Stand in Holy Places

Welcome to Billings! I love this place! 

I have felt very much at home since I arrived in Billings. The people have been wonderful and the scenery in amazing. Dominating the border of the Northern Rims in the Billings temple. Everyday I'm blessed to see it and be reminded that 

God is right here in my neighborhood. 

Growing up in Utah I was used to having temples surrounding me, but I didn't realize how special they were until they were not around. President Monson said, 

"The world can be a challenging and difficult place. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; 

we will be renewed and fortified."

Last week I had the opportunity to enter this wonderful place, not to attend a session but to clean. No detail in the Lords house was overlooked. Each volunteer labored with love as they cleaned and repaired the Lords house. I was blessed to work in the Brides Room, cleaning and reassembling an intricate chandelier. My testimony was strengthen as the Spirit reminded me that this room, this beautiful chandelier was just one of the ways God shows his daughters how much he loves them. It is an experience I wont soon forget.

They hymn More Holiness Give me is a cry to the Lord for more. More peace, more, patience, more faith, more purpose. Each of these truly can be found within the walls of every temple. I know that if we will make the temple a priority in our lives we will be blessed with more. Whether its our first time or hundredth, our hearts and lives can be changed. 

More holiness give me,

More strivings within,

More patience in suffering,

More sorrow for sin,

More faith in my Savior,

More sense of his care,

More joy in his service,

More purpose in prayer.

More strength to overcome,

More freedom from earth-stains,

More longing for home.

More fit for the kingdom,

More used would I be,

More blessed and holy--

More, Savior, like thee.

Be Prepared

"When leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraced the newly founded Boy Scout movement 100  years ago, it was a decision that would end up blessing the Church, the Boy Scouts of America, and millions of young men and their leaders during the ensuing century/"

Last week I had the chance to watch the 100 years of Scouting celebration broadcast. I was so impressed by the whole thing. I really saw for the first time how scouting could be a missionary tool. With a motto of "Be Prepared", and a slogan of "Do a good turn daily". Its easy to see how this program can help prepare young people to serve our Heavenly Father through out the world.

"Further, we must teach that in doing his duty to God he prepares himself to go on a mission when he is old enough. Every Scouter can lead a boy into receiving this rich gift. This should be a first objective in your Scouting." -S. Dilworth Young

President Monson was rightfully honored for his years of scouting. He recounted a time when his scout leader dropped his troop off in the mountains, charged young President Monson with catching enough fish to feed the boys and then left. He never questioned the charge. He just did his part and caught the fish to feed the troop. It wasn't until he was older that he realized how irresponsible that was of the Scoutmaster, but it was a learning experience.

I fully believe that the Scouting program and the Personal Progress programs are divinely inspired and if used properly can be one of our strongest tools in helping young people prepare to serve there mission.

I know that our Heavenly Father wants us to succeed. He loves us and gives us so many blessing and opportunities to grow and to serve. He truly is a loving Father and if we rely on Him, He can bless us far beyond what we expect.