The Temple - 2012

“If we are observant,

if we are thoughtful,

time can teach us much.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen,
"Reverence for God Is the Beginning of Wisdom,"

Ensign, January 2013

Los Angeles Temple

I usually review my yearly goals in late December or early January.  Here it is June - that's an indicator of how my life has been.  Anyway, I want to share even though I'm six months late.  I might mention that my temple attendance had been so satisfying in 2011 that I didn't even set a goal for 2012 about the temple. My decision to go to the temple every week came later in January, read on . . .

For years I have been trying to push myself beyond my usual monthly visit to the temple.  At one time I  wanted to double my attendance, but I usually ended up with about 18 visits a year. Then in August of 2010, I was pondering some things I was prayerfully concerned about; a prompting clearly came, "Go to the temple every week."  That didn't seem a likely possibility, all sorts of things can keep you from the temple, not to mention my busyness; but, whatever, in spite of the obstacles I felt impressed to do it.

One big barrier for me was driving; the LA Temple is not around the corner and I take antihistamines.  I'm always tired, not to mention behind the wheel.  Problem solved:  I don't take an antihistamine in the morning when I go to the temple or at least one that would make me drowsy.  With my reliable Toyota RAV, me not sleepy, the way was open and I started driving each week and taking people along with me.  I picked a day that suited me for the week, tried to fill my car, and I was off.  Sometimes I went alone. I was pretty consistent, but every once in awhile I'd miss.  I wasn't real concerned about missing because I figured it was inevitable. I knew I would be subject to something that would get in the way of my weekly attendance - sickness, weather, home concerns, etc. I didn't want to become discouraged if I did miss; what can I say, life happens.  I was pleased with my efforts and I was definitely feeling the benefits.

In early January of 2012, Jordan M. asked with bright eyes and a cheerful smile, "Are you still going to the temple every week?"  He was very positive in his request to know ( I took his elderly parents at least once a month), but I reacted somewhat negatively; relaying that I was trying to go every week, but the reality was - impossible. That was the end of our conversation, but with my disheartened feelings the Spirit immediately questioned me, "Why are you talking that way?"  It got me thinking . . . and with that prompt I felt encouraged to carry on - maybe, just maybe, I could go to the temple every week for a year. I felt like my Heavenly Father wanted me to and that He would help me.  I had my track record; I had already been very consistent for almost a year and a half. I was only a few weeks into January and had made it those few weeks without any interruption.  I sat down and mapped out the year considering all the commitments I was already aware of for 2012; then, to fine tune, I checked the LA and Redlands Temples schedules knowing both would be closed at different times.  I was then prepared with tentative dates for each week.

It seems unbelievable, but I made it every week - in spite of sickness, weather, and other concerns.  I didn't always have to drive; there were others who had weekly commitments I could get a ride with when I needed to. I always had a backup plan. I didn't do the same thing every time I went either. Some weeks I worked as a volunteer going with my husband on the 3rd and 5th Fridays. Another time I didn't attend the temple to serve others who had passed on, but I took my friend Lisa to tour the new Brigham City Temple

My closest miss involved being pulled over by a police officer, missed an off ramp, and then panicked at the lost time; I sobbed the rest of the way to the Redlands Temple praying in my heart that I'd make my appointment.  I was late, but they accommodated me for just a few minutes of service before they closed for the afternoon.  Just the orchestration of it all with my schedule was amazing, but it worked.  Every week was an adventure; who went with me, when, and what I learned.

More than ever before, I realize how important the temple is.  How blessed I am to be able to go and feel the peace.  I am so grateful to help others experience the temple as I serve as a volunteer.  I know I'm just baby steps into understanding all that can be learned, but in this weekly effort I took a big leap forward.  I'm back to my old ways this year. It wasn't like I didn't go before (usually once or twice a month, maybe even three), but 2012 was a time of strengthening that my Heavenly Father knew I needed. That consistency of going to the temple every week has carried me through much trial and I am still carried by the spiritual lift I received.  I'm definitely getting like my dad who has always had a great testimony of the temple and it's benefits; there's no doubt about it, it's all about the temple - meaning, it's all about CHRIST.