Our Mission to New York: Be Not Afraid, March 18

March 18th, Monday.

We traveled to Corning, NY with the other missionaries as well as President and Sister Miner. Bonds rode down with us and I found this to be a delight. We needed this time together to renew our friendship and share our life experiences. I think I finally got my fill of the museum. I must admit, I find glass fascinating both in art and functionality. Bonds were kind to allow us to hang around until 4pm.

Thursday, June 19th

Someone shared this quote at a temple preparation meeting. I found the source through Deseret book. A powerful message

“The season of the world before us will be like no other in the history of mankind. Satan will unleash every evil, every scheme, and every vile perversion ever known to man in any generation. Just as this dispensation of the fullness of times brought restoration of all that is good and holy, so also did it bring the fullness of evil. As parents, spouses, children, and members of Christ’s church, we must find safety…There is no safety in the world: wealth cannot provide it, enforcement agencies cannot assure it, even membership in the church will not guarantee it.

As the evil night darkens on this generation, we must come to the temple for light and safety. Only in the house of the Lord will we find quiet, sacred havens where the storm cannot penetrate. There, unseen sentinels watch over us. So it was that the Prophet Joseph pled with God during the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple: “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power and that thy name may be upon them…and thine angels have charge over them.” (D&C 109:22). The Lord has promise: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” (D&C 84:88) Surely angelic attendants guard the temples of the Most High God. It is my conviction that as it was in the days of Elisha, so it will be for us: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)

Before the Savior comes the world will darken. The time will come when even the elect will begin to lose hope if they do not come often to the temples. I believe that the Saints will come here to the temples not only to do vicarious work, but also to find a God-given haven of peace. True and faithful Latter-day Saints the world over will long to bring their children to the temple for service and for safety.

There are great unseen hosts in the temple. Joseph told the brethren, “And I beheld the temple was filled with angels.” I believe deceased prophets of all dispensations visit the temples. Those who attend the temple will feel their strength and companionship. We will not be alone in the house of the Lord.

Faithful, endowed members of the church who keep all their covenants and properly wear their sacred coverings will be safe as if protected behind temple walls. The covenants and ordinances are filled with faith as a living fire. In a day of desolating sickness, scorched earth, barren wastes, sickening plagues, disease, destruction, and death, we as a people will rest in the shade of trees. We will drink from the cooling fountains. We will abide in places of refuge from the storm. We will mount up as on eagles’ wings; we will be lifted out of the wicked, insane, and evil world. We will be as fair as the sun and clear as the moon. The Savior will come and honor His people. Those who are prepared and therefore spared on that glorious, triumphant day will be a temple-loving people.

Vaughan J. Featherstone

The Incomparable Christ: Our Master and Model

Excerpts from Chapter One, “Holiness to the Lord”

Friday, March 22nd

With all the comings and goings of old and new missionary couples, we are beginning to feel the closeness of our own release. There is a mixture of excitement to see family and sadness to leave new friends and the Lord’s work. We wonder what is in store for us next.

We had a sweet sister attend last night who was returning after receiving her endowment a week ago in Draper, UT. She radiated such joy and love. I was helping her prepare in the locker room and she said to me. “I just love the temple. I wish everyone would come! I just want everyone to be here” What great enthusiasm. She will be a light to many around her.

Elder Pickup at the Corning Museum of Glass

Blowing Glass