I left my class and found myself walking outside to a grass field which had sprinklers watering the lawn. I was sooo thirsty. So i went to the sprinkler and started to drink. Arrrgggg! Again I couldn't feel the water and I just go thirstier and thirstier. What was going on! As I was about to try the water in a near by gutter, I woke up. With an extremely dry mouth I got out of bed to get a drink. As I held the glass I stared at it for a while, trying to give it the impression that if I couldn't feel the water as I drank, it could enjoy being flung against the wall. I tipped the glass to my mouth and drank. YES! The water was cold against my throat, the thirst slowly dissipated. There are times in my life when I thirst, and I have found there are sources that cannot satisfy. I am learning that there is only one true source for living water, Christ. He not only extends his water, He also pleads for me to drink. As I drink I am filled with his spirit and I find an increased capacity to feel and love. He knows how to quench my thirst because He too has thirsted like me. He causes springs of faith and hope in my driest times. He is the true fount, the fount of every blessing. I know He lives, loves and will lead me home if I will follow." -- Brytt Cloward

When we chatted it came down to the fact that she really did want to live her life the way she wanted to, and not have to keep commandments or put Christ in it. The amazing beauitful thing about this life-- is that we can choose just to do that! God will never force us to follow Him, or have faith in His son. But I echo the words of my brother that I too have found that there are sources that cannot satisfy. And ultimately "there is only one true source of living water, Christ."

So I get to choose what goes in my bag! May I fill it with the things that matter! May I see what I couldn't see before in noticing the beauty of mud grown flowers!

To my dear friend-- God loves you. And there is joy to be had even on seemingly bleak mornings.

May we see, what we couldn't see...!

Jesus lives!

25 DAYS

2011-12-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

25 Days seems a fitting number...

I always ponder about this time of year. And I know it is like beating the same drum, but I can't help stop thinking about what CAN happen with someone this time of year. Sadly, I learned of a suicide of a young teenage girl last week on or right after Thanksgiving. I learned of a friend who has a few family members that have been also contemplating suicidal thoughts and at times quite struggle with who they are and their very existence. I am not to judge, for I know not their thoughts or their struggles. I know not the anguish of their soul or what Goliath is staring them down. I know not.

But this I do know...

There is a loving Father in Heaven who sent His only Begotten son to not only die for us but also to live for us! And at this Christmas season--wouldn't it be something if we chose to live for Him?!

At this time of year, if one will allow, one can be filled with joy, with more kindness, patience, temperance, understanding. Mens hearts can naturally be turned outward and there is NO LIMIT to the amount of good one can do during the holidays. There is NO limit to the influence. There is no limit to the hands that can be served. The smiles that can be given and the burdens that can be lightened. Satan KNOWS this! He knows because of the time of year it is--there is greater chance, that IF someone will reach outside themselves their influence/good acts/kind words could triple and multiply by 7 times the normal JUST BECAUSE of the time of year it is!

So, if I were the adversary and I knew all that one could do for Jesus Christ at this time of year... Why not put ALL my efforts, demons, devils, discouragement on an individual and just get them to focus on them looking in instead of looking out. To focus on self instead of focusing on others. IF I can just get someone to not care about the season and to be caught up in the business and the parties and all the obligations, the shopper rush, the longing/ the $$$ debt-- If I could just help cause them to forget the WHY behind Christmas... Well shoot! I think I would make a pretty convincing plan for Satan to stamp with his approval of what to do with his Troops this Christmas!

But it doesn't need to be that way.

I have read a few beautiful things in the last 5 days that have caused me great reflection.

"Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others" --George Albert Smith

"It is better to walk with God in the darkness than without him in the light." --Maria Speidel

... the Holy Ghost "satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart, and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that Spirit...my soul is satisfied, and I can say in good earnest, that the trifling things of the day do not seem to stand in my way at all. But just let me lose my hold of that spirit and power of the Gospel, and partake of the spirit of the world, in the slightest degree, and troubles comes; there is something wrong. I am tried, and what will comfort me? You cannot impart comfort to me that will satisfy the immortal mind, but that which comes from the Fountain above. And is it not our privilege to so live that we can have this constantly flowing into our souls?" --Eliza R. Snow (from Daughters in My Kingdom)

Jesus Christ shared with those recorded in Matt and Luke to "love your enemies, do good to them that hate you"... and He shared the same counsel with the Nephites when he visited them after his resurrection. I think He is trying to help us see and make a point that we need to be loving!

But how can we love, if we are hating? How can we bless if we are only cursing back? How can we do good if we close off our heart? And how can we sincerely pray for those around us if we are not inclined to sincerely pray in the first place? No wonder Christ gave such timely council!

I came across a letter that my mom shared with me back in 2006. It was a letter that Uncle Dave had written to Grammy dated July 16, 2006. He was sharing with her about Luke 18 and what it takes to be a profitable servant. He then started reflecting a little on a few areas of his life and wrote that, "...and occasionally [I] don't keep some of the commandments. (I'm usually okay with the Ten, but have occasional problems with the Two Great Commandments, such as wrong priorities, unkind thoughts and words, ect.)" !!!!

The TWO GREATS ARE:

Love the Lord thy God with all your heart - NOT KEEPING = wrong priorities.
Love your neighbor as yourself - NOT KEEPING = unkind thoughts and words, ect.

Brilliantly stated! Thanks Uncle Dave! (Ha you may not have known that your sister was sharing your stuff with her daughter--but now you do! ;))

I have reflected over those words... what are my priorities!

President Spencer W. Kimball said:

“Jesus … taught us how important it is to use our time wisely. This does not mean there can never be any leisure, for there must be time for contemplation and for renewal, but there must be no waste of time. How we manage time matters so very much, and we can be good managers of time without being frantic or officious. Time cannot be recycled. When a moment has gone, it is really gone. The tyranny of trivia consists of its driving out the people and moments that really matter. Minutia holds momentous things hostage, and we let the tyranny continue all too often. Wise time management is really the wise management of ourselves”

Time cannot be recycled!

SOOO --- 25 Days!
(Not that it should only last 25 days, but goals/habits are measured with marking points...)

I would like to issue a challenge to anyone who is up for it. For the next 25 Days--LET'S work on a "birthday" gift for the Savior. That is to:

1.) LOVE enemies...
Those we have grudges towards. Those who we feel have wronged us so we, sometimes unknowingly, withhold our love from them. Those who are in the checkout line and take their own sweet time... :)

2.) BLESS them that curse...
That could mean, driving with a smile when someone does less than considerate actions with their car. Serving someone that it would be easy to keep on moving.

3.) DO GOOD to those that hate...
Forgiving is a good thing to do. Being slow to anger is a good thing. Slow to judge... living with giving people the benefit of the doubt... Smiling especially when it is so natural to not to car/want to be noticed... Focusing on others, choosing to be happy/positive-- all GOOD things to do.

4.) PRAY for others...
In a time when Satan will strive so hard to tempt us with thoughts of ending our life- only focusing inward, dwelling on what we can't see/don't have rather than seeing all we do have... If Satan can tempt us to not pray, and especially for others because we have given up or just stop caring... I say he has a pretty good plan!! Prayers can MOVE mountains! (The faith in one's prayers..:))

SOO--What will your gift to Christ be this year? Will you give Him 25 days?!!! Will you give Him, in the form of doing it to/for others-- LOVE, BLESS by serving/noticing/caring, DO GOOD and PRAYING?!

What a "Birthday" (in the time of year when the world celebrates his birth) gift we could give!

The choice is ours...!

25 DAYS!!!

LESSONS NOT LOST - VOL 3

2011-11-19T09:09:00.002-07:00

So it has been a good few weeks! Lot's of lesson's not lost on me.

BETTY & JASICCA

From my journal

7.6.2011
It is almost 2:30 in the morning but I feel that I need to write.
BETTY: Sunday, as I was sitting in Rs pondering over what God would have me ponder over--I noticed two girls coming in the room. I wondered who they were. Well going into Sunday school I saw [someone] sitting by herself, so my thoughts were to sit by her, but as I (in very brief brief time) I prayed/wondered if God needed me to sit by anyone. I then saw two girls sitting by themselves. I spoke to them for a min. Soon the Jasicca ( girl from samoa) turned to me and told me Betty, the other girl, was not a member of the church

Ha you can tell it was 2:30 in the morning with that entry! :)

I felt impressed that I needed to sit by the girls. So leaving my natural thought of wanting to sit by someone who was sitting alone, I went over and plotted myself next to the girls.

Jasicca (far left) was sitting next to the wall in Sunday School and I sat down next to Betty (the robinhood gal next to me) and introduced myself. After a few moments, Betty's attention went somewhere else and in less then a brief sentence, Jasicca shared that they were roommates and that this was Betty's first time at church and we needed to find the missionaries.

Well-- from there the beauitful journey of these two girls in my life came into play! I invited them over to my house to have a chat about the gospel. I couldn't get a hold of the ward missionaries, so I decided to just have a small visit. Jasicca couldn't come over--but Betty could and she did!

I was pretty nervous and fears of what to say started to consume me. I knelt down and asked for the Lord to loosen my tongue and to bring me peace.

Betty and I chatted for a long time. Mind you this girl is amazing! She had just met me at church but still came over to my house to chat--and alone! That says something right there.

We talked for quite some time about everything. Then before her leaving I asked her if she would like to say a prayer. She had never really prayed out loud before and I told her it was no problem and that I knew she could do it. With some help in knowing where to direct her sentences, she addressed God and then thanked him for letting her have the time to meet with me. She then asked if God would help her come to know him and if he would make a way for her brother to receive/learn about God and the Book of Mormon. She then ended her prayer in the name of Jesus Christ and we both said amen. I was floored. This girl hadn't committed to reading The Book of Mormon, BUT she asked God to help her brother read/learn about it. Betty at this point wasn't even sure she believed in God--but that prayer she offered up in my place was powerful! And little did she know it was just a matter of time.

TIME! What a beauitful thing. Time to change, to work out our salvation. Time to forgive, work on weaknesses. Time to serve. Well Jasicca, Betty's roommate, had been using her time to pray to God for Betty's sake! For months Jasicca had been praying that some how Betty would let God enter into her life. Talk about Jasicca could totally be related to Ammon's dad in the Book of Mormon! For her faith and love and pleading for Betty to have the gospel in her life--was a powerful means that God used to help change Betty's life.

Weeks followed and we had a few meetings with the full time missionaries. The missionaries had hard core accents and even with me being formilar with gospel terms, even I had hard times figuring out what they were saying, and that meant most of the lessons were over Betty's head. But she met and every Sunday came to all of church with Jasicca. Betty was changing her life, and didn't even catch on at first, but Jasicca and I sure saw it!

Betty wanted to see a baptism, so I invited her to come to Afton (my niece's) baptism. That was awesome to have her there!

One Sunday I asked if we could set up another appointment with the missionaries and Betty turned that down. So unusual to my norm, I left it at that and never brought it back up.

WELL come to find out that the Elder that had a very think accent got transferred and the new elder and his companion were at McDonalds when Betty came in and they struck up a conversation. The new missionary was part of GOD's timing with Betty.

Unannounced to me, Betty started meeting with the missionaries again. One Friday came over to my place to watch 17 Miracles (I highly recommend the great movie) with Jassica and me. Betty told me she had some exciting news. She came over and told me she had prayed that evening after the missionaries left and felt it was right to get baptized! Here is a girl that did a 180! She went from never praying before/not believing in God, to praying and trusting enough in him ask questions. I stand all amazed!

So--November 5th brought Betty's day making/showing God that she was/IS willing to keep his commandments and remember and have faith in Jesus Christ--she showed this to God by being baptized!

It truly was an amazing day!

Mauricio, Betty's brother--whom she prayed for the very first day she came to my house-- came to her baptism.

I went and hugged him after the baptism and I asked him what he thought. He told me that he leaned over to his mom and said that he should have been baptized with Betty. I gave his arm a slight nudge and told him that now he can have a program all to himself! Betty's family made a HUGE feast for everyone in celebrating their daughter. Her mom cooked in the kitchen with Mauricio's help for two days to prepare the food. Talk about a spoiling!

The next morning what a beauitful thing it was to see Betty's family sitting in church. They had never attended a sacrament meeting for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before. Betty's mom speaks a little English. The Sunday was Fast Sunday. I prayed that her family would feel the spirit even with the language barriers. How choice it was then - when God inspired a kid in the ward to bare his testimony--and at the very end of his testimony, he started talking in Spanish!! For the time that I have been in this ward, I have NEVER heard someone bare their testimony in something other than English. And the kid could have never known that Betty's family was there, and that they were not members, that this was their first time, nor could he have known that one of them doesn't understand English 100%!! I seriously wanted to cry. God is GREAT!

So Betty is now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! Here is a shot from the day at my Niece's Baptism--and then Betty's big day.

Jasicca's smile in the bottom half says it all! I love both of these girls!! And what great examples they are for me! GOD has perfect timing! And He will patiently wait for us to come to Him.

A few days after Betty's Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost I asked her how she was doing. To which she replied, "GREAT!" I asked her why that was, to which she responded that she was great and happy because she was a member.

So what does this mean for Betty? will she ever have hard times, struggles, times where she feels the sun may not be shining. OH YES! We already talked about life's fierce storms beat on both the foolish man and the wise man house. Equal storms. The difference is the foundation=power those men have to draw for strength while in the midst of a storm. Betty has built her foundation on Christ. She has built her foundation on a ROCK!

My heart is still swollen when thinking of Jasicca's desires for her friend to find happiness. We can not force others to change. And surely God won't make/force anyone to change. But through our love and faith, prayers and hope--God can work the miracles needed to help bring one's heart to a condition to recognize truth/seek truth and then act on the revelation/truths they have found.

Two amazing woman!

LESSONS NOT LOST
I have been pondering and take great value in some truths that have been taught to me the last few weeks.

HOW HE USED HIS TIME

I picked Thaynermack up on his birthday and we rushed off to the mall where he was going to go to a movie with mom and dad. I sang him happy birthday in the car and then asked him how his day had gone. He told me that he got up and spent some time alone with God. He said that he awoke and was just so grateful to God for letting him have another birthday here on the earth. He was so happy to be alive and just spent the morning with his thoughts on God in gratitude. This coming from the kid that has died several times and has lived a good two years of his life in total in and out of the hospitals. And here it was his birthday--and he was choosing to live it praising God for still allowing him to be on the earth. My cheeks became wet. What a great example Thayne is to me. And I, and my whole family, are so glad/grateful that Thayne is a member of our family! We need his testimony, his love, and his example of cheerfully submitting to whatever God has in store. I love you Thaynermack!

BEING CASUAL
In preparing for Stake Conference, I went to a Stake Temple night. A brother in the Temple Presidency shared a profound statement. He said that for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints... one of the worst things one can do is become casual to God. Be casual with keeping covenants, commitments and commandments. WELL ISN'T THAT THE TRUTH! Satan doesn't need me to kill, cheat, swear, lie, etc--BUT if he can just get me to be casual in my prayers, my church attendance/duties, my scripture study--casual is just another word for complacent and/or numb. BEWARE!

HOW IS MY VIEW?
Bishop Lifferth, in an email shared with me a conversation he heard on the radio that he felt, and I would agree, was profound. The statement was: "People have a tendency to judge people on their actions but we judge ourselves on our intentions. If we do judge someone let's make sure we judge them on their intentions." He sent this statement at a perfect time because I was still pondering over something Danny had shared at his Dad's funeral the Saturday before.

Danny made the observation/posed the question why is it that when someone dies, everyone seems to focus on all that person's strengths and what was good about them. What they "did" rather than what they "didn't do" in life. He shared that when someone is living right before us we tend to be critical and sometimes only view/focus on their weaknesses and the things they "don't do" or the things they "aren't". Danny brought up this observation of how death seems to melt away negative feelings and helps one view one's life completely positive. Revering and truly honoring that person for what they "did" do for who they "really"were. He shared this observation and then said how great it would be to live life and treat everyone as if they had just died... to see and focus on their strengths and what they are doing good.

I remember being in the hospital with Dad during the long nights with cancer. And although the times were often bleak and we had no idea which direction things were going to go--as a family, we often commented on how little things didn't matter anymore. The stuff that seemed so huge and pressing, had become grains of sand blowing in the wind, compared to the time we were taking "being" a family. Cancer brought us back to basics. To what was REALLY important and what REALLY mattered.

So if I judge someone on their intentions--basically meaning have more patience with them and truly seeing them as the being they are, as a child of God (without having to bring death into the picture) -- what a way to live life!! How is my view of someone/situations now?

DON'T MESS UP YOUR SACRED PLACES
At our Stake Conference, our Stake President, President Owens, challenged us to not desecrate those areas that have become our sacred places. The places/areas/locations where we have felt of the spirit and have had moments with God. Satan would like nothing more than to destroy those little areas. So for a room, instead of being a safe haven with scripture study and prayer, if immoral acts are preformed/viewed in a place that was once sacred to us, those areas will be desecrated. He then challenged us to each build up our own "Waters of Mormon" areas. If Satan, is allowed because of our opening the door, destroys the moments in life that were sacred to us--he will rob us of places where we might have gained peace.

POWER IN KEEPING COVENANTS
Jen and I were talking the other day about going to the temple. Jen then shared a very profound statement with me that has rung so true.

When she was first striving to go to the temple once a week--mind you this is quite a task for a mom of six--she said that the morning she would plan to go EVERYTHING would go wrong. Melt downs with the kids, literally all would break loose! After hours of struggling Jen said that she almost said out loud, "FINE! If this is what happens with going to the temple I am not going! It is not worth it!" Beautifully, however, Jen caught the "trap"! She realized that Satan didn't want her at the temple, and by her giving into not going was his very plan...he wanted to keep her out of the temple. Once she realized what was really going on, she decided that that was it! That NO MATTER WHAT, no matter what powers broke out, that REGARDLESS--she would be going to the temple. NO matter what!

Jen said the most amazing thing happened. When she finally committed with a covenant to attend the temple and was 100% set on keeping that covenant (no wavering), Satan's tactics couldn't frustrate her into NOT going. And even if and when the world fell apart, she would still go. She said some mornings did still fall apart, but the difference was in how she handled the opposition. She didn't become angry or upset for she was still going no matter what, so it was just a matter of getting through/over the obstacle so she could be in the temple that day. And with that commitment, she said her burdens were literally lightened! Whatever went wrong, went wrong. But she didn't let it affect her mind set of going to the temple or not. We then made connections to other covenants we make in and outside of the temple.

SO once I make and keep with a full soul a particular covenant, like we learn in the temple, Satan really can have no power over us. Keeping covenants WITHOUT wavering provides one with innumerable power! Great truth!

NEW TACTICS BROUGHT TO LIGHT
Another PROFOUND thought was shared with me by a friend who was seeking a blessing. She is not one to ask for blessings a lot. In the past when she has felt to get a blessing, the day comes up and her life eases up just enough that her situation doesn't seem as dire as it had felt when she thought to get a blessing. So, because life was not AS dire, she didn't get the blessing because after all she was "doing better".

This week that friend made an amazing inspired observation. She felt to get a blessing, but had to wait until the next day to get it. The day she felt to get a blessing, her life was a mess and her burdens almost too heavy to bare. The next day, things didn't seem to be "as bad". She was coping with things a little better and found that she really didn't need to get a blessing... BUT her mind was led to behold a tactic of Satan she had never thought caught on before. Why is it when ever she commits to getting a blessing, that the day the blessing is going to be given--her burdens seem more under control and less heavy. In the past she just hasn't gone through with getting a blessing. HOWEVER!! Does Satan want her getting a blessing? NO! And why is that? She will be given power/comfort/revelation even or other items to bless her life and the situation she is in. SO wouldn't it make sense that Satan, when seeing we are going to get a blessing tells his devils, "Lay off a bit today. We need that individual to be "okay" long enough in life to help them think they no longer need/want a blessing." HELLO!!! Doesn't this tactic make sense! Truly brilliant!

My friend said that when this idea was brought to her mind, she figured she was even MORE in need of that blessing for Satan to let up a little so she wouldn't follow through with getting the blessing. And sure enough, when she received the blessing--the things said she needed to hear and have in her life. WOW! Never caught this angle of Satan before. It makes perfect sense! I have even stopped the process of getting a blessing because at the moment, I was "fine" so therefor it would be silly to still get one. Oh Satan is GOOD (in the sense that he is soo good at what he does)!! BUT!!!!!!!!! God is SOOO much greater!

----

I told you--I have had some amazing few last weeks. :)

Lessons NOT LOST ON ME!

BROUGHT TO MY CENTER

2011-11-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Institute has been wildly intense the last few weeks. It seems that our wonderful teacher Brother McBride and us students are becoming one. Because our thoughts and language have been powerfully centered on the Savior.

I love this picture! The story and what it represents is a perfect reminder of the truth I was reminded about in institute!

This last Wed evening as we were diving into some sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, we started reading about all the different gifts of the spirit... and one by one as we found them in the verses of scriptures we would shout them out. The topic "Gifts of the Spirit" excites me very quickly. And always has. I started thinking about all the ones I would like to have. My mind was litterly filled with a wirlwhind of excitement as I read through some of the "stated" gifts given. My teacher then asked which was the greatest of all the gifts. We shot out a few answers like being Christlike and loving others. All to which he replied that we were getting the general idea, but didn't pinpoint the "one". Finally after several stumped seconds Alisha in the back stated "Charity". And when she said it of course I knew she was right, and the teacher was joyous because that was the one gift he had been wanting us to say.

Interestingly--all that we were reading about in the Doctrine and Covenants that night, not once in that section did it say Charity--at least with the skimming and calling out we were doing. And even though all these different gifts of healing, faith, administaton, etc and the excitement they brought to my mind knowing what one might do with such a gift--at the words of "Charity", I was brought back, to my center. Yes, of course. Without Charity, we, I am nothing. Every exciting gift and the influence it might have--look to the root of that gift and you will find Charity.

This is nothing new, but for me that night, not seeing the words as a reminder in the verses before me, when the word was stated--I was brought to my center. Or rather, what my center should be!

For if one has charity one:

suffers long
is kind
envieth not
vaunteth not itself
is not puffed up
not behave unseemly (indecently)
seeks not her own (not selfish)
not easily provoked
thinks no evil
rejoices not in iniquity
rejoices in truth
beares all things
believes all things
hopes all things
endures all things
will abide in charity
they have love = they have the PURE love of Christ (And that love ENDURES FOREVER)
won't suffer the laborer in Zion to perish (!! supporting our church leaders and what is asked of us!)
brings the fountian of all righteousness (Isn't the fountain Christ--CHARITY THEN- BRINGS CHRIST!!!!!)
One will greet (their spouse/loved one) with a "kiss of charity". (1 Peter 5:14)
charity prevents a multitude of sins
"above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity" Bond = perfectness & peace
WITHOUT CHARITY = One is Nothing
Charity, NEVER fails
WHEREFORE, CLEAVE UNTO CHARITY
Charity edifys (uplifts, instructs)
PRAY with ALL the energy of heart, that YOU may BE FILLED with this love
And IF we are found possessed with it at the last day, "it shall be well with [us]", "for we shall be like [Christ]" (Moroni 7:47) For if one does not have it, they "cannnot inherit...the mansions of [the] Father." (Ether 12:34)

So yes... I was brought back to my center. You can find all those references by doing a "charity" search in the scriptures. And there are many more...
But if one has Charity- one is truly like Christ. And without it, one is truly nothing, and SHALL fail!

YOU ARE...

2011-10-31T23:21:00.004-06:00

Are you ready to be blown out of the water?!

"Truly, life is beauitful."

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

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

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

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

"Thank your Father in Heaven and His beloved Son for the plan of happiness...they have power to crown your life with peace and joy, to give it purpose and meaning."

The rest of the talk-- you should totally treat yourself by clicking here and reading Richard G. Scott's Finding Joy in Life! It is one of my FAVORITES!

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

2011-10-30T16:56:00.007-06:00

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

The last verse says, "I believe in Christ; so come what may". The ceiling parting and light beams streaming down could not have been more penetrating then these words to me. My mind took on the following conversation:

"Well Bryndi. Do YOU believe in Christ?"
"Yes."
"Then--COME WHAT MAY."

So come what may...! No matter what! In a sense the words are saying, "Bring it on-- for Christ, I believe in!" And Elder Wirthlin's mother said it best, "Come what may, and love it."

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

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

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

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

Jesus IS the Christ. And I BELIEVE in Him!

GOD PREPARES A WAY!!

2011-10-24T07:40:00.002-06:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seriously, amazing!!

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

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

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

BRILLIANT!!

2011-10-22T22:15:00.004-06:00

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE the Book of Mormon! It truly brings one and their heart to Jesus Christ. What can reading the Book of Mormon do for you?! Just change your life!!!!!!!!!! If you would like a free copy- click here. Ezra Taft Benson said about the Book of Mormon:

There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called "the words of life: (see D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in great and greater abundance.

I feel these words from Richard G. Scott could be my own for I say AMEN to them!

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

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

I Felt a Fire Inside

Claudia Williams, Florida, USA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brilliant!!

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

BRILLIANT!!

...BE GLAD!

2011-10-20T08:27:00.004-06:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants 29:31-32 reads:

For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal—

First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work—

So the order in that second verse is:

Phase 1
1st - SPIRITUAL
2nd - TEMPORAL

then the order changes

Phase 2
1st - TEMPORAL
2nd - SPIRITUAL

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

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

I know there are a lot more applications with those verses, but I thought it was a beautiful reminder of what I am to be doing. Christ says:

Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.

This life is NOW about becoming spiritual yet again. The Lord's council to David Whitmer is a good reminder to me! Doctrine and Covenants Section 30:

Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker…

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

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

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

GOD WON'T YOU CHANGE HIM?

2011-10-09T21:33:00.012-06:00

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

Thank you mom and dad for a much needed vacation!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read this quote from President Hinkley tonight:

To those of you who live in troubled homes, may I suggest that you let love become the lodestar of your family life. There is too much of shouting, too much of recrimination, so many tears in the homes of some of our people. Love is the only remedy. It is the very basis of marriage. It can be nurtured and strengthened, or it can be starved and weakened. The power lies within ourselves. Bridle your tempers, husbands. Wives, hold your tongues. Revive the wondrous feeling that brought you to the marriage altar. --Gordon B. Hinckley

I thanked the sister afterwards for sharing her story. Still shaking she said she fought the prompting to share it all class, but finally could not fight off the spirit any longer. I apologized that she probably was suppose to share that story at least for me and thanked her for her courage in raising her hand.

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

These are the words we sang in sacrament today. I sang hard and probably a little too loud, as my cheeks became wet...

As now we take the sacrament, our thoughts are turned to thee,
Thou Son of God, who lived for us, then died on Calvary.
We contemplate thy lasting grace, thy boundless charity;
To us the gift of life was giv’n for all eternity.

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

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

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

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

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

2011-10-07T01:32:00.007-06:00

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

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

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

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

I made this little sign to stick in the back of my phone. I took a picture of it and sent it to Sam. His response back moved me:

"It is a good statement! I like it... I would [have woken] up and have nothing but my family, health, the atonement of Christ still effective in my life, and you! So I would still be happy!=) "

Sam's text caught me completely off guard and was the "switch" I had been praying for. Tears fell onto my desk and I left for a more private place to pray.

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

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

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

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

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

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

All is well, the world in my life is sweet. Today was just a 2 Nephi chapter 4 morning and afternoon... Nephi's words I claim as my own, for they are exactly what my soul cried:

I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.

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

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

He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

God's love for me today came in the form of those words posted in Facebook, and a friend who shared what he thanked God for yesterday. I know in whom I have trusted.

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

HEROS

2011-10-05T23:14:00.005-06:00

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

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

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

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

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

ASSIGNMENT
Sweet Marin found this paper her daughter had written in her computer yesterday. She had an assignment to do something out of her comfort zone... so what does she choose to do?! Goes to an assisted living residence. Her kindness and determination to do something outside her comfort zone--! Surely one of God's elect. Here is her experience with love(!):

My Comfort Zone
Olivia Barney B3
I walked into the Summerfield Assisted Living Facility feeling nervous. At 8:15 pm there was nobody out. I wish I had come here earlier. I thought to myself. I walked around the building for about 5-10 minutes. There was nobody to talk to. As I made a second trip around the building, I saw an old man who appeared to be about 10 years younger than he really was, emerging from his room.

“Hello,” he said.

“Hello, how are you?” I asked. He sat down in the chair outside of his room.

“Not very good, and I can’t get an aid to come help me.”

“Did you pull the cord?” I asked. I didn’t see the blinking light that signals for the workers to come.

“No” he said, “Do I have to?”

“Yeah, do you want me to?” This was my chance to start a conversation. He told me that he did want me to. After I did that favor for him, I sat down on the floor and introduced myself. He told me his name was John Botts. He told me that he was born in a small town in North Dakota. His father owned the biggest store in town, and his mother was good at saving money. He said that he was one of the more fortunate people at that time to have been able to go to college; He went to college in North Dakota.

“I met my wife at college, I miss her. I haven’t seen her in a long time.” He said with tears in his eyes. I wasn’t sure if she had died, or if he was just in such poor health that he was sent to live here and she lived somewhere else. I was going to ask my brother-in-law what happened when I got home because he worked at Summerfield. But later as I continued to talk to him, I found out that she had passed away 3 or 4 years ago. As I held his hand, he continued to talk to me about his life. He served in the army during World War II, on an island full of cannibals. My heart reached out to him as he told me about his 9 children and his wife. At one point, he couldn’t remember where she was. My heart sank as he told me how he didn’t think he was good for anything now that he was 89 years old. When I asked him if I could hug him, I almost cried when he replied with tears in his eyes, “Of course you can.” He told me that my visit with him had made him feel better, as he had felt so sick. At 9:15, I had to leave. As I left, I hugged him, promised to visit, and said: “I’m glad I met you.” Those words were not just to make him feel good; they were true. They are true—I meant every word. This report has helped me to realize that even the most simple things like listening to someone for forty-five minutes, can mean the world to someone else.

“The willingness to share does not make one charitable; it makes one free.” ~Robert Brail. I will never forget this experience, thank you Miss Rowley for letting me do this. It has changed me. As I wrote this paper, I found this quote. I decided to live by this quote.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” ~Edward Everett Hale.

Date I did this: October 3, 2011

Doesn't that just want to make you go and do something to serve/uplift someone?! It did me! And again with the woman in Florida wanting to give me a hug over a hand shake--"We are about healing"!

What an example you are Olivia!

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

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

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

BIG DIPPER

2011-09-21T23:28:00.019-06:00

Can I just tell you, God plays such a part of our every day. His hand is there whether we are custom to seeing it or just think that it is our life and He is not "in it" much--HE IS.

My heart is full for so many reasons....

WASHER & LIST OF I LOVE YOU

My washer went out last week. Wonderful! :/ !! Dad was gone and told me to give Uncle Paul a call. To the rescue he came. Without any help from me--he came to my house, took the door off my laundry room, wheeled out my washer, loaded it into the truck, off to Orem to drop it off, a few days later, picked it up, rolled it back in, hooked it back up and put my door back on. I LOVE MY UNCLE PAUL!!

I was deeply touched by his selfless service. When dropping off the washer she shared with me something that God did for him back in May. Pauly was going through all of Becky's old church/primary files on the computer. He started to delete them off. As he was doing this Sue called him up and asked him what he was doing. He told her and she mentioned to not delete anything that he shouldn't by mistake. He said he was looking through all the files. Again Sue urged him to open everything. He found a file that he assumed was a forward email on reasons why I love you. Becky and Paul always forward emails back and forth. Paul opened up the file. It was no email forward... but was a list that Becky was making on Paul of all the reasons why she loved Paul...! There were 56 (or 54 I can't remember) items listed of why she loved Paul.... ! Becky has been gone since November and Paul found this file in the computer in May. I cried as Paul shared this tender mercy with me.... God is so good, so kind! I love you Pauly! Thank you for all your help!

"GO TO MYRNA'S"
Saturday brought a feeling that I needed to go and see Myrna.
Sunday the same impression kept coming over and over. There were so many miracles that happened on Sunday that I was literally at the church until 6pm. The impressions kept getting stronger and stronger. So not daring to even go home I drove, speeding a bit into the canyon and prayed that God would allow me to get there to see her. The above picture was taken before Myrna's Cancer. She has been going through Chemo.

I finally arrived in her deserted town and knocked on her door. No answer. I knocked again seeing a light on. She eventually came to the door. We talked for a moment and then this giant of a woman broke down into tears. She said that for whatever reason she was so lonely that day and just couldn't shake it. Embarrassed she hid her face from me not wanting me to see her tears. She told me that she knew that Jesus Christ was there for her and that she would be okay, but that the day was extra hard. We cried together. Ann and Woody had stopped by earlier to visit with her. I did not stay long for Myrna was exhausted but we prayed together and the spirit of the Lord filled the home and we both cried with gratitude.

I pulled away from her house weeping. Deep gratitude for such a woman being brought into my life. She is a solid rock and a choice example of love and trust in God. I thought of her little tiny three street town where in the winter she is the only soul that lives in her town... I thought of all the people God could have brought into my life, he brought me Myrna! How could I ever repay such a kindness?

"VISIT WOODY & ANN"
On my drive back to Scofield, I felt to stop and see Ann and Woody. I don't think I have ever made a stop by myself at their place so it must have come as a surprise to them. But we talked and we spoke of our love for Myrna. I mentioned that her request was for green tomatoes to which Woody replied that it was already taken care of. Woody and Ann asked Myrna what they could do for her and she requested some green tomatoes that she could fry up. Woody came home, called a friend and had made arrangements to take her the tomatoes the very next day. I could not hind my emotion at he and his wife's love and commitment to Myrna.

CANYON DRIVE
The night was dark and I was left to drive home. No music, not talks on CD, just my bursting heart. I prayed out loud through sobs of gratitude as I thanked God for all his kind blessings. I was overcome with emotion. At one point I was driving around a bend and looked up to see the Big Dipper right before the ridge line in the canyon. It was bright and deep and I thought that it was a perfect symbol of my feelings. My cup runth over and God has just been POURING his blessings into my life... through the righteous love and example of others. I could not stop crying.

RUNNING WITH SAM
Sam--too this month has been choice. (Nothing different then any other month with my association with him, but we did a few activities that we have never done before.)

When he asked me to go to Zion's quicker then quick I said thanks but no thanks and that was that. But I felt that I needed to pray about going--to which the answer was that I needed to go to Zion's. First hike ever in 10 + years. I worried about if I could make it.

Of course Sam is WAY TOO much of a gentleman to let me hike it by myself. He could have run the whole way up Angel's Landing, but he wanted to make sure I was okay. You can't tell, but I am pretty much dieing on these switch backs.
But what does Sam do? To make it so I don't feel the "pressure", he just starts taking "pictures" so I can catch my breath. What a friend! Micarie and James were also good hiking buddies.
And I felt it choice choice that I was with like minded people. Was the view great on top?! Oh yes. :) But the view is not what made the day. God helped me hike something that even last year would have never been a reality.

For Sam's birthday we did Lagoon. Another thing that would have not happened last year or any time prior to that. (Other then this year the last time I was at Lagoon, was when I was in High school with Ash.)

Here Sam and I are dry and having fun. Sadly my bumper car experience was mostly driving backwards because apparently it is a real art to go forwards!
The 2nd round of Rattle snake rapid brought on a new look for the rest of evening--the wet Rat look! I wasn't excited to have my straight hair hit the fuzz of what water does, but Sam couldn't wait to go on the wet ride. How can you deny such a smile?! I couldn't and said yes/went on rides with him that I didn't even do with my nephews!

Why do I share all of this? A great lesson I learned from "running" with Sam. About two + years ago I picked up Sam for our ward temple night. We were running late and were looking for a parking place. Sam offered to drop me off and he would park and run. Me, not wanting to inconvenience him said it would be no problem and that we would just both run together. (WRONG ANSWER! :) We parked out on the street and then had to run to the temple. Did I mention that Sam is a runner? Well our jog to the temple just about did me in.

My 2nd run with Sam was after we finished hiking Angel's landing we started to run down the mountain a bit. We hoped to hike the narrows still that afternoon and everyone had already finished the hike.

My third time running with Sam was at lagoon as we raced through the rain to get to the Rattle Snake Rapids ride.

After Lagoon I was pondering over the fact that I had had a hard time running with Sam. The first time at the temple, my body was a lot different then and running was not something I did. But I have since learned how to jog, but still found the hike and Lagoon's little runs--left me out of breath. I must admit I was slightly annoyed with my lack of stamina. So two days after lagoon, Monday morning, I felt it get up and go jogging. It has been months out of a routine and I figured I would only be able to go 5-mins. I figured I would start extremely slow and when I felt like backing off I would back off... but I ended up jogging over a mile?!!! And the next day was about a mile and a half! What was the difference? Why the change jogging for a while as apposed to dieing with Sam's and I little jaunt?! Why had I about died with Sam? The difference is... on my jogging, I took it my pace. I was not trying to keep up with anyone nor have any eyes on me. I was presently surprised at how long I went for not having jogged since basically Feb. This was a great lesson for me. How true it is to life. If I am consistent and take things at my pace/my impressions--not based/pleasing any other one... I can accomplish more than I thought I could/can! God is so okay if we go the pace we need to. The catch is--to KEEP moving in the direction towards Him.

JOURNALS
I had the impression this week to write in my journal. I won't lie, it was kind of a big inconvenience! HUGE one just because I didn't feel like I had "time" to write in my journal. After my journal was typed, I copied the pages and went to my online journal to past the info in. I was surprised and hand not remembered having entries in the last two months... but there were journal entrees. What in the world had I written about? I seriously couldn't remember writing.... So I opened up a few entrees and was overcome. SUCH amazing things God has brought into my life in the last few months. Sometimes I really hate the question when people ask me what I have been doing. After long work hours, what does Bryndi Cloward do with her life? Well that is a very good question but I often dread being asked it. .... reading these journal entries I was reminded of the sweetness of my life. It is a life filled with challenges and trials and temptations trying literally to kill me by degrees, but I can honestly say that my life is FILLED with God and moments from Him.

As I read my eyes were wet and I was reminded of His hand in my life. OH chalk that up for another reason to keep a journal! I have many times, late in the night, typed, slept, opened my eyes, typed again, over and over and then the next day gone back in to try and figure out what I was trying to write through my sleep. But hey, that has to count for something right?! :D

I have recently spoken with two close friends. One shared that he hasn't gotten a blessing since he was 12 and that was for appendicitis (he now being a returned missionary age). I asked him why and he said he is one of the oldest of a lot of kids, and so "going with out" so that others can have the need of the parents/joys was just a part of his life. When I asked him about getting a blessing, he said he thought it would be a good idea, but that he didn't "need" one. The interpretation for that is that he was not "dieing" so therefore didn't need one. Oh I had much to say about that!

God is a God of greatness! He is named "God" after all and for good reason. Oh how I see his workings in my life. And equally choice I see/he allows me to see his workings in the lives of others. God is a god of miracles! He is good, he is gracious. He is FULL of mercy, truth and light. He is a father that loves and cares and listens and blesses.... Bible dictionary--blessings he would already give but are CONDITIONAL upon our asking for them. I guess a very subtle tactic of the adversary is to be so "okay" with life that we are okay/never feel the "need" to seek ask for such blessings. But don't the scriptures say over and over, ask and ye shall receive seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. SHALL is strong language. There is no MAYBE you will receive, or IF you are having a good day and have been infinatly kind you MIGHT get an answer. God says SHALL. "Shall" is in THOU SHALL NOT KILL or thou SHALL not commit adultery... God is using the SAME SHALL.

So my thoughts, am I allowing God to be MY GOD? To be my shepherd. A shepherd leads guides supports, lifts, blesses, finds, and when needed places me those whom he has found on his shoulders. But if I am so okay with life, and who I am that I don't "need" God...? Isn't that lack of "need" a direct tool of the devil?! I answer yes. It is. Does this mean that God doesn't want us to use our brain and being about much good of our own free will and choice, certainly not. He wants us to use our brains! And perhaps one area we can start is figuring out what GOD is in our life. And if there is a place for God to BE OUR GOD. Surely the Savior followed and did the will of the father in everything, and what is so beautiful is that he still had agency. Christ didn't have to do what he said he would do. He didn't have to seek the father on anything or pray as much as he did. I am pretty sure he was capable of having and living a FULL=BUSY life without his God. But He chose to have his Father in Heaven be apart of His every movement. Whether by seeking and asking, or the Savior already alining His will to the Father's. What a team!! What a companionship!!

Can it not be the same for each of us?!

If we allow God to BE in our day by keeping him close in prayer and counseling with him in all our doings and he WILL direct us for good (Alma 37:37). There is another word like shall = will! Do we really believe that he will? The scriptures say He will. And it doesn't say "when" we feel like some of our doings are really important, or the ones that are just Sunday/church oriented. ALL says means ALL--doesn't it?!

I have such a deep testimony that God doesn't lie about what He says. And that He can teach us how He CAN be our God. Our daily life breathing, in need of God. And how his Son, Jesus Christ CAN be our Christ, our Savior.

I recently had a conversation with a choice friend. They shared that perhaps God is given too much credit for things that happen. That yes he is in our lives, but he lets our lives play out and is not into all the details. I believe things play out, actions, consequences come to pass for those actions good or bad, but I have found for myself, that even when I don't have to remind myself to breath/or the air isn't smelling that it causes me to remember that hey it stinks or hey it smells good.... regardless if I am thinking of it or not-- I am always breathing air. It surrounds me, fills my lungs in and out morning night when I am away when I am asleep. It is always there playing one of the most vital roles in helping me stay alive....air allows me to breath. And that goes into having a body that will let me breath, lungs, a heart to pump, blood to BE pumped... and yes I function without even remembering or thinking of these things. But yet they are their and very much apart of why I am living and not dead. I believe God is the same. He is there ALWAYS whether I choose to acknowledge him or not, whether I "see" him or not, He is there more than I know.

My heart is full. God is so good. And I can tell you that He can and IS apart of our every day life. One can adjust to have the veil/realization pressed so they what they did not see before, but was always there, they can now see. Jogging three times with Sam pretty much told me I was not a jogger and I could not do it. BUT I could not see, did not know, had to learn that I just needed to go a different pace. And with that different pace brought in long periods without stopping. Something I could not SEE possible-but was ever reality.

I don't know if any of this makes sense, but to the one who doesn't know or see yet the air that surround them-- You have a God in Heaven, your father. And He will BE your God if you will let Him. For He is there, whether you have allowed/trained yourself to see Him or not. Not seeing doesn't mean He is not there. He is, and He loves you. He loves us all! Oh may we thank our Great God for he can give us a portion of his Spirit to soften our hearts (Alma 24:8). Our Great God through is Son has made a way for our souls to be washed and bright through the atonement (Alma 24:13). And our great God will/has mercy on us and will make things known unto us and WHY because he LOVETH OUR SOULS (Alma 24:14).

He will be your God. He is my God! I know He is in my daily life and how grateful I am the condensation of His son, to aid/bless me.

Daily--one can have/see God in their life. I testify that this is true.

Big Dipper-- My cup is over flowing and blessings are pouring down on me... !

Jesus Christ lives. God hears and answers prayers.

ps. random side note- Penn I love you! Proud of you!

"...YOU ARE NEVER ALONE..."

2011-09-09T00:34:00.010-06:00

A few weeks back this awesome lesson was given in church by my Bishop and Brother Welch in my ward. (We belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.) The letter written below was written from an individual who had struggled with overcoming pornography. I was impressed with the principles shared and think that the council is wisdom for any addiction and/or incorrect habit that someone may be fighting to break/overcome.

The following letter was written from a person who had a pornography problem and was able to overcome this problem so as to serve a mission. He gave [Bishop Lifferth] this letter in hopes to help other people who have this problem to give them HOPE and council.
--
I keep having this thought going through my head that I should write to you about my experience with pornography, you may share this with whomever you wish, I just hope that my experience can help others find happiness in their lives.

It doesn’t matter how you start looking at pornography, because in the end it always leads to the same addictive result. The first step I had to take in battling pornography is realizing the damage that it does. Initially I rationalized looking at pornography by thinking that it would only hurt myself, and even then it is not hurting myself because my body is programmed to work this way. But then I began to think about my relationships before I began looking at pornography, and realized how my perceptions had changed about everyone I see. I no longer looked at people thinking of them as people, I only saw them as objects. This is not just demeaning to others, but it damages yourself, because you have crippled yourself emotionally. This emotional crippling hinders everyone around you. You become defensive all the time, your mind will continually jump to the wrong conclusions about people, and you will constantly see sexuality in everything and everyone. ONce I came to the conclusion that pornography was harmful, only then could I move on to the next step which was abandoning it.

Abandoning pornography is like abandoning a drug. It seems like the more you stop looking the more you crave it. But I promise that you can overcome the intense urges that come. Many people will tell you that if you picture someone you love in your mind while these urges come that it will help you fight the urge. I tried this and it didn’t work for me personally, I also tried humming my favorite hymn but that was to no avail, I even tried running away, but when I got back form the run I was still confronted with the same problem I was at before. The only way that I found to overcome this immense evil which had control over my life was to look at my life from an eternal perspective. I had to sit down and weigh out all that I wanted in my life and see if pornography was what I wanted. After I came to the conclusion that the only way that I could attain what I wanted in life was to rid myself of the controlling power of pornography, I began to start winning the battles over the urges. It began slow, and I lost the battle the first several times, but I began to feel a sense of self control. I finally began to control the urges, when this happens you will find a great amount of self confidence, and you will find that you will gain more and more control over yourself.

It is important to know that you will not win every time you have an urge to look at pornography. But one set back does not have to end in defeat, the real test of self comes form falling down and picking yourself back up.

Once you do have your first victories over pornography you may feel as I did and think that the problem is getting worse and that the urges are intensifying, this only shows that the great adversary, Satan himself, is trying is hardest to stop you from progressing. When this does occur I hope with all my heart that you will press on, and continue focusing on what you truly want from this mortal experience and continue towards that goal.

I testify to you that this evil does not need to persist. You have the power to stop it, you are a child of our almighty god and can draw on his infinite strength. I know this to be true, I know that the power of the atonement can save you and make you whole again. You have only to reach out to the savior, our brother, Jesus Christ and he will be there to help you out of the treacherous grasp of pornography. I know that this may seem lie an insurmountable task to accomplish, but you are never alone, call on your savior, use the atonement to purify your life, you will find no joy in pornography, joy can only be found in living a life in accordance to the plan of salvation. My dear brother or sister, I write this to you as if I were with you in person but I am not, but I want you to know that a multitude of blessings and outpouring of the spirit await you with open arms at the end of this trial. I promise you that if you will try to rid yourself of this evil you will gain happiness and find a greater depth to the gospel, I hope that these words will help you in your trials, and I leave this as a testament that there is hope, and there is forgiveness through our everlasting redeemer, even our savior and brother Jesus Christ.

The picture above is pretty significant. Spent some time in Zions on Monday and it was overcast the whole day. It was not until we were packing up to leave the park around 7pm that the light broke through and finally hit a few of the peaks. It only lasted about six or so mins, but as you can tell, it was breathtaking to see the peaks illuminated. I feel the same occurs with the addictions and weaknesses we struggle with in our lives. EVENTUALLY the "light" will come! I believe if one does all they can do, pleading and working out their struggles with the Lord--they will eventually have a "break through" in their efforts to overcome the "drug" of whatever magnitude... and their life can/will be filled with light--HIS light.

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!?!

2011-09-06T21:13:00.008-06:00

The other day I was speaking with a friend. She brought her friend (I will call her Sue) over to meet me. I shook Sue's hand and tried to get to know her a little. She seemed to be a really cute girl. That is the last I saw of this girl.

Later I overheard my girlfriend tell someone else, how her friend, Sue, was out visiting. That she was frustrated with her marriage and while she has been out here came in contact (my guess is she had been in previous contact) with an old friend from her not so long ago teen days. My friend then casually told me how Sue had spent a few days with this guy. My friend told Sue that she was going to get in trouble to which Sue replied that she didn't care. My friend mentioned she was pretty sure she had already slept with him and didn't know when she was going to go back to her husband.

I was sick. I asked my friend what she had counseled Sue to do and to which she replied that "It's not my life or choice what she does with her life". OH, WAKE UP--my dear dear friend...

The conversation left me ill feeling.

I have pondered even in my own life what makes my life less wonderful then other times. What makes me "numb" to the spirit?

I stopped holding to the iron rod or at least slackened my grip.

If we do not hold on to God's word and make it a constant standard in our life, it is so much easier, at least I have found this to be true for me, to have a hard heart. To let complacency, and lax in ones commitments to truth and righteousness--spill into the gaps that a lax commitment leaves.
Oh hold on to ones covenants! One's promises! Hold on to God's promises.

After my friend shared me how it wasn't her life and who was she to tell Sue that she was doing wrong... I pondered over my own roll in life. I surely have many weaknesses, but when someone is falling off a cliff, do I allow them to fall without even reaching out to rescue/secure them? The "drop" let go of ones commitments can be death to the soul.

Dear Sue--and any Sue's out there. No matter how hard things are--turn to God! Regardless of what, even a well intentioned man is doing to console you or to give you peace, turn to God! God will be your strength, give you life, lift your soul. There is always hope! Jesus Christ is your hope. Think of all you will be sacrificing. Is it worth it? !!!!!!!!!!!!!! To anyone who is flirting with temptation. Be like Joseph--FLEE! Don't even allow your thoughts to go there. There is not wisdom. I remember at work, that I needed to go get a hardware piece and needed one of my computer guys to pick it up. I had the credit card and he had the brains. We drove together to the store. How uneasy I felt. This man-married, and although we are friends, 10 + years apart I felt the tugging of the spirit whisper that I should not be alone with him in a car, but that we should take a third person. This man, a dear friend, would never do anything, but we are told to avoid the very appearance of evil! And out of respect for his wife, and to follow the impression from God-- I to this day have never gone anywhere alone with him.

What are you thinking?!
Hold to the rod! If you have slipped, do all you can to firm up once again your commitments to God.
I can truly testify that I am happiest when I am keeping God's commandments. When I am not flirting with temptation. When I am being true to my God and the covenants I have made.

Oh Dear Sue - regardless of how bad something might seem or how hopeless your life might feel, turn to God. Do not flirt with the temptation of ruining your marriage, your future posterity, yourself worth. But what's that you say, your marriage is already ruined? TURN TO GOD!

Dear Friend, yes it is not our life to live for our friends, and yes it is their choice. But what friend are we to allow someone we know and love to administer poison without even apposing with love and concern?

Yes we are all free to choose.

What was she thinking?! --I don't believe she was. I believe we can become numb to the spirit and it's promptings, that seemingly innocent little flirting turns into hidden lies, and secrets. God is not a god of secrets. That is the Devil's tool.

Dear One who hurts, things may look dark, but Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and if you will turn to Him, even in what may feel like your darkest hours --they CAN BE filled with light! Great light! Hold on!

Small and simple things-- great things come to pass. Just as this canyon was not carved out over night, but by much time, pressure, storms, winds, floods, and rivers--little over little, a GREAT thing came to pass. So it is in opposite sense. Little flirting with temptations, seemingly innocent at first--great destruction can come to pass.

Who are you looking to be your Rock?!

What does it mean to dwell and abide?! STEADFAST AND IMMOVABLE!

There is only one SURE foundation--there is only ONE Rock!

Dear one flirting with temptation- ask yourself, "Is it worth it?"

...I CAN BE A CRIPPLE

2011-08-29T08:06:00.008-06:00

Went to a fireside last night and at the every end of the fireside the speaker shared a little about his sister. I believe he said when she went on her mission there was an accident. (I think involving the car? Don't quote me.) From this accident it left her paralyzed basically from the chest down. She can move her arms, but not her hands and she can move her neck and head. That is it. She has been living the last 50 years of her life this way. She told her brother that she always wanted to be a mother. But she can't be that. She always wanted to be a missionary, but she can't be one. So then, she asked the the question:

What CAN I be?! ... I CAN BE a cripple.

And with that stamina inside of her that is what she has been. The speaker shared how she constantly is praising God for all that she has. And praises Him that she can be a cripple.

This woman has had multiple healing blessings... and from every prophet since David O. Mckay, even President Monson's Secretary called because President Monson had heard she was ill and wanted to make sure that she was okay. But for whatever reason God has not allowed her to be healed yet. The speaker pointed out that surely she WOULD HAVE been healed had it been okay with God. But in his infinite, all knowing wisdom has not allowed that miracle to occur to this woman. And she, trusting in God-- has told her brother that if this is how God planned for her earth life existence to go, than His plan and perfect knowledge was good enough for her and she would continue to be what she can be. And what she can be is a cripple. So for 50 years she has embraced God's plan for her.

The story was inspiring to me. God giveth and He taketh away-- blessed be the name of the Lord! (see Job 1:21)

Who/what can I be?

Complainer
Faith Builder
A Disturber and an Annoyer of the Devil's Kingdom
Positive
Negative
Faith-filled
Faith Sucker
Doubter
Up-lifter
Healer
Patient
Long suffering
Pessimistic
Fearful
Trusting...

I think you get the idea.

What a great example this woman is to me! And I have never met her.

REUNION
I wish I could go into more details about Reunion because it was literally my life for the past three+ months...but time will only permit a few shout outs.

For every event--I have the amazing ability/opportunity to work with Marin Barney! She is our, Heritage Makers Creative Director. I LOVE working with this woman! Not only can the girl design (and thank goodness because I do not) but she has GREAT work ethics and she is willing to give and go with the ideas one has invisioned. Not to mention that she has her own treasure chest of awesome ideas. Seriously, any marketing/creative time would be blessed to have her. BUT HA-- we have her so hence-- Heritage Makers is very blessed!

She won't want me to speak of her so highly, but I speak the truth. I love working with this woman.

When we did the site inspection we hashed out some ideas of what we could do for our five year time line. Of course Marin brought out her quick on the spot, brilliant ideas and we hashed out a plan to make an arch way going down a 16 1/2 wide walk area.

This photo makes me want to cry.

(Mind you, it was just taken off my phone and you really had to be there to feel the magnitude of the piece--) but Marin helped me through all of this.

The day before Reunion started, there Marin was going up and down the ladder with me. Until 2am something in the morning we worked, and again the next morning. I was able to work by her side or rather she always worked by my side for a long time. We were exhausted and I know her back was screaming slightly less then our feet were. A lot of work and hardly any zzz's but here my stalwart friend was--literately with me right to the end of this project.

I don't have words to express who this woman is. I love her as a daughter of God, a coworker, and a cherished friend.

And Susan, Don's wife, who literally was sent by God in helping with displays... and with everything else. I never asked her to do things, frankly I took them on as "my job"--and yet I would walk to the conference center in the early mornings before heading to the hotel to sleep to see my display carefully hidden away. And again, in the morning (mind you I go to things early) I would find that the blue fairy named Susan had already gone over and put out the displays again. I never asked her to do this. She would tell you it was no big deal and that it wasn't hard to do... but it was a big deal for me. I was deeply touched by her thoughtful kindness in looking for areas, where she could help out...

And Patti! That will have to be saved for a blog post soon.

While I am on the subject, the picture below is very important to me. These are not ALL the amazing people I work with at Heritage Makers, (wish I could add some others in there) but this group--we are unified as no team can be unified. There is mutual respect and admiration for one another. There is no animosity. There is support, encouragement, and power. There is no guile. We respect one another and believe in one another. And we work AWESOMELY well together!! How choice to have such an environment on a corporate level. Well-- on any level!

I know the power that comes from being one/and like minded in actions and in vision/follow through. This team is unified! And I praise God that I get to work with such people.

God is so good! The church is true.

I am trusting in Him.

ARE YOU up for the CHALLENGE?! [Part 2]

2011-08-28T22:13:00.011-06:00

Can you believe it?!! General Conference is right around the corner! There are 33 days in counting! Not sure if you took the Part 1 Challenge (click here) of reading the April 2011 Conference Ensign cover to cover--but regardless of whether you did it or not--IF you start tomorrow (Monday)-- there are 33 talks (not counting the YW meeting talks) and you will finish all the April Conference talks by Oct 1st. How perfect! A talk a day will keep Satan at bay! Ha ha, doesn't sound as good as "an apple a day..." but I think you get the idea.

What IS General Conference?! Click here.
How do I read April's talks? Click here.

Part 2 Challenge is to re-read, look over what you highlighted for the first time, or simply read a conference talk every day until conference. What will this do for you?! Well, I have no idea! :) --but I can tell you what it has done for me in the past. :D By going over the General Conference talks in preparation to listen/watch the next conference, I have witnessed a power come into my life. With April's conference I had prepared this way and my mind was not only enlightened, but my heart and mind, I felt, were more prepared to hear what God wanted ME to hear. My ability to overcome temptations has been strengthened. My eye has been able to stay fixed, my heart has had the daily constant reminders of what is most important. Am I perfect in all areas of life... ! HA, NO WAY and those that are closest to me can write you a list of my awesomely perfect weaknesses. But I can testify of the power of studying conference talks!!

I usually don't share my notes until Conference "eve", but in preparation of just rereading the conference talks-- here are some of my FAVORITE quotes from Part 1's challenge:

I can think of no better way for us to begin or continue to be an example of the believers than in our observance of the Sabbath day. --L. Tom Perry

Partaking of the sacrament is the center of our Sabbath day observance. --L. Tom Perry

...the adversary succeeds when we relax our commitment to the Savior, ignore His teachings in the New Testament and other scripture, and cease to follow Him. --L. Tom Perry

...the greatest joy we receive in this life is in following the Savior. ----L. Tom Perry

Through love the Savior was obedient to the will of the Father under any circumstance. Our Savior was obedient even when it meant great physical and emotional pain, even when it meant being whipped and mocked, even when it meant that His enemies would torture Him while His friends abandoned Him. --Walter F. González

Truly loving Christ provides the required strength to follow Him. --Walter F. González

The power of our covenants is greater than any challenge we face or we may face. --Walter F. González

Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”1 -- Kent R. Richards

The Savior is not a silent observer. He Himself knows personally and infinitely the pain we face. -- Kent R. Richards

He [Jesus Christ] healed all that came to Him. None were turned away. -- Kent R. Richards

First, no woman should ever feel the need to apologize or feel that her contribution is less significant because she is devoting her primary efforts to raising and nurturing children. Nothing could be more significant in our Father in Heaven’s plan. Second, we should all be careful not to be judgmental or assume that sisters are less valiant if the decision is made to work outside the home. We rarely understand or fully appreciate people’s circumstances. Husbands and wives should prayerfully counsel together, understanding they are accountable to God for their decisions. --Quentin L. Cook

If you have been offended, forgive, forget it, and leave it alone. --Boyd K. Packer

If someone is looking for a church that requires very little, this is not the one. It is not easy to be a Latter-day Saint, but in the long run it is the only true course. --Boyd K. Packer

If you are carrying some burden, forget it, let it alone. Do a lot of forgiving and a little repenting, and you will be visited by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost and confirmed by the testimony that you did not know existed. You will be watched over and blessed—you and yours. --Boyd K. Packer

We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith. --Russell M. Nelson

Obedience allows God’s blessings to flow without constraint. --Russell M. Nelson

When we are faithful, He [the Savior] and His angels will help us. --Russell M. Nelson
Unfailing faith is fortified through prayer. --Russell M. Nelson

How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. --Russell M. Nelson

...there is great power and protection for us and our youth in establishing celestial traditions in the home. --Richard J. Maynes

...everyone has worth because we are all children of God. He knows us, loves us, and wants us to succeed and return to Him. We must learn to trust in His love and in His timing rather than in our own sometimes impatient and imperfect desires. --Cecil O. Samuelson Jr.

....we must learn to grow from our challenges and be grateful for the lessons learned that we cannot gain in an easier way. --Cecil O. Samuelson Jr.

Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming. --Dallin H. Oaks

When we have a vision of what we can become, our desire and our power to act increase enormously. --Dallin H. Oaks

If our righteous desires are sufficiently intense, they will motivate us to cut and carve ourselves free from addictions and other sinful pressures and priorities that prevent our eternal progress. --Dallin H. Oaks

...above all else we will desire to become like Him so that one day we can return to His presence to receive the fulness of His joy. --Dallin H. Oaks

...the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, no matter how much we try to make it complicated. We should strive to keep our lives similarly simple, unencumbered by extraneous influences, focused on those things that matter most. --M. Russell Ballard
When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior. --M. Russell Ballard

Where charity exists, there is no place for gossip or unkind words. --M. Russell Ballard

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “It is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. … So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving … help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow … from small but deliberate deeds!” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 82). --M. Russell Ballard

The Lord is very generous to those who love Him, and He will open other doors for you.--Neil L. Andersen

The Savior lives. He will return to the earth. And whether on this side of the veil or the other, you and I will rejoice in His coming and thank the Lord that He sent us to earth at this time to fulfill our sacred duty of helping prepare the world for His return.--Neil L. Andersen

The spiritual journeys of today require no less hope or faith than those of the early pioneers. Our challenges may be different, but the struggles are just as great.--Steven E. Snow

It is my prayer that our hopes will lead to the fulfillment of our righteous dreams. I particularly pray our hope in the Atonement will strengthen our faith and charity and give us an eternal perspective of our future. --Steven E. Snow

...President Thomas S. Monson, explains: “The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others” (“Our Sacred Priesthood Trust,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 57).--Larry M. Gibson

Service is the very foundation of the priesthood... --Larry M. Gibson

...go to the scriptures and discover for ourselves what our duties are. I suspect that many of us will be surprised—and inspired—by what we find. --Larry M. Gibson

Don’t let a day go by without doing something to act on the promptings of the Spirit.--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

If we are not seeking to use this channel [revelations of the Spirit] of revelation, we are living beneath our priesthood privileges. For example, there are those who believe but don’t know that they believe. They have received various answers by the still, small voice over an extended period of time, but because this inspiration seems so small and insignificant, they do not recognize it for what it really is. As a result, they allow doubts to keep them from fulfilling their potential as priesthood holders.--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Let us earnestly seek the light of personal inspiration. Let us plead with the Lord to endow our mind and soul with the spark of faith that will enable us to receive and recognize the divine ministering of the Holy Spirit for our specific life situations and for our challenges. --Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Love invites the Holy Ghost to be present to confirm truth. And the joy of learning divine truths creates love in the hearts of people who shared the experience of learning. --Henry B. Eyring

What will protect you from the sin and evil around you? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior and of His gospel will help see you through to safety. If you have not read the Book of Mormon, read it. ... If you do so prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. --Thomas S. Monson

The Church is true. --Thomas S. Monson

The Savior of mankind described Himself as being in the world but not of the world.( See John 17:14; Doctrine and Covenants 49:5) We also can be in the world but not of the world as we reject false concepts and false teachings and remain true to that which God has commanded. --Thomas S. Monson

If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness.--Thomas S. Monson

...may righteousness guide our every step as we journey through life.--Thomas S. Monson

The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. --Dieter F. Uchtdorf

If we ignore or block out the promptings of the Spirit for whatever reason, they become less noticeable until we cannot hear them at all.--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“It has been my experience that some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful spiritual experiences and profound revelations of our lives.” --Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own. --Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. --Paul V. Johnson

In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time. --Paul V. Johnson

The Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). It is interesting that Paul uses the term “light affliction.” This comes from a person who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and who experienced many other trials (See 2 Corinthians 11:23–28). I doubt many of us would label our afflictions light. Yet in comparison to the blessings and growth we ultimately receive, both in this life and in eternity, our afflictions truly are light. --Paul V. Johnson

Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. --Paul V. Johnson

Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us (See Philippians 4:13). --Paul V. Johnson

As sons and daughters of God, we cannot inherit the full measure of eternal life without being fully invested in caring for each other while we are here on earth. --H. David Burton

Since the foundation of the world, the cloth of righteous societies has ever been woven from the golden threads of charity. --H. David Burton

Self-reliance is the ability to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. --Silvia H. Allred

The pure love of Christ is expressed as we give selfless service. Helping one another is a sanctifying experience which exalts the receiver and humbles the giver. It helps us become true disciples of Christ. --Silvia H. Allred

In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45). --David A. Bednar

Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort. --Thomas S. Monson

...there is no more important goal for you to work toward than being worthy to go to the temple.--Thomas S. Monson

Two of the vital pillars that sustain Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness are marriage and the family. --Richard G. Scott

Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. --Richard G. Scott

if we faithfully pay our tithing, we will not lack for the necessities of life, but He does not promise wealth. Money and bank accounts are not His richest blessings. --Carl B. Pratt

I have come to understand that the Lord’s richest blessings are spiritual, and they often have to do with family, friends, and the gospel. --Carl B. Pratt

...to be good parents, one of the most important things we can teach our children is how to be more like the Savior. --Lynn G. Robbins

Let us not forget that even He had to suffer all things. --Benjamín De Hoyos

...if we place our confidence in the Lord, we will be sustained in all of our difficulties, our trials, and our afflictions (see Alma 36:3). --Benjamín De Hoyos

Immerse yourself in prayer and scripture study. As you do so, you will feel the sanctifying influence of the Spirit. --C. Scott Grow

If you are suffering from feelings of guilt or remorse, bitterness or anger, or loss of faith, I invite you to seek relief. Repent and forsake your sins. Then, in prayer, ask God for forgiveness. Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Forgive those who have wronged you. Forgive yourself.--C. Scott Grow

I believe that none of us can conceive the full import of what Christ did for us in Gethsemane, but I am grateful every day of my life for His atoning sacrifice in our behalf. -Thomas S. Monson

At the last moment, He could have turned back. But He did not. -Thomas S. Monson

Amazing stuff!! I know many quotes, and the format is a little off, but just skim if you need to! If you end up taking the challenge, you can find your own "favorites"!
:)
HE Lives!

LIKEN UNTO...

2011-08-13T08:47:00.009-06:00

Matthew 13:31-32

...The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

(And yes I know this is NOT a mustard seed, but I took this shot on a 4-wheeling ride up the canyon and it was beauitful--at least you get the idea = tree in a field. :D ! )

I must admit, I read these verses, thought a second on them, and kept on reading. When I read through Mark's account, and jumped back over to Matt, I was a little bummed with how non-insightful--or better, non-exciting, those verses had been. (They are common verses quoted.) I caught the wrongness of my thinking and decided to read them again. For surely the Lord has treasure in all of his words to be found. Sometimes one just must seek for it.

The field, my life/my earth life, is vast and has a huge spans of opportunity laid before me. I can "fill/sow" my field with whatever seeds I want.

The gospel of Jesus Christ can seem like a very small seed "the least of all seeds" (Matt 13:32) compared to the vast field before me. So many other seeds to plant. Entertainment, wealth, pleasure seeds to enjoy. So many things to occupy my field because the temptation is to think it is the "least" of my attention.

"But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." (Mark 4:34)

What seems seemingly small and insignificant, ends up being the greatest of all things!

I must choose to sow/plant that "least of all seeds" and when I do--with proper care--it will become the GREATEST THING in my field! For it "becometh greater than all".

Do these scriptures just not ring out with where my focus and desires should really be?!

The spirit poured into me as I thought of the possibilities, the joy for deciding to have such a seed/tree occupy ones field.

A field is: an expanse of open or cleared ground, especially a piece of land suitable or used for pasture or tillage (dictionary.com). Open, cleared grown... SUITABLE for pasture or tillage. I get to choose what seeds I fill my field with...!

May I not pass off the "least of all seeds" to be the "lease in my life". For if it is planted and cared for, it will become the center/gathering place/the greatest thing in my field.

Matthew 13:44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Did you catch that?! "for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath" to buy the field. Does he sell all he has because the treasure he found had already brought joy and that "joy" is why he was willing to sell everything and buy the field OR does he sell all for/to have joy?! Interesting thought of which joy on the front end or the obtaining end motivated the giver up of everything! But even if he tasted at first, or could view the joy others have when in the field with the treasure == the gospel IS/BRINGS joy!

Matthew 13:33

...The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

(Thanks Jess for the the bread pic!)

My mind replaced leaven with "the gospel" and later, with the words "Jesus Christ" but the word "leaven" can be replaced with any gospel word...

The woman took the gospel and hid it in three measures of meal. Can you imagine if you took yeast/leaven and just hid it in the corner of your "meal" - your loaves would look pretty sad and not great like the ones above. But if you hide the yeast=mix it throughout all the meal, the meal becomes whole and raised up. Ex: When you mix salt in with flour, if the salt is hid throughout the whole mixture, you will not be able to separate the flour from the salt nor see the areas that just show salt, because it has now become "part" of the flour.

If I then, take the gospel and mix it into every part of my "life=meal"--EVERY PART OF MY LIFE WILL BE WHOLE! Every part of my life will be "raised up"/ "filled" / "expanded".

So is the principle true if I take Jesus Christ, and mix him into all ares of my life, my daily thoughts, actions, words, deeds, desires-- my daily life will be filled. My daily life will be whole! That isn't to say that someone or something comes in my "whole" day and does some punching down...but yeast/Gospel/Christ can help us rise again.

Temptation and trials are all part of this earth life, but the secret to being made whole--is to mix in the gospel/Jesus Christ into every part of life. That the greatest thing that could possibly be in my field, may seem like the "least" of my focus or attentions--but really it should be my greatest focus because it will become the greatest of all things and is/will bring joy!

I was so excited after being filled with these already "duh" truths, but deep truths/personal revelation for me personally on what I should have in my field and mixed through my "meal".

I ran to Patti's office to make her have a "devotional" at 9pm last night. One, I love sharing things with my folks and Patti, but two, the selfish side of me thought that if I could just share with someone what I had just been given--I wouldn't have to spend the time blogging about it! ;) Looks like God had other plans! ha ha. I felt like I wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

May I not forsake what might seem like a "least" of my earth life functions/choice nor hide it in just a portion of my meal... but rather when mixed in fully/planted truly will become the greatest thing to make me whole and to bring me/make me joy!

As a side note, I have been deeply overcome with gratitude for those I get to associate with and work with. We are all pulling crazy hours for Reunion and no job is less needed then the others. But I must say that those I work with are incredible! Women and men with integrity, good hearts, positive natures...!

Here are Don, Lynda and Marin slaving over the magazine edits. Lots with less then a five finger count in the amount sleep they get every evening for the last few weeks/months. And Patti, Brytt right there along with this team...Ryan with his inspired cheerfulness and light "giving" heart--Jenna, Shani, Cortney and all of CS who work so hard.... I work with great people, but not only them, I need to give a shout out to West Pro--who has a whole team there that whenever I leave working with Steve, Rox, and their warehouse crew I seriously leave their building praising God that I am allowed to work with such good people! Honest people.

Yesterday I left their parking lot with the truck filled with 14+ big boxes for things for next week. Literally almost two months worth of ideas, designs and production in the back of the truck.

I called into Cort and asked her to open the shipping doc so I could unload the truck. Normally I would round up guys to help unload heavy boxes, but we all have been working tirelessly for our big event and I didn't want to stop anyone's work flow. So I backed the truck in and started throwing the boxes (yes throwing because they were too heavy to want to hold for long periods of time and yes I am somewhat of a wimp! ;)) onto the landing doc. I had no more than three boxes on there when I see Xavier leaping onto the truck at the same time asking me what I was doing by myself!
He started helping me with the boxes. I told him I didn't want to bother anyone because they are all busy, (mind you Xavier works clear across the warehouse, in order to get to the truck I was on, he would have had to run to come help with as quick as he showed up.)

He scolded me a bit, but lovingly/selflessly helped me get the boxes on the dock. Xavier and I have been friends for several years now and he has a wonderful wife and great family. He is a devoted man to Jesus Christ. His action, (and I kid you not when I say everyone at work has full plates right now) was so kind to come and help.

I know that not all work environments are like this and I know that I am very blessed to get to work with good people! I just want the world to know that I KNOW I am blessed with amazing co-workers! And a Boss/President who leads our company with bended knee to God and a listening heart. Oh I just love my team! I love working with people who serve/love so freely. It is refreshing! It is contagious. Good hearts!

"...HER SPIRIT CAME AGAIN"

2011-08-10T22:58:00.006-06:00

(Sorry this published/posted without being finished. Hit the wrong key! This is the "real" post. Sorry!)

As I was saying my prayers, over and over I felt the need to blog a great treasure I found in the scriptures this evening when I was studying.

I was reading through the different accounts of Jairus's daughter. There are so many things to take from this reading of this faithful ruler of a synagogue. His 12 year old, only daughter, was dieing. He sought out the Savior, fell at his feet and asked the Savior to come to his home and "lay thy hands on [his daughter], that she may be healed; and she shall live." Mark 5:23.

Love the faith of this father! And what an example for any of us with a loved one that is dying spiritually--that we seek out the Savior in our own lives and when He is present (because we go to where he is) we can fall and plead that he go to the aid of the one we love. This principle of first coming to the Savior was described masterfully by Elder Holland. I know I have shared it before, but I don't think it can be shared enough. He said:

He [Jesus Christ] is saying to us, “Trust me, learn of me, do what I do. Then, when you walk where I am going,” He says, “we can talk about where you are going, and the problems you face and the troubles you have. If you will follow me, I will lead you out of darkness,” He promises. “I will give you answers to your prayers. I will give you rest to your souls.” (emphasis added)

Jesus arose and followed Jairus! (Jairus first "came" to Christ, and then they could travel together... so profound.)

But as they went the crowd crowded Jesus. And any quickened steps they were taking, were slowed down. I wonder if Jairus was tempted to be irritated or worried because his daughter was already dieing. I thought of those great times one asks for a blessing, and sometimes the person in need of the blessing has to wait for the hands to come. This was an interesting thought for me. I am one that when a blessing is needed by anyone, I like to "jump" on the action asap, but this good Father that had to "wait"/not get somewhere as soon as he may have liked, had to wait. The Priesthood holder, Jesus Christ, was on his way, but was detained. But detained or not, the "priesthood power" was still on it's way. What an insight into waiting on the need of someone else, especially when it is crisis mode... and that it can still be okay!

The beauitful miracle of the woman with the issue of blood--touching the hem of the Savior is played out while the Savior is being crowded by folks. This story alone is beauitful with deep insights but will have to wait for another time.

When the miracle with the woman with blood is complete, a messenger comes to Jairus and tells him that his daughter is already dead. Basically, "Don't bother about bringing Jesus, there is no reason to now". (Obviously that is my Bryndi lingo.) The scriptures in Mark, & Luke say that Jesus heard this comment. And as soon as he heard the comment he told Jairus to "Be not afraid, only believe"(Mark 5:36) "...and she shall be made whole."(Luke 8:50)

The scripture in Mark says, "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken" about the girl dieing, he told Jairus to not fear. But was there a long enough break in the comment from the messenger to the time the Savior states for Jairus to not fear, for Jairus's mind to sink into disappointment/heartache and possible temptation to think, "had we just hurried around the crowed we might have gotten there...!" who knows?! But interesting thought what test just hearing the news brought to Jairus's faith.

They get to Jairus's home and find people are "making noise" (Matt). Christ tells them to stop morning "for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth." The people just laughted at the Savior because they "knew" she was dead. To them the words from the Savior must have been obserd/foolishness.

The Savior "put"'s [kicks] the scorners out. Then with the faith of the parents, Peter, James, and John, he takes the maiden by the hand and tells her to arise and she arises.

BEAUTIFUL story no!!!?! :)

...but here comes an even more beauitful insight for me!!

Once the daughter was commanded to arise... "...her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he [Christ] commanded to give her meat." (Luke 8:55). In Mark the Savior commanded "...that something should be given her to eat." This is deep.

The Father seeks out the Savior, arrives where he is, and seeks the help for a loved one. The Savior goes to the rescue. The daughter dies before the Savior gets there. The Savior comes into her home, takes her hand and "her spirit [comes back] again." Then the Savior commands for her to be given something to eat, and not just "anything" to eat, but particularly that she should have meat.

SYMBOLICALLY--we first, as Enos did when he worked on getting himself alined with God, then, when he was "good" with God, he had the desire for the welfare of his bretheren and sought out blessings for them in prayer. He first went to the Savior--then once there, could discuss the needs of others. Perhaps someone we love is dieing spiritually. Is falling off the path, refuses to hold the iron rod, and/or is "feeling" their way to the great and spacious building. We seek the Savior, by first making sure He is in our own life (this is done by praying, reading the scriptures, going to church, serving, etc) and seek for His "hands" to be laid on the person whom we love who is "dieing"/already dead, or perhaps never really been "alive" in this earth life in the first place.

Sometimes the process of the Savior coming into the person's life, might take time... and on that road, we may feel or find out the person has actually completely "died spiritually". Temptations of hopelessness, grief, sorrow, regret, resentment, sadness, bitterness, anger for that person to ever be made alive again may come tempting...thoughts about how the loved one has/had been sick too long, and for whatever reason, whether they didn't know the gospel, had it to a point but forsook it or didn't want it in the first place--they "died" while we were on our journey rushing to bring the Savior to them. We must/need to take on the Savior's advice to not fear, but only believe in a hope for them to "become" alive.

But our awesome Father has a great plan. And regardless of the "time" *prayers, pleading, fasting to have the Savior come and "lay" his hands upon the person we love--God's timing is perfect! And their spirit can come back again! They can be made whole!

A very important KEY AFTER someone has Christ enter, or come back into their life, is the commandment the Savior gives right after the spirit was restored to Jairus's daughter! The person who is now "alive" (whether alive again or for the "first" time) with "Christ"...NEEDS/MUST be fed!!! And not just anything, but they must be fed with "meat"=substance!

When someone has Christ brought into their life, and they are made "alive" and arise to higher standards/ways of life then they were (remember, he took her from where she was laying, by the hand, and commanded her to arise. Whether she was on the floor, or a bed, just sitting up would bring her to a "higher" place then she had previously been in when she was in her "dead" position.

From Mark's account Jairus's daughter not only arose, but she walked! Even if she was a short 12 year-old say even just 4 feet tall... spiritually speaking, her arising and walking brought her 4 feet higher "closer to God" then she had previously been!

When someone has the gospel and principles of truth enter their life, and it causes their actions to come up/arise even four feet closer to the Savior/Heavenly Father-- WE must be prepared to feed them immediately! Feed that person who has just "awaken" with a calling, with love, with challenges in the gospel. WITH GOSPEL MEAT!

I pondered over what they might have given this girl to eat. Did they have something on hand, or did they quickly, with time and effort, prepare food for her. Either way, the preparation needed to follow the commandment of giving her something to eat was there! And a body recently "raised" brought closer to Christ, is immediately in need of spiritual MEAT!!!!!!!! Even with the spirit of the gospel breathed into our souls--that spirit/truths can not be sustained without "meat"!

Jairus's daughter, her father nor the Savior, could/can force her to actually "eat" the food, she still has to choose to do so. But we are commanded that food/meat be given, and from someone who has just been previously absent from "spiritually living", I think most occasions, the newly spirit/light receiving individual will notice the hunger and the need for that meat, and such a person is most likely to "gobble" whatever is given to them right up! They still have the choice of eating it or not, but may be be prepared in serving them rich substance... a buffet line of truths, love, compassion, service, callings, support--serving them food that will keep them alive in Christ!

Oh for visiting & home teachers! Oh to all brothers and sisters in the gospel! Oh when someone comes back, or for the first time--whatever amount of rising they do, may I be prepared to give them "meat"!

I don't know if I am making any clear ideas on this, but so strong are/were the impressions of this beauitful insight...

We must feed right away, those that arise in any level to their commitments/desires of being like/coming to Christ.

Jesus is the Christ!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true!

Literally--onward and upward--brings one to Christ! And Gospel Meat is what keeps us on that onward and upward path! Ironic little circle!

"...her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat."

...ARE YOU WORTHY?

2011-08-07T19:51:00.004-06:00

This guy in my ward (I will just call him "Jack" for this) shared a pretty awesome story that I felt I should share.

Jack and his buddies (this past week I believe) were up Hobble Creek Canyon long boarding down a hill they had not tried before. Jack's friend biffed it and landed on his face. There was blood everywhere.

Jack and his other friend put their injured friend in the back of the car and sped the long 40 min ride to the nearest hospital.

The kid hit his face pretty bad and could not remember anything... who he was, what had happened or even that he was a returned missionary. Jack, sitting in the front, lowered his chair and placed his hands on his friend's head (covered by a towel because of all the blood) and gave him a priesthood blessing.

The injured kid came to enough to know that he was covered in blood and asked why he was so bloody. He then asked if he had been wearing a helmet, which he had been--probably the only thing that saved his life, and then he asked if he got a blessing. Jack told his buddy that he had given him one, to which the kid responded, "Are you worthy?"! The question startled Jack for he was not expecting such a question in such a crisis, but he responded back to his buddy that "Yes" he was worthy.

The whole 40 min rush to the hospital, even though this injured kid could not recall what happened or who he was, he kept repeating the same four questions over and over:

Why am I all bloody?
Was I wearing a helmet?
Did I get a blessing?
Are you worthy?

Jack said he has never been so scared in his life... but he then testified of the truthfulness of the priesthood and how thankful he was that he had been worthy to give a priesthood blessing.

The story really touched me and made me think of my girlfriend who got in a pretty serious car accident. Her friend had been driving. He was okay, but she was really messed up and could not move. Help took a little while to come and she pleaded for her friend to give her a blessing... to which he responded that he could not, he was not worthy. She cried and asked over and over in the drama of the accident, "I need a blessing? Why have you not lived worthy? Why?". Help came and she was later given a blessing in the hospital.

The ensign article from this or last month--was shared about a woman who got in a wreck, and some random guy came to her window, not even knowing if he was a member, the first thing she asked for was a blessing and the man responded that he would and he did.

All three of these stories, I loved that all three people turned/sought out a blessing. Especially this kid long boarding that could not even remember who he was or what had happened. But out of the four questions he asked- Did I get a blessing? Are you worthy?! Surely the angels must have rejoiced that his spirit brought to the surface what principles that must have been imbedded as truth previously--so that at a moment of crisis the "well" to draw from was already filled! The kid in my ward shared with how sweet it was to know that he was worthy to give a blessing at such a moment of crisis.

Like a thief in the night we are told is when the Savior will come. No man knows the hour or the day, but like the 10 virgins we must be prepared and worthy with our promises to God. In keeping our covenants and commitments to him. None of us know when we will be called upon to serve someone at a "critical" moment in their life or at a pivotal moment in our own lives. Whether it is giving a blessing, being a listening ear, visiting/home teaching, following impressions... Like a thief in the night, or a ray that bursts through a blackened cloud--the sudden, with only a moment's notice, we never know when we will need to act. ... may we all strive to live worthy so we can, or rather, that God can act through us!!

Amen to the priesthood of God! Amen to men who live worthy and can call down the powers of heaven when needed. Amen to men who know that it is not them, but the Power of God working through/in them. Amen to men who are willing to serve with/in the priesthood. Amen to the women who have faith to ask for blessings. Amen to wives who sustain, support, and caringly (not a word I know, but it totally works! use your imagination) support the priesthood in not just in the home, but in the church. Amen for repentance and God's merciful plan in helping us readjust our life if there is a need to readjust so we can be worthy at a moment's notice.

In a moment of crisis, where will we turn? To ourselves, to the world, or to our God?

I pray I may be like the kid long boarding, my friend, and the woman from the Ensign. May I ever be filling my well, that when my physical body/brain doesn't know what to do, my spirit can jump in! May I be like this kid from my ward, that at a moment's notice, he was living in such a way, that he could be God's instrument.

Maybe this blog should have been titled, "At a moment's notice"... :)

My heart is full!

SPIRIT MAKES ONE BEAUTIFUL

2011-08-05T08:39:00.004-06:00

About a month or so ago I went to a fireside of a woman I dearly cherish. I was so excited for this fireside! Ha, that is an understatement.

When the speaker came in and she was trying to set up her presentation I noticed how much older she had become. I thought her makeup did not help the years--she seemed to appear more skeleton like with a covering. I then wondered all she has been through with her un-weary service to make her physically "tired".

The meeting finally began after lots of technical difficulties. Many things she started to share, I had heard before but I loved that the girls that came and met me were hearing the info for the first time. She took a hand mike and with over 800 girls spilling into two chapels and rooms, she walked through the audience asking questions and fielding comments.

A little over half way through her talk, I was startled a little at the realization.... I looked at her and surely I was not looking at the same woman?! Her makeup was beautiful, her face filled with "light"--literally. She was beautiful! I scolded, as i had early when I had the unkind thought of how tired she looked, myself for not noticing her physical beauty before the meeting started. And when I say that she was beautiful, she WAS! Her whole presence was filled with radiance. What had changed? Had I just "fallen" in love per-say more with who she was/is during the talk?

I thought it was a strange thing that had just happened. I have experienced change in people's voices with blessings given before, but not with physical features.

The meeting ended and eventually my sister-in-law and I walked out to the parking lot apparently we have the best ankles and arms in the valley because it seemed every mosquito in area had a "feast" on us! ;)

As she and I were chatting about the meeting and the things said, I told her how I had had the thought at the beginning of the meeting about how "rundown" the speaker was, but that through the talk, I found that she "had become" the most beauitful person a person could be! My sister-in-law shared that she had had the exact same experience and thoughts! What was it?!

We concluded that: the spirit makes one beautiful! Regardless of physical looks, when one has the spirit, one becomes all the more beauitful! *Does this mean she "didn't" have the spirit when she came in? No, I am not saying that. If anything, I didn't with my judging thought! But when she was testifying of truth--the spirit's job--the spirit filled her being all the more!

Perhaps this is just another reason to have the spirit in dating life!! ;) The spirit can make you or the one you are dating more beauitful! ;)

Valuable lessons learned.

230G

2011-08-01T20:49:00.011-06:00

So put a five mile run,

16 mile bike ride

and a 600 something swim
-- Besides being all wet and exhausted... gives you a very smiley 230G triathlon finisher!!!

Sam, decided to do his first ever triathlon this past weekend! He was so excited it was like watching a kid at Christmas. He could hardly wait for the big day. And I could hardly wait for him to have his big day! He was out to do his best and if that came with winning, well he would take that too!

The running was no problem for Sam. The biking--he would have liked to have been on a road bike, but he did great. Then came the challenge of the swim. Sam has never really taken lessons on swimming, so that was not his favorite challenge. His poor goggles could not keep a seal--which made swimming even less desirable. At the end of every lap, he had to re-adjust his goggles--dumping out all the water. Here he is working up the strength to go through the laps yet again.
Every time he would come to the end of the Lap, exhausted and tired he just kept saying he would finish--he wouldn't give up.

He was so exhausted, and I wanted to "rescue" him. Paola mentioned maybe someone could take his place. And the love I have for this kid was almost enough to wipe away every ounce of pride at being seen in "wet" clothes and dive in and take over his . But Sam didn't sign up for a team. He had to do this one on his own.

When Sam would reach a new lap--I decided that if he had to stop or look up, I wanted him to see my squatting face down next to the water. I tried of thinking of funny hymns to sing to him like "we are all enlisted til the conflict is through" and "Master the tempest is raging" ... but it was so loud in the pool that it didn't work out so well. ;) I am sure I was entertaining to the other observers!

There I was, admiring my friend's tired determination to finish the race. So all I was left/could do was cheer, make sure Sam saw I was watching/believing in him, and a WHOLE LOT of praying! I wasn't praying because I didn't think he couldn't do it. But rather, I knew he could and would. So I prayed for him to be strengthened.

Sam eventually finished those pain making laps. Cramps/mushy legs and all. He got out of the pool. He jogged to the end!

Perhaps the Savior wanted me to get a taste of how He feels. He, who has run the path, biked the way, and has swam the course- He too knows He can't take our place. Getting through this earth's course has to be done physically ourselves... He cannot vicariously do it "for" us, but the Savior, knowing we can do it cheers us on and prays for us and not because He doesn't think we can't make it, but rather because He knows we can and we will. He is there to strengthen us in the hearing and in the doing.

I have been studying about Christ's words about the hearers and the doers of the word. It is one thing to hear, which lets face it, sometimes we don't want to "hear" want we need to hear. Whether commandments to keep, commitments to start, habits to break or actions to take--hearing is one thing. And the actual "doing" of what we hear/know is entirely a whole other thing.

Right before the Sermon on the Mount - the Savior "...went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him" Matt 5:1. The account then goes into Christ's beautiful teachings. Luke's account before the sermon on the Mount gives some more to chew on...

Luke, 6:12-13, 17.
"... he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples...
...
And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people... came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases"

Christ went up into a mountain. He prayed all night long. He called his disciples to him. They heard and doing, must have gone because it says "he came down with them and stood in the plain" (emphasis added.)

Perhaps, when we decide to follow Christ, to give up our wills, not not only be a hearer, but a doer of whatever is required... When He calls--we make the journey to "higher" ground. We make covenants, in the temple, we commit to give up our very natural man. Surely being on top of the mountain with the Savior was a choice experience. He had just been praying all through the night. How the atmosphere must have been! But then, seeing others who have not yet climbed the mountain, but have at least trecked to a plain--we go to the plain where they are at. To be tools for God, agents to help them be made whole. But we don't do that work alone, for Christ, goes "down with [us]".

Everyone must start somewhere. To hear the word--just opening up their scriptures, saying a prayer, or checking out church. They "come" to a plain. They still had to make the treck that far. How merciful that God lets us start in the "plains" of our commitment to Him. He doesn't make us go to the top of the mountain in order to be healed! He meets us on the plains of life! He condescends to be with us. And why? Greater love hath no man then this!

How beautiful to experience what we do in the house of God, and then, come down to the "plains" of mortality and walk with others hand in hand as we ascend back to our Maker together! Christ allows us the taste of sweet heights, but expects us, endowed with those heights/covenants to walk the plains with others and help them come to the mountain's top!

...He can't swim the course for us, but He who has swam the course before, reassures us we can and will do it!

There are lots of thoughts that go with this--but for another time.

Thanks Sam for your determination and for finishing the course! I have new admiration for Ali and Meg and all those who do triathlons for "the fun of it". I still think you are all crazy, but what you accomplish and don't quit in the process-- is amazing!

MISSIONARY

2011-07-28T21:01:00.006-06:00

Today I recieved an email foward with a letter attached from Sister Kristina Howell. I have blogged about the amazing Kristina before (click here and read the section on "COMMITMENT").

I met her a few years ago while waiting at church one Thursday night. She is one that basically had a 4.0 in college, told the Lord that if she didn't get into the nursing program (it would only take God's hand to keep her out with how awesome her transcripts were) that she would take that as she needed to go on a mission. Ask and it shall be given you! Kristina didn't make it into the program.

As a result of this faithful girl's commitments, she made a list about every thing she would give up if the Lord would help her get on a mission. Change friends, which meant for a time she didn't have any close friends. She changed her music, studied her scriptures, prayed morning and night and attend all her church meetings. When she shared her list with me I told her she had just made a list that would turn her into daughter of God! And boy did it ever! She is now a sister missionary serving in the Illinois Chicago Mission!

Her email was filled with miracle after miracle... but this story was extra touching to read. A great reminder--when you know something is true, what are you willing to give up/sacrifice in order to keep what you know to be true? Give up a loved one? Sleep in a homeless shelter to keep a commandment...?! How fitting for Kristina to have this woman come into her life. For Kristina too--knows about keeping commandments and making personal sacrifices. This little story and testimony moved me.

Enjoy!

Exert taken from Sister Kristina Howell's email to her family:

...She's so awesome. Her name is Jackie and she really wants to get baptized, except she's living with her boyfriend and they have kids together and she's pregnant. He didn't want to marry her, so we didn't think baptism would be an option, but this week when we visited her, she told us that she wanted to get baptized and knew that they needed to get married or she needed to move out before that could happen. So apparently she went and stayed at the homeless shelter for 2 days, and that gave her boyfriend a wakeup call, and they're going to be getting married in 2 weeks and then she'll be baptized the week after that! It's amazing how the Lord will bless us and open ways to keep his commandments when we do everything in our power to keep those commandments!!!

I know that this Gospel is so true and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God! I know that there's such a power to the Book of Mormon that has the power to change our lives if we're just willing to open it and to read it and to apply it to our lives!! I know that true happiness can only come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ!! I'm so thankful for the chance that Heavenly Father has given to me to get to share that message with the people of Chicago!!!!

AMEN!

"YOU'RE KIND OF KILLING THE SPIRIT"

2011-07-24T23:03:00.003-06:00

A fireside was put on by a ward in our stake. I went over to the building and hoped for an evening filled with the spirit.

A girl and guy came and sat on the bench directly behind me. Before the event started they were speaking pretty loudly, but nothing different from the other chatter that was going on.

The fireside started (it was a DVD presentation of a production on the pioneers and servicemen preformed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). At the beginning of the DVD, we watched the sign version for whatever reason. This is where the person signing (American Sign Language) while the choir and background music were shown off to the side of the signer. The gal behind me was very opinionated about the interpreter. She was out right rude in her comments. I silently wished I had chosen somewhere else to sit for the evening. Her remarks were degrading and anything but filled with the spirit. And from the way the comments were made, I don't think she was intentionally trying to be rude, but rather as part of her nature she was out spoken with her thoughts.

Her talking didn't quite down but went on and on. I silently prayed to know if there was something I could say. Bless Heidi, right next to me, she knowing Sign language turned around and signed to the girl and in sign asked her if she knew what the interpreter was saying. The girl didn't understand her. Heidi asked her three different times in sign and then finally turned on her voice as she signed and said, "Do you know what that interpreter is saying?" The girl admitted that she did not, but after knowing/seeing that Heidi signed, didn't make another comment about the interpreter. I was grateful for the way that Heidi brilliantly handled the conflict.

Not more than 5 mins into the music, this same girl, with no hush to her voice just started making comments about the singers, and life in general. The comments were inappropriate. The guy she was with agreed sometimes with her comments and that made her speak up all the more!

What to do?! After what seemed like forever, but probably was more like 10 mins or so of her out spoken words, I pondered if I should just get up and sit somewhere else? What if this was her first time back to an activity?... I wanted her a chance to feel loved and not discourage her from being there/coming, I didn't want to be rude, but how to approach someone's irreverent behavior?! And even if my intentions were not wanting to offend and have her feel love, I was feeling anything but love for her behavior. Sheri Dew said it best that sometimes our Charity does fail. Had you been seeing my level of annoyance I would have proved I didn't have any Charity.

I felt to not to change seats, but to stay put.

The row of guys in front of me were obviously annoyed by her outbursts of "matter of fact" comments as well. ???? What can I do was my pleading.

OH BRILLIANT KATIE NExt to me!! After the last really off comment, Katie turned around and I could hear the love in her voice, but she said to the couple, "You're kind of killing the spirit." The girl didn't hear Katie and asked what she said, and Katie repeated again, "You're kind of killing the spirit". There was no hatred in her tone, but a true statement towards what the girl was saying but not who the girl was. The girl taken a little back, I think truly not noticing the problem before, and she did stop talking. She laughed a little, but the rest of the evening, until she walked out an hour later, she remained pretty quite.

Brilliant!! Truly Brilliant! Why I couldn't come up with that?!! For either situation? I was stumped with what to do... bless Katie and Heidi and their bold, yet Christlike way to confront the conflict!! Great examples to me! I was so thankful to have been given the opportunity to view first hand how to handle a situation that I felt could have gone really sour. Thank you girls!!

Sam shared with me last night that in his morning prayers he had pleaded to have an increase of the spirit to strengthen him all day. He then testified to me that he had witnessed the spirit strengthening him in every meeting. What a great thing to pray for!!

MIRACLES, MIRACLES and MORE MIRACLES!

2011-07-21T22:53:00.012-06:00

Well I knew that this month of craziness was coming, but can I tell you--this has been a CHOICE last month.

TREEBEES CAME OUT!

I will have to save this for another blog post, but Taylor came out and what a blast we had together! She is so grown up now. Not the little girl that I used to let crawl in bed with me. We entered our four-wheeling into the parade, got an awesomely sore sunburn, painted and organized with mom and dad, took a ride up the mountain, visited temples, and went on a lagoon trip. The boys and Taybabe actually got me to go on "Wicked". A one time, won't ever do it again, but this 30 year old next year went on Wicked! ;) I love you Taylor!

WEDDINGS
Some choice choice things have happened.
First, Lizi and Dave got married!! There were so many miracles that came together to have these two hook up! God pulled out all the stops! First of all, finding a brides maids dress--in any style/color--just not going to happen. Took that one to the Lord and felt to go onto Target. I pull up a dress, and order it right then. Maybe it would work. Well a week before the wedding, I went shopping everywhere and I kid you not there was NOTHING! So the dress from Target had to be the one. When JiHye came to my door, I almost started to cry. We had almost perfectly- the exact same color of dress on!! God's Hand!

The night before Lizi's wedding there was a great big party with all her family. The weather looked like it was going to dump on us and why wouldn't it? After all it had been dumping every night for about a week, and it seemed to come in about 6pm. Some prayers were said. Lizi said she would embrace the rain since it has rained on all her sister's weddings. The rains passed us... and just went south sending a beautiful rainbow at the end of the evening! The next day, I watched the hour weather and at 2pm it was to dump in Manti, and at 6 pm dump in springville. I pleaded and prayed as I am sure others did. Manti... the storm clouds came and thunder, but went south of the temple... giving great beautiful skys for pictures. And that night, the storm threatened to show its wet little head, but again, partially black clouds rolled in and stayed slightly south. It never rained on us at either location. Coincidence!? NO way!

I have never seen a couple stare into each others eyes as intently as Lizi and Dave did over the alter. It was beauitful, and truly it was a choice blessing to see their paths finally start on the sealed road.

ENDOWMENTS
Last week brought Davey and Mandi talking out their endowments! This choice choice couple, who have worked so hard to prepare to go through the temple--had all amounts of opposition possible--DID IT! It was so choice to be in the house of the Lord with them! All of course in preparation for their sealing.

AZ
Then it was down to AZ for Jess and Matt's wedding. Another miracle pulled by god. Matt just joined the church two years ago I believe. Jess went to AZ to prepare for a mission, in her preparation, she met Matt, followed some impressions and here they were sealed together. In their sealing, I have never had a couple enter the room with already such a sweet spirit. Whatever the Sealer had talked to the couple about--brought the spirit into the room, and it was a very intimate feeling, again, brought in with their prior meeting. That was sweet to experience that!

CLUSTER ACTIVITY
Then came Monday night with our first Cluster activity for church. Six ward Singles activity. No one has ever done one before and our ward was the first to be in charge. I have to say, I have the best committee ever! And my co-chair is a hard worker and gives freely of himself. The heavens were pouring, but in faith, and lots of prayers we drove to our spot in the canyon. I text Bishop Lifferth and told him we needed his prayers. (That man has sweet, deep, powerful faith!) Literally 7:03-05ish the rains completely ceased. (It had been a downpour and some good bouts of lighting with in a quarter mile or less... to blue sky and green grass beauty! We figured we had a little over 325 there. Our committee was amazing! The other co-chairs were great. I left re-leaved the activity was over, but also filled with deep gratitude for God's miracles in not only the weather, but the event as well.

KNEE MIRACLE
So had all intentions of going to institute last night, but when I called up and spoke with my dad, he said that he had done something to his knee??? He hadn't done anything out of the ordinary, but was in so much pain (no matter how he turned his knee) that the pain was literally taking away his breath. I told him that he needed a blessing. He agreed through the pain, but didn't want to brother my brother because he was so busy last night. But when I told him Marsh was not coming down to the valley he consented to have Brytt come over. I felt impressed to grab a neighbor a few doors down that is quite old and has a messed up body himself. I knocked on the door. He immediately went to his room and with quite a process (because of his body) changed into a church shirt, pants and shoes. Hunched over we walked over to my place.

The oil was administered. The spirit was sweet. My brother sealed the blessing. His voice changed—great power and authority were present. And my dad’s body was commanded to be made whole. Very short, to the point blessing. Nothing much extra. But there was power. I almost felt bad for my neighbor taking all that time to get ready to come over for less than a 2 min stop. I walked him home and over and over he gave thanks for being asked to help with a blessing. He was so grateful to be asked. Brytt left. I felt to not go to instituted and although my dad’s knee was not swollen at all/or red- nothing visibly telling that there was pain, we wrapped it in ice and I hurried and searched for some type of movie to keep his mind not focused on the discomfort. Kungfu Panda won! My dad watched the movie (which is quite odd because he HATES seeing movies more than once). The movie ended and he made a comment that his knee was feeling drastically better. We had family scripture study, prayer, sent him to bed with a new ice pack wrapped around his knee.

He slept great. The ice pack stayed the whole time. He woke— and his knee, completely healed. As if there had never been the take your breath away pain as the day before! This is nothing short of God's hand! Oh How I love the priesthood!

CAN IT EVEN GET BETTER?!
A year ago exactly today, this picture was taken. I witnessed the most sacred civil wedding I have ever witnessed! TODAY! I took this picture!

One SMOK'n HOT Freshley sealed family!! How choice it was to see these two kneel across the alter, and to stair into each others eyes. Davey was taken back with so much emotion. Then, little Sammi Sunshine came into the room, and Davey and Mandi were both overcome. There was such a sweet spirit that filled the room. I was overcome. I think most of us in there were.... This little girl, that brought this sweet family together. From Davey wanting to be a father, to finding his faith, checking out the church, getting baptized, working to be worthy of the priesthood, marriage, providing for his family, and working hard towards the temple. I will tell you what, life is choice!!
God is, a God of miracles. I am a witness of them! These three choice couples that God wanted me to witness the miracle of their weddings. Each of them custom/tailor made by God. Maybe He is trying to tell me something!

Each temple has the words, "Holiness to the Lord" on the outside of the temple.
What does it mean to have Holiness? One definition of Holy is dedicated or devoted to the service of God, the church, or religion... (Dictionary.com). Dedication or Devotion to THE SERVICE of GOD, CHURCH, RELIGION. Well that sums up what we should be striving for don't you think?! Of course to ALWAYS remembering the Savior, Loving God and Jesus Christ comes first.

Oh it has been so sweet. Almost consuming being around all these choice weddings back to back. God knows what He is doing. I am so happy he has given us a prophet on the earth, that leads us and guides us. There is a plan! God wants us to be happy, and to return to live with Him.

Has God ceased being a god of miracles?! NO WAY! If you are questioning it, serve, if you are finding less happiness than desired, serve, love, support, lift. There are miracles to be had, daily! I know this to be true!

Oh Davey and Mandi, what a sweet sweet day today! Love you!

HE LIVES

2011-07-20T00:26:00.008-06:00

From President Eyring's April 2011 Conference talk--I have often pondered about his challenge:

"To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the church welfare program, members world wide will be invited to participate in a day of service. Leaders and members will seek revelation as they design whatever the projects will be."

Ever since his invite, which was echoed by several other speakers in general conference, I have pondered over what it is that I can do as my day of service? I plan to do something with my whole family, my ward, but also for me personally... But what?! Clean up, blankets, hygiene kits? I love that President Eyring asked that one seek revelation as to what the project will be.

I have given it much thought, and a great deal of prayer. An idea came to me--and after what happened to me on Sunday, I am for sure going to do my personal day (more like a month) of service = I have felt to memorize "The Living Christ"(click here). Anyone want to join me?! I know lots of folks memorized it on their mission, but I however did not.
I don't like to travel on Sunday's and try to avoid it at all costs. However this last weekend I felt I needed to be back for Sunday, so I booked the earliest flight out of AZ I could find. Just last week, I found out that one of my greatest heroes=Bishop Larson, was being released from being the Bishop in his ward. This past Sunday would be his last time as Bishop. I smiled and thanked God for allowing me to fly back in time to support a man that has influenced my life a great deal.

As I sat in the airport at 6:30am I pulled out my ensign and had a great read. The woman across from me made the comment about how early it was. She put her pack down and went to sleep. When she awoke, she looked over at me (by this time I had my scriptures out) and she asked if I had been reading the Ensign. I said that I had and she asked if she could borrow the magazine. The magazine was passed over and I had the thought that we would be sitting with each other on the plane.

Meet Becki!
Turns out Becki is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She never felt she worked for her testimony when she was little, she just went through the motions of church because that is what her family wanted.

Becki got into some heavy core drugs a few years back. Salt Lake was her "hub" for the drugs- so she moved to AZ to get away from the temptations and to clean up her life. She has been clean for five years now!

Not knowing what she believed she started meeting with the missionaries to find out about the church. What an amazing story she has!

On Saturday, Becki became filled with thoughts of how to get drugs whens she got back to Salt Lake City. Her thoughts consumed her. She told me that you would think it would be easy after five years of being clean, but how overpowering the thoughts were. Becki said that if she were to do it just one time, give in to drugs one time, she knew from past experiences she would be hooked and completely out of control.

What to do?! The thoughts were frightening. The only thing she could think to do was to call the missionaries over. They came over and gave her a blessing and she received the promise that she would have strength while in Utah. Becki then told me that when she woke up from being asleep while waiting for the plane, the thoughts of how easily she could get the drugs flooded her mind yet again and she silently prayed for help. She remembered the magazine I had, thought it might be an Ensign and asked if she could borrow it. (I have to smile at this because--before this month, other than the Conference edition of the ensign, I haven't/don't carry an Ensign and never did I read one. I always listened to the whole audio magazine when exercising, but reading from the actual pages, hasn't happened before this month. But I had the impression that I needed to start reading an article before I open my scriptures every day, so starting with the July Ensign, I have done just that and where ever I go, the magazine goes with me. Amazing that God can use even our newest habits--and is it too far fetched to think that perhaps God sent the prompting so that I could have an ensign with me in the airport?! I think not!:) )

We talked about the gospel on the plane. Becki had lots of sincere questions. She has a roommate that does not believe in Jesus Christ and it was obvious that this roommate has influenced Becki's thinking for she brought up how she didn't think she could believe in Jesus Christ. She believes that God, our Father, lives, but the idea of Jesus Christ seemed a little "out there".

Becki has been back to church a few times. I asked her if she had prayed over anything and had received an answer. She smiled and said that she had received an answer on tithing! Which was interesting on anything to be asking about/checking out first... she didn't pray about Jesus Christ, or other basics, but she did on tithing!

Becki said that she had received $300 as a grant from the collage in AZ. When she received the money she was excited as it was "free money" and at the time she really needed money. She pondered whether she should pay tithing over this money that she technically didn't earn. She was not even finished asking the question when she heard the words come to her mind, "Loosen thy purse strings." She said, "I don't speak that way, nor have I ever spoken with someone who says that type of thing." Becki knew that it was an answer from God to pay her tithing on the grant money she had been given.

She obeyed the impression and she told me that whenever things are tight and she is tempted to keep the money, those words of loosening her purse strings, come back to her mind and she does pay her tithing. (Side note: Sam shared a beauitful thought from institute last week. The teacher pointed out that we are not paying back/giving the Lord "10%" but rather the Lord is giving us/allowing us to have "90%". Money is not ours, our bodies are not our own, the only thing really that is our own and doesn't already belong to God is our will. I loved this beautiful reminder from Sam's institute teacher!)

The plane ended and Becki and I were both surprised at how fast the trip went. We walked down to the baggage claim and I was able to meet her devoted and supportive husband. Becki wants to be sealed in the temple and is trying to find out what the faith of her family was/is. We made a pack that she would let me know when she had her sealing date. We hugged and she walked off with her husband and I headed off to the parking lot.

Talk about an amazing experience. Had God sent me home to see Bishop Larson, yes I think, but I also think he had greater plans from the beginning! I did miss an opportunity though. I shared with Becki about who Jesus Christ is. What he has done and because of who He is, what that personally means for her, for me, for the whole world--but looking back on the conversation--I taught of him, but I don't think I officially testified that I know that Jesus is the Christ. Someone listening to the conversion would have gathered that I think, but what a lesson for me... a missed opportunity. Don't worry, it is not the end of the world. I am saddened by the realization of what I didn't do, but am thankful for the peace and determination to not pass an opportunity like that again. For I completely know what it feels like to wonder if God and Jesus Christ live. I know what it is like to pray often and plead from my soul to know if they are there. I know the hope and desire to finding out, but I also know the frustration and sometimes despair not knowing seemed to leave me feeling. But oh how sweet the truth is...

I KNOW that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of all mankind, MY Savior. I know that He has all wisdom and power... that through him and because of him, the grave has no power over life. I, we, can become perfect through our perfect Redeemer! Redeemed from a fallen state, redeemed for sins and habits that bind. We can become whole and cleansed, sanctified. Holy, without spot! How? All through Jesus Christ!

So--President's Eyrings challenge of what service one can offer...? Mine "personal" do something for the 75th year of welfare challenge is to memorize "The Living Christ"! And I hope by doing so, I can better let my light so shine. That others feeling alone/in darkness can too--come to KNOW--as I have, that Jesus IS the Christ!

The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles

"The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles," The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, (2000)

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
signatures signatures of the twelve

© 2000 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

ABRAHAM AND DODO

2011-06-20T22:46:00.005-06:00

Some great talks were given yesterday and I was grateful for the sweet spirit. Our Bishop started a minute of silence after the Sacrament was passed. This was just 60 seconds where everyone, including those who passed the sacrament, could have a moment to ponder on the Savior. I have never been in a sacrament that did this before, but I really appreciated the moment of pause. It also does help to be in a singles ward where we aren't yet blessed with the awesome challenge of helping our children behave in church! It was a sweet.

Brother and Sister Walker shared a story that really touched my heart. When their boys were just little they got two goldfish. They named them Abraham and Dodo. After a few days, one of the boys decided that he would share his chocolate chips with the fish. They left for a couple of hours and when they came back, they found their Goldfish floating on top of the water.

Brother and Sister Walker tried to explain the life expectancy of goldfish to their two little boys. One of their little boy's said that they needed to say a prayer. So trying to keep their chuckles down to a serious tone, Brother Walker said a prayer, talking about letting Abraham and Dodo be sent to fish heaven with their friends. Sister Walker said she was half opening her eyes during the prayer feeling a little foolish for praying over two Goldfish.

The prayer was finished and they said amen. Still two belly side up goldfish. Brother walker swirled the fish around in the water and fumbled for the right words to explain why the fish had to die, when the 3 year old said, "Daddy, I say the prayer." Now the Walkers were feeling quite silly about praying a 2nd time over the goldfish. They described what their three year old said in his prayer, "Heavenly Father, please let Abraham and Dodo to live. Amen." The Walkers said they opened their eyes and found Abraham and Dodo swimming happily around. !! They could not explain this miracle. Several hours belly side up and dead. Swirling the water around by Brother Walker to stall/prove that they were "gone" to his boys... but here were the happy swimming fish!!

Brother Walker said that after that experience he ponder why such a miracle happened. He said that his boys were so young, that he is pretty sure they don't remember the experience on their own--only knowing and hearing their mom and dad share the story. So then why the miracle? What was the point? They concluded that the miracle was for "them"--and "Why not". These two little boys had faith enough to ask, regardless that a miracle was needed for two goldfish. Brother Walker discovered that he was being a "Deny-er" of miracles. Just because something is not important to us, doesn't mean that it isn't important to others.

Am I stopping such miracles to be preformed because I lack the faith, confidence, or trust that such a miracle can be done? Even over something as small as would seem to be insignificant Goldfish?

Brother Walker testified that he didn't want to be a deny-er of miracles. What a beautiful and profound statement. Who am I to snicker over the desires/needs/wants of others. To think them silly or trite? God, who knows us perfectly, wants to bless us. He loves us and sees/knows fully who we can/will become.

On such a personal way--- I had an institute teacher that was a powerpoint king. Well, not for all of his classes, but just for ours. He would have slide after slide with amazing quotes. The only down fall was that he always called on volunteers to read the slides out loud. I STILL dread being called on to read out loud. I can't describe the amount of anxiety it causes me.

For several weeks going to this class---it always seemed miraculous to me that the Teacher would always have the students furthest away from me start reading the powerpoint slides. They would read down the row, so for several weeks I never was called on to read. And every night I wasn't called on to read I would ofter several silent prayers of deep thanks.

One night as I went into class, and the reading began and my silent prayers to NOT be called on had started... I pondered and worried that perhaps the Lord would not let me "get" out of reading because perhaps he wanted to "teach me a lesson" that "Bryndi, you need to get over this fear/anxiety you have and the only way to do that is by reading out loud." I actually pondered over that and thought, logically as a parent, I could see a parent having their child do what they really didn't want to do so they could overcome their fear/hesitations... Walking, riding a bike, eating peas..etc.

As it came time for me to read, I felt my face becoming hot and my mouth turning into cotton--I prayed if He [Heavenly Father] didn't mind, I would love to not be called on to read.

All of a sudden the teacher totally skipped over me and called the kid sitting next to me to read!! What just happened?!!

If you knew this teacher you would know he doesn't really skip around after he has started a "flow" in the rows of reading. And there are enough slides, that not a lot of time goes between each one so it is not like he can forget who just read or who hasn't read. But sure enough I was the next one in the sequence to read, and he just skipped right over me. I silently said a prayer of thanks...and had a beauitful insight to how merciful the Lord is.

Something I really don't like doing--reading in front of others. Have I done it--oh yes, ever since the mission, so 7 1/2 years of random reading out loud. You would think that would make you just get over it, but I have not yet. And a merciful Heavenly Father, knowing my amazing uncomfortableness, could have had me read to "learn a lesson" or to just work on "getting over" something so dumb... But the only lesson given that night was like the fish. I needed a miracle, and God, was so willing to supply. Even what would seem like to someone else I was asking "goldfish to live again". God is not a deny-er of miracles. And like Brother Walker taught, I don't want to be either!

Taylor just flew in today. What a grown up young woman! I can't wait to spend the next few weeks with her!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints IS true!
Jesus is the Christ! Thank goodness for His mercy. I am constantly in need of it! My cup runneth over!

HAPPY for lots of reasons day!

2011-06-18T23:44:00.006-06:00

Today my sister was born--we won't state how MANY years ago that was-- ;) ha ha, but I am so grateful for the person she is. It is amazing her heart fits inside her. She is constantly doing things for others... when she comes to town, she IS the life of any party. And if there is not a party-she makes a party.

I love you Kiss! Happy Birthday.

The past few weeks represent a lot of wonderful blessings God has placed in my life. Jenny, Nykki, Nic, Becky and Krysti all have June birthdays. Five amazing people that God has given me. I love you all.

This picture just makes me laugh!

Dad stuffing the turkey.

If you don't know my dad, you should! You would find a man of integrity. A man who is constantly bettering his best. A man who honors the priesthood which he holds. He truly is a wonderful father, husband, and one of this girl's best friends. I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day!

I don't have words to express it, but to all those father's out there--my fabulous and almost perfect in this sister's eyes, brothers. To my Uncle Paul and all my uncles. To my friends whom I dearly love that have a spouse that honor their wives- Ben Larson, Richard Winget, Seth, Lester, Danny, Derek--just to name a few of the many men that God has placed as examples in my life. I love the families they love!

How thankful I am for a Father in Heaven who has allowed us to not only be physically created in His image, but that means we have also been created spiritually in His image with who and how He IS. I listened to a talk this weekend from Michael Wilcox where he shared that insight. What a beautiful truth! We are to become like the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. What lays in them, also lays within each of us.

What a sacred day. We ALL have a Father in Heaven-who loves us more than we can possibly understand/comprehend. Oh how I want to be like Him and His Son. How perfectly He loves. I am so grateful for his patience in my progress.

Happy Father's Day!

ONE YEAR OLDER!

2011-06-15T09:19:00.004-06:00

My morning--Dad, mom and I all garthered around the phone to wish Nykki a Happy birthday.

US: Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you....
Nykki: Thanks! My birthday isn't until tomorrow, but thanks for the early birthday song!
US: Nyk, today is your birthday.
Nykki: Nope, it is tomorrow.
(Bryndi walks over to her wall calander and comes back to the phone)
Bryndi: Chick, today is the 15th--I am pretty sure you were born today, a long time ago, thus today is still your birthday.
Nykki: Pause... Carson! Did you know today was my birthday?! Chuckle Chuckle
US: Well glad we could call and remind you it is your birthday!

:) We will blame it on her being in the middle of her move, the baby that is almost done baking, and a lack of her morning chocolate! ;) ha ha

Chick-- I love you! I couldn't ask for a greater younger sis! And you couldn't ask for a greater middle sis! ;) ha ha, kidding! Wish I was there to give you a hug! I love you! Happy Birthday!

REMINDER: TODAY--IS your birthday! ;) ha ha

--Love forever- Brattney

...made for ME!

2011-06-09T20:19:00.006-06:00

Probably just some random thoughts, but good ones! At least I think!

This evening I was studying in the gospels about the Savior's teachings on the Sabbath day observance. His teachings are brought up because the disciples picked some corn from a field and ate it on the Sabbath day. And the Pharisees, being letter of the law and oral law keepers, asked how this could be done on the sabbath day. Christ in Matthew, Mark and Luke shares some insights about what is lawful to do on the Sabbath day. Great counsel! (Matt 12:1-14, Mark 2:23-28 3:1-6, Luke 6:1-5)

Mark 2:27: "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:" And the Joseph Smith Translation on that adds that "...the Sabbath was given unto man for a day of rest; and also that man should glorify God... For the Son of Man made the Sabbath day, therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath."

As I was pondering and trying to get my head around the significance of why the Sabbath day was made for man, not man for the sabbath-- the idea came that BECAUSE Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath day--for He made it for man, my mind naturally took out "Sabbath" and replaced it with Christ--to read:

Christ was made for man, and not man for Christ. (!!!)

What a beautiful, simple, but deep truth. Christ was "given unto man for...rest" and also [given] that man should glorify God. And He truly does that doesn't He?!

We came into being because of the fall, separated spiritually and physically from our Father in Heaven. We needed/NEED a Christ! He was "made" for us. He can give us rest and because of Him we should and CAN glorify God.

On this occasion, the Savior enters into a Synagog and finds a man there with a withered hand. The Pharisees "watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath (Mark 3:2). It was not a question for the Pharisees of whether He could heal or not--it was a question of whether He would (!) on the Sabbath day and thus by healing on the Sabbath day they could "accuse him". What a lesson/example taught by the Pharisees! No doubting here! Although their motives were all wrong, they knew the Savior could heal--there was no question of IF he could.

Christ asks the man with the withered hand to stand. Now I was not that man, but what if that withered hand represents a weakness, a sin, something I am trying to overcome? The Savior asks me to stand--obviously folks are watching, and perhaps this man is not ashamed of his withered hand, but maybe it is something he would like to keep hidden and at least not let everyone focus on. The Savior has a dialect towards the Pharisees after he has asked this man to stand. How long did the man have to stand--center of attention, eyes? But finally the Savior asks him to stretch forth his hand. Was this hard for him to do? Did the withered hand hold a position that stretching it would have been painful? Nevertheless "he stretched it out". [Now his weakness was exposed, no hiding in the shadows, all eyes and attention must have been on him]--- "...and his hand was restored whole"(Mark 3:3,5).

I praise this man, that with a withered hand [weaknesses, struggles, sins] he was where he needed to be on the sabbath day--the synagog! Just think had he decided to not go to the "church" that day?! He would have missed not only being with the Savior but being made "whole"! What courage it took. He was in the right place, where the Lord could bless him. And surely there were hearts and testimonies strengthened/learning that took place, faith built and hope given to others in the synagog who watched the Savior make someone's "withered-ness" WHOLE!! Where any of them (obviously not the Pharisees who shortly after the miracle too up counsel on how they might "destroy [Christ]" ) thinking, "His withered-ness was made whole! Perhaps my withered-ness can be made whole too?...! My eyes that are withered from the things they view in private, or my ears that have withered from the things I listen to/or allowed to be said, my foot that is withered when it comes to service- or my mouth that is withered and will not open up and share the the gospel, or my heart is withered because someone's withered-ness was used to abuse my wholeness... He was made whole. Perhaps I can be too. ? !!"

HOPE BUILT!

There are so many other things my mind pulls from this story, but with the Savior being "made" for us-- to give us rest, to give great reason to glorify God for his goodness... to make us whole! And oh how He can! We may be asked to stand or do something we would prefer not doing, a calling, an assignment, following through on an impression. Asked to "stretch" forth out of our comfort zone or the way we have made our life to be... And after we are asked to do that thing, we may have to "stand for a while"t, but the Savior who was made for us, knows how to make us whole! He knows how to give us rest! He knows how to make our hearts to rejoice and give Glory to God, because of God's great kindness in providing "making" a Savior for us! It is not a question of whether He can. He will! His timing, His way--in accordance with what the Father's will is.

"Stretch forth thine hand. And [she] stretched it out: and [her] hand was restored whole as the other." (!)

INSPIRED CRUSH?!!!!?!

2011-05-19T23:18:00.003-06:00

Back in Jr. High I discovered that I had the ability to fall in love rather quickly and it didn't necessarily matter if the kid was a good kid or not. So to put a stop to that potential danger, I prayed quite a bit to not have crushes. I figured they were a waste of time for why would I want to live that part of the girl life of fantasizing over something that was going to go no where. (ha, you can call me crush-crusher.)

My request and consistent pleadings were granted and for a very long time I was not plagued with the typical girl agony of the heart of crushes. God blessed me so much in fact that a little bit of an alarm came when I took a collage class where a dear friend/professor told all the single students that we were to find someone, we did not know, whom we were attracted to, and bring them to class. Yes, this assignment not only stressed me out, but I realized that I had put off "looking"/crushing for so long that I didn't even know how to find someone I was attractive to. Sounds pathetic I know, but none the less it was true.

Once I finally DID find someone that I was attracted to, he ended up being a MARRIED MAN who was not wearing his wedding ring! After approaching the third married man(!) I called my professor and said the assignment was too dangerous and she could give me a F, but I was not about to go lusting after someone that would yet again prove to be married. :)

Well there is a little bit of the background so you can understand a little more fully where I am coming from. Back in about Sept or Oct of last year, I was completely caught of guard when a kid walked by at church and my heart almost skipped a beat. WHAT IN THE WORLD!? This was not a feeling I was used to feeling. The more I observed him from a far off the more I became curious as to who this person was that not only was I spiritually attracted to, but physically too. That just hasn't happened much in my go arounds. Don't be getting your hopes up, I have NO announcements! ;) This kid just proved to provide a very annoying little crush. Since I had trained myself to not crush--having a crush was pretty much horrible. I was smitten by a kid that didn't even know my name. Pathetic, I know.

Seriously, when a boy distracts you from the sacrament, you know your crush needs to be crushed! The crush, thankfully is gone, but something so sweet came that I could have never predicted.

This kid bore his testimony once about his love for his grandmother and how touched he was to be around her and to hear her sing. His love for his grandmother pricked a reminder in me of how much I love elderly folks. His testimony stirred an idea which was followed by some strong impressions.

For a few months prior to that time, I had pondered over how the Lord would have me spend my time. I thought of my stake and because not being connected to a family ward, I just didn't know any elderly folks outside the sweet women I see every week in the temple and a few neighbors.

During his testimony, I immediately thought of my parents branch up in the mountains. I thought of the handful of widows that go to their branch. The promptings came and for the last six months I have been taking every Thursday I can to go and be with them. That is where tonight took me.

This is the beauitful Myrna!

She lives all alone--literally in this small little town in the mountains. So rural is the town that in the winter time, she is the only person in the whole town that lives there. This woman is as strong as an ox and yet as kind and loving/with the humor to match Pres. Faust at the same time. On a previous visit I found her up kitchen COVERED in home made suckers/flavorings and molds. She has a habit of making suckers of all different flavors, shapes and colors so that she can have something to share with others.

I had a wonderful evening with her as we worked on some of her life experiences with her family.

Before I left her house, Myrna said that she had had an interesting night. She said that she had always wondered what she would do if there was a knock at her door in the middle of the night. She lives alone and the thought quite terrified her.

She fell asleep in her chair and there this morning at 1:30am there was a knock on her door. She woke to the sound and her heart started to race. Maybe it was just her sub pump kicking on? But sure enough the knock came again. Completely struck with fear, this good woman of God said a prayer and asked God if she should answer her door. To which she felt she should. She cautiously opened her door to find two grown boys shivering on her doorstep. They had gone up a canyon road in their little car to see if the snow pack was gone. The mud overtook the wheels of the car and they were stuck in a ditch. No coat (it has been snowing off and on with six inches this week) here they were shivering on Myrna's porch. She took out her chains drove them to their mud stuck car, and pulled them out. (Told you she was an ox!) She told me she was so glad she prayed and that she was not only protected, but could help them.

As we have gone through her life's stories we have laughed, and have had beautiful moments discussing how God's hands have been seen. Myrna was God's hands last night. This faithful woman--that lives literally alone in the middle of the mountains.

We hugged, not wanting the evening to end. She warned me of the elk that would no doubt jump in front of me and said that she would pray for me. (And thank goodness for her prayers because a huge elk did run out in front of my car and so close was it to my car that the mud flying off it's hooves as it ran splattered my windshield...! It was a close call and my heart pounded for a good little distance after slamming on my brakes.)

I left her house in deep gratitude.

After a visit, I usually jump in my car and say prayer of thanks... but tonight was more. I pulled down the empty town street and parked. I could not help but just cry in gratitude for the evening I was just given. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for so many things. I then remembered my "crush" and how seriously annoyed I was to have a crush. (I speak only for my crushes and to those of my friends that seek to have crushes--all the more power too you! Just don't pass the "crushing" onto me. :D) I don't know if I would be having these amazing Thursday nights had I not been in love with a kid that caused me to eat up every word he said... which words were how much he loved being with his grandmother. That set the chain reaction/reminder of how much I love being with wiser in years folks too!

Looking back I see how that crush cultivated a place in my heart (even if it was at the time a drooling cultivation) for a story to be heard, an idea promoted by the spirit to start visiting the widows I so dearly.

President Monson talked about the one widow that he went to go see at a care center after midnight. She said she knew he would come to which his response was how could he not have come. I truly felt that tonight. These choice women. Who remain faithful even when alone. Sure they know how to stay busy, but nevertheless they still face waking up alone, spending the day alone, and then going to sleep alone... all to just face the same "aloneness" the next day. These women have/are inspiring to me!

And now--I must thank God for that inspired crush! For through it, the seeds of my Thursday nights were planted in such a way that the spirit and the book "To the Rescue" had a perfect ground to cultivate an action. And oh how this tree has sprung up into the most choice fruit!

My folks ask how I will drive the distance to just stay the short time... how can I not?! These women are so choice, and my life is better because they are in it.

God bless that inspired Crush!

And God bless that I no longer have that crush. ;) THANK GOODNESS! :) ha ha. All things shall work together for our good.

And God bless this sweet sister, who has trained herself that in her moment of fear--her first reaction was to say a prayer! What a great lesson she has taught.

What a choice choice evening it was.

ARE YOU up for the CHALLENGE?! [Part 1]

2011-05-12T07:39:00.000-06:00

Who is with me?!! :)

The conference Ensign has been mailed out to those who have a subscription (I received my a few days ago) and they will be in the distribution centers/online for purchase hopefully next week. If you would like to experience an amazing power in your life--consider this challenge...

PART 1 CHALLENGE:
As soon as you get the magazine (yes you can do the online version (click here) but I would HIGHLY recommend you spending the 1.50 and getting your own copy of the magazine, for 37 days (call it the 40 day challenge to give you a little buffer room), read/study/ponder one talk per day. (Or you could do two each Sunday.) But for 40 days/or your choice of the week day to study a couple talks (about 1.2ish talks will a week will have you complete the magazine before Oct Conference). Highlight/circle/use dictionary.com--however you like to study--but devour each talk. I like to pray before reading and asking God to help me get out of the talk/scriptures what he would have me get out, and then Pres Eyring suggests that after we have read/studied/pondered to pray again in gratitude and relay back what God has taught your heart (praying after I study is a new habit I am going to work on.)

Why take apart of this challenge?! The Prophet says we do this, and I for myself did this with the Oct conference Ensign and it was an AMAZING experience for my soul. More power, more strength, a greater desire to be more kind and more quick to forgive or to want to serve. More desire to give love to strangers... the power that came from taking "in" the general conference talks has been life lifting/sustaining/satisfying. It has been life giving!

PART 2 CHALLENGE:
Just about 40 days before the October Conference this year, watch for a reminder blog. But at that time, I would challenge you to go over a talk a day again--being reminded of all the highlighting/insights you had before... and let this be a preparation and a feast again for your soul as it will prepare you to hear the words of the prophets at the Oct General Conference. Ryan from work said his Stake President challenged the Stake to do a 40 day read before conference for preparation and I thought the idea was pretty inspired.

What you may find, at least for me, as I have gone back through and have seen what things I highlighted or what impressions I wrote in my magazine some times I have been floored by what impressions I had and I am always reminded of the great truths taught. And often new impressions and items I had not marked before will jump out again.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?!! :) You are welcome to join me!

And just for fun....if you have any insight you would like to share or impression(s)/experience(s) that tie back from you studying or something you learned, you can click here and share your experience in this Google doc. If there are things you would like to share, paste your thoughts impressions/ in there and I will check the doc periodically and post your thoughts here. For quick access I will add a link to the document at the top of this blog right above the Book of Mormon picture on the right hand side.

Don't worry, you don't have to do this! ha ha, I could say, don't worry, you don't have to bless your life...! :) At least it has been true for me! Happy reading/studying and pondering!

"Our humility and our faith that invite spiritual gifts are increased by our reading, studying, and pondering the scriptures. ...But reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures [general conference talks] carefully." -- Henry B. Eyring

You don't have to join me. But if you want to--I promise an amazing journey!

Yeehaw! :D

BECAUSE, I LOVE JESUS

2011-05-01T13:50:00.006-06:00

This morning was beauitful as I rushed out the door to make it in time for Ali's third little girl--Rachel's baby blessing. Meadow was having her own bundle of joy blessed this morning and I wish I could have been in two places at once! With both blessings being at the same time but an hour in distance apart from one another I prayed where God would have me be. I was to go to Orem. Not only was the blessing wonderful, and my life is always better when Ali is in it--but I was to hear the testimonies given in Ali's ward. :) God is so perfect with his timing. And AMEN to wearing waterproof mascara on my bottom lashes. Seriously, who ever came up with that stuff was BRILLIANT! :)

The testimonies shared were beauitful.

One man shared how simply partaking of sacrament, that little sip of the water each week is refreshing. And how when each of us turn to the Living Waters (Jesus Christ) and just take a sip of His teachings/His words, our life is refreshed.

How true this has been for me! The past two weeks the sky has dumped, poured and even at times drenched the earth. And the only thought I seem to have while I am watching everything get soaked/or shortly after it has been soaked is the fact how much better/more beauitful the world looks after it has been wet. All the colors are more vibrant, even the brown on the mountains is more rich. More alive. Water makes the details stand out. How true like the simple sip of the sacrament is refreshing, a simple sip, a taste of the Savior in our life whether drenching style or starting out with a small drizzle... ones life that is "touched" with the Savior's water is all the more better. That life is all the more bright and brilliant. LIVING WATER MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER!

I was also touched by a sister who said she and her husband had a busy Sat. They woke up earlier than they would have liked to get up for a Sat. As they hurried around, her husband was getting ready to go with the young men or scouts on a hike. It had just snowed and the land was covered in it. This woman watched her husband bundled up in his coat go out to the car. She noticed how he didn't seem too excited to be going on the hike. She wished him good luck. To which he responded, "I do it because I love Jesus." She was deeply impressed with his statement. She went back inside and worked on a part of her calling that she wasn't ever thrilled to work on, but her attitude was a little different as she reflected why she did it--because she too loved Jesus.

I was touched by this story. Sometimes we are asked to do things that we just don't want to do or care to do--but why do we do/should we do it regardless of our own wants/desires... BECAUSE WE LOVE JESUS. Loved it!

There were other stories born about God's miraculous wisdom and power. One sister was impressed she needed to fly south to find some of her ancestor's graves. She was led to meet a woman who knew exactly where the little, in the woods, cemetery was- three miles off the main road on a gravel road. This woman went and took pictures at the grave side. One week later- this last week the tornadoes hit, and that little cemetery is completely gone now. She had just been led there the previous week! God is amazing.

I am convinced that Heavenly Father also wanted me to hear about a sister who said that she was living the impossible. She had a husband, children and they cherished her. I needed to hear that.

Being with Ali, always choice. I love that girl. In so many ways.

I don't talk about it--but Ali's first daughter is named Bryndi. I don't know if there is a higher complement then someone YOU look up to chooses to name their daughter after you. I don't mention this for any praise to me for surely I would never want to disappoint or give this little girl a reason to not want to live up/like the person's who's name she bares, and truly this little girl will make her own mark and her name is completely hers. But I shared with Ali's grandmother in detail why when Ali was pregnant I never asked Ali what her baby's name was going to be. See--Ali and I in one of the first RS activities we ever had together played this awesome game with a ball of yarn being thrown around in a circle symbolic of being tied together and unity. Then the other part of the activity was taking a paper and writing passing it around and letting others write you a personal note. On my paper, Ali had written that she liked my name and thought she would name her first daughter Bryndi. I never mentioned this to Ali--and when she became pregnant--years later (I had served a mission and had come home) I never wanted to ask her what she would name her daughter because 1.) I didn't want her to feel obligated that just because she stated that on a paper, she was "held" to that comment she had made so long before and 2.) I felt a little prideful/embarrassed that if she was choosing the name Bryndi, I didn't want to assume that it had anything to do with me as a person but rather just because she liked the sound of the name. (I have no idea why I am sharing all of this) So I just never talked to Ali about it. Truth is, if she did choose that name, and even if it was just because she liked that "name"... it was deeply not only flattering, but a lot to live up to.

Well the day of the baby shower came... and still I had never asked Ali. WHICH, mind you was silly, because Ali IS one of my heroes and I care about EVERYTHING in her life. And a first baby, and the name, is pretty much the topic of conversation.

It was there at the baby shower Ali shared with everyone that her little girl would be named Bryndi. Afterwords, I wept. And that sweet little girl has said to me in private out of the blue, "Know what?! I have your name." "Did you know I was named after you?". Deeply honored. Oh to have a name that that little girl would be proud to have/share. Ali, I should tell you to your face--it is a great honor to share names with your daughter. I pray and will strive to be/share a name that she won't regret being tied to. I love you Al.. A lot!

Tonight was history in the making as my ward and I attended the announcing of my area's new YSA stake. There were 30 stake president's before us, four quorums of the 70 and then walked in Elder Cook! I was sitting on the 2nd row, talk about blessing! It was deeply moving to see such a powerful display of the priesthood that was before me. The talks and testimonies each shared were choice. Here was Elder Cook. A special witness for Christ. One of 15 men in the whole world, was sitting/talking there 15 feet in front of me.

The spirit was present and I felt a desire to rescue. A theme ever present in my life but I have never really looked at it as a "rescue". The conference was choice. And with the preparation of Ali's ward I had some specific things God was telling me.

After the meeting everyone rushed to go shake pres cook's hand. I was standing around and when the crowds died down, I noticed that elder Gong was coming off the stands. No other YSA were around. I shook Elder Gong's hand and thanked him for the meeting. Then he caught me completely off guard when he asked me what was the one thing I got from the conference. I had taken several pages of notes, and been moved by the spirit and for a split sentence didn't know what I was going to say--when I caught myself saying, "That I can trust the Lord". The words spilled out, and almost felt not conscious/in control of what I was saying. He said that that was very interesting.

I left his hand shake a little stunned. I had not written anything about trust. nor had the many lessons God wanted me to hear that morning been connected with trust, but when asked by Elder Gong, that is what came out of my mouth. Guess, that I needed to hear it from my own mouth! :) And surely the Lord wanted me to hear that lesson.

In a hundred little small ways, it has been an amazing Sunday. Then again Sunday is my FAVORITE day of the week.
Just a sip of the Savior will refresh and immediately brighten our life. Even when our heart isn't in doing something/would long to do something else, we do it BECAUSE we love Jesus. When your life hero names their daughter with your same name, there is a huge honor, deep profound awh and a lot to live up to, and God wants us to trust Him! I WILL trust Him. I have been praying and fasting for a vision and to have faith in that vision. Today was the cap stone of what God want's me to envision for my life. For my future. I will/DO trust in Him!

FREEDOM --WORK IN PROGRESS

2011-04-30T13:00:00.004-06:00

My heart is full. This morning was an amazing trip to the temple. An anticipated trip that has been hoped for and worked for. Choice choice people. As we sat in the baptistery I just wept and remembered the words from Alma:

And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

Seeing them [anyone committed to living the gospel/turning their life over to God/trusting Him], then is MY soul filled with joy! Then do I REMEMBER WHAT the Lord has done for ME! Even that He hath heard MY prayer, and it is THEN (because seeing "them") do I remember His merciful arm which He extended/s towards ME. Choice morning this morning. Thank you Micarie!

Monday was sweet as I met the Ortiz's at the temple. Sister Ortiz could not remember the last time she and her husband were able to be in the temple together for a session. The spirit was sweet. My mom's eye was healed quite miraculously and she was able to come be with us as well. It was choice to be around people that I love. This life is about experiences says my wise sister-in-law Jinger. God will not force us to have "choice" moments. But my experience has been that He provides a WHOLE LOT, IF we choose to partake of such moments.

As I came into the locker room I felt impressed that I needed to make a covenant with the Lord. Interestingly, we are taught that a covenant is a two way promise. Something you promise to do and something someone else promises to do. I felt impressed to covenant something to the Lord--but I have no idea what His covenant was back--but it didn't matter. A covenant for me goes so much deeper than word. I may say I will do something, keep a commitment, and no excuses, but things may come up. I am going to study morning and night, get up by 5, sleep by 10, and although I say it, and intend to keep my designed schedule, stuff happens. (And I am SINGLE! I hear when you are a mom just chuckle at getting to "have" a schedule for "you".) With a covenant, at least for me, there is a greater mental effort to keep such a promise. So when the impression came to make the covenant, I knew that I was going into COMPLETE commitment. I knelt in my locker room, and covenanted to the Lord. I knew completely what I was fully promising to do. IMMEDIATE PEACE! The turmoil, the wishwashyness that I am too often good at doing with commitments/vanished. This amazing freedom washed over me. I covenanted. The Lord knew it, and I knew it, and I KNEW/KNOW I will not break such an oath. Pure freedom. Light! Like the kite that has the string attached that now can soar greater heights.

Yes, one may say, Bryndi, you made covenants when you were baptized. You have been through the temple you make covenants there. Every Sunday I renew covenants in the sacrament. Why was this random covenant different?! Well perhaps it shouldn't have been, but like someone captive in the chains of a sin, I felt to sing ever lasting praises to God. Freedom, I felt freedom. Perhaps, those other commitments are not necessarily things I fight and struggle with--so to recognize the significance of their sweetness, because I feel no bitter trying to keep them, makes them still sweet but... Oh the sweetness making a covenant over something that my natural man had before brought so much bitterness. My lack of keeping a commitment was great bitter. But with a covenant, I will not break it--so therefore the sweetness of knowing/having to be committed because of a covenant has filled my bitter with peace. With joy! I feel liberated!

Now, just because I am completely committed in what I covenanted to do, does this mean I get to escape Satan's temptations and all the wailing from the devil? Absolutely not, but like Sheri Dew once said that there is power in making covenants with the Lord. Spiritual Power. This week, I have tasted such power.

Well, my heart is full. I know in whom I trust. I have a somewhat new, profound, realization with what making convents with the Lord can do. THEY CAN MAKE ONE FREE! One doesn't need to guess with how they will react with the temptation comes, for the covenant makes them "sure and steadfast". Can, make them immovable. Thus--Freedom. Liberation. No longer held captive by the "chance" of being wishywashy/non-committed. Freedom!

Now of course to work on my daily one of taking His name upon me, keeping His commandments and "always" remembering Him....

ALWAYS a work in progress. :)

"...MAY REJOICE TOGETHER"

2011-04-15T22:58:00.005-06:00

"And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." John 4:36

Now I must admit, at first I didn't think this seemed like the set up was fair. Why would anyone choose to be a sower over a reaper? Why would they rejoice together? Would one be jealous of the "work" the other was called to do? Why would a sower rejoice when a reaper got to "see" all the fruit/yielding of the sows work? A reaper must harvest and store/take care of the pickings. How profound the thoughts are of why both would rejoice together?

As I read these words last night, my mind was filled with beauitful logic..

Sower:
If someone sows something, they have had to cultivated the soil/worked hard to prepare the earth for the seed: clearing weeds/grass/bushes/stumps, taking out the rocks. They would have to know the season and the time when the seed needed to be planted. After the seeds are planted, there is constant caring for the earth that holds that seed. Little by little, the seed may take start and grow. But the sower might not get to see the "fruit" for years to come. If they plant a peach tree from a seed, it will take some time to become a seedling, and then years for that seedling to become a young tree, then pruning, and finally years worth of time until the tree is mature enough to bare fruit. And often times the start of the fruit is just a few pieces on the tree. Not much to offer--all the young tree's energy goes to developing those few pieces of fruits. If that sower moves away or is taken down another path, often times that fruit will never be a reality for that sower who so tenderly planted and cared for the tree.

Reaper:
There is a time to reap. Pauly calls me over in the summer and tells me when the berries are on so I can come and pick them. There are times when I have reached deep into the bush of the raspberries and have found a beauitful ripe berry, next to a small, still growing green one, and even on the same vine I will find a handful of shriviled up dry ones. If one is a berry picker, for several weeks, in order to pick the berries at their prime moment, one would benefit from checking the vine morning and night. Reaping a garden is a constant effort. President Eyring talks about short havests and long harvests. Winter squash does not come into bloom in June, but takes all summer to develop and provide hearty squash that if kept somewhere cold and dark, can be stored up and enjoyed all winter. (I better stop here before I offend real gardeners with my lack of knowledge and before non-gardeners give me credit for being a "knowledgeable" gardener.) ! Uncle Paul and Marsh are the current garden growers in the family..! ;)

"...both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." Doesn't say separately, but rejoicing together. I think I understand a portion of Christ's profound statement.

Adam, Noah, Abraham--all these wonderful prophets, who "sowed" seeds of truth--they all testified that Jesus Christ would come and would atone for all mankind. Nephi, and Lehi, Mosiah and Alma, also testified. Sowed seeds of faith. They, in physical earth life, yes through visions, but in their mortal life, like the sowers they were, were putting seeds into the hearts of men preparing them to believe on and in Jesus Christ. They were in the beginning dispensations of this earth life.

Christ is born, the law of Moses is fulfilled. Apostles and prophets on the earth. Truths rejected, seeds planted so long ago, remain dormant. Darkness, black abyss, no priesthood power on the earth... No way for people to receive the gift of the holy ghost. Beautiful light, Jospeh Smith, in the woods, two members of the God head seen and surely the third member ever present testifying to Joseph Smith's heart. Glorious light and truth. We have a father in Heaven, and He sent his son Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son--he sent Him to live, atone, die, and live again so that we might all live. The fullness of the gospel here on the earth.

Rejoice TOGETHER--!
Those sowers, who worked so long, who kept scroll, who etched on plates of gold, on plates of brass. Seeds planted, a hoped for, prayed for harvest to come in the souls of men. So many sowers, so much faith. Now a field of white. Berries, ripening. Fruit and vegetables can and DO mature--and there is a prime time for cultivating and harvesting. And once something is harvested/reaped, there must be time in preserving. Something left on the vine/branch/stem/dirt, kept as long as the root source can keep it, but if not reaped/harvested--will fall, will be eaten by bugs, will decay and wither. The Sowers truly have planted and have worked the ground work for a magnificent harvest! What better, choice nutrients given then the Bible and The Book of Mormon, prophets, apostles, priesthood, temples... etc! Never in the history of the earth has the ability to nourish sowed seeds been so great. Never has there been a great time for reapers.

I rejoice in those who sowed with never seeing. Who sowed with an eye of faith, keep that eye single to God's glory. For sowers, who so depend on reapers to do their part. And for reapers, who day by day check/search and seek out the ripe and ready. They pick, they harvest, and diligently prepare. When they see a "fruit" still in "ripening" process, they wait, they watch and tenderly look over, pray for the day when the fruit will be fully ripe, and if God is willing, pluck a sweet, choice fruit.

Oh the rejoicing--for the reaper needed(s) the sower and the sower needed(s) the reaper. And both.. "rejoice together".

My heart is full.

My ultimate goal is to help others partake of His fruit... the tree of life, one who's fruit is most desirable above all things, most joyous to the soul (1 Nephi 11:22-23), which fruit makes one happy (1 Nephi 8:10). Oh to the Lord of the harvest... "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee--how great Thou art...HOW GREAT--THOU ART..!" (Marshyl's family night sketch of the Tree of life."

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

"And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." John 4:34-36 (emphasis added.)
...What is your "meat"?...

Jesus is the Christ.

!

WHO COULD HAVE SUPPOSED...LESSONS NOT LOST... VOL 1

2011-04-09T11:23:00.001-06:00

So I LOVE President's Monson's autobiography, "To The Rescue"! Besides just being an amazing book truly through example of the Prophet's life one is taught "how" to become like Christ... there was/is an underlining theme... When God teaches President Monson through life experiences President Monson notices/observes, contemplates, learns, and applies. He talks about how the "lesson" (whatever God had him observe) was not lost on him.

I try to take a picture when God has allowed me to learn something. Not always do I document them, but I sure try to take a picture of why that moment meant so much to me/and what God taught me through it/with it.

These are just random, not in any order, lessons that have not been lost on me.

HABITS
After several years of my dad seeing that I would have a towel on my counter to dry items--he bought me a drying rack for Christmas.

After a good month of using the drying rack I made my breakfast shake, which has been a year long habit, and rinsed out the blender and placed it upside down on the counter top--! (Notice that there is plenty of room in the rack but out of habit, I placed it next to the sink where it could dry out a little.) I laughed that even after a month of faithfully using the rack, out of a quick habit/not thinking I went back to the way I used to dry my blender. How often does God provide me something better in life--insight, direction, friends, tools, drying rack/whatever, and me in my quickness and hurry revert without even thinking to past habits/forget the tool?

DENTURES?!
The other day I was in my mom's bathroom and noticed this box of Denture "stuff". I did a double take because no one in my family has dentures. I pondered why my mom might have the box, and then the thought of her retainers that she wares at night came to my mind. Over time retainers can become crusty white from the saliva in the mouth, and it dawned on me that my mom was using the Denture cleaner to clean her retainers! How brilliant she was/is! God provides unexpected means to accomplish tasks. I know this is a duh-, but truly who would have thought to buy denture cleaner!?!

BREAKFAST
While staying in New Jersey with Sister and Brother Ortiz, on the second morning, I was quite in a hurry to get out the door to meet Marcel. There was a knock at my bedroom door and there was Sister Ortiz with a homemade shake ready for me to drink. I thanked her and she left the room to allow me to get finished getting ready. How thoughtful--I didn't ask, and yet she perceived that I was in a hurry and so made me something that I could eat/drink quickly. What a sweetheart!

CALL ME GEORGE
As I was walking into a hospital, I notice what appeared to be an adult daughter, tenderly helping (who I assume was her dad/relative) to sit on the park bench. She assisted him very carefully and then told him that she would be back. This man was smiling from ear to ear.

I pondered over what it must be like to be older, and have to be cared for--having lived a life of choices and whatever level of independence, and then in the older years and for whatever reason(s) one finds they are depended on the service and kindness of others. This man could have been grumpy. He could have told the girl that he was find to wait and ask her to not treat him as a child, but here he sat--beaming in the crisp, pretty cold air. He had no idea I was watching. When I approached him I thanked him for his smile and asked if I could take his picture. He told me to call him George. I left his presence, only have a 40 sec encounter, determined that when life gets older and my body falls apart, or whatever comes, I will choose to be smiling and strive for kindness for those who serve me. Prime example of Elder Worthlin's "Come what may and love it".

CHERISHED!
This is Davey holding up his Baptismal certificate and his Aronic Priesthood Certificate. His proud, loving and supportive wife Mandi and cute daughter Sammi are standing equaly pleased. This little family has overcome major obstacles, but is remaining focused on Jesus Christ. Since that picture Davey has been ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood and they all are preparing to be sealed in the temple this July!
Satan rages--but they heed him not! How sacred Davey feels about his membership to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He read the Book of Mormon, he prayed to know if it was true, he received his answer from God. This family makes me want to better keep my commitments to God and to better follow Jesus Christ.

AND THE OIL SPLASHED UP!

So Nyk says that this picture isn't even bad--but when I saw her hand I FREAKED OUT. So raw, so yuck. Nykki wrote in her journal what happened to her hand. (The bracketed items I added from what she shared with me.

January 31, 2011

I witnessed a miracle yesterday. It was a Sunday and I was making dinner to put in the crockpot before church. I had put olive oil in a pan to heat up to sear some meat, and I accidentally let the oil get so hot it started smoking up the house. I dropped the meat pieces in one big clump [into the pan] and a big portion of oil shot up and scorched my hand. It literally melted the skin on 4 of my fingers. I have never been in such excruciating pain from a burn. As soon as the ice was off for more than 5 minutes, [the] burn and sting [were] worse than I had ever experienced. I took a frozen gel pack to sacrament with me, but half -way through [the meeting the gel packet] was warm and the [warm plastic from the gel packet made] my skin feel like it was about to rip off when I touched it. All of the sudden the burning sensation came on so strong that I didn't know what to do-- other than to tap my feet and shake my hand. I told Carson [husband] I couldn't handle the stinging and I needed to go to the kitchen to find ice. However, I didn't want to be rude to the missionary who was speaking. The pain was so excruciating that it would rival giving birth for me. The only thing I could do was to pray in my heart in Jesus' name that through the atonement, He could remove the pain. I told the Lord I had faith He could do this and I had been studying regularly to try and keep the spirit with me, and I really believed He could. Then I witnessed a miracle. All of the sudden the pain was numbed and I could tell it was still burning and stinging, but the feeling was numbed so I couldn't feel the pain. I couldn't believe how fast the Lord answered my prayer. The next day I woke up with no pain, not even to the touch. The Lord truly had blessed me and produced a miracle in healing my hand. I believe in the power of the atonement and sincere prayer. I know the Lord still produces miracles, even today.

I was deeply impressed with Nyk's faith! And the fact that she recognized that the atonement is not just for our sins/the sins of others, but that the Savior truly did suffer and bleed for our infirmities, all heartaches, heart breaks. He suffered it all! And tenderly reminded by President Eyring said about the Savior's suffering that: "He [Jesus Christ] could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience." They Savior suffered for all that we go through.

Now why would you ask for the pain to be taken?! Was it a life/death situation-no. Was it to help with her eternal salvation? No. But she had faith enough to ask, and it wasn't against God's will--therefore her fingers became numb! What things do I miss out on with the Lord making my burdens light even to "numbing" them, simply because I have not asked!?!

The Savior... is the utlimate healer of mens'/womens' souls!
The Ultimate healer of me!

MUSHROOM Birthday and Date!

"Ding Dong"
"Hello?!"
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Aunt Brynni, Happy Birthday to you?"
(GRIN and then a sequel at seeing...) "A Birthday Cake?!"
"Make a wish!!"

So this really happened for my 28th birthday. Jinger, knowing I can't do any dessert--but still wanted me to have a birthday cake for my birthday. My eyes became wet with such a thoughtful action. Yes I know they are mushrooms with the candles placed in them, but my family knows that I am a MUSHROOM FREAK, and Jinger had already been over earlier in the day to wish me a happy birthday. There were several other little gestures like this from others that really touched me. Oh to be remembered is a beautiful and powerful thing.

So Thaynermack and I have been on some awesome dates. And for months whenever I pick him up he always has something to give me. Thayne is a giver. I always thank him and then try to get out of explaining/reminding why I can't have the treat. Well, last month we went to go see the Young Ambassadors. When Thayne called up to verify I was coming when he announced that he had a surprise for him! Not wanting to turn him down yet again, I told him there was no need for that and reminded him that I can't eat most things anyway. To which he said, "I know."

Well I pulled up and he excitedly gave me a grocery sack. Before opening it I told him I was sorry if I could eat it... to which he assured me (like he has previous months) that this was a treat jut for me. I opened up the sack to find a box of mushrooms!!! I was floored!! Thayne doesn't buy mushrooms!! I asked him if mom told him what to get me, but he said that he remembered me saying I loved mushrooms. He went to target just to pick me up some mushrooms as a gift for our date. I know, again it is just mushrooms, but my eyes were wet. What a thoughtful, out of the way, kindness. I told him he trumped on best date surprise ever!

I had better get a move on this post or else I will never get to bed. Don't worry, I will try to only give basic details!

COMMITMENT
This picture is the morning Kristina received her mission call. This girl completely changed her life. Was basically a 4.0 student going into nursing and was not accepted into the program. Before applying she told God if he wanted her on a mission, to not let her get in the program. PRAYER ANSWERED! She changed her whole life. Gave up all her friends, became alone--because she refused to hang out with past crowds, she told God that if he would help her get on a mission, she would give up her music and listen to only good things in her room. She would pray every day, she would study her scriptures, write in her journal and attend church whenever she could. Her list was even more intense. When she shared it with me I just smiled from ear to ear and told her that she had just covenanted/committed to becoming an AMAZING missionary!

This call represents a woman who gave up everything, willingly, for God and has so much joy that she can't be stopped or her testimony quieted. I love her example.

ANSWERED
I can't even express all that I feel at looking at this picture. You can not tell, but I can, that Kat's eyes are moist... something I was not accustomed/privileged to see ever. This picture represents a girl's quest of not giving up on God even after years of not feeling an answer to any prayer. This picture represents months of sincere fasting and praying and pleading and trusting that God would make a way for a friend. After this picture was taken, later that evening as I drove back from Salt Lake City, I cried the whole way thanking Heavenly Father through great sobs for one, letting me drive and not crash as it was difficult to see through my tears and the added rain outside, but for allowing me to witness such a miracle in the life of a friend that I care deeply for. This picture is a reminder that God does grant unto us the desires of our hearts and that we can put our faith and trust in him. I love you Kat... I love you!

"PLEASE COME" A friend's mom passed away yesterday morning. She was only 49 and my friend found her mom laying "asleep" in her bed. In speaking with my dear friend I asked if she had someone to give her a priesthood blessing, or if she would like me to bring someone, to which she responded that it would be best for me to bring someone. I followed the chain of command and tried calling her bishop, no home teachers that she knew of, the EQ president was stuck in the library... so I felt it was okay/right to ask my dad to help. He was living for a 1 AM flight out of the country, but when I called him he said that he would come. I met with my friend and we sat on the porch and cried some together. My Dad had just made soup for my uncle and cousin and I knew he wanted to be with them. After being with my friend, I knew it was important that my dad come right away. I texted him, "Please come". 10 mins later I called him to which he said he was just getting off the exit. He sped through his soup and his sacred time with his brother, whom he loves, and when the text came from me, he did not argue, he did not question, he just came to serve my friend.

The blessing was a great comfort to my friend and she felt that she would be able to sleep. As I drove home tears fell for gratitude that God has a plan for all of us. That families can/do live after this life. Jesus Christ has given us away to live again! As stated in Alma it says "...he [Jesus Christ] breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swollowed up in the hopes of glory..." The sting of death should be swollowed up in what? The HOPES of glory. Of what Jesus Christ did. He overcame death--! And we will officially celebrate His triumph over the tomb in a few Sundays. ...I was comforted by what was said in the blessings. Surely my friend has a long road ahead of her, one of pain and grief but also one of hopes of glory.

I drove home and pondered as the tears spilled down, how thankful I was/am to have assess to the priesthood of God. To have a father, that would not question/make me justify why I was asking him to give up his cherished time with his brother, again, whom he loves, to come quickly to offer a blessing to my friend who was in need... Oh I must marry such a man. One that is willing to use the priesthood to serve. One who will not make me justify/beg/convince as to why a particular blessing needs to be given.

Recently a friend asked her husband for a blessing. She had had a pretty rotten day and had felt bad with how she reacted to her child. In asking her husband for a blessing he gave her quite a hard time and basically came off with the attitude that what she was asking a blessing for was silly and that she was being too sensitive and that prayer would be just fine for the situation. This is the same friend that another time when feeling impressed to receive a blessing for a business trip, asked her husband for a blessing and he told her she did not need a blessing for such a thing and that she could pray. Rather than go around her husband, she respected him, and took her concerns back to the Lord. She told the Lord that she could not get a blessing and asked him to sustain her through her event--which the Lord did honor.

Regardless of the intent behind why the husband was giving her a hard time about getting a blessing, my friend felt guilty for asking... but again, that night before she went to bed she asked if he was going to give her a blessing. To which he started with the same tone of voice and the looks like she was being ridiculous/not a good enough reason to ask for a blessing. My amazing friend, with kind but firm boldness told her husband that it was not his right to judge whether a stated reason "justified" for getting a blessing, but that as a priesthood holder, it was his duty to serve with the priesthood for and in behalf of others. (I was so proud of her--for when she told me the language she used, the spirit filled me, for she spoke with the tongue of the spirit.) Being so bold, she feared her husband would just become angry and allow his pride to overcome him with hard feelings, but the opposite happened, and this good man did not resist her any more and he agreed to give her the blessing. She was worried how his heart would be, and if anything would flow, but he submitted to the truth that was placed before him, and he was a wonderful mouthpiece for God that night.

My friend was filled with answers that she needed and peace and comfort came through the blessing.

My friend's husband is a good man--and I do not want anyone to point a finger grumpily. Believe me, I already did, :) teasing, but what great lessons learned! We all are learning... we are all on our own paths of progression. And where a truth is learned--conversion can happen.

Oh to the husband who is willing to serve with the priesthood! Last night I wept over such willing men!

PROFOUND THOUGHT
Lloyd bore his testimony a few weeks back. He held up his hand and said compared the talks we hear at General Conference to his hand. He said that from the congregation's view, his hand (palm fasting the congregation) just looked like a hand. But from his view, if he had a smiley face on the back of his hand--his perspective/the angle he was able to view his hand, allowed him to see what was on the back of his hand. He then could testify that he had a smiley face on the back of his hand. He shared that although the congregation could not see the smiley face on the back of the hand, did not change the fact that the smiley face/or whatever was on the back of the hand. Simple principle-but then Lloyd expounded the truth, that at General conference, we might hear the same message over and over, but new speakers have different perspective/insights on the topic they are sharing... and can help us "see" what we cannot see, but yet nonetheless whatever we are taught to see, is really there.

I think I am botching up this amazing thought! Seek out Lloyd and he will share it with you, but I was very impressed with the truth he testified of. Thank you Lloyd!

IMPRESSIONS This picture represents a wedding that was very important that I be at. I was at a funeral all day and could not remember the time I needed to be at the wedding. At the luncheon of the funeral, the spirit whispered that I needed to go to the wedding. In my mind I thought I would be an hour early, but perhaps I could help set up. I drove around for a bit until I found the wedding. As I parked I noticed the bride and groom outside the barn where they were going to be married. I thought that was odd. There were many many cars. I quickly walked over and asked the bride what was up and she said I had just made it. That they were late starting. I literally walked into the barn and 30 secs later the wedding march started. And here I thought that I was an hour early!! It was just a wedding, but it was important to me that I be there-- God made a way.

Okay coming out of the closet--I have a THING for earrings. Confession 101! ;) That being said, I am extremely picky/choosy with earrings. I don't lose earrings. I have several pairs from jr high and high school--still! I do not do gold, and I only do mostly silver and black. Because I am so picky, my family knows better than to pick me out earrings. (Told you I have a "thing" for them! ;))

I have always pondered over how to keep/organize the masses! :) Several years of wondering/never having an ideal set up. Well one day I was in JcPennys and saw this earring stand--that DID hanging earrings! Oh I LOVED it, I wanted it... but could not justify and would not justify the $50's for it. A month later every time I was in JCPenny's I would gawk over a piece of metal that could bring such happiness to my soul. Well around the third month I figured that I had spent enough time thinking about the thing, that I should buy it. I went to buy it--and sadly I found that they were gone. Interestingly enough even after I knew they were gone, I would keep going by the department to reminisce over the earring stand. (This is an amazing story in its self because I HATE to shop, and I don't do a lot of "things".)

One day, with a few coupons/save 15% and 10 bucks off here, I felt impressed that I need to go into JcPennys. I obeyed and went in and literally wondered the store for nearly an hour. Why was I there? I picked up a few items and went to the check out. The sales clerk informed me that I if I bought 8 dollars worth of stuff, I would save 15 dollars and pay less then if I didn't buy an 8 dollar item. So back to the store I went. yes I did go over to the earring section to see if there was something there. NOTHING! I know, for a normal girl, 8 bucks would be used up in mins. It is not that I am indecisive, I just really wasn't in the mood to spend money, but really didn't see anything I wanted. Over and over I looked, until finally I picked up a black bracelet that I felt "ehh" on. I then thought to walk by the jewelry stands area. (I had already passed it several times that night) and as I did so, right there in front of my eye was the sign that read 40% off the earring stands... and there in a slightly damaged box was the stand I LOVED!!! As if a clerk had just put out a returned item. I grabbed the box, filled with a lot of thankful emotion--i put down the bracelet and other garb and went to the check out stand. With the sale price, discounts, and coupon, my 50 dollar Perfect earring stand was about 12 dollars!! Seriously, I bought the stand and went right out to my car almost levitating in pure bliss! (I told you this was a confession.) And yes, I know it is just a piece of metal. But one that suited my wants/needs ( ;) ) PERFECTLY! And did you notice, it came with a bird on the top?!!! And the stand was NOT GOLD! (Told you I strongly dislike gold.) :) It was as if the angels in heaven said, "Let's inspire the perfect earring holder for Bryndi" ... AND THEY DID!!! But not only that--again my eternal salvation is not passed on a bird/earring swirling stand. But God, being my father, knowing the little pleasures I take pleasure in, just decided to spoil me! OH thank you prompting to go into JCPenny's!

I was running late to get everything accomplished for a night out with Micarie and a sister we visit teach, when I felt impressed to go into Shopko. I know better then to ignore impressions although sometimes I am dumb and still do(!) but this time I went in and ended up walking the almost the whole store when I shamefully a little grumpily questioned the Lord as to why I was in Shopko. At that time of making almost a full circle of the store I came to the electronics department. I thought it couldn't hurt looking for an alarm clock that may work with the iphone 4. No luck at TJmax, Ross, Walgreens, or Walmart. What would be the luck shopko would have one. Well... look at that box!!! Notice the sticker! the alarm clock was on sail and I saved 15$!! It was even the look and size I was hoping for in my mind.

Seriously, God loves us, ME!! Again, he is our Father in Heaven. It was just money spent on a piece of plastic--, but he knew my search and that finding the right machine would be a very happy spot for me. Oh to follow whatever I am told to do.

LORD, HOW DO I MORN WITH THOSE THAT MORN? When sweet Becky was in the hospital and we all were trying to support Paul and kids--the longer I was there in the hospital that night, the longer I just simply did not know how to give comfort or to be a support for my cousins and Uncle who were rightfully so grieving. So disturbed and concerned was I that after the first night in the hospital, I went home and pleaded not only for their family and Becky's life, but I asked the Lord to teach me how I was to be.

On Sunday, God's beautiful answer came as I observed two people who are great at morning with those that morn. I watched Connie, Becky's best friend, quietly go and give one on one support to each of my cousins. And then Paul's Bishop who's heart was so tender, and in quite dignity, stayed to support the family. Ask and it shall be given...! I was deeply touched by their quite examples. They didn't know that the Lord had me view them as they quietly went about doing good, to my cousins and Uncle that I love so much. I was grateful for their examples.

And the food provided at the funeral. Not asked, just sweet sisters providing a meal for a HUGE family. These woman made sure the tables were dressed, the food stayed out, and cleaned up all the mess... choice people that serve and love god--always end up serving me.

TO NOTICE THE ONE
I love this picture of my mom and Becky's mom! At the funeral, everyone was busy doing everything, talking with old friends, speaking kind things... and I look over to find my mom, sitting with Becky's mom Jeanette. Here her daughter is gone, and although she is a little forgetful and worried in her older year, she was all alone. But my mother, not saying a word to anyone else, left the acquaintances she knew and went and sat by Jeanette. My mom is not a spotlight seeker, but truly notices, like President Monson, the one. This picture moves me.

TALENTS SHARED
This is the beautiful tribute displayed that Kiss put together for Becky. My sister has an amazing ability to make things come together in order and beauty. A talent I try not to covet. :) My sister lovingly placed each flower and ribbon and put her heart into the display as her gift/contribution to not only Becky's wonderful life, but also to the life of our wonderful uncle Paul. Selfless service. To make beauty, is a gift. To make beauty that is shared... is a gift.

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