MONSTER TRUCK, BOOGERs, RAINBOWS, and the ATONEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The answer is--the atonement of Jesus Christ.

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

My notes from the Bishop's inspired talk:

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

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

Choice evening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am grateful for line upon line.

A PROMISED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Was led to listen to this talk today... Click here to read a message given to the Young Women of the church. That means--all women! :)

We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own “happily ever after.” The truth is, God knows how to get there! And He has created a map for you; He knows the way. He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. The map is available to all. It gives explicit directions of what to do and where to go to everyone who is striving to come unto Christ and “stand as [a witness] of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.”4 All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan. - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Timely message for me. This is the 2nd talk I have found from a general authority that has promised that you can have a "happily ever after". Awesome council!

It was raining on Friday and as I walked out to the parking lot I found our "pet" ducks bracing the cold rain. I can't believe I was allowed to run to my car and grab my camera--to get this shot. These two ducks are inseparable--even through a storm--they brace it together. Very inspiring.


Tonight I went to a movie alone. Never thought I could do that, but I was confident enough to do so. By the end of "How to Train up your Dragon" (One I highly recommend--probably not for little kids because the final dragon is pretty fierce) but I really love the message of the show. Mom and I left before praising God for whoever was inspired to write the story line. Awesome.

Anyway, right towards the end - I won't spoil it for those of you who have seen it - but the kid was needing to be saved. I wept, as a real application for me that I was in needing to be saved by my Savior. I am in need of his atonement, his mercy and his grace.

I see God's hand in everything! Ha--even a cartoon movie! :)

I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! I LOVE the Book of Mormon, and the truths it holds for me. I love my Father in Heaven. I love my brother, Jesus Christ. I know, in whom I trust!

The church is true!

Happy Sunday--One hour in counting! Can't wait for a renewal.

MIGHTIER THAN LABAN

This past week I finished reading the Book of Mormon. This time around was with a new pair of scriptures. My mission set has become quite close to dieing and in my efforts having new scriptures I have found the joy of marking my clean white pages all up! I have enjoyed the beautiful insights that have come to me as I have pondered over each verse. I have found that it is hard to find a verse that doesn't have something profoundly important within it's words.

I have moved on to read the Doctrine and Covenants...hoping to understand more fully the truths found in there. Even with switching over to the D&C I have started my Book of Mormon study over. I have found that my day is not quite put together unless I read out of the Book of Mormon. I have studied other scriptures for intense periods of time and have found great truths and hidden treasures--but at the end of the day something was missing... THE BOOK OF MORMON! OH Oh I love the Book and know that it is true! It has changed my life and continues to change my life.

1 Nephi 4:1 had a profound impact on me this week.

And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?

Nephi and his brothers have already tried to get the brass plates twice from Laban. First time, Laman went and asked for them... Laban tried to kill him. Then all the brothers went into their house and gathered all their gold/silver and everything precious. They tried to trade all that they had for the brass plates. Laban lusted after their riches and sent his servants out to kill Nephi and his brothers so he could obtain their riches. It was all left behind as they fled for their lives. Laman and Lemuel were not so happy after loosing all their family's goods so they picked up a rod and started hitting Nephi and Sam. An angel of the Lord stopped them and reprimanded them for their actions. The Angel left and Laman and Lemuel start to murmuer again about how are they going to get the plates.

Verse one is the very next comment from Nehpi to his brothers.
So for me--what "Labans" am I facing? An addiction, a bad habit, a faith stopper, or a bad situation. Whatever MY Laban is--the Lord is mightier then it!

RAIN STOPPED

The picture above was just taken last month while I was on a business trip in Park City. There were two different events that spanned the length of the whole week. I saw many amazing miracles! Some so deeply effected me that I had to go into the hotel guest bathroom and weep because I was so overwhelmed. Within two days, two dear friends reminded me of the power of prayer--all we need do is ask.

Patti had a karaoke night planned for all of our Leadership consultants. The hotel had this little restaurant that if we used the outside area, we would have room enough to eat dinner and then have some fun karaoke.

In running around making sure different areas were set up, I lost track of Patti so I went up to the restaurant. I looked outside to a very heavy wet rainstorm. I walked into the restaurant...in order to fit without being too squished, we needed to use the patio of the restaurant...but with all the rain, that just wasn't going to happen.

As I walked out of the restaurant looking at all the falling rain, I silently prayed asked Heavenly Father to stop the rain so that Patti's planned evening would not be ruined. I asked that by some miracle that not only did the rain need to stop, but it needed to come off quickly from the roof so that we didn't have people having to step out on the patio with drops falling on their heads.

I felt as if it was just me and Heavenly Father on the mountain.

I walked outside the hotel onto a platform covered by an awning. I had a full view of the mountain side before me. And there--I watched as literally the blanket of heavy rain pulled across the sky starting from the right and moving left. I walked as I watched the blanket of rain sweep across the mountainside. By the time I had walked to the edge of the awning, the rain had completely stopped. I stepped out in the clearing trying to see if there was any mist still in the air... there was none! I did not feel one drop!

From inside I heard someone yell something about a rainbow... so I walked down the walk way I saw the view in the picture above. I could not take the smile off my face as I knew it was just a "there you go" for Patti from Heavenly Father. A waiter boy came out to where I was to admire the rainbow. He commented how cool the weather had just been and I turned to him and told him he just witnessed a miracle from God.
I walked up the steps (3 mins or so after the rain storm had moved) and looked at the patio of the restaurant. The drips in this picture were the only drips I saw come off of the roof!!

I ran to go find Patti and tell her of what God just did for her. I finally found her downstairs and as I spewed out the miracle she mentioned that she had already moved the karaoke to an inside room in the Hotel. She said it was wonderful that the rain had stopped but we couldn't make people sit on a wet patio. I felt that it was just a test of all of our faith and I wanted to protest with her that it would be okay, but the moment was already intensely busy, so I held my peace and thanked Heavenly Father for stopping the rain and for sending the rainbow for Patti.

We went up stairs and gathered for dinner. This was right after the rain storm-- and with the 20 mins we took getting ready for dinner--here are the pictures we took of us eating out on the patio--it was completely dry!

(Boys will be boys! :D)

Now what is so significant with this whole thing--we had a Laban before us! THE RAIN. God was mightier then the rain. And even though he stopped the rain and everything could have worked out in the restaurant, another way was made available in a different room to do the karaoke...which ended up being a blessing because we were pretty crazy with our karaoke night! ha ha. But what if our Laban is not the rain? What if it is a boy/girl/money/credit card bill/death of a loved one/lack of employment/family member? HE IS MIGHTIER THAN ALL OUR LABANS.

This is not to say that every time we pray for the "rain" to stop, the Lord stops it! There is an awesome song that talks about praying for the rain to stop, and mad when it doesn't, but we didn't know all those praying for it to rain. Our Father in Heaven is merciful and he loves us, and longs to bless us and show forth his might before our Labans! Whatever Labans we are facing! That day he had a blessing waiting to stop the rain. What if we hadn't asked?

Prayer- Bible dictionary-

Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

Conditional on our asking for them. What blessings are we missing out out merely because we just don't ask!?

Now, His will WILL be done! I believe if we have the faith to ask, and God does have an opinion on whatever, He will let us know. And that way we go about doing His will! And if it is His will for us to go forward and use the brains he has granted us to have, then that is great too! We move forward! But if there are blessings along the way, I for one want to be praying and asking for them!

He is mightier than Laban.