A MIRACLE IN SUNBEAMS

I have another post long in coming, but as this just happened yesterday, I needed to share it!

Yesterday was my first day teaching Gospel Doctrine. I was calm in part because MR. AMAZING DASHING spent all of Saturday organizing and doing house chores so I could prepare for my lesson. It was difficult on me to have him working while I was studying away--but he too likes to prepare for lessons and was sympathetic to the reality that he has a wife that has never read the Old Testament for herself-EVER and knew I needed the time! What a priesthood hunk I have got! I love him.

Because of the holiday and teachers being out of town, I agreed to take over the third hour with the sunbeams. So after Gospel Doctrine I rushed to take into my possession the nine little sunbeams. It has been a LONG time since I taught four year old. Eight girls and one boy. Mr. Dashing helped for a moment and then had to leave to Young Mens. Some other primary workers asked if I needed a pair of extra hands, but I already knew they were short teachers as I had just taken on two classes. I sent them on their way trusting that God knew I was just trying to help out.

Big chairs for the tiny "seats" and a squished room made for a very oblong circle. It didn't help that I had a metal covering on the floor in the back of the room. All the little Easter shoes liked to try and sneak back and "tap" dance through the lesson. On top of the constant leading children away from the crate we learned about the creation. With the every 30 secs or so of "I want my Daddy" "Where are the treats" "Is this over yet" "My favorite color is purple" "she is in my chair" and so on... Seriously at moments, it was like dad says...  "trying to herd cats"!! ;)

Not even into half of the hour, we were finishing a little activity-- when I heard a cry that turned into a sobbing scream. I looked under my table only to discover that my little bottle of peppermint oil was out of my bag and a three-year-old girl had opened it and had rubbed her hands into her eye. I don't know about any of you--- but peppermint oil has got to be worst then pepper spray in the eyes.

WHAT TO DO?!?!? This class was in a remote part of the building where other classes were not. I didn't have a co teacher. I had NO idea who this little girls parent's were, (I had already tried to figure out what her "name" was with no success of understanding her little language) and I didn't even know who the primary president was. Truly--I was as SUBSTITUTE as one can get in the church! I grabbed the little girl knowing I needed to try and wash her fast, but knowing once water got on her the burning would intensify even more. All the children were distressed because of the cries of this little girl. I asked them all to keep coloring and to stay put while I took her to the bathroom. The little fear in their faces matched my own anxiety. I told them she would be okay but we needed to get her washed.

We rushed into the bathroom and washed her hands with soap. Her eye was already red and swollen. I silently prayed not having a CLUE what to do. Knowing that even if I washed her eye the burning may last for a long time. I told Heavenly Father I was just trying to do my best but couldn't leave all the other children to find this one's parents....  After washing her hands and her permanent smelling eye, I grabbed some paper towels, soaked them and gave them for her to hold up to her eye. With her still crying I did the only thing I could think to do... I carried her back to class and kept her on my lap.

Angels must have attended the room for no four year old escaped! As I walked in the room, I saw their eyes and little hearts were filled with concern for their classmate. I sat in front of them still holding the girl in my arms and told them what had happened. I then shared with them that we needed to have a prayer for this little girl and ask Heavenly Father to help her. A little girl came to the front of the room. With the girl still crying and wimpering in my lap, this other girl and the whole class folded their arms. I helped the little girl with her prayer....please bless this girls eyes to get better and to be okay. The little girl sat down and the drama of the moment seemed to calm the children for a little bit.

Still trying to open her red swollen eye the little girl on my lap let out some discomfort grunts for about five mins... or was it a little less? Then, all of a sudden she did not want the wet paper towel any more and she practically jumped off my lap to take her own seat. (*Her seat that she had barely sat on in the first place because she was one of the children that were all over.)

About seven mins after the prayer she wasn't even touching her eye and other than the redness and the little swelling she acted as if she had never got peppermint into her eye. By the end of the class not only were her bangs dry from where I had gotten them wet, but there was NO redness in her eye any more!!!!

Truly a miracle!!

As we closed up our lesson, someone else gave the closing prayer and we all thanked Heavenly Father for the miracle that He had preformed. I guarantee you it was NOT my faith that blessed us yesterday--but all the sweet, believing blood of these three and four year olds! I had witnessed their miracle!

I hope at least one of them will remember what God did for a tiny girl, in a tiny, room, with peppermint oil in her eye. I know this is something I will not forget.

And HA wouldn't you know it?!?! The dad of this little girl came in after class was over and although there was nothing physical that would give away the encounter with the oil (and being slightly tempted to not even tell him what happened)--I told him what had happened. He mentioned that they like peppermint oil at their house too and they all know too well that it is not good in the eyes! I smiled as the one child who has had experience with oils in the home, was the child who had the oil in the eye.Maybe that is why she opened up the oil in the first place--having watched her mom use similar little bottles?!

Oh the faith of children! If mine could be as such!

Happiness is the Dashing man who allows me time to try and magnify my calling.

I grateful for peppermint oil rescuing angels and the prayers and faith of four-year-olds!

God is a God of Miracles!

Oh and PS. 

A big thanks to Amber and Brian who recently moved here from Ohio and came to church yesterday to support us singing in the ward choir! It was like having our own family in the congregation. Thanks you two!

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My cup is full.

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

MIRACLES, MIRACLES and MORE MIRACLES!

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

TREEBEES CAME OUT!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AND SHE WAS MADE WHOLE

Phone call came, "Bryndi, I am in my car, I can't move." My friend for whatever reason became completely ill when she got to her car after work this morning. I hurried over while calling her fearless home teacher.

I found her, in her car, with literally pools of sweat, beaded upon her face. She had her coat on and although she needed to take it off, she didn't have strength to move. I pulled her up and I am pretty sure I could have rung out her coat. She had a fever and things didn't look that good.

I had an instant flash back to last year when my dad insisted that he go sit in his car in the parking lot. He was cold and could not get warm. He had just finished a round of Chemo and his levels were not doing good. I went and sat with him in his car. The windows were down and thank goodness for the slight breeze that could be felt ever so often--if I held really still. (I was sweating like a pig!) But my Dad seemed to be enjoying the heat and feeling warm.

After 20 mins of sitting in the car, I decided I needed to take my Dad home. He was not doing well. I went over to his side door and as I tried to help him get up, the beads of sweat from his new found fever penetrated his shirt and garments. With a glazed look my Dad struggled to get out of the car. I had to help him figure where to put his feet. He got out of the car, and I had not clued in to how "out of it" he was. I started to walk him around to the passenger door. I was holding him like we were dancing because he just didn't have the strength to walk by himself. He started to shake and wobble. In an instant I knew he was going to fall. I knew his legs were going to give out but I also knew I didn't have the strength to keep him from hitting his head on the assault. As I felt his legs start to give way, I cried vocally to God pleading for help in setting him down. One foot, one leg, the next thing I knew was I had my dad sitting on the assault at this point he completely passed out--my arms could only lean him so far back--I would have to have him fall to the ground. I held his limp arms as long as I could. I cried as I finally just had to let him fall.

I had seen Marshyl in the building helping Debbi at the top of the elevator. Leaving my Dad in the parking lot I ran in the building and yelled for my brother to come. He did come, and he came quick. Friends called the ambulance while my brothers gave him a blessing that immediately brought him back to being coherent. It was several long nights in the hospital after that, but he was going to be okay.

Seeing my friend in the car made me have a flash back of of this experience.

Based on my dads short walk around the car before he passed out, I knew I had to pull up my car close to shorten the steps she would have to take.

The home teacher came and helped my friend into her house. He then ran to the store getting some items she didn't have, but needed. As she lay on her bed with her crazy physical illness I pondered what to do. I find that one of my greatest weaknesses is being a logical thinker. Sure when it comes to the gospel--no problem! Scriptures, even better... but knowing what to do in a crisis/heavy needs situation--it is just not in me to be brilliant with what to do on the spot.

Her conditions seemed to worsen, and yet I remained at peace. I prayed telling the Lord that I was scared and didn't really know what I should do. The answer came, "move forward". I figured that the Lord knows I only know how to do a few things in a crisis - seek for priesthood brethren and pray - so I moved forward with that.

After a handful of calls and texts I found a brother who could help. This brother joined the church a few years ago and I know that he has amazing faith. He went right to work on finding a companion to help with the blessing.

Mean while my friend's home teacher and I went out to get the things done that she had to accomplish that day. While we were out, I received a text from my friend's visiting teacher. She was asking for my friend's address. I smiled as I wondered if the Lord had inspired the visiting teacher to think about my friend. When we came back, the visiting teacher had dropped off a note! Even in the very moment of my friends battle! (God is amazing!)

We left my friend for only a little over an hour... but when we came back, her conditions had worsened.

While laying in her bed because she physically didn't have the strength to get up, a priesthood blessing was given. I felt the spirit fill the room. She was commanded to become whole and that through her faith her body would come into order.

After the blessing, we moved her off her bed and over to her chair. Her dry clothes that we had changed when we first got there were now soaked through like her first set. The brothers and I walked outside to discuss some items that still needed to be taken care of.--Here I was, surrounded by three amazing brothers in the gospel. Who swooped in to give aid, when THEY received the call! I walked back into my friend's house, only to find a completely different friend! Her fever had broken. She was ready to eat. She even had strength to sit herself up!! She was no longer sweating, but her body for the most part felt normal to the touch! Complete 180!! MIRACLE!

God put 20 little miracles together to make my friend whole!

*Friend was able to make a phone call asking for help.
*Home teacher JUST finished class.
*Although I had many projects at work, my most pressing one was turned in at 11 AM.
*Friend stayed coherent while sweating in her car.
*Was able to get her into my car without having her pass out.
*I NEVER EAT/BUY CHERRIES, and for the first time, I had a bag of cherries on me which helped give my friend a quick energy source.
*Home teacher went shopping for groceries
*In the middle of the day--two young adult--busy kids were able to give a blessing!
*My friend's car had to get a lot of stuff done to it today to pass the emissions test, and the fearless/faithful home teacher knowing what questions to ask to find the best deal for my friend--my friend who is limited on funds and had she gone to fix the car herself, she would have spent 70$ (which money she didn't have) for a job that her home teacher got finished for 35$!
*Visiting teacher left a note at the peak of my friend's "hell".
*within 10 she was completely whole after a blessing.
*I didn't have horrible anxiety.
*The Lord helped me move forward even when I could come up with no game plan--he had the play figured out and wanted me to trust and to "move forward" even when I didn't know how to move forward.

!!!!

To my priesthood brethren who responded to the "call"--and not only the call to give a blessing, but the call for help...I am deeply touched and stand all amazed.

I have no idea why I am writing this other then to testify that I know that God lives. And I echo the words of Moroni and claim them as my own:

...behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. (Morm. 9) 11

I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that the priesthood power is given to men for the benefit of all mankind. I know that God can and does preform miracles in our every day lives. Great and small.

I believe in miracles, for I have seen too many to number.

To anyone reading--what miracles have you seen today? And if you feel like you have seen none, take off your eyes of the world and look with your spirit eyes. Do you see them!? Because they are there!

I took this picture when I was in CA.

Just a fun beach shot--nothing special right?! Look again--


Did you notice those words the first time? You can click on this picture and pull up a larger image--a photoshop tweak you say--well for this photograph yes... but this picture is true to our every day lives. The miracles are all around us. God does not leave our lives up to chance. THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES IN LIFE! Our merciful Heavenly Father is into the details. And through his details, come miracles great and small! Bet if you look at this picture again, your eyes NOW spot the "Miracles". What a lesson for us! We just need to train our eyes/heart to "spot" the miracles--because they are there: regardless of our inability to see/notice them.

ARIVAL OF MIA BELLA!

Nyk's water broke on Friday night and by 4 AM Saturday morning I was well on my way to WY to be with her. Who would have thought a package of 6 12 and 19 inches could bring so much joy and wonder!?! It was very sacred for me to be there with Nyk.

Lots of times it was just Nyk, myself and the baby. Beautiful moments to sit and ponder and then talk of the things with/of the spirit/gospel.
We were able to listen to an amazing talk by Matthew Cowley, "Miracles" for our church devotional. This is an amazing talk! It has taken a place on my favorites list! And what a perfect add to our Sabbath day with little Mia!

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=135&tid=2

It was wonderful to be around such a pure innocent little girl. There is much hope for her future. Her pathway is bright! The gospel is on the earth! And she has parents that will teach her right from wrong and teach her about Jesus...!




It is a wonderful time to have a family! The truth is on the earth!