What is your MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

This morning I felt to attend the Temple.  As I drove there pondering on the significance of a Temple in our midst - I almost felt overcome with gratitude for the opportunity to attend there, learn and serve there.  The thought instantly came to me that this was my most prized (tangible) possession; a little wallet card called a 'Temple Recommend' which, signed by me, my Bishop, and my Stake President, certifies to my 'worthiness' to enter the Lord's house.  I couldn't think of anything in the whole world which was a greater treasure for me than that; worthiness (and a little card as it's symbol) to enter into the House of the Lord.

Mt. Timpanogos LDS Temple

I thought of my children, whom I love with all my heart and for whom I've sacrificed much, and my parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, and even my gratitude of having a car; a vehicle of transportation.  For all those I was grateful; some more deeply than others (like children more than car) but...I could not think of anything more precious or priceless to me - than the ability to prepare myself to be worthy through forgiveness, repentance, commandment keeping, prayer, fasting etc. to enter into the House of the Lord and there partake of His blessings and covenants.

It was something I hadn't thought of in this way before (isn't it wonderful He teaches each of us line-upon-line and as we're ready and prepared for the next thing?) - and I just felt gratitude; gratitude that I was able to attend.

I hope, and invite all who attend the Temple, to remember what great things the Lord has done for us in providing these ordinances for us to participate in.  And, for those who are not yet able, that you will continue to work for it and towards it - as there truly is no greater blessing we could have in life; than to prepare ourselves, through worthiness, to enter the house of the Lord; which prepares us to be worthy to enter more fully into His presence someday.

"Because the Temple is the House of the Lord, standards for admission are set by Him.  One enters as His guest.  To hold a temple recommend is a priceless privilege and a tangible sign of obedience to God and His prophets."  - Elder Russell M. Nelson 

Heidi

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One of My Favorite Places on Earth

This is one of my favorite places on earth.  It's a place of peace and holiness for me. 

When I attend I am able to put all of the things of the world out of my mind and focus on the things of eternity. 

A few weeks ago I felt prompted to go up to the Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.  So, I readied myself and went in the spirit of fasting and prayer.  I was seeking answers from the Lord concerning certain challenges in my life.  We all have them and often need the Lord's guidance to help us know what to do.  His wisdom is much greater than our own and, I know for myself, He desires to help us. 

As I was entering into the gates I saw this beautiful scene and just had to take a photo.  It's a magnificent structure, built by great sacrifice over a 40 year period, and the day was glorious.  The pink blossoms agains the blue sky were breathtaking to me and...I stood in awe and reverence at the majesty of God and His creations. 

But, the power of the Temple is not in the walls or the fixtures, but, rather, in the beautiful covenants; for...we are a covenant keeping people just like in ancient times.  And, we are promised glorious blessings as we keep those sacred covenants and strive to be made holy ourselves.

He didn't send us here to this earth just to leave us alone.  In fact, he told the early saints "I will NOT leave you comfortless."  That scripture has helped me during many of my own trials where I needed and sought Him sincerely and, the Temple is one place to feel that for ourselves.  His Spirit is there and it comforts and blesses us as we seek it and as we are worthy of it.

I am grateful for the blessings of the Temple; a house of God, and encourage all to worthy themselves to be able to go there.  It is of the holiest places on earth, a place of instruction, peace, and understanding.  

Blessings of the Temple

Provo, Utah - LDS Temple

I just returned from attending the Provo LDS Temple with my sweet 89 year old neighbor who needed a ride and some companionship.  It was a peaceful and ennobling experience.

Each time I am there I learn more and feel the Spirit guiding and directing my thoughts.  It hasn't always been that way.  It's taken time for me to develop and mature spiritually enough to recognize more of the symbolism and the way in which the Lord would have me learn.

President Monson, our current church President and beloved Prophet stated:  To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is the most sacred place on earth. It is the house of the Lord, and just as the inscription on the exterior of the temple states, the temple is “holiness to the Lord.”

Washington D.C. Temple

Years ago I attended the temple with a, then, missionary companion.  She had a gift of understanding scripture and Temple symbolism.  When she'd comment on something she'd learned I'd think 'Wow, that's beautiful.  I never thought of it that way.'  That put me on a quest to seek out truths for myself and seek spiritual gifts for my life.

Those prayers have been answered.  There is no other place on earth that I'd rather be than in the House of the Lord.

Why do Latter-day Saints build Temples?  What is their purpose?  Why do we value them so highly?

"Throughout history, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples. Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred promises with God."  Read more about it here: