One of the invitations President Nelson gave was to establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. He said, "More regular time in the temple will allow the Lord to teach you how to draw upon His priesthood Power with which you have been endowed in His temple." "For those not near a temple - Study prayerfully about temples in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets. Seek to know more, to understand more, to feel more about temples than you ever have before."
The last part of his challenge that I want to work on is as I regularly go to the temple to...seek to know more, to understand more, to feel more about temples that you ever have before.
As I have read the Book of Mormon, I have noticed a pattern. When Nephi wanted to receive instruction, he went to the temple often. When the people during Jacob's reign wanted instruction or inspiration, they went to the temple. When Jacob and King Benjamin needed to teach the people, they invited them to come to the temple. I didn't recognize how often they went to the temple, until this time reading the Book of Mormon. It is another witness to me of the importance of President Nelson's invitation.
If I want to be instructed and receive inspiration, I need to go to the temple. And establish a pattern of regular attendance.
I read this on Sunday, "You CAN NOT be mentally passive in the temple, and expect to learn the mysteries of God." This really hit home to me. I know that I can step it up with how I prepare as I go to the temple. Physically, mentally and spiritually. I am finding it is beneficial to write down questions before going to the temple. It keeps my mind focused.
There was a time where I went to the temple each week, to just receive strength and peace so that I could get through the trial I was experiencing. It seemed when I would go, I could make it a few more days.
Now I am in a different place. I have established a pattern of regular attendance, but I need to do more. I need to make it more meaningful. I need to open my heart and soul to receiving more. I love how the Book of Mormon is awakening this recognition and desire in me.
I know that there is peace and power in the temple. The last five years, I have been able to go each week...except for this last May. I wasn't able to go for a 3 weeks, and I noticed a lot about me. I was quicker to anger, I stressed more, I didn't feel like I was handling things as well as I normally would...as I pondered these observations I paused and asked, "Does the temple help me with all of this." The answer I received was YES absolutely.
The temple brings tangible peace. Two of my favorite quotes are:
"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'" President Monson
"Temple attendance has a calming, settling, consoling influence that distills peace and contentment. The accompanying family history work to identify ancestors to receive those ordinances yields similar blessings." Richard G Scott
"Promised blessings include healing within our families, protection from temptation, power to overcome life's challenges...more love, joy, self-mastery, peace and meaningful moments." Russell M. Nelson
I have so many more...but today will share these. Isn't that amazing?! Every challenge can be overcome as we attend the temple. Does that mean that our lives will be easy, absolutely not. What I have experienced, is that when trials come, peace comes as well.
When Jacob had to go to the temple and bring the fathers and men to repentance, even though it was difficult for the wives and women to hear, I have no doubt that they received peace and comfort at that moment. The Lord loved them so much, that he sent Jacob to call the men to repentance, to awaken them to their covenants and responsibilities.
My testimony has been strengthened of the temple as I read the Book of Mormon and recognize how often the temple was the center of the lives of those that loved the Lord.
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