"Even our young children have been encouraged to visit the temple grounds and touch the temple. President Thomas S. Monson once counseled, “As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us.”
Gary E. Stevenson, “Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples,” Liahona, May 2009, 101–3
It made me so excited to start planting seeds of love for the temple in my boys by taking them to the temple grounds frequently. I was a little disappointed though when we actually went and it wasn't the amazing spiritual experience I expected :) The snails, waterfall, and Great Harvest Bread across the street were far more exciting than the temple. But after telling myself that they are just sweet little boys, I knew that if I could at least develop a habit of taking them to the temple and sharing a few words about its importance, that would hopefully be enough. I was then glad to hear what Elder Bednar said in his last conference talk:"Sometimes Sister Bednar and I wondered if our efforts to do these spiritually essential things were worthwhile. Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected....
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes."
3 comments:
Wow, thanks for sharing that. I enjoyed his descriptions of their FHE with small children, but it didn't jump out at me in the same way as it just did. That's really neat that you are taking your kids to touch the temple :)
And thanks again for helping me save Uncle Joe! :)
Cute pictures! Thanks for sharing those quotes. I just recently read that "Sacred temples, sacred homes" as well. You are such a great mom! Thanks for being such a good example. I'm right behind you with our two boys too. :) Thanks for giving me such a great example to follow! I see the same kind of FHE's in our future as Elder Bednar, huh? :)
I loved that talk by Elder Bednar. Thanks for the great application into your life. Helps me to think about what I am doing to make those important individual brushstrokes. :) Love the pictures of the boys.
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