The Sanctuary of the Temple

"You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the 'mist of darkness.'" —Gary E. Stevenson Each week I strive to take the opportunity to attend the temple. I love the temple! I love its peace, power, and protection. Heavenly Father's eternal, abiding love is held close within its sacred walls. I find greater strength as I attend the temple to fight Ed's inner battle and raging storm. In I Kings 9:3 it reads, "I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually." In fact, when my mind is raging, I will sing the words of "I Love to See the Temple." It brings a sense of peace that can only be found therein. In the temple, peace of mind and answers to prayers flow. Boyd K. Packer said, "At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can 'see' things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known." In his hallowed house, I find a sanctuary to my soul. "Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the aSanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established." (Exodus 15:17). I love to attend my mom's initiatory session to participate in the covenants with her. It is a special experience to have her hands laid upon my head and speaking its wonderful blessings. The temple in its self is a special place, but while attending with family its blessings become a reality. The promises are more fully seen and my love grows deeper - a heaven's glimpse into the eternities. Richard H. Winkel said, "When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families." Attending the temple with my mom also reminds me of the powerful blessings of Abraham, as outlined in the initiatory. My parents truly have taught and engraved a great love of the temple in my heart. I love this special time with my mom in a sanctuary of heaven.

Take My Yoke Upon You

In Matthew 11: 27-30 it reads:
"All things delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father, save the Son, and he whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

President Hunter explains His yoke as, "In biblical times the yoke was a device of great assistance to those who tilled the field. It allowed the strength of a second animal to be linked and coupled with the effort of a single animal, sharing and reducing the heavy labor of the plow or wagon. A burden that was overwhelming or perhaps impossible for one to bear could be equitably and comfortably borne by two bound together with a common yoke. His yoke requires a great and earnest effort, but for those who truly are converted, the yoke is easy and the burden becomes light."

By "taking His yoke," I know the challenges I face in life become lighter. My broken heart and spirit bring me humbly before Him. In this spirit of meekness my load is lightened as my Savior walks with me.

President Hunter further explains, "Why face life’s burdens alone, Christ asks, or why face them with temporal support that will quickly falter? To the heavy laden it is Christ’s yoke, it is the power and peace of standing side by side with a God that will provide the support, balance, and the strength to meet our challenges and endure our tasks here in the hardpan field of mortality.

Obviously, the personal burdens of life vary from person to person, but every one of us has them. Furthermore, each trial in life is tailored to the individual’s capacities and needs as known by a loving Father in Heaven. Of course, some sorrows are brought on by the sins of a world not following the counsel of that Father in Heaven. Whatever the reason, none of us seems to be completely free from life’s challenges. To one and all, Christ said, in effect: As long as we all must bear some burden and shoulder some yoke, why not let it be mine? My promise to you is that my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (See Matt. 11:28–30.)"

I am empowered with the truth that my Savior is sharing my yoke, making it easy through His eternal love. His love is enduring and everlasting. When I am weak to the load I bear, He is there to carry me.

Through the power of the atonement I know the Savior is able to succor my pains, sorrows, and afflictions. When I feel no one else will understand, I know He does. He is always there for me and blesses me with His grace each day.

Today I was rereading my journal from a year ago and was reminded of a story I posted from Bishop VanWagner that relates to my new understanding of "taking His yoke upon" me:

Camels are kind unattractive and uninviting with their ability to spit. However, they are also really powerful with their strengths and abilities. Camels can travel far distances without stopping for food and water, withstand extreme heat, and carry heavy loads. A camel’s master is very trusting of their abilities to endure and push forward. Each morning a camel bows before his master to take on a new load. Then, at the end of each day, a camel bows to his master to take their heavy burdens that they bear.

Just like a camel, I have a master I bow to each morning in humility to ask for strength and power to overcome the challenges of the day. I have learned to ask “how” instead of “why” to my master. He is omnipotent and knows how my experiences will help me become what He sees in my eternal mirror. As begin my day's journey, I believe He gently places my “load” upon me with tender mercy and care.

After the load is placed, He does not abandon me for he is always there. When the load is too heavy to bear, He lets me rest while encouraging to keep going. As I muster the strength to keep going, my master continues to walk beside me – never leaving me alone. When I start to leave the path, He is there to guide me back to safety through the Holy Spirit. His gentle words of love and support help me keep moving.

At the end of the day, I humbly bow before him to take my load. Through His everlasting grace and mercy, the load is lifted. I am so grateful for His strength and love that empower me with the ability to overcome.

Each camel has a different load comparable to their abilities. Just like the camels, I believe everyone has their own loads or trials to bear. Each is different in their size, but comparable in the treasures they hold. I am learning how important trials are for discovering who I am and uncovering life’s treasure. These treasures dust me with life's pleasures of growth and change.

The Beauty of Small Growth

Line upon line, precept on precept;
Now is the time for my spirit to grow.
As children of God, we are meant to be happy.
He gave us the gospel that we may be so.
All through my life I’ll grow in knowledge.
Journeys of faith move one step at a time.
As children of God, we are meant to be happy.
Teach me to be like Him—line upon line.

1989 by Nita Dale Milner

I continue to think and ponder about God's small, powerful changes. 2 Nephi 27-28 testifies that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is a God of miracles of His grace, wisdoem, and power. God's mighty works are found in daily tender mercies.

Opposing to God's light is Satan's darkness. He leads through lies of flaxen cords (2 Nephi 26:22) of "little sins" (2 Nephi 28:8) to justify lull, lie, and hide in darkness. Yet these small cords tighten to a speedy destruction.

I was thinking how God's miracles occur in small steps. Like the "Daffodil Principle," the beauty is awakening and inspiring. I think of sunrises, sunsets, flowers blossoming, trees blooming, autumn leaves, baby's growing, glistening rainbows and so much more.

Yet powerful destruction seems to occur ever so quickly - natural disasters, accidents, and other harmful events. The process of becoming lulled into the trap may be slow, but the destruction is quick.

My eyes twinkle at the sparkles of spring. As I came home from work today, my eyes were drawn to the peeping up tulip leaves. Like the trees and grass, life is awakening from a winter's rest. Rays of color and sun are gradually showing. Although it can be tempting to wish for the blossoms over night. There is a sweet sensation in wainting and watching life renew "line upon line."

Daffodil Principle

At our Stake Relief Society Conference this weekend, a story was shared that strengthened my perspective at life's big and small changes. So often my negative mind leads me to believe the changes I am striving for in recovery are not enough, inadequate, too slow. Yet the "Daffodil Principle" explains the power of small glimpses and bright shimmers of growth.

I am sure this woman's effort to plant this majestic sight was not easy. Some days were probably filled with treacherous thunderstorms, extreme heat, and physical weakness. Through it all, the woman was persistent in an effort to try to continue towards her goal.

On the most difficult days, I can't help but wonder if she acknowledged her powerlessness to God in prayer and faith. His light continually reaches out to strengthen us in times of heartache and difficulty. When praying to Heavenly Father for help, I have learned to not ask Him to remove the mountain. Instead I have found glimmers of growth by asking for His loving hand to guide me to know how to climb the mountain. In doing so, I am able to find magnificent treasures of beauty found along the way, including daffodil's.

The Daffodil Garden

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday," I promised, a little reluctantly, on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and so I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house and hugged and greeted my grandchildren, I said, "Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in the clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see bad enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother."
"Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her.

"I was hoping you'd take me over to the garage to pick up my car."
"How far will we have to drive?"
"Just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this."

After several minutes, I had to ask, "Where are we going? This isn't the way to the garage!"
"We're going to my garage the long way," Carolyn smiled, "by way of the daffodils."
"Carolyn," I said sternly, "please turn around."
"It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience. "

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign that read, "Daffodil Garden."

We got out of the car and each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, we turned a corner of the path, and I looked up and gasped.

Before me lay the most glorious sight. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it down over the mountain peak and slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron, and butter yellow. Each different colored variety was planted as a group so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"But who has done this?" I asked Carolyn.
"It's just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home."
Carolyn pointed to a well kept A frame house that looked small and modest in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house. On the patio, we saw a poster.

"Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking" was the headline.
The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read.
The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain."
The third answer was, "Began in 1958."

There it was, The Daffodil Principle.
For me, that moment was a life changing experience.
I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun one bulb at a time-to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top. Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, had changed the world. This unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. She had created something of ineffable (indescribable) magnificence, beauty, and inspiration.

The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time often just one baby step at a time-and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world.

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years. Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way.
"Start tomorrow," she said.
It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So work like you don’t need money. Love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one’s watching.

Don’t be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

Second Chances

As I was rereading a journal entry from last year at this time, I learned (or relearned) from my experience. I find both reading and writing in my journals brings blessings of strength.

"Today we went cross country skiing for our outing. It was beautiful in the mountains with the sun shining. I loved feeling the warmth of its rays dance on my face. This was the second I have gone, so I found it was a little easier. I was even able to go done the hills without falling.

As we processed on the way home, I expressed how going a second time was easier and more enjoyable that the first time. I related this to life. Sometimes the first part of a new experience or challenge is difficult, but with time it becomes easier. I have found that the most challenging moments and experiences in life bring the greatest blessings.

This experience also helped me realize the importance of second chances. So much thought and pressure is put into "first impressions," yet they are only a glimpse into the brightness a person or experience contains. I am finding how important second chances in life are for people, experiences, and myself. I was sent here to learn through experience and mistakes in my imperfection. God has provided a way to return to Him through the redeeming power of the Atonement. Through this eternal gift, the blessing of second chances is given. What is lost becomes found, what is broken becomes mended, and all things are made whole. The purpose of my life's journey is not to be perfect, but to continue to come unto Him to receive a "second chance."

Sending Pixie Dust,
Love,
Becky

Treasures of Life

This past weekend I attended the World-wide Leadership Training meeting. The messages shared were inspiring and uplifting. President Erying began his talk by mentioning how the scriptures often refer to treasures as those things you love. They guide your life in the direction of happiness or wickedness. Matthew 12:35 describes, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."

As I have pondered about the word treasure, my mind has reflected on the many blessings I love and cherish. God's hand is in my life bringing blessings overflowing, treasures of His everlasting love. As part of God's creations, I am loved by Him, now, always and forever.

God's eternal treasures bring blessings of happiness. I find my treasure chest is filled with blessings of the temple, eternal families, gospel, prayer, trials, angels, miracles, and countless other tender mercies. These blessings are the silver linings of my soul.

Another great promise of treasure is found in God's promise blessings of the Word of Wisdom. I am learning this is a great "treasure map" of keeping my physical and spiritual body healthy. Recently, in my sessions with Julie and Torey I have discovered how the principle of intuitive eating connects with the word of wisdom. Heavenly Father has given me a precious gift that Satan envies - my body. The principles of the word of wisdom & intuitive eating provide a treasure map to follow to living well in taking care of my body.

I love the promised blessings of the last 3 verses, D&C 89: 18-21:

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow in their bones;

And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

And shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint.

And I, the Lord give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen"

Using the principles of balance and joy found in living the word of wisdom, I know God brings about these eternal blessings that are further given in the temple. I especially, love the promise that "the destroying angel shall pass by them." To me this symbolizes Ed. With obedience to the principles, treasures of finding my divine potential will follow. I am so grateful to be able to better understand the word of wisdom's treasure map with the help of my angels Julie and Torey.

Carrying Out of Darkness

In my journey of recovery, I feel I have been rescued from an overwhelming prison of darkness. As I continue to move forward, my mind and heart feel free from Lucifer's bounds of deceits.

In 1 Nephi 21, Isaiah prophesies of the Messiah's light and power to free the Gentiles and all from prison. I connected this prophecy of freedom to my journey of recovery. In 1 Nephi 21:9-10 it reads:

"That thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth,; to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in high places. . . for he that hath mercy shall lead them . . . And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted."

I then cross-referenced to 2 Nephi 3:5:

". . . the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness, and out of captivity unto freedom."

Throughout the rough and smooth parts of my journey, my Savior's redeeming and omnipotent power are there to rescue me. Satan tries to keep me captive in his dark prison of hopelessness and unhappiness. However, through Christ's redeeming hands I am saved. His everlasting light and love release me from Lucifer's destructive bounds, into heaven's arms of safety.