HOW TO PRAY?

Have you ever asked any of these questions before:

• How do I pray?
• Who am I praying to?
• Why is it a commandment to pray?
• I feel silly... like my prayer is just bouncing off the wall... is anyone listening?
• When should I prayer? 
• What should I pray for? 
• Can praying really change my life, let alone just make a difference?
• How do I know when I get an answer?

   I have asked all these questions before. It started with a strong desire of wanting to know if Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ really live. IF they live, I was determined to give them my life. But if they didn't--well I guess no one had to know that I had been seeking in private. I was tempted to feel silly at times... always grateful that when I was "trying" prayers that no one else knew what I was doing. There were prayers out of habit, prayers that were not sincere and just going through the motion. Some prayers were filled with anger longing to just know for myself and some prayers were filled with wondering tears. My journey seemed to never have a middle for I felt often I was always right at the beginning--which felt like I was nowhere/wasting my time. Oh there is a beautiful Ether 12 which states at least seven times that it is AFTER the trial of one's faith, the miracles/witness come.
   I prayed in secret for almost a year to know if Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live. I hoped that they did. I believed they might. But I wanted to know for myself. And that journey started my own trial of faith and also putting prayer to the test.
   This article (CLICK HERE) is awesome! And the five simple principles stated, I have found true for myself. How do I know they work--because every single one of the principles I have tested with my own prayers.
   Persitance is the key.
   Kneel down, bow the head, and open with your thoughts to Heavenly Father. Kneeling and bowing is a form of respect. I have found for myself that casually laying in bed and repeating words before I drift in and out of sleep has WAY LESS impact than when I show respect and reverence of actually kneeling and bowing my head.
   And boy do I have a testimony of the power of praying out loud. Even when I go on business trips and share a hotel room with a co-worker, I sneak away into the bathroom, turn on the fan and kneel down and vocally whisper out my prayer. (AND if you have a little ADD like my brain tends to have when needing to focus at time, praying out loud helps me focus on the words I am saying. Again, the article is dead on with all true principles I have applied to my prayers.)
    I was taught once the value of being completely honest with God when praying. So when I first was "testing" the waters of prayer I told God that I felt silly and as if I was speaking to the room and because I did not know He was there, how would I know If and when He did answered me... thank goodness I did not stop trying just because at first I was uncomfortable with all I didn't know. **And this is not to say I know everything. I DON'T! So much more to learn, but the truths I have learned and applied--LIFE CHANGING in the world of my prayers.
    God already has blessings that He has ready to give us, but receiving those blessings are conditional upon us asking for them (see bible dictionary prayer).
   I found that I could pray anytime anywhere. And the things I should pray for, were and are ever evolving. I have learned, not fully in depth, but scratching the surface of the power of asking. Heavenly Father won't force me to learn His ways or seek blessings. So it takes my agency in asking to know and find things out on myself.
   Can praying really make a difference/change my life? I have journals and pages and pages of the difference it has made in my life.... just type in the search engine at the top of the page on the right the word "prayer" and just see how many posts come up. Careful, reading them all might take you a week!
   See I never prayed to see God or Jesus Christ. I simply asked that I could be blessed with something I could not deny. I wanted to know that I knew they lived. Not because others claimed it, I want to know for myself. And if God was my Father, then wouldn't He want me to know for myself...  
   I received my answer! It didn't happen the way I thought it would, I didn't see anything or have angels sore around me--but I felt words impressed upon my mind in such a way that my prayer was answered! I KNEW/KNOW Jesus Christ is the Savior and Heavenly Father lives/is my Father. And it is not some special club membership or holding one's breath a certain way. You can know for yourself completely and fully without question! I guess the real question is how bad do you want to know? Enough that you will devote time and energy until you get an answer?
   How grateful I am for a God that never gave up on my stubborn self.

Basics with prayer:

• Address God: Dear Heavenly Father, Dear God
• Thank Him for any/all things. Some days when it is really bad, I sometimes have to ponder over what I am thankful for, and there have been days where all I could come up was I was thankful my knees still worked so I could kneel. And on better days, the tears of gratitude flow freely.
• Ask Him for the things you stand in need of. Don't fall for the deception that "your" askings are not as important as "big" things. Or the trap of thinking that there is so much going on in others lives--that you don't want to bother/waste God's times with your items... If you have ever thought those things, pat yourself on the back! Join the club of "You have been deceived/tricked by the Devil" Club. Believe me, I sometimes know that club all a little too personal. But seriously, stop and think for a min. If you are a parent, and your child asks something of you, do you throw up your hands and storm off? I know, rediuolous, but so is the thought that one doesn't want to "bother" / trouble the Lord when there are so many more imporant things. 

 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?  (Matt 7)

• (Sorry no bullet should be here but I can't seem to make the coding go away.) Seriously, and again, the logic is like getting your arm cut off and saying, "I am not going to bother the doctor because there are more important matters like that guys missing tounge." (Silly, yes, but honestly it is silly to be tempted into thinking we don't want to trouble/bother the Lord. So if any of those thoughts arise, I am telling you they are not inspired thoughts--squish them like the nasty mosquitos they are! For such thoughts are to stop you from seeking God/coming unto Him therefor the Club captain, Satan Himself, pins another Gold star to His forehead of getting you to stop your attempt at drawing close to the Lord.) We can ask and should pray over all and any things! God wants us to!
• We can pray for others. I personally know I have been sustained by the specific prayers of others. How humbling to know that my name made it into their sacred communion time with Heavenly Father. Humbling, beauitful, I will take it, blessing!
• When ending your prayer simply close it "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen". It is all because of Christ that we can pray to the Father.

   How does one know they they are receiving revelation/an answer to prayer? Here are a few of my favorite articles.

• Awesomeness 1
• Awesomeness 2
• Awesomeness 3
• Awesomeness 4

   Holy cow those are all good and have taught me much about prayer and personal revelation. But when it is all said and done, even if you have no more then a desire TO BELIEVE... let that desire work within you (see Alma). I was skeptical of receiving revelation at times and far too often went through the motion of praying and not putting anything personal into it... BUT I KNOW FOR MYSELF that GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS. HE HEARS US. HE LOVES US. HE WILL LEAD US. IF WE ARE PERSISTENT WITH HUMILITY HE WILL TEACH US HOW TO PRAY, HOW TO RECEIVE ANSWERS TO PRAYER, HOW TO HAVE OUR WORDS PENETRATE THE HEAVENS AND NOT JUST BOUNCE OFF OUR BEDS.
   No, I am not screaming, just very intensely testifying that if this post is for you and you doubt how to pray or if God really hears you, or if your prayers really do make a difference in your life/the lives of those you love--I am hear to tell you they do.! He does! They will/are!
 

Enter the world of prayer at your own risk! :) 

   For surely you are in store for quite a ride. There is no limit to the prayers that can be offered, words can be inspired to where we pray for the very things the Father would have us pray for. Prayer can change your life and the lives of those whom you love and have stewardship over. Do you have faith enough to test it? Are you willing to consistently put in the work of striving to say sincere prayers? Do you want it bad enough?
   Even if you only have the desire TO believe... let that desire work within you.

   GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS. You are not alone. You can pray for help and strength to be able to pray! So ironic how the whole system works... but work it does! 

Life changing--yes!
Easy to become complacent--yes!

But easier to start back the habit of sincere, heart felt prayer. What is the condition of your heart? Where is your treasure/brain as you prayer? GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS! Are you willing to work for such a knowledge--because yes work in the form of your faith, constancy, and HOPE that God WILL answer your prayers=required. My personal study of the scriptures, particularly The Book of Mormon, opened my mind to new, exciting possibilities. God is not a respecter of persons. So what He will do for one, if it is not against His will, He will do for others/ME!

Even if you have no more than just a desire to believe what has been written, let that desire work within you. TEST GOD! PROVE HIM! TRY! **and advice--be ever ready with a note pad and pen that works. When God answers your prayer, (His timing, His way) writing it down will not only help you remember what was given, but at least in my life, it is like God notices that and says, "Bryndi, that was important enough to write down... well here let me poor out some more important thoughts!" Power in writing. Again the awesomeness articles are sooo true! TRIED TESTED IN MY OWN LIFE!
   I am a witness that no matter who you are, what you have done or should have done--does not put an X on your life being filled with revelation and personal blessings from Heavenly Father because there is repentance and forgiveness, cleansing through the blood of the Lamb. His Son is the Master healer. He can and will heal all that is broken... if we will simply come unto Him, ask and plead, trust and serve. Prayers are powerful... I promise you can know it for yourself! And when you realize it for the first time, I would love to know!

Happy Praying!!

I am grateful for Christmas music on Pandora in the Octobers of my life!

WHICH IS BETTER, SUNRISE OR SUNSET? MAGIC HAPPENS IN THE MORNING!

   Today was Andrea's sister Kira's funeral. Andrea (left) loved her sister Kira. I had the blessing of meeting Kira several times. Huge smile, larger than life smile in fact!
   Sweet Kira has been battling cancer and was relieved of her physical body ailments this past Monday morning. She was just 33.
   Her funeral was simply beauitful, the spirit was overwhelming.
   Andrea's brother shared the scripture of how we love Christ because He first loved us and how he felt that people loved Kira because she first loved them. Can one leave this mortal life with a higher complement than of that?!
   Two things that Andrea shared about Kira really touched me. Andrea asked Kira which was better, sunrise or sunset. Andrea shared how of course a sunset was better with all the colors that go with it--and how sunsets certainly trump. Kira wisely stated that a Sunrise was her favorite... because it takes more effort to enjoy it. What a true statement!

   I pondered over my "sunrise" moments... and was sweetly reminded what each moment meant for/to me.
 Here are just a few that have been tender to me. 

 Mexico--a sunrise with just me and what sounded like 100's of birds signing crazily in the trees.  It was unlike any moment I have ever had with birds in the morning. It was wonderful!

 Sitting on the pier all by myself with my scriptures in hand. I had opened right to the spot in The Book of Mormon and read earlier that God was aware of all of His people in whatever land they may be in. At the time I was out of the country and feeling quite alone... but the scripture brought tears to my eyes. God knew exactly where I was, and was mindful of me.

 A moment when on a morning walk when I had the reassurance that God's plan would still unfold in my life, despite all my imperfections and weaknesses.



Notice the mountains. The whole valley was covered in shadows but as the sun came out the distant mountain peaks danced in sunlight, lifting the mists of darkness (literally) from the morning. You can see how the sun is just starting to touch the peak in the right mountain in this picture. Steam was arising from from the reflection pool.... And I watched as the valley fully became flooded with sunlight.


This wasn't the morning that it happened, but it is a morning that is symbolic of what I prayed for. In learning to Jog, God sent me a morning dense ground fog. I could see only 10 feet in front of me but when I looked directly up I could see the sky and stars. God sent that type of day to me two days in a row. As a result I was able to distract myself because I could not see the distance and keep jogging just 10 feet at a time... which resulted in 20 mins of jogging which in 6 weeks of working at it, I had not been able to do yet. Miracle!

A sunrise in WY with Chick and Mia along the river front. It was magical and I loved the time being with my sister. I walked in awh and gratitude at the friendship the Lord allowed Nyk and I to have. One that we both worked to have, and cherish what we now have.

 Cold sunrise in Scolfield, but I had enough stamina to get up the big hills around mom and dad's place. That was a miracle in itself.

 Sunrise, on a swing, reading about the Savior. Just me, the birds, and the light.

 Thayne and I took a red-eye to Florida to meet up with mom and dad. This morning flight was the result of the first part of this (click here) old blog post. After that conversation, and I believe a change in planes, this was the first view of the sunrise above the clouds.

 And just a few weeks ago at mom and dad's place...

I bundled up in the very, very cold morning. I went out before the sun had risen. I was trying to study, but was distracted by the awh with how the morning light was intensifying the golden leaves. I noted dense frost on the top of the cabin, and smiled at how the frost melted away with the morning light .... causing an awesome amount of dripping to occure.

I pondered and was reminded how sometimes I let parts of my life become cold and frost "bitten"... and how all I need is the "Son'slight = SONrise, to melt away anything that I have allowed to become cold or "hard" in my life... in my heart.

   All different mornings, but each symbolic and/or filled with moments of quite, pondering. I too, love sunrises!

   Andrea shared a little of how Kira's personality was. They both lived together up in an apartment in SLC. She said there were bushes outside their apartment windows and some annoying bird would be doing it's thing early in the morning. Andrea did not vocalize her annoyance with the bird but became more and more annoyed at it.

   One time when the two of them were visiting with their parents, they were asked how their mornings were at their apartment. Before Andrea could answer--Kira piped up that they had bushes right outside their windows and every morning she loved to hear the song of a particular bird that lived there. Andrea thought no way could this be the same bird! But sure enough it was. :)
   How can something be so annoying to one and so joyous to another--and be the exact same thing?! PERSPECTIVE!!! Guess that is how the gospel is. Glass half full, or half empty. Church a time to worship God, or a three hour block to survive.

   I left the funeral deeply inspired and determined to live my life more fully. To live/work for the sunrises of my life and not just the sunsets. And to be decidedly positive rather than annoyed. Thank you Kira Staiger for your beautiful legacy! You truly loved God and lived a life centered in your testimony of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the knowledge that because of Jesus Christ, this life is not the end to our existence. Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan! Thank you Andrea for loving your sister so deeply! Her legacy will live on! Listen for those morning birds. Surely they will sing a sing just for you, from her.
  

For so many personal reasons, I am grateful

God allows us to experience things (even if hard) that remind us

just how good/just/loving He is and just how

perfect His plans/ways are for me.

My I live to serve Him.

Jesus is the Christ.

AFTER THE MANNER OF HAPPINESS...

Some thoughts on my heart this week...

• I have a co-worker who is gracious, yet confident. Love the example she sets!
• I am still attracted / drawn to kindness. I hope I can apply / live the virtue of kindness better in my life.
• I like being able to sing the song of redeeming love, I have missed the time when I have not / could not.
• The piano moves me. I am so thankful for friends who borrow my piano to practice--meanwhile filling my home with the sweetest spirit. (click here)
• I watched this (click here thanks Kat for posting) and sat in reverent awh of this woman. When I finished watching it I desired to be better about shaving off anything that is not worthy of my time, my efforts, or my focus. I often think about the quote below... it is a reminder to me that I better be about what the Lord wants me to be about. Even if I feel I am choosing good things to do--I am to council with Him in all my doings... that He may direct me for good (Alma 37:37). It's easy to be "doing". But what doings am I doing? Are they for Him, approved by Him?
  

     "It wasn’t long before we realized that there were a lot of things a stake presidency could do—so many, in fact, that if we didn’t set inspired priorities, we might miss doing the important ones. Competing priorities began to arise, deflecting our focus from the vision shared by the Brethren. There were many “good” things to do, but not all of them mattered most.   

     "We learned an important lesson: the fact that something is good is not always reason enough to require our time and resources." --President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

• I "happened" to come across my friend's inspiring journey of faith, how to use it, and how she applied it in her life to obtain a dream she had. Her applications of faith, and her bluntness / straight forward directness of how truly it works = BEAUTIFUL! Time reading, well invested. Thank you Mel. (click here for Faith and Pianos and just treat yourself to two of Mel's drawing posts. They gave me a fun chuckle! I sooo relate with the ipad, I LOVE mine too! Laugh with Mel's drawings on Pregnancy and the Demise of Veganism click here, and ipad love click here.)
• Tonight I studied "How to Survive in Enemy Territory" --President Packer's address in the Oct Ensign... EPIC talk! Mine is completely highlighted/marked up! Worthy of your time read! (Click here). 

"Discovering how the Holy Ghost operates in your life is the quest of a lifetime. Once you have made that discovery for yourself, you can live in enemy territory and will not be deceived or destroyed."--President Packer.

• A kid in institute made the comment about why he thought that the sacrament prayers tell us to always remember Christ. There is power in remembering. He shared that even when his days are filled with scripture study and temple attendance, which are good things, his life takes on a higher level of power and strength/peace when he actually strives to remember / think literally of Christ through out his day. I was inspired by his observation. I am striving to live the true principle he shared. 
• Sister Petersen my, New Testament teacher, shared that it is better to have a positive thought than a negative though. Well said! 
• A friend shared their thoughts on how it is okay to fail and to discover that you aren't the greatest / best at something or perhaps your efforts, even well intended, were / end up being a flop. Can there be any true success without the pains of trial and error?! Great truth. We are to never give up! Discouragement is a tool of the Devil. And how about the fear OF failing / not succeeding... fear immobilizes us. Satan's a clever one. Jesus Christ however, TRUMPS all aspects. The Savior can calm our fear, if we let Him. He can cause faith to replace doubt and to strengthen one / give power / courage to seize the day, finish the task, to keep walking the path that is unclear.
• I am finding the power and truth of Elder Christofferson's Daily Bread talk... (click here). I am being taught the power of pleading for the "bread" I need for the day. Never mind about tomorrow, there is enough evil in that all ready, but there is power in pleading and asking for what will sustain me just today.
• I have a testimony of the beauty, peace and freedom of fighting / living the battle of overcoming the natural man.
• What comes out of the mouth truly defiles the man. (Matt 15:18) May my insides be worthy of coming outside.

Conclusion: Or rather another beginning. Here's to another day of pleading for the Lord for the daily bread I need.... in doing so, I have been strengthened against the fiery ever so tempting ugly darts of the adversary. Here's to the woman who is my role model in quiet, yet powerful confidence. Here's to kindness in His redeeming love. Here's to pianos being obtained and played, faith exercised, and reminders/skills on How TO SURVIVE in Enemy Territory. Here's to the kid who opened his mouth about his thoughts on the Savior. I want to be like Jesus.

Be of good cheer.

The future is as bright as your faith. 

:)

--President Monson

I am grateful for goodly parents.

I love you mom and dad.

PRAYERS, MISTAKES, AND MIRACLES

Thanks Hill for the soft "kick" that it has almost been a month without posting...! :) I love you.

Many miracles, and moments of deep gratitude. God has been so kind even when not deserving. Doesn't the scriptures say that even "...if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants." So we are never really deserving, but yet because we are His, and He loves us... He deemed us deserving of the sacrifice of His only begotten, perfect son... So undeserving, and yet He desires us to partake of all that He has...

HM REUNION--ZERMATT
Our big annual Reunion for work came and went. Too many miracles to count, but I will share just two very personal ones. With only one Saturday before the event, I literally had a window of 40 mins to go shopping for the banquet night. I had not put off shopping for a gown, just really didn't have any time to spare/put towards shoppping. (And yes it doesn't help that I really dislike shopping or anything like it.) I had put in my heart and mind faith that God would help me get something with no time and no extra money set aside in my budget.
   As I finished up work that Saturday, I said a quick prayer sharing my delemha of time and funds with the Lord. I felt impressed to head over to Dillards. Now I had been there a few weeks prior but was in a hurry, and did not see anything.
I pulled into Dillards a little frantic knowing I only had time for one store. In I went and after 15 mins found a wrap around top for 40 bucks that I was not thrilled about but at least I could throw on a skirt and call it good. Just as I was walking back to the dressing room, my eye caught a zebra print. ME- Zebra print...yes, that is kind of a joke. And it was another joke that I was shopping back in the section where I used to shop when I was 100 pounds heavier. But here was this (I call it a tent) type blouse. HUGE in size, but to my mind was brought a vision of how I could make it work. I grabbed the shirt and went into the dressing room. Sure enough, this $22 wonder would work just fine! 5 mins found me with a fancy pin to tack under my bust line to hold the whole "tent" together... and wallah! In 20 mins I had my banquet get up, modest and somewhat cheap. God is sure good!
   The following Wed had us setting up our event. Look how cool my designer is! Not to mention how great Zermatt was for letting us deck out their bear. Here is the before and after shot of Marin Barny's genus. You can't tell but this bear even has sparkly eyelashes! What a sight to be hold! Heritage Makers book loving consultant blinded out bear TRUMPS plain old accordion playing boring statute bear! ;)
   Wed setup came together pretty smoothly. My team and I were all exhausted by the end of the night but thankfully we always can count on event adrenalin to kick in!
  Thursday morning and afternoon had me running around coordinating the different meetings and events. I came out to our registration desk at 4:40pm only to find that I had made a HUGE mistake. I didn't order enough of the registration shirts. (Everyone who comes to the three day event, receives a registration gift of a pen, booklet, charm, bag and a tshirt.)
   How many events do I do a year!? And how many years have I been about this? A mistake like that could be easy for a rookie planner, and although I am no Patti yet, I surely am not a newbie either. And Yes it is "just" a tshirt, but a tshirt that teams plan an evening around wearing so they can do team pictures... and it is never fun being "left out" so the pressure was on. How do I fix this awesome challenge. The truth was... I couldn't.
   I ran and called my vendor and without trying to freak out asked him if he could some how get me 40 more shirts. Now the logistics of this little nightmare were quite amazing. Steve, my awesome shirt vendor, said that he would call and see if any warehouses had stock. The plan was he would call and I would start counting up exactly how many of each size I was in need of. I frantically counted with my ever willing and beyond patient/forgiving team. I called Steve back at almost 7 mins to 5 to give him my numbers. He said that the warehouses he was calling didn't seem to have any stock in med shirts--which med shirts was the most quantity of shirt I was in need of.
    I ended the phone call with Steve knowing that I had just requested the impossible. Here it was practically 5pm. I was asking that one of his vendors overnight the shirts to him to get there by the next morning, so his team could re-screen and print and have them to me no later than Saturday morning. *Reminder this was Thursday night. The impossible. Heavy hearted and sick over my mistake I went into one of the restrooms and locked myself in the handicap stall. I knelt down. I told the Lord that it was all my fault. Truly, it was a complete error on my part. I just simply had not ordered enough shirts. I asked the Lord that if there was a way to get the shirts to Steve--that he might be inspired what warehouses to call and those who had not closed their shipping for the day. ...  I still don't know how I made such a mistake, but I did. I prepared my heart for the worst and got up off the restroom floor and headed out to my next meeting which was to do a team picture in our awesome photobooth before heading to our opening session.
   I was getting ready to jump into a photobooth at about 5:20pm. I had not heard back from Steve so I figured the shirts were a no go.
  As I got into the photobooth to take these pictures with my team, my phone rang.

"Bryndi, it's Steve. I found a warehouse. They are overtightened the shirts tonight. I will receive them in the morning. We will print them and have them ready for pick up by tomorrow afternoon. I have to go, talk to you tomorrow." I wanted to start crying right there. I thanked Steve and told him he was an answer to prayer. And Steve (who knows how this impossible thing just happened) became quite and said basically that this could only have happened because of God. Steve acknowledged the impossible becoming possible. My sweet parents stopped by Steve's warehouse and in less than 24 hours--I had enough tshirts to fill the registration needs!
   Why did God have to save my hide? Really He didn't have to. There is truly no blame for the situation but my own mistake. No one else... and yet God pulled out all the stops! The tears flowed freely that night as I knelt in gratitude for God's kindness and mercy.
   Once the whole event was over, I spent a day fasting in gratitude, crying and taking time in the temple. Truly, the Lord got me through the event. He always does. And I know He always will, but there is always this deep satisfaction/gratitude for when such events are finished. God is such a God of mercy.

GOD, PLEASE FIX MY MISTAKE OR MAKE IT OKAY
I had a dear friend teach me a valuable lesson. She had a project coming up that required travel time for her co-workers. Without praying about it she asked one of the folks on her team to go. But after offering the spot she prayed about what she should have done and she felt that she had made a mistake. That the one she was asking to go was not the one to go. My beautiful friend's next action was what was so stunning to me. She went back to God and said she had made a mistake and that now He was going to have to either fix it and get the right person to go on the task, or make the one she had offered to go, be able to go/work out.
   The next day, the person she had offered to have help with the task came back to her and said she felt impressed she was not to accept. THUS, my friend could go back and follow through with what she felt impressed to do with her prayer.
   No stewing, or beating her self up over her mistake. She simply acknowledged she had made a mistake (not on purpose but a lesson learned that she should have prayed first before just extending) and exercised her agency to have faith that God would either correct the mistake or make the person selected to work out. What incredible faith! What a beautiful testimony and reminder. Thou shalt not make a mistake was never a thou shalt... So even when we make those mistakes, God, who loves perfectly, does not with hold his love from us. The deliverer is in the house! **This doesn't mean that we will be delivered right away. My friend's faith was that God would either get the right person to do the task, or He would work with the one originally assigned.Great lesson! And what a difference in when I made the shirt mistake and tried to not let my guilt consume me. My friend's simple, but defiant faith was that she had made a mistake, learned her lesson, trusted that God would work with her mistake or make it work out the way He wanted it to.... and He did!

INSTITUTE--FREEDOM!
So at the beginning of the semester I felt impressed I needed to attend a certain class at institute. The topic was applicable and I anticipated all I would learn...however my love for Wed night institute turned into drudgery. Although I loved my teacher, I was not loving their teaching style. :/
   When it involves others, I am a commitment girl. I am not just going to drop a class because I was not "feeling it". Plus, I wasn't putting it all on the teacher. Hadn't I preached enough about how if one is not getting something out of the meeting, then one is not going prepared. ... But week after week I started dreading going to institute.
   After a month into the new semester, my girlfriend's work schedule opened up and she asked if she could start going to institute with me. I figure she would attend the class I was attending and I almost wanted to suggest to her that she should go to a different class, but I didn't for some reason. ??
   Finally my soul seemed to not take it any more. I prayed about skipping the class and joining another. I worried about my girlfriend and having her follow what I felt was like being a horrible example. I also felt bad for the teacher whom I do love and I know they love me--but I just felt like I was wasting my time. Trying to swallow down the guilt, I told my teacher that I needed to go to the other class room. My friend, thankfully stayed in the class. Her not "flowing" me to my new class helped me feel that at least I didn't set an example she would follow.
   Within 10 mins of the new class, I was LOVING institute life again. The room was filled with the sweetest spirit. My teacher is a convert from England and has a passion for the gospel. It was night and day difference to my soul. I felt the whole evening I was on cloud nine! I then worried that when I told my friend how amazing my new class was, she would jump ships too, and I didn't want to do this to the other teacher.
   Well after me spouting all the amazing things of the new class on our drive home, my friend informed me that she would not be changing classes. She said that she felt she was to be in the class and that she was already being able to start applying all the things she was learning about marriage/preparing for it on she and her boyfriend's relationship. ... ! CLICK! I started to jab at her arm teasingly, that God put me in that class, knowing she would start coming months in. He knew she would come to my class. And once she was hooked to the class (that it is likely she would not have chosen to take)--she stayed and I was FREED and allowed to move on. Oh I tell you want... JOYFUL evening! I could not stop freaking out at how good the new class was for me. And among a few other things I learned, if the drudgery of institute was just so my friend could end up in the right class... I say Hallelujah! God knows us perfectly. Thank goodness toO!
 
There are so many more little things I could type but this will have to be all for now.
I report that I did my three part challenge. I read the conference ensign cover to cover right after the April 2012 General Conference. Then I started studying all the conference talks (one a day) going backwards with the prophets. I got back through 2000. What an amazing treat that was to read all of Monson's talks and then a bunch of President Hinckley's talks. Not only was the journey of studying just the prophet's talks insightful, it was deeply moving to see God's hand and hear God's words through His chosen vessels. I feel more clearer than ever that there is so much good stuff to be had! To be taken in! How can I waste any of my time when there are so many pearls and fair stones God would have me line my path and the path of others!?!
   I then did the part 3 challenge of re-reading all of the April talks right before the Oct General Conference. Seriously, the insight/revelation/pricking and stirrings of my heart have been intense over the last six months. Great challenge! I highly recommend trying it!
   General Conference was amazing! I highly recommend checking it out if you didn't have the chance too! Click Here to view God's words through his chosen tools!

I am grateful for repentance and fasting.

What is MY towel?

 

Gird
1. to encircle or bind with a belt or band.
2. to surround; enclose; hem in.
3. to prepare (oneself) for action: He girded himself for the trial ahead.
4. to provide, equip, or invest, as with power or strength.

 This morning as I woke and read a book review, this scripture came flooding to my mind. Several years ago I was in Gospel Doctrine class. This scripture was brought up. I cannot recall ever hearing/paying attention to this scripture before. I believe the teacher was pointing out that the Savior was going about serving. However, when the scripture was read out loud, my mind took hold of what the Savior was serving with. ... a towel ... girded himself.

What am I Bryndi Cloward girding myself with so that I might better serve?

As I laid in bed I pondered over why is it that I love to study?
1. for selfish reasons, I love what gospel study does to my thoughts, my actions, my intents... more importantly what it does to my heart.
2. IF I can gird myself with: truths, principles, parables, applications... then when the Savior would have me wash and wipe... I am girded with a "towel" that hopefully can comfort, heal, soothe, and warm.

  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:13

 I choose, what my mind and heart are girded with. For surely whatever I focus on, spend my time and energy with (where your treasure is, there will your heart be also) will surround and bind my thoughts.

So what do I won't my thoughts to be bound with?

What will my towel be? 

I am grateful for still, early mornings.

Humbled

This happens several times a year, when big events come up for work, and I am in awed by all those I work with. I seriously can't accomplish my tasks without all my projects having to hit the plates of a handful of my co-workers. In the craziness of that last few weeks, I have had moments like yesterday and today when I am just simply overwhelmed with gratitude. I truly can't accomplish my job/tasks/projects without the help/touch/assistance of so many other departments. It is very humbling, and tonight as I plug away, President Monson's quote came to my mind... my eyes are wet. I am humble with the goodness that surrounds me. In a very, very small way, is this a feeling that the Savior feels when we choose to serve Him? With consuming thoughts of gratitude for those who serve me so freely... is this just but a taste/glimps into the Savior's feelings for me when I try to serve Him...?  Wow.

Hill shared this with me tonight. She said it was her new favorite song. I have had it on repeat all night, and the lyrics are awesome! Thanks Hill. I guess it has been around for a few years, but I can't recall hearing it before.

I am grateful for red headed friends who give great hugs!

"Praise our good loving God, His faithfulness endues forever."

In response to an email I sent a dear friend asking if she was okay after a fire at her daughter's place on top of a handful of other hard things she has had to deal with...this was her response to my question.

Were it not for my faith in the Living God, and were it not for the POWER of the Holy Spirit at work in me, I am not sure I could have survived this year and remained a loving, caring, committed, hopeful, positive, productive, loving person. 

Thankfully, "...not I but Christ who live in me..."  has given me perspective without measure and wisdom beyond my years and circumstances.  

Praise our good loving God, His faithfulness endues forever.

This friend and I do not share the same religions views, but our love for the Savior, Jesus Christ and our belief in Him=one and the same! I was touched by her undaunted spirit and trust in God.

Amen Virginia! Thank you for the beautiful reminder you have set.

"Praise our good loving God, His faithfulness endues forever!"

I am grateful for sisters!

Little purpose to our own lives, unless...

What a great reminder from the Sept VT message... I was moved by the quote.

I was thinking of saving this photo for an "a.s.k."= Ask, Seek, Knock quote, but when I read Pres Monson's words again, the picture took on a whole new meaning. Service in the temple. Or symbolic of the doors of service of those around us, the door to one's heart--some service in order for it to have maximum effect, requires the right "key" to unlock the locked. Intents, attitude, humility, and sincerity play a big part, at least for me, in opening closed doors. 

Some doors are more difficult (to serve/open) than others. Eroded by the winds of the day, tarnished by sin, or the neglect of love, or a lack of hope, or rusted with bitterness or discouragement, locked with disdain on life, or worn with unbelief or pride... There can come the temptation to move on to an "easier" locked door. Or to give up trying to open (serve) a door (any door) completely.  However, I know there to be one key that fits every "door" perfectly, the key of charity.

When doors are unlocked and opened, even with the smallest of openings--His light can get in! 

When I feel the lack of"purpose" in life, I must not be serving enough!

"...charity never faileth".

I am grateful for porch swings.

MONSTER TRUCK, BOOGERs, RAINBOWS, and the ATONEMENT

I work with amazing women and men. One of them happens to be Cynthia (right rider). Cynthia has a LOVE for horses which she shares with her great daughter Holly (left rider).
 
Jinger heard about Cynthia's passion and love of horses and had an idea of providing a field trip for Ireland. She asked Cynthia if they could have an adventure with the horses.... so Wed wonderful Cynthia and Holly, hitched up their trailer, with their gorgeous horses, Cloud and Boogers, and drove their "Monster Truck" (as Cynthia's, six year old James likes to call it) to the Springville Rodeo grounds. I caught wind of this little outing at work, and did not want to pass up the opportunity of seeing Cynthia and Holly ride.

They were just walking to the arena when I pulled up. And there for a few mins I watched this mother daughter team ride around and love their horses/the moments. I had institute and could only stay but a min, but I was overwhelmed with gratitude at the service and kindness shown by these two women. After a full day of work, and an evening of hot sun, they brushed down and saddled up their beauties to provide a memorable service. I drove away from the rodeo grounds with deep gratitude. People who give so freely for the service and benefit of others--are great heros/examples of Christ. These two women are no exception to the rule. They were so willing to give my Brother's family a moment as a family. I love people!

Seems in the last week or so, I have counted at least 11+ rainbows!  There are some years when I feel lucky if I see even three all year, so in a week, 11+ seems to be a new record!

The left picture happened just the other day. I was on "auto" pilot driving home from work. Much on my mind. I was already processing the next things I needed to do that night. I was just taking my exit when I happened to look to the left of me and saw that beauty! It was bright and so beautiful! I quickly took a picture, yes while I was driving, but take comfort--I obviously wasn't trying to frame the picture--I was just trying to capture the moment. As I took my exit, I contemplated how I almost had just bypassed seeing such a beautiful reminder from Heavenly Father. How symbolic of my day to day run around... not stopping to "smell the roses" or to see the Rainbows God places on my hurried path.

Life is constantly in motion. Constantly changing. Deadlines, reports, people to love, service to render, scriptures to read and then strive to apply, very often the only moments of "pause" are the ones created by being in the temple, on our knees, and the allotment of time we allow ourselves for personal study/pondering/meditation. At least for me, without the moments, to do as the scriptures suggest, "Be still and know that [He] is God" -- life is like me driving in my car, zooming off to do the next thing on my list, and utterly oblivious to the rainbow He placed for me to enjoy even in the hurried rush of the moment. If I had not turned my head to "enjoy" the journey, I would have still arrived at my destination, but without the significance/gift/notice of the beauty that was apart of my journey. It took no added time, did not delay my pace (other than I wanted to slow a bit, to enjoy it longer), it simply added to--not take away. How many times is God trying to give me an add on and I am simply in too much of a hurry to notice/recognize His hand?

I have moved over to the family ward. Felt strongly to do so. It was not the easiest impression to want to follow. The 2nd Sunday I had to keep reminding myself, "Bryndi, you received revelation to be here, you received revelation...". I didn't have to remind myself because of the family ward not being great, because it is so great, but on one's mission, you NEVER really want to be transferred out of an amazing area, and I had an amazing single's ward.

This Thursday was a Relief Society night on the Atonement of Jesus Christ which was going to be taught by the Bishop. When I heard about the event, I could not contain my excitement. I started praying for the Bishop and those who would be involved and those of us who would go and listen.

The evening was just one short hour... but the truths shared were eternal and deeply moving. The Bishop shared his tender thoughts on ministering angels (heavenly ones) and the power of the atonement. He helped share some ideas that brought the atonement even more close to home.

He said he was in WY and was trying to get the foundation poured for his house. One thing happened and the next and he was in an awful hurry. He said that the next day his neighbor would be irrigating and his ground would be flooded causing him to have to wait a month for everything to dry out enough to pour his foundation.

Storm clouds were coming in and the Bishop thought he would take this opportunity to pray with his son. They went out behind their truck and said a prayer. He said he started pleading with the Lord that he needed the rains to not come, how his foundation had to be poured and he was running out of time. The Bishop then said that in the middle of his prayer he recognized all his prayer was focused on him. He then had the impression on his mind, of all the ranchers on their individual knees, who have been pleading for rain. Rain to water their crops, so they could feed their live stock--their lively hood. The Bishop said that through the power of the atonement, his mind was opened to the selfishness of his prayer and the pleadings of others--and after a pause, his prayer changed. And he acknowledged to the Lord about the ranchers needs. He prayed for forgiveness for him only thinking of himself and he ended his prayer with "They will be done." God knew the ranchers prayers and needs and He also knew his own....some that desperately needed rain and his own that desperately needed no rain. The bishop said a sweet peace filled his mind and soul. He finished praying and felt assured all was well. He and his son went back to work. A buddy came back and helped him the rest of the night.

The next day--the bishop realized in gratitude, that he had gotten what he needed to get done with his foundation, with no rain--yet the whole valley had been flooded in rain. In sharing this with the Stake President, he was teased lovingly that He, the bishop, could control the weather... no, the president and the bishop both know who's power and hand stayed the rain on his property/grounds, but the Bishop said it was the power of the atonement--to change his self serving mind set to greater views and deeper depths.

The Bishop shared another time, that his good friend had made some awful mistakes, and chose to leave his beautiful family for another woman. The Bishop said that he loved his friend, who had made poor choices, and he loved the wife, whom his friend had shattered. He said how do you love both fairly, the one hurting, and the one who caused the hurt? How do you stay in the middle? ... and how do you love the friend's new wife, who was part instigater of a beautiful family being torn apart?

The Bishop and his wife, went to go visit his friend, who was married to the new woman now. How do you love, how do you accept? When the Bishop and his wife left, his wife shared that she didn't want to tell him, but she had the strongest impression to go and give the woman (the new wife of the friend) a hug... and so she did.... :)

How does one have power to do this? How does one love uncondionly when conditions weigh heavily on the mortal mind? How does one forgive and allow forgiveness to be felt/seen?

The answer is--the atonement of Jesus Christ.

For any ugliness, judgment, selfishness, bitterness--whatever cankers the soul, the atonement of Jesus Christ is for all of it, and all of it is why there was and is a need for the atonement, the need for Christ.

My notes from the Bishop's inspired talk:

• Struggles brings one to their knees
• The greatest gift of the Savior is His living, not His death
• God allows us to struggle- WHY? Because He knows the atonement, and knows the atonement cannot fail... and because He knows it will not/cannot fail, He is willing to let things play out. (Profound insight for when I am a parent or even when I am working with someone I love. If I truly have faith in the atonement, I will allow things to play out/work out in allowing someone to struggle when it is needed.)
• Ether 12:4 "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."--We can be at the right hand of God NOW. We can have a sure hope, now, a hope for a better world now, we need not wait for eternity to have a better world. (I loved this insight!)
• There are two options (basically) in life. Pain or Peace. Christ asks us to hand over our pain, so He can give us peace, but sometimes we don't want to give the pain away because we fear there will be no peace. BUT we need to give the pain--so we can have the peace. (!)
• Matt 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" The atonement is the agent that helps us LOVE our enemies, Bless instead of curse, do good to those that hate us, and pray for despitefully using and persecuting souls. 
• THE ATONEMENT is the key to pure love.
• The Atonement is key to overcoming feelings.

My Relief Society President also shared some words too. The evening was amazing. Deep truths that stirred new ideas and stronger faith within me. I felt sad for any who where not able to attend. As I left the building, I noticed it had rained... and of course, I looked up--and a FULL rainbow stretched before me. I chuckled to myself and wanted to wink upwards and thought, "You are so good God. Thanks for the the confirmation of your 'smile' on the evening. I agree too!"

Choice evening.

Goals: the question was posed in class this week for each student to share one of their goals. You would think this is a simple thing, but I did not want nor know what I should share. I started to panic if I even had goals. I thought about sharing how I want someday to have an article in the Ensign--but I feared people's thoughts thinking I was some accomplished writer. I thought about sharing about how I would love to be a speaker of truths to large audiences, but what if they thought that was pompous of me to say. I didn't want to be personal or have any comments when I say I am working at trying to lose 50 more pounds, want someday to publish a book for sale, create moving photography/inspirational pieces, ride a bike well enough that I can have a fun ride with Kaiden, jog for long periods of time, achieve true charity, become a disciple in moderation, have healthy desires, have deep thoughts with and while in the temple, become financially stable to provide the means for younger missions, live for Him instead of for me... I don't talk about this openly, ever.

So what did I say, "I have the goal of being a killer wife and an amazing mom." There was a good chuckle that went around the room. After all this was that preparing for eternal marriage class. The teacher moved on, for which I was thankful, but then I started wondering if even sharing that real goal, was too showy and flashy. I don't want attention. I am painfully (at times) private and don't share what is deeply in my heart and soul often because I feel like I am slightly not normal or is it that I am worried I am not viewed as normal. Or is it that everyone feels the way I do, and we just all don't share it? !! Is everyone else afraid of what others might think? I sure wish I wasn't--add that to another goal!

Even the other day I was asked by a seeking prospect of a date, what it is that I like to do. Can one really say, "I love to read and study and to clean my house" ?!! For if you say that, then the fear comes of, "Read what? Study what?"... Can one really just answer, "Just stuff"? Because I don't necessarily want to say that I love reading anything pertaining to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I love studying concepts and ideas in depth. I LOVE to clean my house and to be alone. So an introvert at times--but I also love to be on the Lord's errand and see His hand in the lives of those around me.

Sigh--GOAL: Let the light shine that He has given me to hold up. I love God so much. My fear of men, tends to be my chosen reason as to why I am not more open. Why I am I so scared of the label of being "churchy"? Or letting others know, when they ask, the truths about how much I do love the gospel? I am sure some reading this who really know me think, "Bryn, you talk about gospel all the time." IF I feel you love God too, I won't hold back the excitement I sometimes/usually try to mellow with the walking Joe, whom I don't know. But if I know you take excitement in areas I do too... wonderful! It comes always back to this. The Bishop's council in giving over the pain so you can have His peace, applies to giving over the fear, so you can shine the light. Not your own light, for we are all just a reflector/mirror of the "Sun". ...

That was incredibly personal... alright, moving on!

I had the strongest impression to pray for someone in the political arena. I believe the impression came Monday. It was random and out of the blue, and I know better then to not follow, so when I knelt, I prayed for this individual and left it at that. Wed I had family prayer with my folks and mentioned my random impression. My dad said he had had the impression to do the same thing. As the week unfolded and I became aware of the week it was... I smiled at the impression that was allotted. God is good. Kind!

Forgive this more personal, somewhat random post--looks like it was way more of a journal entry meant for me to realize some things God would have me know. If you made it through reading the whole thing, award yourself a GOLD STAR and plant it promptly on your forehead just for me! ;)

Sometimes I try to be someone other than or rather hide the one that I truly am. But be it known, I am God's! And I want, and like, being for Him.

I am grateful for line upon line.

Eternal Perspective

   Last night Institute started up again and the class of choice is/was Preparing for an Eternal Marriage. The subject alone makes one feel slightly desperate, ;) ha ha, however, I felt impressed to take that class over the other ones offered. I had a few choice thoughts--one on gift giving. My teacher, Brother Stokes, opened the conversation about Santa and what is the eternal perspective of believing in "Christmas". The whole evening was on this Eternal Perspective, and how by having such a perspective... "If we live in such a way that the considerations of eternity press upon us, we will make better decisions."--Spencer W. Kimball
   Bro. Stokes shared about how gift giving (for little children, Christmas is somewhat around gift getting) but the idea of serving others/showing love through an act and gift. He talked about how we could choose to have Christmas every day by serving others with gifts of kindness, love, thoughtfulness. He then shared that he has boxes full of shoe polish, and sewing kits, and 100 other little things from the dollar store from his grandchildren who went shopping with the intent of getting their grandpa a gift. He laughed because in a life time he could never consume all the "same old" items that he constantly is getting, but each item is precious to him BECAUSE of the intent and gesture of the gift. The whole conversation reminded me of Eying's talk, Gifts of Love. Click here. 
   How I choose to receive a gift is as important as how I choose to give one. How many times are we given things that instead of thanking, our first comments are, that won't fit, I already have one, or the look of why did you get me this. And yes we may have to return it or add it to the collection of the near 100--but like a child in a dollar store searching for "grandpa's perfect gift", at least for me, I put quite a bit of stress/thought into the gifts I give. At times I have even prayed to be guided to the "perfect gift".
   I know it is not Christmas, but I was touched by the reminder that I want to be more like the Savior in receiving the "love" offered by others when they give a gift. Whether physical or a gift of time, patience, kindness, etc.
   My other aw-ha from last night is found in Mosiah chapter 26 in The Book of Mormon. The first verses talk over and over about unbelief. Not believing in the traditions of your fathers, in the resurrection of the dead, or the coming of Jesus Christ...

"And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened."

A KEY to understanding the scriptures [the word of God] or any source that speaks the word of God, IS belief! Unbelief=cannot understand the Word. Well that is a simple insight/beautiful truth to apply to my personal study!
    I do not plan on daily blogging, however, these things impressed me.

I am grateful for compassionate, kind, loving people.

Start Today!

Do you recall the 3 part challenge?

 Click Here

1.) Read all the conference talks from April 2012 General Conference.

2.) Every day after those talks, read a General Conference talk of any year/your choosing.

3.) 38 days before Oct's Conference, RE-READ April 2012 talks again. Click Here for the online version.

I have finished 1 and 2... and I can testify it was very edifying. Now today starts challenge 3! Even if you didn't do challenge 1 and/or 2, you are welcome to join me in part 3! A General Conference a day may not keep the Doctors away--but it surely keeps the angels closer! 

Happy Starting Challenge Day!

I am grateful for non-mosquito evenings.

NOTHING WAS GETTING THROUGH

It is a little embarrassing to say, but I have been a victim to my own stupidity! Yes, this can be the story of my life more often then I would like.

Here is a list of my electricity bill over the last past months.

Feb: 85
March: 80
April: 85
May: 91
June: 101
July: 175

I had visitors for a while so I expected/anticipated the climb in the bills. Not so much my July bill, (yes I about croaked when I saw it) but some little facts that make this info harder to swallow. Beside having family stay with me here and there, I live for the most part relatively alone. With work and other things, I live in my place to sleep, eat, and occasionally clean. ;) My AC is really never set for anything lower then 77-78 when I am at home. (Don't worry, if I expect company I crank the puppy down.) However, for the last month or so, my unit has read that the house was at 80 or 82-sometimes clear up to 89. The AC showed that it was on, I could hear it working, but there was nothing cool about the interior of my house! The July bill is misleading, because you would think with that payment I was living in the bliss land of what my sister would say is 64 degrees.

Yes.. you could say time to service the unit. This is where my own stupidity comes into play. I have not had the AC serviced since I lived here.... um that is going on past seven years! As long as the cold air was coming out, I was fine. Right?! Oh I am a smart one :D! For the last few weeks I have felt I needed to check out my filters. I didn't want to be bothered... surely a simple impression should be followed without all the additional red flags! (Well you would think anyway... I choose to not obey the smallest of impressions at times--don't ask me why for the only answer is I don't make the time, or brush thoughts off as not being significant.)

My dad came and helped me take out the three filters for my AC unit. I wish I had taken a picture--and perhaps it is better that I did not. My thin metal filter was CAKED! And when I mean caked, I mean CAKED! So much that when I first sprayed water on it... the water had no cracks to penetrate through, thus all the water bounced off the caked filler and splashed black debris all over me! (Thank goodness for bleach!) Who could have thought particles of dust could make such an impenetrable wall.

I soaked, rinsed, sprayed, and soaked again. My sink and tubs have black rings, which I have yet to take care of, of gross goop to prove the process. After much effort, a sink that overflowed spilling dirty water all over my floor, three towels later, scorching water, and lots of physical agitating over a period of 30 mins, I finally had all three filters cleaned off and set for drying.  Seriously, lets hope the professionals have a better system than the one I created! ;)

A few days went by and I finally assembled my filters back into my AC unit. And, then for the first time, I spent a good 20 mins setting/messing with my controls to make my AC do what I wanted it to do. Yes, I have always been the gal that when she wakes, leaves for work, comes home, and later crawls into bed adjusts her AC unit. Not by lots of degrees, but rather I have never spent the time figuring out how to make my unit fully automated at the temperatures I would like to wake, live, and sleep in. I know, I know, I am a smart wonder! :)

I now report after a few days of a unit cleaned and a properly set device--MY LIVING ENVIRONMENT HAS IMPROVED! Probably just how the engineer envisioned the wonder of such a convenience could/would be.

Have I learned my/some lessons?! You bet I have! I now have a testimony of:

• Filters--CLEAN ones. The next time I think the tire store is trying to just get more money out of me by suggesting my filter needs to be replaced, I will now probably say yes for replacement every time I am asked.
• Cooking aprons would be a BIG PLUS to wear when spraying off full filters.
• Taking the time to program something that is meant for programing... a MUST. 
• Following through with simple impressions really does bless your life. **I already knew this testimony, however amazingly how I sometimes fight God on following through on simple, seemingly insignificant impressions. He has ways to bless my life, great and small if I will but obey. Remember the Dryer?! (Click here).

My life is so much like the filter and the ac unit. What am I allowing to pass through my filter. A filter is meant to catch "dust"particles and to allow good wholesome things pass through and make my air "life" all the better. Whatever I am allowing to come to my filter and stick, without proper use of the atonement timely/daily cleaning, can over time, cause a wall of caked up gunk that will not allow anything good, namely the spirit/light/Christ "air" to penetrate, let alone get through. And if those things are not getting through, then my life isn't filled with the sweetness of what God would have my life consistently filled with. Interestingly, even with a "caked" life, the very thing to uncake it is the same thing that I want going through it. **What a win, win.

God, the master programmer and engineer of life, has given me programs of scripture, prayer, study, church, sacrament, fasting, tithing... that when properly set in order and applied, will help my unit of mortal life--run smoothly! With such things my life can be on "auto" run--constantly out-putting blessings to fill the spaces of all aspects of my being.

Who would have thought... all this from a plugged filter! :)

All things testify there is a God!

I am grateful for clean, working, programmed correctly AC units!  

WANT TO BE FOUND

...as a lover of LIFE!

 I am grateful for journaling.

HIGHER SPIRES

"I have spoken over the years with many individuals who have told me, “I have so many problems, such real concerns. I’m overwhelmed with the challenges of life. What can I do?” I have offered to them, and I now offer to you, this specific suggestion: seek heavenly guidance one day at a time. Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch. Each of us can be true for just one day—and then one more and then one more after that—until we’ve lived a lifetime guided by the Spirit, a lifetime close to the Lord, a lifetime of good deeds and righteousness."  --President Thomas S. Monson

Pie was married and sealed for time and all eternity last weekend. This was one of my favorite shots from the blissful occasion. Stairs, lined with rough stones, onward and upward the tower of greatness calls out.  Inside the temple walls, there is hope, peace, and pure love. It is not too far from anyone's grasp. Whether the journey is a new one, or one that we find ourselves needing to continue or even re-learn how to walk... "Each of us can be true for just one day..." (And I might add, true just a minute at a time, when a day or even an hour seems too daunting.)

Are there many challenges in life? Oh yes! At least for me. Some times I wait to put on my war-paint until after my morning prayers because I know that the tears are just going to come down bringing a blanket of cosmetic wonder. But God did not send me here to fail. But rather to progress in my faith, trust, and commitment to/in His plans, His ways, His will and His timings.

"When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us and threaten our peace to destroy, there is hope smiling brightly before us, and we know that deliverance is nigh. ... sing of his goodness and mercy...praise him by day and by night, rejoice in his glorious gospel, and bask in its life-giving light. Thus on to eternal perfection the honest and faithful will go, [any] who reject[s] this glad message shall never such happiness know." --Hymn 19

 When I keep the Savior with me, the temple before me, and my covenants about me--there IS hope smiling brightly before me!

Taking life, by the inch.

I am grateful for friends who attend church.

It's True

Finished reading The Book of Mormon today. I came to Moroni's promise at the end of the book. I already know that the book is from God and is another testimony that Jesus is the Christ. ... so Moroni's challenge:

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

I did yet again. I have taken the challenge every time I have read the book, which is many, and every time--I know that it is true! Life changing, empowering, divine guidence, peace in a storm, POWER, hope... are just a few words of how The Book of Mormon makes me feel/does for my life.

So tomorrow, will I open it's pages again? Yes, forever yes. I will re-read, study, ponder, pray over that book every day for the rest of my life. I would not miss a day! I dare not miss a day. I don't want to miss a day. God answers prayers.

I am grateful for a 14 year old who had courage to ask.

"Ed, my son, ..."

I have to say "YEA" for those choice moments of being in the right place at the right time.

I was privilege to attend a fireside a week ago with my folks. I admit, as I walked into the room, I felt a bit out of place---as there were very VERY few people with any color left in their heads of hair. This is not a bad thing! My own folks will tell you they have earned every grey hair they have. (I know, I am one of their six, and I can tell you I helped them earn them!) But with the chapel pretty full, I felt a bit out of place to be among the handful under 55/60+.

Amazing how our thoughts can change. No more than 10 mins into the meeting, I started contemplating all the wonderful truths I was hearing and how I wished all my friends could be with me in the meeting to hear what I was hearing and to feel what I was feeling. :) 

President Ed Pinegar and his lovely wife were the speakers at this fireside. He was just released as the Manti Temple President. And back in 1994, Sister Pinegar was the General Primary President.

There were so many choice insights from the evening, but I will just share few. Pres. Pinegar shared his thoughts on Charity. He made the comment that of the 13 traits listed in Morni 7:45-- seven of them had to deal with patience. He did not share which ones they were, but commented on the underline truth, that one who posses charity also has patience.

He then touched on the idea of having eyes to see and having ears to hear. He shared a sacred moment in the temple. He sat in the Celestial Room and the primary song of a "Child's Prayer" came to his mind. He thought for himself, "Heavenly Father, are you really there?" The answer came as he heard the words in his mind, "Ed, my son, I am always here." Pres. Pinegar then testified that he did not see, nor did he need to see... as he shared this sacred experience, the room was filled with the sweetest spirit.

I know that God, our Father lives. I know He answers prayers. Pres. Pinegar shared that all the knowledge of learning about Heavenly Father over his whole mortal life-- doesn't even equal a 10% of what he has learned and come to know of Him in the last four years. (!) I don't know how old he is, but he is older for sure. What a beauitful insight. His comments about our Heavenly Father were tender, and beautiful and I left the meeting with desires to strengthen my relationship and understanding of God, the Father.

Why did God allow me to enjoy such an evening? Good question. But I am not complaining!

I am grateful for Sunday moments to exercise agency of

where and what I spend my time and energy on.