Thoughts on the Temple

Temple attendance is not a guarantee that we will become better, but it provides a powerful and pointed invitation to become better. The ways of the world receive constant reinforcement—should not the ways of heaven?

“Temple work is not an escape from the world but a reinforcing of our need to better the world while preparing ourselves for another and far better world. Thus, being in the Lord’s house can help us to be different from the world in order to make more difference in the world. …  Neal Maxwell

“Inside the temple … the world is left behind with its clamor and rush. In the house of the Lord there is tranquillity. Those who serve here know that they are dealing with matters of eternity. All are dressed in white. Speech is subdued. Thoughts are elevated...  Gordon Hinkley

President Thomas S. Monson has given us this inspired challenge and promise: “Until you have entered the house of the Lord and have received all the blessings which await you there, you have not obtained everything the Church has to offer. The all-important and crowning blessings of membership in the Church are those blessings which we receive in the temples of God. … 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” 

Sometimes at the CTM I learn about missionaries who have served as temple workers while waiting for their call.  What a wonderful way to prepare for missionary service!

Some missionaries come to the CTM and have not been to the temple before.

So while in Sao Paulo they are blessed and grateful to be in a temple for the first time.

They are then "endowed" with power to go forth and serve.

One time last Feb. we attended as a threesome a session.

Craig and I had been asked to be the witness couple.

Our good friend Sister Avila happened to be there and took Randy to the prayer circle with her.

Most meaningful to be there together.

I feel safe in the temple.  So peaceful, so quiet, no traffic/moto boys.  No shouting.

Difficulties with languages.  We get a big group of missionaries from CTM.  In one group we will have English, Portuguese and Spanish.  Many challenges to officiate for them all!

Can be a lot of quickly switching back and forth.

I was so mortified one day when I realized I had agreed to do something that I clearly could not do.

Work at the veil with no language cards!  Maybe someday I could do that - not that day!

It's strange how things work out.  Ten years ago, we decided to move.  Before that I had no interest in relocating.  Then suddenly it became clear to me that we had an older home that needed alot of remodel and too much yard.  More than we needed.

Craig left town for 3 weeks and left me with the maintenance.  When he returned, we spoke and I told him I would not do that again.  There is too much conflict in other things you like to do.  You cannot do this yard alone.  So hire someone or let's live somewhere else.

Labor Day weekend we went to Daybreak to look at model homes.  Found one we liked and built and moved in about 15 months later.

During the process, we learned that a temple would be built 5 minutes away.

After the Oquirrh Mountain Temple was built and dedicated in 2009, I offered to be an ordinance worker and Craig asked to work in the baptistry.  We did that for about 4 years prior to our mission.

That was the best training and preparation I had to be able to work in the Sao Paulo temple.

I was confident that I could learn sufficient Portuguese to function there and that is exactly what happened.  

I worked 2 days a week officiating English and Portuguese sessions, working name issue and initiatory.  I'll never forget that beautiful experience - rubbing shoulders with beautiful, loving, righteous Brazilian workers and patrons.  Sometimes only communicating with eye contact.

Other days, I would attend as a patron, observing, listening, learning, praying.