I love to see the Temple...

Monticello, Utah Temple 

I had the opportunity to attend the Monticello Temple with a friend of mine today. She was invited by the family of a young lady in our ward to be at the Temple when she went through for the first time. My friend didn't feel comfortable driving the distance on her own and asked if I would drive her down and attend the session as well.

Now I must admit - though I am ashamed to - that it has been far too long since I have taken the opportunity to attend a session.  Life just seemed to get in the way. College courses and assignments came and went. Workshops and conferences filled weekends. Family events took precedence. Visits with friends filled other hours. There were a thousand and one excuses I told myself each time I failed to follow through on plans to go. Many of them were valid and reasonable, but they were ultimately, just that - excuses. So, it was with gratitude, and a bit of apprehension, that I went today, hoping I wouldn't flub anything up too badly. 

Upon entering this sacred place I was greeted in hushed but friendly tones and guided where I would need to go. As I waited for the session to begin the quietness and peace of the room lent itself well to prayerful pondering. Removed from the din of the outside world I turned my thoughts away from the hustle and bustle of every day and instead focused on praying for guidance, healing, and peace for those whom I care and for myself. 

The familiarity of the experience, even after my long absence was soothing. As I went throughout the day, in many ways it brought to mind my own experience in going through the Temple for the first time over a decade ago. The quiet expectancy, the reverent tones, the beauty of the surroundings, the peace and comfort that fall upon questioning, troubled, and weary hearts were in abundance on this late winter afternoon, as they were back then.

I needed that today. 

I can't say that I had any startling epiphanies. I saw no burning bush. Manna did not appear from the heavens. Any angels who may have been in attendance were purely unseen.

 Still, I left the beautiful edifice feeling a sense of peace that I hope will stay with me for a while.

I truly do "love to see the Temple..."

I'll go inside someday...

I had planned to attend the Temple when I was in St. George, unfortunately it was closed for cleaning. Still, it was a beautiful day, so I walked around and took a few shots. What a testament to pioneer craftmanship!

What you can't see very well in the above photo is a little family sitting on the top of the left staircase. As I walked passed by them I discovered they were praying. I quickly passed by, not wanting to intrude on their special moment. It touched my heart, and I thought what better way to teach the importance of the Temple. It brings the primary song to life. "I love to see the Temple, I'm going there someday, to feel the Holy Spirit, to listen, and to pray..."

 I loved the detail of the beehive on the stairs.

 A sign that Spring really is just around the corner.

Hopefully, next time I am in St. George I'll have the chance "to go inside someday, to covenant with my Father, to promise to obey."

Saturday Morning Session- General Conference - October 2, 2010

The morning session did not disappoint in delivering wonderful counsel. Here are a few of the highlights of the morning session.
President Thomas S. Monson announced five new temples: Lisbon, Portugal; Indianapolis, Indiana; Urdaneta, Philippines; Hartford, Connecticut; and Tijuana, Mexico.  He also spoke of missionary work as a duty for young Priesthood holders. He encouraged young women and older couples to prepare for missions,  as well.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of the love that the leaders of the church have for us, and ultimately the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. He spoke of gratitude for the service and sacrifice of members of the church.
Sister Rosemary Wixom spoke of teaching children about the Plan of Salvation and helping them stay on the straight and narrow path by our examples and lives. "We need not be perfect. We only need to be honest and sincere."
Elder Claudio R. M. Costa bore testimony of the prophetic call of Joseph Smith and subsequent prophets. He then spoke of the importance of having living prophets on the earth. He reminded us that the Lord will reveal His will and instructions for us through the prophet. He also made reference to a talk that President Benson gave at a BYU devotional on fourteen fundamentals for following the prophet.
Brother David M. McConkie of the General Sunday School presidency spoke of the most important thing in Gospel teaching being the attitude of the teacher not his/her education or training. He gave four principles for successful gospel teaching: 1) Immerse yourself in the scriptures. 2) Apply what you learn from studying in your life. 3) Seek Heaven's help. 4) Exercise agency and act in accordance to the promptings you receive from the Holy Ghost.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson implored us to consecrate our lives, time, and choices to God's purposes. He spoke of five elements of living a consecrated life: 1) Purity, 2) Work, 3) Respect for our physical bodies, 4) Service, 5)Integrity. By incorporating each of the elements into our lives we can become closer to our Heavenly Father and become examples of His love here on earth.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf urged us to slow down and focus on the essentials of the Gospel. He said that we need to focus on what matters most and to place our attention on the basics of the restored gospel. He cautioned against becoming so "busy" with things, many of which may be "good" in our lives that we miss out on things that are "great" and "essential" to our lives and eternal salvation. He stated that, "Any virtue when taken to extreme can become a vice" and that "milestones can become millstones" and "ambition can become an albatross." He concluded by admonishing us to take care of four key relationships in our lives. Those relationships are with: God, family, fellowmen, and ourselves.

Powerful stuff! I can't wait to hear more this afternoon.