NEVER GIVE UP

I have not kept up on my monthly Ensign reading due to self given challenge of studying a conference talk every day. I am having a WONDERFUL time studying the talks... however, I am missing not reading the monthly Ensign cover to cover. So one morning after all my study was done this week, I was impressed to read "Never Give Up" from the July Ensign. SOO GOOD! Click here to read!
 

I was deeply touched by the wife's testimony of not giving up - 35 years of persistent/active faith! And then to read the husband's story of how to become a non-fence sitter and as he says:

"There was another thing that was keeping me from joining the Church, something more serious: the sinful life I was leading. King Benjamin teaches us that “the natural man is an enemy to God … unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” (Mosiah 3:19). I did not yield—I was sitting on the fence. The Savior said, “He that is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30). I realize now that because of the way I was living my life, I was against Him. I needed to change.

"I was living around the gospel but never actually living it, but as time went on, I started to feel the Spirit. I stopped partying and drinking. When I made that change, the Spirit started to manifest itself more frequently. I still wasn’t where I needed to be—my language wasn’t very good and I had some other bad habits to work on—but I was changing." --Al Fry

 The whole article- right down to Richard G. Scott's quote- moved me! Thank you Al and Eva Fry!

YUMM!

I work with wonderful people! ... this beautiful lunch was brought to me by Lynda Angelastro. I came in, and she had just picked a few zucchinis from her garden and brought them into me. She knows how much I love to eat them and don't/can't have a garden of my own where I live. What a sweetheart! Thank you Lynda and Mike!!

So if you would like a KILLER treat... mist those bad boys with some olive oil, shake garlic salt and some pepper over the top, and pop them in the oven @ 375 for a hour or so. If you like them crunchy, cook less time. I like mine cooked/soft all the way through. I keep them about 1/2 inch thick. Talk about HEAVEN IN YOUR MOUTH! Thank you again Lynda and Mike! Love you! And so does my stomach! :)

As a sweet note... one choice friend was sealed to her husband yesterday in the Timp temple. I know it is something she has dreamed about... so when they walked into the sealing room, I was overwhelmed with deep gratitude and emotion. I remembered the nights I prayed for this friend and in the past fasted for her.  I am sure she had her own prayers and fasts and I would guess the family members too.  ... To be there on such a day/moment...I have numbered the experience among the very choice moments of heaven that I have been allowed to witness. When I came through the line to hug her, I just wept and hug, and wept again. I love this daughter of God more than words can say. She Never gave up! She gave her dream patience.

How merciful and wonderful God's plan is!

I am grateful for reminders. 

"What Is This Thing That Men Call Death"

Several times in the last few days these words have come to my mind... so beautifully written by President Gordon B. Hinckley:

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death

What is this thing that men call death,
This quiet passing in the night?
Tis not the end but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light.

O God, touch Thou my aching heart
And calm my troubled, haunting fears.
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure,
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change,
With recompense for victory won.
The gift of Him who loved all men,
The Son of God, the Holy One.
--Gordon B. Hinckley

This month there has been a lot of passings. Grandma Lillie, cousin Cory, friend Brian, and today was Uncle Updike... there are many heavy hearts. My prayers are upward. How deeply grateful I am to know that there is life after death. Truly, I believe in President Hinckley's "There is no death, but only change".  When a man die, shall he live again? YES! Oh blessed Jesus!!
YES!!

What happens when we die?

Click Here!!! 

I am grateful for eternal life.

BUM SANDWICHES...LESSONS NOT LOST... VOL 4

So why another volume in "Lessons Not Lost"? Just that... like President Monson said, the following lessons were not lost on me.


PLOW IN HOPE
The High Council Brother for today was Brother Gebert. He asked that everyone go home and study Elder Maxwell's talk from the April 2001 General Conference entitled: "Plow in Hope". (WORTHY of your time to read! CLICK HERE) I have very few paragraphs that aren't all marked up. The truths shared on the atonement and the choice of what we decide to be--simple yet deeply profound.



Here are a few jewels on Jesus Christ and His Atonement:

Since the “infinite atonement” required infinite suffering, the risk of recoil was there! (2 Ne. 9:7; Alma 34:12).

All humanity hung on the hinge of Christ’s character! Mercifully, He did not shrink but “finished [His] preparations unto the children of men” (D&C 19:19).

In the agonizing atoning process, Jesus let His will be “swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:7). As sovereigns, choosing to yield to the Highest Sovereign is our highest act of choice. It is the only surrender which is also a victory! The putting off of the natural man makes possible the putting on of the whole armor of God, which would not fully fit before! (see Eph. 6:11, 13).

Uniquely, atoning Jesus also “descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things” (D&C 88:6; see also D&C 122:8). How deep that descent into despair and abysmal agony must have been! He did it to rescue us and in order to comprehend human suffering. Therefore, let us not resent those tutoring experiences which can develop our own empathy further (see Alma 7:11–12). A slothful heart will not do, and neither will a resentful heart. So being admitted fully to “the fellowship of his sufferings” requires the full dues of discipleship (Philip. 3:10; see also 1 Cor. 1:9).

FIREBIRD
Remember Kent Keller?! The AMAZING photographer that I often live vicariously through? He is the one who shot the pictures of the palomino stud (click here). Well he sent an email last week that was pretty profound. With permission I share his email and pictures:

    "With all the early fires this year I have been worried about eaglets getting burned up on their nests.  A fire came 200 yards from a nest with two eaglets in May.  And then came the "Dump Fire" at the north end of Lake Mtn.  When the fire was out I checked a nest where I had banded one eagle on June 1st above Eagle Mtn. City center. 

       "The nest had burned up.  I hiked up there to document the loss of the eaglet and was shocked to find him burned but still alive on the ground below where the nest had been.  His flight feathers and tail feathers were gone.  He had burns on his feet and around his beak.  The adult eagles were still feeding him on the ground but I'm sure in a month or so they would lose interest in him because he would not be able to fly.

     "On the 4th of July I caught him and took him to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah at the mouth of Ogden Canyon.  DaLyn Erickson is taking expert care of him.  She named him Phoenix for the mythical firebird.  Hopefully within a years time he will grow his feathers back."

 

 How that baby survived the fire ??? And that the parents were still feeding it while it was hanging out at the bottom of the tree... Some "storms" in life are brought on by ourselves or others or just "life". We are not promised we will come out on top, or even have the feathers we feel are necessary for us to fulfill the measure of our creation... but as Elder Maxwell pointed out, hope is to be had, if we will choose to have it. Jesus Christ's grace is sufficient combined with doing all that we can do. Flight feathers or not. To sore, or left to waddle, God will always help us continue the path back to Him. We are not alone.



BUM SANDWICHES AND EXPLODING BLENDERS
     (Do the bums and don't explode!)
One sweet friend left on her mission, Sister Madsen. I met her back when I was going to the Deaf Ward in Provo. She and I were in the same stake, and as a young woman's leader I watched closely the other girls in the stake who where/would be influencing my own girls. I saw this vivacious girl who was full of life and laughter. As fate would have it, a singles ward was formed and when she graduated highschool, she moved on into Relief Society and I had the privilege of seeing this daughter of God blossom even more. Her mother was in the Stake Young Woman's Presidency and I was able to train with her influence. Her choice father was put into the Bishopric at the singles ward. Getting to work with him provided some choice moments with his profound love and influence. (I am inspired and motivated by love and kindness).

So going to Ms. Kenzie's mission farewell talk was a more than a treat because I was able to be in the same building, once again, with so many that I deeply care for, love and admire.

The spirit in the meeting was beautiful. I was particularity touched by a sister (I believe she was serving in primary) who shared a personal story about her grandmother.

This sister, I don't know her name so I will just call her Pam, loved going over to her grandmother's house. Often in the mornings Pam's grandmother would be found busily working around the house while singing.

One particular morning, Pam heard her grandmother singing in the kitchen. She walked in the kitchen and sat at the table. Pam waited patiently for her grandmother to notice that she was there. When her grandmother finally turned around she let out a gasp while saying, "The sandwiches!". Apparently she had sat right down on a tray of open faced sandwiches. Pam said she knew her grandmother must have noticed the horror in her face. Her grandmother marched right over to Pam, picked her up and walced her around the kitchen. Her grandmother cheerfully said something along the lines of, "Today, we will be serving bum sandwiches.". Giggles and the laughs were shared.

This story STUNNED me. I KNOW my reaction would have not been the same. I am sure I would have tried to put on a brave face and not looked crushed let alone frustrated---what a story of PURE CHARITY!  I left that meeting determined to be a "Bum Sandwich" type person in life.

... sadly that desire will have to come with practice.

No more than a month later, I was in my kitchen making my breakfast shake. Jen and the kids were sitting at the table eating pizza. (Who doesn't love pizza at any time of the day?!)  I poured my water and opened up my shake packet and did just what I do every time I turn on the blender (three times a day)... I start to pour the packet and then flip the switch.  Well bless my parents, my place has a Vita Mix Blender. Let's just say POWER! Apparently I left the switch in the #2 position, so when I flipped it on, there was an EXPLOSION (literally) of protien chocolate powder wartery wonder mess EVERY WHERE. On me, all over my counter and floor, the coubors... I haven't looked at the ceiling yet, but my guess is it hit there too!

I am sad to say this aunt was not a "bum sandwich" aunt. :( I did not yell (it is not really in my nature at this stage of life to be a yeller, hopefully never) but I was silently grumpy, which in some cases may be worse then being a yeller. My kind nieces and nephews, I am sure seeing the mood I set, suficated their laughter and kept solum "Sorry Bryndi" faces.

It was JUST a protien shake. It was just a mess in a kitchen that with a wet rag can be cleaned/was cleaned up in mins. I missed the boat with being a bum sandwich aunt and allowing everyone to have a good hearty laugh. Even Jen tried to lighten the mood by questioning why I didn't have a lid on my blender in the first place. I regret that moment of silent frustration, but thankfully have learned a valuable lesson. And I have vowed to BECOME a bum sandwich person! Want to join me? This thought was reiterated by a mission friend's, (Melissa Singleton) brilliantly titled, post "Laughter is LITERALLY medicine. Choose to take it." It is a GREAT post about what happened on a highschool date (click here). I say "Amen" to her post and title of the post!

Bum sandwich, laughter medicine wanna-be adict in the making!



"I WAS A CHRISTIAN DISQUIESED AS A SHOPPER"
My brilliant Relief Society President put together a visiting teaching workshop. Three wards participated in it yesterday. It was great! And I appaud all the hard work/behind the scenes that went into making such a conference possible.

Sister Cox, a member of the Stake Relief Society Presidency shared a very touching opening talk on ministering. She feels inadiquite/why would she be ask to speak--but those who see and know her, see and know God works through her. The last year and several months of knowing Sister Cox, has truly been a blessing. She always shares the things I need to hear... or rather, God is always having her be the mouth piece to my heart. Her talk yesterday was no exception to the rule.

Sister Cox shared a story about her sister-in-law whom she loves/loved dearly. The sister-in-law was battling cancer and could not make her weekly trips to the temple. So Sister Cox, determined that she would go to the temple in honor/for her sister-in-law and to show faith to Heavenly Father, committed going every week to the temple for a year. A year turned into six years. In her own words, this is what happend to Sister Cox as she went to the temple weekly:

"I decided to make a goal to attend the temple weekly for a year.  After all, I felt that this was little to sacrifice for my dear friend and sister and what she would be going through.

"This was not going to be an easy task for me as we owned our own business so I was working full time and was a mother of two teenagers.   And, within a few months of my decision to attend the temple weekly, I was called to be the Relief Society President in my home ward. Where would I ever find the time to keep this commitment?  But I committed.

"Being in the temple weekly helped my spirit mature and made me more receptive to the Holy Ghost. I learned about the Savior more intimately.  I was able to be taught by him and through his example, emulated and become more like him.  My nature was changing. I was becoming a better person and displaying more Godlike qualities.  I tended to shower kindness where there once was none; I was more willing to forgive; I was more patient with others and pardon others’ faults, imperfections and weaknesses; I felt more inclined to help others and reach out to those in need.  I tried to speak more with the tongue of angels—thinking more about what I said and how I said it.  My feelings and attitudes in my daily living improved even in the smallest of tasks.  I found myself doing things I wouldn’t normally do.  The following experience expressed how I was changing:

"I used to hurry and dash into the grocery store to pick up items for supper.  I was a frantic shopper, eager to get in and get out.  I grumbled at the carts that were left parked in the middle of the stalls.  Other people were in my way in the store—the person stocking the shelves, the people ahead of me in the checkout line, the checker.  I was so frazzled by the time I reached my car to leave.  

"But after attending the temple regularly, I was a Christian disguised as a shopper.  I saw other people on my way to get my grocery items, I would excuse myself and smile when I reached past the person stocking the shelves, I would comment on the weather to the person standing in front of me at the checkout stand, and thank the checker who whisked my groceries into my bag for me.  I reached my car having had three very pleasant encounters and feeling good.  I even took the extra time to put my cart in the cart holder so no one would be inconvenienced by having it in their way. 

"If we see every place, every job, every responsibility as an opportunity to be with another precious child of God who needs our ministry, the ministry we can bring as a Christian and as a disciple of Christ, then even a very busy schedule doesn't feel like juggling any more. "

What a beauitful promise!  

"If we see every place, every job, every responsibility as an opportunity to be with another precious child of God who needs our ministry, the ministry we can bring as a Christian and as a disciple of Christ, then even a very busy schedule doesn't feel like juggling any more."--Kathy Cox

I was deeply touched by Sister Cox's story. Am I a Christian disquised as a: co-worker, a sister, an in-law, a daughter, a gas-pump customer, a freeway driver. That application is beauitful! Thank you Sister Cox!



BE A TREE
There is this guy in my ward named Ian. Great kid. Came home from his mission not too long ago. When he speaks he does so with humility and complete reliance on the Spirit. The things of the gospel of Jesus Christ touch him and it is apparent that when touched by the spirit he becomes/almost fights back deep and tender emotions. I LOVE getting to hear him speak.

A few months back, he shared a beautiful insight about the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19.

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

 Zacchaeus was seeking to see Jesus. But could not find a way to get to him because of the people and my guess is little of stature doesn't make him a prime canident for pushing his way through. So in seeking to see the Savior, he figured out where the Savior would walk and climbed up a tree on that path. LOVE the logic and thought out plan of this man. Sure does say something about the deterimation/desires of his heart.

Ian pointed out that Zacchaeus, used a tree as his means to get closer/see the Savior. Ian then asked if we were being trees planted on the Savior's path, that others could use as their means of getting closer to the Savior. ?? It was a simple but profound question. One worth pondering. Thank you Ian.



FALLING TO HEAVEN

So be it known AGAIN, that The Book of Mormon is my favorite book of all time. It has changed my life, brought me closer to the Savior, helped me understand prayer, and God's plan of happiness on such a personal level. I trully feel I have come closer to Christ becomes of that book. And right along with The Book of Mormon, I LOVE the New and Old Testimant, the Doctrine and Covanents and the Pearl of Great Price...all the standard works!

If you have noticed my "Good Read" list on the right hand side of my blog, you will find that this is the 2nd book listed. I must say... completely life changing/eye opening. So much that at the end of the book, I found myself bawling in the canyon on the way home from a funeral. I pulled over and had some deep conversations with Heavenly Father. Impressions of things I need to work on and need to change. I had impressions to write several letters to people in my past and presentt life.

 This book did for me, what I think the Miracle of Forgiveness does to most people if read sincerely. So pround is this book that I felt like buying a case and just start handing out copies. I HIGHLY recommend this book. It was life changing for me.



MIRACLE AT MIDNIGHT

Old Disney movie that my folks and I watched the other night. It is baised on a true event that took place in Denmark. 1943--the Nazi's had been occupying the country for several years. It was determined that on a planned night all of the Jews would be taken. In not much time, the Danish people were hiding their jewish friends and the report is that 7,000 were saved and smuggled across the country in fishing boats and other means. One Christian Doctor used his hospital and Jews were taken/kept in the hospital under different names and made up illinesses. When the war ended, many of these refugees went back to their homes in Denmark to find that their houses/posesions/buisiness were all still in tack and watched over.

The movie obviously has to add some "story"... but the points are basied off of a real event. New York Times has an article on the making of the movie (click here). I know that many Jewish lives were lost and 7,000+ compaired to the 6 million seems like nothing. And I agree with the writer from the NYT's article that there were lots of other heroic, selfless people in other countries... but this movie/story captured my heart. When I had finished watching it... I was deeply moved to want to stand for the right, and to let charity govern my action, heart and thoughts, and I want to make sure that I AM my brothers/nieghbors keeper. I highly recommend this touching film.



TO KNOW CHRIST
 I LOVED this quote from Neal A. Maxwell's address... and just wanted to end this post with this statement.

"If, like the Savior, we do not “shrink,” then we must go with the demanding flow of discipleship, including where the tutoring doctrines of the Master take us. Otherwise, we may walk with Jesus up to a point, but then walk no more with Him (see John 6:66). Shrinking includes stopping as well as turning back.

The more we know of Jesus, the more we will love Him. The more we know of Jesus, the more we will trust Him. The more we know of Jesus, the more we will want to be like Him and to be with Him by becoming the manner of men and women that He wishes us to be (see 3 Ne. 27:27), while living now “after the manner of happiness” (2 Ne. 5:27)." --Neal A. Maxwell

I am grateful for time and experiences so I can know Jesus Christ.

"Ready and worthy...whatever the Lord has in store"

  One of my friends was in a motorcycle accident this week. Brain damage and possibly (Docs are 95% sure) he will be paralyzed at least from the waist down. His family has started a blog to keep people updated (click here). I was deeply touched by a comment his mother made. (At least I think it is his mom):

"The care at this hospital has been so good. The support of family and friends can be felt and is appreciated. I know Brian is ready and worthy for whatever the Lord has in store for him." (emphasis added)

Her comment moved me. What great faith. What an attitude to take on, dispite the gloom that must be threatening to devour any faith. What trust in the Lord. What example to me.

Any prayers you would like to send up in Brian's behalf... I know they would be welcomed.

I am grateful for a Higher, UN-diluted by mortal minds, plan.

THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT A MISTAKE, never was, a "thou shalt".

(Photo San Diego LDS Temple: by Marshyl Cloward)

Loved Jason's profound comment on Sunday. He pointed out that God has never given the commandment of "Thou shalt not commit a mistake." He did give us the commandment to forgive.  Forgive when others' mistakes hurt, harm, or scar. When our own mistakes cause wounds/scars. 

"For, if ye forgive men their trespasses [mistakes] your heavenly Father will also forgive you [your mistakes]; But if ye forgive not men their [mistakes] neither will your Father forgive your [mistakes]." --Jesus Christ

An all loving Heavenly Father, knowing fully well that this earth life was/is given for me to learn and grow, KNEW that I would make many mistakes. Thank goodness for Elder Packer's reminder that "The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions." (emphasis added) 

And my thoughts tonight rested on the truths of this scripture:

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"--Jesus Christ

One soul... even if that one, is mine.... symbolically speaking of course this is deep. But even speaking literally... the scripture does not say send someone to Christ, but bring.  I need Jesus. And in working with others, I am essentially working on getting/bringing myself closer to Him!

"Nearer, my God, to thee... E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me...Nearer, my God, to thee..."--Hymn 100

Oh the great joy in God's merciful plan of happiness, for all of us. For me! 

I am grateful for the priesthood.

I am grateful for...

*The Atonement of Jesus Christ

*Knowing that there is life after death

*That families can be together forever

*For temples

*Friends who work for temple recommends

*God's mercy/opening doors for couples to be sealed
*Being in the temple with a friend

*Family members who hug and love

*For a niece that by example taught me about excepting others and loving them

*For promptings followed

*For the pursuit of perfection

*For mercy and patience when I don't achieve perfection

*For understanding

*For kindness

*For a good pillow and perfect sleeping temperatures

*For birds 

*For out of the blue, random comments that save me

*For The Book of Mormon and what reading it does for my life

*For time spent with my parents

*Hugs from my brothers

*Sister-in-laws who love unconditionally and with no reason

*Sisters who help missionaries

*For books on CD

*For Caption Moroni's reminder of what title should be raised on my tower

*For forgiveness

*For prayer

*For fasting

*For people who are okay not being seen as perfect

*For new beginnings

*For rain

*For unity

*For compassion

*For hope

*For inspired desires and grace to achieve them

*Jesus Christ

*For my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

*For braces

*For smiles and smiling

*For covenants

*For men and women who serve and fight for countries, what is right, and their homes/loved ones

*For missionaries

*For my mission

*For companions

*For my eternal companion, wherever he may be

*God's love

*For the relief suffering

*For faith that is granted

*For the powers of heaven 

*Worthy priesthood barers

*The sacrament

*People who serve

*For those who do and have a desire to do their duty

*Friends, my friends

*Answered prayers

*Anyone who shares their talents

*Tithing

*Repentance

*Food storage

*For being prepared to be prepared

*Families

*For MY family

*For testimonies

*For obedience

*For journals

*Mo-tab music

*A memorized hymn

*Kneeling

*For clothes that fit

*For gas in the car

*LIFE

*For knowing the answers to these questions:

   -Where I came from?

   -Why am I here?

   -Where will I go after I die?

*For peace--HIS peace

"Because He could handle them."

Can He handle me?

From: Wilford Woodruff: Humble Reliance on God  
(The quotes are not all in order.. but were my favorites this morning.)

Although President Woodruff was surprised at his callings in the Church, he knew why the Lord had called him. He observed: “Why did the Lord choose such a weak man as Wilford Woodruff to preside over His Church? Why did He choose Joseph Smith—an illiterate boy, as he was called? Why has He chosen that class of men? Because He could handle them. He has chosen men that will acknowledge the hand of God.”

“I thank the Lord for my life. I thank Him for His blessings and mercies to me. I have reason to rejoice in this, and I am obliged to give God the glory for all I have ever received. If I have ever done any good; if I have been able to preach the Gospel and to pursue a course whereby I have edified my fellow man, at home or abroad, it has been by the power of God."

"I am entirely dependent upon the Lord. I always have been during my life, and in my travels and pilgrimages..." 

"You have never seen a day, you never will see a day, in time or in eternity, when you can get beyond the need of the protection and care of God. You need it all the way through your lives. When our young men, or our old men, or our maidens, feel that they have arrived at a point that they are independent of the Lord, they will find that they are greatly mistaken."

"There have been two powers at work—one to destroy me, the other to save me. And I am here today, a weak instrument in the hands of God. But, as God lives, if He will tell me what my duty is, I am going to do it!"

"… I pray God to give us wisdom, and to help us to be humble, faithful, meek and lowly of heart."

Am I entirely dependent upon the Lord?

If He will tell me what my duties are, will I do them?

Can He handle me?

President Uchtdorf pinned me right by saying, "Every mortal has at least a casual if not intimate relationship with the sin of pride."

So the battle rages to sever such a relationship. God is good.

**Wilford Woodruff, is one of my life heros. One of the best books I have ever read was his, "Leaves From My Journal".

Y-serve -- BYU Experience Video

I have included Lizi's info below on this video. She did such a great job filming and editing it--and I feel it is true to the nature of joy these wonderful folks remind me to have/be! It's not long, but worth the watch. Thanks Lizi girl!

"Never have I been to a better activity at Brigham Young University than that of BYU Experience. A Friday night of empowering both participants and volunteers. A night of laughing and enjoying the company of one another."

"I prayed a lot while making this video because this event was so dear to my heart. How could I capture them accurately? How could I edit this video to make them proud? Never did I want anyone to make fun of these glorious people. This song is about power and honesty-a theme that I believe these participants deeply conveyed. I do not own the rights to this song so I will upload an ambient noise version of the night."

I'm living in the 21st century doin' something mean to it
Do it better then anybody you ever seen do it
Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it
I guess every superhero need his theme music

[Chorus:]
No one man should have all that power
The clocks tickin' I just count the hours
Stop trippin' I'm tripping off the power
(21st century Schizoid Man)

My child-like creativity, purity and honesty is honestly being crowded by these grown thoughts
Reality is catching up with me, taking my inner child I'm fighting for custody
With these responsibilities that they entrust in me
As I look down at my diamond encrusted piece thinking...

No one man should have all that power
The clocks tickin' I just count the hours
Stop trippin' I'm tripping off the power
(21st century Schizoid Man)

Camera: Canon T3i
Sound: H2 Handy Zoom Recorder
Filmed by: Lizi Fesler
Edited by: Lizi Fesler
Edited on: Final Cut Pro
Advisors: Casey Peterson and Janine Green
Program Directors: Whitney Wing, Logan Bird and Audrey Blake.


BYU Experience, Y-serve yserve Center for Service and Learning Brigham Young University BYU

 And in honor of true Lizi style...

I believe in joy.

IT WAS A GOD THING

Here she is...!

I had no idea when I was taking the picture with my phone, that this sunspot was showing up, but I guess it is a good reminder of the process with this car.

It has been over a month since the guy hit me. A month of ups and downs, kindness from my parents as they juggled around their cars so I could have a car to use. (Thank you mom and dad!) Kindness from the folks who were searching for a car for me--truly the experience was a faith one.

Several weeks back as Kathy (the one who was searching the auctions for me) would send me over different cars--I was just at a lost as to which one. Through many impressions, and the blessing of "giving over my car burdens to God" (for entry click here), I came to feel that the car I should/would get would be a Toyota Camry. I didn't really describe my thought process/impressions with Kathy, but would simply deny all the perfectly right and perfectly priced cars she would send over. **Some were BEAUTIFUL temptations. Fully loaded leather, sunroof, pretty cars. And each one she would send over I would quickly respond no. I think she was getting a little frustrated as she was sending me cars that matched what I was looking for. Finally the impression came, "The next Camry she sends over will be your car." It was something to that extent... So when the impression came, I eagerly anticipated it would be that day or for sure the day after. ... NOTHING. For several days, then a full week went by of her sending nothing over. Then when she did finally send of a beauitful car, it was a very sweet loaded corolla. : / . Again I turned it down. And again almost another full week passed, but I could not deny what I felt impressed about. I even told her to stop looking at Honda Accords for so was the impression on the Camry.

I laugh and think of Karisa's impression. She pleaded with the Lord that she just needed one date, just one date with John. The revelation came that she would be given that one date and so clear was the impression that she no longer worried... but that date didn't happen for THREE MONTHS after that revelation came!  Talk about faith!  I only had to wait a few weeks, thankfully. But I like to believe, that I would have waited like Karisa, even for three months. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT THREE MONTHS WAS NOT MY LOT IN HIS PLAN HOWEVER! :D (Karisa--see your dating impressions still apply to different aspects in my life! Love you!)

Last Saturday as mom and I left the Manti temple and started to home, Kathy's email came through- "2009 Camry".  I almost dared not look at the "specs" of this auction car because I already knew this car was to be the one. So within mins of the email coming through (and just viewing the pictures on my phone) I called up Kathy and told her to get it. She sounded surprised. But she told me she would call me Monday. She felt there would be lots more cars going for sale on Monday. So the plan was she was going to call me on Monday. The auction was in AZ on Tues and she had a huge surgery Wed that would put her out for 8 weeks on her one foot That meant, that her husband wouldn't fly out to get the car until at least Thursday. I simply told her no problem and that I looked forward to chatting on Monday.

All last weekend, I didn't' even open the email on a big computer screen because I knew it was the car God was approving/directing me to have--so I didn't want to open up the pictures and start fault finding with the things I didn't like about the car.

Saturday passed, Sunday, Monday came and Monday went. No emails from Kathy no calls. Tuesday came. Still nothing. By 4pm I thought surely the Auction had finished, but not a word. Did the car go through? She was having surgery the next day, should I stay silent/call? After all this couple doesn't make that much money off of helping me--I didn't want to bother them.  So many questions floating around. I was going to the Timp temple that night, and as the temptation of the anxiety threatened to show it's ugly little head, I felt at peace and felt impressed that I would hear from Kathy after the temple.

I came out of the temple and as I looked at my phone, I fully expected to see something- a call, an email.  No email, no call.  I was not disheartened, but as I drove away from the temple (9pm) I reminded the Lord about the impression I had had. No sooner later, this email came through on my phone....

My husband is bringing home the camry, he won't be here till late tonight, but you can call and talk to him tomorrow afternoon, or I will have him call you.  he says it's a really nice car, will talk later take care

 Yes I did pull over to fully read the email.... and good thing too, for the tears just started to pour down my face. I know it is "just" a car, but it has been a month of testing. A month long lesson in faith building and trusting. Not only was the car purchased, but her husband had flown out/now was driving back from AZ with it. I didn't drive for a moment, for the tears were just too steady.

That was Tuesday night. It wasn't until yesterday afternoon that I found out the price of the car/all the details. Apparently their are a lot of rules when you are going to wipe out your saving accounts so you can pay for the car with cash. I was at the bank for nearly a hour with Kaiden. I wondered if just getting a loan instead of paying with cash would have been less "work". But in the end... I have a car, in my garage, completely paid for, and an almost completely empty banking account. A month long process. Saved $1,750.

Does God care about which car we get/have? Where to live, our jobs, our "any" concerns? While those items are just "mortal" items, I know God cares about me, and getting the right car/whatever package I was to invest in was important to me, and because I am important to God, I completely know, God opened up doors and led me to get this specific car.

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good..." Alma 37:37

It's just a car. = It was just a doing. And His counsel and impressions DID/always do direct me for good.

It was surely a faith thing. It was a God thing. I am a thankful thing! I have a car!

"...that grey area is all but closed"

A literal dream come true!

3.4.09 (Bridgette's Temple Dream)

So here is my dream.. and yes I still have full intentions on writing it in my journal!

There was a temple that was being built and I would drive by it because it was this beautiful temple and it sat in the middle on the gorgeous rolling hills of green grass and it always seemed to be lit up, whether it was at night or on a cloudy day there was always a glow around this temple. So one day I was going over to my cousins house and I had got lost and I knew where the temple was so I decided to go and walk by it. As I was walking up to the lawn, there was this beautiful tree so I stopped to adore it [the temple] from where this tree was and all the sudden the clouds broke and the sun was shinning right on top of the temple. I was going to take a picture, and then all the sudden there were hundreds of people gathered on the lawn. There were so many people that I was having a hard time walking through the crowd. I had been trying to get in to go and do baptisms but there were so many people we were going to have to wait. Next thing I remember is walking into this building and this place was so overcrowded inside I was having a hard time moving through. At one point I walked into this room and one of the walls was a bunch a windows that had a beautiful view of the temple that was apparently next door to the building I was in. My cousin and I decided to leave, so we made our way back down to the lobby and walked out the doors. When I walked out I turned around and I saw two buildings. One building was a square building that was made of all black windows, and next to it was the temple. I had not even realized that I was even in the black building until I walked out of it. The people in the black building were all hanging out of the windows and laughing and having a good time... there were even people bungee jumping off the roof. Me being the big adrenaline junky, really wanted to go over and join the people in the black building because they were having so much fun and laughing. Then I would look at the temple and want to be there too because the church is everything to me in my life and there is no way that I would ever give that up. It was clear to me as I looked at the divide between the two buildings was that it was time to make a decision and stick to it. It was a real struggle for me and as I looked down I was dressed in my Sunday outfit and I knew that the temple is where I belonged and I chose my side. As I was walking over I could hear my family in the distance sitting by the tree I was first leaning against and adoring the temple, and they were calling me over.

-          I know that times are tough and they are going to get tougher and that grey area is all but closed. The time is coming that not only do I need to make a decision as to what side of the line I am going to be on, but everyone does too, and we should help those who are struggling with that decision as well. As tempting as it was to join the other side because they were having fun, that is not where true happiness. There is true JOY out there that is ours for the taking, and there is plenty of GOOD fun to be had out there in the world; you don’t have to be bad to have fun (I am a true believer that the Lord loves to laugh!). I just hope that when the Savior comes I can look down and know that I am dressed in my Sunday clothes because I have stayed clean enough to always be able to enter into the House of the Lord.

Bridge took out her endowments in the Manti temple this past Saturday. She was ready in every way! It was as if she had already been going with me for the past seven years for she was so natural/comfortable with all the temple had/has to offer.

Truly the experience was among the choicest of life's experiences. To see her obtain her dream, literal and dream from her desires for the past several years--was moving. Congratulations Bridgette! You made the decision of which side of the line you would be on! ...where true happiness is! And yes, you don't have to be bad to have fun. I believe the Lord loves to laugh too!

Here's to choosing to be in "Sunday clothes". The Savior will come! 

I MADE A PLACE AND GAVE IT TO HIM

So... the insurance company deemed my car as totaled. WONDERFUL was not the word of choice I would describe how I felt/feel about this. More like UGGg! But the process has not been void of Heaven, for which I am very thankful.

I went to the DMV a few weeks back to get a copy of my car title. Apparently when I paid off my car in 2006, I never got the title from the bank. So the DMV showed that the bank still had a "lean" on my car. Again, "wonderful" is not the word that came to my mind. :)

I called the bank and asked them to fax the DMV a release on the title. As I walked over to a bench to wait for the fax to come through, I could not hold back the tears of frustration. It had been a long week, and this little "title" detail was not the last straw on the camels back, but rather a puzzle piece that seemed to link all the other bad ones more closely together. Working with the auto body shop was far beyond NOT desirable, the insurance guy was nice but way to smooth with his words. The amount I was receiving for my salvaged car, wasn't even half of what was paid for the car 6 years ago. ...

As I bowed my head to stop anyone from seeing my tears, ever so gently, a scripture was placed in my mind, "...all things shall work together for your good." What a sweet reminder. And with that, I bucked up my shoulders, took a deep breath and seriously had the mind set of, "Okay, bring it on." (I WAS NOT looking for more opposition in my current battle, but in a way, the reminder of Christ's words allowed me to square up my shoulders.) About 3 mins after the reminder scripture, a friend from work, called me on her drive home, and that too, lifted my spirits and seemed to help infuse me with a little more faith in the current situation.

The accident was three weeks ago. Bless the kindness of my folks with juggling around their cars to help me out, with my brother and friends who have given me rides. Truly all angels!

Since the wreck, I have been working with a sweet couple who buy cars straight from the auction. They have a small finders fee but basically in their retired situation, help people find cars. The first week of looking for cars--the more and more apparent it became of what this little journey was bringing... I am going to need a loan, and more payments for two years isn't the most exciting thing to my soul. Color, make, model, cruise control, no cruise control, high and low miles, gas millage, compact, midsize, coupe, civic, hatchback... And yes I know this is nothing like the decision over an eternal companion or anything, but if I am to fork out that much money, I sure do want it on a car that is going to last and will not only be good for a future family I hope is in the not too distant future--but I don't want a lemon/lots of drama if I don't have to have it. (This all coming from a girl, that three weeks ago couldn't tell you the difference from a Honda or a Hyundai, a Toyota or a Ford. Amazing what being car-less will do to you. I NOW can spot a Toyota and Honda out of a mix of cars. Now that is an improvement for sure! ha ha:))

After viewing lots of different cars via email... there was about a 6 day window where my contact didn't email me anything. The more I researched the cars, the more stressed and worrisome I became. Over and over the impression came that it would all work out. But as new concerns were made apparent to my newly educated brain, new worries and fears crept in as well. Knowledge can be power, but I was feeling the more I learned about what I didn't know or at least hadn't considered before, the more heavy my burden started to become.

My worrying was consuming. *Note to self: Worry, doubt and fear do not provide a comfortable/happy/stable environment and living space.

This past Tuesday I went to the temple seeking refuge from my little bothersome storm. I did not receive answers, but at least I could keep the anxiety of the unknown car monster at bay while I was within the temple walls.

On my way to work, or shortly there after, my mind took hold on all the things that were weighing on my heart. Items that at different times when they had shown their ugly new heads, one by one I had take them to the Lord. My mind was in conflict. I knew that God had told me it would all work out/not to worry. I have even had the impression with what type of car to go with, but the more I learned car lingo, the more worrisome I became.

I am not sure how I came to the conclusion, but I retired to my private spot at work where I can kneel down. Before starting the prayer, I wrestled a bit with the fact that God already knew all my concerns, all my drama--after all He is God. And although I had at times given a piece of the burden here and discussed some of the issues there--NOW feeling quite educated with car stuff, I decided I just need to dump ALL car burdens on His alter, all at once. I opened my prayer and told the Lord I felt quite silly, knowing He already knew my concerns, but that I just needed to place them before Him for the benefit and hopes that my conscious self would know I got all items "off my chest".

I did just that. One by one, I listed each concern. Each worry of "stipulation" on my wants/desires/fears and concerns. I truly just "unloaded" EVERYTHING at the Lord's feet.

After I had completely discussed every ounce of every concern, I told the Lord I was ready to give the burden over to Him and to trust in His timing, will and inspiration. Once again, the sweet assurance came (like it had already come a handful of times throughout the course of this event). The answer was, to not worry, things would work out and it would be good.

THE DIFFERENCE WITH THIS OCCASION was that I had fully unloaded all my burdens=concerns and worries first. And with my spiritual sack, emptied on His alter, my life sack now had room to be filled with His promises and reassurance. It was truly something beauitful and in a way, life changing/eye opening.

God has answers for our deep prayers and peace for our troubled hearts. But like anything valuable, there must be a place for those answers and peace to dwell/be kept. If my sack retains all the worries and all the doubts/fears--even in God's kindness to send me such answers over and over like He did, if I have not made room/given the answers any place to reside--He can send the message, but like the water that dances on the shoreline, if there is not a tide pool with empty walls to hold that tide, the water will quietly head back to where it came from.

How grateful I am for prayer! And even in my doubting states of life, God allows me to "unload"-- that truly my burdens, might be light/lite!

This beauitful reminder/miracle was last Tuesday, and I am still at/dwelling in/with peace. When I am tempted to indulge back into the habit of "worry", I simply shake my spiritual head (and sometimes my physical head) and remind myself that I have done all I can do and the Lord has "got this".

So what will this week bring? The right car?! That would be WONDERFUL! BUT IF NOT, I know in whom I trust. :) I have made place for His peace to dwell. I finally made room for His tide/reassurance to remain and I have no intentions of replacing them with worry and fears. *Note to self: Why settle for anything less than His peace?! If I will make room, it is mine for the keeping.

Amazing what He allows us to learn. His patience and willingness to allow me to learn at the pace my soul/body needs, astounds me. He, is good!
______

Response from Marshyl on this post:  "Amazing how much nicer the Lord decorates our Spiritual walls when we get out of our own way and let him come in to do some interior design work huh?  :)  Some things are just better left to the Professional.  ;o) "

Amen Marsh!

"Some things are just better left to the Professional."
--Marshyl Cloward :)

JAILBRAKE'N FROM HELL

The following is a poem written by a friend. I watched him put it together in under 7 mins... and the story behind this poem is someone who has been fighting the war between which side of the battle fronts to be on. God's or the Devil's.

When I got trampled down,
I almost forgot how to fight.
But someone reached below
and brought me to the light.

Knees wobbling
feet quaking,
I got sin fleeing
and Satan shaking,

Juggling and tossing
I can't decide
I'll watch the light
and let it preside.

Firm feet planted
on the Rock!
Scream and yell
let him watch
I'm Jailbrake'n from Hell.

--Author: Hammer 4.11.12

He is letting light preside! He is choosing God!

**Please don't be mad I shared it Mr. Hammer.

HE WILL TAKE CARE OF OUR TOMORROWS--trust/have faith in Him, TODAY.

I read this article today (click here) on a man's journey with same-sex attraction and how He exercised faith/trust in God and faith/trust in keeping the commandments, regardless of temptations. His courage to share as he calls "witness", moved me.

He shared: 

"In this area and so much of my life, I feel I’ve had to live the principle President Boyd K. Packer taught of going to “the edge of the light and [stepping] into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two” (That All May Be Edified (1982), 340). We have to put Him first today, taking the necessary steps of faith today, and simply trust Him to take care of tomorrow. It’s only been through my learning and living that principle that the Lord has slowly been revealing to me His plan for my life."
    --Ty Mansfield

How this rings true with what I need to do with my own trials. Put God first today, excising faith today and trusting that He will take care of my tomorrow. Ty's story/experiences gives my own Gethsemane hope!! (And no, I do not deal with same-sex attraction. But everyone one has something(s) that is(are) thorn(s) of the flesh, and Ty's words can be applied to ANY thorn!)

So my new quote for the back of my phone cover!

 

FIGHT 2 THE FINISH
I have a friend, Heidi Arave, who has shared with me the journey of her friends as their son has been battling liver cancer. This sweet family lost their son Sunday... and the blog post by the mom on Sunday is not only inspiring, but a beautiful testimony/reminder of Heavenly Father's ultimate plan of happiness.

This is what the mother posted the day her son passed:

Tyler returned home early this morning to his loving Father in Heaven after courageously battling liver cancer.  He fought valiantly to stay here and we are relieved that he is not trapped in his diseased body any longer.  We know he is free of pain of suffering and is happy to begin his new work in heaven.

As I was laying there last night watching Tyler struggle to leave, or to stay, I’m not sure which he was fighting for, I remembered a quote that my friend Ashley posted when her sweet Preslee passed away.  I knew there was one thing we had not completely given to Heavenly Father – our will.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell rightly said: “The
submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we
have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give’ … are
actually the things He has already given or loaned to us.”

Tyler was never ours to keep here.  He was a gift to our family to bless us for a short time.  As soon as Darren and I let Heavenly Father know we had accepted His will and it was okay for Tyler to go, he was finally able to have peace.  We know the promise of peace is ours because of the Savior’s gift to us and that we will someday be reunited with our sweet boy and see his amazing smile when he greets us.

We are overwhelmed with the love we feel from friends, family, and community.  Please know that our family has accepted the plan for Tyler, and although our hearts are broken and the pain is more than we can explain, Heavenly Father has sent the Comforter to help us get through this.  Tyler, we love you with all our hearts.  Thanks for teaching so many what it really means to “Fight To The Finish”.  (Click here to read the blog.)

My prayers are going up for Tyler's family. What examples of Christ!

God bless the GREAT, Plan of Happiness! He will make a way for us. Help us fulfill the measure of our creation. God bless those who live their life in courage despite great odds. God's children, are awesome! I stand all amazed.

"HAMMER"! :)

Dear Mr. Hammer,

This made me think of you. :) "...God is faithful. Through the Holy Spirit, He will speak to our minds and hearts concerning the path we should follow during each segment of our lives." --President Uchtdorf

I LOVE the word each! :)  That's a direct promise! You are in my prayers! I hope you are happy. God loves you, not that you didn't know that, but in case you wanted/needed a reminder. Being for Him, is worth any sacrifice. Hope your Book of Mormon is getting littered with fresh impressions. DON'T forget to take pictures in the Sacred Grove so I can live vicariously through those pictures! I will hold you to your promise. :D If I had your address I would send you fun surprises in the mail! HINT HINT! :) ha ha

Love, a friend that hasn't/won't forget,

Bryndi

The Divine Role of Women

So for Mother's Day, I just have to say how thankful I am for all the women in the past and now living, and who will yet live on the earth, who once chose God's plan and Jesus Christ and are again choosing to live His plan in mortality. To the woman who have been blessed with families, and those who do it vicariously through actions... how grateful I am for the women in my life. The top of the list being my own amazing mother! (She is the one if you can't tell, keeps the sunshine where it should be--smack in the middle of EVERYONE'S lives!) I love you mom!

To my friends who's mother's have passed on... this talk is amazing speaking about those beyond the veil and gives choice info about others on the other side... click here to read.

To those who didn't know their Mother, claim hold of all the mother's in the past, even our Heavenly one, who helped shape the world for us to live in!

To Mothers: check out the Mary video on LDS.org
To Fathers: Check out the 2nd video on LDS.org

Oh a day for rejoicing in women!

I love you mom!

Happy Mother's Day

"IN TUNE WITH THE MUSIC OF FAITH"

"Religious observance in the home blesses our families."

"Example is particularly important."

"What we are speaks so loudly that our children may not hear what we say."

"Mothers and fathers praying with children may be more important than any other example."

"The message, ministry, and Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior, are our essential family curriculum."

"Our doctrine is clear; we are to be positive and of good cheer. We emphasize our faith, not our fears."

"The Book of Mormon is of seminal importance."

"Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study of the scriptures."

"...when we inculcate into our lives scriptural imperatives and live the gospel, we are blessed with the Spirit and taste of His goodness with feelings of joy, happiness, and especially peace."

“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns." (Spencer W. Kimball)

"Please understand that having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments are and always will be the defining test of mortality."

"Above all else, each of us must realize that when one is tone-deaf to the music of faith, he or she is out of tune with the Spirit."

"Let us...resolve to awaken within us and our families a greater desire to claim the Savior’s incomprehensible gift of eternal life."

All from Elder Cook's masterful, move my soul, talk In Tune with the Music of Faith. (Click HERE).

**This talk is what I hope to use as one of the guideposts for when I have my own family. (There is SOO much more in this talk that I did not highlight here.)

I could not help think of all the 6am sessions of scripture study and all the times I tried to pretend like I was asleep to get out of going to family prayer, while reading this talk... Elder Cook says that "persistence in reading the scriptures daily as a family is the key."  Oh how I thank and praise my parents for their persistence even when rebellion and constant fights were their battle front. Thank you mom and dad for loving me enough to be persistent! Thank you for setting a life long example/habit not only for our family growing up, but the family I hope/will have someday! PRAY I will be able to be persistent too! :D And Elder Holland says that although it is late, it is not TOO late yet. Good habits are just small and simple things that if established will be the means of bringing great things to past!

 PERSISTENCE!

I SEE GOD'S HAND

My heart is full for a lot of reasons...! I received this picture and the following text from a dear friend tonight:

"Just got out of the temple for the first time in probably close to ten years it felt so good to finally be able to go back."

This friend has done a 180 with his life. Completely has changed and given his life over to God. When he told me he was getting his recommend for baptisms this past Sunday, I wanted to cry. He knows and values the power of the temple. He has tasted what it is like to live life for self instead of God. And has/continues now to live his life for God. His is an example/story of salvation and redemption!! Oh how I love the guy! What a tool for God he will continue to be... and all because he has decided to put the gospel of Jesus Christ in his center. He is a life hero! HE makes me want to be/live life better.

So little blessings today: I stopped pretty fast at a red light and looked in my mirror only to have the realization that the car behind me was not noticing the red light and was not slowing down. I literally had enough time to think, "They are not slowing down, I am going to get hittt........" and hit I was. I think he must have been going 30 or 40 miles per hour, maybe faster.

Poor dude, his car is a 2012 only 2 months old, sweet fully loaded nice car. He only had a slight mark on the front and a broken (fix it with glue) vent panel. I pulled over and after the shock wore off of getting hit went outside to see his and my car. My whole bumper needs to be replaced and my trunk is smashed in/no longer can stay shut. He was going pretty fast, but you know, for how fast he was going, I should be way worst than I am. I took his info and let him scoot off to get to his work. Apparently you are suppose to call the cops after an accident. (Leave that to an almost 30 year old who has never really been in an accident like this before to not know that detail. And yes already knocking on wood!)

I see God's hand.

We met up around 3pm to have a cop come meet us to make a report. And in the 45 mins of waiting for the cop that never came we talked about his life. He is 27. His folks are converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At first he made some comments about just not going to the singles ward but going to the family ward. But several mins into the conversation he made some conflicting statements. He said that he wanted to marry a mormon girl in the temple, but that while he was single the church life (living commandments) was just not his thing. He talked about judgments and if he wants to drink, it doesn't make him a bad person. I totally agree, he is not a bad person. In fact, the fact that he was willing to meet me with the cops for him running into my car said a lot about his heart.

I noticed quickly that the the cop wasn't going to get there so I started to pray more fervently to know what I was suppose to say or how I was to listen. Once he started about the gospel, he started getting defensive because he didn't (and none of us like to) live with guilt. His actions after all were his own and who was to say what was good or bad. He talked about little kids being brain washed into believing a religion and almost in the same breath he said that the principle of over eating and not exercising was a proven prescription for an unhappy life and he couldn't see why people wouldn't live that truth. He also said how he could see how he would want to teach his children to keep the commandments because it was a good way to live, while again in the same breath stating that he basically didn't want to "feel" accountable when he made wrong choices. He was living/talking with conflict. Like all of us when we don't want to keep a commandment/struggle we serve two masters. We put the light of Christ (which helps us know right from wrong) under a basket and then justify that it is our life to live and our choice--and because it is our life we can and should numb our self from feeling any remorse or regret for sin/not keeping a commandment of God. 

He talked about how he feels people at church live in a fantasy land. That they need to wake up and realize that life is hard and not be so "cheesy". But that is just it, God has a plan for happiness for us NOW and AFTER. Not just after! Joy IN the journey, not just at the END. We talked about our baptismal covenants and what we promised when we were baptized. This realization seemed to be a new thought for him. I could see his inner thoughts starting to turn in a way perhaps he has never allowed/never realized/never cared to let in before. But the thought of taking on Christ's name, keeping his commandments, serving/loving others, and always trying to remember Christ--seemed to hit a chord with the kid. We talked about that trials and the "hard times" in their very nature HELP us TO REMEMBER Christ and to turn to him. I told him that I could see God's hand in the accident. Not that God caused it, but through it/with it, God was reaching out. The look of realization of the truth of that thought seemed to strike another chord with him, and he softened.

Well tomorrow morning 7:30am brings trying to meet up with the cops again to see if we can get things fixed.... our conversation ended well. I see God's hand. It could have been so much worst. And don't get me wrong. I had all the emotions of frustration, wasted time, hassle, royal pain all cross my mind and heart today. ... but why not have an accident bring about someone who deep down wants to change, and wants God, but is fence sitting. I had/have to smile at the "tools" / situations God chooses to use. I see His hand.

Then tonight at the temple, Mom was a worker when I was going through the end of the session, and the kind veil coordinator waited and held mom's spot clear just so I could go with her to the veil. Sweet!

My ward was to do the 8pm session, but apparently it was completely full, so we had to wait until the 8:20 session.... which put me getting out of the temple RIGHT when mom and dad finished their shift. I had the impression to get a blessing from dad while in the session, but I didn't know when I would see him knowing their shifts are late and I was going to have an early morning... but there was mom and dad waiting in the foyer-and there was the way to get the prompted blessing. And to top off my eventful day, my handsome (better than any date) nephews (and yes I mean that. I would choose to hang out with them then go on a date! They are just that amazing of young men!) were waiting for me because Jen dropped them off to do baptism...! I LOVE family!

A day that pretty much could be labeled as quite horrible, became and ended so choice!

I see God's hand. I am so grateful for the protection and the accident that led to a conversion of a searching soul. OH and I saw Micarie on the freeway. Happy spot!! 

Part 1 of the 3 Part Challenge!

Are you up for the challenge?!

This is a 5 month challenge!

Hopefully you have received your Conference Ensign...

The over all challenge is to read a General Conference talk every day for five months/until Oct's General Conference. In the past, I have read the Conference Ensign, every day until it is finished... then, I have re-read the Ensign about 35 days before the next conference. BUT WHAT ABOUT IN BETWEEN?

I heard Sheri Dew take on the challenge of reading/listening to a conference talk every day in between the six months of conference. I have never done it, so... I am going to try it!

Challenge 1: Read the Conference Ensign cover to cover (I am a week into this, and again, it is just soo good!) 

Challenge 2: After the May Ensign has been read, pick from favorite Conference talks in the past/let God impress on your mind the talks He would have you read and read at least one talk each day.

Challenge 3: 38 days before Oct's conference,  re-read the Conference talks from the May's Ensign. 

What do I hope to gain?

This tree is known as the bride tree at temple square, where couples would come sit on the branches. The tree is VERY old and cannot support its own limbs. You can see (there are at least 4) metal support beams holding up the limbs of the tree, sustaining the tree, allowing the tree to continue growth.

I believe that studying General Conference talks will be and do the same thing for me! The talks will act as beams of support... strengthening me through the next five months, allowing/providing the support to help me continue to grow as God would have me grow. Davey wisely put it, that what we receive in General Conference--is what God would have us apply to our lives/is the council for the next six months of our life. (Amen Davey!)

So who's up for this 5 month challenge?! :D  You are welcome to join me!

Q: What if I don't care for reading? Can I listen to a talk a day?
A: Go for it! (You can download a podcast and listen to it that way if you want to listen.)
Q: What if I miss a day and/or fall behind.
A: Elder Holland said, "His [God's] concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day in which you got there." : D

To listen/read April's Conference Click Here.
For all Conference's to choose from Click Here.

Q: What if this little challenge was life changing?
A: Blessed is the life that gets strengthened/changed for the better!!

What can it hurt?! There are only things to be gained!
JOIN ME! :D