The Temple

One of the most important spiritual preparations a missionary makes is to attend the temple.

A temple is literally the house of the Lord.  They are sacred places for us and differ from our chapels.  Chapels are where we come to worship weekly.  All are welcome.  In temples, we receive instruction, make covenants and complete sacred ordinances to enable us to return to our Heavenly Father. 

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.—Matthew 16:19

The first time we go to the temple we do these things for ourselves.  On subsequent trips, we perform this work as proxy for ancestors who have died without the saving ordinances.  For more on temples, click HERE or see the sidebar.

Due to the sacred nature, we must qualify for the privilege to attend by faithfully living the commandments and receiving a recommendation from our local leaders.  Attending the temple is not something we do lightly as increased responsibility and accountability comes from taking this next step in our progression.

There are currently 140 temples throughout the world, with several more planned or under construction.    Some members of the Church must save and plan for years in order to attend the temple even once in their lifetime.  We are fortunate to live close to a temple.

Tyler was able to attend the temple on August 21st. 

Things didn’t go quite as smoothly as we’d hoped (at least from my perspective!).  There is this little obstacle between our home and the temple known as the 405 freeway.  Californians know this evil of which I speak.  So, while we are not far in distance from the temple, the ride is very often unpredictable.  The boys (dad, brother, Tyler) left early and made the trip just fine.  I didn’t need to be there until later so I drove separately to take the youngest brother to school.  Well, the drive that usually takes one hour ended up taking 2 and 1/2 hours and I almost missed the whole thing!

Fortunately, I have friends that were able to get a message in to the boys to alert them of my delay and as these things usually do, it all worked out just fine.

More than fine.  It was a wonderful day to be with my husband and sons in the temple. I’m grateful for this sacred place and that we could be there together.

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.—President Thomas S. Monson