SHE SAID A PRAYER_Lesson Not Lost

(Apparently I never posted this... well I am pushing the publish button now.)

My sweet visiting teachers came over yesterday with a few of their kids. One of my teacher's was recounting a recent morning she had had with her children.

The morning was crazy, school was going to start but shoes were not yet on but four each seemed to have their own agenda. This dear sister found herself feeling overwhelmed and borderline going to break. There were only moments to get everything done the children seemed to have their own agendas. She told them they needed to have a prayer and re-start their morning or she was going to lose it. She said they all had a prayer and with in a minute after the prayer, all was in order, shoes on and they were heading towards the car. I was surprised to hear that your not being obedient children at the moment would stop and have a prayer with her. She mentioned that they all knew that if they didn't, the day would just not go right.

I was impressed with the morning storm she was facing--but this wise mother's inspiration like these rays of light over the ocean--was to stop, re-group and have a prayer.

Sometimes the answers [have a little prayer as a family] seem way to simple to be the answer.... I was impressed by this Mother's faith and adherence to the spirit.

Lesson not lost on me!

I am grateful for husbands who allow their wives to serve. (Thanks Babe!)

Happiness is being DONE with exercise for the day--because that means I actually did it. :)

"I am now paying better attention to what I am singing"

I could not post this back on 8.13.13, but this was a sweet thought from my friend Hill--and today, I feel it needs to be posted.

"...my little guy has been super sick the last few days- teething led to an eat[ing] infection which led to throwing up and diarrhea - poor kid. The only way I have gotten him to calm down is by singing to him. Whether rocking him or laying in my bed as long as I sing he stops. That's not the crazy part, it can't just be any song, it has to be hymns. It has been a really cool experience because I have to open the hymns app on my phone, which doesn't have the notes, just the words. To read/sing the hymns has had a huge impact on me because I have really paid attention to the words of the songs and what I am singing. Many times the words to songs I have sung in church all the time have brought me to tears because I am now paying better attention to what I am singing."

 I couldn't help but think after reading Hill's awesome experience... was the baby sick so mom would sing to soothe, or was the baby sick so mom could have closer moments with God--the venue being words in the hymns?! :)

 Reminds me of what Elder Bednar just said this past conference:

"...blessing that comes to us [this was in reference to paying tithing, but I think blessings that come from a mother who seeks to be good, kind, serve and bless her little ones the way God would have her do]... may be greater capacity to change our own circumstances [singing hymns to soothe a baby boy] rather than expecting our circumstances [always perfect, never sick child] to be changed by someone or something else."

What things am I feeling frustrated with or tired from--that are really just opportunities to have closer moments with my Heavenly Father?! Am I willing to invest/take such moments? I sure hope so! All things shall work together for our good...

Thanks Hill for sharing your moment!

Brightly beams our Father's mercy!

Happiness is a quote like this:

"The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy." --Richard G. Scott

 Happiness is a brother and a sister who took the time to share their awesome 

insights from General Conference... they both inspired me to want to not only go back 

and dive in deeper, but caused my heart to rejoice with what personal revelation

they received! Thanks Muss and Chick! LOVED your insights!

I am grateful for His mercy and mothers who sing!

THE WORD'S OF A MOTHER with three little ones...

Bryn & Nyk and  our awesome "hearts"! I am about to show you 24+ years later.. of what is in the little girl in yellow's heart!

     "YES" !!! it has been a LONG time since I blogged. And I have so much I want to blog about, but it will have to wait--because this is just TOO good to wait!!
      Nykelle (whom I call "Chick"--long story of full nickname) sent me an email of an experience she had this week. It is the story of a Mother of three young ones--and what she discovered in a moment of deep frustration and exhaustion. It is a story of a mother who turned to God and found that God's hand was ready to supply her with the inspiration/impressions she needed.
     As I read her email and was filled with so much emotion. I don't even have kids yet but I felt I could relate... I saw myself in this story. Where I DID NOT see myself, and I wish I could say I would have done what she did, was what she did with her agency and thoughts after she heard her husband's prayer. Truly an inspiration! I loved what she did when she discovered where she was. LOVE the revelation and impressions she received....
   To any mom or (non-mom) that has normal frustrating life moment's but is still seeking to have God and charity about her, this is a MUST READ! Plus not to mention the impressions she has with the scriptures-- are profound!!
   I love you Chicky! Thank you for sharing this with me. (And yes, I have Nykelle's permission to post on here--because she is just so cool like that!)


From an email entitled: What I learned this morning...
                                   Date: 10.3.13
                                   From: Nykelle Pollastro

"Cade woke up at 8:30 pm screaming in pain... he just had his 6th poopy diaper for the day. It was official. He had some sort of diarrhea bug going on. I wasn't too surprised, considering 2 days ago he had picked up the broom in our kitchen and put the sweeping end in his mouth repeatedly by the time I got to him. It seems he is always putting the most germ-infested substances right in his mouth. He is also drinks bath water regularly... so having this many poopy diapers wasn't too alarming, although his screaming did happen to wake up Abri, so she started to cry as well. Carson was gone at YM, so I was on my own to get the 2 kids under control.

"Abri woke for a feeding about 1:30 pm, and then I was awakened again at 5:25 am, but not by her, it was by Cade and Mia. Cade had climbed up on top of the dresser and was flipping the light on and off, and Mia was hiding in her closet with no panties on... she had just peed the bed... sleep deprived and frustrated, I went in there and told her to get her panties on, be quiet, and get back in bed, and if she made so much as a peep, she would go to the garage. I put Cade in bed and told him it was the middle of the night and he needed to go back to bed. I wasn't too kind on either approach, and was quite edgy in my tone of voice, since I couldn't "yell" with the baby asleep, I was still pretty loud and about as mean as I could get with my words. 

"I went back to bed, but couldn't sleep, considering the 2 never went back to sleep either. It was in and out trying to put them back in bed and tell them to be quiet. I was clearly annoyed and frustrated. Carson was leaving for work, and we had our typical morning prayer. In his kind and gentle way, he taught me a great lesson. In his prayer, he asked that we could have the Spirit in our home and that Mia, Cade, and Abri could be taught how important it is to have the Spirit here, and then he prayed that they could feel it in our home. That's all he said and left. Of course the prayer went right to my heart and I knew that prayer was for ME-- every word was for me to learn and change my heart. I could tell the Spirit wasn't there, because frankly I was too frustrated to feel it. I was tired and cranky from the newborn and 2 others not listening, and I let that emotion come out in a negative way. I pondered a few minutes in my bed, repented in my heart, and asked the Lord in my mind how was it done? How do I raise little kids calmly and keep the Spirit here when I'm so tired and so frustrated?! 

"Right after that Abri started crying, so I went and fed her and decided I needed to read scriptures while I nursed her. I told Cade and Mia to go ahead and color in their room since they wouldn't be going back to sleep. As I read, I just happened to be on the chapter of Lehi's dream, but this time I learned some new lessons. The first learning glimpse was when Lehi was following the "man in a white robe" and as he was, he beheld himself in a dark and dreary waste. The next verse then says that he had traveled for "many hours" and then he began to pray. I thought to myself, why did he wait so long to pray? He should have prayed right away, and he would have been given light sooner! Then it dawned on me that this is what I have been doing, I will allow myself to "travel in darkness" or in frustration, irritation, or anger with how the kids are acting for several hours before I pray to the Lord... Lesson #1 LEARNED.

"The next lesson was what happened right after the prayer. Lehi prayed, and then he saw a tree whose fruit was "desirable to make one happy." We know from Nephi's interpretation that the fruit represents God's love. This dawned on me that if we can train ourselves to pray right away in times of darkness, the Lord will respond by showing us how to feel Godly love! Isn't it amazing that out of all the things the Lord could have done, he chose to show him the fruit. This taught me a great lesson on the power of God's love and how it is just a prayer away, and I now realize that most of our prayers are answered in some form of "fruit," meaning that the Lord is trying to show us how to have Godly love, because that solves most, if not all our problems! Lesson #2 LEARNED. 

"The last lesson from reading this morning was that Lehi saw his family at the beginning of the path, and they saw him at the end result; the tree of life. They SAW their father in the place where they wanted be. This means that Lehi had set the example for them! He didn't stand by the river, or in the Great and Spacious building, or off in the fields and yell to them, "Hey! Look over there at that tree! That's where you want to go!" Instead, he was THERE at the base of the tree with the fruit, setting the perfect example of where to go, and showing the end result because he personally had partook of the fruit and made it to the tree. This teaches me that I have to SET THE EXAMPLE for my children. They will do as I do. They need to see mommy keeping the Spirit in the home. I can't teach them to feel it and have it's presence, if I am getting out of control in raising my voice at them, or disciplining in a way that makes me lose the Spirit..... Lesson #3 LEARNED. 

"This was such a powerful and humbling lesson for me, I wanted to share it with you. I'm grateful for this inspiration this morning! I hope you have a great day! LOVE YOU!!!"

AMAZING hu?! And I get to be the sister who received that type of email! Don't be jealous or hating! ;) There is enough of my Chick to share! :D
    

Still a blond and still a brunette -- More sister love than can be imagined!

I am grateful for Mother's who know & act on what they know!

Inspired sisters make the world better!

P.S. My FIRST General Conference as a married woman! Two GREATS that I am in love with! Best time of year! In just two hours we will be listening to a living Prophet of God--right in the comfort of our home! You can join us if you would like! What to know what God wants us to be doing with the days like they are? Watch conference! What to know why we are here and what is the purpose of life? Watch conference! Lost and confused, feel little or no worth, YOU are not alone! Watch conference!  

>>>WATCH HERE<<<

(It is going to be incredible!!! You just wait and see! Answers to prayers, revelation, direction for life. Test the Lord! He won't fail you. There is a purpose to this life. You lived before you were born. And we ALL will live again after this life! You are important. God has a plan for you! Don't believe me, that is okay. You can ask God for yourself. I promise in His way and timing, He will answer your every sincere prayer!)

THE PARABLE OF THE LITTLE GIRL WHO KNEW SHE COULD

   A few Monday's ago before seeing the one and only beautiful grandma Ratcliffe, I stopped at a park by a nearby park. As I sat in my car with my window slightly down, I noticed a girl (I would guess her to be about 11 or 12) working hard to ride her bike. Her training wheels were on. Her dad was walking by her side. When I noticed her it was just at the time I heard her cry out to her dad “I can’t daddy—I will fail!” To which he replied that she could. I heard “fail”, but perhaps she said “fall”. I watched her from my car and sure enough, the somewhat attentive father (I say this as he seemed to be a bit more pre-occupied with his drink then watching her) wasn’t paying attention and the little girl, even with training wheels, biffed it. I think the father started to pay a little more attention after that. :)
    This father daughter team went around the park several times. After 20 mins or so I gathered that she must have fallen a few more times, because I saw the dad riding the pink bike back to his truck while the little girl ran along the side. I thought about her fears with her bike and with the perspective as an adult, her petrifying fear of falling was nothing that would alter her life or be some big significant change/death, but to the little girl, her fear of failing was very real and at times overwhelming even to tears and stating that she would fail. I rejoiced in getting watch this little scene play out. I left the park and spent a choice night with grandma and was blessed with an FHE treat of seeing/being with Micarie and James.
    Well fast forward to the next night. After work, I had had a strong impression to go visit a friend. I met her a few months ago on a visit led by God. A friend and I knocked on her door not knowing what we would find. This sweet sister desired to go to church but without a supportive husband found that she did not have the courage. As we talked to her and testified of God’s love and support for her, she mentioned that her Pblessing said she would do a great work in Relief Society. She expressed desires to make it to that meeting. It was a choice meeting and my friend and I left her door praising God.
   Well this Tues night (a week ago) I felt impressed to go back to her house to check in on her as it has been a few weeks since she has answered any of my texts. After work as I was studying, I felt impressed to go right then. I did—and found no one home. I left a note on her door and I pondered what the Lord would have me do with the rest of my evening. I knew He had sent me at that time for a reason. ?? I felt impressed I needed to go to my stake center. *An impression to go to this specific building that I never go to except to attend stake events.
   I pulled up in the parking lot and smiled as I noticed a little girl trying to ride her bike with her dad… okay God, this is the second night in a row that you are having me watch a father and a daughter ride. I knew that God had a lesson to share with me for I know there are no coincidences!
    I parked my car and like the awesome creeper I am, (thankful for my tinted windows) I watched as this girl (older in years) was trying to ride her bike. This girl didn’t have training wheels. I noticed two little boys (who I came to find out were 3 and maybe the other one was 5 ??) were riding their bicycles all through the parking lot—no training wheels. I marveled at how small they were and how much older this girl seemed to be. The girl made several long rides across the parking lot. After a while she made a huge, wide turn in which I heard her very joyfully say, “ I did it! I did it!” And the father replied, “You did it! You made that turn. You did awesome!” I smiled from the vision of “I can’t…I will fail” verses the “I did it- you did it!”
   Thanking God for letting me witness two very similar situations yet completely different outcomes and determinations, I got out of my car. By this time a mother and another little baby had joined the father and three children. I worried that they might have seen me taking pictures and video from my car so I decided to head into the church building to find a place to study. I wanted to approach the little family and thank them for being in the parking lot that night, but I decided being suspected as a creeper and being confirmed as one… I rather just be suspected! :D I grabbed my bag and shut the door and to my surprise I found myself walking towards the family (opposite direction of going into the building).
    I called out to the presumed parents and told them they didn’t have to say “yes”, but that I wanted a picture of their girl as I had just witnessed a discouraged little girl the night before biking with her training wheels and I was so impressed by their little girl’s determination. The family graciously entertained my wish, but before the picture was taken, the mom turned to her daughter and asked her to share with me why it was so special that she could ride her bike that day. This mother, Andrea, then mentioned that she would cry if she talked about it. It wasn’t until that moment, that I noticed that the little girl, Kaja, was very special. With a big smile, and help from her parents she told me that she had cerebral palsy. (Cerebral palsy is a condition that brings along many disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions, such as movement, a stiffness of muscles and normal reflexes. To what extent little Kaja has I was not sure.)
   Kaja’s mom said that for the longest time Kaja has wanted to ride her bike without training wheels. The doctors didn’t know what to tell her. Kaja’s mom and dad didn’t want her to get her hopes up as it seemed it might be physically impossible for her. But Kaja didn’t know it was impossible. She just knew she wanted to ride her bike like her younger brothers. The previous weeks her physical therapist had been working with her. The pedals and training wheels of her bike were taken off which allowed Kaja to sit on the bike seat and have her feet “walk” around/support her. After much practice, the day had come when the father and mother wanted to take her to an open area (church parking lot) to give her a place to try riding with pedals and no training wheels. And there, in the parking lot, a loving father ran by her side.
   At first Kaja had a very hard time turning, and when she would half crash (I say “half” crash, because her father was always close enough to help ease the blow) she would not be daunted. Kaja simply reposition herself on her bike and tried again. Over and over she did this… Crashing a bit, but determined and never quitting. Her tone of voice didn’t even flirt with the temptation of being discouraged. And always--as she worked at it, was her awesome father--getting his fair share of a workout as he ran behind her. (With children, is a gym pass even necessary?! ;) )
   His daughter, was doing the impossible.
   I already loved watching Kaja ride without training wheels… But hearing of the challenges that not just threaten to make life more challenging, but are actually apart of Kaja’s everyday life, made the symbolism of the moment all the more choice.
    I took their pictures and the sweet family with the sun going down climbed in their car and left. I went into the church, found a piano and started to write a song about this little soon to be nine year old, very determined, Kaja. As I played and sang, who should come to the glass door to listen… the Elders in the area!
   Talk about sweet life lessons to witness… On one hand, one girl, consumed with thoughts of failing with training wheels. On the other hand another girl, designated by life to not to be able to enjoy such thing as riding a bike… but sweet little Kaja seemed oblivious to her/life’s “designated” opposition. She just knew she wanted to ride. And every time she crashed, she got right back on and tried again. The first father, a bit neglectful and not providing an undivided attention (but perhaps through the crash of his daughter, caused him to be more mindful/diligent father [that is an insight right there into what our own trials can be God’s tool to help someone step up to their duty and responsibilities]) vs. a father that although didn’t prevent all of Kaja’s falls, He did help not only soften the blows but was right there to help her get back up on her bike and steady her as she started yet again—ever running, always in arms each (or a very speedy jog) to aid and assistance her.
   I am constantly being reminded of our journeys and those whom God puts in my path. The bikes (covenants, desires, commandments) I need/want/should ride. The hands that are ready to steady. The temptation to be discouraged as others seem to do with ease what I struggle and sometimes cry to do. What the world says I can or can’t do (or more often my natural man/fears) but with desires clothed in righteousness and firmly planted/determined—God will help me/YOU/us with the seemly impossible, and make it possible.
   Seeing little Kaja’s experience reminded me of an experience my grandpa once had in the grand canyon with a juniper tree. The PDF is attached. SO SYMBOLIC!

 From To Him That Believeth: Claiming Heaven’s Blessings 

                                                         -- Frederick and June Babbel

   I learned a valuable lesson a number of years ago when my wife and I visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona. We were at the north rim when the naturalist guide showed us a twisted, gnarled, old juniper tree which was literally growing out of the side of the rock canyon wall by the lookout point. We wondered how it could possibly continue to grow. Then our guide told us an interesting bit of history in connection with this tree.
   A juniper seed is shaped somewhat like a cantaloupe seed. One of these little seeds fell into a crevice near the edge of the canyon wall. Everything was solid rock. It appeared that the seed could not possibly germinate since there was no soil, little if any water, and virtually no sunshine down in this crevice. Yet this little seed was not covered about these limits. It had but one burning desire and that was to fulfill the measure of its creation!
   In a manner that we cannot fathom, that little seed germinated, implanted roots into that solid rock, and began to grow. Gradually it raised a shoot through the crevice where it could seek sunshine and a little rain.
   As it continued to grow and expand into a full-fledged, through misshapen, tree, its trunk and its roots began to exert a continuing pressure on the outer ledge of rock. Finally the pressure became so great that one entire large section of the canyon wall broke loose and crumbled into a massive heap near the base of the canyon, nearly one mile straight down.
   The guide said it was estimated that forty million tons of rock lay at the base of this tremendous canyon because that little seed didn't know it could not grow. It just wouldn't give up.
   No one is beaten until he stops trying. No one! We have often heard the admonition, "…without faith no man pleaseth God..." (D&C 63:11.) We need to discover how to gown in faith. We also need experience. A living faith is a priceless possession and the quest for it is worthy of our combined energies of mind, body, and spirit.
   Persistence is one of the essential components of faith. Don't give up! "That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do; not that the nature of the thing itself has changed, but that our power to do is increased!" (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1944], p.355.)

   If we continue to exercise trust in Him, He will be jogging with our every moment. I believe He softens the blows and crashes as much as possible without taking away the needed experience and exposure to trails and the exercising of our faith. With each needed stumble, a loving father will also be right there to help me/you back on, and start pedaling again!
   He can calm fears and cause us to ride on waters, even in the midst of a storm. He leads by faith. And we can/must/will walk by the faith He leads.

  The little girl who knew she could... and did!

And the parents who believe/support her every step of the way!

Kaja's zippy little brothers!

I believe in working for/towards fulfilling the measure of one's creation. 

I am grateful for Pres. Uchtdorf's insight to the atonement: 

"...while the Atonement is meant to help us all become more like Christ,

it is not meant to make us all the same." What an insight!! More on his talk here.

Happiness is: General Conference and my family. 

The two combined= 

IDEAL!

"...SHE FOUND IT WITHIN"

   So this is a follow up from the 1 a.m. coin and wilted celery post.
   My mom just sent me her impression... It is deep! And when I had a real moment to read her thought if you would have been a fly on my wall you would have heard me verbally say... "Whoa..!" (and yes, I am the only one here at the moment. :))

"As I was reading your lost coin analogy I had an insight. She lit the light (I assume prayed to get the light) to see/recognize it. She swept (as you said to get rid of or gave up her stuff) and then found her coin (that which was of great worth) in her house. She discovered it was in her house (her inner vessel that is housed w/in her mortal body) the God or light of Christ within her." --Judy Cloward (emphasis added by me and small tweaking from iphone text.)

Shut the front door! Intense! IF WE OURSELVES ARE LOST-- we hold up Christ and sweep out / search within ourselves until we find the "God" "Light of Christ" within us.... we search until we are found!!

Who would have thought the lost silver coin was/is/can be a story about being lost yourself... Oh love you Mom! Deep!

I LOVE Sundays!!!!!!!!!!

I am grateful for parents/Mothers/Fathers who know!

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.

LESSONS NOT LOST - VOL 3

So it has been a good few weeks! Lot's of lesson's not lost on me.

BETTY & JASICCA

From my journal

7.6.2011
It is almost 2:30 in the morning but I feel that I need to write.
BETTY: Sunday, as I was sitting in Rs pondering over what God would have me ponder over--I noticed two girls coming in the room.  I wondered who they were.  Well going into Sunday school I saw [someone] sitting by herself, so my thoughts were to sit by her, but as I (in very brief brief time) I prayed/wondered if God needed me to sit by anyone.  I then saw two girls sitting by themselves.  I spoke to them for a min.  Soon the Jasicca ( girl from samoa) turned to me and told me Betty, the other girl, was not a member of the church

Ha you can tell it was 2:30 in the morning with that entry! :)

I felt impressed that I needed to sit by the girls.  So leaving my natural thought of wanting to sit by someone who was sitting alone, I went over and plotted myself next to the girls.

Jasicca (far left) was sitting next to the wall in Sunday School and I sat down next to Betty (the robinhood gal next to me) and introduced myself.  After a few moments, Betty's attention went somewhere else and in less then a brief sentence, Jasicca shared that they were roommates and that this was Betty's first time at church and we needed to find the missionaries.

Well-- from there the beautiful journey of these two girls in my life came into play!  I invited them over to my house to have a chat about the gospel.  I couldn't get a hold of the ward missionaries, so I decided to just have a small visit.  Jasicca couldn't come over--but Betty could and she did!

I was pretty nervous and fears of what to say started to consume me.  I knelt down and asked for the Lord to loosen my tongue and to bring me peace.

Betty and I chatted for a long time.  Mind you this girl is amazing!  She had just met me at church but still came over to my house to chat--and alone!  That says something right there.

We talked for quite some time about everything.  Then before her leaving I asked her if she would like to say a prayer.  She had never really prayed out loud before and I told her it was no problem and that I knew she could do it.  With some help in knowing where to direct her sentences, she addressed God and then thanked him for letting her have the time to meet with me.  She then asked if God would help her come to know him and if he would make a way for her brother to receive/learn about God and the Book of Mormon.  She then ended her prayer in the name of Jesus Christ and we both said amen.  I was floored.  This girl hadn't committed to reading The Book of Mormon, BUT she asked God to help her brother read/learn about it.  Betty at this point wasn't even sure she believed in God--but that prayer she offered up in my place was powerful!  And little did she know it was just a matter of time.

TIME!  What a beautiful thing. Time to change, to work out our salvation. Time to forgive, work on weaknesses. Time to serve.  Well Jasicca, Betty's roommate, had been using her time to pray to God for Betty's sake!  For months Jasicca had been praying that some how Betty would let God enter into her life. Talk about Jasicca could totally be related to Ammon's dad in the Book of Mormon!  For her faith and love and pleading for Betty to have the gospel in her life--was a powerful means that God used to help change Betty's life.

Weeks followed and we had a few meetings with the full time missionaries. The missionaries had hard core accents and even with me being formilar with gospel terms, even I had hard times figuring out what they were saying, and that meant most of the lessons were over Betty's head.  But she met and every Sunday came to all of church with Jasicca.  Betty was changing her life, and didn't even catch on at first, but Jasicca and I sure saw it!

Betty wanted to see a baptism, so I invited her to come to Afton (my niece's) baptism.  That was awesome to have her there!

One Sunday I asked if we could set up another appointment with the missionaries and Betty turned that down.  So unusual to my norm, I left it at that and never brought it back up.

WELL come to find out that the Elder that had a very think accent got transferred and the new elder and his companion were at McDonalds when Betty came in and they struck up a conversation.  The new missionary was part of GOD's timing with Betty.

Unannounced to me, Betty started meeting with the missionaries again.  One Friday came over to my place to watch 17 Miracles (I highly recommend the great movie) with Jassica and me.  Betty told me she had some exciting news.  She came over and told me she had prayed that evening after the missionaries left and felt it was right to get baptized!  Here is a girl that did a 180!  She went from never praying before/not believing in God, to praying and trusting enough in him ask questions.  I stand all amazed!

So--November 5th brought Betty's day making/showing God that she was/IS willing to keep his commandments and remember and have faith in Jesus Christ--she showed this to God by being baptized! 

It truly was an amazing day!

Mauricio, Betty's brother--whom she prayed for the very first day she came to my house-- came to her baptism.

I went and hugged him after the baptism and I asked him what he thought. He told me that he leaned over to his mom and said that he should have been baptized with Betty.  I gave his arm a slight nudge and told him that now he can have a program all to himself! Betty's family made a HUGE feast for everyone in celebrating their daughter. Her mom cooked in the kitchen with Mauricio's help for two days to prepare the food.  Talk about a spoiling!

The next morning what a beautiful thing it was to see Betty's family sitting in church. They had never attended a sacrament meeting for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before. Betty's mom speaks a little English.  The Sunday was Fast Sunday.  I prayed that her family would feel the spirit even with the language barriers.  How choice it was then - when God inspired a kid in the ward to bare his testimony--and at the very end of his testimony, he started talking in Spanish!! For the time that I have been in this ward, I have NEVER heard someone bare their testimony in something other than English. And the kid could have never known that Betty's family was there, and that they were not members, that this was their first time, nor could he have known that one of them doesn't understand English 100%!! I seriously wanted to cry.  God is GREAT!

So Betty is now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! Here is a shot from the day at my Niece's Baptism--and then Betty's big day.

Jasicca's smile in the bottom half says it all!  I love both of these girls!!  And what great examples they are for me!  GOD has perfect timing!  And He will patiently wait for us to come to Him.

A few days after Betty's Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost I asked her how she was doing.  To which she replied, "GREAT!"  I asked her why that was, to which she responded that she was great and happy because she was a member.

So what does this mean for Betty?  will she ever have hard times, struggles, times where she feels the sun may not be shining.  OH YES!  We already talked about life's fierce storms beat on both the foolish man and the wise man house.  Equal storms.  The difference is the foundation=power those men have to draw for strength while in the midst of a storm.  Betty has built her foundation on Christ.  She has built her foundation on a ROCK!

My heart is still swollen when thinking of Jasicca's desires for her friend to find happiness.  We can not force others to change.  And surely God won't make/force anyone to change.  But through our love and faith, prayers and hope--God can work the miracles needed to help bring one's heart to a condition to recognize truth/seek truth and then act on the revelation/truths they have found.

Two amazing woman!

LESSONS NOT LOST
I have been pondering and take great value in some truths that have been taught to me the last few weeks.

HOW HE USED HIS TIME

I picked Thaynermack up on his birthday and we rushed off to the mall where he was going to go to a movie with mom and dad. I sang him happy birthday in the car and then asked him how his day had gone.  He told me that he got up and spent some time alone with God.  He said that he awoke and was just so grateful to God for letting him have another birthday here on the earth.  He was so happy to be alive and just spent the morning with his thoughts on God in gratitude.  This coming from the kid that has died several times and has lived a good two years of his life in total in and out of the hospitals.  And here it was his birthday--and he was choosing to live it praising God for still allowing him to be on the earth.  My cheeks became wet.  What a great example Thayne is to me. And I, and my whole family, are so glad/grateful that Thayne is a member of our family!  We need his testimony, his love, and his example of cheerfully submitting to whatever God has in store.  I love you Thaynermack!


BEING CASUAL
In preparing for Stake Conference, I went to a Stake Temple night.  A brother in the Temple Presidency shared a profound statement.  He said that for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints... one of the worst things one can do is become casual to God.  Be casual with keeping covenants, commitments and commandments.  WELL ISN'T THAT THE TRUTH!  Satan doesn't need me to kill, cheat, swear, lie, etc--BUT if he can just get me to be casual in my prayers, my church attendance/duties, my scripture study--casual is just another word for complacent and/or numb. BEWARE!


HOW IS MY VIEW?
Bishop Lifferth, in an email shared with me a conversation he heard on the radio that he felt, and I would agree, was profound.  The statement was: "People have a tendency to judge people on their actions but we judge ourselves on our intentions.  If we do judge someone let's make sure we judge them on their intentions."  He sent this statement at a perfect time because I was still pondering over something Danny had shared at his Dad's funeral the  Saturday before.

Danny made the observation/posed the question why is it that when someone dies, everyone seems to focus on all that person's strengths and what was good about them.  What they "did" rather than what they "didn't do" in life.  He shared that when someone is living right before us we tend to be critical and sometimes only view/focus on their weaknesses and the things they "don't do" or the things they "aren't".  Danny brought up this observation of how death seems to melt away negative feelings and helps one view one's life completely positive. Revering and truly honoring that person for what they "did" do for who they "really"were.  He shared this observation and then said how great it would be to live life and treat everyone as if they had just died... to see and focus on their strengths and what they are doing good.

I remember being in the hospital with Dad during the long nights with cancer.  And although the times were often bleak and we had no idea which direction things were going to go--as a family, we often commented on how little things didn't matter anymore.  The stuff that seemed so huge and pressing, had become grains of sand blowing in the wind, compared to the time we were taking "being" a family.  Cancer brought us back to basics.  To what was REALLY important and what REALLY mattered.

So if I judge someone on their intentions--basically meaning have more patience with them and truly seeing them as the being they are, as a child of God (without having to bring death into the picture) -- what a way to live life!!  How is my view of someone/situations now?


DON'T MESS UP YOUR SACRED PLACES
At our Stake Conference, our Stake President, President Owens, challenged us to not desecrate those areas that have become our sacred places.  The places/areas/locations where we have felt of the spirit and have had moments with God.  Satan would like nothing more than to destroy those little areas.  So for a room, instead of being a safe haven with scripture study and prayer, if immoral acts are preformed/viewed in a place that was once sacred to us, those areas will be desecrated.  He then challenged us to each build up our own "Waters of Mormon" areas.  If Satan, is allowed because of our opening the door, destroys the moments in life that were sacred to us--he will rob us of places where we might have gained peace.


POWER IN KEEPING COVENANTS
Jen and I were talking the other day about going to the temple.  Jen then shared a very profound statement with me that has rung so true.

When she was first striving to go to the temple once a week--mind you this is quite a task for a mom of six--she said that the morning she would plan to go EVERYTHING would go wrong. Melt downs with the kids, literally all would break loose!  After hours of struggling Jen said that she almost said out loud, "FINE!  If this is what happens with going to the temple I am not going!  It is not worth it!"  Beautifully, however, Jen caught the "trap"! She realized that Satan didn't want her at the temple, and by her giving into not going was his very plan...he wanted to keep her out of the temple.  Once she realized what was really going on, she decided that that was it!  That NO MATTER WHAT, no matter what powers broke out, that REGARDLESS--she would be going to the temple.  NO matter what!

Jen said the most amazing thing happened.  When she finally committed with a covenant to attend the temple and was 100% set on keeping that covenant (no wavering), Satan's tactics couldn't frustrate her into NOT going.  And even if and when the world fell apart, she would still go.  She said some mornings did still fall apart, but the difference was in how she handled the opposition.  She didn't become angry or upset for she was still going no matter what, so it was just a matter of getting through/over the obstacle so she could be in the temple that day.  And with that commitment, she said her burdens were literally lightened!  Whatever went wrong, went wrong.  But she didn't let it affect her mind set of going to the temple or not. We then made connections to other covenants we make in and outside of the temple. 

SO once I make and keep with a full soul a particular covenant, like we learn in the temple, Satan really can have no power over us.  Keeping covenants WITHOUT wavering provides one with innumerable power!  Great truth!

NEW TACTICS BROUGHT TO LIGHT
Another PROFOUND thought was shared with me by a friend who was seeking a blessing.  She is not one to ask for blessings a lot.  In the past when she has felt to get a blessing, the day comes up and her life eases up just enough that her situation doesn't seem as dire as it had felt when she thought to get a blessing.  So, because life was not AS dire, she didn't get the blessing because after all she was "doing better".

This week that friend made an amazing inspired observation.  She felt to get a blessing, but had to wait until the next day to get it.  The day she felt to get a blessing, her life was a mess and her burdens almost too heavy to bare.  The next day, things didn't seem to be "as bad".  She was coping with things a little better and found that she really didn't need to get a blessing... BUT her mind was led to behold a tactic of Satan she had never thought caught on before. Why is it when ever she commits to getting a blessing, that the day the blessing is going to be given--her burdens seem more under control and less heavy.  In the past she just hasn't gone through with getting a blessing.  HOWEVER!!  Does Satan want her getting a blessing?  NO!  And why is that?  She will be given power/comfort/revelation even or other items to bless her life and the situation she is in.  SO wouldn't it make sense that Satan, when seeing we are going to get a blessing tells his devils, "Lay off a bit today.  We need that individual to be "okay" long enough in life to help them think they no longer need/want a blessing." HELLO!!! Doesn't this tactic make sense!  Truly brilliant!

My friend said that when this idea was brought to her mind, she figured she was even MORE in need of that blessing for Satan to let up a little so she wouldn't follow through with getting the blessing.  And sure enough, when she received the blessing--the things said she needed to hear and have in her life.  WOW!  Never caught this angle of Satan before.  It makes perfect sense!  I have even stopped the process of getting a blessing because at the moment, I was "fine" so therefor it would be silly to still get one.  Oh Satan is GOOD (in the sense that he is soo good at what he does)!!  BUT!!!!!!!!!  God is SOOO much greater!

----

I told you--I have had some amazing few last weeks.  :)

Lessons NOT LOST ON ME!

continued--WHO COULD HAVE SUPPOSED...LESSONS NOT LOST... VOL 2

MEADOW LARK
Monday I was driving by a field behind my place, and even with my car running and the windows completely up, I heard a Meadow Lark sing. I quickly rolled down my window to hear it's song and found it standing on a post. I pulled my car as close as I could and you would think that it even posed for me! :) Oh I love what birds do for me, or rather what God, through birds, does for me. The song of the Lark is out! Even with threatening weather/situations/hard times, I took can be joyful in singing praises.



AND THE SHEPHERD KNOWS HIS SHEEP
Visiting with Uncle Paul the other day, he mentioned that he had baby lambs. I asked him to show me, which he graciously did. I love black sheep! Perhaps that I feel at times in my rebellion that I am a black sheep and even with all my weaknesses rebellions, God still loves me and believes in me.
It was amazing to see Pauly pick up the lamb and love it so much. And then such a contrast of the feelings you have towards the lamb, and then see the large adults that act quite dumb. They smell, they act at times like their brain is quite not there. Adult sheep are NOT my favorite. And yet as I looked at the sheep, back to the the lamb, and from the Lamb back to the sheep I was impressed with how God views us. How could he love such "dumb at time sheep? I had the thought that like me loving and seeing the lamb as not a sheep, but precious and tender, that heavenly fahter views us, each one, as a lamb, precious and tender. I love the analogy of the Savior going to find the one that was lost and when he did find the lamb, he placed it on his shoulders rejoicing. I heard someone in church once state that if we are placed on someone's shoulders, as a lamb is, that lamb/us now sees the same view/perspective that the Savior sees. So much truth and symbolism in lambs. You could not ask for a greater care giver then my Uncle Paul! He is a man who's well runs deep and who's water springs for pure water. He is a great shepherd over those whom the Lord has placed in his path and under his care.



WHAT A CHILD CAN DO! After a long labor and a change over to a C-section, Meadow and Austin's little girl Capri joined them. Austin shared with me that that evening in the hospital he told his wife that they needed to start going to church and that he would like to be baptized, so that he could take his family to the temple to be sealed forever. How is it that a baby, that can not speak can do such great things to the human flesh? Truly families are forever, and this little family is taking steps to move forward on God's path.



PEANUT BUTTER ANGELS
I love this picture for it was an evening when Jenny, Jing, Kaiden, and I went out to a play together. OH Seriously, I have the greatest inlaws ever! Obviously I have the greatest brothers in the world too, for hooking up with such choice daughters of God.(!) I love them and count them as my own sisters.

In Feb/Jan-Ha I can't remember the month we went on the Oasis for HM's top achiever cruise. Jinger left Ironman with Marsh and Jenny. Little Ironman is awesomely allergic to peanuts... so for days before Ironman came to stay, Jenny didn't allow the kids to have any Peanut butter. But when Ireland came over to the house, his eyes immediately became puffy and swollen. So Jenny administered the benedril and hoped that he would be okay. Again the second day seemed to be worst. Jenny said she had prayed that God would send angels to clean up the Peanut butter/oils that she could not possibly find. I questioned Jen asking her if she "really" did pray for angels to clean up the peanut butter--Here is her reply to my question:

To answer you question, I did literally pray for [Heavenly Father] to send angels down to clean my house of the peanut butter. I knew that I could never find it all and that Ireland would be miserable all week if something wasn't done. There must have been a lot b/c it took those angels 2 nights to do it! :)

I learned a couple of years ago from my friend about "laundry angels" as she calls them. It all started with her and the laundry. It was overwhelming her. And in a large family, there was nothing she could do about it. There was just laundry. But she was getting discouraged and depressed and overwhelmed and ready to give up. Then she started praying for HF to send angels down to help her with her laundry. Such a simple request, but so specific. and He did. Somehow she was able to work her way through the pile. Of course she was still doing it, she didn't just walk away and expect the laundry to be done when she came back, but she knew she was getting help. Things were able to move faster and it wasn't such a burden anymore. Just like the pioneers that had angels take the bulk of the burden pulling their handcarts up Rocky Ridge.

I knew that with the PB I could clean all day and all night and still not get it all. I'm sure it was everywhere...in the carpet, ground into the couches, in so many nooks and crannies. I couldn't do it alone. [Garrett] wanders around the house with PBJs and gets it everywhere.

I was taught last year by the Brother of Jared that we have to be specific in our prayers. And I realized that going through my life praying "HF, please help me" wasn't specific. He was helping me, but I wasn't recognizing it, b/c I didn't know where to look. Or He is standing there asking "What do YOU want me to do to help you." I am trying to be specific so that I can see His hand. And He always comes through for me. You are going to laugh, but I also pray for traffic angels. When ever I come to an intersection where I have to cross traffic w/o a light, I pray for HF to clear the road for me. Or if I am in a hurry, I ask Him to change the lights to green for me. Sometimes He does and sometimes He doesn't. But I know that if He doesn't there must be a reason for it, and I am at peace and patient. Trusting Him to know what is best. Even if it is for me to sit at a red light when I am in a hurry.

Amazing faith! After reading Jenny's logic I told her I would start praying for dating angels!! Ha, maybe we will skip the dating ones and just ask for the "Find Eternal Companion" ones! ha ha.

I sent Jenny's comments over to Ali. She told me that with the delivery of her sweet Rachel, she prayed for "delivery" angels to attend her in the hospital and she felt that angels were there. Ali shared with me that she felt impressed to teach on angels for RS and was inspired to find/give a lesson on the following talk When Do the Angels Come?:

When Do the Angels Come?
By Bruce C. Hafen

The ministry of angels in the lives of ordinary, devoted people often goes unrecognized.

At certain sacred times, God has sent his holy angels to instruct and minister to his children. Think of the angel who first taught Adam about the Atonement; the angel who announced to Mary that she would bear the child Jesus; the angels who sang glories to God the night of Christ’s birth; the angel who comforted the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane; and the angels who brought the keys of the Restoration to Joseph Smith.

No wonder the angels came at such times. These were history’s crowning events. But angels have also come at times that were significant mostly because of their personal, spiritual meaning in the lives of ordinary but faithful men and women.
Personal Manifestations

Some of these personal visits were dramatic and powerful. Think of the angels who ministered to the Nephite children in the account of 3 Nephi 17 [3 Ne. 17], or the angel who chastised Alma and Mosiah’s sons in answer to a father’s prayer. (See Mosiah 27.)

Other personal manifestations have been so quiet that those who received them were unaware of the angelic presence. The ministry of these unseen angels is among the most sublime forms of interaction between heaven and earth, powerfully expressing God’s concern for us and bestowing tangible assurance and spiritual sustenance upon those in great need.

Think of the angel who came to comfort the sleeping Elijah when he was in such despair that he wished to live no longer. (See 1 Kgs. 19:4–8.) Or recall when Joseph Smith “saw the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb, … in foreign lands, standing together in a circle, much fatigued, with their clothes tattered and feet swollen, with their eyes cast downward, and Jesus standing in their midst, and they did not behold Him. The Savior looked upon them and wept.” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 2:381; italics added.) The Prophet also “saw Elder Brigham Young in a strange land, … in a desert place, upon a rock in the midst of about a dozen [hostile] men. He was preaching to them in their own tongue, and the angel of God standing above his head, with a drawn sword in his hand, protecting him, but he did not see it.” (Ibid.; italics added.)

For an unforgettable picture of unseen angelic armies, think of Elisha’s young servant, who cried when he was surrounded by an ominous army, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” Answered Elisha, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Then Elisha said, “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (See 2 Kgs. 6:15–17.)

President J. Reuben Clark eloquently captured the blessing of unseen angels in the lives of ordinary, devoted people in his masterful sermon, “To Them of the Last Wagon.” President Clark recognized the “mighty men” who led the early Saints, but he reserved his most reverent tribute for “the meekest and lowliest” found in “the last wagon in each of the long wagon trains.” Out in front of these toiling caravans were “the Brethren,” for whom “the air was clear and clean and … they had unbroken vision of the blue vault of heaven.” But, in contrast, “back in the last wagon, … the blue heaven was often shut out from their sight by heavy, dense clouds of the dust of the earth … [which made] the glories of a celestial world [seem] so far away.”

Even though some of the early brethren had seen “in a vision, the armies of heaven protecting the Saints in their return to Zion” (History of the Church, 2:381), President Clark mentioned angels only once. After describing the grinding frustrations of lame oxen, broken hubs, and sick children in the last wagon, he spoke of a pregnant mother trying to breathe through heavy, choking dust. “Then the morning came when from out that last wagon floated the la-la of the newborn babe, and mother love made a shrine, and Father bowed in reverence before it. But the train must move on. So out into the dust and dirt the last wagon moved again, swaying and jolting, while Mother eased as best she could each pain-giving jolt so no harm might be done her, that she might be strong to feed the little one, bone of her bone, flesh of her flesh. Who will dare to say that angels did not cluster round and guard her and ease her rude bed, for she had given another choice spirit its mortal body that it might work out its God-given destiny?” (New Era, July 1975, p. 8; italics added.)
Discerning the Light

The veil between heaven and earth usually hides the angels from our sight. Yet often in the early stages of our spiritual development, we may experience unmistakable contact with the angels of the unseen world. These experiences may move our sense of belief to a sure sense of knowledge, as we exclaim with Alma, “O then, is not this real?” And Alma replies to us, “Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible.” (Alma 32:35; italics added.)

Yet our discerning this light does not yield perfect knowledge. We must nourish the tree of faith to “get root” against the day “when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it.” (See Alma 32:37–38.) As we wait for additional flashes of spiritual light, our days of nourishment and testing can last many years.

The early manifestations of “discernible” angelic contact in our spiritual development frequently occur in youthful conversion experiences, missionary service, or times while we are attending college. These crucial, formative periods of spiritual breakthrough in a young person’s life may be compared with the Kirtland period in Church history; and the years that follow may be compared with the period of Nauvoo and beyond.
Youthful Kirtland Years

The early years of Kirtland were an unusually happy time for Joseph Smith and the Saints. What wonderful events had blessed them in only a few years: the Vision in the grove, the publication of the Book of Mormon, the formal organization of the Church, the optimistic launching of missionary work, the school of the prophets, and mighty revelations outlining a glorious future. It was a youthful, buoyant time. The Saints had no inkling of what waited for them, coiled like a deadly snake barely around the corner of history: mobs, persecution, apostasy, and martyrdom.

But first the angels came. Indeed, the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in March of 1836 represented the greatest spiritual outpouring in modern Church history. Joseph wrote that, shortly after the dedicatory prayer was offered, “Frederick G. Williams arose and testified that [during the prayer] an angel entered the window and took his seat between Father Smith and himself. David Whitmer also saw angels in the house.”

Later, “Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; … and I beheld that the Temple was filled with angels. … The people of the neighborhood came running together (hearing an unusual sound within, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple,) and were astonished at what was taking place.”

Of one of the concluding meetings, Joseph wrote, “The Savior made his appearance to some, while angels ministered to others, and it was a Pentecost and an endowment indeed, long to be remembered, for the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world, and occurrences of this day shall be handed down upon the pages of sacred history, to all generations.” (History of the Church, 2:427–33.)
Dark Nauvoo Years

Now contrast those glorious experiences with the dreadful conditions under which the Nauvoo Temple was dedicated less than ten years later. Joseph and Hyrum had been slain. The Church was racked with dissension and apostasy, and the dark spirit of the martyrdom hovered over Nauvoo like the destroying angel of death. The Saints knew they could not stay. They worked frantically to finish the temple, even as they also hurried to gather provisions and prepare wagons for their plunge into the great unknown trek westward.

Part of the Nauvoo Temple was dedicated in October 1845, even before it was finished, and in December Brigham Young began to administer the temple ordinances day and night. Within two months, the first company of wagons crossed the frozen Mississippi, never to return.

The story is told of a blind convert named Brother Williams who came from Massachusetts to Nauvoo in time to help complete the temple. Brother Williams had heard the stories of Kirtland, and he believed fervently that when the Nauvoo Temple was dedicated, the Savior and even the resurrected Joseph would return. He anticipated great spiritual manifestations that would heal his blindness. He believed that each stone they were laying brought him one step closer to the Savior’s healing hand.

But the Nauvoo Temple dedication was no Kirtland. As far as we know, there were no visible manifestations, no angelic ministries, no Pentecost.
We Lived Once in Kirtland

Our youthful years as missionaries and students are, despite their typical growing pains, frequently a kind of Kirtland for us: a simple and beautiful time, filled with intellectual breakthroughs, private spiritual moments, and emerging idealistic convictions. Those years may lift us for a time above the noise and smoke and confusion of worldly valleys to a high mountain peak, where we develop a growing closeness to the Infinite.

But the day always seems to come when we must leave our Kirtlands. When we do, sooner or later, we may have our own kind of Nauvoo, perhaps more than once. We will have our own frozen rivers and parched deserts to cross, a moral or financial or intellectual wilderness to tame. It will not always be fun. Perhaps we will feel bewildered and disappointed, and we may look back longingly to those youthful years, wondering why we cannot recapture the way things were in our days of Kirtland.

When our Nauvoo comes, we may find ourselves living in a culture that offers little reinforcement for our belief in the ideals of family life. The surrounding environment may even discourage and attack our devotion to marriage and children. Some of us may begin to feel a growing sense of distance in our marriages, as those around us take for granted that modern men and women should not feel bound by unconditional family commitments. But we will know better, for we lived once in Kirtland, where the Spirit whispered to us that the doctrine is true: marriage is sacred and love is forever.

After leaving our Kirtland, some may feel the waning of their sense of spiritual wonder, as the accumulating pressures and pollutions of life seem to cast doubt on the reality of inspiration or the worth of the institutional Church or the value of giving ourselves unselfishly to others. Especially in that kind of Nauvoo, some of us may turn away bitterly and say that the stories of Kirtland were not really true.

“How could they be true?” some will ask. “We see no angels here, not now, when we need them most. What happened at Kirtland must have been the foolish imagination of our youth.” We will feel pressure to see things this way, for we may be surrounded by unbelievers who whisper tauntingly in our ears as did the enemy in Nauvoo: “Your Prophet is dead. Wake up—it was all a childhood dream.”
Our Nauvoos Must Come

When our Nauvoo comes, it will neither surprise us nor throw us off course if we have kept the image of Kirtland burning brightly in our memories. “It is all right,” we will say. “We understand. We receive our full witness only after the trial of our faith. After much tribulation come the blessings.” And we will pick up our wagons and our families and head west.

As we do, we will sense that Kirtland was given to us as a first witness, to be told to our children and their children’s children, that they may know that God is the Lord. He slumbers not nor sleepeth. We will know that, always, for we were there, that season in the Mormon village of Kirtland.

I still think of Brother Williams, his blind eyes glistening with hope, waiting for Jesus and his angels to come to the Nauvoo Temple. I don’t know what happened to him after Nauvoo. Did he find the healing he hungered for? Did he find his Savior and see the face of Brother Joseph? I suppose that he and the other faithful ones of Nauvoo did find the enlightenment and the peace they sought—but later, perhaps within the last wagon along some dreary prairie trail, or in struggling to build a new life, far away in the West.

I suppose that Brother Williams made the same discovery as did the Saints in the Martin and Willie handcart companies, which were trapped by heavy, early snows on their way across the plains. In a conference address, Elder James E. Faust shared the feeling of one company member:

“‘Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives, for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.

“‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have gone on [to some point I thought I could never reach, only to feel that] the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.” (Ensign, May 1979, p. 53.)

Such unseen angelic manifestations in the “extremities” of our lives may, over time, have more profound meaning than the more visible outpouring of Kirtland. The Lord has promised that if you are true and faithful, the Lord himself may be “in your midst and ye cannot see me.” (D&C 38:7.) Even if you do not see him, he can “be on your right hand and on your left, and [his] Spirit shall be in your hearts,” and the angels who came to Kirtland will be “round about you, to bear you up.” (D&C 84:88.)

Moreover, our memories of Kirtland can be enriched by our later, perhaps more turbulent, experience. The very meaning of earlier witnesses may well grow richer with the perspective of time. It is because of what we saw in Kirtland that we ventured to Nauvoo. That we have once seen so clearly is our witness that we can again see clearly, with greater depth, even in the very midst of our afflictions.

When do the angels come? If we seek to be worthy, they are near us when we need them most. The mountain might even be full with the horsemen of Israel and their chariots of fire.

Seriously, an AMAZING life changing talk for me. Thank you Ali for sharing it!! And thank you Jenny for having faith enough to pray about angels and teaching me such a beautiful faith.

WELL IF YOU HAVE STUCK WITH THIS GINORMOUS POST THIS FAR, TACK A GOLD STAR TO YOUR FOREHEAD!! The end is in view!

DOES GOD CARE ABOUT IPODS?!
So last winter, right after starting my jog program, I started having ipod challenges. My ipod started acting like it was too cold for it to be working in the morning at 5 am with the world covered and most times still falling with a blanket of snow. After two weeks, my ipod bit the dust. So I borrowed my mom's. After six weeks, her's ended up biting the dust. Two ipods in less then two months--you can just call me Ms. Ipod Killer! At least I was feeling that this was going to be a start to that reputation.

Right before Christmas I went on KSL searching for ipods. I didn't care if it was used, I just really wanted an ipod to help my mind not focus not giving up on my goal/but rather the music/whatever I listened to would distract me enough that I would keep going.

I also really wanted the ipod that clipped on to clothes. I have an arm band, but for lots of reasons I won't go into, I am not a fan of the arm bands.

So there on KSL--I found a pink clip one that was new and barley used, and then I found a brand new one still in the box blue ipod. I felt not to contact the pink one, and impressed to contact the seller for the blue one. He was selling the new ipod for 135--which in the retail world, brand new ones were going for 149. So I was happy to be saving nearly 15$. I contacted him and he said he would sell it to me. He was away for Christmas break but we could meet up right after he came back.

I told my dad, excitedly about the ipod. And hoped that I was justified in spending so much. My dad scolded me a bit and said not to pay more than 100$ for the ipod. He said that the kid had gotten it as a gift from work, and was not out anything, but only had money to gain. I pushed aside his counsel because I was happy with the savings I was already going to be saving. My dad then said, "Bryndi, you have not because you ask not" and then he left it at that. I smiled and inside decided I was till okay with the 130.

Well the morning of meeting the kid, I will call him "Chris" I woke up and went outside to jog. All morning long the only thing that played as if on repeat in my mind was "You have not because you ask not--you have not because you ask not." I could not get these words to settle, but felt more and more impressed that I needed to at. So, I pulled up to the bank, and text Chris and asked if I had cash, if he would take $105 for the ipod instead of $135. (Yes I was too chicken to offer just $100.) I thought for sure he would laugh in my face, but moments later a text came back with "Sure, I can do that". I about died!! Yea have not because yea ask not...!

Well after the exchange with this kind kid from BYU, I sent him the email below. He responded back...:

Jan 3, 2011

So [Chris], Not that you even need to know this---but you are part of the miracle so I thought I would share.

I started a jog program about 5 weeks ago. I was using a ghetto old Ipod as a timer/music no worries. Well about 2 weeks into the program, it bit the dust. Thankfully my mom had the same ghetto ipod I did and she let me use hers. Her's bit the dust 2 weeks ago. I didn't know how I was going to afford a new ipod, but just at the start of jogging pretty much thought I might go crazy not listening to something. I usually just listen to conference and the ensign. Well--it was a good time just to be with God in the morning. I did however pray for a way to open up to get a new ipod. There were two listings--yours and another girl's. I know it might sound crazy but when I prayed I didn't feel like I should contact the girl. So I contacted you. And you were true to your word.

I know you were selling just because you didn't need it--but I was praying because not that I "needed" it, but I felt to get through this jog program, I "needed" it. :) God is amazing. Thanks for letting him bless my life with an ipod, through your service and kindness.

Well that is for your random email of the day. I just drove away in a lot of gratitude, and wanted to thank you for making this possible for me and my program. Thanks!!

So moral: God answer's prayers! Even ones about ipods. :D

Bryndi
-----

Jan 18, 2011

Bryndi,

I hope your program is going well! I understand how big a difference an ipod can make when working out. I know I could hardly do it without something to listen to.

It's funny that you mentioned how you felt like you needed to contact me in particular for the ipod. I had been contacted by several people before you who were interested in buying it, but I didn't feel like I should sell it to anybody until you contacted me. I don't know why (I guess...I didn't know why) but I was about to take down the posting because I kept feeling like I shouldn't sell it. God really does work in every aspect of our lives, doesn't He? He cares about all of His children, even down to the smallest details. I'm glad that I could be a part of that with you.

Take care, and have a great day!!

[Chris]

Again, does God really care about whether I got an ipod or not?!! It was important to me, and I am important to Him...! I am reminded again of the truth on God helping my friend's friend find a gold ring in the sand in the beach (click here).


My heart is full. This morning I was touched by the brilliant/profound question Ammon states to his brothers, "Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful..." Alma 26:17. Ammon is referring to the awful state he and his brothers were in when trying to destroy the Church. And a few verses after that Ammon states that God could have exercised his justice on their polluted and sinful state-- "but in his great mercy hath brought [Ammon and his brethren] over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of [their] souls." Alma 26:20. As I read these words this morning I was filled with amazement at God's GREAT mercy on all of us... on me... Oh the greatness of my God. Who could have supposed that he would let me learn such deep truths and bring such choice people/experiences into my life. I surely feel like boasting in God and his great goodness and everlasting kindness and mercy.

My heart is full.

I could post a handful of other amazing life long lessons, from so many people who have touched my life or leave me different/for the better.

Jesus is the Christ. Heavenly Father does listen and answer prayers. Families can be together forever!
The natural man can be conquered. Jesus's is merciful and his mercy does save!

My heart is full. Lesson, not lost on me!