Temples & Uplifting

I have learned much this week about how the Lord will uplift us and sustain us during difficult times.  As I have struggled with the cares of the bishop, I have turned to him over and over. As I do I feel continual steps upward even if at times it is slow in relieving the burden. But as I trust in Him He makes things happen that lighten the load and opens further understanding. I will always trust Him to help understand better how to act in His way so that I can be a better tool in His hands. 

Part of this also has been a ponderization of the temple and the blessings we get from the cove ants we enter into there. They serve as a protection, influence, power and enduring support that lifts and guides through every aspect of life. Things are brought into perspective, reminders are sustained that help me avoid heartache and difficulties, new impressions come that enable me to influence others for good, and I am sustained in my efforts to live according to the pattern He has revealed for lasting peace and joy. 

Sometimes our minds are so beset with problems, and there are so many things clamoring for attention at once, that we just cannot think clearly and see clearly. At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can “see” things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known.

The Lord will bless us as we attend to the sacred ordinance work of the temples. Blessings there will not be limited to our temple service. We will be blessed in all of our affairs. We will be eligible to have the Lord take an interest in our affairs both spiritual and temporal. (Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple)

This was another wonderful week. We had lots of time together and lots of fun. I even played games that I usually don't. I do have to clearly state that after an epic fail and Jenga extreme, i e first try toppling the tower, I then proceeded to outlast and was NOT the one to topple it after many rounds. I feel accomplished in life:)

Ty had the priest quorum over for New Year's Eve and we did not get people home and us into bed until after 2 AM. That is not my lifestyle, just to be clear. It about did me in. But everyone had fun and they downed 9 half gallons of chocolate milk, along with a host of food. 

Skjelse and Jeff are likely driving up to Portland right now, so I hope they are safe and use wisdom in driving, it's a long trip with little time for rest. 

Kieren was so excited to come back to BYU home to a clean apartment (because she was the last to leave and cleaned before she left). So amazing after a childhood of, say, less than tidy habits:).

Ty and Alysia are doing great at the family history class for the youth. Lys always finds ways to index hard batches and Ty continues to find family names that we take to the temple. It is also fun to read moms grandma Bjorkman's history and learn about her life. 

Your mom is amazing, she always has the right things to help me. Don't forget to take advantage of her wisdom and insight in your own lives. She and I are always willing to talk through something with you so you can make the best decisions for your life. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4