Holy Temples on Mount Zion

What a wonderful week here in the Falda.  Yesterday, we had the dedication ceremony for the temple in Cordoba, Argentina and it was also my very first time watching a dedication.  President Uchtdorf spoke and gave some very powerful and inspirational words.  My members assisted as well as one of our less actives who has been struggling and had eyes full of tears.

President Uchtdorf challenged everyone to always be worthy to have a temple recommend and to attend as often as we possibly can.  He mentioned that temples are here for us to find answers to our prayers and to seek personal revelation.  Especially during difficult time, trials, and challenges.  We need to stand up and help people around us - members and non-members to have an "eternal aspect" and to also live worthy as if they had a temple recommend also.

CORDOBA, ARGENTINA TEMPLE

John Taylor (1808–87)

“We have now finished this temple, and some people inquire, what is it for? For many things: that our sealings and ordinances may be performed in a manner that will be acceptable before God and the holy angels; that whatsoever is bound on the earth according to the laws of the eternal priesthood shall be bound in the heavens; that there may be a connecting link between the living and the dead” (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Latter-day Prophets Speak [1948], 134).

Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918)

“We hope to see the day when we shall have temples built in the various parts of the land where they are needed for the convenience of the people: for we realize that one of the greatest responsibilities that rest upon the people of God today is that … they may be joined together fitly in the bond of the New and Everlasting covenant from generation to generation” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1902, 3).

George Albert Smith (1870–1951)

“Each of [the temples] has been built to one great eternal purpose: to serve as a House of the Lord, to provide a place sacred and suitable for the performing of holy ordinances that bind on earth as in heaven—ordinances for the dead and for the living that assure those who receive them and who are faithful to their covenants, the possession and association of their families, worlds without end, and exaltation with them in the celestial kingdom of our Father” (“The Tenth Temple,” Improvement Era, Oct. 1945, 561).

I'm so grateful for temple in my life because I can have an "eternal aspect" of all things.  But most importantly, to live with loved ones again.  God has given them to us for many reasons and one of them is our salvation.  I'm so grateful for those members and missionaries all over the world to bring about God's work and create more temples to fulfill God's work through faith, repentance, dedication and baptism.  Let us all remember the words from President Uchtdorf, "To be always worthy and have an eternal aspect" by enduring to the end.

OK, so this week we totally had a miracle day on Friday.  We found an investigator named, "Andres" about a month ago and we have passed his house about 5 times now and met both his parents who are also wonderful.  His mom mentioned to come by again this week....well we did....and por fin!  He had just gotten back from Buenos Aires on a business trip and the first thing he say is, "I promise I haven't forgotten about you"!  When we first taught him he had no interest in church and kind of believed in God, but as we taught about our purpose here on earth, it caught his attention and he became interested.  As we kept talking, he mentioned that he searched the internet and watched the whole 25 min restoration, not to mention in English!  Haha, we had a good laugh and helped him out a little by teaching it again in Spanish so he could understand....what a sport!  Anyways, we ended up giving him a Book of Mormon and has committed to praying for the first time.  During the lesson, his mom also came from behind and said, "I want to listen!"  They are soooo great and are both committed to coming to church!

We also passed by a less active who live super close at our last ten minutes of the day.  He told us that he was struggling.  He can't quit smoking and has a small job with lots of bills to pay.  That same day my comp and I had a lesson plan to help someone quit smoking and they weren't home, so we taught it to him and helped him get back on track.  We taught him how important it is to keep praying, reading, and attending church.  He mentioned to us that he felt uncomfortable knowing he isn't worthy to attend.  I learned something very important that "it doesn't matter what people say and think, we are all "UN" perfect people who make mistakes, and it is our relationship with God that counts as well as the promises you have made with Him that matters.

Alma 42:29-30

29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.

30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.

Homework:  Take a trip to the temple this week :)