November 2022 RS Newsletter

When I was a teenager, I was invited to travel to attend the Cardston, Alberta Temple Open House.  We literally drove all night, went to the open house, and drove home.  I was surprised to see the inside of that temple.  It was done in dark wood and fall colors, not the pastels of other temples like the Seattle Temple.  It also did not have an Angel Moroni atop of it.  Not what I expected, but I definitely felt th

It is significant that the Savior chose to appear to the people at the temple. It is His house. It is filled with His power. Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us now. He is making His temples more accessible. He is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples. He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.

—---------

We live in an ever busy, demanding, and aggressive world.  The news can be overwhelming and discouraging and we may feel the weight of it all.  I remember back as a teenager thinking the circumstances of the world were daunting and I found peace in this verse: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  I looked up this scripture often to get through those days.

Over the years, I have learned to seek out my “holy place”.  My “holy place” has changed depending on my situation.   In my childhood, it was a sandbox in the backyard. As a college student, I parked my car as close to the Provo Temple as I could.  It was my way of “climbing the mountain” to be closer to Heavenly Father.  For a while, my “holy place” was in my car during my 30 minute commute.  I had lots of time to bring my troubles to the Lord and seek His help in my life.  As a young mom, it seems that I only had a few moments uninterrupted, usually in the shower or while doing the dishes.  Time in my “holy place” has always made a dramatic difference in how close I feel to my Heavenly Father and how much spiritual stamina I have to manage in this world. 

In addition to those “holy places” that we have daily access to, President Nelson has encouraged us to spend time in the ultimate “holy places”-- the temples.  Speaking of Jesus appearing to those in the Americas, he said, “It is significant that the Savior chose to appear to the people at the temple. It is His house. It is filled with His power. Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us now. He is making His temples more accessible. He is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples. He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.”  

If you have never been or it has been a while, please consider visiting the temple.  As I mentioned earlier, I used to park by the temple gate.  But please know, Heavenly Father wants all of us to visit His holy house.  You can do baptisms or you can be on the temple grounds, even if you aren’t ready to come inside.  The temple is a place where we can be closer to our Heavenly Father.  We can feel His love for us and receive help directly from Him.  And as we make further covenants with Him, we will find added power and purpose.  

Another way we can find hope and peace is to find ways to add goodness to the world.  Our efforts to share love and hope remind us that though there are a lot of ugly things happening, there are many good people doing good things.  We have opportunities to find good and share good in big and little ways.  Some are inside our homes.  These good people share the Light of Christ and help lift burdens.  Consider just one small thing to do this week... one person to reach out to...

Ultimately, Jesus asks us to let Him carry our burdens.  Even if they aren’t our personal burdens, but global or societal.  I truly believe that as we ask for the Savior’s help, He will make it easier.  President Nelson said, “You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred, greed, jealousy, and fear. Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most vexing problems.”  What a wonderful, hopeful promise! (all quotes are from October 2022 General Conference)