HAPPY CONFERENCE WEEK!

With conference this weekend, it was time for me to pull out my notes from last conference. Wow! Can we just say spiritual feast! I can't wait to find out what the Lord has in store for us--ME this weekend.

GENERAL CONFERENCE NOTES/QUOTES - OCT 2009
*Burdens provide opportunities to practice virtues that contribute to eventual perfection. 2

*The suffering we experience through the offenses of others is a valuable, though painful, school for improving our own behavior.2

*Learning and teaching are not optional activities in the kingdom of God.3

*...as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear. 1

*Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it.1

*...the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. 1

*...as you pray with all the fervor of your soul with humility and gratitude, you can learn to be consistently guided by the Holy Spirit in all aspects of your life. 1

* In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.4

*...when a call comes, you accept it, no matter how inadequate you might feel.3

*Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship.5

*No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!5

*For what we love determines what we seek.5
*Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ.5

*God the Father watches over us, fills our hearts with breathtaking joy, brightens our darkest hours with blessed peace, distills upon our minds precious truths, shepherds us through times of distress, rejoices when we rejoice, and answers our righteous petitions.5

*Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.5

*We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children.5

*He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.5

*God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.5

*Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.5

*...don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try.5

*Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.5

*As we draw near to Heavenly Father, we become more holy. And as we become more holy, we will overcome disbelief and our souls will be filled with His blessed light. As we align our lives with this supernal light, it leads us out of darkness and toward greater light. This greater light leads to the unspeakable ministerings of the Holy Spirit, and the veil between heaven and earth can become thin.5

*The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service.5

*I testify that God is in His heaven. He lives. He knows and loves you. He is mindful of you. He hears your prayers and knows the desires of your heart. He is filled with infinite love for you.5

*Cultivate a diligent desire to know that God lives.6

*Let us with faith, enthusiasm, dedication, responsibility, and love do all that is within our reach, and we will be doing all that is possible to achieve the impossible—that is, to achieve what for the human mind is impossible but with the divine intervention of our loving Father and the infinite sacrifice brought about by our Savior becomes the greatest gift, the most glorious of realities, to live forever with God and with our families.7

*...it is possible to be happy now and forever.7

*Learning to be temperate in all things is a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost.8

* Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.
Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength.8

*Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience.9

*For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. 9

*Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God.9

*...our Savior can deliver us from our sins.9

*One of the adversary’s sharpest tools is to convince us that we are no longer worthy to pray. No matter who you are or what you may have done, you can always pray.10

*Worthy music is powerful and can help you control your thoughts. (D&C 25:12)10

*Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).10

* With thoughtless and impatient hands
We tangle up the plans
The Lord hath wrought.
And when we cry in pain He saith,
“Be quiet, man, while I untie the knot.”10(Author unknown, in Jack M. Lyon and others, eds., Best-Loved Poems of the LDS People (1996), 304.)

*He [President Thomas S. Monson] needs our prayers—and his wife, Frances, and their family—in the tremendous load that is upon him.10

*...to husbands and wives. Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion’s joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion.11

*“Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.” (Orson F. Whitney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110.)11

*Preparation removes fear.12

*...repent, hold on, and don’t let go.13

*Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees.14

*“Real intent” means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given.14

*The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift.14 (D&C 46:23, 26-27

*Patience and perseverance are part of our eternal progression.14

*Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others are far superior to making one’s own comfort and possessions the highest priority.15

*If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness---a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right.16

*May God give us the strength and the ability and the determination to play our part well.16

1. Elder Richard G. Scott - To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
2. Elder L. Whitney Clayton - That Your Burdens May Be Light
3. Russell T. Osguthorpe - Teaching Helps Save Lives
4. Elder David A. Bednar - More Diligent and Concerned at Home
5. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - The Love of God
6. Elder Robert D. Hales - Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ
7. Elder Jorge F. Zeballos - Attempting the Impossible
8. Elder Kent D. Watson -Being Temperate in All Things
9. Elder Neil L. Andersen - “Repent . . . That I May Heal You”
10. President Boyd K. Packer - Prayer and Promptings
11. President Henry B. Eyring - Our Perfect Example
12. Elder L. Tom Perry - The Past Way of Facing the Future
13. Ann M. Dibb - Hold On
14. Elder Russell M. Nelson - Ask, Seek, Knock
15. Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Moral Discipline
16. President Thomas S. Monson - Closing Remarks

---

Amazing conference! And you are amazing if you were able to read through all of those thoughts! I really try to be choosy with the quotes I put down! [True statement].

I know that God answers prayers. He is so kind and loving. Surely if we will prepare for conference with questions ready in our hearts, He will give us answers through His appointed servants.

Jesus is the Christ! Oh how I love Him. He knows how to work with all my weaknesses and my many imperfections. He loves me without any requirements or down deposits. He believes in me/us even when we feel there is no hope. He is the master carver of our souls. And I am sure glad His hand is steady. He stands waiting at the door. He never gives up on us. It is never too late to decide that He is the better master! He is the sure choice. He is the best Savior for our souls!

Happy Conference everyone!

BECAUSE SHE WAS BORN

So today an angel a few years back was brought into moral life. This angel had many gifts: the gift of faith, the gift of happiness, the gift of trusting in the Lord, the gift to be a help meet, the gift to smile, the gift to calm contention, the gift to see the Lord's hand in everything, the gift of being a friend/mother/wife! There are not many who have all these qualities, but my mom sure does! She is an elect daughter of God. Chosen and preserved to be MY mother. Her kindness is deep and her charity never faileth. I hope I can be like here when I grow up!

Happy Birthday Mom! Wish you were here to give you a hug!! I love you!

...because you were born, I was able to be born! Thank goodness you had faith enough and trust in God to have a family! We love you!

DAVID HAWKINS

Sooo... a few weeks has brought to pass some many amazing blessings into my life! For those of you who have had to chance to be around me recently, this picture pretty much sums up how I feel! Who could have ever thought that a girl could be this happy?!

My smile has been brought to you by a one Heavenly Father through the means of one of his choice sons--David Hawkins. I know I am going to have to share the long version later, but the short version life outline:

Grade school friends
He moved away to payson, but even through Jr high and Highschool we remained friends.
We reconnected shortly after my mission, but felt that things needed be done in "order".
Now-4 1/2 years later, God has brought David and I together causing huge wake size wrinkles in my face!

There are so many details! I told Bishop Larson, "Who could have thought a girl could smile so much?!"

I really can't stop smiling!

For those of you freaking a little out with the lack of details may your mind be put to rest with:

David loves God and wants to serve Him
He is a worthy priesthood holder
He is an optimist (which I love)
He is constantly looking for the sunshine in everything
He is kind
He is a natural cheerleader=meaning he cheers me on with whatever I tell him I need/have to do (this goes along with being positive)
He is faith filled
He loves the scriptures
He is a planner! And when doors and windows are shut he keeps planning and looks for an attic
He loves to have fun
He opens my door
He thinks I am beautiful
He calls me Bryn which I never thought could melt me, but it does every time
He loves the temple (he says Timp is his favorite, so we will have to work on that! ;) ha ha
He has an extremely cute dimple and good for you brown eyes
He loves his mom and sisters deeply
He's not a quitter
He smiles maybe more than I do!

I go back again to the first few things-- He loves God and wants to serve Him. And because He loves God, He is letting Jesus Christ be the author and finisher of his faith.

God brought me a priesthood hunk! And I am not complaining.

Here are a few pictures from my trip out to Colorado Springs this past week.

David did well to rememember that I am a sucker for beauty.
Yes Garb--he even got me to go on a hike! I know, I know! It looks like months of your mission request will be coming to pass. :)
David doesn't like this picture, but I just wanted to point out you just don't get much more of a happy girl than that!


I told you--priesthood hunk!

Meet Ron and Danielle. I was a little worried to meet one of David's best friend but Ron and Danielle put me to ease. What a great couple! I can't wait to get to know them better.
I still can't believe David was able to get me on top of that rock. I had to pretend I was on ground level... and yes I know it is not that high off the ground, but it was high enough to keep my heart racing! :D
This is David's great roommate Calvin. In all honesty I was quite nervous to meet him too because David had talked so highly of his roommate. Calvin didn't give me time to be nervous because he was so friendly. So there you have a little overview of David Hawkins!

He is a great guy! Can't wait for you all to meet him! Promise--you will love him!

I do!

TO ALL THE WOMEN I LOVE!

My mom read this to me last night, and I thought it was pretty profound. I had not heard it before, although it sounds like a poem that should be shared all the time!

(I hope this is really the author? I did a search on the internet and this is what it came up with, but I am not sure if that is a real name?)

"One flaw in women."
by WhoisTASH

Women have strengths that amase men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.


They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I wish I could take the time to upload a picture of each woman that has touched my life. This blog would not have enough storage space! Starting with my own mother, sisters, boss, sisters in the gospel...I am constantly amazed at the caliber of the women God has brought into my life. The strengths, the beauty, the kindness, the desire for righteousness--I am constantly amazed by God's hand shown in/through a righteous woman's life.

To all my friends--may you remember your worth this day!

God loves you! I love you! And your worth is infinite!

MIGHT HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE...

HA, NOT A CHANCE!!!

Alma 49 is all about visiting and home teaching! I will be emailing my sisters tonight the great insights of what diligent faithful/consistent visiting teachers can do--given in this chapter!

But as a taste of how great God is--verse 22 makes me smile. The Lamanites, having an amazingly wicked used to be member of the church at their head--they, the Lamanites came to destroy their brethern the Nephites. There are so many great insights in this chapter! But I have to smile over the following verse.

Now when they found that they could not obtain power over the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of earth that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might have an equal chance to fight; but behold, in these attempts they were swept off by the stones and arrows which were thrown at them; and instead of filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of earth, they were filled up in a measure with their dead and wounded bodies.

The Lamanites just wanted "an equal chance to fight". HA, NOT A CHANCE! I had to smile because when we live the principles of the gospel and strive to keep God's commandments daily- WE HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OVER THE ADVISORY! There is no "equal" chance for Satan to get at us, because living the Gospel of Jesus Christ daily/consistently gives us power and strength, and Satan and his influences in the world just have no chance with us!

I know--you are thinking if it could only be that easy. A wise Sheri Dew said, "If life were easy, it wouldn't be hard". The fortifications on those weak cities I am sure were a lot of work. No slacking in their stride and efforts in order to be prepared. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ helps fortify you when the devil and all his temptations come to wipe you off. Home teachers and visiting teachers are the shovels of the Lord! We can help build up our brothers and sisters' cities.

And then when Satan rages--because he will and does, he too, like the Lamanites wish and long for an "equal chance to fight us". BUT FAT CHANCE and NO CHANCE! Small and simple things. The wall of dirt and the deep ditch found in Alma 49 was not built over night. But small and simple, consistent and resilient, faithful and faith filled, fixed and determined brought about a protection that made the enemy wish they could have an equal chance because they were on lower ground!

Living the gospel and all it's beautiful standards gives one GREAT advantage and protection over the father of all contention.

Pretty cool to know you are on the undefeated team A.K.A the Lord's side of the line.

To catch the whole vision of what the power of faithful leaders, home teachers and visiting teachers can do, read and be filled from Alma 49. Click Here To Read (Wow! What a moment of this blog's history! After a year of having it, this is the first time I figured out how to embed a link! See!!! MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! ha ha)

The Church is TRUE!

There is no middle ground for Satan.

SUNBEAMS

SUNBEAM = a beam or ray of sunlight.
BEAM = a group of nearly parallel rays.
RAY = a narrow beam of light-gleam or slight manifestation - light or radiance.
SUNLIGHT = the light of the sun; sunshine.
LIGHT = something that makes things visible or affords illumination


This morning, for whatever reason I felt to go play the piano before doing much of anything else. I thumbed through some songs and tried to give them a new arrangement. I came to "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" and played a very deep and thoughtful melody.

How true that song is. Trying not to sing the primary tune, which is very cute, the meaning is quite profound.

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, to shine for him each day; In ev'ry way try to please him, at home at school, at play. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for him. Jesus wants me to be loving and kind to all I see, showing how pleasant and happy His little one can be. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for him.

One can be a beam that parallels our Savior and His love. We can, through our obedience to Him, manifest radiance in His plan for us. And as we do, the light of the "Son" we will become.

Jesus wants ME for a sunbeam!

THE WAY IS PREPARED...WALK THEREIN

The other day I came to my bedroom exhausted from the day. Although tired, God helped me open the scriptures and read through heavy eyes. I was touched and moved by Alma 41:8.

I have made a commitment to accomplish something pretty impossible based on my ability by the beginning of June. It will take nothing short of a miracle, and yet I feel it can be done. I read-

"...the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved."

I honestly don't see a way for this goal to be accomplished, but again, like He does so often, God sent me a scripture to rescue my soul from losing hope. My way is prepared, and I will walk therein! Ha, literally!

God is so good! I glory in His kindness in bringing about the Book of Mormon. In darkened days and when hearts are heavy, the light of it's pages pierces my soul and I am illuminated! And when days are already sunny and bright and my heart is light, I am lifted as the scriptures say on eagles wings with the truths therein!

So moral--your life can only get better--by reading, pondering, studying, and applying the truths and principles from/in The Book of Mormon! http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents

A way is prepared for each of us!

WALK THEREIN!

THE CHURCH IS TRUE

Elder Orson F. Whitney said:

The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God. Looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.

Given the two options, I so much rather live, be, breathe, act, dwell in the spirit of optimistic! Wouldn't you?! :) This quote almost perfectly describes my Bishop! Who wouldn't want to not be around he and his eternal family with such an attitude always present?!

The Church is True--this is a statement that is part of my regular vocabulary. No matter what is going on in life, whether grey clouds, sunshine, sleet or blizzard covered mountains... because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true--my life is amazing! Saying the church is true is my way of having an outward reminder of my inner commitment to stay positive and optimistic. My parents may laugh a little reading this because they know better then ever that I am not ALWAYS positive nor optimistic. But I sure like to strive to be.

The Church is true!

I was particularly touched by Ali's blog this week. I don't know how to paste the link (so pathetic, I know! I am all a computer all day long, but I can't get my html coding to ever work for me...) into your browser and read her Sunday post. Her insight about forgiving ourselves is pretty awesome! http://justwinget.blogspot.com/2010/02/dear-blog.html Thanks Al!

...IS THERE MORE?

Last general conference was amazing for me. Okay, that is a "duh" statement because I always love general conference. But over and over I recount the words of Richard G. Scott's talk on Sat morning. He said:

Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance.

This was new insight for me at conference! It had never occurred to me to ask God if there was "more" after I finished out my prayers.

Since conference I have quite a few times felt prompted to ask when I was finished with the prayer if there was something more... and a few times there has been something more.

This morning as I knelt and prayed and received some hard things to do--but I am confided God will help me do them. I ended my prayer and jumped up to read my scriptures before running to work. But I felt that I needed to go ask Heavenly Father if there was something more He needed/wanted me to know. So I went back down to my knees and simply asked if there was something more He wanted me to know. The answer came, "You are loved". I paused on my knees and the tears spilled down my cheeks.

Two things here. Yes I know that God loves me! Just with the picture above I was sitting on a pier at 5:45 AM in Mexico studying my scriptures with the breeze on my face and the multi colored fish below my feet and the stunningly blue water surrounding me on all sides. While pondering over some scriptures, over walks a little bird just a few feet from me. It is not the most amazing shot you have ever seen, God knowing I love birds and morning light--gave me this perfect little scene to shoot.

His love is evident by the people He puts in my life, for the gospel knowledge, for temples, for quite moments made just for me--but today, there was no scene, but words. Not through a blessing but through a real one on one moment. Second, "you are loved" is the lingo I use and say to others and I could not help but smile that God would use a style I use, to get through to me.

So for anyone out there who feels alone or feels the tasks ahead are hard to bare, get back down on your knees and ask the Lord if there is anything else He would have you know. And then, when His words/feelings/impressions come...write them down. Because they will!

I am loved! So are you!

LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART

It will just take a min, but worthy of your time, promise!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

Thanks for sending it to me Uncle Paul. Sure do love you!

GOSPEL OF HOPE-NUMBERS DON'T LIE

Alma 13:28-29

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;

Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.

These are great words to live by. I reminder that I want to become better than I was yesterday. Heavenly Father is so merciful with all of us. He wants us to be happy. The gospel is the gospel of hope. Praying and watching continually will help us to not be tempted about which we can bear. Going to church, saying our prayers and reading our scriptures helps us stay watchful and keeps our mind linked to god.

A girlfriend from work let me borrow a book of quotes she has kept. I don't have his name with me, so I appologize--but I will add it as soon as I know who said the quote, but the quote basically said that if we are members of the church in an average life time we will have partaken/participated in renewing our sacrement covenants over 3,000 times. That says to me that we have a merciful father in heaven who knows we are going to screw up at least 3,000 times or more. That tells me that one can't be reminded enough to keep moving forward, keep trying and to keep holding on. at least 3,000 times to renew our covenants, at least 3,000 times to start afresh again...just imagine if we were able to go to the temple once a month or a few times a month. if it is just twice a month that is 1,400 of God's children we are helping on the other side. 1,400 souls (because we can't start attending until we are 12) and who knows how many sets of missionaries that helped prepare them. Going a few times a month doesn't seem to be a lot, but when you look at a life time of doing it--the impact is significant. We are told by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass. Going to church and renewing our covenants weekly is such a small act--but an act that I believe Alma knew would change lives. Change lives enough to try to achieve all we are suppose to become in those two verses:
-humble ourselves before God
-call on his holy name
-watch and pray continually - so we won't be tempted above that which we can bare
-be led by the holy spirit
-BECOMING
-humble
-meek
-submissive
-patient
-full of love
AND
-ALL long-suffering
-HAVING
-faith on the Lord
-a hope that we will have eternal life (hope we are going to make it!)
-love of god ALWAYS in our hearts
-be lifted up ta the last day
-enter into his rest

Oh I love that Alma said "becoming", not become. To become something is an end destination. If I have become skinny, I am skinny! ;) But becoming something--"becoming" is a process not a destination. I believe the decision of always becoming better then we are right now, will land us a destination entering (again "enter" is a process) into his rest. Alma did not say we will be "in" the rest of god, but "enter" into his rest. The partaking of the sacrement 3,000 times in a life time my math says starting at age eight and living to the age of 72, that is 64 years of partaking of the sacrement 48 times a year because 4 Sundays are gone for stake and general conference, that gives you over 3,328 times taking that sacrement. And that is if you are never sick or have to skip a Sunday! I HATE math and numbers, but boy, I sure get excited over this!

Just another reminder of how perfect God is and how far I am off, BUT that he is willing to work with me--a whole lot! At least 3,000 times a lot. Repetition, second chances, repentance--the ultimate phrase is the Atonement.

No wonder it is called the gospel of hope! At least 3,000 times hoping at becoming better than we are right now!

In case I don't have a chance to say Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas! Merry means = full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit. Christmas is the celbration of the birth of Jesus Christ. May we all be FULL of cheerfulness (my parents are such a good example to me on this) because JESUS was born, lived, died, and IS living for us. May we be, "Joyous in Christ". And with 3,000 chances at least-how can one not be joyous at that!?!

Merry Christmas.

ps. Thanks to little Mia for being so amazingly cute!

Peace vs. peace

This morning, after going to bed quite late, Heavenly Father was kind enough to help me roll out of bed at 6 so I could go walking. 3 new inches of snow covered the ground. I walked around the condos with general conference in my ears and deep gratitude in my heart. I love the gospel! I love that I have the gospel. I love that my parents taught me the gospel--sometimes I am sure it felt as thought it were in vain. I love that I have a personal Savior, who died for all men including me and would have just atoned even if it was only for me. It was a beautiful morning in the dark, half moon, lit sky.

As I knelt down to say my morning prayers I felt to sing a song to help me have the spirit. Without thought of what song to sing, out loud on my knees I started singing Hymn 207, It Came upon the Midnight Clear. I admit I did not know all the words, but found myself singing "Peace on the earth, good will to men". At the moment I sang "Peace" my mind brought to view of a baby in a manger. I could not finish singing as the magnitude of the word struck chords in my heart. I have always thought of peace on earth as kindness, love, no hated or contention--which that is part of peace, but the impression upon my mind was that the angles were singing Jesus Christ was on the earth. Peace is the Savior! And now as I read the rest of the sentence it has always been there, but I have never registered the meaning - "Peace on the earth, good will to men from heaven's all-gracious King." Peace, like Savior, Redeemer, Morning Star, Breath of Heaven, Messiah, Captain, Gardner, Lord, Master--is just another name the scriptures and angels call the Savior. He is the Prince of Peace-our Heavenly King all-gracious sent His Son, "Peace". I am sure everyone else has caught this meaning before, but this is news to my mind and heart today!

Peace was placed in a manger. Peace, taught in the temple. Peace healed the lepers. Peace came upon the waters and calmed the sea. Peace left men to ponder. Peace healed the brokenhearted.

As I finished my prayer I came to my desk to finish my study in Alma 7. And there in the last verse of the chapter we are told how one can have "Peace"/"peace".

And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.

According to your faith and good works!

The Savior can be ever present in our lives, all we possess can have both "Peace" touch it, prosper it, heal it. That brings "peace" and "Peace"! To always abound in good works in verse 24 we are told we have to have faith, hope, and charity, THEN we will always abound in good works. And with faith and good works the peace of God comes.

If I have the prince = "Peace" in me or resting upon me, surely my heart can calm contentions. Surely I will have the spirit to keep clinging to the iron road. Surely I will give more benefit of doubts instead of jumping to unfair judgments/thoughts, surely I will focus more perfectly on the good in others rather then their struggles.

Peace was born on the earth the angles declared. And He still is and can be in our hearts and in our actions. Peace died upon a cross and conquered death.

May my faith and good works--brings Peace, Jesus Christ.

MIRACLE IN THE DRYER?!!

What do you get when you cross a nice pair of dress slacks with a piece of paper/tissue?!
A mess!!

Mom called me the other day to share a miracle. She said she was doing a load of dark laundry. After the clothes had all been put into the water she had the impression to check her pockets. Wanting to be obedient to the prompting she pulled out each fully soaked piece of clothing and looked through the pockets. All she found was a hotel room key. Satisfied that she had followed the prompting she left the clothes to be washed.

After the load was finished she put the clothes in the dryer. When the dryer ended she opened the door and pulled out the first garment. She found 2 pieces of lint (of what you would get when you wash a tissue). An "Oh no!" filled her mind. She must have not found a hidden tissue in one of the pockets. She was not excited for the mess of a washed tissue.

To her surprise she finished pulling all the laundry out of the dryer only to find her clothing was all in good order--no more lint to be found anywhere. She figured she didn't wash a tissue and the two white pieces she had found were left over from another load.

She pulled out the lint screen to find it was completely CAKED on with tissue. At least a good 1/2 inch thickness across the whole screen. For anyone who does laundry--you know the time waster it is when you find you have washed a tissue because another load and 8 lint roller brush papers later you finally have your clothes back to normal. As she pulled off the heavy amount of lint the scripture came to her mind- "...after all we can do."

She received a prompting to check her pockets. She did, every one- but found nothing. She did all she could do. And instead of getting a batch of laundry back looking like my pants above, she only had 2 pieces of lint and a lint screen chuck full of tissue. The Lord took care of what she couldn't do...

Now I know what someone is thinking. "Does the Lord really care about tissue in a pocket? Would he preform a miracle on wet tissue?" Well this much I do know.
-My mom had an impression and followed it. She did go through ever piece of clothing. She pulled them out of the water each one and checked the pockets. She only found a plastic card.
-I can testify of what a batch looks like when you wash a tissue! Look at above! That was only one article of clothing from a batch that looked all the same--"snowville". I pulled out my laundry quite annoyed with the mess and the time it would take to correct the mess.
-I know that God cares about my mom.
-She had I am sure prayed like she had every day asking to accomplish what needed to get done.
-Had the tissue not been miraculously collected she would have spent a lot of time (a lot being another hour re-doing a load but on a fully scheduled day and hour can be killer!)
-As soon as she pulled out the lint catcher and saw the matted thickness of tissue the end of a scripture popped into her head...

2 Nephi 25:23
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

She did all she could do! And because of that, God preformed a miracle in the dryer! She and I both believe that she was permitted to see the 2 pieces of white tissue on a pair of pants just so she would know the the magnitude of the miracle preformed.

So come on Bryndi! It is just Tissue gathered in a lint screen... Right?! If the Lord in His mercy will help my mom with a load of laundry then surely he will help with greater things. And He does! I have had many impressions since this experience with remembering that I do my very best-all I can do and the Lord will make up the rest. Doesn't mean we aren't going to have days of wet tissue all over our dark clothes. Believe me--I have done a few batches in the last couple weeks that have left me frustrated and annoyed with the extra time wasted for my carelessness of not checking all my pockets.

I am not going to do all the math of this beautiful miracle. If God will collect all the tissue in a dryer-then surely he will sustain you in your Goliath, however big or small.

I will leave with this. I know that God lives and loves us. There is not anything that stops us from having miracles daily--except ourselves. In my life I have witnessed/shared in the miracle of unseen angels, complete direction in a moment of loss, peace in the darkest of abysses, life given back-physically and spiritually, 180 degree change in attitude, hearts softened, anger hushed, kindness instead of sarcasm, mercy and love, instant healing, comfort over pain, strength in a struggle, triumph over sorrow, faith over fear, love over hate, forgiveness instead of harsh grudges, softness instead of hardness, holding of the tongue, the quietness of wet cheeks in a moment of faith, addictions conquered, enduring instead of stopping... these are just to name a few.

Christ is the reason for the season... ALL SEASONS OF LIFE! Cold ones, wet ones, hot ones, spring filled ones. Is it no wonder that we all love spring, and yet it only lasts for a few short weeks. But yet it is worth going through a long cold winter just because we know we will get and see spring!

This picture below is very symbolic to me. It was the first Christmas home from after the mission. It was taken at Nyk's (my sister) bridal shower. Taylee and I are placed right in front of Krysti's beautiful Christmas tree. (wow, I look so young! ha ha) What you can't see, is right in front of Tay and I--Kiss had up grandma's manger scene. (I wish I would have taken a picture of the scene.)

I was just walking by the manger scene headed to be with the party when I looked at the small baby Jesus laying before "the world". In an instant my heart heart got it. I was flooded with the thought that because of that infant, laid in a manger, choirs of angels sang, shepherds came and wise men searched. Because of that infant, sins can be forgiven and kindness can trump ugliness. Because of an infant worlds with out end have a reason to rejoice. There is hope. Like the sun in the sky giving light in a dark dreary place, the Savior the son of our Heavenly Father, gives life unto every darkened dreary soul. He illuminates darkness. Melts away cold. He brightens hope, He conquers fears. A King of King, a literal Prince of peace. --- all this from walking by Kiss's manger scene. I never got nor liked manger scenes before this moment. I now, can't look at a manger scene without reflecting and praising.

Jesus is the Christ. As Moses was a "type" of Him--Jesus came to set His people free!

Onward and Upward!

KING OF KINGS

I went to LDS.org this morning to find a quote from General Conference and saw the cover of the new December ensign. ... Stunning. The last few weeks I have been pondering about Joseph and Mary and who they must have been in order to raise the son of God. What trust they had in Heavenly Father. What challenges they faced and in an opposite sense what glories they beheld. Surely their hearts felt the highest of happiness and the lowest of sorrows.

I saw this magazine cover and my eyes became wet. Two mortal beings who fulfilled what they were sent here to do. And then that child-the Savior born in a manger. A king laying in hay. Because we are less then the dust of the earth for at least the dust will obey God's commands, no doubt the animals surrounding Mary and Joseph were at least pure in the fact that they obey God's commands.

Because of a king laying in straw-His faithful earthly parents and their courage to raise Him as the King He was/is. To His miracles and power - His mercy and love. From His pleading and blood in the garden to His continued oneness on the cross - to His victory over the sting of death - and His constant beckoning to becoming like He is. ... My heart is stirred.

It is Him -- who is the lover of my soul.

Jesus is the Christ.


Artist Rose Datoc Dall is on my thankful list. I love to see when God is inspiring others to do/make something beautiful.
To check out the Dec Ensign, copy and paste the following link into your browser.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=5e82875a62c25210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=ccb1d48fa58db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

JUST A TASTE

I went with Dad to walmart to pick them up. Avacodos were .10 at Walmart tonight, what a steal! I hope they are good! :) As we finished our trip, I saw President Richards there with his sweet wife. This is the first time I have run into them shopping. Immediately my heart was swollen with love for this choice couple. President Richards is not one for complements. He is a humble man. He is a man of God. It is always humbling to be around him and one can't leave his presence with out an inward desire to preform/serve better outwardly.

We were able to chat a little bit about out I belong to the best ward in the world. That is the theme when we describe our ward--because it is true. I had a moment to tell them my thoughts about working with Bishop Larson. They confirmed all my feels were true. Our short conversation left me praising Heavenly Father.

As I walked away from Pres and Sis Richards, I thought about how there isn't anything I wouldn't not do for Bishop Larson. If he suggests something or counsels something, no questions asked I will do it. The love and respect I have for him are almost indescribable.

As I walked away from being with such an "in love couple" as Cindy and Pres Richards--my thoughts pondered over the fact that if I want to do everything asked by my Bishop, how much more desire would I have to follow through with what the Lord asks me to do?!? For surely my love for my bishopric moves me to action--but how much more if it is the Lord asking?! The difference is is that Heavenly Father is someone I don't see on a weekly basis. I pray to him consistently throughout my day, but more faith is required with working with a veil relationship.

But God puts his different children in the path of life that represent Him and His son. My stake president and Bishop are two of those types of examples for me. And if I have a strong desire to serve/obey them--that must be just a taste of my relationship with the Savior and Heavenly Father. For surely I would want to serve/obey just the same.

I am probably not making any sense, but I was struck with a deep reverence tonight. I was able to spend a wonderful evening with my great parents and then retire to my room to close my evening with prayer. Oh how I want to serve my God. Oh how I want to obey his will and wishes for me. Oh how I want to have my desires intune with correct principles. And oh if I have this much love for my parents, my bishopric and my Stake president--surely my love must be even greater for the Savior and Heavenly Father. And surely I would want to follow all of their commands with exactness the way I want to follow every counsel given to me by my bishop. And yet it is so easy to fall short. And it is so much easier to obey someone without a veil. But IF my feelings are this deep for those within my earthly span--they must be all the more greater for things/relationships I cannot remember or comprehend right now.

I love Jesus Christ. He is my LIFE, my LIGHT, and my WAY.

Tonight was just a taste of what it must be like with the Veil is taken away. What a sweet, sweet taste.

AFTER MUCH...

"For after much tribulation come the blessings." D&C 58:4

I love the word much because it prepares me for my expectations workign with tribulation. And the 's' at the end of blessing--excites me that it is more than one blessing! :D This scripture tells us how life can be at times. But like Elder Holland said in his Liberty Jail talk, we are in good company when we are going through hard times.

Elder George Q. Cannon:

"...the Saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably over take them. If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by and by." (Millennial Star, 3 Oct 1863, p. 634.)

President Brigham Young:

"If the Saints could realize things as they are when they are called to pass through trials, and to suffer what they call sacrifices, they would acknowledge them to be the greatest blessings that could be bestowed upon them" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 345).

Defiantly something to strive for. The last quote, there are many in my family, including myself that will tell anyone who asks, that Dad receiving cancer last year, with all its ugly tortures on the physical body, has been one of the greatest blessings our family has received. Through it we learned patience, trust, humility, faith, determination, trust, more kindness, sincere prayer, courage, His will--be done, and no matter what--we will still serve and praise our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. We are stronger because of it. Mom and Dad now serve in the temple--our family values time together all that much more. In so many ways, we did have a happy ending. I am sensitive to those that have had loved ones that have not had the same happy ending. But for whatever time we are given in this earth life, shorter or longer, God is with us. There are miracles to behold. Faith to be lived, His name to represent in all that we do/say and are. Our lives are to emulate Him, our Savior Jesus Christ. And we can claim power from on high to help us through the days when our hands hang down weary and worn or when our heart feels it simply cannot bare any more.

The Turtle in Kunfo Panda says, "Life is a gift, that is why it is called the present." Find your gift in the day and in return be a gift for others.

I am so thankful God trusts us with challenging tests, and in return I will trust Him through the tests. What a morning to praise God! He sure does love us! And as a wise Mary Jo at church bore in her testimony - "We were not sent here to fail". We can do it!

DETOURS AHEAD

This is a picture of my exit. They have been working on it for almost a year now. A few Sundays ago as I was making my way to the freeway, I hit a detour sign. I was in bit of a hurry so the sign brought a lot of irritation out. Normal detours are just moving over a lane or two, but this one actually took me on a small country road. No freeway entrance this time.

I was fully annoyed with the extra 3 1/2 mins it was going to take out of my time. My attitude didn't improve when the two cars in front of me seemed to be out for a little joy ride. But because of this unexpected detour, I found myself praising Heavenly Father for all the things that I had not noticed when passing by them on the freeway. I have lived here for 4 1/2 years almost and have never knew I had an opening to the Provo River 3 mins from my home! Or these big horn cows!

And of course I freaked with 2 red tale hawks. My irritation grew into gratitude. Gratitude for the forced detour.

So true to life. I may have my plans all figured out but often times that little detour sign comes up, placed by God's own hand, and my first thought may be to have irritation, but detours bring new things into our lives. Those pictures above are literally 50 to 100 feet away from the freeway. Just a frontage road. But I have never once noticed them because I was flying by on the freeway; my planned out path. Although it took longer to get to my destination, I was a kid in the candy store! I could not help pulling over (delaying my self even more) to take pictures. My smile was huge.

DETOURS CHANGE US
Never wanted to go on a mission, but the Lord put up that Detour sign


and my path has been paved with some of the most beautiful precious stones ever since.

Detour sign of joining the Deaf Ward (which I fought the prompting on because of fear) but that ward brought about the chain reaction, like the mission, of so many good people brought into my life. And the singles ward now that I belong too is a result of that detour into the Deaf Ward over four years ago. These are obviously big detours... but there are the small ones--the ones that come as promptings--that if followed take us on paths that usually end up having amazing amounts of beauty/depth added to our lives. Even while in the moment of the the new pothole detour, looking back there are flowers that bloom in every season.

For Mother's day I shared about a good couple that I met in the temple. Their daughter has cancer and quite a few large tumors on her brain.


I just ran into the dad yesterday. He told me how they flew to PA to have surgeon operate on their little girl's head because primary children's said there was no way they would preform the surgery for surely their daughter would not make it through. But the Lord was prompting them with the detour of a surgery.

In PA as they talked to the surgeon just days before the surgery was to take place this good couple became uneasy about the procedure. What to do on this detour that had taken them away from their other kids and family. Prayers were given and a week of every day fasting for direction for their daughter's life. They felt impressed to consult with a doctor in MD. Ward members (not knowing them from adam) heard of their stay in the PA hospital and came over to bring comfort and cheer. An opening was made to go to MD and have the surgery. One couple from the ward brought over plane tickets making a way to get to the hospital. - God provided a way!

The surgery was a success. The tumor is too big to fully remove but they hoped with what was removed, their daughter's head would stop hurting as much. After a month of being off work and away from his other kids, the dad flew back home just this past week. He was worried about his daughter and asked that his wife find someone to give her a blessing. (His wife has been sleeping in the hospital along side her daughter for over a month now.)

Back in 2003 my friend from the temple had a wonderful girlfriend that loved her very much. Her girlfriend was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and in 2005 she passed away. But before the friend passed she would always tell everyone in the temple to watch over my friend and to care for her. This past Sunday, two elders showed up in the MD hospital to give my friend's daughter a blessing. When one of the elders walked into the room he called my friend by her name. She was surprised to see the elder. It was her girlfriend's son. The girlfriend who had passed away nearly 5 years ago. My friend had no idea her friend's son was on a mission, let alone a mission in MD. He said, "My mom has sent me to you". And as a joyous reunion happened her daughter was given a blessing.

This Elder had not seen or kept tract of this family for almost 5 years. But his deceased mother who cared so much for my girlfriend, sent her son to give my friend and her daughter a blessing in their time of need.

All of this from a surgery detour.

Dictionary.com
DETOUR = a roundabout or circuitous way or course, esp. one used temporarily when the main route is closed.

When our Main route is closed, for whatever reason--may we remember to praise God as He walks us through the roundabout course. For there will surely be people to meet and unexpected beauty (whether through the process or the aftermath) to behold while going through our Detoured path.

To what I thought was the right plan for me, detours have become a part of THE plan! How thankful and grateful I am for the Detours God has sent me. They have helped shaped me into who I am today. And I would not go back and change any of the roads He has had me travel. He knows what is best. And I WILL obey.

HOPE SMILING BRIGHTLY BEFORE US - DELIVERANCE IS NIGH

The past few weeks I have been studying in D&C on the signs of the times, and what is to come. I must admit, I have gone through all the emotions. While reading D&C 45 I became a little bit of a nervous wreck. As I read deeper into the things that are to come, my heart became sick and full of despair. I found myself thinking it would be nice to not be on the earth when all the calamities are here in their fullness. As I read I found my heart crying, "Alas, my master, how shall I stay!"

I did not speak to anyone about this for several days. As it happened, my scripture study took 4 or 5 days just to get through D&C 45. I can honestly say, my hope was slipping away and I had no idea how to have faith in the future in the prophecies which should come. How can anyone survive what is to come?! I pondered over those that I love. All my sisters in RS, and I wondered if the time were to come now, would I have the faith enough to support them through all the hard things. I seriously doubted I would be able to keep my "cool" and keep unwavering upbeat faith.

But as I finished reading D&C 45 I kept asking in my heart that there had to be hope somewhere? But mine seemed to be all gone.

For verily I say unto you, that great things await you;

Ye hear of wars in foreign lands; but, behold, I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands.

Like the Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball--Heavenly Father sent the hope at the end of the chapter. I don't ever remember being taught this, but the verses gave me HOPE!

And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a bland of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;

And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.

And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.

And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.

And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.

I love that it is said that the wicked will say, "Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand." !!! For some reason, I did not think that "Zion" would be established until after the world was totally burned. I have never done the study on this--and boy was I messed up in thinking, but I thought when the New Jerusalem would be here after the wicked had been burned. But here it says that the glory and the terror of the Lord would be in this city and the wicked would not dare come unto it. And yet with all the wicked killing each other, there would be songs of singing of everlasting joy sung by those in the city even with the killing all around about!!! I don't profess to understand these scriptures or the order of events fully, but surely I am not misinterpreting that there will be a place of refuge while there is wickedness still on the earth. And those dwelling there will have peace and joy!!

As I read those words in D&C, after nearly feeling like I was going to collapse with fear for the future--my fear was immediately replaced with hope. And not just some hope, but my hope was and has been BRIGHT! There is hope, bright hope for our future!!! I under stand the words in the hymn, "hope smiling brightly before us, for we know that deliverance is nigh". Hope IS smiling brightly before us!

I loved these words from the D&C student manual p. 98 -

In the scriptures four words seem closely related to
the concept of Zion: gathering, preparation, defense,
and refuge. The tribulations and judgments that will
be poured out upon the world prior to the Second
Coming will be so extensive and devastating that if
the Lord did not prepare a means of preservation,
His people too would perish. But He has prepared a
means for His people to escape those terrible times;
that means is Zion. Enoch was told that the Lord
would preserve His people in the tribulations of the
last days by gathering His elect to Zion where they
could gird up their loins (prepare themselves) and
look forward to His coming (see Moses 7:61–62). In
an earlier revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants,
the Savior called the elders of the Church to gather
the elect so their hearts could be prepared for the day
of tribulation (see D&C 29:7–8). In 1838 the Lord
explained that the gathering to Zion and her stakes
was to be for defense and refuge from the coming
storm that will be poured out on the earth (see
D&C 115:5–6). These commands and promises are
found also in section 45. The Saints are to gather to
Zion (see D&C 45:64–65), a place of safety, peace, and
refuge (see v. 65). Even though the rest of the world
is in a state of horrible warfare (see v. 68), in Zion
(D&C 115:5–6 implies that this includes her stakes)
there will be peace and joy (see D&C 45:69–71).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “Without Zion,
and a place of deliverance, we must fall; because the
time is near when the sun will be darkened, and the
moon turn to blood, and the stars fall from heaven,
and the earth reel to and fro. Then, if this is the case,
and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the
places God has appointed, with all our former
professions and our great love for the Bible, we must
fall; we cannot stand; we cannot be saved; for God
will gather out his Saints from the Gentiles, and then
comes desolation and destruction, and none can
escape except the pure in heart who are gathered.”
(Teachings, p. 71)

I love - "...He has prepared a means for His people to escape those terrible times..." And this morning in my reading I read another great quote. Harold B. Lee said:

"The Lord has clearly placed the
responsibility for directing the work of gathering in
the hands of the leaders of the Church, to whom He
will reveal His will where and when such gatherings
would take place in the future. It would be well,
before the frightening events concerning the
fulfillment of all God’s promises and predictions
are upon us, that the Saints in every land prepare
themselves and look forward to the instruction that
shall come to them from the First Presidency of this
church as to where they shall be gathered. They
should not be disturbed in their feelings until such
instruction is given to them as it is revealed by the
Lord to the proper authority.” (Ye Are the Light of the
World, p. 167.)

HOPE HOPE HOPE AND HOPE!!!!!!!!!!! I no longer feel this panic and fear for our future. I don't even know if I will be living in the fullness of these prophesies. The difference for me now, is that I am now OKAY/and HOPE-FILLED for the time ahead. And yea if the Lord would let me live in such a time. Never the less, His will be done.

Heavenly Father is the master architect. His blue prints include every bolt and nut needed to complete our lives and destinies. He has enough lumber to build my soul/heart securely. His plan included the sacrifice of Son, Jesus Christ, so that His completed plans of me, could become and be a masterpiece. His blue prints are not hidden away, but are fully laid open before us all. The scriptures, our P-blessing, the temple, the living prophets and apostles.

There is hope smiling brightly before us. And I have just read about the ways that His deliverance IS nigh!

My heart is full of Hope!

Bryndi

BECAME CONQUERORS

I have a lot of gratitude in my heart this morning. Just finished the week from being in Park City for Dream Team. It was a lot of work but it was wonderful to see the Lord's hand weaving so many backgrounds of women together. There are some that say that their religion and work should stay separated. As for me, I believe my religion/beliefs make me who I am so I can not separate the two. God is in my every breath. His son, Jesus Christ is the light and life of my world-that includes being inside or outside work. How thankful I am for a Boss and coworkers who allow me to be me.

This morning I opened up to my spot in Jacob and when I turned the page, seeing that I was going to read Enos tomorrow, I let out a little happy cry. (Yes, I am alone in my bedroom and no one was around--:) but Enos hits home to my own conversion story!) Because I was so excited to read Enos for my read tomorrow, I didn't anticipate or remember how great the end of Jacob was/is.

Sherem comes to the people and with a cunning tongue he tries to convince the people that there is no Christ. Many people were deceived because of how he delivered his words. In the end he seeks for a sign (never good to do) and falls to the earth. He confesses to all the people he had been deceived by the devil. And after he confesses his faults he dies. What a sad way to end your moral life. Jacob and his people try to reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth but he says in Jacob 7:24 in The Book of Mormon:

...but it all [trying to restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth] was vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually.

I was intrigued by the "they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren". An eternal hatred is a pretty hard core thing. Of course this theme of hating can been seen all through the scriptures when a people forget or do not know their God. But when Jacob added "their brethren", my heart was deeply saddened. How often am I hating my brother. Whoever they may be. I show that hatred when I speak ill of someone, or judge another wrongfully, I am hating when I allow unkind thoughts to enter my head. I defiantly don't want to be hating my brother or sister. We all are children of God.

The next verse in Jacob, is simple yet powerful.

...the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies.

Am I fortifying with all my might against Satan, against bad habits, against temptations and sins?! If I will, and am trusting in God (I love that Jacob said trust"ing" - that shows it is a continual processes it was not just a one time trust, but a continual time of trusting) I will be able to become a conqueror of my bad habits, my sins, my faults and weaknesses. I will be able to be a conqueror my natural man.

Jacob finished his record by saying:

...I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream...

The time passed away with them. So "time" passes away with me. What am I doing with my time?! I want to be known that in my time I was trusting in God and that I was a conqueror! Conqueror of my Dreams, my desires, by passions, my hopes and expectations.

It is such a great time to be alive! Jesus Christ lives! He is the Christ. And He will be coming again. This I know.

Hope you have a great day! I will be fortifying and trusting all day long. Until the next prompting to write--

Bryndi

HAPPY CONFERENCE EVE!!!!

Tonight as I was preparing my mind for conference tomorrow, I pulled out my conference note book. I always take notes at conference, but last year I was finally smart and made an official conference book! So now every conference my notes will be placed in the same place.

In April, we had Brytt and Jinger's family over to the condo. So much fun! Ireland was such a help in the kitchen for lunch. I could not get enough of little Brynnlee. At one point she was sitting on the carpet with her backed turned to the TV when the speaker said "the prophet" and Brynnlee excitedly looked up and said, "He said the prophet, the prophet!" Oh melt my heart! I Didn't even think she was paying attention.

Tonight as I opened my conference notes, I was moved by the things that had impressed me back in April. Pretty great stuff!! Here are a few of the things that I wrote down in my book.

*Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond. (1)

*...your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. (1)

*...the appetite to possess worldly things can only be overcome by turning to the Lord. (1)

*Prayer is the most common and powerful way to invite inspiration. (2)

*We need strong Christians who can persevere against hardship, who can sustain hope through tragedy, who can lift others by their example and their compassion, and who can consistently overcome temptations. We need strong Christians who can make important things happen by their faith and who can defend the truth of Jesus Christ against moral relativism and militant atheism. (3)

*Obedience gives us greater control over our lives... (3)

*In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. (3)

*He [Jesus Christ] could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience. (4)

*...the disciple who accepts a trial as an invitation to grow and therefore qualify for eternal life can find peace in the midst of the struggle. (4)

*Tragedy did not erode their faith; it tested it and strengthened it... (4)

*You don’t have to spend time as a Laman or a Lemuel in order to know that it’s much better to be a Nephi or a Jacob. (5)

*Choose to live by faith and not fear. (6)

*Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things. (6)

*...our net usable faith is what we have left to exercise after we subtract our sources of doubt and disbelief. (6)

*Challenging times require greater spiritual power. (6)

*We should never complain, when we are living worthily... (7)

*Discipleship is a journey. (8)

*It is always the right time to walk in His way. It is never too late. (8)

*He is our hope; He is our salvation; He is the way. (8)

*The Lord shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it. (9)

*...it is not by chance that we are who we are... (10)

*Laughter and a good sense of humor can soften the bumps along life’s journey. (11)

*You can’t be a life saver if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach. (12)

*Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. (13)

*...may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,” (Mosiah 18:9) for surely that is how He stood by us... (13)

*Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith. (9)

(1) Robert D. Hales
(2) Elder Allan F. Packer
(3) Elder D. Todd Christofferson
(4) President Henry B. Eyring
(5) Elder M. Russell Ballard
(6) Elder Kevin W. Pearson
(7) Elder Richard G. Scott
(8) President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
(9) President Thomas S. Monson
(10) Elder Neil L. Andersen
(11) Elder Steven E. Snow
(12) Elder Dallin H. Oaks -- Ardeth Greene Kapp
(13) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Those are all the real quotes! But wow, what a bucket of treasures. And those are just some of the highlights! Going through my April list made me all the more excited for tomorrow and Sunday! I know the same council is given over and over--but amen! It doesn't hurt to be reminded and obviously I haven't gotten it right yet, or else something new would be shared. My heart has the most amazing love affair with conference weekend!! I am so thankful for Jesus Christ, my elder brother. I know He won't give up on me as I strive to be more exact in obedience. How I love Him!

Happy Conference weekend everyone!