Monday, October 19, 2009

Las Vegas Temple


On Saturday my Mom and I went to the Las Vegas temple. Sad to say, this was only my second time attending this temple. It's a little further away out here! On Saturday I made it a goal to go once a week, like I had done in Utah.

As my mom and I were getting ready to leave our house for the temple, there was a knock at the door. It was Bishop Clarke! If there is such thing as the coolest bishop award, he'd win. And he's my home ward bishop. I have loved getting to know him. He's spiritual, outgoing, laid back, has a good sense of humor, but takes his calling seriously. I've learned a lot about service from just watching him serve in my family ward. I invited him in and we chatted for a few minutes. Then he asked me if I had scheduled my temple endowment session yet. I told him I had, for November 21st. And he said, "Why?" And I said, "Because I'll be in Utah then and I want my siblings to be there." Then he said, "Why?" again. I just laughed and looked at him confused. Then he said, "Tell your siblings they can come to your temple sealing. The Stake President encourages the soon-to-be Sisters and Elders to go through the temple as soon as they can before they leave because then the more sessions you can attend." I said, "Well, that's a good idea. I'm ready to go through and I want to as soon as possible, I just thought it was an important thing that my siblings were there." And so we chatted a bit more. He told me he felt impressed to come over and schedule an interview to get my Living Ordinance Recommend, and to tell me that he feels as though I should go through the temple as soon as possible. He said, "There is a sense of protection and spirit you can only find in the temple. You will need that as you prepare for your mission. Waiting is only putting off the blessings that you can receive from temple work." Sunday I got my recommend, and yesterday I called the Las Vegas Temple to schedule a time to take my endowments out. Now I'll be taking them out here, a week from Friday!!!! I feel really happy about it. I know my Bishop is an inspired man and I will benefit by following his counsel. He said a few things in the interview that I will never forget. He said, "I believe the Savior has walked the halls of every temple. It is his house." I had never thought of that before, but I'm convinced it's true. He told me I will be making 4 new covenants with my Father in Heaven and then said, "The covenants you are preparing to make in the temple are the very ones that can qualify you for the celestial kingdom. If you only live them, become sealed to someone for time and all eternity, and endure to the end." Wow. I knew that, but hearing it aloud hit me strongly. More than pondering and renewing my baptismal covenants, there will be much more on my mind each Sunday as I take the sacrament. He assured me that I will not take on these heightened responsibilities without getting something in return, and reminded me of this scripture: "For unto whom much is given, much is required..."-D&C 82:3 I know the covenants made and ordinances performed in the temple are sacred and the only way to receive celestial glory. The Lord has given us temples to bless our lives and those who have come before us. It is our responsibility to become a savior on mount zion.

2 comments:

  1. I love the blog Tia! It's so cute! I'm going to be there next Friday, can't wait!

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  2. Hi Tia, I love your blog! It is so, so, cute. We were excited to go through the temple with you in November but even more excited for you to go through as quickly as you can, where ever you can. I absolutely love the temple and I know you will too.

    I love the Palmyra temple so much! so, I hope you get the chance to go through that one someday. The oakland temple is so beautiful but I've only been outside, as you have too. we'll go through with you someday. blessings to you, dear girl. We love you. Good luck with No diet coke! love, aunt shauna

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