A Refuge from the World

Every Tuesday, I get up at 5:00 am and drive more than 20 miles, past iconic Downtown Las Vegas to volunteer my time in the Las Vegas Temple.  I change out of my street clothes and wear my white dress (all the patrons and workers change into white clothing in the temple) and spend a few hours in a place that is a refuge from the craziness of what can be life.  I feel such a peace when I am there, even though I do fairly normal office work.  I can feel closer to my Heavenly Father when I am there.  It is also a place where families can be sealed for eternity.  I cannot imagine heaven without my family being my family!  That would not be heaven to me.  If you ever have an opportunity to attend an open house for a new LDS temple in your area, I highly recommend going. New temples are open to the public for several weeks before they are formally dedicated to the Lord. You will definitely feel peace and love when you enter the doors. Also, even though you must be a member in good standing to perform ordinances there, most temples have a beautiful entry or foyer where the public is welcome to come and sit and ponder or read the scriptures surrounded by . I know that the temple is the house of the Lord and I can feel His Spirit very strongly there.  It is because of Him that I can have my family not just "till death do us part" but for eternity.

I will really miss the Las Vegas temple and the many people I work with.  It is a sanctuary for me.

Julie

Starting Today

I am grateful for the opportunity to start over every morning, with a fresh, new slate.  I am trying not to let the little things get to me. I need to change my thoughts so that I'm not so judgmental--of others, but more importantly, myself.  The Lord knows all my weaknesses and strengths, but He also knows exactly how to help me change my weaknesses into strengths!  It is because of Him that I have the opportunity to change.

I hope you can find something to be grateful for today!

Julie

Because of Him

There are many people in the world who believe that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mormons) are NOT Christians.  People can choose to believe whatever they want about me or my religion.  I pray that as I serve and love and teach, my actions will speak louder than the words that are spoken out against me or what I believe.  I only have to answer to One...my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  Everything I am is because of Him.

I will be sharing messages each day this week as Easter approaches.  May God bless you!

Julie

MDS Blog Hop--I Stand All Amazed

As Easter approaches, much of the world's focus turns to new life, not only in nature but in our spiritual lives.  Twice a year, (April and October) our church has General Conference where members all over the world can hear uplifting messages from church leaders.  I look forward to it every time.  I love being reminded I am a daughter of God and He loves me and I have a Savior who atoned for my sins. One of my favorite hymns is "I Stand All Amazed" and the words convey the feelings of my heart:

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me,

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine.

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

 I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh, it is wonderful, that he should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

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The words bring tears to my eyes! Just a few weeks ago, my little primary children sang this song to me for my last Sunday as their president and I almost went into the ugly cry!  To see those little children sing at the top of the lungs "Oh, it is wonderful" just reminded me exactly why Jesus has such a love for the little children.

I pray that you all enjoy this time of reflection, remembrance, and re-birth.

I just know you will love all the projects my friends have created--make sure to leave them a quick comment ("love", "fun", "TFS", "great job", "cute" are all acceptable comments!!) we all love to hear that people are interested in what we are creating!

Julie

Something I Need to Share...

This will be kind of a long post but I feel it is something I need to share.  Many of you know that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as "Mormon".  There are a lot of things said about my church in the media and also by other churches and groups that are completely untrue and and I don't have time to refute every single derogatory word that is said about what I believe and frankly some people will make up their minds about what I believe without ever having met me.  That being said, this weekend is the semi-annual conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it is something that I love and I am able to learn how to draw nearer to my Savior.  It is my prayer that if there is anyone out there who has concerns or doubts about my belief system you will take a few minutes and watch any part of this conference--I know it will touch your heart and spirit.  I like to pray to my Heavenly Father before hand and ask particular questions (because He is the only one who knows my heart) and every time I watch conference I get the answers to my questions. The teachings encourage me to be a more loving wife, a more understanding parent, a more helpful neighbor, a more thoughtful friend, and especially a more humble servant and follower of the Lord.  If that is not something that you want in your life, then don't watch (after all, we are given agency to make choices for ourselves) but if you would like to be uplifted and edified and feel the promptings of the Holy Spirit, please take some time out of your busy weekend to watch.  Amos 3:7 says, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets."(KJV) I know that the Lord sent prophets to help guide His children during times of evil and discord throughout the world and this time is no different.  He doesn't love us any less than His children from biblical times, and I believe we need His guidance now more than ever!  I welcome any comments made with sincerity and thoughtfulness, but I will not argue the tenants of my church, arguing just drives away the Spirit, and I try my hardest to be worthy to invite the Spirit to be with me as much as possible. I will answer honest questions with honest, heartfelt answers if I can, but if you have deeper questions than what I can answer, I know that you can pray to your Heavenly Father to answer ANY questions, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 (KJV) God lives! He answers prayers and I know this because He has answered mine and I know He will answer yours.

Thank you for allowing me to share my feelings and testimony with you.

Julie  

Love One Another...One Person at a Time

Valentine's day is this week and although I love to show my love to those around me, sometimes I think that "Valentine's day" is just a ploy made up by the candy and flower companies to bring in more money.  I think it's more important to show people all around us that we love them all the time and not just give them flowers or gifts or things that will not last.  If we truly love others we will serve them like the Savior did, not because we want something in return.  Show your family how much you love them by doing something nice for them, that will mean more to them than any rose or piece of chocolate ever would.  I loved this story about serving others around us--we don't have to do it all, but we can make a difference...one person at a time!

Have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today we had an excellent special Stake conference!  A stake is a congregational unit made up of 8-10 smaller congregations. There had been a valley wide training which meant that there were general authorities here in Vegas to instruct the leaders.  We were able to hear from Elder Ronald A. Rasband, President of the Quorums of the Seventy.  He shared so many wonderful thoughts and touching stories.  He focused on families and the truth about families being eternal. I was so glad to be there and feel the spirit.  It is a blessing to hear from servants of the Lord and be instructed by them.  I know that families are eternal.  I know that what is bound on earth is bound in heaven.  I am grateful for the knowledge that my Savior lives and loves me and that he suffered for my sins and died and was resurrected so that I can have that same opportunity.  He is my elder brother and my perfect example.  What a blessing his gospel is to me and my family!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

As I have been preparing for the new Primary year, I have been spending time thinking about how we all serve in different capacities.  We love and care for our family, help a neighbor, volunteer at church or school, smile at a stranger, encourage a friend.  There are numerous ways in which we can serve.  I know I don't do everything I'm supposed to do, but I do try to help others when I can.  Friday, I was able to read to the young women from church during their read-a-thon.  I loved reading the scriptures with them and I truly felt the spirit sitting with those beautiful young girls who were working towards their Young Womanhood medallion.  They were learning about their Savior and I was glad I was able to help, even if it was just for an hour!

I enjoyed watching my primary children as they giggled and laughed while they wrapped the teachers up in toilet paper to make a sunday outfit!  It was so much fun!

I hope that one day, the service I have rendered in my life will be accepted by my Savior!  He is my example, and I want so much to be like him. I know that the only way I can be like him is to become like a little child; loving, humble, meek, innocent--my darling primary children teach me how to be more Christ-like every day.  We are his hands here on earth, and I hope that as I serve each day, "I will make my hands like those of Galilee."

"His Hands" by Jenny Jordan Frogley

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today was our Christmas program and I think it went rather well!  Our first narrator started out by sharing the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and how he used the phrase from the bible "Peace on earth, good will to men".  We had a few small groups and soloists (including me) along with our choir and I really felt the spirit as we sang the beautiful songs and hymns.  I was able to sing "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".  I was a bit nervous since I hadn't sung a solo in church for a while, but it all came back to me!  I love singing!  I would rather sing than give a talk! I was so glad to have my friend Jeanna and her family come to hear me sing (and everyone else!) It's wonderful to have that kind of friend to support you!
I'm so glad that it's almost Christmas!  I love the electricity in the air!  The children are extra good, hopefully to make up for the times when they were on the "naughty list",  and parents love to see the excitement in their children's eyes on Christmas morning!  I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas!  I hope that you find what you want under the tree and that you have peace in your home and in your lives!  If everyone had just a little bit of peace in their home, the world would be a happier place!

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep

God is not dead nor doth he sleep 

The wrong shall fail the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men!"

I will be taking off some time for the holidays, I hope you enjoy your time with your family!

Merry Christmas!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my primary children!  I am the president of the Primary children's group at church (18 mo. to 11 yrs.) and they teach me so much!  I have learned how to love, how to be more kind, how to be more patient, and how to serve others.  They each have such a wonderful love for their Savior and their prayers are so sweet and honest.  We decided to make a christmas card for all of our missionaries from our ward family (congregation) who are serving in all different parts of the world.  We have 10 right now from Argentina to Toronto, Illinois to Virginia, even South Africa and France, plus a few in between!  Here's the photo from our Primary Christmas card!

Here they are just being silly--they love to be silly!
I know that some of these cards will not arrive for Christmas (sorry) but they are all sent with love to those who have sacrificed two years of their lives in service to their Savior.  We love our missionaries!!

I'd love to hear what you are thankful for!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

What is your favorite music to listen to?  I love mostly all kinds of music!  When I'm cleaning, I like either some 80's alternative, maybe New Order or Dead or Alive, when I'm working or in the car, I usually just to listen to top 40.  This time of year, of course I love to listen to all sorts of Christmas music, from the MTC to PTX, from Nat King Cole to Coldplay, from "Santa, Baby" to "Hippopotamus".  There are very few Christmas songs that I don't like, maybe if you comment on my post I will tell you which ones I literally have to change the channel because I don't like them that much!!!  Anyway, I am getting ready to sing with my choir at church for the Christmas program.  We are singing some beautiful hymns and there will be other music as well along with a few talks.  I have the opportunity to sing a beautiful song "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" but it will be much different than the normal hymn.  I am so excited to be able to sing, it's been a while since I last sang a solo at church, and just between you and me, I'd much rather sing than speak!  I started singing before I could talk and I was asked to sing my first solo at the age of 3 on the Mother's day program.  In fact, the Bishop liked it so much he actually had me sing it again...all while my mom and grandma cried in the back of the congregation!  I have been in singing and performing groups most of my life, whether it was concert choir or Carousel Kids, my life has been filled with music.  I even had the opportunity to sing with the Ricks College Centennial Choir in the Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square during General Conference of the LDS church!  That was a wonderful honor!

I am so thankful for music and the impact it has had on my life.  I would love for you to come hear this beautiful Christmas program on Sunday, December 23rd at 9:00 am at the Hillpointe LDS Chapel on 9011 Hillpointe Road in Summerlin (northwest Las Vegas).  You will enjoy it!

"Although it's been said many times, many ways...Merry Christmas to you!!!"

Julie

Only 15 days....

This year has flown by!  I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner!  I mentioned before that my favorite rendition of the Christmas story comes from Luke 2 in the KJV of the New Testament. It is like poetry to me.  I made a fun star-shaped printable of the angel's announcement to the shepherds.  The reason I love this part so much is that since I love to sing, I imagine myself in the "multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"!  I get choked up just thinking about it! I am so grateful to have the knowledge that my Savior lives.  He was born of Mary in Bethlehem in a lowly stable.  He is the literal son of God.  He is the greatest blessing in my life, for without him, all that I have now would be taken from me when I die!  I know that I will have my family with me through all eternity!

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Merry Christmas

Julie


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Sweet Sabbath

It's Sunday again!  This week seemed to go by very fast!  We had a wonderful time at my husband's office Christmas party at a great restaurant called Hachi at the Red Rock Station casino, it is basically a sushi place and I'm not really a sushi fan, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried many different dishes and other than the really spicy dishes, I liked all of them!  I even tried the salmon sashimi!  I think my favorite was the tempura lobster--oh, that was so yummy!  Dinner was great and the company was even better!  I really like the people David works with, and their spouses, we always have fun when we get together!  Friday night David and I had date night at the live production of the Nativity, which always brings tears to my eyes.  If it was closer, I think I would go to every showing, it was that good!  Saturday was a fun ward (congregation) breakfast with more yummy food and fun for the whole family.  I did have to leave early to attend the funeral of the mother of my good friend.  It was a lovely tribute for a lovely woman.  I know she will be missed.  Funerals always remind you of those you love and that life is not guaranteed for anyone.  You want to hug your family just a little longer and tell those friends you haven't seen in a while how much you cherish them.  Today we had a great meeting at church and my daughter spoke about being an example and having faith and one of the quotes she shared was "Israel thought Goliath was so big, he couldn't be killed, David thought Goliath was so big, he couldn't miss!"  David had such great faith, even as a young man!  Another quote she shared was "live your life so that people who know you but don't know Christ, will want to know Christ because they know you."  People notice something different about someone who follows Christ!  They are not perfect, but they try their best to act the way Christ would want them to act.  I hope that we can do a little bit better at this time of year to act the way Christ would want us to act.  People will want to know Christ because they know you!

Hope you have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

I mentioned the other day that I started a new "job" on Tuesday.  Well, my new job isn't really a job, as in a paying job, it's a volunteer job.  I volunteer here...

...this is the beautiful Las Vegas Nevada Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the front of every LDS temple there is a plaque that says, "Holiness to the Lord, the house of the Lord".  It is his house and you can definitely feel his spirit there when you enter. I answer phones and help in the temple office.  It is a wonderful place to be!  Although it is a very sacred place, I work with some fun, energetic, exciting people.  I think one of my favorite things I get to do is to take down names for the prayer roll.  If you ever feel someone needs extra prayers, please call the temple (you do not have to be a member of the church to put names on the temple prayer roll).  People are prayed for throughout the day and their names stay on the prayer roll for two weeks.  I love being able to participate in helping others, even if it's just sharing a kind word with someone on the phone who is concerned about a friend or a family member--or even a stranger for that matter!
I love the feeling I have when I am in the temple!  It is a place where heaven and earth touch, even in Las Vegas!  It is a refuge from the craziness of the world and I can't think of a better place to spend a few hours of my day, aside from my own home!  I'm so thankful for this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father, in His home!

I'd love to hear what you are thankful for today!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

The countdown is on and I'm already tired!  I want to change my focus so that I can enjoy this season instead of feeling like I'm not measuring up!  My daughter's birthday is less than a week before Christmas and despite all my best intentions, I'm never ready for Christmas until after her birthday is over.  I need to have a daily reminder why I am celebrating and what that really means!  Because He was born, my life has purpose; because He was born, I can be saved; because He was born, I will ALWAYS have one person who knows my pain and suffering!  That needs to be my focus, not all the distractions that cause me to overlook the reason for the season.
I love reading the Christmas story in  the KJV of Luke, the wording is like poetry and I've heard it and read it so many times, I practically have it memorized!  I love the fact that the shepherd were "abiding in the field" not just sitting around and that they found "the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes" and not just wrapped in strips of cloth.  He was born in the humblest of circumstances to become the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, which is Christ the Lord".  Who would've thought that this little child could change the world and save mankind?  I must make room for him in all the busyness of this holiday, in all the hustle and bustle of daily activities, in all the wretchedness of my ordinary life.  Let him in.

Have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

"Charity suffereth long and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  doth not behave itself unseemly; seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth" 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Charity Never Faileth is the motto for the Relief Society, one of the largest women's organization in the world with approximately 6 million members. I have the honor of being a part of this wonderful organization and although membership usually starts around 18 years old (or after graduation from high school) I feel that I've belonged all my life!  It's so delightful to spend time with the women in the Relief Society, I have learned so much from them. There are women from all walks of life; single, married, widowed, divorced, stay-at-home moms, working moms, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, great grandmothers, daughters, wives, friends, and neighbors.  We call each other "sister" because that's what we are, spirit daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We all have something to offer and something to learn.  Last night we had a delicious dinner of yummy soups, salads, and homemade rolls and of course, dessert!  Bishop Yamane talked to us about service and charity and how we can become closer to our Savior by serving others and being truly charitable, by actually helping others in need and learning to love them.  As I helped clean up, it warmed my heart to see these women that I love and admire putting together hygiene kits for humanitarian aid and write letters to people who might need a kind word of encouragement, and even write memories of a young man who has passed away so that the family can have a priceless book of remembrance of their son.  I know that what I do is so little compared to some of these great women, but I'm thankful to be able to learn from their example.
I love this quote from Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley:
"The history of the organization has shown that women of the church have not had to wait to sit together in heaven to taste the sweet fruit...They have experienced much of heaven on earth as in life they have cherished one another, comforted one another, and instructed one another."
That is exactly how I feel about these women!  I get to catch glimpses of heaven when I am with them! We are all on the same path, some moving faster and some slower, but headed in the same direction--toward their Heavenly Father and their Savior!  What a divine blessing!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

It just seemed like yesterday when I was putting my Christmas decorations away from last year (seriously, I think it was at least a week into the new year before I put everything away)!  I can't believe it's the Christmas holiday already!  I am excited for Christmas and I am looking forward to the wonderful celebrations that this special season brings.  One month from today we will celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, and I will do my best to share his love with those around me.  I know he lives and that he loves all of his children.  He is my example, my elder brother, and my personal savior.  I will stand as a witness "at all times and in all things and in all places" even and especially when it's not popular with the world.  I know I am far from perfect, but I can be forgiven of my sins if I repent.  I am grateful for his atoning sacrifice so that I have the opportunity to return to my Heavenly Father one day. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  This is a gift I can never repay, but I will spend my life showing him how grateful I am for it!

I hope you have a beautiful Sabbath and enjoy this Christmas season!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

My cup was filled today as I was reminded about selfless service and what it means to be more like the Savior.  I know I can be a better visiting teacher (listen more, talk less), and Primary leader (hug more, "shush" less), and mother (love more, yell less) and wife (kiss more, nag less)!  I have a long way to go, but I'm headed in the right direction--that should count for something, right?  This song always seems to lift my spirit and remind me who I am and where I'm going.
"Come thou fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; Streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise.  Teach me some melodious sonnets, sung by flaming tongues above.  Praise the mount!  I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love."

"prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above."

Happy Sabbath!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today is Stake Conference.  A stake is a congregational unit made up of 8-10 wards--I've heard a stake compared to a diocese.  Stake conference is held twice a year and we are taught gospel principles by our Stake Presidency (a president and two counselors) and usually a few other speakers selected from stake members.  I am participating in the stake choir today and we are singing two beautiful hymns,  Pilgrim Song and Amazing Grace!  It is very hard for me to sing these songs without crying my eyes out, so hopefully I can be strong and sing through it!  Now, I would never think to compare our stake choir to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but I do think we sound beautiful!  I know that there will be unseen concourses singing with us, I've actually experienced it and felt them there!  Please enjoy these beautiful hymns performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!  One day, you really should see them sing in person--it will literally take your breath away!

Have a beautiful Sabbath!
Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today is "Fast Sunday".  No, it's not very quick, in fact at times it seems to stand still!  Today and usually each first Sunday of the month we fast, or go without food or water for 24 hours (2 full meals).  We believe that fasting brings our spirits closer to our Savior by weakening the body, we also use the money we would've used for those meals and donate it for the needy in our ward boundaries.  100% of that money is used for those in need!  We also have the opportunity to donate to humanitarian aid and 100% of that money goes to help others in need all over the world!  How? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers ALL the overhead, meaning, there is NO administrative costs on the money donated to the church at all!  NONE! Not one penny!  The LDS Church sends millions of dollars and millions of pounds of aid to people all over the world! Not just food and supplies for disasters, but also for impoverished areas where they need wheelchairs or immunizations or maybe just a warm coat. So next time you want your donations to go to those in need and not just the executives, you can donate here.  

My heart breaks for all of those who have suffered this last week during the storm.  It's always hard to see anything good coming out of a disaster, but sometimes I think that it's just so that we can appreciate the things that are truly important to us!  I hope that you have a beautiful Sabbath!

Beautiful Heartbreak by Hilary Weeks

Julie