that I understood completely how my By Elder Quentin L. Cook father felt about me.” 22 Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Alma testified to his son: “Behold, I say unto you, that it is [Christ] that surely shall come . . . ; yea he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people. See Yourself in “And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this the Temple people, to prepare their minds; or rather . . . that they may prepare the I pray that each of us will honor the Savior and make any necessary minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming.” 23 changes to see ourselves in His sacred temples. That is the ministry of fathers today. God bless and make them equal to it, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼

NOTES he rolling forth of the Lord’s plan temples are dedicated. This is cause 1. David Blankenhorn, Fatherless America: of salvation during this dispen- for us to humbly rejoice. Confronting Our Most Urgent Social sation of the fulness of times is One hundred eighty years ago, Problem (1995), 62. T 1 almost beyond comprehension. This on this very day, April 3, 1836, a 2. Blankenhorn, Fatherless America, 5. 3. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” is exemplified by President Thomas S. magnificent vision was opened to Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129. Monson’s announcement of 4 new the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver 4. “The Family: A Proclamation to the temples in this conference session. Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. World,” 129. 5. Blankenhorn, Fatherless America, 25, 26. When President Monson was called This occurred just one week after 6. See Moses 1:39. as an Apostle in 1963, there were the dedication of that temple. In this 7. See John 3:16. 12 operating temples in the world.2 vision they saw the Lord standing 8. John 15:13. 9. See Doctrine and Covenants 59:23; Moses With the dedication of the Provo City upon the breastwork of the pulpit in 6:59. Center Temple, there are now 150, and the temple. Among other things, the 10. See Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36. there will be 177 when all announced Savior declared: 11. Doctrine and Covenants 68:25, 28. 12. Doctrine and Covenants 93:42. 13. Psalm 78:5–7. 14. Hebrews 12:6. 15. Doctrine and Covenants 121:43–44. 16. Doctrine and Covenants 83:4. 17. Blankenhorn, Fatherless America, 113. 18. Mosiah 4:14–15. 19. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” 129. 20. Luke 2:52. 21. 3 John 1:4. 22. Julian Dyke, “Thanks, Dad,” New Era, Apr. 1993, 38; Tambuli, Oct. 1994, 45. 23. Alma 39:15–16.

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MAY 2016 97 “Let the hearts of all my people in the Temple.” As people gazed into attending to our temple responsibilities rejoice, who have, with their might, the mirror, they saw themselves in for both the living and the dead. built this house to my name. the temple. The Seniors taught the Because of the restored gospel of “For behold, I have accepted this investigators and members to picture Jesus Christ, we understand the purpose house, and my name shall be here; and themselves in the temple and make the of life, the Father’s plan of salvation for I will manifest myself to my people in necessary lifestyle changes and spiritual His children, the Savior’s redemptive mercy in this house.” 3 preparations to meet this goal. sacrifice, and the central role of families On that sacred occasion, ancient My challenge this morning is for in the organization of heaven.10 prophets appeared, including Elijah, each of us, wherever we live, to see The combination of increased num- who bestowed the keys essential for ourselves in the temple. President bers of temples and advanced technol- temple ordinances. Monson has stated: “Until you have ogy to fulfill our sacred family history We have some sense of the entered the house of the Lord and responsibilities for our ancestors makes rejoicing that is going on in Quito, have received all the blessings which this the most blessed time in all history. Ecuador; Harare, Zimbabwe; Belém, await you there, you have not obtained I rejoice in the extraordinary faith- Brazil; and Lima, Peru, both with everything the Church has to offer. The fulness of our youth in indexing and members and missionaries, based on all-important and crowning blessings finding their ancestors and then doing what happened in Bangkok, Thailand, of membership in the Church are those the baptism and confirmation work in a year ago when that temple was blessings which we receive in the the temple. You are literally among the announced. Sister Shelly Senior, wife temples of God.” 5 prophesied saviors on Mount Zion. of the then-president of the Thailand Despite the lack of righteousness Bangkok Mission, David Senior, in the world today, we live in a sacred, How Do We Prepare for the Temple? emailed family and friends to say that holy time. Prophets, with loving and We know that righteousness and after she and her husband had listened longing hearts, have described our day sanctification are essential parts of pre- to President Monson announce that for centuries.6 paring for the temple. temple, there had been “12 sleepless The Prophet Joseph Smith, citing In Doctrine and Covenants section hours and lots of tears of happiness.” both Obadiah 7 in the Old Testament 97, it reads, “And inasmuch as my They called their mission assistants at and 1 Peter 8 in the New Testament, people build a house unto me in the 11:30 p.m. and informed them. The acknowledged the great purpose of name of the Lord, and do not suffer assistants called all the missionaries. God in providing baptism for the dead any unclean thing to come into it, that The report came back that the “whole and allowing us to be saviors on Mount it be not defiled, my glory shall rest mission was awake in the middle of Zion.9 upon it.” 11 the night jumping on their beds.” Sister The Lord has prospered our people Until 1891 the President of the Senior humorously admonished family and provided the resources and pro- Church signed each temple rec- and friends, “Please don’t tell the phetic guidance so we can be valiant in ommend to protect the sanctity of Missionary Department!” 4 the temple. That responsibility was The deep spiritual response of the then delegated to bishops and stake members in Thailand was equally presidents. strong. I am confident there have been It is our great desire that members spiritual preparations in hearts and of the Church will live to be worthy of homes and manifestations from heaven a temple recommend. Please don’t see preparing the Saints where these newly the temple as some distant and perhaps announced temples will be located. unachievable goal. Working with their Sister Senior, in Thailand, had some bishop, most members can achieve special hand mirrors made for her all righteous requirements in a rela- personal teaching, especially with sis- tively short period of time if they have ters. There was a temple etched in the Specially made hand mirrors helped people in a determination to qualify and fully mirror with the wording, “See Yourself Thailand see themselves in the temple. repent of transgressions. This includes

98 SUNDAY MORNING SESSION | APRIL 3, 2016 being willing to forgive ourselves and not focus on our imperfections or sins as disqualifying us from ever entering a sacred temple. The Savior’s Atonement was accomplished for all of God’s children. His redeeming sacrifice satisfies the demands of justice for all those who truly repent. The scriptures describe this in a most beautiful fashion: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” 12 Church leaders organize stakes, They help us recognize the sacred “And I will remember [them] no wards, quorums, Church auxiliaries, covenants that connect us to all gen- more.” 13 missions, and so forth in our chapels erations that follow. This is incredibly We assure you that living righteous and other buildings. The Lord orga- significant, and it starts when you see principles will bring you and your nizes eternal families only in temples. yourself in the temple. family happiness, fulfillment, and It is clear that those with broken President Howard W. Hunter peace.14 Members, both adults and hearts and contrite spirits who have truly counseled us to “consider the majestic youth,15 self-certify their worthiness repented of their sins are completely teachings in the great dedicatory prayer when they answer the temple recom- acceptable to the Lord in His holy of the Kirtland Temple, a prayer the mend questions. The essential require- house.17 We know “God is no respecter Prophet Joseph Smith said was given ment is to increase our testimony of of persons.” 18 One of the precious things to him by revelation. It is a prayer that God the Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; I love about the temple is that among continues to be answered upon us indi- and the Restoration of His gospel and those who attend, there are no distinc- vidually, upon us as families, and upon to experience the ministering of the tions of wealth, rank, or position of us as a people because of the priest- Holy Ghost. any kind. We are all equal before God. hood power the Lord has given us to Everyone is dressed in white to signify use in His holy temples.” 22 We would The Blessings of the Temple Are we are a pure and righteous people.19 do well to study the 109th section of Numerous All sit side by side with a desire in their the Doctrine and Covenants and to fol- The primary blessings of the temple hearts to be worthy sons and daughters low President Hunter’s admonition “to are the ordinances of exaltation. The of a loving Heavenly Father. establish the temple of the Lord as the gospel plan is about exaltation and Just think, across the entire world great symbol of [our] membership.” 23 encompasses making and keeping women and men can through “sacred The temple is also a place of sacred covenants with God. Except ordinances and covenants available refuge, thanksgiving, instruction, and for baptism and confirmation, these in holy temples . . . return to the understanding, “that [we] may be ordinances and covenants are per- presence of God and . . . be united perfected . . . in all things pertaining to formed and received in the temple for eternally.” 20 They do this in a beau- the kingdom of God on the earth.” 24 the living. For the dead, all the saving tiful, sacred sealing room available Throughout my life it has been a place ordinances and covenants are received to all temple-worthy members. After of tranquility and peace in a world that in the temple. they enter into these covenants, they is literally in commotion.25 It is won- Brigham Young taught, “There is not can “see themselves in the temple” derful to leave the cares of the world one thing that the Lord could do for mirrors that face each other. “Together behind in that sacred setting. the salvation of the human family that the temple mirrors reflect back and Often in the temple, and as we he has neglected to do; . . . all that can forth images that stretch seemingly engage in family history research, we be accomplished for their salvation, into eternity.” 21 These reflected images feel promptings and have impressions independent of them, has been accom- help us contemplate parents, grand- from the Holy Ghost.26 Occasionally plished in and by the Savior.” 16 parents, and all previous generations. in the temple the veil between us and

MAY 2016 99 those on the other side becomes very thin. We get additional assistance in our efforts to be saviors on Mount Zion. Several years ago in a temple in Central America, the wife of one of our now-emeritus General Authorities assisted a father, a mother, and their children in receiving eternal covenants in the sealing room, where the temple mirrors are located. As they concluded and faced those mirrors, she noticed there was a face in the mirror that was not in the room. She inquired of the mother and learned that a daughter had passed away and accordingly was rededication was a refuge from the When we actually went outside for not physically present. The deceased storm. Often as we experience the the cornerstone ceremony, there were daughter was then included by proxy storms of life, we witness the Lord’s no nonmembers, children, media, or in the sacred ordinance.27 Never under- hand in providing eternal protections. others present. But a faithful prophet estimate the assistance provided in The original dedication of the Suva demonstrated his courageous and temples from the other side of the veil. Fiji Temple on June 18, 2000, was also unwavering commitment to the Savior. Please know how earnestly we remarkable. As the temple neared Later President Hinckley, speaking desire that everyone make any neces- completion, members of parliament of the Savior, said: “There is none to sary changes to qualify for the temple. were taken hostage by a group of reb- equal Him. There never has been. Prayerfully review where you are in els. Downtown Suva, Fiji, was looted There never will be. Thanks be to God your life, seek the guidance of the and burned. The military declared for the gift of His Beloved Son, who Spirit, and talk to your bishop about martial law. gave His life that we might live and preparing yourself for the temple. As the Area President, I went with who is the chief, immovable corner- President Thomas S. Monson has said, the four stake presidents in Fiji and stone of our faith and His Church.” 30 “There is no more important goal for met the military leaders at the Queen Brothers and sisters, I pray that each you to work toward than being worthy Elizabeth barracks. After we explained of us will honor the Savior and make to go to the temple.” 28 the proposed dedication, they were sup- any necessary changes to see ourselves portive but concerned about the safety in His sacred temples. In doing so, we The Savior “Is the Chief, Immovable of President Gordon B. Hinckley. They can accomplish His holy purposes and Cornerstone of Our Faith and His Church” recommended a small dedication with prepare ourselves and our families for all I was privileged to participate with no events outside the temple, like the the blessings the Lord and His Church President Henry B. Eyring at the reded- cornerstone ceremony. They empha- can bestow in this life and eternity. I bear ication of the Suva Fiji Temple two sized that anyone outside the temple my sure witness that the Savior lives. In months ago. It was a special, sacred could be a potential target for violence. the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ occasion. President Eyring’s cour- President Hinckley approved one NOTES age and strong spiritual impressions small dedicatory session with just the 1. See Doctrine and Covenants 112:30–32. allowed the rededication to proceed new temple presidency and a few local 2. The 12th temple, the London England in the face of the worst cyclone ever leaders; no others were invited because Temple, was dedicated on September 7, 1958. 3. Doctrine and Covenants 110:6–7. recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. of the danger. However, he emphatically 4. Shelly Senior, email, Apr. 6, 2015. Physical and spiritual protections were stated, “If we do dedicate the temple, 5. Thomas S. Monson, “The Holy Temple—a provided to youth, missionaries, and we will have the cornerstone ceremony Beacon to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, 29 May 2011, 93. members. The hand of the Lord was because Jesus Christ is the chief corner- 6. See Isaiah 2:2. clearly evident. The Suva Fiji Temple stone, and this is His Church.” 7. See Obadiah 1:21.

100 SUNDAY MORNING SESSION | APRIL 3, 2016 8. See 1 Peter 4:6. By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 9. See Teachings of Presidents of the Second Counselor in the First Presidency Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 409. 10. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (2004), 177, 192–93. 11. Doctrine and Covenants 97:15; see also verse 17. 12. Isaiah 1:18. He Will Place You on 13. Jeremiah 31:34. 14. See Doctrine and Covenants 59:23. 15. In addition to the recommend held by endowed adults, a limited-use His Shoulders and recommend for baptisms for the dead may be received by worthy youth and unendowed adults. Both recommends require the signature of the recipient certifying personal worthiness. The Carry You Home limited-use recommend is valid for one year and provides an opportunity for the Just as the Good Shepherd finds His lost sheep, if you will only lift up your bishopric to discuss with each person his or her worthiness annually. heart to the Savior of the world, He will find you. 16. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), 32. 17. See Doctrine and Covenants 58:42. 18. Acts 10:34; see also Moroni 8:12; Doctrine and Covenants 1:35; 38:16. 19. See Doctrine and Covenants 100:16. ne of my haunting childhood In a very short time, the city once 20. “The Family: A Proclamation to the memories begins with the howl nicknamed the “Jewel Box” was no World,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129. of distant air-raid sirens that more. Erich Kästner, a German author, 21. Gerrit W. Gong, “Temple Mirrors of O Eternity: A Testimony of Family,” Ensign awaken me from sleep. Before long, wrote of the destruction, “In a thou- or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 37. another sound, the rattle and hum of sand years was her beauty built, in 22. Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: propellers, gradually increases until it one night was it utterly destroyed.” 1 Howard W. Hunter (2015), 183. 23. Teachings: Howard W. Hunter, 178. shakes the very air. Trained well by our During my childhood I could not 24. See Doctrine and Covenants 97:13–14. mother, we children each grab our bag imagine how the destruction of a war 25. See Doctrine and Covenants 45:26–27. and run up the hill to a bomb shelter. our own people had started could 26. We often refer to this as the spirit of Elijah. President Russell M. Nelson has taught As we hurry through the pitch-dark ever be overcome. The world around that the spirit of Elijah is “a manifestation night, green and white flares drop us appeared totally hopeless and with- of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of from the sky to mark the targets for the out any future. the divine nature of the family” (“A New bombers. Strangely enough, everyone Last year I had the opportunity to Harvest Time,” Ensign, May 1998, 34). 27. Shared with permission. calls these flares Christmas trees. return to Dresden. Seventy years after 28. Thomas S. Monson, “The Holy Temple— I am four years old, and I am a wit- the war, it is, once again, a “Jewel Box” a Beacon to the World,” 93. ness to a world at war. of a city. The ruins have been cleared, 29. Missionaries and youth brought in from outer islands were housed in safe Church and the city is restored and even schools and Church buildings and were Dresden improved. safe from the worst aspects of Cyclone Not far from where my family lived During my visit I saw the beautiful Winston. 30. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Four Cornerstones of was the city of Dresden. Those who Lutheran church Frauenkirche, the Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Feb. 2004, 4–5. lived there witnessed perhaps a thou- Church of Our Lady. Originally built in sand times what I had seen. Massive the 1700s, it had been one of Dresden’s firestorms, caused by thousands of tons shining jewels, but the war reduced Share Conference of explosives, swept through Dresden, it to a pile of rubble. For many years Scan this QR code or visit lds.org/ destroying more than 90 percent of the it remained that way, until finally it go/apr16conf15 to watch or share this talk. Visit lds.org/go/media516 city and leaving little but rubble and was determined that the Frauenkirche to share other conference media. ash in their wake. would be rebuilt.

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