Training Complete - Sunday in Madison, May 20

Our trainers were Brother and Sister Allredge, (front right) 

former President and Matron of the Salt Lake City Temple.  

Their knowledge, love, and instruction was often breathtaking.  

Tears flowed easily as our love of temples 

and understanding of God's love grew.  Two couples are on their way to the Nauvoo temple.  I sent a hug & hello to my nephew David Stoddard and his wife, Denise serving there for the next year. 

Wednesday's training was focused on the Savior, the Redeemer of the World and the many symbols of his love and atonement through the temple experience.  I am beginning to realize that my understanding of temples is truly in it's infancy.  I am looking forward to the promises given that more light and knowledge will flow as we serve in the Palmyra temple.

REDEEMER OF ISRAEL

Redeemer of Israel our only delight. On whom for a blessing we call

Our shadow by day and our pillar by night Our King, our Deliverer our all!

As children of Zion good tidings for us. The tokens already appear

Fear not and be just for the kingdom is ours. The hour of redemption is near.

Restore, my dear Savior, the light of they face: Thy soul-cheering comfort impart;

And let the sweet longing for thy holy place, Bring hope to my desolate heart.

And off we go.......

It's a good thing one of us was not too tired to drive. 

HIGH ON A MOUNTAIN TOP

High on a Mountain Top a banner is unfurled

Ye nations now look up, it waves to all the world

In Deseret's sweet, peaceful land, On Zion's mount behold it stand!

For God remembers still His promise made of old

That He on Zion's hill truth's standard would unfold!

Her light should there attract the gaze, Of all the world in latter days.

His house shall there be reared, His glory to display,

And people shall be heard in distant lands to say:

We'll now go up and serve the Lord, obey His truth, and learn His word.

For there we shall be taught the law that will go forth.

With truth and wisdom fraught, to govern all the earth.

Forever there His ways we'll tread, And save ourselves with all our dead. 

Jennifer, Elder & Sister Pickup, Jessica

Arrived safely in Madison, Saturday afternoon.  We were able to attend a YSA activity on communication that Jessica was in charge of, then home to fix cars, listen to Jessica's new bassoon, eat, and visit, visit, visit....oh yeah and laundry!