Our Mission to New York: Our Mission Comes to a Close, Release Date May 25, 2019

Our Work is Done

I have contemplated this final posting. Should I rehearse the final days, the travel home, the joy of reunion with family and friends. It would be simple to list the stops along the way, the projects done, the hugs and kisses of grandchildren, children, and friends. I will post a few pictures to capture these moments but feel impressed to share the more valuable details of the things I have gained these past 12 months. These are not things that can be captured by pixels but are, rather things captured in the heart and soul.

We were released on Saturday, May 25th by President Hancock. He asked us to share what we had done. Our response included many things you will have read about in previous blogs. Details easy to share: service in the temple, in the Hornell Branch, in our community of senior missionaries, our many outings and adventures. But these do not encompass the totality of our experience.

Saying Goodbye to Palmyra

Ray and I grew in our relationship and love. There began to arise a deeper understanding of our purpose as husband and wife. Our purpose and focus had been clear for many years as we raised our children, served in the community and church, supported our children & grandchildren, and earned a living. But now, we had dedicated ourselves to God in a more complete way. We were about His work on a daily bases. And we discovered a depth and richness that came only as we included Him in our relationship. We found that petty disagreements dissolved in His presence. We found great joy in extending His gifts and blessings to our brothers and sisters. We faced challenges together and rejoiced in the love that filled our hearts. I testify that when we invite God into our marriages and relationships that we can focus on the things that are most important.

The more we served and trained in the temple, the more I began to see the power of God's teachings and instruction. The scriptures came alive. I could see others as He sees them.

Between assignments, I sometimes found a few minutes to read the scriptures in the temple where I discovered hidden gems of truth and understanding. I have shared these along the way. I have felt an urgency to help the Lord do His work. To extend to all His children on both sides of the veil, His promised blessings. As I watch the youth in the baptistery, my thoughts turn to the joy of ancient prophets when they saw our day and the work of salvation that would be extended back through the generations.

The redemptive power of the atonement is discovered in the ordinances of the temple. I have felt and seen that power raise up the sons and daughters of God as they receive their gifts and endowments. Truly, all that we do as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should point us to the temple and the promised blessings of the Lord found there in.

“The temple is the house of the Lord.

The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Russell M. Nelson

As temple workers, our main objective was to receive God's honored guests and provide an environment for them to learn from Him. Our understanding of Him and His eternal truths are best learned in His holy house.

“The Lord loves to do His own teaching in His holy house.

Imagine how pleased He would be if you asked Him to teach you about priesthood keys, authority, and power as you experience the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood in the holy temple.”

Russell M. Nelson

I would leave with you my testimony that the ordinances of the temple are exalting. They give us power to rise above this fallen world, strength to face challenges, and hope for a better world.