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

Learn more about TEMPLES

Importance of Holy Temples to "Mormons"

Although we are sometimes referred to as "Mormons" (for our belief in a book of Holy Writ entitled 'The Book of Mormon; Another Testament of Jesus Christ", the official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As members, we believe in the building of holy structures called Temples.  They are place of learning and instruction where we are taught and prepared to make and keep sacred covenants with God; thereby fitting us for His Kingdom and to live with Him again.

Temples are sacred and holy places to us.  We go there to worship the Lord and to feel of His peace.

"Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves and been members of the Church for at least a year. Throughout history, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples. The Church is working to build temples all over the world to make temple blessings more available for a greater number of Heavenly Father's children."  Read more Here:

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:

BEAUTIFUL LDS Temples

Brigham City Temple - LDSChurchTemples.com

LDS Church Temples.  This is an incredibly beautiful and amazing site about LDS/Mormon Temples across the world.

It is a 'labor of love' produced by Rick Satterfield - of Pocatello, Idaho. 

I would personally like to thank him for all the work that he has done.  I've visited his site several times and, today, in particular it was extra meaningful to me as I needed to call several temples across the globe - for a dear friend who is very ill.  I wanted to phone the Temples that were of particular personal meaning to her.  The result, for me, was a sacred experience.  And....I thank Rick for sharing incredible photos of these Holy places of worship for us.  They are glorious edifices in which we learn the ways of the Lord.  I love the Temple.  It is a place of safety and peace for me.  I long to spend my days there.  I feel at home there - and close to God.  It is a miracle that we have these Holy Places in which to worship and learn and receive great blessings.  LDS Church Temples