Standing Strong In The Face of Opposition

This weeks blog gives you more of the same things we have experienced so far while serving our mission.  I'm pretty sure that because we spend our time in the temple that it may seem a little mundane to the outside reader but let me assure you it is anything but mundane to me.  Every day brings different responsibilities, different personalities to work with and a different level of responsibility.  Today I would like to talk about some of that.

As we have served under a new presidency for the past two weeks we are learning more about each of them.  This week we were able to serve with President and Sister Nihipali.  They have had experience in a temple presidency while they served in the Kona, Hawaii temple until last year.  Their expertise will be of much value I am sure.  I have enjoyed being on their shift because they give us (Larry and I) the opportunity each day to be involved with the sealing process of couples.  These couples are taking the next step in eternal progression by being sealed (or married) to each other in the Holy House of the Lord.  It is fun to see their level of excitement and nervousness-both at the same time.  One day we were scheduled to be the temple escorts for a couple who were coming to the temple for the first time and then being sealed after their endowment session.  For some reason they decided not to come, at least that day.  I'm not sure if they will reschedule or not but it made me stop and think about what commitment level they have when the date has been planned and arranged for, family was invited to join in the joy of being there but for some reason they didn't follow through.  This gave me a little glimpse of what our Father feels when we disappoint Him.  I felt a disappointment that this wonderful couple and their two children were missing out on those temple blessings.  I'm sure that Heavenly Father felt that as well. Our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ must feel that disappointment when we choose to alter our behavior in living up to our covenants that we have made with Him.  I have done a great deal of thinking and pondering on that topic lately and really hope and pray that I can always remember the importance of keeping my covenants.

Now just a little review from our sacrament meeting talk today.  I was quite impressed that both the sister RM and the high councilman talked about weathering the storms in our lives.  It is oh so important to have a firm foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as we go through temptations, trials, problems, illness or any other thing that could take us away from the gospel.  Wind storms will come and go but if we are steadfast and immovable we can survive.  The problems arise when we waver in our belief system and our testimony.  Satan is always trying to put a wedge anywhere he can get it and his job is easy when we aren't strong.  I think this has to do with commitment to attending the temple and being faithful no matter what comes in our path.  I, just like most people have had my own trials in life but I hope and pray that my foundation is cemented deep enough that I won't cave on the things I know to be right and true.
It was interesting to note that in all three meetings today, the message was much the same.  Stay strong, don't let go of the iron rod and look forward to the final goal-living with God and Christ as well as those loved ones who have passed on.

The thing I like about writing these blogs is that when I begin I usually don't even have a direction that I want to go. I like to let the spirit guide me in my thoughts.
Can't wait to see what next week brings.