I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, AND OUR STAKE (AREA) IS BEING BLESSED WITH A TEMPLE!!!!

Hello Everybody!!! (Lesson 4)

     This past weekend was the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have never been there in person before, but I was very blessed, along with my oldest son, to be able to attend in person. The weekend was absolutely amazing, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be taught about the importance of marriage and family; the importance of gospel teaching in the home. Additionally, I am exceedingly thankful for the Prophet's (Russell M. Nelson) closing announcements regarding temples...12 of them throughout the world, ONE OF WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED FOR OUR AREA IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!!! The blessing of being able to actually be there when the temple was announced is really indescribable... it can pretty much only be felt.

     Three segments of my life are coming together as a whole this week:

• My  Family 300 course, which I have been blogging about
• My Institute class (Foundations of the Restoration)
• General Conference

    We have been studying about the Kirtland and Nauvoo temples in Institute, and President Nelson announced all the newest temples, and we read this quote by Ezra Taft Benson, "In the peace of theses lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation." I ABSOLUTELY know this to be true and am very excited to invite friends and neighbors to the open house of our future temple. 

     I am learning this week the importance of teaching my children more intently regarding the temple and temple covenants. I tend to just go along my way, testifying more through my actions than through my words. However, I am seeing the great wisdom and necessity of also testifying through my words. It is like unto how when we bear our testimonies for others to hear, not only are others blessed, but we are as well. I desire to love my family more fervently, and I know that as I attend and serve in the temple of God, that love will become what I desire because it is what Heavenly Father desires. Time and time again throughout my life, I have learned that family is the most important "thing," person/people, event, job, hobby, goal, and/or endeavor EVER, EVER, EVER. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His life so that we may return to Him, together with our families. He has made it possible for us to be sealed as spouses and children; He has made it possible for our children to return to us though they may stray; He has made it possible for us to experience eternal joy. To the Lord, I am eternally grateful!

Love,

Katie

photo credit: lds.org, Salt Lake Temple