Over the past several weeks my thoughts have been drawn to the temple. Perhaps it is because we have recently attended the open house and dedication of the Draper temple. Or maybe it is because the Spirit of Elijah has once again filled my heart and I'm back searching out my ancestors, finding those who might have fallen through the cracks and are anxiously awaiting my discovery to seal them to their loved ones. Maybe my yearnings are because I know that soon I will have an opportunity to volunteer for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house.
Whatever the reason, I have turned much of my reading time to The Holy Temple by Boyd K. Packer and The House of the Lord by James E. Talmage. I'm feeling the necessity to acquaint myself more fully with understanding.
I have visited many temple sites without the opportunity of entering those sacred edifices. We stood on the site of the Nauvoo temple mere months before the announcement was made that it would be rebuilt.
As a child my first real acquaintance with temples was in Manti. We would drive to Sanpete County every summer to visit with my Dad's family. It was a contest among us kids as to who could see the spires of the temple first. As a result, I always wanted to be married in the Manti temple. Over the years I've seen many temples built in Utah and have been able to do ordinances in each of them. The spirit has attended me and my cup has slowly been filled with understanding.
It is always a thrill to add a visit to the temple whenever possible as we vacation.
Over the course of the years I have lived in the Salt Lake and Jordan River Temple Districts. Soon will will be assigned to the new Oquirrh Mountain district, just over three miles down the road. What a blessing!
Though I have had incredible experiences in each temple I have visited, the Salt Lake Temple will always hold a special place in my heart. It was in this temple that, as a 13-year old girl, I knelt at the altar and was sealed to my Mom and Dad. Nine years later I would return to receive my endowment as I entered the mission field. Finally, in 1976 I was married, through the sealing power of the priesthood, to my eternal mate, Clive.
In 1995, as the Young Women president I penned a verse that I hoped would give inspiration to the young women as they prepared for the temple. I share it as my testimony of my love of the temple and the sacredness of its purpose.
Sacred Tears
Peace and serenity
are mine to cherish
as I enter the portals
of the temple.
An immersion,
an endowment,
a family sealing
for myself or for others
gone on before
unlock the gate
into eternity
And I weep.
The tears I shed
are those of joy
for knowledge received,
prayers answered,
a testimony strengthened.
And as the angels rejoice
my heart fills
to overflowing,
smiling as I wipe away
my sacred tears.
6 comments:
Ironic that you post this so recently after our High Priest social was on bringing food from our heritage and discussing our family heritage or anything related to family history. The "Spirit of Elijah" so to speak. I felt inadequate to even speak at that time. I do enjoy attending the temple, but family history is not my forte at this point in time. I'm grateful for you as my sister to lead out in setting a good example to me and all of our siblings. Carry on! I hope I join you soon in your dedication.
What a beautiful post! Thank you for your words! I have always looked up to you, thanks for being the inspiration that you are to me and others! Love you!
I love this post. Josh and I have also had temple service in our thoughts a lot lately. We made it our goal to go every month this year! It's only March, but so far we are doing good!! :-)
Interesting that you would ponder on the temple just now. I, too, have been thinking about these sacred privilege-places. During the Christmas season, I enjoy painting temples on ornaments. This last year there were an especially large number of orders, and it was fun to ponder as I painted temples from around the world. It is wonderful to live so close to a temple, again, after 30 years away. We once had to travel for several hours over often treacherous roads to get in a temple visit. Steven and I try to go 2-3 times more often than we used to, in gratitude for the blessing. Thanks for sharing such a lovely testimony.
Thank you for your special comments! Kevin is working on this wonderful powerpoint presentation of the temples. It has a map of the world and begins with the date for the First Vision. As the years pass, dots appear on the map where temples have been built. By 2009 the dots are popping up everywhere! In the background the Tab choir is singing "I Believe in Christ" and you have to struggle to keep back the tears. Wow!
Wendy!! Yes, we are now in Texas. Crazy how life works out isn't it? It's fun to try something new, I really haven't lived anywhere but Utah and Idaho. We are only here temporarily and then we are planning on going to Hawaii after this. We will eventually make it back to Utah in a few years. We realized that if we really wanted to do these things, now is the time. How are things with your family?
Post a Comment