This past Saturday while at the Jordan River temple, I read a scripture that has really strengthened me lately. I've been trying to figure some things out in my life and one thing I discovered is that I am a very impatient person. I know what I want and I want it to happen NOW! Unfortunately, my time and the Lord's time do not always coincide (especially not if there are other people involved). The scripture is Mosiah 24:15.
"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."
Now one of my new goals to "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."
The other thing I want to share with you is one of my favorite quotes by Albert Camus. I like this quote because it makes me feel (in the words of our new choir director) strong and powerful. I am in charge of my life and how I let things affect me. I can choose to be happy no matter what stresses are happening around me.
"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
I would love to hear if you have any favorite scriptures or quotes that you find particularly helpful or inspiring. Let's fill the Comments on this post full of good stuff.
Amanda is grateful to all of your for your friendship.
Showing posts with label church thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church thoughts. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Service work can be fun!
As I mentioned in my earlier blog, I went over to help a sister in our stake who is blind. Her name is Marianne and she is 73 years old. I had such a neat time. She was a member of the Tabernacle Choir for 17 years. She holds two masters degrees from the U of U (speech pathology and music). She is also a certified medical transcriptionist and she owned her own business in that field for many years.
Now here's the kicker - especially for all of us who say we are too busy to go to the temple regularly. Marianne volunteers once a week as a temple organist. She also goes to the temple 3-4 per week to do endowments & initiatories. I was helping her throw out paperwork and we were going through a big binder of her temple submissions for the past 2 years. I was amazed at the sheer volume of her temple work.
Anyway, it was a really good experience. She is basically trying to go through old letters and paperwork (which is hard to do if you can't see). I'm going back again at the beginning of August.
Amanda is looking forward to her date tomorrow.
Now here's the kicker - especially for all of us who say we are too busy to go to the temple regularly. Marianne volunteers once a week as a temple organist. She also goes to the temple 3-4 per week to do endowments & initiatories. I was helping her throw out paperwork and we were going through a big binder of her temple submissions for the past 2 years. I was amazed at the sheer volume of her temple work.
Anyway, it was a really good experience. She is basically trying to go through old letters and paperwork (which is hard to do if you can't see). I'm going back again at the beginning of August.
Amanda is looking forward to her date tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Oquirrh Mountain Temple Tour
On Wednesday May 27th, my mom and I had the opportunity to tour the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. This was a tour in advance of the public open house. Invites were sent to all the physicians and managers in my office. Of course I jumped at this opportunity!The temple is so beautiful! They couldn't have picked a better setting, perched right up on a hill. It was pretty windy but no complaints otherwise. The temple has beautiful chandeliers in many of the rooms (some tear drop shaped & some star shaped). Another favorite of mine are the stars carved into all the windows. They look like the Star of Bethlehem. I also loved the color scheme (lots of wood and gold). A special moment for me was sitting in one of the sealing rooms and looking into the mirror and seeing my image go on forever and ever.
We first watched a video about the temple and then took the tour. After that we were shown into the reception tent. They went all out on this, believe me! This tent had draped ceilings complete with chandeliers and carpet. There was a beautiful buffet, tables, & couches everywhere. In the back of the tent were several large pictures of the Savior. Then as we left we were given a cd packet embossed with the Oquirrh Mtn temple picture. Inside the packet was the new Tabernacle Choir cd. All in all it was a very special day and I'm so glad I was able to share it with my mom. I've posted some pictures of our day.
(Mom eating an eclair - I was so jealous)
(Centerpieces on all the tables)
(Me sitting on one of the couches)
(Mom & I by the fountain in the front. Check out the view, isn't it gorgeous?)Amanda is grateful for the Gospel in her life.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
My fellow Americans,
Okay I have no idea why I felt like saying that! Sorry it has been a while since my last blog. I've been in Oregon visiting some dear friends. I'll post a blog with my adventures there shortly. In the meantime, please enjoy this letter which was written by a temple worker in LA following their recent problems:
My dear family, brothers and sisters, friends and leaders:
My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His tender mercies and mighty miracles in our behalf. I just have to share this with you. As most of you know, I am a Temple
ordinance worker and work the morning shift in the LA Temple every Saturday. Today, I had the privilege of translating sister Martz-the new assistant Matron's-message during our devotional.
She started like this "The prophet Joseph Smith said that no unhallowed hand would be able to stop this Work from progressing. These past few weeks when mobs have combined and armies have
gathered against the saints, the Lord has protected His house". She went on to say that those, like her, who were inside the Temple when mobs were surrounding it, did not realize how scary and terrifying this looked on TV to the rest of us, because inside the House of the Lord all was calm and there was peace abundant. After Proposition 8 passed, the Temple began receiving threatening calls and mail from those opposing it. They were warned that more than 5000 people would come to the Temple and burn it to the ground, and stop Its work.
The first Thursday when the mob came, the new LA Temple President called the Salt Lake City Temple Offices for instructions. He was instructed to call the local police and to insure the safety of
those attending the Temple by closing the gates. The assistant Matron said today, that it was a tender mercy from the Lord that the mob chose that Thursday to come since they had only one person coming to receive his own endowment that day, which he received in time to leave before trouble started. The LAPD and the FBI responded quickly to the Temple Presidency's summons and patroled the grounds and kept the mob from entering the same. Most of them had never been
there before and expressed their surprise at how beautiful and peaceful all around was. They were invited to come back during the Christmas season to see the lights and they promised they would.
On Thursday, November 13th, sister Campbell, a secretary in the Temple, was opening the mail and upon opening a large manila envelope found inside a smaller one. When she opened this one, a white powder flew all around her desk. She thought this could be related to the demonstrators and feared the worst-ANTRAX. She contacted the President, who in turn called the Salt Lake City Temple office again for instructions. The FBI, the LAPD, and even the SWAT teams were once again in the grounds to investigate, and the Temple once again had to close from around 11:30 AM to 5PM. They closed the gates and were instructed to keep all the people there wherever they were found at the time. Those in the parking lot had to remain in the parking lot. Those entering the Temple had to remain in the first floor and those already upstairs were taken to the Celestial Room. Then, the miracles began to happen: A brother serving as a recorder that day is a Microbiologist by profession and used to deal with hazardous substances every day. He was the first to say the white powder in the envelope was only talc, and put every one at ease.
Then the sister coordinator upstairs was impressed to call upstairs to the sealing area, and said "They said we can't go down but no one said we can't go up, and I have many people in the Celestial room
with their ceremonial clothes on ready to work. Could they do some sealings?" As it happened, there were four sealers present that day and they ran four sealing sessions non stop while the Temple was
closed. Downstairs, someone else thought to invite those in the Lobby to do some initiatories, which they promptly did for all those hours too, brothers and sisters alike. Among those waiting in the parking lot there was a large group of young men and women with their leaders who had come to do Baptisms for the dead, and who waited patiently all those hours and decided when the Temple was
reopened to go ahead and fulfill their assignment instead of driving back home. The Temple reopened in time for the 5:30 PM session. The next day when recording the ordinances, they discovered that they had performed 2000 sacred ordinances on Thursday, only one less than the day before when three stakes had been visiting the Temple. Once again the assistant matron reminded us of the words of the prophet Joseph Smith, "No unhallowed hand can stop the Work from progressing...".
But, this is not all, a prophecy was fulfilled also. When the new LA Temple President was set apart by President Uchdorft of the First Presidency, he received a blessing and these words were pronounced: " The time has come for the LA Temple to come out of obscurity and become an Ensign for Righteousness to the world under your presidency." The pictures of the Temple have been shown on TV, newspapers and the internet, not only in this country but worldwide. People of other faiths have called and sent letters to the Temple thanking the Church for defending marriage and protecting
the family, and commenting how impressed they are by how beautiful and majestic the Temple looks .
One minister of an African American church, who by his own admission had harbored ill feelings against the mormons before said " I am impressed by your integrity and Christ like behavior, and even if I am not ready to consider you my brothers and sisters in Christ, we can be first cousins!".
I asked the assistant matron if I could share her comments and she said to go ahead. I can only add my own testimony that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has the power and authority of God on earth. God Lives and Jesus, His only Begotten Son and our Savior is coming soon to redeem His people. I am grateful to know this and I pray we stand firm, steadfast and immobile while the prophecies of the signs before His Coming are fulfilled. "Be not afraid, only believe" He has said, and also " What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
I testify that this is true and testify it in the Holy Name of Whom I strive to serve, even Jesus Christ. Be faithful and safe is my humble prayer.
Your sister in Christ,
Patricia H. Arnazzi
My dear family, brothers and sisters, friends and leaders:
My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His tender mercies and mighty miracles in our behalf. I just have to share this with you. As most of you know, I am a Temple
ordinance worker and work the morning shift in the LA Temple every Saturday. Today, I had the privilege of translating sister Martz-the new assistant Matron's-message during our devotional.
She started like this "The prophet Joseph Smith said that no unhallowed hand would be able to stop this Work from progressing. These past few weeks when mobs have combined and armies have
gathered against the saints, the Lord has protected His house". She went on to say that those, like her, who were inside the Temple when mobs were surrounding it, did not realize how scary and terrifying this looked on TV to the rest of us, because inside the House of the Lord all was calm and there was peace abundant. After Proposition 8 passed, the Temple began receiving threatening calls and mail from those opposing it. They were warned that more than 5000 people would come to the Temple and burn it to the ground, and stop Its work.
The first Thursday when the mob came, the new LA Temple President called the Salt Lake City Temple Offices for instructions. He was instructed to call the local police and to insure the safety of
those attending the Temple by closing the gates. The assistant Matron said today, that it was a tender mercy from the Lord that the mob chose that Thursday to come since they had only one person coming to receive his own endowment that day, which he received in time to leave before trouble started. The LAPD and the FBI responded quickly to the Temple Presidency's summons and patroled the grounds and kept the mob from entering the same. Most of them had never been
there before and expressed their surprise at how beautiful and peaceful all around was. They were invited to come back during the Christmas season to see the lights and they promised they would.
On Thursday, November 13th, sister Campbell, a secretary in the Temple, was opening the mail and upon opening a large manila envelope found inside a smaller one. When she opened this one, a white powder flew all around her desk. She thought this could be related to the demonstrators and feared the worst-ANTRAX. She contacted the President, who in turn called the Salt Lake City Temple office again for instructions. The FBI, the LAPD, and even the SWAT teams were once again in the grounds to investigate, and the Temple once again had to close from around 11:30 AM to 5PM. They closed the gates and were instructed to keep all the people there wherever they were found at the time. Those in the parking lot had to remain in the parking lot. Those entering the Temple had to remain in the first floor and those already upstairs were taken to the Celestial Room. Then, the miracles began to happen: A brother serving as a recorder that day is a Microbiologist by profession and used to deal with hazardous substances every day. He was the first to say the white powder in the envelope was only talc, and put every one at ease.
Then the sister coordinator upstairs was impressed to call upstairs to the sealing area, and said "They said we can't go down but no one said we can't go up, and I have many people in the Celestial room
with their ceremonial clothes on ready to work. Could they do some sealings?" As it happened, there were four sealers present that day and they ran four sealing sessions non stop while the Temple was
closed. Downstairs, someone else thought to invite those in the Lobby to do some initiatories, which they promptly did for all those hours too, brothers and sisters alike. Among those waiting in the parking lot there was a large group of young men and women with their leaders who had come to do Baptisms for the dead, and who waited patiently all those hours and decided when the Temple was
reopened to go ahead and fulfill their assignment instead of driving back home. The Temple reopened in time for the 5:30 PM session. The next day when recording the ordinances, they discovered that they had performed 2000 sacred ordinances on Thursday, only one less than the day before when three stakes had been visiting the Temple. Once again the assistant matron reminded us of the words of the prophet Joseph Smith, "No unhallowed hand can stop the Work from progressing...".
But, this is not all, a prophecy was fulfilled also. When the new LA Temple President was set apart by President Uchdorft of the First Presidency, he received a blessing and these words were pronounced: " The time has come for the LA Temple to come out of obscurity and become an Ensign for Righteousness to the world under your presidency." The pictures of the Temple have been shown on TV, newspapers and the internet, not only in this country but worldwide. People of other faiths have called and sent letters to the Temple thanking the Church for defending marriage and protecting
the family, and commenting how impressed they are by how beautiful and majestic the Temple looks .
One minister of an African American church, who by his own admission had harbored ill feelings against the mormons before said " I am impressed by your integrity and Christ like behavior, and even if I am not ready to consider you my brothers and sisters in Christ, we can be first cousins!".
I asked the assistant matron if I could share her comments and she said to go ahead. I can only add my own testimony that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has the power and authority of God on earth. God Lives and Jesus, His only Begotten Son and our Savior is coming soon to redeem His people. I am grateful to know this and I pray we stand firm, steadfast and immobile while the prophecies of the signs before His Coming are fulfilled. "Be not afraid, only believe" He has said, and also " What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
I testify that this is true and testify it in the Holy Name of Whom I strive to serve, even Jesus Christ. Be faithful and safe is my humble prayer.
Your sister in Christ,
Patricia H. Arnazzi
Amanda is proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I'm thankful for . . .
This morning I had the opportunity to attend General Conference with my father. I love General Conference because the talks always help me remember how much I have to be grateful for. So I thought I would share a few of the things I am thankful for in my life. You are welcome to share your own list in Comments.
Rain & thunderstorms
The Temple (this picture is of the Los Angeles temple where my parents I were sealed as a forever family)
My parents - who are so encouraging & loving towards me.
My Friends
Books - there is nothing I love to do more than read. I am grateful for amazing authors like Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Dorthy Sayers, and Wilkie Collins whose books continue to fascinate and intrigue me.
My mobility - I am so grateful that I can walk and run (even though I don't run very much, unless something is chasing me).
My love of animals. (Here I am feeding my cat & dog out of my sippy cup - which I would also drink from)
I am grateful that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every time I read my scriptures or go to church I am reminded that I can be a better person. I am also reminded of how much God loves me. In this day and age (when violence and sex is so prevalent in the media) it is so important to have these positive influences in our lives. I am very thankful to have them.
Amanda is trying to mentally prepare for another week of work.
Rain & thunderstorms
The Temple (this picture is of the Los Angeles temple where my parents I were sealed as a forever family)
My parents - who are so encouraging & loving towards me.
My Friends
Books - there is nothing I love to do more than read. I am grateful for amazing authors like Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Dorthy Sayers, and Wilkie Collins whose books continue to fascinate and intrigue me.
My mobility - I am so grateful that I can walk and run (even though I don't run very much, unless something is chasing me).
My love of animals. (Here I am feeding my cat & dog out of my sippy cup - which I would also drink from)
I am grateful that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every time I read my scriptures or go to church I am reminded that I can be a better person. I am also reminded of how much God loves me. In this day and age (when violence and sex is so prevalent in the media) it is so important to have these positive influences in our lives. I am very thankful to have them.
Amanda is trying to mentally prepare for another week of work.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Substitutions
I had a funny conversation today with one of my friends. There is a group of wealthy LDS guys in her Institute class who think they are really cool and cutting edge. They go around pretending to swear by saying "I'm such a bad A" and they take other swear words and just say the first letter. I laughed so hard when I heard that. They are probably thinking of the swear word anyway so it isn't much of a substitution. I'm not a big fan of alternate swear words - words that come very close to the real thing. I prefer to make up my own phrases to use when I am upset. I have been know to use phrases like "Jiminy Christmas" and "dad crumpit".
This made me start thinking about substitutions both good and bad. Now for me a good substitution might be using Splenda instead of sugar. A bad substitution would be flopping down in front of the tv when I'm bored instead of cleaning out my car.
Then there are the things we do that perhaps we shouldn't as good Latter Day Saints. I'm just throwing out examples here - this is not a confessional of things that I do. Maybe we don't watch rated R movies but we aren't as picky in our television choices as we could be. Or perhaps we don't swear but we listen to music that does or listen to catchy songs with inappropriate lyrics. Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" comes to mind as an example of this. That song is super catchy and the music at the beginning always draws you in. I finally manged to train myself to switch stations the minute I hear it. So I guess the point of this post is to encourage everyone (myself included) to really think about your choices and to watch that you aren't substituting one bad thing for another.
Amanda is going to eat a deep fried Snickers at the fair this weekend.
This made me start thinking about substitutions both good and bad. Now for me a good substitution might be using Splenda instead of sugar. A bad substitution would be flopping down in front of the tv when I'm bored instead of cleaning out my car.
Then there are the things we do that perhaps we shouldn't as good Latter Day Saints. I'm just throwing out examples here - this is not a confessional of things that I do. Maybe we don't watch rated R movies but we aren't as picky in our television choices as we could be. Or perhaps we don't swear but we listen to music that does or listen to catchy songs with inappropriate lyrics. Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" comes to mind as an example of this. That song is super catchy and the music at the beginning always draws you in. I finally manged to train myself to switch stations the minute I hear it. So I guess the point of this post is to encourage everyone (myself included) to really think about your choices and to watch that you aren't substituting one bad thing for another.
Amanda is going to eat a deep fried Snickers at the fair this weekend.
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