The Lord's House

I wanted to take a few minutes to speak about something that is very dear to my heart, and that is the beauty and sacredness of the temple. In ancient times, the Lord had His people build a beautiful house that was dedicated to Him and was built with the finest materials that could be found. It was built according to His design, given by inspiration to His prophets. In these houses, sacred ordinances pertaining to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the salvation of mankind were performed to teach the Lord's people and instruct them in the Law of Moses and later on, the gospel law as established by Jesus Christ. It has been restored today through modern prophets. In this holy house, mankind learns his purpose on earth, the nature of the Godhead and the necessity of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We also make covenants with the Lord that pertain to holy laws and commandments, which are included in the scriptures and were lived by those of ancient times. I so greatly love the Spirit that resides in the temple and the peace I feel when I come out. I spend time in the temple to serve the Lord by exercising the priesthood authority which He has given me through ordained servants (we believe every worthy male in the Church may receive the priesthood through proper ordination), and to learn about how I can be stronger and more faithful in my walk with God through this life, how I can become better and more like Christ who is my Savior. It is the most wonderful place in this world and when I go to the temple, it is like I am touching heaven. I experience a small taste of what it will be like to be in His presence one day if I am faithful and I believe that small taste of that great joy is to encourage me to prepare and continue on until I find myself in front of the Savior Himself, ready to be judged and give an account of my earthly doings and receive my reward of celestial glory. I hope I am found worthy of this. The temple is glorious and wonderful and is truly, as it says on the front of every LDS temple, "Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord".

General Conference: A Time to nourish and strengthen

I just had the most wonderful opportunity to be able to sit in front of my television and for two days watch inspired men called of God give instruction and counsel. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints it is known as General Conference, a chance that Latter-day Saints (aka Mormons) get twice a year to hear from their Church leaders and receive counsel and guidance that is inspired of God. We believe our leaders are revelators and true ministers called of God, that they hold His priesthood authority to minister and lead in the Church and, most importantly, act in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord and bless individuals and families.
I was prompted many times during the conference, through out each of the 5 2-hour sessions I attended, to be better and to stand taller in a world that has begun to crouch lower in its standards and morals. I believe in the power of the Holy Ghost to inspire and guide through personal revelation, and some of the things I was prompted or inspired to do are to study the scriptures with greater depth and a pondering, willing mind and to serve others, especially "when frustration challenges charity", as President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 1st Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, said later Saturday morning. One of the most important and lasting memories or thoughts I have taken with me was the statement made by the Lord's prophet, the President of the LDS Church, Thomas S. Monson: "Find joy in the journey, NOW." What a hopeful exhortation from a loving prophet of God in our day. I truly needed to hear it, for sometimes it is hard to enjoy life when bad things are happening or you feel downtrodden and misunderstood, used or broken. But the Savior of us all has the power to heal our hearts and lift us above this veil of sorrow and into the heavenly light of life, light, and pure joy, if we but ask for it and seek to lift others and and in essence lift ourselves. I did so thoroughly enjoy General Conference, and I look forward to the next one in April 2009.