Fall 2009 Presidency Message

As I read the theme for Relief Society "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17 the first thing that came to my mind was service in the temple, that we need to attend the temple more often and serve those who have gone before us and that we need to make a commitment of how often we as individuals will go. I know with our busy schedules it may be difficult for a lot of us to go but as I was reading the April conference talks, I read Elder Scott's talk: Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need. He said “Each member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is blessed to live in a time when the Lord has inspired His prophets to provide significantly increased accessibility to the holy temples. With careful planning and some sacrifice, the majority of the members of the Church can receive the ordinances of the temple for themselves and for their ancestors and be blessed by the covenants made therein. When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.”

I encourage you to establish your own goal of how frequently you will avail yourself of the ordinances offered in our operating temples. What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple? The First Presidency has invited "adult members to have a current temple recommend and visit the temple more often" where time and circumstance permit and encouraged members "to replace some leisure activities with temple service."

Sisters it is my prayer that we will set a goal to attend the temple more often, that we may be able to receive the blessings of the temple, that we may bless the lives of those who have passed on before us, and that our relationship with Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father may grow so we can receive the blessings and revelation they want to give us.