How about a little advice?

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.

Another one bites the dust!

Just wanted to give a weight loss update. I lost another 4 pounds this past week.

Amanda is very happy.

2009 - It's my year to shine

It is time for me to make some New Year's resolutions. I figured I would post them for all to see. I could make a huge list but I know would never follow through so I am going to start with 3 or 4 and really focus on those. I'll post an update on my progress one month from now. Feel free to post your resolutions in the "Comments" section.

1. Commit to exercise & weight loss. (I decided that I have two choices here - I can either make this a serious goal or I can simply commit to gaining more and more weight until the circus asks me to join them)
2. Work on becoming a better person through service. (My mom pointed out a great article in the Dec Ensign on how people can help the Church by indexing geneological files online. I am going to start with this and also work to find other service opportunities. Here is the link if anyone is interested in the article: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/EmailArticleProcess?action=view&cmlId=352194&locale=0&emId=761512621
3. Be more outgoing and try to meet new people (especially when I join the 31 & older singles ward after my birthday this March.
4. Continue working on budgeting & saving

I'll close with a quote from President N. Eldon Tanner from a talk in the Jan 1975 New Era.

"This is the beginning of a new year, and each of us might well say to himself, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Let me begin now to prepare for eternal life, that I may know a fullness of joy and happiness now and forever.” After all, this is really what each of us wants, and it is most important that we take time to find out how to get it and begin now to work at it day by day.

To accomplish this we must study and learn and increase our knowledge and understanding of the gospel. Then by application of our learning day by day and every day we will have an increase of faith and testimony that is so necessary for our own salvation, as well as for our influence on the lives of those we love, those with whom we want to share our happiness and blessings."

Amanda is ready to start the new year!

Saving is hard

I'm trying out this new thing where I am trying save some money instead of spending it all. Phase 1 in my plan consists of tracking everything I spend in the month of September. Then I am going to develop a budget and really try to stick to it. So far I can tell that I eat out and spend too much money on groceries. Normally I buy a lot of DVD's but I put myself on restriction this month. Plus if any of you have ever seen my closet then you know I have way too many DVD's already!

Saving money is hard! By nature, I am a spender not a saver. I get a much bigger thrill out of buying something then watching my money grow in a bank account - much to my mother's chagrin. She is definitely a saver. She once said that she wanted to build her own casket and use it to store stuff in our garage until she passed on. My father got really grossed out by that! This cartoon reminds me of her!

I am trying to change my spending ways and be prepared for the future. If any of you have some good tips for me, please post them in your comments. I need all the help I can get.

Amanda is going to see BodyWorlds tonight!