We are quickly approaching our one year wedding anniversary, which means some big things coming for us this year. New baby, of course, which is growing well, and now we are preparing to be sealed in the temple, which is also very exciting!
As we have started talking about setting dates and how we can be more prepared for this event, we have felt very strongly about making our home a sanctuary for the Spirit to dwell. We know that we will be tested and tried as the time gets closer and we would like to be prepared for those times that are coming.
So I am asking for your advice...
What do you do to make your home more of a sanctuary for the Spirit?
What did you do or do you do now to prepare for temple attendance?
When I prepared to go to the temple to be endowed, I tried going to the temple to do baptisms as often as I could so I would have the habit of making the temple an important part of my life. I also went to the temple prep class at church and read Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple. The best thing that I did to prepare was to try inviting the Spirit more into my life. My advice for that is to regularly read scriptures and pray as a family. If you're doing it as a family, you'll probably do it as an individual too, and it influences all of your actions in the home.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you guys. What great blessings are in store and your enjoying now. A good friend of both of ours once told me think of yourself as they royal son or daughter of the Heavenly King that you are in all you do and especially when you go to the Temple. Another bit of council Holly and I received is to recognize that you are starting your own kingdom as you and your family are sealed together. It is a portion of the Kingdom of God and your home should reflect that. I'm so happy for you guys. You and Caleb are great people.
ReplyDeleteCameron studied the Pearl of Great Price with me before we were sealed. I also took an AWESOME temple prep class. I agree with Merry, though. The basics are the most helpful. Having the spirit as a constant companion, making a conscious effort to not raise your voice, deciding to assume everything that your spouse does wrong is probably just a misunderstanding. I totally agree that Satan kind of goes into overdrive when something beautiful and amazing is about to happen. The fact that you're aware of this and already have your guard up says a lot about how prepared you are even now. :) So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI think the television plays a big role in the strength of the Spirit in your home, the shows we choose seem to make such a difference in how we feel and the Spirit that is in the home. I definitely don't think that television has to be eliminated completely, but there are good shows and not so good shows out there. The amount of television we watch seems to make a difference too. Attending the temple as often as possible is always helpful too, although, with small children it is very difficult because traveling and doing the session takes up most of the day and you have to find someone to babysit for so long. What an exciting time! Having and ETERNAL companion is indescribable for me, to spend eternity with the person I love the most in the world is so exciting for me, it always brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it!
ReplyDelete