I know, I know, this never comes from me. ;) Confession--I have a hard time watching movies mainly for the fact that when the Lord's name is taken in vain, I cringe.
Now please what I am about to share with you, is not a rule nor do I think you should change because you think I would look down on someone who is not of the same opinion--what ever you do is your own business.
I don't really consider watching pg-13 movies. Again, this is for me. Tonight I was taught a great lesson. Mom went out to get "invictus". I told her I wasn't interested in watching a pg-13 show, but that she was welcome to watch it. When she left I pondered over my time with her and figured it would be best to know if God had an opinion over my already made up mind of not watching the movie... When I prayed about it being a pg-13 I felt, "it's the principle" so when mom got back with the movie, I think she was a bit surprised as was myself that I was going to watch this movie. I am so glad I did. It was beautiful with deep gospel truths and insights to forgiveness and making a fresh start. Powerful movie! Because it is based on a true story, I researched a bit on Nelson Mandela - what a man.
So, I never do this, but I would recommend watching Invictus! I think it has been out for a while, so this is probably nothing new, but I was given an insight to movies... it's the principle. :) Enjoy! I sure did! Thanks mom!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
MY FATHERS
Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers, and would be Fathers out there! I love my Dad! His road has been quite a road so far. I want to be sensitive to those who don't have someone they can call their father. The more I talk with different people, the more I cleave to my own parents, who they are and their values. I really believe that deep down people are good. In my life there is more room to forgive, to be slower with judgment. It is amazing what the power of just believing in someone does. When we choose to see someone's potential, rather then the lack of them not using their potential in the moment--powerful things can happen. Lives can be transformed.
To those of you who's earthly Father is less then what you hope him to be, today and everyday you/we can cleave to a loving Heavenly Father who gave us His perfect son--because He, our Father, loved us so much. And our elder brother Jesus Christ loved us so much that he was willing to come to the earth and suffer in the flesh so he would know how to succor us and our needs, in our time of need.
I know that God, our Father in heaven lives. That He loves us. I know that we know Him personally--but the veil and mortality causes us to go through this life with faith. To anyone who doesn't have a righteous example of a father, or even if you do, we can always and we need to turn to our Father in heaven. Kneel down and ask Him what He thinks of you. What His plans are for you. And then wait for the answer. I already shared what my answer was from a week ago... "daughter of God". Our Father in heaven has a plan for us to have joy in this journey--earth life. And He has a plan through his merciful son, Jesus Christ, for us to be able to repent and become more like they are. They gave us the Holy Ghost to help purify our souls and to comfort us--to testify to our souls that Jesus is the Christ and that God our Heavenly Father lives. ,
I know that they live. And regardless of the type of father you had/didn't have growing up--we all have a perfect Father in heaven...who IS merciful and kind. And loves us more than we can comprehend. So Happy Father's Day! If you don't have a father to cleave to and even if you do--cleave to your Heavenly Father! PRAY--He is there, He is listening and IS ready to bless you.
**To my own Dad--I love you. From teaching me how to swim, to how to work hard, how to host and cook, how to involve others, how to trust God, how to make time to just "be", how to truly find/have peace and joy through difficult times, how to forget yourself, how to put things of a higher into a closer constant focal point...
Thank you to you and mom for having the courage to have a family. And to not give up after #4! :) Nyk and I sure am glad you chose to have #5 and #6! ;)
I love you Dad. Always and forever!--your Bryndi
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
WHAT IF JESUS SAT IN THE FRONT ROW
There is much to write about, but I will try to keep it brief -- ! :)
We had a RS retreat up at my folks place and in the morning we went out and had a devotional upon the rocks.
It was amazing, and I will share why the title of this blog is what it is in a moment.
The presidency gave us little journals and asked us to go take some time to ponder and pray -- and to ask God what our worth is/what he thinks of us.
I walked off some distance, wanting to be more alone so I could pray out loud. I know there is no rule on praying out loud, but for whatever reason it sure helps me focus. I did what was asked and the words that I felt were "Daughter of God". I thought that was interesting. I already know I am a daughter of God---I wrote down the following in my journal that morning,
The wind was blowing, the awesome big black ants were crawling (yes on me) and I could hear the birds chirping. I climbed off my rock and headed back to the cabin. I still was pondering over "daughter of God". What did God want me to know about that?
As I walked through the sage brush, I noticed two white flowers. Beautiful in contrast to the dusty brush and dry clay ground. There were several hundred little blue flowers and splashes of little yellow flowers, but these two nickle size white flowers were the only ones of their kind. I have roamed that mountain hill for years now, and they were new. I felt that God was telling me that "being" a daughter of God was like those two flowers. I picked one (I know, gasp all you who love the environment--I love it too, but I had to pick one! :) Too symbolic not to.)
I drove home from an inspired activity, still with the thought of "daughter of God" heavy on my heart and head. As Kristi and I drove past a group of weeds I commented to her how the pioneers brought the "flower" as a decorative plant/and for bottling (I know this from a walk with dad... and yes he made me eat a weed to see how it tasted to the pioneers-thanks dad! ha ha) and now what they brought for beauty is one of the most overgrown/over takes anything in its path weed. I mentioned to Kristi that I need to be careful of the habits I am sowing right now that I think are good and worthy--but really for future generations to come are noxious weeds. Kristi in the middle of our conversation blurted out, "Bryndi, I just love that everything you look at ties to some principle." She said it in sincerity, but she could have never known that I had been struggling with some insecurities about that very trait. ANd here Kristi was thanking my brain for thinking that way. -- Needless to say her complement was a tender mercy from God.
Well later, maybe it was that day/week it is funny how I can't recall how it happened, but I heard the words from Julie B. Becks conference talk,
It is one thing to have the title of "daughter of God" because we all are that--we are literally His spirit children entrusted to mortal parents. But the status of "being" a daughter of God-- so so much more. On the rocks, God was wanting me to know and whispering what I could be.
A just studied about the difference between a son of man and a son of God. What is the difference? Moroni 7:47-48 There are so many good things in the whole chapter, but those last few verses are intense. I want to be (current condition)a daughter of God.
Sister Murray shared this incredible experience with visiting teaching at the Relief Society retreat.
She said that she was to visit teach a particular sister that would not let she or her companion come into the house because the sister didn't want them to know that she had smoking issues. Sister Murray and her companion would visit this sweet sister on the porch or take her out for french fries. I am not sure what the sister's name is, but for the sake of this post, I will call her Ann.
Ann, was a musician--singer and writer of her own music. Sister Murray and her companion decided one night that they would go to this place where Ann would be preforming a few of her numbers. (It was an event where lots of different composers could share their compositions.)
Sister Murray sat on the front row. And through the night Ann would come out and sit with them. A few different times, Sister Murray could smell the alcohol on her Ann's breath. When Ann came out, she sang her composition. It was on Hell and Vampires.
The next time Sister Murray and her companion went over to visit Ann, Ann told them that she had written the two of them a song. She said that she had been so touched by them coming to see her preform. She then sang for them her song, "What if Jesus sat in the front row". Sister Murray and her companion where completely over come that Ann would compare them with Christ. But Ann said that she was so touched that they would come--and there she was singing about hell and vampires. She said from that day forward she would never write another dark song. And she completely changed her life style--to a more pure and holy one.
What if Jesus sat in the front row... I can't wait to hear the song! I cried when I heard the story and shared it later that morning with Dad. His eyes were wet too.
Will I "sit" for Jesus? Will I go where he would have me go. Will I be a daughter of God--pleading and cleaving to charity? Let Charity govern my thoughts and actions in private (my mind, my heart) and in public? Something to strive for, for sure.
Well, to finish this post, I need to share just bullets of the last few days.
*Sam got back! Even though he was exhausted he could have not been any greater!! We went shooting (with the camera :)) at a little water front near his sister's house. We shot for over an hour! Okay, honestly, who can not love UTAH!!! Look at God's handy work!
Thanks for the shoot Sam!
Now for all of those who know nature=camera freak for me, don't be thinking "poor Sam, had to get drug into one of Bryndi's picture sprees..!" As you can tell...
Sam was quite enjoying himself too! :)
*I received a call from Davey during work yesterday--it went something like this,
Bryndi: Hi Davey, you okay? I usually don't answer my phone at work but thought to.
Davey: I was hoping you would. Question, would you mind giving a talk at my baptism?
Bryndi: (Silent scream) Yes, sure, what on?
Davey: Baptism
Bryndi: Davey what are you doing?
Davey: I am at work, it is slow and I am kind of bored. I am just putting together my program.
I ended the conversation and had a good cry on my knees in gratitude. Davey is a son of God. He has changed his whole life around, and you can't but help feel his love for God. I had to thank God for letting me be around such choice people. Davey's desire to do the right thing, caused me to look at my own life and analyze the areas that I have awesome flaws in. I want to be better because of how Davey is.
*Text from David in which he shared with me some scriptures that God had led him to read. I am still not sure what brought him to read those scriptures, but seeing God support David in his deep time of need, was overwhelming, it was beautiful. God is good!
*Set up a temple trip this morning with some friends. I missed the session and my friends, but found myself being assisted by my mom before going into the celestial room. That was tender. (Just as sacred as the time I got to preform part of the inititory ordiance with Nyk.) Then seeing an old bishop at the front desk as I was leaving and to top it off, Kayla Rainy (back when I taught yw's in the deaf ward) was waiting to get names to go do baptisms with all my old girls in Manti. I have not seen Kayla in almost a year. And to see her, IN THE TEMPLE, could there not be a sweeter gift than this?!
*Then an inspired scripture sent via email
"2 Ne 3:19, "And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know their faith." Bryndi, God knows us perfectly, and I love this scripture because it is a testimony that he has sent us at this time because he knows our faith, even before we were sent to the earth. I learned from this scripture that this is a way heavenly Father knows the future, because he knows us perfectly so he knows our faith to do works."
God knows who I am and what I need.
I want to BE His daughter. I want to be sitting in someone's front row when the need arises.
Moroni 7:48 -- I want to "...be like him".
To quote Sam, "Wonderful Day!"
We had a RS retreat up at my folks place and in the morning we went out and had a devotional upon the rocks.
It was amazing, and I will share why the title of this blog is what it is in a moment.
The presidency gave us little journals and asked us to go take some time to ponder and pray -- and to ask God what our worth is/what he thinks of us.
I walked off some distance, wanting to be more alone so I could pray out loud. I know there is no rule on praying out loud, but for whatever reason it sure helps me focus. I did what was asked and the words that I felt were "Daughter of God". I thought that was interesting. I already know I am a daughter of God---I wrote down the following in my journal that morning,
"I can become like Him and who He is--is in me. I am made up of Him. I am His daughter."Forgive me for being a little more personal with this post. This is not what I had planned to do with my evening.
The wind was blowing, the awesome big black ants were crawling (yes on me) and I could hear the birds chirping. I climbed off my rock and headed back to the cabin. I still was pondering over "daughter of God". What did God want me to know about that?
As I walked through the sage brush, I noticed two white flowers. Beautiful in contrast to the dusty brush and dry clay ground. There were several hundred little blue flowers and splashes of little yellow flowers, but these two nickle size white flowers were the only ones of their kind. I have roamed that mountain hill for years now, and they were new. I felt that God was telling me that "being" a daughter of God was like those two flowers. I picked one (I know, gasp all you who love the environment--I love it too, but I had to pick one! :) Too symbolic not to.)
I drove home from an inspired activity, still with the thought of "daughter of God" heavy on my heart and head. As Kristi and I drove past a group of weeds I commented to her how the pioneers brought the "flower" as a decorative plant/and for bottling (I know this from a walk with dad... and yes he made me eat a weed to see how it tasted to the pioneers-thanks dad! ha ha) and now what they brought for beauty is one of the most overgrown/over takes anything in its path weed. I mentioned to Kristi that I need to be careful of the habits I am sowing right now that I think are good and worthy--but really for future generations to come are noxious weeds. Kristi in the middle of our conversation blurted out, "Bryndi, I just love that everything you look at ties to some principle." She said it in sincerity, but she could have never known that I had been struggling with some insecurities about that very trait. ANd here Kristi was thanking my brain for thinking that way. -- Needless to say her complement was a tender mercy from God.
Well later, maybe it was that day/week it is funny how I can't recall how it happened, but I heard the words from Julie B. Becks conference talk,
"There has grown in me an overwhelming testimony of the value of daughters of God. So much depends on them."God was talking to me!
It is one thing to have the title of "daughter of God" because we all are that--we are literally His spirit children entrusted to mortal parents. But the status of "being" a daughter of God-- so so much more. On the rocks, God was wanting me to know and whispering what I could be.
A just studied about the difference between a son of man and a son of God. What is the difference? Moroni 7:47-48 There are so many good things in the whole chapter, but those last few verses are intense. I want to be (current condition)a daughter of God.
Sister Murray shared this incredible experience with visiting teaching at the Relief Society retreat.
She said that she was to visit teach a particular sister that would not let she or her companion come into the house because the sister didn't want them to know that she had smoking issues. Sister Murray and her companion would visit this sweet sister on the porch or take her out for french fries. I am not sure what the sister's name is, but for the sake of this post, I will call her Ann.
Ann, was a musician--singer and writer of her own music. Sister Murray and her companion decided one night that they would go to this place where Ann would be preforming a few of her numbers. (It was an event where lots of different composers could share their compositions.)
Sister Murray sat on the front row. And through the night Ann would come out and sit with them. A few different times, Sister Murray could smell the alcohol on her Ann's breath. When Ann came out, she sang her composition. It was on Hell and Vampires.
The next time Sister Murray and her companion went over to visit Ann, Ann told them that she had written the two of them a song. She said that she had been so touched by them coming to see her preform. She then sang for them her song, "What if Jesus sat in the front row". Sister Murray and her companion where completely over come that Ann would compare them with Christ. But Ann said that she was so touched that they would come--and there she was singing about hell and vampires. She said from that day forward she would never write another dark song. And she completely changed her life style--to a more pure and holy one.
What if Jesus sat in the front row... I can't wait to hear the song! I cried when I heard the story and shared it later that morning with Dad. His eyes were wet too.
Will I "sit" for Jesus? Will I go where he would have me go. Will I be a daughter of God--pleading and cleaving to charity? Let Charity govern my thoughts and actions in private (my mind, my heart) and in public? Something to strive for, for sure.
Well, to finish this post, I need to share just bullets of the last few days.
*Sam got back! Even though he was exhausted he could have not been any greater!! We went shooting (with the camera :)) at a little water front near his sister's house. We shot for over an hour! Okay, honestly, who can not love UTAH!!! Look at God's handy work!
Thanks for the shoot Sam!
Now for all of those who know nature=camera freak for me, don't be thinking "poor Sam, had to get drug into one of Bryndi's picture sprees..!" As you can tell...
Sam was quite enjoying himself too! :)
*I received a call from Davey during work yesterday--it went something like this,
Bryndi: Hi Davey, you okay? I usually don't answer my phone at work but thought to.
Davey: I was hoping you would. Question, would you mind giving a talk at my baptism?
Bryndi: (Silent scream) Yes, sure, what on?
Davey: Baptism
Bryndi: Davey what are you doing?
Davey: I am at work, it is slow and I am kind of bored. I am just putting together my program.
I ended the conversation and had a good cry on my knees in gratitude. Davey is a son of God. He has changed his whole life around, and you can't but help feel his love for God. I had to thank God for letting me be around such choice people. Davey's desire to do the right thing, caused me to look at my own life and analyze the areas that I have awesome flaws in. I want to be better because of how Davey is.
*Text from David in which he shared with me some scriptures that God had led him to read. I am still not sure what brought him to read those scriptures, but seeing God support David in his deep time of need, was overwhelming, it was beautiful. God is good!
*Set up a temple trip this morning with some friends. I missed the session and my friends, but found myself being assisted by my mom before going into the celestial room. That was tender. (Just as sacred as the time I got to preform part of the inititory ordiance with Nyk.) Then seeing an old bishop at the front desk as I was leaving and to top it off, Kayla Rainy (back when I taught yw's in the deaf ward) was waiting to get names to go do baptisms with all my old girls in Manti. I have not seen Kayla in almost a year. And to see her, IN THE TEMPLE, could there not be a sweeter gift than this?!
*Then an inspired scripture sent via email
"2 Ne 3:19, "And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know their faith." Bryndi, God knows us perfectly, and I love this scripture because it is a testimony that he has sent us at this time because he knows our faith, even before we were sent to the earth. I learned from this scripture that this is a way heavenly Father knows the future, because he knows us perfectly so he knows our faith to do works."
God knows who I am and what I need.
I want to BE His daughter. I want to be sitting in someone's front row when the need arises.
Moroni 7:48 -- I want to "...be like him".
To quote Sam, "Wonderful Day!"
Thursday, June 10, 2010
BE AND ABIDE IN
I had forgotten how cool the word "grace" is! One I found the definition in the bible dictionary--the word and several different scriptures have taken on a whole other level of understanding!
Bible Dictionary - GRACE = divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
So just a few scriptures, (with some emphasis added on my end) I have replaced the word grace with "help/strength". These verses were beautiful to me before, but now the meaning has taken on so much more!
Moroni 10:32-33
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his [help/strength] sufficient for you, that by his [help/strength] ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the [help/strength] of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
And again, if ye by the [help/strength] of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the [help/strength] of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
Ether 12:26-27,36,41
...my [help/strength] is sufficient for the meek...
...my [help/strength] is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me...
...I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles [help/strength], that they might have charity.
...And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the [help/strength] of God...Jesus Christ...and the Holy Ghost,...may be and abide in you forever. Amen.
Takes on a whole new meaning, right?! Love it!!
GRACE!
Friday, June 4, 2010
PEDAL
I had texted a friend asking what his favorite cookies were to which he replied chocolate chip. So I rushed home from work to make the cookies. I decided to make two batches. In the mean time, I managed to burn over cook (even with only 8 mins in the oven) 4 pans of cookies!
Saving grace at my door---! It was Ali and her sweet sister-in-law Shelly. They had just finished a 40 mile bike ride! (I know! What amazing women!) I showed them the burned cookies and told them that the cookies represented how my day went. ;) Pretty much true.
Seeing Ali was sweet! And her sister-in-law said that when I opened the door she though how beautiful I was was. Okay Ali, she is a keeper! ;) I was deeply touched by her comment. And she had no idea of the day it had been.
Finished the cookies and ran out the Door.
Davey was home and we talked about the gospel. On Sunday felt to show Davey Either 12:6. He stayed for all of church and after church we went outside and talked about being baptized. What an amazing kid.
Well, Wed night the missionaries went to his house, and he told them he chose the date is the June 27 at 5 pm to be baptized! Davey then went on to tell me the journey God had taken him on.
Here are some little "happenings" from God to get him to this point. (He is, FYI, on fire!)
Grew up in Utah.
Got bullied (bullies happened to be not members not living standards.)
Sour taste of the church--didn't want anything to do with it.
Into drugs and alcohol
Girlfriend got pregnant, he wanted to be involved in the baby's life.
Girlfriend needed to push him away.
Didn't see his daughter for 3 months
In the mean time--new years resolution, no more drinking or drugs. (He has been clean ever since.)
Thought, "Why go to a Shrink, when I really just need God".
Read the Book of Mormon.
After he finished reading the Book of Mormon gave a copy to his friend to read..
Started going to church.
Met a righteous girl at the same time, that gave a great testimony/support.
Met other BYU students and thought how is that people in this church can be so cool.
Figured the bullies from growing up were NOT good representatives of the LDS faith.
Last Sunday missionaries asked him to set a date.
He told them he would sent a goal to set a goal.
Wed, they came over, and he gave them June 27th.
The missionaries taught him about tithing. His impression with it was that he had spent a whole lot more than 10% on substances that he thought were bringing him happiness... NOW he has 10% that if he gives to god will bring real happiness. The spirit worked in his mind and in his heart to bring such a beautiful conclusion that paying tithing is such a better deal.
--
Seriously, this kid is deep. I am in shock with how much he comprehends and the impressions he has already had. He has completely submitted himself to God's will.
I was able to meet his cool roommates. What choice people too!
Davey made the comment that the lesson on Sunday was on missionary work, and how he, not being a member yet, is already doing missionary work. To which I smiled and agreed with his conclusion.
God can change anyone. The beautiful thing is that He will not force them to be changed, but He will lovingly coach them and guide them along. And if they are open for it, He will make their Journey sweet and filled with real happiness. Lasting happiness.
It is a honor to know Davey! Knowing him makes me want to be better!
God can do anything with us! Anything! We just have to be willing to be like this cool story--
Quoted in a talk given by Erin D. Maughan Aug 4, 2009 "Be Still and Know God"
The Bike RideI do not want to sound sacrileges--Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are my heros! We serve an awesome GODS!!! (Meaning God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.)
At first I saw God as an observer, like my judge, keeping track of things I did wrong. This way, God would know whether I merited heaven or hell when I died. He was always out there, sort of like the President. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn’t really know Him at all.
But later on, when I recognized my higher power better, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, on a tandem bike, and I noticed God was in the back helping me pedal.
I don’t know when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. . . .
When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable. It was always the shortest distance between the points.
But when He took the lead, He knew delightful cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He [said], “Pedal!”
I worried and became anxious, asking, “Where are you taking me?” He just laughed and didn’t answer, and I found myself starting to trust. I soon forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I’d say, “I’m scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed; gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey. Our journey, that is, God’s and mine.
And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away, they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it. But He knew bike secrets, knew how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear places filled with rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.
And I’m learning to [be quiet] and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, my higher power.
And when I’m sure I can’t go on anymore, He just smiles and says, “Pedal . . .” [Author unknown, “The Bike Ride,” A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 More Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit (Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications, 1995), 311–12; emphasis in original]
All things are possible to him that believeth. (Mark 9:23)
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