Spiritual Feast

As I watched General Conference (if you want to watch or listen to any of it click here ) yesterday and today, I felt the Spirit speak to me through the words of the prophets and apostles. What a wise and perfect God my Father in Heaven is to call a living prophet and apostles in this day and age when we need God's word as much or even more than in the olden times. I thoroughly enjoyed all four sessions. My testimony was strengthened and my resolve to be a better person was renewed. I felt the Spirit touching me as I heard Elder Scott's talk about the importance of being good parents, and increasing our love and respect for our family as he shared personal tender and experiences with all of us. I enjoyed Sister Allred's talk about service and helping the sisters in Relief Society not just in word but in deed. I cherished Elder Parker's advice to be obedient to God's anointed, His leaders on earth, and to listen to the Spirit of Revelation. I agreed fully with Elder Oaks' talk about the importance of righteous desires. I kept notes on most of the talks, and look forward to reading them in the Ensign, as well as on the LDS site.

I would like, however, to share with you my favorite talk, that of our Prophet, President Monson about the importance of attending temples. He says in his talk:

"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.

Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple? Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort."

The happiest moments of my life have been when I have attended the temple regularly. While serving in Temple Square, we as missionaries were blessed with the opportunity to attend the temple every week. Every Preparation Day, I would take my district and we would do a session first thing in the morning and then do everything else. Was it a sacrifice? We never thought so. It was truly a blessing to be in the house of the Lord and know he walked within those walls. During our early years of marriage, while doing my Student Teaching and having a job on top of that, I resolved to work as a Temple worker. I did that for over a year till I got pregnant with Gillian. I remember that year as a year with hardships and trials, but I also remember it as a year when I was the most happiest as an individual and as a wife. Was it a sacrifice? It never felt that way. As years passed by, and we became busier with Graduate School and three children, I realized that I was letting the busy life and other excuses get on my way in attending the temple. Then, two years ago, when our life became even more busy with a new child coming into our family, with Elijah receiving a demanding calling, and my mother living with us,and then moving to California and adjusting to a new environment, Elijah started and never failed in attending the temple every week. Now, he is a Temple worker, and I'm sure he is the youngest there. What a blessing it has been to our family! I know Elijah has become a better man, father, and husband because of his service in the Temple of the Lord. Has it been a sacrifice for him? Maybe, but the rewards have been worth it. To serve the Lord and His children and to walk within the walls of the house of God has strengthened his testimony, has purified his soul, has increased his eternal understanding , and has given him faith in pursuing his righteous desires. I'm forever grateful for Elijah's example to my children and to me. He makes me want to be a better person and aim for higher standards. This is what President Monson said as he closed his talk about temples:

"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."

I testify that what President Monson says it's true. I've felt the peace that temple attendance brings in my life and in the life of my family. I know the temple is the house of God. I'm eternally grateful to my loving Father in Heaven for his wisdom and love. I am thankful for a living prophet and the power of revelation. I know President Monson is the mouthpiece of God on earth. I know that, because the Holy Ghost has testified it in my heart and mind.