So this week has just flown right by. We started working the afternoon shift in the temple this week. We were fairly busy most of the week and then the real "busy" hit on Saturday. Several weddings, sealings and people coming to the temple for the first time. It is always so tender to see the emotions of those who have waited for this day and are so prepared to take the next step on their journey to eternal happiness. I wish I could go into more detail about some of my experiences but the sacredness of what goes on there needs to stay that way. I love being able to be part of the weddings of the young people. Watching the girls walk out the door in their wedding dresses with a very attentive new husband brings back so many memories of my own daughters doing the same thing on their special wedding days, and even my own temple wedding some 45 years ago. In a few years I hope I will get to experience that with granddaughters and grandsons.
Today in Relief Society, the lesson was from the Teachings of the Presidents (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson) on pride and humility. I came home and read the chapter more in depth and was touched by the things I read so, as much for my benefit as that of those that may read this, I will recap some of my favorite teachings.
"Pride is characterized by 'What do I want out of life?' rather than by 'What would God have me do with my life?' It is self-will as opposed to Gods will. "
"To the proud, the applause of the world rings in their ears; to the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts."
"The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives."
"Our enmity (hatred or hostility) towards God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren't interested in changing their opinions to agree with God's."
"When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men's judgment. The world shouts louder than the whisperings of the holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revelations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod."
I loved this one. "Think how temple worked would increase if the time spent in this godly service were more important than the many prideful pursuits that complete for our time."
"The antidote for pride is humility-meekness, submissiveness. God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are."
Like I said, just some of the thoughts that made me do some reflection for myself and my actions. Maybe they will be ideas for a talk in the future.
Now, for the last part of this blog. The visitors center has scheduled firesides for each Sunday evening this month. Tonight a celtic group performed several Christmas songs for us. It was such a nice program. The room was standing room only. This group is comprised of people from this community (one couple from our ward) and their talents were amazing. We loved the songs of the season from British and Irish decent being played with a celtic twist. I love Christmas and the activities that go on this time of year. One other cool thing that happens at the visitors center is the decorating of several Christmas trees by various stakes throughout Oahu. The trees depict the birth of our Savior along with the traditions of the Hawaiians. I hope to get pictures of them when it is not so crowded. They would stand up against any tree I have seen at the Festival of the Trees.
Well, it is late so I'll close for tonight.
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