Come to The Temple~

Hi to you all!

I have been debating for a long time whether to keep the family blog going. The stats for page reviews indicated not very many of you look at it.
However, this morning while praying and then reading some thoughts on the temple in the Book entitled; "Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy" by Elder Richard G. Scott. I had a powerful confirmation that Dad and I need to use this site for some important purposes. After discussing this with your Dad we both feel the same.
I recognize that I do a lot of writing and you may think to yourselves that oh, that's just mother or that is just another lecture from Dad. We also appreciate that you are busy with your families. However, we know that we are suppose to keep this family blog viable. We hope that when we post something you will be willing to take a moment to read our thoughts. The inspiration that I received today is vital for you to think about.
We are pleased with all  you are doing with your families. We are indeed grateful that you are all active and serving in callings. However, this will not be enough in the era that you are raising your children in. Your homes are going to need to be fortified like never before in the history of this earth. Satan is strong and you and your families will be a target for him. During the Family reunion there were spirits from beyond the veil and a shield was placed against Satan and I know that is true with every fiber of my being. None of you are your children are safe from his darts of evil. If you are already feeling the sting of Satan's wrath; know that Dad and I are doing exactly what we were suppose to be doing to provide a safety net for you all. If you think that the gospel  is separate from family; it is not.
We have been promised that if we serve faithfully in the callings we have that our families will be blessed and in our thoughts you have been blessed not only for your own service to the kingdom; but ours.
Here are a few thoughts from the book out of the Chapter entitled: "The Peace and Happiness Temple Ordinance Can Provide."
"One of the most beautiful, comforting, doctrines of the Lord, one that brings immense peace, happiness an unbounded joy, is the principle of Eternal Marriage. This doctrine means that a man and woman who love each other deeply, who have grown together through the trials, joys, sorrow, and happiness of a shared lifetime, can live beyond the veil together forever with their family members who also earn that blessing.
"The temple is a place of peace, solitude, and inspiration. Regular attendance will enrich your life with greater purpose". Dad and I made a commitment many years ago when raising you children that we would attend the temple monthly and more often when able. Except for a few years here and there we have kept that promise. In retrospect we can see the many blessings that we have received.
If you don't have a temple recommend get one. If you do, use it. If you can't use it because you are too far from a temple; at least keep it current until you can go more often. Try hard to go as often as possible. If you can't go for some reason then commit to doing some Family History work. You can do as little as one hour a week or so in indexing or research. The need is great and it is as important as temple work. All of this will assist you in raising your family.
President Ezra Taft Benson counseled: "I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your life." It is paramount that you go there to receive revelation for your family.
"You can come to appreciate more the depth and breadth of the blessings that flow from temple worship by observing how it has enabled the Lord to touch other's lives to lift them. Recognize through similar obedience you can grow and find joy.

The following experience illustrates what I mean. In the highlands of Guatemala, members barely subsist. going to the temple requires great sacrifice to save money and food, the spinning,dyeing, and weaving of new clothing. there is the long, barefoot walk out of the mountains, the crossing of Lake Isabel, the bus rides with little food. tired and worn, they arrive at the temple. They scrub until they shine, dress in their new clothing, and enter the house of the Lord. Reclothed in white, they are taught by the Spirit, receive ordinances, and make covenants. One highland woman was greatly touched by the spirit and the meaning of the endowment. As she entered the celestial room she was overcome with the light she saw and felt. She observed the others were seated, with heads reverently bowed. Innocently, she knelt at the entrance to the room, oblivious to others. She bowed her head, sobbed, and for twenty minutes poured out her heart to her Father in Heaven. Finally, with her dress soaked with tears, she raised her head. the sensitive temple matron asked, "May I help?" She responed, "Oh, would you? This is my problem; I've tried to tell Father in Heaven of my gratitude for all my blessings but I don't feel that I've thanked Him enough. Will you help me tell Him how grateful I am?" Perhaps her example will lead you to be more aware of the blessings of the Lord in your life. It has done that for me." It has done that for your father and I too.

"This is His work. He guides it. He has given His life that, even  in our weakness, we may overcome our mistakes through repentance and obedience to His gospel. Oh, what a favored people we are to have this light, this knowledge, these opportunities for happiness on earth and throughout eternities. Come to the temple, now. It will greatly bless your life and provide essitional ordinances for those beyond the veil that they cannot obtain by themselves".
As your parents we are pleading with you to keep your focus on the temple. Within those holy halls and rooms is found a peace beyond the world and here you will receive the strength to combat against the forces of evil and save your family. Be aware that you children are fighting against the greatest force of evil the world has ever known. You need all the strength you have to protect them. Some may fall for a short time; but we have been promised if we keep the covenants we make that they will be guided back to the arms of a loving Savior and you will have "No Empty Chairs" in your families.

We love you all and pray for you always and we will do all in our power to assist you in your endeavors to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love,
Dad and Mom