We woke up about the usual time, but didn't need to get to church until an hour later because of the Brigham City Temple dedication. We had debated about going to the early (9:00 am) session, but decided that with our home situation this week it would probably be easier to get ready for the 12:00 session. And that was a good choice because it gave us the chance to watch one of our favorite Sunday shows, besides The Spoken Word.
We enjoy watching MormonTimes, which comes on at 10:00 right after The Spoken Word. It is hosted by Michelle King and focuses on things that are important to Mormons. Today she featured an author and her book. I wish I could remember the author and the title of the book, but I am sure you can find it on the MormonTimes facebook page. The book is about making your temple experiences even better. The author started out talking about how a child knows that when you get cut, you wash your cut and put healing ointment on it, then wrap it in a clean covering so it can heal. She likened this to the temple. We are all hurt/broke/cut because we are human. We go to the temple to wash our cuts, we have ointment put on to help us heal, then we are wrapped in a clean covering as we are healed. These ordinances (baptism, washing and anointings, covenant making) all prepare us for the healing of the atonement. This got me thinking of the process in a totally different way.
Then she talked about the Story of the Good Samaritan. We walk through life going lower because of sin, like the man who "went down from Jerusalem to Jericho" where he feel among thieves. We are mortal and fall among temptations. The Samaritan came to him, just as Christ has come to us. He washed the man's wounds, and poured oil on him, and placed him on his own donkey (carried him), took him to an inn and took care of him. He paid the price for the keeping of the man (atonement) and said the when he returns he will repay the inn keeper for whatever else he spends as he helps the man. Christ will give us our reward if we help the sick and lowly. He has already paid the price, but will also give us a reward. He will carry us to the place of healing. He will pour oil on our wounds. And help us to be healed, blessing others for helping us.
That story really touched my heart and helps me see things in a newer, deeper way. I am thankful for that lesson. Follow the link above to hear the entire interview with the author. She has so many insights and my words do not give it justice. I am looking forward to reading the book myself.....(hint to my children :)
At the temple dedication it was stated that the lessons we learn in the temple are much like the message of mortality: the creation, the fall, and the atonement. Brother Nelson said this is the 14th temple in Utah, and the 139th in the world. It brought to my memory when I was in high school seminary and we were having a Seminary Bowl contest. One of the questions was: How many temples are there in the world today? Brother Law said the answer was 12, but I challenged him. I said there were at least 14, not remembering if it was 14 or 15. We looked it up, not an easy feat because of no internet back in those olden days. It turned out I was right because Ogden and Provo had been dedicated and they were Number 14 and 15. Brother Law's Seminary Bowl answers were now out-dated. Back in 1973-74 there were 15 temples in the world. Today there are 14 in Utah only. What a big change. Still waiting and praying that someday our valley will have a temple, making it easier for all of us to get to a temple without a 2 hour drive over a mountain pass, which can be dangerous during the winter.
Another point that Brother Nelson spoke about was the temples prior to Christ's time on earth, and the temple during Christ's time. During Christ's first cleansing of the temple, he called the temple "My Father's House."(John 2:16) During the second cleansing of the temple he called the temple "My House" (Luke 19:46), and later He called it "Your House".(Luke 13:35) It was then the people were told they would see him until later.
There were several other speakers during the dedication that raised points that I want to study in the next few weeks. I hope I can get some time to research out their points.
In all, I learned a lot today and am looking forward to further scripture study.
This week has been very difficult for my husband and I as we have suffered while our bathroom is being gutted and repaired. We have learned to appreciate our pioneer ancestors and the trials they went through without the facilities we so much take for granted. We are thankful for the kind people who have offered their homes to us, the kind words of concern, and the offers of help. We are just looking forward to having our home put back together again.
As for health, Garth is doing fine, but it is a slow process. He is able to walk about 1-2 miles every day, but then it takes a long time to recover from the work-out. He is helping me out in school by coming in and helping during the end of our reading hour and all of the math. I really appreciate his help.
My legs are not getting any better. It is still unknown why the pain is so terrible. I can stand on my leg for a long time, but stepping OFF the leg just brings me to tears. I drag my leg along for several steps until the pain finally goes away. My arm is going fine, but I can see that when the colder weather comes it will be stiffer and more painful to straighten out. But in all, I guess I am doing fine.
We are both very thankful for all the blessings we do have, and pray for each of our family members to receive the blessings they desire at this time. We don't always know the trials each of them is facing, but we pray for them all just the same.
I know that the Lord is in control and we receive the blessings He has in store for us if we are striving to do as He would have us do. Our trial may be that we listen to His answers, to His directions, as He speaks to us. That we accept that His will be done, and learn how to accept that in our own lives. I know there are many blessings I would like but for some reasons right now I am being asked to wait for them. It is difficult and trying sometimes,, but I am willing to wait because I know the Lord knows me and knows what is best for me. Sometimes it is easy to doubt, but today, I know it is true. I am writing this today so that in those days when I doubt I can read this and remember.
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