I Love to See the Temple

September 29, 2014

I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE! The temple trip was this week and it was incredible. It was the first time I've done an endowment session in a year and it was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful in every way. It's about an hour from Brantford to Brampton so we drove up Friday night and stayed at another sister's apartment so we could make it to the 7:45 session on Saturday morning. One of my favorite things about the Toronto temple is the art work. (Naturally. Haha.) I have two favorites: When going through the front doors, on the far back wall is a huge mural of Christ ministering to people and it's beautiful. The second is right outside the doors to the exit of the Celestial room and it's of Christ standing in what looks like a tropical forest with two small girls, one on each side, and He has His arms around them. One is white and the other is native. I like to think of them as Nephite and Lamanite girls. It's a fantastic painting! Breathtaking really.


As we were driving back from the temple we were listening to the most recent general conference, and Elder Oaks talk came on about the Priesthood. I love that talk! Because I love the Priesthood. I am so grateful to be a part of Christ's true church which is directed by Him and His Priesthood. Our lesson in Relief Society was also on Elder Oaks talk so I've been thinking a lot about it. As we were listening, Elder Oaks said something about "bearers of the Priesthood" and the Spirit taught me something through several scriptures and phrases that came into my mind. Men bear the priesthood. Women bear children. These are our divine roles given from a loving Heavenly Father and that is why marriage between a man and woman is so important and essential. When we are baptized we covenant to "bear one another's burdens burdens, that they may be light." These connections brought a peace to my heart and I know that these are true principles. Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. There is a deep and abiding understanding within me of the reality of my Heavenly Father and a trust in His commandments. They are the key to peace. In the words of President Uchtdorf, "The commandments are not just motivational quotes on a pinterset board!" They are the road map to eternal life. What a joy to know, heed, and receive the promised blessings that are connected with God's commandments!


The rest of Saturday was really busy! We had appointments and met with our Bishop and that evening was the General Women's meeting with was wonderful! A common theme was the temple and covenants. Bishop bore his testimony yesterday about covenants and he said, "We don't need covenants to inherit the telestial or terrestrial kingdom, only in the Celestial kingdom are covenants required." I knew this, but the way he phrased it sparked a new understanding in my mind and I felt the significance of the promises I have made with my Heavenly Father. They are well worth making, keeping, defending, and sacrificing for. This understanding was perfectly displayed in my mind having the recent reminder of temple covenants I've made. The temple is the place. It truly is and always will be.


We found eleven new people to teach this week and we're excited! One of them is a member referral from a recent convert. She's 18 and pregnant and living with her boyfriend. The missionaries tried to teach her several months ago, but she wasn't willing. Now that she is expecting a baby her perspective has changed and she is willing to do whatever she needs to do to give her baby the best life she can. The Spirit was strong as we promised her that this is what she and her family need.


This is the last week of the transfer, so I'll let you know next week if I'll be staying in Brantford or if I'll be packing up to spend my last transfer in another area! Keep smiling. ENJOY CONFERENCE THIS WEEKEND!!! (I am beyond excited!!) The Church is true.


Love and Prayers, Sister Felix
"The crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty." -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland


Drive back from Brampton
The four Brantford Sisters
President and Sister Clayton and I :)