Finding yourself in the temple.

    Happy Sunday! It has been quite a while since I last posted. I have been quite busy! I have not only began selling items on my Etsy shop (please check it out if you want to support me!), but I have also started school again! I am getting a certificate in Graphic Design and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Software Development (which includes a certificate in Computer Science). Because I have been doing a lot more crafts and graphic designing the last few years, I am wanting to pursue this work right now. I am grateful that Ricky is so loving and supportive of me as I am doing these things that I love! 

        P.S. He has recently started a new job and has also begun online school, so pray for us!

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    Today, Ricky and I had the opportunity to attend a session of the Orem Temple dedication. It was so special and powerful. I loved the Spirit that we felt and the messages that we heard. 

    President Nelson shared a special message in a video, and a couple of things he said touched me:

- Your Spirit will be healed and your mind enlightened (as you attend the temple).
- As we make the Lord and the temple the center of our lives, we will be blessed.

    There were three youth speakers, and I was very impressed with their talks! Each of them said something that I loved:

- We go to the temple to spend time with Jesus Christ.

- As we make time to go to the temple, we are blessed in many ways, including an increase of the Spirit.

- Turning to God gives us power over the adversary.

    We were able to hear from Elder Patrick Kearon, and he talked about how we can be found in the temple because we can find Jesus in the temple. I love this!! I actually was recently telling Ricky how I have been feeling a little lost and how I wanted to go to the temple. I feel grounded in the temple, and closer to God. I find not only peace and answers, but also myself. Being in the world too long makes me forget that I am a child of God.

Elder Kearon said as we do work for the dead, we are helping them to be found. 

I loved that Elder Kearon talked about those that we do the work for. Because we are helping them to be found. He also referenced Psalm 23, which is a Psalm I love and wanted to share:

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

    I love the image of our Savior as our Shepherd. It's not only humbling, but it's a precious image that we are His sheep, and that He cares for us deeply. 

Lost No More by Greg K. Olsen

    Finally, Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke before he gave the dedicatory prayer. One thing he said that I loved was that perfection is not required to enter the temple; however, we can still try to be a little better each time we attend the temple. He also said that our time in the temple changes us and gives us a new perspective.

Orem Utah Temple

    I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple, and for the promises of life with my husband and family forever. I look forward to the day when we will see God again and I hope and pray every day that I make my Heavenly Parents proud.

I hope you have a peaceful and uplifting week!

Xoxo

Mattie