I was in Raleigh this week and couldn't get to the temple fast enough on Tuesday. I needed strength and protection...physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It had been too long. And I was grateful for the opportunity. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I stood outside this gate...soaking in the feeling of gratitude, peace, and redeeming grace._
Since I don't keep a traditional journal, I'm using this to speak to the me of the future. If I should wander from the path 2 or 5 or 7 or 10 or 50 years from now, I testify that the temple is a source of strength and protection. I felt it quite literally Tuesday night. And I want to experience that more in my life...and not take it for granted.
The land on which these sacred edifices lay are certainly the most holy on all the earth.
And I love how more and more of them are on the same property as our church buildings. I told Karen that I want to live where we can see the temple each Sunday when we go to church.
The land on which these sacred edifices lay are certainly the most holy on all the earth.
And I love how more and more of them are on the same property as our church buildings. I told Karen that I want to live where we can see the temple each Sunday when we go to church.
And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith...?
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And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
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Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
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And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate...I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep... (excerpts from Alma 5)
1 comment:
"Come Up to the Mountain of the Lord".
That was our theme for our youth temple celebration last year and I've thought A LOT about coming...and coming UP...away from whatever it is that causes us to wander...whatever it is we need protection from.
I love you so much, little brother. You are younger but wiser.
And in addition to living near a church that has a temple, can I be near too?
xoxo
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