The Temple

I have been studying a lot about temples this past month. Today I read the article in the Ensign called "The Steps to the Temple" by Cheryl C. Lant (Primary General President.) Here are the main points she makes:

"Each step in our personal journey to the temple is essential, and it is important that we not get discouraged or distracted by the world along the way. Each step prepares us and strengthens us."

Faith- its "not only the first step but also the foundation of all other principles of the gospel."

Repentance - "is essential to worthiness"

Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost - "worthiness to enter the temple depends on how faithfully we keep this covenant"

Obedience - Ezra Taft Benson said "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power."

Forgiving Others Cont.

After 3 days of stressing about his lesson and hours of preparation later...I think I finally put it all together and feel good about it.

Here is a quick summary for those of you that won't be there on Sunday:

This chapter focuses on 3 main topics:
1. Exercise the principle of mercy and forgive our brothers and sisters
Mercy: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, enemy, or other person in one's power
Points to make: Our frame of mind has a lot to do with taking offense, truth is the cure to our negative emotions, selflessness helps us forgive and not take offense in the first place.

2. Forgiving restores unity of feeling
Points to make: The effects of kindness and tenderness, no one is perfect, avoid gossip.

3. By showing long-suffering, patience, and mercy to the repentant, we can help bring them into "the liberty of God's dear children"
Points to make: It does not show weakness to forgive quickly, follow Christ's example.

The Hard Questions

These questions were ones that I got a little worried about...things I need to work on.

1. Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? (Could I ever feel ready to die and meet my maker? Daily repentance for small sins and sins of omission, including keeping a constant prayer in my heart are ways to feel more prepared.)

2. Are ye stripped of pride? (Does everyone have a hard time letting people serve them? It is almost uncomfortable for me...)

3. Are ye stripped of envy? (Of course I always look at people and wish I had things, including a house, nice clothes, a boat, etc. that they have. Instead I need to just be happy for them and remember that I am so so so so blessed for what I have.)

4. Do ye mock your brothers and sisters?

5. Will ye persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches? (refer back to question 3 and you will see where I need to repent)

6. Will ye persist in supposing that ye are better than one another?

7. Will ye persist in turning your backs upon the poor and the needy, and in withholding your substance from them?