THE HOLY TEMPLE

If we hadn't fully awoken, the brisk, 3am desert air did the trick.

We do the usual: 20 minute run, 10 minute strength training, shower, pray, work.  Today we are working at the Temple.

The Mesa, Arizona Temple is outside of our mission's geographic boundaries.  Because of this, we have to get special permission to attend.  We also scheduled a time to go that would not interfere with our proselyting--we figured 5am wouldn't be a very popular hour to teach. Or to be awake for that matter.

Erin, our good friend, drives us the hour stretch from Phoenix to Mesa.  The sleepy city seems to mimic the car ride.  We each prepare to enter the Lord's House.

It is a small sacrifice to make compared to those who have sacrificed their jobs, homes, and lives to receive the blessings of the temple.  Read More

"In the temple we are taught, we make covenants, and we are promised blessings.  We receive ordinances that enable us to live in the presence of God." -What Happens in Mormon Temples
"No work is more of a protection to this church than temple work and the genealogical research that supports it. No work is more spiritually refining. No work we do gives us more power. No work requires a higher standard of righteousness.  Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people.  So come to the temple—come and claim your blessings. It is a sacred work." Elder Boyd K. Packer: The Holy Temple

My amazing companion Sister Carrigan

Erin: She is adorable