What I Love Most Today is the Oakland Temple

Going to the temple has always been something that has been important to Kirk and I.  When our kids were young we decided that when they turned 12 we would take them to the temple often to feel the peace it offers, to help them prepare for their future missions, temple marriages, and to receive all the blessings associated with temple attendance.  Our temple tradition since Kalen turned 12 has been to go with him every other month to do baptisms.  On the off months, Kirk and I go as a couple, alone.  

We are so excited to have Gwyneth turning 12!!  We will be in Utah when for her 12th birthday.  All of her cousins 12 and up are going to join her in going to the temple for the first time!!  Now we will be taking two of our kids to the temple every other month for baptisms.  It's been such a blessing to see their love and testimony for the temple strengthened by going and doing the ordinances that they can as youth.

We are so grateful to have such good friends for our kids.  The two oldest Wallwork boys are representing here.  I love them so much, they are like my own sons.  Seeing them together, good boys that are good friends, makes me so happy.  They are typical boys , in some ways, but they really love each other and are so supportive of each other.  When their mom, my dear friend Thira, called me to invite us to go to the temple for Karm's first time, Kalen said, "mom, we have to go, I'm not missing this."  I am strengthened by their faith.  

 Tonight, November 16th, we took the oldest kids to a special celebration for the 50th anniversary of the Oakland Temple.  It was commemorated by David A. Bednar, one of the twelve apostles to Thomas S. Monson.  The talk he gave was very spiritual and touching.  There are some great tid bits of knowledge that he shared regarding this particular temple.  It was prophesied to be a beacon of light on the hill long before it was built.  

He also shared the analogy of the pearl and the box.  Basically that once the man had the beautiful box made to "hold" his pearl for everyone to be able to enjoy looking at, all they began to see was the beautiful box.  Elder Bednar said, it can be similar with the temple.  It is beautiful, especially the Oakland temple.  It is so beautiful to be on the grounds of this temple.  But, it's what's inside that really matters.  The sacred covenants we make with Heavenly Father and the ordinances that we do inside, is what's important to focus on.  This is a great reminder.  And this analogy can be used with regard to so many things, like our homes, and our bodies.

I love the temple, and our family loves the temple.  It is so special to us, such a special place for all of us.  I love going there with family, but I also love being there with anyone who loves and supports me and my family.  The temple is where we go to get away from the world.  How grateful I am that there is such a place.  What I Love Most Today is the Oakland Temple.