Friday, December 22nd, 2017

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Nephi 2:7

Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:1-17

*What caused Coriantumr to have a change of heart? When have you experienced a change of heart?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 33:6

And even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and hearken unto my voice.

General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

"Referring to the people of Alma: 'Rather than blame God they turned to Him and did pour out their hearts to Him.' In response to their faith and silent prayers, the Lord responded: 'Be of good comfort...I will...ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs.'

Soon after, 'the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease; and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.'

Although not yet delivered from bondage, by turning to the Lord, and not from the Lord, they were blessed according to their needs and according to the Lord's wisdom."

Today I read an article in Meridian Magazine about the gifts of the three wisemen and their meaning. I want to share some of what I learned on my blog.

Gold - Represents Heavenly realms and the presence of a King. Many toools of the ancient temple were of solid gold. Ancient Israel used gold extensively in temple decor. The Inner sanctuary was covered from floor to ceiling in hammered gold. 

(My inner sanctuary in the Snowflake temple, where I go to study, is a closet.)

Frankincense - Rare spice used in the temple (Lev. 2:1; 4 and 24:7). Burnt with almost every sacrifice offered in the Jerusalem temple. Mixed with salt, the smoke became white and was seen as prayers ascending up to heaven. Recognized as a necessary ingredient or requirement for prayers to be heard and sacrifices to be accepted. It was impossible to perform temple ordinances as proscribed in the law of Moses without Frankincense.

Myrrh - Natural preservative. Genesis 37:25. Myrrh was also mixed with olive oil and other spices to be used for anointings in the temple. It was kept in a flask in the Holy of Holies. Formula found in Exodus 30:23-25. Christ was offered vineager mixed with myrrh as He hung on the cross.

Perhaps these wisemen put these items to use in the Savior's behalf. Can we give Christ those same gifts? Matt 25:40. Through the doctrine of the temple we can most closely approximate the example of the wise men. First, we obtain all temple ordinances for ourselves. After that, we - like the wise men - can minister and bring others into sacred space, the heavenly presence. We can help those who have passed on make worthy sacrifices of a sweet savor, made possible by stripes and tears, and stand in for them in offering prayers to the most High. We too can offer others an anointing with holy oil, accompanied by promises that transcend death, which they are free to accept or reject in the hereafter if they didn't have the opportunity while living. 

Today I finished my Primary gifts and cards.

The gift bags have candy, a blanket, a fidget spinner,

mittens, and the Primary cards as shown below.

This is a review of all the lessons we have

had this year.

James and I delivered pumpkin bread to the Wilhelm's, Bishop Miller's family, and way out to Anthony's. It was my first time out to Anthony's. He was very appreciative for the bread.

We had bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches for dinner and then went up to see how the new TV works. It has a great picture. 

We went downstairs to watch a Christmas movie: "A Heavenly Christmas," starring Shirley MacClaine, Kristin Davis, and Eric McCormick.

Light the World

Jesus taught: "That which ye have seen me do

even that shall ye do."

3 Nephi 27:21

No one else has provided a better pattern for living than Jesus

Christ. As we seek to emulate Him, we can improve our own lives and the lives of people around us.

My friend Christy says the temple feels like

going home. I agree.