Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Our assignment started early again—that mean’s pre-shift early to be prepared for the first arrivals to the temple.  Students from SVU, Southern Virginia University, came this morning and filled several sessions and ordinance areas.  SVU, we understand, is patterned after BYU and mostly LDS students attend; but it is not Church sponsored and is quite small.  

There was a sealing for a Latin couple just after our shift ended and Glade and I stayed to help them with the part that comes before the sealing.   They had two young sons with them and were so happy as they prepared to become an eternal family.  We loved being able to help a little.  Of course, there was a Spanish-speaking sealer who took care of them, but we helped where we could.

Counsel from our Temple Presidency includes focusing on the patrons and assisting them in having a wonderful experience in the temple.  We notice that as we don’t rush the ordinances but take time to feel the Spirit as we share them, we can recognize the spiritual moments so often felt by the patrons.  It really touches our hearts.  Participation in the temple is not just to checkoff an item on our “to-do” list or to fulfill an obligation, but to give service, to feel the personal influence of the Holy Ghost, and to feel closer to our Savior.  We pray that you will each have special experiences in the temple as well.    

This is the photo that was taken Sunday after Church.  It is so remarkable how many people we know by name already and count them as great friends