PATIENCE IN SPRING

There is new life in spring!


LESSON LEARNED TODAY
When I woke up to go exercise I had the thought that I would want to take my camera. My camera was in the car and so with that I told myself I didn't want to go walking with my camera in hand. Well-- needless to say within 4 mins of my walking I found this beautiful patch of purple weeds! And of course I started chuckling over the fact that God was again right! (I know--I know! When is He ever wrong?! Just when will I learn to listen.) So I quickly jogged to my car to retrieve my camera.

It was nearly 10 mins of just having fun shooting the flowers.

I looked over at the morning sky and hoped that soon the sky would be filled with morning sun so I could have the light of the sun enrich the pictures I was taking.


I looked out to the west mountains jealous that the sunlight had already hit the mountain peaks. I was still in the shade of the east mountains. I decided to walk a little ways but not wanting to miss the first moment of sun, I quickly walked back to the patch of flowers and waited impatiently for the sun to flood the ground with color. Now ironically I had the priesthood session playing in my ears and I was listening to President Uchtdorf's message. Yes--his topic and subject matter of choice was, "Continue in Patience".

The very moments he was saying why we needed to be patient--I was impatiently walking up and down waiting for the sunlight to come. I just started laughing at how God was teaching me, that yes I need a little more patience. But my wait for the light was well worth it!

Lets just say that my exercise went to pot this morning but I really enjoyed basking in golden purple petals!




I jumped in the shower to get ready for the morning. I had a breakfast date with a good friend and I wanted to make sure I was on time. As I got ready, over and over I pondered on my morning experience on not being patient for the sunlight to reach the flowers and having President Uchtdorf teaching me that I Bryndi, need to have more patience. (I say Pres. Uchtdorf, but really it was God teaching me through his servant's words.)

The past few weeks and months God has wanted me to know about:
trusting in him,
leaving to him to order and provide,
cleaving to good things,
to suffer things to grow,
doubt causes a hard heart,
to remain faith filled,
not to complain,
and
how He wants me to remember now and for a while that "Patience is a process of perfection".

This morning was one of pondering for sure.

Right before I left for breakfast, not wanting to be late, but knowing I just needed something to help sustain my morning I said a quick little prayer that God would let me open up and read just one verse that would give me insight and a boost for the day. (This was a plead because I knew I didn't have time to devote any time to of studding before I left).

My Book of Mormon opened up to Alma 26 and my eyes went straight to verse 28. I laughed out loud, as you might too!

28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.

Again--can God get any more direct to get the point across!?

After this patient scripture, I started asking, "Okay Heavenly Father, you are preparing my reaction for things to shortly come--aren't you?!" And so true. I felt order when life didn't feel like it was out of order. I felt cleaving to good things when I felt I already was, but didn't know it would be hard to continue. I felt that I would need to/had to suffer things to grow--at a time that didn't feel like suffering at all--but again in all of this, God is really good with "prep" work! Because little did I know then, but all the things He has been teaching me/impressing my mind with, have been shadows of the attitudes/traits I will/have needed to take on with current situations in my life. ALL of his counsel has come to pass--! (No shocker there!:) He always knows what is best.

With this fore-shadow of needing to know/understand and embrace the patience principle...I spent a good chunk of time by a river, walking alone with my camera in hand pondering over patience. As I walked I was touched at how at this time of year, everything is growing and changing! New life is springing up everywhere! And as new growth takes place--patience is the very principle that the new growth is having to practice.

Here is a taste of my walk by the river. All the quotes are from President Uchtdorf's Patience talk.

















EVERYTHING in it's sphere of life, must experience patience! A tiny bud cannot cover a tree with beautiful flowers over night! Sure there are time for miracles, and I am a full believer/know that God is excellent at preforming miraculous miracles with no time at all.

With all the beauty that is taking place in this spring time--I am reminded that there are days when the mountain shadows cover us and we long for the "son"light to reach our outstretched petals. Sometimes we may have to wait all night, a day, a week, a month or even years--but this I do know--the "SON"light always comes! And patiently I will wait.

AFTER THOUGHT FROM YESTERDAY'S BLOG
Notice the three ducks in this picture?



The small light colored female got out of the water by stepping on a rock and for several, several mins ran her beak through all of her feathers I am sure seaming them together. While she did this, the larger duck--which it was obvious was her mate-- swam down the river. One time the dark duck got too close for comfort and the Male lover swam for at least 20 secs in a fast manner beating it's wings up and down on the river. The scene was very impressive, I must say!


The darker duck never approached again while I was sitting there.

The female duck did not seem alarmed at all, but went on seaming her feathers together.

After the dark duck was shewed far away, the male duck seemed to give his bride her space to fix her feathers and he just swam back and forth in the river from bank to bank making what felt like was a wall of "back off". As soon as the female was done grooming herself she got back in the water and the two reunited and swam together upstream.


You could argue that it was just "habits of ducks". But for me, being able to watch this, I was deeply touched by the symbolism. Like the talk from yesterday's post--Adam, with time, had the the wisdom and contrast to fully appreciate Eve and all she had to offer and what she would mean for him.

The male duck, seemed to know his "Eve" and all she meant to him. And he was prepared to keep her safe and happy at all costs.

Well I better get ready for the Sabbath! I will be taking the sacrement looking at all the ways the Savior was patient with his own sufferings/timings. How He is endlessly patient with me.

The Church is true! God sure does love us! He loves me! (And I am not complaining! :))

Spring is another gentle reminder that new growth requires some awesome patience. Patience with ourselves and others.

I will--patiently--grow!

THE DIVINE NATURE AND DESTINY OF WOMEN

So, I just "happened" (you all know I don't believe in just happened stuff) :) find this talk today and listened to it. I cried. It was an answer to a lot of prayers I have never prayed--but only kept in my heart. Click A The Divine Nature and Destiny of Women to read. Amazing for all women--but also I gave all my brothers and my Dad a copy tonight asking them to please read and then to pass the talk on to their amazing wives.

I used to make screen savers for the computer at church. This one was the last one I made. Inspired off of the hymn, "Jesus, Savior Pilot Me". The definition of a pilot -- SOOOO profound! Makes the song all the more cool! (Click on the picture to get the bigger view.)


The other week I was in the temple, and I apologize I don't know if I have already blogged about this, but while I was in the temple there were a several events that led up to the thought process--but as I conversed in my mind/heart with God I decided that when I don't do something with my whole heart I am really not giving myself all to God. And it is either I am for Him 100% or I am trying to serve two masters. And I know that that can't work! So the thought was, "Bryndi, are you going to give me everything--including things that involve your heart, or aren't you?".

From that day on I promised God that I am His. I am done fighting. I am done being a stink when I get a prompting that is more difficult to follow. I try to always follow, but sometimes my heart is pretty rotten. And if we don't give a gift with all our heart, it profits me nothing. So I promised God I was done being a brat. No matter what, at all costs, my heart involved or not, I am His and I will Do, I will Go, I will Follow.

Well today, after a conversation with Kiss, it dawned on me how much I admired once hearing Elder Scott talk about he had never heard his wife complain. (And he is an apostle! So that had to meant lots of nights alone, with the kids, being the mom and dad.) It dawned on me that when I am going through situations/impressions I don't understand sometimes I am a complainer in my lack of understanding. Really, when I complain/questioning why, I am really just showing an awesome lack of faith.

--But NO MORE--!

I promised Heavenly Father a long time ago that if He would bless me with a righteous priesthood holder for a husband, that no matter what was required of my husband and our lives, I would not complain. Well--husband or not I am committing that I am done showing my doubt through complaining.:) I know, easier said than done, but I truly feel it. We are always setting an example of how we react with the different situations/circumstances in our lives....I am done setting a less then worthy example. :) This means, I am to be faith-filled!

Sam sent a very inspired text to me last night out of response of me reminding him to go to bed. He sent me, as his answer Mosiah 1:17. I read it was convinced he sent me the wrong scripture. But he later called and explained what the scripture had meant for him--when really it was an answer--revelation from God to me!

Therefore, as they were unfaithful they did not prosper nor progress in their journey, but were driven back, and incurred the displeasure of God upon them; and therefore they were smitten with famine and sore afflictions, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty. (Mosiah 1:17)

Sam had very amazing insights about the remembrance of our duty. For me God was/is saying, "Bryndi, the journey I have you on right now can not prosper or progress without faith". And I felt without MY faith.

Sooo--my conclusion for the day--I am not a complainer, but I AM a faith-filled daughter of God. One who is trusting where the Lord is guiding me. And using enough faith that if He wants/needs to preform miracles along my path he can--because I am choosing to be faith filled and believing!

(Note: I am sure I am going to crash and burn with this commitment at times. And I will forget "my duty". But please, if you catch me complaining over not understanding why God is having me walk a certain way, simply say, "Elder Scott's Wife" and that will be a gentle reminder of what example I too want to set.) Thank you in advance. And yes we can still be friends after you rebuke me kindly. :) ha ha

TEMPTATION TO BE HARD

Ha, Heavenly Father has been leading me constantly to read accounts in the scriptures about having/gaining a hard heart--and all the things that lead up to having a hard heart. It is amazing what having a hard heart will do--you forgot your god, you forget promises that have been made, you reason out miracles, personal revelation...as far as I can see there are no perks for having a hard heart other than you get to be totally self deluded and self involved. Never seeking and serving outward but always focused on yourself.

Hel chapter 6 is what I have found to be the out line for the cycle of the heart. How is it after so many revelations, that the temptation to doubt is so strong? I speak only for myself.

This morning as I was reading in 3 Nephi chapter 1, RIGHT after the miracle of the day and night and day without any darkness and the new star appearing vs 22 says, "And it came to pass that from this time forth there began to be lyings sent forth among the people by Satan, to harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not believe in those signs and wonders which they had seen..." and I might add "felt".

Such an outline for my life. The last few weeks have been filled with a crazy amount of direct revelation for me. Revelation that although right now has no immediate pay outs--I cannot deny what I have felt impressed to do. And yet, right after the sweet impressions come, Satan "from [that] time forth" is out to destroy. My logical/worldly brain sets in and the temptation to just be hard hearted=giving up on the impressions I have had--is great...however this girl is not giving in! I have come to the conclusion that a hard heart is one that has no faith.

For me, as I kneel down and pray, trying to cry mightily as Nephi did the night the nephites were going to be destroyed, I too have felt, "Lift up your head and be of good cheer..." (3 Nephi 1:13). I find it so interesting that Nehpi was given permission in a sense to stop praying/worrying over his and his people's current situation because he was told to "lift up" his head. And the scriptures tell us he had been in mighty prayer all day long.

I still am at the conclusion that God has many mighty miracles to preform in my life. He is constantly! Focus on facts and what is or isn't visibly tangible in my life, but every little prompting/insight is a snowflake on my window! There are so many, I can not deny what the Lord is trying to tell me! And I will trust! I am filled with again, with a determination to serve Him, trust Him, follow Him--at all costs. And I will not allow doubt to harden my heart! In all aspects of my life. :)

A POPPED KNEE & A CUT ARM

Conference was amazing for me. As soon as I can get the actual notes I will have to share my thoughts. Saturday morning session was balm of gilead to my soul. Everything i have been pondering on and questioning seemed to be answered through those first two hours. And with a hundred little amazing things in between, President Monson capped off the whole conference by quoting Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

and then he finished the scripture saying that that has been the story of his life. I wept at his statement for it is so true for how I feel about my life, and I want it to continue to be true.

I knew that today was going to be a long day getting ready for Dream Team. Last week, while playing lazer tag I played maybe a little too aggressively and my knee that I had annoyed with some oversize exercise movements the week before decided that it hated lazer tag. By Thursday morning I was in some awesome discomfort with my knee and for the past 4 days I have been hobbling around.

This weekend with conference I felt it would give my knee the break it needed to heal right. But even yesterday as I knelt on the dance floor to take pictures of Brynnlee I sure paid for kneeling for the next several hours. This morning, knowing the amount of bending I would need to do in the bathrooms and up and down the stairs I agonized a little bit over the fact it will take yet another week after these few days to get my knee back healthy. The worst position is the kneeling position, for for whatever reason I am completely crippled for a long time after straightening my knee.

Well--knowing the week ahead of me, I pleaded, on my knees, this morning asking that the Lord to heal my knee so I could better serve my family and my work. My knee felt tons better. I noticed that it was not fully happy, but I didn't feel like crying.

Then, a miracle happened!

I was in the dance room with Dad working with the internet and the projector when I moved a certain way and heard, yes heard and felt a huge "POP" with my knee. It was so loud and I am not used to my body making popping noises in my knee area that I dared not move. I did let out a little yelp, not in pain but in horror of what that popping noise meant. Can I tell you what?! My knee is amazing!! I have knelt down several times since, I have been up and down stairs the rest of the day and although it is slightly tender, I am not acting like a cripple old woman anymore! It is a complete miracle! I have no idea what the "POP" was, but I am sure grateful for it!

ARM
Ya, so I don't do blood--during the meeting, I notice my mom come into the back of the room. She got my Dad's attention, and because I was "time keeper" I just went back to moving the consultants along. My dad came over to me and with concern asked me to go help my mom. I figured she needed help with the dishes, but when I got to the kitchen, she was not to be found and most of the mess was cleaned up.

I saw my mom coming out of the bathroom with an awesomely long cut on her arm. She very calmly asked me to help. Apparently something with the downstairs fire had attacked her arm (she still has no idea how she it) and it left a 3 inch cut across her fore arm. Because of the way the cut happened the wound was more long shallow than deep. I don't know if that makes sense.

She had been trying to wash out the cut. We grabbed the first aid kit and I kept telling myself I was okay--while verbally asking her if she was okay. The blood was coming out and got on my fingers and I had to tell myself if I were a "mom", I could not freak out on my children. My sweet mom just laughed and almost played with the blood coming out of the long wound. Not to be morbid, but just to put me at ease. I asked her if she was going to pass out, but when really it was me that was thinking I would hit the floor at any time.

She will be just fine yes, and yes I did survive but I could not help but praising heavenly father and thanking him for keeping my mom safe. Had her wound been more severe--she was in the basement and Dad and I with all the consultants were clear up on the 3rd floor in the dance room. We would have only known to go find her with a prompting. Not that God would have not prompted us, but as I looked at what could have been the different story with my mom's arm, I was deeply moved with gratitude to God.

I know we don't need/should not play the what if game, but I know and witnessed several miracles today! God is so kind.

He really is our loving father in heaven, who wants to bless us and help us. He is so willing.

A dear friend emailed me a letter that basically told her "honey" that she was not giving up on her dreams and her future. That although the road is difficult she would remain true to staying positive with whatever life brought and that she would continue in prayer and scripture study daily. The temptation to be complacent is a real one. To just give up because we can not see what the benefit is. But where is the faith practiced/exercise in a path that is completely clear of distractions/heart-ache/and disappointments? Like President Monson quoted so Proverbs--God will direct our paths - HE will! We just need to put our trust in Him and lean not to what our understanding is. He has the big picture--and we are just a brush stroke in His hands.

I just want to be a "truster" in Him!

Happy conference! The church is true. Small and simply things - just reading the Book of Mormon and praying consistently/daily brings happiness! One can't deny it! If you haven't tried or tasted of those blessing in a while, it is never too late to and the effects/harvest of such actions in your life are instantaneous! If we keep the commandments He does immediately prosper us Mosiah 2:24.

Well my battery is dead and early at Dream Team comes early! ;)

I sure do love God... a lot! Hope I can prove it/show it to Him daily.

HAPPY CONFERENCE WEEK!

With conference this weekend, it was time for me to pull out my notes from last conference. Wow! Can we just say spiritual feast! I can't wait to find out what the Lord has in store for us--ME this weekend.

GENERAL CONFERENCE NOTES/QUOTES - OCT 2009
*Burdens provide opportunities to practice virtues that contribute to eventual perfection. 2

*The suffering we experience through the offenses of others is a valuable, though painful, school for improving our own behavior.2

*Learning and teaching are not optional activities in the kingdom of God.3

*...as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear. 1

*Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it.1

*...the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. 1

*...as you pray with all the fervor of your soul with humility and gratitude, you can learn to be consistently guided by the Holy Spirit in all aspects of your life. 1

* In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.4

*...when a call comes, you accept it, no matter how inadequate you might feel.3

*Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship.5

*No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!5

*For what we love determines what we seek.5
*Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ.5

*God the Father watches over us, fills our hearts with breathtaking joy, brightens our darkest hours with blessed peace, distills upon our minds precious truths, shepherds us through times of distress, rejoices when we rejoice, and answers our righteous petitions.5

*Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.5

*We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children.5

*He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.5

*God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.5

*Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.5

*...don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try.5

*Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.5

*As we draw near to Heavenly Father, we become more holy. And as we become more holy, we will overcome disbelief and our souls will be filled with His blessed light. As we align our lives with this supernal light, it leads us out of darkness and toward greater light. This greater light leads to the unspeakable ministerings of the Holy Spirit, and the veil between heaven and earth can become thin.5

*The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service.5

*I testify that God is in His heaven. He lives. He knows and loves you. He is mindful of you. He hears your prayers and knows the desires of your heart. He is filled with infinite love for you.5

*Cultivate a diligent desire to know that God lives.6

*Let us with faith, enthusiasm, dedication, responsibility, and love do all that is within our reach, and we will be doing all that is possible to achieve the impossible—that is, to achieve what for the human mind is impossible but with the divine intervention of our loving Father and the infinite sacrifice brought about by our Savior becomes the greatest gift, the most glorious of realities, to live forever with God and with our families.7

*...it is possible to be happy now and forever.7

*Learning to be temperate in all things is a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost.8

* Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.
Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength.8

*Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience.9

*For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. 9

*Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God.9

*...our Savior can deliver us from our sins.9

*One of the adversary’s sharpest tools is to convince us that we are no longer worthy to pray. No matter who you are or what you may have done, you can always pray.10

*Worthy music is powerful and can help you control your thoughts. (D&C 25:12)10

*Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).10

* With thoughtless and impatient hands
We tangle up the plans
The Lord hath wrought.
And when we cry in pain He saith,
“Be quiet, man, while I untie the knot.”10(Author unknown, in Jack M. Lyon and others, eds., Best-Loved Poems of the LDS People (1996), 304.)

*He [President Thomas S. Monson] needs our prayers—and his wife, Frances, and their family—in the tremendous load that is upon him.10

*...to husbands and wives. Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion’s joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion.11

*“Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.” (Orson F. Whitney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110.)11

*Preparation removes fear.12

*...repent, hold on, and don’t let go.13

*Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees.14

*“Real intent” means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given.14

*The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift.14 (D&C 46:23, 26-27

*Patience and perseverance are part of our eternal progression.14

*Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others are far superior to making one’s own comfort and possessions the highest priority.15

*If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness---a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right.16

*May God give us the strength and the ability and the determination to play our part well.16

1. Elder Richard G. Scott - To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
2. Elder L. Whitney Clayton - That Your Burdens May Be Light
3. Russell T. Osguthorpe - Teaching Helps Save Lives
4. Elder David A. Bednar - More Diligent and Concerned at Home
5. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - The Love of God
6. Elder Robert D. Hales - Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ
7. Elder Jorge F. Zeballos - Attempting the Impossible
8. Elder Kent D. Watson -Being Temperate in All Things
9. Elder Neil L. Andersen - “Repent . . . That I May Heal You”
10. President Boyd K. Packer - Prayer and Promptings
11. President Henry B. Eyring - Our Perfect Example
12. Elder L. Tom Perry - The Past Way of Facing the Future
13. Ann M. Dibb - Hold On
14. Elder Russell M. Nelson - Ask, Seek, Knock
15. Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Moral Discipline
16. President Thomas S. Monson - Closing Remarks

---

Amazing conference! And you are amazing if you were able to read through all of those thoughts! I really try to be choosy with the quotes I put down! [True statement].

I know that God answers prayers. He is so kind and loving. Surely if we will prepare for conference with questions ready in our hearts, He will give us answers through His appointed servants.

Jesus is the Christ! Oh how I love Him. He knows how to work with all my weaknesses and my many imperfections. He loves me without any requirements or down deposits. He believes in me/us even when we feel there is no hope. He is the master carver of our souls. And I am sure glad His hand is steady. He stands waiting at the door. He never gives up on us. It is never too late to decide that He is the better master! He is the sure choice. He is the best Savior for our souls!

Happy Conference everyone!

BECAUSE SHE WAS BORN

So today an angel a few years back was brought into moral life. This angel had many gifts: the gift of faith, the gift of happiness, the gift of trusting in the Lord, the gift to be a help meet, the gift to smile, the gift to calm contention, the gift to see the Lord's hand in everything, the gift of being a friend/mother/wife! There are not many who have all these qualities, but my mom sure does! She is an elect daughter of God. Chosen and preserved to be MY mother. Her kindness is deep and her charity never faileth. I hope I can be like here when I grow up!

Happy Birthday Mom! Wish you were here to give you a hug!! I love you!

...because you were born, I was able to be born! Thank goodness you had faith enough and trust in God to have a family! We love you!

DAVID HAWKINS

Sooo... a few weeks has brought to pass some many amazing blessings into my life! For those of you who have had to chance to be around me recently, this picture pretty much sums up how I feel! Who could have ever thought that a girl could be this happy?!

My smile has been brought to you by a one Heavenly Father through the means of one of his choice sons--David Hawkins. I know I am going to have to share the long version later, but the short version life outline:

Grade school friends
He moved away to payson, but even through Jr high and Highschool we remained friends.
We reconnected shortly after my mission, but felt that things needed be done in "order".
Now-4 1/2 years later, God has brought David and I together causing huge wake size wrinkles in my face!

There are so many details! I told Bishop Larson, "Who could have thought a girl could smile so much?!"

I really can't stop smiling!

For those of you freaking a little out with the lack of details may your mind be put to rest with:

David loves God and wants to serve Him
He is a worthy priesthood holder
He is an optimist (which I love)
He is constantly looking for the sunshine in everything
He is kind
He is a natural cheerleader=meaning he cheers me on with whatever I tell him I need/have to do (this goes along with being positive)
He is faith filled
He loves the scriptures
He is a planner! And when doors and windows are shut he keeps planning and looks for an attic
He loves to have fun
He opens my door
He thinks I am beautiful
He calls me Bryn which I never thought could melt me, but it does every time
He loves the temple (he says Timp is his favorite, so we will have to work on that! ;) ha ha
He has an extremely cute dimple and good for you brown eyes
He loves his mom and sisters deeply
He's not a quitter
He smiles maybe more than I do!

I go back again to the first few things-- He loves God and wants to serve Him. And because He loves God, He is letting Jesus Christ be the author and finisher of his faith.

God brought me a priesthood hunk! And I am not complaining.

Here are a few pictures from my trip out to Colorado Springs this past week.

David did well to rememember that I am a sucker for beauty.
Yes Garb--he even got me to go on a hike! I know, I know! It looks like months of your mission request will be coming to pass. :)
David doesn't like this picture, but I just wanted to point out you just don't get much more of a happy girl than that!


I told you--priesthood hunk!

Meet Ron and Danielle. I was a little worried to meet one of David's best friend but Ron and Danielle put me to ease. What a great couple! I can't wait to get to know them better.
I still can't believe David was able to get me on top of that rock. I had to pretend I was on ground level... and yes I know it is not that high off the ground, but it was high enough to keep my heart racing! :D
This is David's great roommate Calvin. In all honesty I was quite nervous to meet him too because David had talked so highly of his roommate. Calvin didn't give me time to be nervous because he was so friendly. So there you have a little overview of David Hawkins!

He is a great guy! Can't wait for you all to meet him! Promise--you will love him!

I do!

TO ALL THE WOMEN I LOVE!

My mom read this to me last night, and I thought it was pretty profound. I had not heard it before, although it sounds like a poem that should be shared all the time!

(I hope this is really the author? I did a search on the internet and this is what it came up with, but I am not sure if that is a real name?)

"One flaw in women."
by WhoisTASH

Women have strengths that amase men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.


They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I wish I could take the time to upload a picture of each woman that has touched my life. This blog would not have enough storage space! Starting with my own mother, sisters, boss, sisters in the gospel...I am constantly amazed at the caliber of the women God has brought into my life. The strengths, the beauty, the kindness, the desire for righteousness--I am constantly amazed by God's hand shown in/through a righteous woman's life.

To all my friends--may you remember your worth this day!

God loves you! I love you! And your worth is infinite!

MIGHT HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE...

HA, NOT A CHANCE!!!

Alma 49 is all about visiting and home teaching! I will be emailing my sisters tonight the great insights of what diligent faithful/consistent visiting teachers can do--given in this chapter!

But as a taste of how great God is--verse 22 makes me smile. The Lamanites, having an amazingly wicked used to be member of the church at their head--they, the Lamanites came to destroy their brethern the Nephites. There are so many great insights in this chapter! But I have to smile over the following verse.

Now when they found that they could not obtain power over the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of earth that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might have an equal chance to fight; but behold, in these attempts they were swept off by the stones and arrows which were thrown at them; and instead of filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of earth, they were filled up in a measure with their dead and wounded bodies.

The Lamanites just wanted "an equal chance to fight". HA, NOT A CHANCE! I had to smile because when we live the principles of the gospel and strive to keep God's commandments daily- WE HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OVER THE ADVISORY! There is no "equal" chance for Satan to get at us, because living the Gospel of Jesus Christ daily/consistently gives us power and strength, and Satan and his influences in the world just have no chance with us!

I know--you are thinking if it could only be that easy. A wise Sheri Dew said, "If life were easy, it wouldn't be hard". The fortifications on those weak cities I am sure were a lot of work. No slacking in their stride and efforts in order to be prepared. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ helps fortify you when the devil and all his temptations come to wipe you off. Home teachers and visiting teachers are the shovels of the Lord! We can help build up our brothers and sisters' cities.

And then when Satan rages--because he will and does, he too, like the Lamanites wish and long for an "equal chance to fight us". BUT FAT CHANCE and NO CHANCE! Small and simple things. The wall of dirt and the deep ditch found in Alma 49 was not built over night. But small and simple, consistent and resilient, faithful and faith filled, fixed and determined brought about a protection that made the enemy wish they could have an equal chance because they were on lower ground!

Living the gospel and all it's beautiful standards gives one GREAT advantage and protection over the father of all contention.

Pretty cool to know you are on the undefeated team A.K.A the Lord's side of the line.

To catch the whole vision of what the power of faithful leaders, home teachers and visiting teachers can do, read and be filled from Alma 49. Click Here To Read (Wow! What a moment of this blog's history! After a year of having it, this is the first time I figured out how to embed a link! See!!! MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! ha ha)

The Church is TRUE!

There is no middle ground for Satan.

SUNBEAMS

SUNBEAM = a beam or ray of sunlight.
BEAM = a group of nearly parallel rays.
RAY = a narrow beam of light-gleam or slight manifestation - light or radiance.
SUNLIGHT = the light of the sun; sunshine.
LIGHT = something that makes things visible or affords illumination


This morning, for whatever reason I felt to go play the piano before doing much of anything else. I thumbed through some songs and tried to give them a new arrangement. I came to "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" and played a very deep and thoughtful melody.

How true that song is. Trying not to sing the primary tune, which is very cute, the meaning is quite profound.

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, to shine for him each day; In ev'ry way try to please him, at home at school, at play. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for him. Jesus wants me to be loving and kind to all I see, showing how pleasant and happy His little one can be. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for him.

One can be a beam that parallels our Savior and His love. We can, through our obedience to Him, manifest radiance in His plan for us. And as we do, the light of the "Son" we will become.

Jesus wants ME for a sunbeam!

THE WAY IS PREPARED...WALK THEREIN

The other day I came to my bedroom exhausted from the day. Although tired, God helped me open the scriptures and read through heavy eyes. I was touched and moved by Alma 41:8.

I have made a commitment to accomplish something pretty impossible based on my ability by the beginning of June. It will take nothing short of a miracle, and yet I feel it can be done. I read-

"...the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved."

I honestly don't see a way for this goal to be accomplished, but again, like He does so often, God sent me a scripture to rescue my soul from losing hope. My way is prepared, and I will walk therein! Ha, literally!

God is so good! I glory in His kindness in bringing about the Book of Mormon. In darkened days and when hearts are heavy, the light of it's pages pierces my soul and I am illuminated! And when days are already sunny and bright and my heart is light, I am lifted as the scriptures say on eagles wings with the truths therein!

So moral--your life can only get better--by reading, pondering, studying, and applying the truths and principles from/in The Book of Mormon! http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/contents

A way is prepared for each of us!

WALK THEREIN!

THE CHURCH IS TRUE

Elder Orson F. Whitney said:

The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God. Looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.

Given the two options, I so much rather live, be, breathe, act, dwell in the spirit of optimistic! Wouldn't you?! :) This quote almost perfectly describes my Bishop! Who wouldn't want to not be around he and his eternal family with such an attitude always present?!

The Church is True--this is a statement that is part of my regular vocabulary. No matter what is going on in life, whether grey clouds, sunshine, sleet or blizzard covered mountains... because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true--my life is amazing! Saying the church is true is my way of having an outward reminder of my inner commitment to stay positive and optimistic. My parents may laugh a little reading this because they know better then ever that I am not ALWAYS positive nor optimistic. But I sure like to strive to be.

The Church is true!

I was particularly touched by Ali's blog this week. I don't know how to paste the link (so pathetic, I know! I am all a computer all day long, but I can't get my html coding to ever work for me...) into your browser and read her Sunday post. Her insight about forgiving ourselves is pretty awesome! http://justwinget.blogspot.com/2010/02/dear-blog.html Thanks Al!

...IS THERE MORE?

Last general conference was amazing for me. Okay, that is a "duh" statement because I always love general conference. But over and over I recount the words of Richard G. Scott's talk on Sat morning. He said:

Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance.

This was new insight for me at conference! It had never occurred to me to ask God if there was "more" after I finished out my prayers.

Since conference I have quite a few times felt prompted to ask when I was finished with the prayer if there was something more... and a few times there has been something more.

This morning as I knelt and prayed and received some hard things to do--but I am confided God will help me do them. I ended my prayer and jumped up to read my scriptures before running to work. But I felt that I needed to go ask Heavenly Father if there was something more He needed/wanted me to know. So I went back down to my knees and simply asked if there was something more He wanted me to know. The answer came, "You are loved". I paused on my knees and the tears spilled down my cheeks.

Two things here. Yes I know that God loves me! Just with the picture above I was sitting on a pier at 5:45 AM in Mexico studying my scriptures with the breeze on my face and the multi colored fish below my feet and the stunningly blue water surrounding me on all sides. While pondering over some scriptures, over walks a little bird just a few feet from me. It is not the most amazing shot you have ever seen, God knowing I love birds and morning light--gave me this perfect little scene to shoot.

His love is evident by the people He puts in my life, for the gospel knowledge, for temples, for quite moments made just for me--but today, there was no scene, but words. Not through a blessing but through a real one on one moment. Second, "you are loved" is the lingo I use and say to others and I could not help but smile that God would use a style I use, to get through to me.

So for anyone out there who feels alone or feels the tasks ahead are hard to bare, get back down on your knees and ask the Lord if there is anything else He would have you know. And then, when His words/feelings/impressions come...write them down. Because they will!

I am loved! So are you!

LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART

It will just take a min, but worthy of your time, promise!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

Thanks for sending it to me Uncle Paul. Sure do love you!

GOSPEL OF HOPE-NUMBERS DON'T LIE

Alma 13:28-29

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;

Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.

These are great words to live by. I reminder that I want to become better than I was yesterday. Heavenly Father is so merciful with all of us. He wants us to be happy. The gospel is the gospel of hope. Praying and watching continually will help us to not be tempted about which we can bear. Going to church, saying our prayers and reading our scriptures helps us stay watchful and keeps our mind linked to god.

A girlfriend from work let me borrow a book of quotes she has kept. I don't have his name with me, so I appologize--but I will add it as soon as I know who said the quote, but the quote basically said that if we are members of the church in an average life time we will have partaken/participated in renewing our sacrement covenants over 3,000 times. That says to me that we have a merciful father in heaven who knows we are going to screw up at least 3,000 times or more. That tells me that one can't be reminded enough to keep moving forward, keep trying and to keep holding on. at least 3,000 times to renew our covenants, at least 3,000 times to start afresh again...just imagine if we were able to go to the temple once a month or a few times a month. if it is just twice a month that is 1,400 of God's children we are helping on the other side. 1,400 souls (because we can't start attending until we are 12) and who knows how many sets of missionaries that helped prepare them. Going a few times a month doesn't seem to be a lot, but when you look at a life time of doing it--the impact is significant. We are told by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass. Going to church and renewing our covenants weekly is such a small act--but an act that I believe Alma knew would change lives. Change lives enough to try to achieve all we are suppose to become in those two verses:
-humble ourselves before God
-call on his holy name
-watch and pray continually - so we won't be tempted above that which we can bare
-be led by the holy spirit
-BECOMING
-humble
-meek
-submissive
-patient
-full of love
AND
-ALL long-suffering
-HAVING
-faith on the Lord
-a hope that we will have eternal life (hope we are going to make it!)
-love of god ALWAYS in our hearts
-be lifted up ta the last day
-enter into his rest

Oh I love that Alma said "becoming", not become. To become something is an end destination. If I have become skinny, I am skinny! ;) But becoming something--"becoming" is a process not a destination. I believe the decision of always becoming better then we are right now, will land us a destination entering (again "enter" is a process) into his rest. Alma did not say we will be "in" the rest of god, but "enter" into his rest. The partaking of the sacrement 3,000 times in a life time my math says starting at age eight and living to the age of 72, that is 64 years of partaking of the sacrement 48 times a year because 4 Sundays are gone for stake and general conference, that gives you over 3,328 times taking that sacrement. And that is if you are never sick or have to skip a Sunday! I HATE math and numbers, but boy, I sure get excited over this!

Just another reminder of how perfect God is and how far I am off, BUT that he is willing to work with me--a whole lot! At least 3,000 times a lot. Repetition, second chances, repentance--the ultimate phrase is the Atonement.

No wonder it is called the gospel of hope! At least 3,000 times hoping at becoming better than we are right now!

In case I don't have a chance to say Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas! Merry means = full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit. Christmas is the celbration of the birth of Jesus Christ. May we all be FULL of cheerfulness (my parents are such a good example to me on this) because JESUS was born, lived, died, and IS living for us. May we be, "Joyous in Christ". And with 3,000 chances at least-how can one not be joyous at that!?!

Merry Christmas.

ps. Thanks to little Mia for being so amazingly cute!

Peace vs. peace

This morning, after going to bed quite late, Heavenly Father was kind enough to help me roll out of bed at 6 so I could go walking. 3 new inches of snow covered the ground. I walked around the condos with general conference in my ears and deep gratitude in my heart. I love the gospel! I love that I have the gospel. I love that my parents taught me the gospel--sometimes I am sure it felt as thought it were in vain. I love that I have a personal Savior, who died for all men including me and would have just atoned even if it was only for me. It was a beautiful morning in the dark, half moon, lit sky.

As I knelt down to say my morning prayers I felt to sing a song to help me have the spirit. Without thought of what song to sing, out loud on my knees I started singing Hymn 207, It Came upon the Midnight Clear. I admit I did not know all the words, but found myself singing "Peace on the earth, good will to men". At the moment I sang "Peace" my mind brought to view of a baby in a manger. I could not finish singing as the magnitude of the word struck chords in my heart. I have always thought of peace on earth as kindness, love, no hated or contention--which that is part of peace, but the impression upon my mind was that the angles were singing Jesus Christ was on the earth. Peace is the Savior! And now as I read the rest of the sentence it has always been there, but I have never registered the meaning - "Peace on the earth, good will to men from heaven's all-gracious King." Peace, like Savior, Redeemer, Morning Star, Breath of Heaven, Messiah, Captain, Gardner, Lord, Master--is just another name the scriptures and angels call the Savior. He is the Prince of Peace-our Heavenly King all-gracious sent His Son, "Peace". I am sure everyone else has caught this meaning before, but this is news to my mind and heart today!

Peace was placed in a manger. Peace, taught in the temple. Peace healed the lepers. Peace came upon the waters and calmed the sea. Peace left men to ponder. Peace healed the brokenhearted.

As I finished my prayer I came to my desk to finish my study in Alma 7. And there in the last verse of the chapter we are told how one can have "Peace"/"peace".

And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.

According to your faith and good works!

The Savior can be ever present in our lives, all we possess can have both "Peace" touch it, prosper it, heal it. That brings "peace" and "Peace"! To always abound in good works in verse 24 we are told we have to have faith, hope, and charity, THEN we will always abound in good works. And with faith and good works the peace of God comes.

If I have the prince = "Peace" in me or resting upon me, surely my heart can calm contentions. Surely I will have the spirit to keep clinging to the iron road. Surely I will give more benefit of doubts instead of jumping to unfair judgments/thoughts, surely I will focus more perfectly on the good in others rather then their struggles.

Peace was born on the earth the angles declared. And He still is and can be in our hearts and in our actions. Peace died upon a cross and conquered death.

May my faith and good works--brings Peace, Jesus Christ.

MIRACLE IN THE DRYER?!!

What do you get when you cross a nice pair of dress slacks with a piece of paper/tissue?!
A mess!!

Mom called me the other day to share a miracle. She said she was doing a load of dark laundry. After the clothes had all been put into the water she had the impression to check her pockets. Wanting to be obedient to the prompting she pulled out each fully soaked piece of clothing and looked through the pockets. All she found was a hotel room key. Satisfied that she had followed the prompting she left the clothes to be washed.

After the load was finished she put the clothes in the dryer. When the dryer ended she opened the door and pulled out the first garment. She found 2 pieces of lint (of what you would get when you wash a tissue). An "Oh no!" filled her mind. She must have not found a hidden tissue in one of the pockets. She was not excited for the mess of a washed tissue.

To her surprise she finished pulling all the laundry out of the dryer only to find her clothing was all in good order--no more lint to be found anywhere. She figured she didn't wash a tissue and the two white pieces she had found were left over from another load.

She pulled out the lint screen to find it was completely CAKED on with tissue. At least a good 1/2 inch thickness across the whole screen. For anyone who does laundry--you know the time waster it is when you find you have washed a tissue because another load and 8 lint roller brush papers later you finally have your clothes back to normal. As she pulled off the heavy amount of lint the scripture came to her mind- "...after all we can do."

She received a prompting to check her pockets. She did, every one- but found nothing. She did all she could do. And instead of getting a batch of laundry back looking like my pants above, she only had 2 pieces of lint and a lint screen chuck full of tissue. The Lord took care of what she couldn't do...

Now I know what someone is thinking. "Does the Lord really care about tissue in a pocket? Would he preform a miracle on wet tissue?" Well this much I do know.
-My mom had an impression and followed it. She did go through ever piece of clothing. She pulled them out of the water each one and checked the pockets. She only found a plastic card.
-I can testify of what a batch looks like when you wash a tissue! Look at above! That was only one article of clothing from a batch that looked all the same--"snowville". I pulled out my laundry quite annoyed with the mess and the time it would take to correct the mess.
-I know that God cares about my mom.
-She had I am sure prayed like she had every day asking to accomplish what needed to get done.
-Had the tissue not been miraculously collected she would have spent a lot of time (a lot being another hour re-doing a load but on a fully scheduled day and hour can be killer!)
-As soon as she pulled out the lint catcher and saw the matted thickness of tissue the end of a scripture popped into her head...

2 Nephi 25:23
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

She did all she could do! And because of that, God preformed a miracle in the dryer! She and I both believe that she was permitted to see the 2 pieces of white tissue on a pair of pants just so she would know the the magnitude of the miracle preformed.

So come on Bryndi! It is just Tissue gathered in a lint screen... Right?! If the Lord in His mercy will help my mom with a load of laundry then surely he will help with greater things. And He does! I have had many impressions since this experience with remembering that I do my very best-all I can do and the Lord will make up the rest. Doesn't mean we aren't going to have days of wet tissue all over our dark clothes. Believe me--I have done a few batches in the last couple weeks that have left me frustrated and annoyed with the extra time wasted for my carelessness of not checking all my pockets.

I am not going to do all the math of this beautiful miracle. If God will collect all the tissue in a dryer-then surely he will sustain you in your Goliath, however big or small.

I will leave with this. I know that God lives and loves us. There is not anything that stops us from having miracles daily--except ourselves. In my life I have witnessed/shared in the miracle of unseen angels, complete direction in a moment of loss, peace in the darkest of abysses, life given back-physically and spiritually, 180 degree change in attitude, hearts softened, anger hushed, kindness instead of sarcasm, mercy and love, instant healing, comfort over pain, strength in a struggle, triumph over sorrow, faith over fear, love over hate, forgiveness instead of harsh grudges, softness instead of hardness, holding of the tongue, the quietness of wet cheeks in a moment of faith, addictions conquered, enduring instead of stopping... these are just to name a few.

Christ is the reason for the season... ALL SEASONS OF LIFE! Cold ones, wet ones, hot ones, spring filled ones. Is it no wonder that we all love spring, and yet it only lasts for a few short weeks. But yet it is worth going through a long cold winter just because we know we will get and see spring!

This picture below is very symbolic to me. It was the first Christmas home from after the mission. It was taken at Nyk's (my sister) bridal shower. Taylee and I are placed right in front of Krysti's beautiful Christmas tree. (wow, I look so young! ha ha) What you can't see, is right in front of Tay and I--Kiss had up grandma's manger scene. (I wish I would have taken a picture of the scene.)

I was just walking by the manger scene headed to be with the party when I looked at the small baby Jesus laying before "the world". In an instant my heart heart got it. I was flooded with the thought that because of that infant, laid in a manger, choirs of angels sang, shepherds came and wise men searched. Because of that infant, sins can be forgiven and kindness can trump ugliness. Because of an infant worlds with out end have a reason to rejoice. There is hope. Like the sun in the sky giving light in a dark dreary place, the Savior the son of our Heavenly Father, gives life unto every darkened dreary soul. He illuminates darkness. Melts away cold. He brightens hope, He conquers fears. A King of King, a literal Prince of peace. --- all this from walking by Kiss's manger scene. I never got nor liked manger scenes before this moment. I now, can't look at a manger scene without reflecting and praising.

Jesus is the Christ. As Moses was a "type" of Him--Jesus came to set His people free!

Onward and Upward!

KING OF KINGS

I went to LDS.org this morning to find a quote from General Conference and saw the cover of the new December ensign. ... Stunning. The last few weeks I have been pondering about Joseph and Mary and who they must have been in order to raise the son of God. What trust they had in Heavenly Father. What challenges they faced and in an opposite sense what glories they beheld. Surely their hearts felt the highest of happiness and the lowest of sorrows.

I saw this magazine cover and my eyes became wet. Two mortal beings who fulfilled what they were sent here to do. And then that child-the Savior born in a manger. A king laying in hay. Because we are less then the dust of the earth for at least the dust will obey God's commands, no doubt the animals surrounding Mary and Joseph were at least pure in the fact that they obey God's commands.

Because of a king laying in straw-His faithful earthly parents and their courage to raise Him as the King He was/is. To His miracles and power - His mercy and love. From His pleading and blood in the garden to His continued oneness on the cross - to His victory over the sting of death - and His constant beckoning to becoming like He is. ... My heart is stirred.

It is Him -- who is the lover of my soul.

Jesus is the Christ.


Artist Rose Datoc Dall is on my thankful list. I love to see when God is inspiring others to do/make something beautiful.
To check out the Dec Ensign, copy and paste the following link into your browser.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=5e82875a62c25210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=ccb1d48fa58db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

JUST A TASTE

I went with Dad to walmart to pick them up. Avacodos were .10 at Walmart tonight, what a steal! I hope they are good! :) As we finished our trip, I saw President Richards there with his sweet wife. This is the first time I have run into them shopping. Immediately my heart was swollen with love for this choice couple. President Richards is not one for complements. He is a humble man. He is a man of God. It is always humbling to be around him and one can't leave his presence with out an inward desire to preform/serve better outwardly.

We were able to chat a little bit about out I belong to the best ward in the world. That is the theme when we describe our ward--because it is true. I had a moment to tell them my thoughts about working with Bishop Larson. They confirmed all my feels were true. Our short conversation left me praising Heavenly Father.

As I walked away from Pres and Sis Richards, I thought about how there isn't anything I wouldn't not do for Bishop Larson. If he suggests something or counsels something, no questions asked I will do it. The love and respect I have for him are almost indescribable.

As I walked away from being with such an "in love couple" as Cindy and Pres Richards--my thoughts pondered over the fact that if I want to do everything asked by my Bishop, how much more desire would I have to follow through with what the Lord asks me to do?!? For surely my love for my bishopric moves me to action--but how much more if it is the Lord asking?! The difference is is that Heavenly Father is someone I don't see on a weekly basis. I pray to him consistently throughout my day, but more faith is required with working with a veil relationship.

But God puts his different children in the path of life that represent Him and His son. My stake president and Bishop are two of those types of examples for me. And if I have a strong desire to serve/obey them--that must be just a taste of my relationship with the Savior and Heavenly Father. For surely I would want to serve/obey just the same.

I am probably not making any sense, but I was struck with a deep reverence tonight. I was able to spend a wonderful evening with my great parents and then retire to my room to close my evening with prayer. Oh how I want to serve my God. Oh how I want to obey his will and wishes for me. Oh how I want to have my desires intune with correct principles. And oh if I have this much love for my parents, my bishopric and my Stake president--surely my love must be even greater for the Savior and Heavenly Father. And surely I would want to follow all of their commands with exactness the way I want to follow every counsel given to me by my bishop. And yet it is so easy to fall short. And it is so much easier to obey someone without a veil. But IF my feelings are this deep for those within my earthly span--they must be all the more greater for things/relationships I cannot remember or comprehend right now.

I love Jesus Christ. He is my LIFE, my LIGHT, and my WAY.

Tonight was just a taste of what it must be like with the Veil is taken away. What a sweet, sweet taste.

AFTER MUCH...

"For after much tribulation come the blessings." D&C 58:4

I love the word much because it prepares me for my expectations workign with tribulation. And the 's' at the end of blessing--excites me that it is more than one blessing! :D This scripture tells us how life can be at times. But like Elder Holland said in his Liberty Jail talk, we are in good company when we are going through hard times.

Elder George Q. Cannon:

"...the Saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably over take them. If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by and by." (Millennial Star, 3 Oct 1863, p. 634.)

President Brigham Young:

"If the Saints could realize things as they are when they are called to pass through trials, and to suffer what they call sacrifices, they would acknowledge them to be the greatest blessings that could be bestowed upon them" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 345).

Defiantly something to strive for. The last quote, there are many in my family, including myself that will tell anyone who asks, that Dad receiving cancer last year, with all its ugly tortures on the physical body, has been one of the greatest blessings our family has received. Through it we learned patience, trust, humility, faith, determination, trust, more kindness, sincere prayer, courage, His will--be done, and no matter what--we will still serve and praise our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. We are stronger because of it. Mom and Dad now serve in the temple--our family values time together all that much more. In so many ways, we did have a happy ending. I am sensitive to those that have had loved ones that have not had the same happy ending. But for whatever time we are given in this earth life, shorter or longer, God is with us. There are miracles to behold. Faith to be lived, His name to represent in all that we do/say and are. Our lives are to emulate Him, our Savior Jesus Christ. And we can claim power from on high to help us through the days when our hands hang down weary and worn or when our heart feels it simply cannot bare any more.

The Turtle in Kunfo Panda says, "Life is a gift, that is why it is called the present." Find your gift in the day and in return be a gift for others.

I am so thankful God trusts us with challenging tests, and in return I will trust Him through the tests. What a morning to praise God! He sure does love us! And as a wise Mary Jo at church bore in her testimony - "We were not sent here to fail". We can do it!