Temple Worship--The Source of Strength and Power in Time of Need by Elder Richard Scott

9-20-09 Relief Society Lesson--Calli

Sometimes it's easier to attend the temple when it's far away from your home. Plans don't get disrupted as much. When we do get a temple close to us, it is wise to set a specific time to attend, so small distractions don't get in our way.
Leona talked of her service in the temple baptistry, and how special the experience was. She and Bob served for about 10 years total--before and after their mission.

Many of us had special experiences as we served at the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. This sacrifice reaped many rewards (children saw the importance the temple, attendee's had good experiences, and the Lord blessed us individually in ways only we can know)
Sisters gave a few ideas that would help us attend the temple more often and get more out of the times we go:

• Trade babysitting with someone else. It not only helps financially, it holds you accountable to make sure you do go.
• Plan lots of extra time to get ready so things don't come up and change your mind. If you're early, you're less likely to be frazzled and can enjoy the Spirit more quickly.
  
• Remove your watch to help prevent you thinking about anything other than the temple.
• Focus on the words being said in whatever ordinance you are participating.
• Pray for and concentrate on the person for whom you are doing work. One sister noticed something had not been done on the card, and they were able to fix the problem before it was too late.
• Do genealogy. When ancestors get their work done, they are empowered to help us with our lives. The story was told where a sister was baptized into the church against her mothers' will and her mother was angry enough that she didn't speak to her for 8 years. This sister prayed for her mother to soften her heart. Meanwhile she did temple work for ancestors, and one day her mother called asking a random question. She asked her mother "Why did you call and ask me that?" Mom replied, "Because it kept bugging and bugging me!" "Thank you" She thought--to those beyond the veil.
  

Lesson #37

Thank you Melody, for a beautiful lesson titled, "Charity, the Pure Love of Christ".

When 2 young men arrived from England, they desperately asked Joseph Smith for work because they couldn't find work elsewhere and needed provisions. One was not a member. Joseph was friendly, and"viewed us with a cheerful countenance, and with a feeling of kindness, said, "Well boys, what can you do?" He helped mark a ditch, and when they were done, said, "Boys, if I had done it myself, it could not have been done better." He then took them to the store and picked out 2 of the largest and best pieces of meat and gave to them. The young man was baptized within a year, and "often had the privilege of seeing [the Prophet's] noble face lit up by the Spirit and power of God".

Stories were shared of the blessing of visiting teaching, and how knowing someone really cares can help us all through difficult circumstances. We can be each others' angels.

A brother in the ward was blessed by caring, love and lack of judgment when he endured a difficult time.
Our goal should be to stay worthy to hear the Spirit whisper to us how we can be of service.