THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN SATAN'S PLAN...

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to go to a fireside in American Fork. I felt impressed I needed to go... and when I walked in the building I chuckled at the mess up because apparently it was for "grey/silver" haired singles. I was late, and when I sat down, I felt like a baby and somewhat out of place. But the spirit was there and I felt impressed to stay.
   The title of the fireside was "Living as a Christian in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia". Brother and Sister Vera were the speakers and they shared their experience of living there for five years. I only caught the last 30 mins of the fireside, but I was deeply moved.
    Brother and Sister Vera shared their experience with the church. There are many people who want nothing to do with Christianity. Spies, police, neighbors that will turn in neighbors. They had to be very careful about everything they said and did in Saudi Arabia.
   With the church, they did not keep any written records. If they had to write down someone's name/list, it was all done in code and people's names/family names/rolls etc were done with initials only.
   Before he and his wife would go to church they would look outside and try to make sure they were not being followed. Sister Vera's daily conversations with her 2 and I believe 4 year olds was teaching them that although they loved Jesus even if their friends asked them what they did on Sunday, they could never say His name out loud or tell any of their friends about church and what they learned/did. This comment alone seemed crazy! But the more I heard of what they had to do living in a non-freedom of religion area... my thoughts were so full.
   Brother Vera also shared that many of his co-workers were good Muslims who sought to do right things. Accustom to their religion his Muslim friends were to pray five times a day. On a particular outing with a co-worker (I believe it was the noon) prayers came up. His friend told Bro Vera to just drive quickly to work where he could go and partake of the prayer. Normaly everyone is to stop and go to specified areas for prayer.
   As they rounded the corner in their car, the Prayer Police (yes you read that right) made them stop their car and motioned for them to show their identification cards. These are cards that let the police know if one is muslin/citizen or not. Brother Vera showed his card and was "okay" because he was a foreigner. But when his co-worker showed his card and that he was Muslim/thus not praying when he was suppose to-- the police took him right there on the spot and put him in jail for 24 hours. At this point in the story Brother Vera shared how if Satan would have had His way in the pre-exsistance--that would be exactly how his plan would have been. Go to jail if not found doing the exact thing you were commanded to do.
   The more Brother and Sister Vera shared, the more my heart swelled for the country that I live in. For the freedoms sought and fought for--based on religious freedom!!
    When Bro. Vera came back to the states, just after a short while he was in Home Depot and heard a man discussing on his cell phone about, "...we will meet up for Elders Quorum and do church...". Without thinking Brother Vera lunged for the guy's phone and was ready to knock it to the floor while asking the man if he was crazy saying such things out loud. Right before he actually grabbed the phone, he finally remembered that he was in America and it was okay to "speak" openly about religeous things.  Sister Vera's daughter came and quietly pulled her aside and whispered if it would be okay to talk about Jesus with her cousin. Sister Vera then shared that because they were in America now, she could talk openly about Jesus all the time!
   Brother and Sister Vera then testified of the freedoms we so readily take forgranted here... in a country that was fought for on the ground of/for religious freedom! I left the meeting with deep gratitude for this country. And also a little remorse at my own lack of gratitude/what I take for granted so often. Since the fireside I have listened to how many times I have had a religious any type of talk in the open... I was out to lunch with one of my old young woman at Subway and our conversation was quite divine. The spirit rushed about us as we both shared our thoughts about God and what he had done for each of us in the last three years. As we shared I couldn't help but look around the resterant and all the customers coming in and out who might happen to hear our conversation. I thought about how I would see no police shipping me off to jail... what freedoms I take for granted.
    I LOVE the picture of George Washington kneeling down. As a curtisy of mom and dad needing a wall for it to hang on--this picture resides in my bedroom. As I took this shot, I found it profound that in the reflection of the glass--the pool of bethesda with the Savior is shown in the exact place George Washington is kneeling down to! And reflecting on his back is the picture of the 2nd coming.
   Our founding fathers were men of great faith and devotion to the most High God. They fought for the cause that I so easily take for granted... freedom of religion and freedom to live my life the way I feel best. Amen to some of the best blood shed, such a high price given, so I can talk about Jesus Christ, church, the Holy Ghost-- openly. No one takes me to jail when I am not caught saying a prayer when I should have/should be. Oh the merciful plan of our great God! In providing a nation where we have freedom of religion and speech.

The title of liberty:

In memory of our God, 
our religion, 
and freedom, 
and our peace, 
our wives, 
and our children... (Alma 46:12)

 This is America to me! Oh so much to be thankful for. Bless thanksgiving and the reason why we celebrate!

I am grateful for Heavenly Father's Great plan of happiness which allows

 me the opportunity to choose to follow Him and His
perfect plan for me... a plan that included a
Savior, an atonement, repentance, grace,
forgiveness love and redemption.

God bless/ed America! 

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.

Can it really be that simple?!

Last night, to bring the Sabbath to a close, I went to a Fireside put on my a ward in my stake. President and Sister Moss shared a little of their love story and then shared some beauitful truths.  President Moss reminded us all of the story of the Children of Israel. They had hardened their hearts and so God had to straiten them because of iniquity. God sent "fiery flying serpent among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished." (1 Nephi 17:41). President Moss then held up The Book of Mormon and submitted that he believed that it is what has been prepared for us.  And all the labor which we have to do is look [read], BUT BECAUSE OF THE SIMPLENESS OF THE WAY, OR THE EASINESS OF IT, there are many who perish (choose to perish) because they will not read/open the book...!

Can it really be that simple? Fiery Flying Serpents: addictions, depression, sin, iniquity, pride, guilt, doubt, fear, etc--come and bite us in life... So god prepared something that if we "read"/apply--we might be healed?! The Book of Mormon? Can the answer be really that simple?

YES!

100% YES! Don't be fooled into thinking that it has to be something way more growling or hard. Aren't we told that the simpleness of the way or the easiness of it caused that people perished because it was just too simple and too easy. Isn't everything worth striving for should be hard?! The hard part about The Book of Mormon is having faith enough to "test it out" without an already predetermined opinion of what the book is or what it can do for ones life, and for some, maybe just making the time to pick it up daily and studying/reading it sincerely. Perhaps telling oneself, "I tried once before and never felt anything." Or "I have the bible it is enough."

I have a better relationship with my Heavenly Father because of the principles found/applied from The Book of Mormon. I know better who Jesus Christ is, and what He did for me, because of what I have found in The Book of Mormon. And my life HAS BEEN healed many times over, because of God's words found in The Book of Mormon.

Can your life change that easily? Go from an okay life to a life filled with power and daily revelation/communion with God?! YES, IT CAN!! Is it really just as simple as starting to "look" into the pages of that book?! YES IT IS!!  Can God help you start such a habit/see for yourself a change?! Yes HE CAN AND WILL! The right/REAL question is... WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR LIFE TO BE HEALED by trying the simpleness/easiness of the way HE has established, reading The Book of Mormon?!

Well that is a question. ...

The Book of Mormon has brought be closer to Jesus Christ! He is the master Healer! And anyone can just start, TODAY! It is really that simple and that easy! 

HAPPY FAVORITE DAY!

It is true-- Valentine's is one of my most cherished holidays. I love the reminder and the excuse to express love and appreciation for those who have been placed in my path. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

I made this sometime ago!  I remember driving through the back roads of springville after a particular heavy snow storm. It was very cold out, and although the storm had left it's mark, it also left it's beauty...



Every time I read a scripture that talks about doing things in the light of day, because when the darkness comes, no man can preform their labor--I find myself going into a contemplation mode. There are handful of these types of verses:

...for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. (Alma 34:33)

Why is it so important for us to have already made up our mind in the light of day? Because one day we will be tested... and that testing time may be dark, and if we have not set our mind firm, we may waver and give into things we ought not give into because the "darkness/night" of the test has come.  So what will I decided now, to be immoveable in/with?

I may have shared this before, but it bares reapting. I had an institute teacher share an experience once of one of his daughters who went into labor. There were many life threatening complications for she and the baby and for a time, it was not certain that either one would make it. My institute teacher had a huddle out in the hall with his other daughters and his wife. And his father council was this, that no matter what happened that they would still love and honor God and still trust in him. Everyone was in tears and they agreed to remain faithful to God no matter what. This father then went into see his sweet daughter, who at any time was at high risk for loosing not only the unborn baby, but also her own life. Without her father even saying anything, this sweet girl who was in an awesome "hell" of her own, told her dad that she knew that no matter what happened, she would still honor and server God.

I have always been impressed by that story... in the heat of the moment, who will I be? Just because I choose to follow Christ and try to stay postitive, doesn't mean that I can drown the pain of the particular path out with my postitive atttidude, however, I believe GREAT faith comes and can be accessed by continuing in trusting in God and His timing no matter what.  Shani at work kept up a beauitful saying that said something to the effect of faith in God also means faith in His timing.

So in my currant "light" of life moment, I am striving to work on my own vessel. that when the storms come, I can remember and act upon following and trusting in Christ--come what may!

Myrna told me once that while she was in the hospital after some chemo, that she was in an amazing amount of pain. So much pain that she didn't know how she could go on and even have the will to live. The pain was more than she thought she could bare. She pleaded with God to take the pain away. Then she had in interesting impression. She felt that God would not allow the pain to be taken away, however He would help her get through the pain. And she said that the pain still remained and it was awful, but she felt strengthened (not less pain, but strength) while going through the pain.

I know who Jesus Christ is. And Heavenly Father. And although I know it is easier said then actually put into practice, especially in the heat of the moment, I will do as 2 Nephi 25 directs (bolds mine):

…for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not…

…And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul… (vs 28-29)

THE RIGHT WAY-- in all my life, all situations, circumstances, instances, decisions, attitude--THE RIGHT WAY is to believe in Christ and deny him not! Deny him not the opportunity to comfort me, to bring peace to my mind. Allow the time to teach me and help me learn what I need to learn. Deny Him not my agency in allowing the Father's will to be done and not mine.

The right way/answer is always CHRIST!  The application is huge. One can ask, How would Christ handle this. What would he do. What did he do (when rejected, mocked, spit upon, walked lonely/friendless paths). How was His attitude. How was His faith even when he asked to have the bitter cup removed, but it was not! His way, should/needs to be my way.

Jesus is the Christ!!  Deciding in the light, what I will be/hold onto when surrounded by "dark". I will be HIS! I know easier said than done. But like Myrna, I may not have the burden lifted, but HE can/will help me through them.

Oh I LOVE Valentine's Day!! God so LOVES US!! YOU!! ME!!  Keep trusting in Him. All things shall work together for our good! 

God, so loves YOU!

When you feel like you are drowning...

JUST REMEMBER!
...THE Lifeguard walks on water!  

I saw the saying -- When you feel you are drowning, remember, your Lifeguard walks on water--online the other day. Such a clever saying! It was attached with a beautiful picture of Christ's feet walking on top of the water. I decided it just needed a little tweaking. Yes, YOURS and MY Lifeguard walks on water, but ultimately there is only ONE Lifeguard, THE Lifeguard of all our souls. If we allow ourselves to, we can stretch out and reach for His hands for His hands are always reaching for us. 

So many miracles, I don't have enough time to write them all. I have seen God's hand and tender mercies unfold time and time again. There is no limit to His goodness, His long suffering, His kindness!

In needing and wanting to visit with someone who seems impossible to visit--for months I have talked to God about not knowing what new game plan to take. The impression came to stop by her house before work. 8:30am brought me knocking on her door and her mom saying that she would wake her up. I half expected rolling eyes and daggers to pierce me when she found out I was the one who took her from her dreamland slumber... but a hour later we were talking about God and His plans for her. The spirit was present and I know she knew God had sent her a message. God made a way! 

I have not seen Myrna since Christmas Eve where my mom, Thaynermack and Santa snuck over to visit her in the rehab place. She cried with our visit and we cried seeing her fighting for her life. She did not want to be in there and had even attempted to go home. The doctor told her she could go home and die, or she could stay at the center and learn to live. She chose to learn to live!

Myrna has now been home for almost a month and her health has improved! Dad cooked up her favorite, spaghetti and I had the privilege of taking it to her home. Boy did she look so good!  She is not 100% Myrna but she was cracking jokes about her hair and she was filled with so much light and joy! Look at that smile!



She said while she was in the hospital that there many times where she just wanted to die. She even asked God to allow her to die. She did this several times, but to no avail... God still has a work for Myrna on THIS side of the veil. And thank goodness! 

With permission from Myrna, I would like to share with you some of her sacred testimony about her experience with cancer.

Q:How did you discover you had cancer?
I started having bleeding, and I thought I better go to the doctor. I thought it was a hemorrhoid, but they found a tumor and it was a 2 out of 4 stages of cancer.

After my surgery I just wanted to die and I wanted to be with Jim [her husband that passed away nearly 5 years ago] so bad. I prayed for the Lord to take me but he wouldn't do it. I should have listened to all my priesthood blessings. They all said I would pull through it and I was going against the Lord's will by asking him to let me die.

A couple days after the surgery I looked at Craig [her son] and I thought he looked so scared and so worried. He said "mom, promise me you wont give up." That is when I knew I had to live. He and I are really close. After that I snapped out of it and was doing very good [for a time] ...

I was in there [the hospital] for 10 days and came home for 3 weeks. Then they started the chemo... I did really good for the first 3 or 4 months of chemo, but then they gave me too much chemo and I just could not eat. I was getting worse and worse instead of better. ...

After being rushed to the hospital after one of her treatments, they found that her levels were at zero. Dr. Radly told Debbie (Debbie is Myrna's sweet daughter-in-law who like Ruth of old, has never left her Mother-in-law's side) that one more hour and Myrna would have been dead. They had given her too much Chemo. It was the hospital's mistake. Myrna recalls:

I can remember feeling like I was floating... and the clouds were so bright, you can't describe them... so peaceful... but then BOOM (!) I wasn't there and something pulled me back. God didn't want me back [with him]. I didn't see anyone or hear anyone just those bright bright clouds.... but that is when Dr. Radly thought they were loosing me.

When I was going up [to the the hospital] every 2 weeks to get chemo... I have an old car and I would always say a prayer that we would be safe and the car wouldn't have any troubles and we [never did have any troubles].

I kept having [a] dream over and over... there was a long hall... and there was a man that had his back to me and he was sweeping--he was sweeping away the debris in the hall. When he got to the end of the hall he turned to face me. It was the Savior and he smiled. He had such a beautiful smile. I didn't understand the meaning of the dream but I had it over and over... but it then came to me that the Savior was clearing the way for Debbie and me...  [With reverence and quiet emotion Myrna then declared] So I have seen the Savior.

The second time when I was in the nursing home I prayed for God to take me and he didn't... I did not want to be there, but he didn't take me. [Then with perfect "Myrna humor" she said] God didn't want me neither did the devil so I am back here to torment you guys!

 In church Sunday, Myrna had no intentions of baring her testimony and even told her self that she was too emotional to share, but then "BOOM I am up there.... sometimes you have got to do it because the spirit told to."

When asked what advice she would give to anyone who is in the thick of their storm Myrna said: "Don't give up, have faith and have [priesthood] blessings all along [the journey]."

We laughed, we cried, we hugged, and we praised God for his goodness.  I wish everyone could have her the profound conviction in her realization that she was praying to die when it was God's will for her to live. This woman is surely among the elect of God.

In prep for Jinger's birthday and some other experiences I was led (with a heart and mind that was ready to pay attention) to sing and take notice of the words in Hymn 85. I have taken out the repet of most verses... but how profound the lyrics to this song are!

How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled? 

In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health, In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth, At home or abroad, on the land or the sea— As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be. 

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. 

When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow, For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. 

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. 

E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love; And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn, Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne. 

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

I am not sure why we are called to go through all that we are called to go through... but this I do know.  Our Savior, WALKS on water! And when through fiery trials our pathway shall lie, HIS grace, IS sufficient and will be our supply. The flames will not hurt us, but will be the KEY to consume our dross and refine the gold "divine" that is in us.

MY SOUL on Jesus shall lean for repose. I WILL NOT, I CANNOT desert to His foes. And although all hell will endeavor to shake me (physically, spiritually, mentally, emotioally)...

I'll NEVER, I'LL NEVER, I'LL NEVER MY GOD forsake!

Jesus walks on water and He has and will continue to clear the debris! 

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder...!  

GOD PREPARES A WAY!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seriously, amazing!!

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

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

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

LIKEN UNTO...

Matthew 13:31-32

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 13:44

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

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


Matthew 13:33

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

(Thanks Jess for the the bread pic!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

"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!"