Finding a Way…to the Temple

I woke up this morning realizing that I hadn't went to the temple this week. I set a goal a few weeks ago to do this weekly. It was house cleaning day and both me and the kids were doing some cleaning. I knew however, that if I over-did cleaning then I would not be able to go to the temple today. I asked my kids if they would like to go to the temple with me. Shaniah, my youngest said she really wanted to go.

I tried to not work to hard in the house but rather helped Niah with her jobs so we could go earlier in the day. As we were driving to the temple, Shaniah told me that she was not ready physically or emotionally for school to start in two days. We talked about this and I told her that temple will be a great place to go to find peace before school starts. I told her I would put her name in the temple today.

First, we went to the Oquirrh mountain temple, she wanted me to do baptisms with her. We went in and found out there was a very long wait of youth waiting to do baptisms. I was willing to stay and wait but once again my sweet daughter said,"Mom, I know you will not be able to stay this long with your health." I tried to argue with her and told her I would be fine. But she said, "Its okay mom, lets try another temple."

At first I thought she just wanted to go home, but she was willing to go to another temple so that I would not have to be there too long and flare myself up. We proceeded to the Jordan River Temple and found it busy, but not as long of a wait as the Oquirrh temple. Shaniah did baptisms and I went and did initiatory. It was so wonderful to feel the spirit in the Lords house today. I knew I was where I was supposed today. I not only helped others receive their temple work but also gave me the much needed spiritual guidance and direction I was seeking for today!

Today I would have to say my gratitude was for my daughter who though of others before herself today and made sure we were able to participate in the temple ordinances.

I am also extremely grateful for having the Lord's House open to us from 5:00 in the morning to 10:00 at night. His house is open to us more often than even our chapels or other places of business are. I am so grateful to have been able to go to the Lord's house  and felt the much needed peace and joy there today.

President Monson said about temples:

The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.

Temples, The House of the Lord