Sunday, July 17, 2011

When You Can See the Temple

A few months ago my friend Debbie was going through the temple for the first time and she invited me to be there with her. I was honored by her request and was happy to be there. That morning I had a blogger breakfast and went all dressed for the temple so I could go straight there after the breakfast. When I arrived at the Mt. Timp temple, I was more than half an hour early, so I decided to drive up in the hills surrounding the temple. You can see a beautiful view of the valley from up there and there are so many gorgeous houses that I can only dream about. After driving around for a bit, I parked and admired the view. Then I decided to go back to the temple. I didn’t know exactly where I was, but I figured that after I drove down a little, I would be able to see the temple and know which way to go.

I drove down for a while and noticed that there were so many trees that I couldn’t see the temple and had no idea which direction to go. I knew I would eventually find it, but started to panic since I might be too late for the session with Debbie. Luckily, I drove down more and soon found the temple and made it on time.

I’m sure you can already see my analogy. When we are pointed toward the temple and have it in our view, we are pointed toward Christ and will be lead down the path we should go. When we do not have eternity in view and have other distractions pulling us away, we will not be able to end up in the same place.

I am so grateful I live close to many temples. My temple covenants are such a blessing and strength to me. What greater blessing can I ask for than to be sealed to my parents, siblings and my children, and all of their children, in one long, happy chain?

"You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the 'mist of darkness.'"
Gary E. Stevenson, "Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples," April 2009 General Conference

"What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent."
Richard G. Scott, "Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need," April 209 General Conference 

“A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God (see Bible Dictionary, “Covenant,” 651). In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments.

“We enter into covenants by priesthood ordinances, sacred rituals that God has ordained for us to manifest our commitment. . . . If we are faithful, we become inheritors not only of the celestial kingdom but of exaltation, the highest glory within the heavenly kingdom, and we obtain all the divine possibilities God can give (D&C 132:20).”
D. Todd Christofferson“The Power of Covenants,”  Ensign, May 2009, 20

4 comments:

  1. So very true. I think going to the temple is the single most important thing we can do to help keep ourselves on the right path. I guides our way and helps us on our journey. Good post today! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Back in 2000, I drove out to Park City to pick something up I had bought from the classifieds. It was snowing so badly and my windshield wipers froze. No one was on the road. I was driving back and missed my turn and somehow ended up over near Kennicott. I was so scared! I turned around and eventually made it to a town's name I recognized. I was close to South Jordan. I knew that if I could just find the temple, I would be able to make it back home. I can't tell you what a relief it was when it came into view as a tiny dot...Sure enough, I was able to make it home from there. They sure are a comfort, in more ways than one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such a great analogy. I totally agree! I love going to the temple.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am continuously amazed at the site of that temple from almost anywhere in the northern part of Utah county. I especially love driving on the Alpine Highway and seeing it come in and out of the trees. I'm glad to be living in a place where my kids can also spot the temple on the horizon and excitedly point it out to me.

    ReplyDelete