Temple Blessings

Today I participated in a joyful occasion. A young man received his endowments in the temple of our God in preparation for serving a mission in Brazil. I know that this young man and his family felt grateful to be surrounded by family and friends. So did we. It was a blessing to be there.

Last Sunday Zach, the young man, gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting. It wasn’t time for his farewell yet, but he is so well-prepared, and the talk was so uplifting, that we all felt like we were already being addressed by a missionary.

Afterwards his brother Hans Cody spoke. He had just returned from his mission, and it was his homecoming address. It was wonderful to witness the growth in this man. He also delivered a powerful, uplifting message, and we were all edified for being there.

I made a comment to their father today. I remarked how joyous Christmas must have been with them all there together again. He said that this day was actually much better. How joyous it is to have our families make covenants and progress together. They are looking forward to the time when their daughter can also join them in the temple.

I am also thankful for the times when Bob and I have been in the temple with our children, for endowments and for weddings and sealings. These are the glimpses of eternity that fill us with unspeakable joy.

I am certain that Zach is happy to be following the example of his brother Cody. Cody will be able to write him letters of encouragement and share insights with him. Missions not only are for serving those people whom we are so fortunate to meet; missions are also for strengthening our families and friends at home. We all are blessed by the sacrifices and service rendered, both by the missionary and by those who are offering support.

And the temple also brings us blessings so that we can serve well in our callings as family members, ward members, and missionaries.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your day. Angels are rejoicing, and so are we. 

Love Makes our House a Home

Love makes our house a home

Our family is not picture perfect. In fact, most families seldom are. Unless, of course, you consider the normal day living events which mark the growth of each family member and the family as a whole. These weave a tapestry and leave a legacy. Love makes our house a home.

Time spent together. Smiles shared. Music listened to and sung with gusto. Books read. Scriptures shared. Prayers said. Faith makes a house our home.

From the time our children were babies, lullabies and nursery rhymes, lap chats and park walks, visits to the zoo and the children's museum were all important. So were rules and chores, working alongside Mom and Dad; baking time with Mom, and washing cars with Dad. Language, learning, playtime, and working make our house a home.

When our children were small, Bob and I took turns tucking the children in bed at night. One night I'd be in the girls' room reading good night stories and hearing them say their prayers while Bob was in the boys' room. The next night we'd switch. Building relationships and developing trust make our house a home.

Shoe-tying, swing pumping, numbers and letters, sounding out words, learning to say our “r's”, skipping and galloping, playing soccer, swimming lessons, beginning Kindergarten, and High School graduation. Goal-setting, personal skills, building confidence and self-reliance. Self-esteem, helping each other reach milestones, building character. Physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth make our house a home.

Day trips to the mountains, to the beaches, to grandparents' homes. Birthday parties, special occasions, band and choir, academic decathlon, scouting, personal progress. Scouting, Young Women program, scholarship, college, jobs, careers. Personal development, along with failures and successes, make our house a home.

Skinned knees, bruised pride, loss of a job, personal struggles, giving support in times of sorrow. Losing a child to death much to soon. Turning to God, turning to each other. Hugging more, judging less. Finding strength in faith, building hope, listing blessings, gathering courage. Enduring adversity with renewed conviction to our family makes our house a home.

Kneeling in prayer at the close of each day. Attending Church together every Sunday. Thanking God. Thanking each other. Sharing our values. Supporting each other. Listening. Hearing. Respecting each other's ideas and helping each other progress. Family worship makes our house a home.

God gave us our family. He is Love. And Love makes our house a home.

(Post prompted by Shutterfly, #OurHomeOurStory)