Temples
by Shauna Gibby

In the holiness of the temple . . . the power of godliness is manifested to all people who . . . come to make sacred covenants.

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Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “The Power of Godliness Is Manifested in the Temples of God,” by Octaviano Tenorio, Ensign, Nov 2007, 95–97.

Thought:
In the holiness of the temple . . . the power of godliness is manifested to all people who . . . come to make sacred covenants.

(Octaviano Tenorio, “The Power of Godliness Is Manifested in the Temples of God,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 95–97.)

Song:
“I Love to See the Temple” Children’s Songbook, p. 95.

Scripture:
And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people. (Doctrine and Covenants 124:40)

Lesson:
Show your family pictures of temples and talk about why we build temples. Divide your family into two groups. Have both groups read D&C 97:10–17, with one group looking for how temples are built and the other group looking for ways temples can bless our lives. Have both groups report their findings. Ask:

• How do these verses explain why we need a recommend to enter the temple?
• What does the Lord promise if we keep the temple undefiled?

Ask family members who have been to a temple to share their testimony of feeling God’s presence in that holy place.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 211.)

Story:
I grew up in the shadows of the Alberta Temple. I remember the stories of my grandfather, Daniel Kent Greene, a man of great faith. A family history records that “on November 5, 1913, the ground-breaking ceremony was held” for the construction of the Alberta Temple, and “Daniel K. Greene . . . plowed the first furrow for the excavation work.”

In the beautiful baptismal font in that temple . . . I performed many baptisms for the dead. It . . . has provided a guide and a comfort for my life. I remember well when I was sixteen years old being rushed to Calgary for a serious operation in which I was expected, according to the specialists, to lose my equilibrium and my hearing if I lived. My parents, who were faithful temple workers for many years, explained to me with great faith that they were putting my name on the prayer roll in the temple and all would be well. I remember living in anticipation of going to the temple one day and coming to understand how that worked.

When I was a teenager, the missionaries of the Western Canadian Mission gathered at the temple for a conference, and it was then that I met Elder Heber Kapp. Eventually my fervent prayers were answered, for a few years later we were sealed in that temple for time and all eternity.

Whenever I enter the beautiful Alberta Temple after these many years, thoughts come flooding to my mind. I feel like a child once again at home in the family circle. I almost anticipate the presence of my parents and grandparents. Being there is a wonderful foretaste of the joy we will have when we return to our ultimate home.

(Ardeth Greene Kapp, The Joy of the Journey, [Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 1992].)

Activity:
Print pictures of ten different temples from around the world. Use a world map or globe. Show a picture of a temple and let family members try to guess which temple it is. Mark each temple location on the map. Point out that temples are built around the world to offer all worthy members of the Church the opportunity to partake of temple ordinances and blessings.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Building Blocks for Better Lessons, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], p. 71.)

Refreshment

Honey Peanut-Butter Cookies

1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup nuts, chopped

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and peanut butter together. Add sugar and continue creaming. Add honey gradually and beat until light. Add egg and mix well. Stir or sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts; mix well.

Form dough into 2 rolls. Wrap in wax paper and chill. Cut dough in 1/2–inch slices, and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes. Makes 2 dozen cookies. Note: Cookies may also be formed by shaping dough into balls, placing them on cookie sheet, and flattening with a fork to make a crisscross pattern.

(Paula Julander and Joanne Milner, Utah State Fare, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1995], p. 107.)

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Deseret Book

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