Stand Ye in Holy Places

I was asked to be a speaker at tonight RS activity.  It was a special experience to have each speaker share someway in which the temple has blessed their life.

Here's the basic message I shared:

When I first thought of how the temple has been a blessing in my life, my first thought was the ability to hear God’s voice as I am in his house. The second thought was how grateful I am to participate with my family that has already passed on. One temple experience that has greatly influenced my life is a different type of temple experience than the others that have been shared tonight.

In March of 2016, we were apart of the Sweetwater stake. Our YM, YW, and their leaders completed their second 22-mile temple walk. The first time Sweetwater Stake did this walk a few years before, I was apart of the support crew that was stationed throughout the walk.

Since my oldest daughter was brand new new to young women’s this second time, she really wanted me to walk with her. If you know me, you know I love to walk and to hike. I was excited to be able to accomplish this physical feat all in one day.

I learned much more spiritually on this walk than I had anticipated. We started off at the Blossom ln bldg with just over 140 walkers. Very early in the walk I learned the importance of encouraging friends to join me. While I couldn’t force anyone to continue, I could only encourage them to do what they could do. This is something I reflect on often as I parent and as I teach seminary. I can encourage others to live the gospel and to partake of the blessings of the temple, but I cannot force anyone to do it.

Everyone’s journey to prepare for this hike was different. On the day of the walk, The path was clearly marked all along the way with bright pink ribbons. Even though the path was technically the same with the same end goal, we all experienced a different journey. Just like life. Some felt like my son that they could run parts of it, Some it took longer, others hadn’t prepared as much. Some parts of the trail were a breeze while other parts were really hard.

I personally was really glad I had done several training hikes especially for the steep part of mission trails. I knew exactly what to expect because I had done this hard thing before. I already knew how I could choose to react to the hard part of the climb of the steep hill. With my short little legs, I just have to keep going. How many times in life do we go through similar trials and it’s easier the next time because you are more prepared?

When we were about 1.5 miles away from the temple you could finally see the temple spires. It was so encouraging to finally see the temple in sight. It was a renewed sense of energy since we had had some really discouraging parts at mile 19 through Marion Bear Park which ended up being our slowest mile.

After 8 hrs and 22 minutes, my daughter, a few friends and I arrived at the temple. Something I will never forget when we arrived was the overwhelming feeling of peace to FINALLY be at the temple. I have felt this same joy many times when I have gone to the temple, seeking guidance for an especially difficult time in my life.

The other part of arriving that stood out to me was how much joy we all felt together. The cheering got louder as the time passed and more people made it to the temple. I have reflected on this cheering and the joy that I felt that day. What a joy it is to see each other in the temple. Sometimes, when I attend the temple, I fill the joy that my brother feels on the other side of veil as he is teaching so many about the gospel in the spirit world. What an incredible opportunity to be a partner with him while we are physically separated.

My testimony was strengthened from this experience that when we go to the temple, we can let go of the hard trials that we have walked through to get there, The temple is a place of peace because I know God’s plan better and it’s a place of hearing God’s voice more clearly. As we set our sights on the temple we can do hard things no matter how long it takes us. Our loving Heavenly Father will support us and guide us along the way. The covenants we make in the temple support us and help us get through each and every day.