“The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified” (Monson, source).
One theme of my life lately has been of temples. The visiting teaching message for July is about claiming the blessings of the temple. Last weekend our family made a special trip to the Orlando temple. Our children were able to walk around the temple grounds, while my husband and I took turns attending a session.
“If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly. There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the veil. As we do the work for them, we will know that we have accomplished what they cannot do for themselves. President Joseph F. Smith, in a mighty declaration, stated, “Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.” My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do.”
In April, our family was privileged to attend the open house of the newly remodeled Atlanta, Georgia temple. It was such a special experience to be able to walk through the temple with my young children, showing them the beautiful sealing rooms and looking in the mirrors together. My girls are young, but I hope that they will remember the beauty and peace that they felt in the temple and strive to be worthy to enter its doors when they have grown.
I have also spent a lot of time pondering President Monson’s most recent General Conference address, “The Holy Temple–a Beacon to the World”.
The Primary theme for the month is “The temple is a house of God”. As I have prepared sharing time lessons for the month my testimony has been strengthened of the great blessings of temples. My heart breaks to think of the sacrifices that were made to build the Kirtland and Nauvoo temples, and to think of those early pioneers who had to walk away from their beloved temples prematurely.
“Some degree of sacrifice has ever been associated with temple building and with temple attendance. Countless are those who have labored and struggled in order to obtain for themselves and for their families the blessings which are found in the temples of God.”
I am thankful my children are learning of the importance of the temple. Last Sunday afternoon the Ant Bug created this beautiful reminder of the sacredness of the temple. The poster is hanging on the door to her bedroom.
“To you parents of young children, may I share with you some sage advice from President Spencer W. Kimball. Said he: “It would be a fine thing if … parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]. When [they reach] the age that [they need] to make [the] very important decision [concerning going to the temple], it will have already been made.”
I Love to See the Temple is one of my favorite Primary hymns, and my heart has thrilled to hear the Primary children sing it this month. I hope they take its message to heart.
“I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll covenant with my father;
I’ll promise to obey.”
“Now, my young friends…always have the temple in your sights. Do nothing which will keep you from entering its doors and partaking of the sacred and eternal blessings there.”
I created a document to share with the children in my Primary during sharing time this Sunday. The temple image is a coloring page and came from a document shared on sugardoodle.net. The quotes are the most pertinent quotes for Primary aged children from President Monson’s talk. Feel free to download the file and use it for FHE, Primary, etc.
the temple is a house of god
All of the quotes in this post come from President Thomas S. Monson’s April 2011 General Conference address. Please go here to read it.
