A Bit About Temples

If you have traveled around the Beltway in Washington, DC, you have most likely seen the LDS Temple. Seeing the temple appear suddenly on this stretch of highway is breath-taking.

When I was growing up near Cleveland, Ohio, the DC temple was the only temple located in the eastern US, but today there are over 126 temples around the world.

Many people wonder what temples are all about. Understandably so! I recall having a great desire to enter the temple from an early age. In college, my curiosity about temples grew, and I began reading as much as I could about them. I also continued to live my life in such a way that I would be worthy to worship in the temple when the time was right for me.

As I have attended, worshiped, and made covenants inside of these holy temples over the last eight years, I have found answers to many basic questions, such as, "Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? What is my relationship to my Maker?" I have learned about Christ's divine role in the grand scheme of life. I have received valuable personal revelation and direction about my life. I have received comfort, reassurance, and spiritual strength as I have continued to live by the standards required to enter these temples.

Living by these standards (honesty, moral cleanliness, sexual purity, etc.) has increased my spiritual sensitivity and ability to understand the will of God. It has also brought me much happiness and freedom.

Amazingly, the blessings of the temple are available to all who desire them, but these blessings require preparation, even for someone like me, who was born into the church. I have included a few links below to help you learn more about the purpose and holiness of temples and I will blog about temples again in the future...

"Why These Temples" by Gordon B. Hinckley

Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings by Russell M. Nelson

Temple Website