In Doctrine & Covenants 97:13 we read that the temple is a "place of thanksgiving for all saints." The new, beautiful Lindon temple became a holy place of thanksgiving for me on September 10. 

I sat in a large sealing room with seats positioned around an altar. My husband was seated across from me. My hand was holding the hand of my 96 year-old mother-in-law who was present at the wedding, representing Logan's four grandparents and Ashley's four grandparents who are all on the other side of the veil, besides her. It was a tender moment. I was remembering my wedding and how I felt that day many years ago.

In walked children and their spouses, and siblings and their spouses, not all, but many of them. The sealer spoke of Jesus Christ and how He has made everything good in our lives possible. We covenant with Him, and we covenant with our spouse. What a magnificent, wonderful triangle of commitment and love! 

Our son Logan waited many years for that day to happen. He prayed and hoped and dated dozens of women. Ashley is such a blessing to him, and to our family. We love her and welcome her to our family.

We have been asked if it was hard for us to come back to the Philippines after being home for a few days. It was not. This is where we belong right now. We are filled with such gratitude to the Lord for our many blessings that we wanted to come back to serve His children and be about our work here.

No matter how much we try to serve Him, we are always in His debt. I love Jesus Christ and praise Him!

Sometimes I have entered the temple heavy with burdens and asking for help. I have sought refuge in the temple from the storms of life, and have found direction and light. On this day, I went to the temple with a heart full of thanksgiving and basked in the light of our Father's house. Joy and gratitude filled my soul.

 

This picture is taken from the balcony of one of the senior sister missionary's apartments. The temple grounds are nestled in the middle of a busy section of the city. There is repose in the midst of chaos. What a striking difference between what is inside the temple gates and what is outside! The scene is very analogous to our lives. There can be busyness and disorder swirling around us, and yet peace and joy within.

I realize that growing up in the United States I have taken many things for granted. There are numerous things that I have been blessed with that people living elsewhere do not enjoy. I am humbled with what I have seen so far. I'm not sure that I will every look at my life the same.

 

 

I went to the Draper Temple today and  my mind was permeated with many details of life. In the celestial room after the endowment session, I shut my eyes and prayed, telling the Lord everything that was in my heart. I have this concern, and this concern, along with this issue and that issue. I am thinking about a hospice patient who is near death, and a friend who is battling cancer, and another friend, and a family member here and a family member there, and so on. My list went on. 

I paused and pondered. I remembered President Nelson declaring, "Whatever problem you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ." I had the time today to examine each issue and think about how Jesus Christ and His teachings could help that situation, or that person. 

When I arrived home, none of the issues or people had left my sphere, and yet, I felt empowered somehow to deal with them. I felt stronger physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It is through Jesus Christ that I am blessed with the spiritual power needed to face life. I cannot solve on my own many of the issues I am wrestling with, and I certainly cannot solve all of the issues of the people I am concerned for, and yet, I can do something for them. I can express love and show support. I can pray in faith and ask for them to be granted Heavenly strength. I can do whatever is in my power to work on an issue, and then turn it over to Jesus Christ, knowing He can work wonders. I rest assured that He knows what is in my heart and that He will help me.

His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

 

This is a picture of the Draper Temple, the temple I go to most often. These thoughts and questions by Anthony Sweat help me focus while in the temple.

Three great questions to ask yourself are: What does the Lord want me to know from this experience? What does the Lord want me to feel from this experience? And What does the Lord want me to do because of this experience? When you ask these questions in meekness and humility, great insights flow from God’s house of revelation. As you approach God asking what He might have you know, feel, or do and faithfully visit and revisit the Lord’s holy house, insights will unfold.

As you participate in the temple endowment, try to do so in an attitude of approaching God to obtain further truth and knowledge from Him.

Pay attention to how you feel and to what it is about the temple experience that is helping you feel this way.

As you worship in the temple, pay attention to the Spirit of God’s influence upon your spirit.

When you enter the holy temple, you may want to continually ask yourself, What would God have me do based on what I am learning or feeling? What would he have me become? 

Overall, as you attend the temple, ask yourself, What can I do to better live my covenants? Or What can I act upon, today, to live this divine law? If you and I are to abide in the presence of God, we must live His celestial laws and act in obedience and submission as He requires. 

Because the temple is a place set apart from the world—a gate between heaven and earth, if you will—it is an ideal place to get heavenly help for the challenges of earthly life.

(Taken from The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment by Anthony Sweat)

 

Elder Karl D. Hirst gave a beautiful talk at the October 2024 General Conference. During the talk he included hints as to how we can feel love from our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and when and where we can feel it. Here are some of the hints, scattered throughout his talk. I love these thoughts:

His arms are not shortened. They are always long enough to "[reach our] reaching" and embrace each one of us.

I really enjoy the symbolism of mountains being evidence of the certainty of God's love.

The house of the Lord is the home of our most precious covenants and a place for us all to retreat and sink deeply into the evidence of our Father's love for us.

I have also enjoyed the comfort that comes to my soul when I wrap myself more tightly in my baptismal covenant and find someone who is mourning a loss or grieving a disappointment and I try to help them hold and process their feelings.

Birdsong, feeling the sun or a breeze or rain on my skin, and times when nature puts my senses in awe of God--each has had a part in providing me with heavenly connection.

Perhaps the comfort of faithful friends.

General Conference.

Music.

Serving.

A journal.

Your unique place of personal suffering. I wonder, if Jesus were to choose a place where you and He could meet, a private place where you would be able to have a singular focus on Him, might He choose your unique place of personal suffering, the place of your deepest need, where no one else can go? Somewhere you feel so lonely that you must truly be all alone but you aren't quite, a place to which perhaps only He has travelled but actually has already prepared to meet you there when you arrive? If you are waiting for Him to come, might He already be there and within reach?

1 Nephi 8:10-12 "And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.  And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.  And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy."

1 Nephi 8: 24 "And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree."

I have been thinking about the tree and the fruit.  The reference above suggests that you partake of the fruit after you have "pressed forward through the mists of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron," denoting a long period of time. Yes, I agree that there are some blessings you have to wait for, after much "pressing forward," but there are a multiplicity of blessings that are available to enjoy along the way, right now! The gospel is rewarding as you live it, not just at the end of a long life, or journey. 

For example, here are some of the fruits I enjoy right now:

1. The fulness of the gospel has been restored with priesthood power on the earth, a living prophet, temples, ordinances and covenants.

2. The Holy Ghost. "Promptings from the Spirit help us face our daily needs and show us what to do and say." (Elder Stevenson)

3. Spiritual power. I feel power as I strive to be obedient, attend the temple, fast, pray, take the sacrament, and am diligent in my personal worship habits. "I receive the sanctifying, strengthening power of Jesus Christ which allows me to become a new person, to overcome the impossible." (Elder Costa)

4. Forgiveness and Repentance. "Anything broken can be mended from Jesus Christ." (Elder Godoy)

5. I can experience a bit of heaven with my family. I can feel joy and peace.

6. God's love (the fruit of the tree) can be felt all along the way. The grace and power of the Atonement are meant to affect and lift us all along our earthly journey. 

7. There are multiple gifts of the Spirit that God is happy and willing to bestow.  

 Wonderful, happy things happened this week, such as...

Taking a tour of the new Orem Temple.  Before the temple was built, there was a cherry orchard on the property. I liked the way the cherry tree, blossoms, and red fruit are used throughout the temple. Beautiful!

The birth of a new grandson! We are thankful that he arrived safely.

 

Spending time with two two-year-olds. They loved helping me do jobs!

Cardston, Alberta, Canada--a place where many ancestors lived.  We visited the cemetery and put flowers on the grave of our grandparents, great grandparents, great-great grandparents, and one great-great-great grandpa. 

The highlight of the trip was what transpired on July 26 inside the Cardston temple. The ten of us performed sealings on the wedding anniversary of our parents, who were married in the Cardston Temple on July 26, 1950. Our grandparents were also married in this temple. What a happy day!

 

It has been a very happy week. My brother was married in the Newport Beach Temple.  What a choice and marvelous blessing it was to be in the temple with my siblings and their spouses.The oldest six nieces and nephews were there too. 

"It is important to see the word love as verb rather than as a noun. Then, saying, 'I love you,' will be an ongoing demonstration of action and service, not just an expression of feeling. Feeling love for someone is not nearly as important as showing love to someone."

(Kenneth W. Matheson)

"In successive colors of covenants and concepts, the temple endowment presents Him to us and shows us how to follow Him...We slowly begin to recognize something that looks like the real life Jesus in ourselves" (Anthony Sweat).

A few thoughts:

There is not a lot of color in the landscape this time of year. I am missing the color of flowers and the green grass, but there have been vibrant colors in the sky, both in the mornings and in the evenings. There is something so breathtaking and beautiful about colors in the sky.

We attended a funeral today for Joseph Young and it was an outstanding and uplifting service.  Matthew and I both feel inspired to be better because of our association with Joe. He had a set of core values that his life was fashioned around, and he stayed true to those values. We are blessed to have known him.

A friend told me this week: "True happiness is when your children grow up to be good people." I've thought about that and I think I would add...

"True happiness is when you see one of your children reach out to a sibling, or to someone outside of their family." 

"True happiness is coming to know God and Jesus Christ."

"True happiness is recognizing the effects of the Atonement, and that we have hope through Jesus Christ."

"True happiness is attending the temple and feeling that your spiritual armor has been strengthened, and your vision is clearer."

"True happiness is having a friend text you every week. True happiness is knowing someone cares."

"True happiness is a heater that works in frigid weather."

"True happiness is warm cinnamon milk."

"True happiness is forgiving."

"True happiness is reaching out and lifting a burden."

I liked discussing a book with friends this week. The qualities displayed by the characters in the book are admirable, and I am going to work on being more courageous and resilient.

I spoke with a friend this week who has battled cancer this past year and has undergone two surgeries which have left her weakened and fragile, and yet she expressed faith, optimism and gratitude. I am learning from her about enduring well.

Will I ever get through the boxes filled with family history items? I have been working on going through boxes from my parent's home for months! This is me talking to myself and reassuring myself--"Yes you will get through them. It will take a lot more time, but you will eventually deal with all of the pictures, letters, and mementos. Enjoy the journey Janine.  Think of all that you are learning and feeling as you read, sort, write, and scan. Something is changing in you and your heart is turning towards your ancestors.  Cherish this time of life that you have to spend doing this. Keep going."

 

I am enriched by reading the Liahona. I like reading church books, CFM, scriptures, and conference talks too, but I can testify that I have learned from and loved the Liahona articles, and I have been blessed by reading them. There are articles on foundational gospel truths, along with articles containing practical advice on marriage and family relationships. Members of the church from throughout the world contribute content, and their life experiences and wisdom strengthen me. The topics are current and meaningful.  Here is a sampling of truths I learned this month from the January 2023 Liahona:

We read in the scriptures that it is by our “fruits” that we shall be known and recognized by our loving Heavenly Father. We will not be recognized, judged, or limited by our roots. Some of us come from backgrounds and life experiences that are less than desirable, but our life circumstances do not define us or determine our destinies. It is our omnipotent Father in Heaven that can and will lift us to His heavenly courts on high if we will simply come unto His Son, Jesus Christ, through being obedient and keeping our covenants. Please know that whoever you are and whatever your unique personal circumstances, every blessing is available to you through your faithful journey on the covenant path (Larry Laycock).

President Harold B. Lee wisely said, “Just as a flood-lighted temple is more beautiful in a severe storm or in a heavy fog, so the gospel of Jesus Christ is more glorious in times of inward storm and of personal sorrow and tormenting conflict.” In those verses in Mark chapter 4, Christ calmed the seas. Sometimes He calms the seas and storms in our lives. Other times, He calms us while the storms of life continue around us. The temple is our key to calming the storms of life. As we attend the temple, we bring our challenges and leave them at the door. We find peace therein. When we leave, our challenges are still there, but we pick them up with an added measure of peace and a new perspective (Michael Manzur).

Now I look back and can see that even though my parents tried to make the marriage work, they didn’t like each other—they tolerated each other. Here are some things I’ve observed spouses doing when they like as well as love each other: 

    They want to spend more time with each other than with other people.

     They feel comfortable doing or talking about anything with each other.

     They work toward the same goals.

     They find the middle ground often, but they also are willing to yield to each             other when they see that the other spouse needs it.

     They aren’t afraid to be openly affectionate with each other.

     They listen attentively to each other.

     They make time for each other.

     They work together.

     They have fun together.

     They read the scriptures and pray together.

     They go to the temple together.

     They see each other as blessings.

     These are ideal aspects of marriage, of course (Suzanne Uchytil).

You are better than you think you are. The Lord has always used the small and weak things of the world to bring about His glorious purposes. The Lord often accomplishes the most with those who feel the least accomplished. Perhaps we all see ourselves as a little less than we are. Unworthy. Untalented. Nothing special. Lacking the heart, mind, resources, charisma, or stature to be of much use to God.
You say you’re not perfect? Welcome to the club! You may be just the person God is looking for. The Lord chooses the humble and meek—partly because they are humble and meek. In this way, there is never a question regarding the reason for their success. These wonderful, ordinary people accomplish great things not because of who they are but because of who God is! For “what is impossible with man is possible with God." God doesn’t need you to be exceptional, let alone perfect. He will take your talents and abilities and multiply them—even though they may seem as scarce as a few loaves and fishes. If you trust Him and are faithful, He will magnify your words and actions and use them to bless and minister to multitudes! God does not need people who are flawless. He seeks those who will offer their heart and a willing mind (Dieter F. Uchtdorf).

One of the highlights of this past year has been attendance at the temple, almost weekly, with family names. What a joy! I feel an increased protection from the adversary and increased spiritual power.  I feel a closeness to my ancestors and deep gratitude for their lives and contribution.

One of the largest things I tackled this year was going through the home of my parents. This process took months but was needed.  I am grateful that I live near their home and could take time to do this. Flying in for the weekend and having to sort through things quickly would have been very hard. The process was emotionally therapeutic.  

Perhaps the best thing I did in 2022 was become closer to God and Jesus Christ through consistent study. I do not want to sound braggy about this. I will just say that this personal journey has brought much joy to my soul.

Strengthening relationships has been a priority this year, including my relationship with my husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. Relationships are such a blessing! I cannot put a price on the value these relationships have in my life.

Matthew and I spent quite a bit of time at the home of his parents this year.  Grandpa Clarke passed away in June and we tried to be of help both before and after his death. 

I made myself put this list together because I was very hard on myself last week. I was thinking of all the things I want to improve on and do differently this year, and I finally called a mental time-out in order to list a few things that were going right in life! Life is good and I have so much to be grateful for. 

 

We went downtown last night to check out the Conference Center, as it is now acting as the Visitor's Center while construction is happening on Temple Square.  I enjoyed every minute of the hour and a half we spent there. I loved the sculptured busts of each prophet, the portraits (so realistic!) of the living prophets and apostles, the gallery of Book of Mormon paintings, the section of the building which details the original construction of the Salt Lake Temple, the view from the roof of the Conference Center, and most especially the emphasis on Christ and the varied representations of Him. Here are a few of the many paintings of Him which adorn the walls.

 

"At the Well" by Crystal Close"

 

 

 

"Cristo CLV" by J. Kirk Richards

 

 

 

"Rescue of the Lost Lamb by Minerva Teichert

 

 

 

"The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever" by Nick Stephens

"Seek My Face" by Gary Smith

Random thoughts and experiences from this past week:

We watched this movie and liked it. 

I memorized the words to the hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth," and have been saying them over and over. The lyrics have helped me recognize my blessings.

The talks suggested in Come Follow Me have been outstanding and have helped me see things clearly.

The celestial room of the Payson Temple is very beautiful! The grandeur and peacefulness calmed my soul.

I saw faith in action this week as callings were extended to individuals who, because of life circumstances, exhibited trust in the Lord in accepting these callings. 

I heard meaningful tributes by four sons at the funeral of their father.

At a viewing on a stormy night, I saw two men carry in an elderly gentleman as he was too feeble to walk from his car into the building. Their service touched me, and the desire of the elderly gentleman to want to go to the viewing to show love and respect to the family of the deceased.

I celebrated with a family history specialist when we added names to two families on Family Search. 

After a busy day of Church meetings, we met our college-age son in a car by his church building, and enjoyed sandwiches from a cooler and visiting.

I received the flu shot and a Covid booster and woke up in the night with sore arms, but I can deal with that small inconvenience. 

I tied another quilt for the refugees with sheets from my parent's home. I smile because my parents would love to know their sheets (in good condition) are being used to help someone else.

I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Arizona for a nephew's wedding.  This is my first time to Gilbert. It was very hot, and I thought of our son who served a mission for two years in Phoenix. I was surprised at the many flowering bushes and attractive city landscape. The Gilbert Temple is absolutely beautiful! I wish I had a picture of the temple and grounds so that you can see the beauty and grandeur of it. I guess I should also include a picture of the happy couple:)
 

A few weeks ago, our son shared this summary with us which he put together and it has been so helpful to me:

President Nelson Invitations & Exhortations (April 2021 General Conference)

1. As we listen to the messages that have been carefully prepared by our leaders under the direction of the Holy Ghost, I invite you to pray to identify the debris you should remove from your life so you can become more worthy.
2. I hope you have found an increased ability to hear Him and receive personal revelation.
3. You may feel that there is still more you need to do to make your home truly a sanctuary of faith. If so, please do it! If you are married, counsel with your wife as your equal partner in this crucial work. There are few pursuits more important than this.
4. I urge you to continue to make your home a truly holy place “and be not moved” from that essential goal.
5. If you know of anyone who is alone, reach out—even if you feel alone too! You do not need to have a reason or a message or business to transact. Just say hello and show your love. Technology can help you. Pandemic or not, each precious child of God needs to know that he or she is not alone!
6. My brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood and elders quorums, expand your vision of why we have quorums.
7. Seek revelation from the Lord. Humble yourself! Ask! Listen! If you have been called to lead, counsel as a presidency and with quorum members. Whatever your priesthood office or calling, let God prevail in your commitment as a member of your quorum and in your service. Experience with joy the righteousness you will bring to pass as you are “anxiously engaged in a good cause.”
8. Discipline yourself to have time alone and with your loved ones. Open your heart to God in prayer. Take time to immerse yourself in the scriptures and worship in the temple.
9. My dear brethren, there are many things the Lord wants us to learn from our experiences during this pandemic. I have listed only four. I invite you to make your own list, consider it carefully, and share it with those you love.
10. My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith.
11. May I offer five suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust. First, study. Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry. Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life. Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you.
12. Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ. If you have doubts about God the Father and His Beloved Son or the validity of the Restoration or the veracity of Joseph Smith’s divine calling as a prophet, choose to believe and stay faithful. Take your questions to the Lord and to other faithful sources. Study with the desire to believe rather than with the hope that you can find a flaw in the fabric of a prophet’s life or a discrepancy in the scriptures. Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters. Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery.
13. Third, act in faith. What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.
14. Fourth, partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life.
15. And fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.
16. Do not minimize the faith you already have.
17. I pray that your desire to worship and serve in the temple burns more brightly now than ever.
18. Do all you can to bring COVID numbers down in your area so that your temple opportunities can increase. Meanwhile, keep your temple covenants and blessings foremost in your minds and hearts. Stay true to the covenants you have made.