What They Said Wednesday–President Thomas S. Monson

 

Talk: President Thomas S. Monson

• Bishop of the ward is given the responsibility to care for those within the boundaries of his ward. When he was Bishop - grateful for the great Welfare program and the service of the RS sisters.
• Three years since he was sustained as Prophet.
• 21 temples built → 115 Temples Both in 30 year periods.
  • Chronological list of temples
  • 26 Temple under construction or in Pre-construction stages

• Revelation:  Temples bring joy to faithful members!
  • No matter how far your temple may be, it IS a blessing to attend--especially when it is a sacrifice.
• Saints Travel from Manaus to Sao Paulo Temple
  • Google Map of trip distance
• The Saints at Kirtland were impoverished, but the Lord commanded them to build a temple. So build it they did.
• Temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service.
• Why are so many willing to give so much for the blessings of the temple?
  • Blessing will always out weight any sacrifice.
• There are NEVER too many miles to travel, too many difficulties to overcome. 

• The saving ordinances received in the temple are worth every sacrifice and every effort.
• Worth EVERY sacrifice and EVERY hardship to be endowed with that power and strength
• Some of the most treasured family experiences are to go as a family and participate in the saving ordinances for others
• 85% of the church membership lives within 200 miles of a temple.
• If you have not yet been to the temple or currently do not qualify to go, there is no greater goal than to qualify.  
  • Secure a temple recommend and regard it as the precious treasure that it is.
• Teenagers “ALWAYS HAVE THE TEMPLE WITHIN YOUR SIGHTS!”
  • This was a huge message of the last General YW meeting--focus on the day you will be sealed in the temple and let your goal to be worthy for that day direct your actions
• It would be a fine thing if parents would have in every bedroom a picture of the temple. -Spencer W. Kimball
• The Rome temple is being built in the city where Peter, Paul preached the gospel of Christ
  • And where they were martyred for their testimonies
• In a coming day--the saints in this city will be able to participate in saving ordinances
• Rome, Italy Temple and construction photographs.
• Each temple stands as a beacon, an expression of testimony that God lives, that He desires to bless us and all generations.
• Life beyond the grave is as real and certain as is our life here on earth--we can participate in the ordinances for ourselves and for those who have passed beyond.
• Make whatever sacrifices are necessary to attend the temple of the Lord