The People Shall Flow Unto The Temple

"Flow unto the temple"

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today I want to share with you a message about something that is becoming more and more dear to my heart. I want to share with you, as the title states, about temples!

As those of you who diligently read my blog know, I am planning on serving an LDS full time mission! In way of preparing for that special event in my life, I have been taking five gospel classes (institute classes) to help me be ready to teach the gospel. When you go on an LDS mission, you first have to go to an LDS temple, of your choosing, and do something called endowments. (I would explain what this is- but I'm not quite sure how as I have not done this yet in my life. All I know is that it is a very special and beautiful experience where you get to make special promises with Heavenly Father.) In way of preparing for this very exciting and sacred experience I have decided that I am going to attend an LDS temple at least once a week to do baptisms for the dead! I want to do this so that when it is time for me to attend the temple for my endowments, Heavenly Father knows I love His house and I want to be like Him. As those of you know- this is no easy task. Satan doesn't want you to attend the temple because when you go to the temple, you are more in tune with the Spirit and it makes it harder for him to tempt you. He will do everything he can to make it seem like going to the temple isn't important or you're too busy. But this is the plan I have chosen! I am going at least once a week no matter what! So here's my story:

This week I wanted to attend the temple earlier in the week because I was going out of town on the weekend. I decided the best time to go would be at 5:30 am when the temple opens. I tired three times to go, all attempts resulting in "failure." I would wake up feeling sick or too tired, so I stayed home. Friday (the day I was leaving) came around, and again I didn't get to the temple at 5:30 am. When I got up at 8 am, I felt it was okay if I didn't go- I was going out of town and had a lot to get done before I left. "Heavenly Father will understand." I thought to myself. Then as I prayed that morning I felt I had to be at the temple that morning. "I made choices that are based on me living at home so I could be closer to the temple. If I start missing a week of temple attendance now it's going to be easier to skip out later. I have to go." I told myself. Quickly I got my Sunday best on and went up to ask my mom to drive me to the temple. Graciously my sweet mom said she would take me to the temple.

As my mom dropped me off and I walked in the doors of the temple I felt relief pour over me. All my worries and fears were left at the door and I was now in the Lord's holy house. I was in a safe place. A place of love, peace, answers, and spiritual power. I was at home with my Father in Heaven. As I went through the process of doing baptisms for the dead I was reminded of the power of the temple. The peace that is felt there and the closeness you can feel to our Heavenly Father there.

When I came out of the temple I found I had some time to walk the grounds and reflect upon the beauty of the temple and my Heavenly Father's plan for me. I didn't really have a question in my mind that I was searching to find answers for, but I did have a lot on my mind concerning preparation for a mission and how I was going to do everything I'd be asked to do. As I walked around the temple I found myself sitting on the benches behind the temple in a garden area. I found myself alone so I decided to pray. I talked with my Father in Heaven like He was sitting by my side, because I knew He was. I knew He was listening. I talked with Him about my life- my plan- and of course: the mission. I told Him my concerns and I told Him my desires to serve Him. I asked for His divine help.
Suddenly I remembered a hymn that was life changing for me. (I'll go where you want me to go Hymn no. 270) As I pondered I sang this hymn to myself in the beauty of the temple gardens- remembering the significance of this hymn in my life.

As I finished up I heard some people coming so I decided to leave the gardens and finish my walk around the temple. As I came around to the front of the temple I saw a line of cars and people walking to the temple. This made me feel joy inside. Suddenly I recalled a scripture from years ago in seminary. It is found in Micah chapter 4 verses 1&2 and it reads:
"But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."

I was overcome with confirmation that being at the temple at that time was the right thing. Making the choices I have made, to be where I am and to be preparing for a mission right now is what I need to be doing. I needed to do the work I was doing inside the walls of the temple. Heavenly Father could see that I would also need extra strength to resist temptations- extra strength I would receive only by going to the temple that morning.

These days truly are the "last days" that the scriptures refer too. People truly are flowing to the Mountain of The Lord. (The Temple) And the time for me to be going on a mission and proclaiming His word is now. The word of the Lord truly is going out to all the nations.

Brothers and Sisters the time is now. I have found this for myself. We cannot wait till tomorrow to prepare to meet God. Today is the day. Today is the day to go to the temple. Today is the day to teach His word and do His work. We cannot keep saying: "I'll do that tomorrow." For that is exactly what Satan wants us to do. He wants us to think it's not possible right now, or it's too hard. Well Brothers and Sisters I am here to tell you sometimes it will be hard. But Christ died for you so that you may live for all eternity with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven. It was excruciatingly hard- but because He loves you with an unconditional love: He did it. What are you doing to repay that price- no matter how hard it may be?

I want to share in closing this video: Temples Are a Beacon

This man worked and paid all he had to take his family to the temple. He knew the price and he was willing to work all he could give so he could be with his family forever- so he could be in the Lord's house: the holy temple. Brothers and Sisters I ask you: what price are you paying to go to the temple?

If you live in Utah like me- you have no excuse at all. You could go to multiple temples within a matter of a few minutes. You have no excuse not to be attending the temple at least once a month. If you do not currently hold a temple recommend, or you are not worthy to enter the temple at this present time: please do everything you can to get that worthy temple recommend and get to the temple. As for now however- go to the temple grounds. Feel the love and peace there. It is a dedicated place of worship. Spend some time walking the grounds and pondering. I have had times in my life where this was all I could do too- and it changed my life. Some of my most crucial times of decision were made in times I went to the temple grounds to ponder. If you aren't old enough to go inside, or you have to wait for other personal reasons: go to the temple grounds and ponder. Prepare now to go inside someday. That someday will be here faster than you know. Heavenly Father will see your righteous desires and He will bless you immensely for this. I testify that if we will MAKE the time to be in the Lord's house doing His work we will be blessed in ways we cannot even imagine. I testify of the peace and love that is felt inside the walls of the temple. I testify that temples are truly His house. That they are truly beacons of light and hope and nations are truly flowing unto the temple. I know without a shadow of a doubt that this true. I beg you to attend the temple. Alone or with family and friends. I know this is true. I know the power of the temple is real. I have seen it change lives and I see it changing mine. Go to the temple, not once- but as much as you possibly can. I know you will be blessed. This I leave with you in the humble name of our Savior and Redeeming Lord- Even Jesus Christ, Amen

Love,
Samantha

What Are You Striving For?

You can strive today!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today I feel strongly the power that comes with never giving up hope. Hope that comes from knowing Christ and believing in Him and His sacrifice for us; that through Him we can be made whole again. That by Him we can come back home and be welcomed with loving arms. I know that so many of us have felt lost in our lives, but because of Him we are never completely lost- there is always hope and always love for us. That because of Him we can always be better, we can keep trying, we can keep working. We aren't meant to be perfect, but to be perfected in Him. Because of Him, every day we can try a little harder to be a little better.

Because of that- I want to share this: STRIVE

I just want to challenge each of you reading this to strive today to become more like The Savior. Listen to the video again and find something that sticks out to you, and apply it now. For me it was when it says: "To strengthen our relationship with God we need some meaningful time alone with Him." I want to consciously make the effort to spend time alone- away from distractions of the world- with my loving Father In Heaven.
There are so many things in this video that every day we can choose to work on.
"All the little things make up the big things."
"Rise from mediocrity to competence, from failure to achievement. Be your best self."
"Be strong, live the gospel faithfully- even if others around you don't live it at all."
"Defend your beliefs with courtesy and compassion, but defend them!"
"Rise above rationalizations and distractions."
"Do not drift off course, not even a few degrees."
"Hearken to The Lord your God."
"It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of your faith. There is always time."
"Bear in mind that people can change!" 
"Find happiness in ordinary things and keep your sense of humor."
"There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today. To live most fully today we must do that which is of greatest importance."
"Each of us has a part to play in the plan and each of us is equally valued."
"We are not and need never be alone. We can press forward in our daily lives with Heavenly help."
"Through the Savior's Atonement we can receive capacity and strength beyond our own."
"We never need feel alone or unloved in the Lord's service because we never are."
"Strive to be that kind of disciple of The Father and The Son and your influence will never fade."
"Always remember: YOU MATTER TO HIM."
"Never give up."
I know this is true and He loves you. You can do this with His help. Be like Him. Strive today to be more like Him. What are you going to do?

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Why Keep It Holy?

How are you spending it?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I overheard some young women talking about Sabbath day observance and why they don't understand why Sunday is so "sacred" to LDS members, I felt sorrow come over my heart. I didn't know how to explain to these girls, in this situation, why it is so important to LDS members.  I could tell them why it's important to me, as I have done on this blog, but they wanted more.

Today I am going to share just that. I found an article called "A Day to Focus on What Matters Most" I want to ask you to read this article and watch the videos included. Click here to read and watch.

I just want to end with a quote I heard in sacrament. "Some things are good, some things are important, but only few things are essential." What is essential for you to return to live with our Heavenly Father and what are you doing to get there?
I know The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is true. I just want you to know that I know our actions every single day will effect our eternal destination. I know that keeping the commandments blesses our lives. It's not easy, but the blessings you receive from obeying the commandments are blessings you cannot receive anywhere else. I know these things are true.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

In Behalf Of The Family

What are you doing in the walls of your home? 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Another week has come and gone, and it is time yet again for me to update my missionary blog on your behalf. I pray that as I share with you my thoughts from the passing weeks, as this has been on my mind for some time, that today it will make sense, and you will find answers to prayers and questions. I pray that the Spirit will guide my fingers as I type and that I will share the things Heavenly Father needs someone to know.

This week's topic is Family! I have been thinking a lot about families lately and how different routines in families effect the children and parents. I've been thinking a lot about how a strong family becomes strong, because I know it takes a significant amount of work. After weeks of talking to people, children and adults alike, today as I sat in Relief Society the answers came to me- very simply and very real. It is not a magic power that makes the family strong- rather a very real effort to have the Spirit in the home continually and also the effort to let the kids know from their parents that they are the most important things in their life. It's not as easy as it sounds however, I know that it is something that has to be a team effort. It is something that takes time, and commitment. Hopefully what I share today will help you see a way that you and your family can commit or (re)commit to being a strong family- as a team. [Please, do not be hard on yourself if these lists make you feel bad- just choose a few things to work on, remembering that it will take time, and work on that. It will all come a little at a time, no one is perfect and God still loves us all!]

I want to share with you two lists that were given in the manual we are studying in class. This manual  is called "Teaching Of Presidents Of The Church- Ezra Taft Benson"
The lesson today was entitled: "The Sacred Callings Of Fathers and Mothers" **

The first list is for the Fathers as is as follows:
"Fathers are to provide spiritual leadership in their families." 

1. Give father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become spiritual highlights in the lives of your children.

2. Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities really are.

3. Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children’s spiritual welfare.

4. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons’ outings with your children. …

5. Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children.

6. Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles. Teach them true values. Tell them you love them. Personal time with your children tells them where Dad puts his priorities.

7. Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal. …

8. Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever.

9. As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. Your children will then better understand the importance of temple marriage and temple vows and the eternal family unit.

10. Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. This can become contagious to them, so they, too, will want to serve in the Church and will love the kingdom.

Oh, husbands and fathers in Israel, you can do so much for the salvation and exaltation of your families! Your responsibilities are so important.

Then next for the mothers.
"Mothers should love, teach, and spend effective time with their children."

Mothers in Zion, your God-given roles are so vital to your own exaltation and to the salvation and exaltation of your family. A child needs a mother more than all the things money can buy. Spending time with your children is the greatest gift of all.

With love in my heart for the mothers in Zion, I would now like to suggest 10 specific ways our mothers may spend effective time with their children.

[First,] whenever possible, be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going—when they leave and return from school, when they leave or return from dates, when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are 6 or 16. …

Second, mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them. Yes, regularly spend one-on-one time with each child. Be a real friend to your children.

Third, take time to read to your children. Starting from the cradle, read to your sons and daughters. … You will plant a love for good literature and a real love for the scriptures if you will read to your children regularly.

Fourth, take time to pray with your children. Family prayers, under the direction of the father, should be held morning and night. Have your children feel of your faith as you call down the blessings of heaven upon them. … Have your children participate in family and personal prayers, and rejoice in their sweet utterances to their Father in Heaven.

Fifth, take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. Have your children actively involved. Teach them correct principles. Make this one of your family traditions. …

Sixth, take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible. This is a challenge as the children get older and lives get busier. But happy conversation, sharing of the day’s plans and activities, and special teaching moments occur at mealtime because parents and children work at it.

Seventh, take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family. … Reading the Book of Mormon together as a family will especially bring increased spirituality into your home and will give both parents and children the power to resist temptation and to have the Holy Ghost as their constant companion. I promise you that the Book of Mormon will change the lives of your family.

Eighth, take time to do things as a family. Make family outings and picnics and birthday celebrations and trips special times and memory builders. Whenever possible, attend, as a family, events where one of the family members is involved, such as a school play, a ball game, a talk, a recital. Attend Church meetings together, and sit together as a family when you can. Mothers who help families pray and play together will [help them] stay together and will bless children’s lives forever.

Ninth, mothers, take time to teach your children. Catch the teaching moments at mealtime, in casual settings, or at special sit-down times together, at the foot of the bed at the end of the day, or during an early-morning walk together. …


A mother’s love and prayerful concern for her children are the most important ingredients in teaching her own. Teach children gospel principles. Teach them it pays to be good. Teach them there is no safety in sin. Teach them a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of its divinity.

I know that this is a lot to read, and probably to comprehend all at once, but really it is just the simple every day things. I just want to end with my testimony that I know that doing all the little things add up to the big things. It is the little things that someday your children will look back at and be so grateful for! I know that as I am entering adulthood and moving onto things where I have to be responsible for me completely, I am so thankful for the little memories, the little things, and the lessons I have learned. Please take time for your children. Take a back ache tonight from playing with your kids rather than regret tomorrow. Your back ache will leave you, your regret will not. Your kids just want you. I know we may be annoying and sometimes you do need a time out as a parent, but not every day. Your family needs you, your time, and your memories to hold onto and learn from. What are you doing to show them that they are the most important things in your life? I know that we will be blessed eternally for our efforts to be together, even if Family Home Evening turns into Family Fight Night. As we make the effort and learn together the Spirit in our homes will grow stronger, the effort will become easier as it becomes routine and we will love each other more. I know this is true and Heavenly Father loves to see us together as families. He loves each of us and will help us.

To close I want to share this video called: "Good, Better Best" and I want to challenge you to look over your life and see where your time is being spent. Is it full of "good" activities, "better" or the very "best" ones? And what are you going to do to make them the "best" if they aren't already?
Click here to watch this video from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

**Here is the link to the rest of the lesson from President Benson if you'd like to read it! Click here :)

The Holy Ghost

Always listen and act quickly! 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This video made me realize the significance of listening to The Holy Ghost and I wanted to share it with you today along with my testimony. Video link

I just want to share my testimony that I know that the power of the Holy Ghost is real. He does in fact speak to us. I know that He can be with us always if we choose the right. I know that He does in fact do everything He can to whisper to us words of knowledge, warning, and peace- but we must listen. I also know that we must be the ones to act on the things He tells us. If we hear the voice of the Spirit speaking to us we must never postpone that prompting. We must act immediately. If we do not, bad things can happen for our Spirit and/or bodies. I know that Heavenly Father has sent The Spirit to be with us so that He (the Spirit) can help us return to our Father In Heaven. He is our helper in this life to get us back home to our Father. I know we need to listen to His small, quiet whisperings. He will not yell at us, we must seek Him, and listen carefully to His voice at any given moment, and we must ACT quickly. I just want to bear testimony that I know from experience that The Holy Ghost will strengthen us if we will let Him in our hearts to teach us and guide us. Please brothers and sisters- never postpone a prompting! When the Spirit speaks to us, the Lord is speaking to us. When the Lord speaks- listen, and go and do as He asks quickly. I know if we do, we will live with no regrets. We must follow the Lord 100%. I know these things are true.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha