New Blog

http://acstanders.blogspot.com/2012/02/little-bundle-of-joy.html

The Spirit of God

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be a tour guide for the Atlanta LDS Temple Open House. It was the most amazing experience that I have ever had. We arrived at the temple grounds at 6:30 in the morning to prepare for the day. When we arrived, it was still dark- and the view of the lit temple against the bright stars was absolutely breathtaking! We received our instructions then headed out to our respective spots. As a tour guide, we took groups of 5-40 people from the church building (that is directly behind the temple) to the temple to see the inside. The tour began with a brief video about what temples mean to Latter-day Saints and mentions some of the ordinances performed inside. I had the pleasure of being the tour guide that followed the group- to make sure that no one got lost or left behind. Why was it such a pleasure? Because I got to see people's reactions- I got to see the looks that children gave their parents, I got to see everything! I had SO many experiences that truly built upon my testimony of the truthfulness of the work that goes on in temples. Each room is glorious and of indescribable beauty! I loved getting to go through so many times, because it enabled me to see the rooms over and over again!
I must admit, though- at the end of the day, I was utterly exhausted!!! I did all three shifts and helped clean up afterwards......so we ended up leaving at 10:30 pm. But, I wouldn't trade that day for anything in the world!! What made it even more of an amazing experience is that I will be able to be sealed in that very temple in less than 23 days! On the last shift, Aaron's (my wonderfully amazing fiance) post was directly outside the sealing room. So every time we would leave the sealing room I would get to see his handsome face. To be honest, I got emotional several times. I can't wait to marry him!! But, I don't need to get started on him..... this post will never end!!! :) Anyway, I just wanted to share a tidbit of my experience yesterday!
Before I close, I just want to share a little bit of my testimony- I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored gospel upon the face of the earth. I know that My Savior suffered and died for me (okay, maybe all of us.....), I know that temples have been set up on the earth to make it possible that we can all return home to be with our Heavenly Father AND be with our families for all eternity. I don't know about you, but I don't think it would be heaven without MY family there..... I think I'd opt out of that one. I know the Book of Mormon was an inspired book written by prophets of ancient America. I'm so extremely grateful to all those who have sacrificed so much just so that I can learn more about my Father in Heaven and His plan for me. I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore the gospel to the earth. I leave all of this with you- in my brother's name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Examples

I was watching another General Conference talk this morning and I was hit by how absolutely amazing my parents are. My whole life they have had incredible struggles, and yet they always made sure we were nourished spiritually and physically. They would always bear their testimony to us and help us learn SO much about the purpose of this life. Everything I am today, I owe to them. My relationship with my Savior wouldn't be what it is, if it wasn't for them. I am so blessed and I don't think I'll ever be able to convey just how grateful I am to them for everything they've done for me. All I can do is hope that I can someday be more like them. I was so blessed with my family- and I hope they know how much they mean to me. So, if you read this- Mama and Daddy- I love you! Thanks for putting up with this crazy daughter of yours!

Follow-up

Well, the blind date was so much fun! We went to a tapas restaurant....which is where they serve finger foods (or appetizers) instead of full dishes. It was delicious! Then we went back to my friend's house to play my Wii. The entire time I was laughing. He seems like a fun guy. Not a juicy update- but that's the way it went. He didn't try anything and opened all my doors for me. So, I think it was a good date.

I'm braving it!

YEP! I am going on one......friday night. What am I thinking? Good question. Haha, I have mixed emotions about it. But, hey- part of life is experiencing different things, right?! The way I see it, I will hopefully gain another friend. To be continued........

Still alive! :)

Sorry I've slacked off. Life has become so hectic, yep, again! But, I am still alive and plugging away. I signed up for another half marathon- April 28th. I'm excited AND nervous. It seems like each time I sign up for one of these things, stuff happens. I got sick with the flu- then had all sorts of test and assignments....... maybe I'll get around to training for it. Maybe. And right now, I should be working on a talk for church tomorrow. But, I am so nervous- not having given a talk for seven years, makes the event a little nerve racking. Oh well. I'm sure it'll be fine. Thankfully, I think everyone somewhat loves me there....... haha, I sure hope so anyway.


I have had the opportunity to help teach an investigator lately, which has been a lot of fun. She has asked so many deep questions that I've just never thought about before. So, it's been a lot of fun to learn and grow with her. She is an amazing girl.

I think that is about all. I lead a pretty boring life (haha, okay- not so much, I just can never remember when I go to post these things!).

A wonderful beginning

On January 5th I took the GRE, which is the Graduate Record Examination. Pretty much, it's the SAT for graduate school. I was so nervous because I felt like I hadn't had much time to study for it. Well, I'm sure you all know by now- but I made 350 points more than I needed to get into grad school!!! WOOHOO! Now, I just have to start working on grad school applications. What a wonderful way to start off the new year.

On a different note, I didn't make many "New Year's Resolutions" because I am starting to feel that just because it's a new year, doesn't mean that's the only time you should make goals. So, I am just continuing goals I made last year.

I am constantly amazed at how quickly life is flying by me. I am really starting to realize the importance of living to the fullest and working on becoming a much better person. With that- I leave you all with a quote I recently discovered:
"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." ~Life's Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.