Little purpose to our own lives, unless...

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

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

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

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

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

"...charity never faileth".

I am grateful for porch swings.

MONSTER TRUCK, BOOGERs, RAINBOWS, and the ATONEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The answer is--the atonement of Jesus Christ.

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

My notes from the Bishop's inspired talk:

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

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

Choice evening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am grateful for line upon line.

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.

BE THE MEANS

This morning as I was reading in 3 Nep Chapter 18, I was impressed by verse 32:

"Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them. "


The Savior is talking to he 12 disciples he choose on this side of the world. In the previous verses he has taught the importance of prayer and that we all need to pray to our Father in the name of Jesus Christ.

He then talks about not letting anyone partake of the sacrement unworthily. Verse 32 follows right after this backdrop.

He tells us to not turn away people who have struggles/need help, but minister unto them for [we] "... know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto [the Savior] with full purpose of heart, and [he] shall heal them... (vs 32)". The Savior tells us that WE can be the means of bringing salvation unto those individuals. The definition of mean: an agency, instrument, or method used to attain an end. What a beautiful commandment! To be a means!

As you will soon come to find out, I am a freak when it comes to little thoughts from the scriptures. I have to come up with a sign to hang on my wall that reminds me of what I just learned. I normally just choose a nature shot, but today I found this picture of my uncle Paul. Anyone who knows my uncle Paul knows that he is one of the most giving/kind/service oriented man to walk our time. I happened to be over at his house late and he insisted that I not leave empty handed. The beautiful bucket of aprocots he is holding, was put in my car along with squash, tomatoes for my dad, and other wonders from his garden. I can not tell you how many different loads of food have filled that metal bucket. I can not tell you how many houses that bucket has traveled to! Paul never thinks twice to serve. When he is compelled to go a mile--he goes five! My food storage consists of bottled items coming from he and his loving wife Becky. The are, "Being the Means" to bless all those who come in contact with them. -- Oh how I want to be a means like they are!

I also love that the Savior tells us that those that do repent, and come with full purpose of heart--he SHALL heal them. How true is this for all of us. The Savior is the Master of all Healing!