Have you ever felt you were standing still or merely observing on the sidelines? Have you felt as if life's opportunities were not within your grasp? The Prophet Thomas S. Monson opened the way for the youth of The Church to press forward living a higher standard of preparation to move the Lord's work ahead. The new pace will require each of us to be prepared in all phases of our lives. This pace we have not been acquainted with before. We must move forward accepting the challenges placed before us. We need to be prepared and we need to have the courage to listen to the spirit and order our lives accordingly. President Howard W. Hunter gave this council in 1978 and I quote: "Be prepared. There are opportunities ahead. You don't want to miss them."
Abraham Lincoln
After sitting on the sidelines for a long time losing election after election and struggling to make a professional contribution to his county, Abraham Lincoln simply said, "I will prepare, and perhaps my chance will come." He lived long enough to learn that opportunity always favors the prepared life.
We can and perhaps and should look at the defeats Lincoln experienced. Each defeat was a trial and a testing time to help him decide who he was and what he wanted to accomplish in his life. Our lives are really no different. We don't like trials nor do we often have the courage to ask Heavenly Father for trials. The hard times we have throughout our mortal experience will make us who we really are. They will make us think differently and search for answers to solve our problems. In the end, however, we will find that we are different and that we will not give away what we have been taught by our trials. These experiences refine our character and prepare us to take the next steps in our lives.
Sandra Day O'Conner
After her graduation from Stanford Law School in 1952, Sandra Day O'Connor was among the top students in her class. She applied to every firm that had a notice on Stanford's placement bulletin board; no one would give her an interview.
She had an undergraduate friend whose father worked in a prestigious firm in L.A. Interviewing with him, he told her that her resume was impressive but they had never hired a woman lawyer and wasn't sure they would. And he was sure that their clients wouldn't stand for it. He then said, "If you can type well enough, I might be able to get you on as a legal secretary." She told him that was not the kind of work she was trying to find.
Upon hearing that the county attorney in San Mateo who had a woman lawyer on his staff, she wrote him. His reply, "I have hired everyone I'm authorized to hire and I'm not funded for another one, so I just don't have a slot for you," and in addition he said, "I don't have an empty office." Her reply to him was "Well, I really would like very much to work in your office; I'll work for nothing until such time in the future as you get a little money and pay me something." That is how Sandra Day O'Connor began her career and journey to become the first woman justice on the Supreme Court of the United States of America. The year was 1981; the president was Ronald Reagan.[1]
Own Endowment Brothers and Sisters
An opportunity that we enjoy as part of our assignment as temple president and matron is to visit with those brothers and sisters who are coming to the temple for the first time to receive their endowment. While serving in a previous temple presidency we asked what one small bit of advice would be appropriate to share with these young brothers and sisters.
We were given these few words and perhaps many of you have already heard them:
If you work your mission easy,It will be hard.If you work your mission hardIt will be easy.Brothers and sisters these words are easy to remember and they are very simple. However, they present an opportunity for success and growth in every area of our lives. These few words about easy and hard make all the difference. I have come to the conclusion that this advice can apply to anyone, at any time, and in whatever area your experiences take you.
Clair's Personal Experience
Let me share with you a personal experience on preparation. I grew up on a farm just south and a little west of Rexburg in the Lewisville area. My Father farmed and raised hay, grain, and potatoes. Oh, and yes we six boys, as we became old enough, milked several cows. My Dad's philosophy was I don't milk cows to get rich; I milk cows to raise boys. I really didn't like the farm work or milking the cows. It was a trial to me as was the farm work, but I did my share.
One day I spoke to my father about finding a different job than the work on the farm. He promised to talk with one of the bishops in our Stake about my desire. The following day he told me to stop by the tire store in Rigby. The tire store was only a few blocks from the school. I anxiously awaited the time to visit the store and check on this new opportunity to work. Mr. Pieper greeted me and after a short visit told me I could report to work the next afternoon. I was thrilled as I anticipated a salary and no more farm work. However, I soon found out that I had not understood the fine print in my Dad's plan. There was still work on the farm to be accomplished, and the cows were still part of my responsibility. Many times after work at the tire store I would walk the three miles home and help my brothers with the milking. I loved the work at the store; and following my mission, I was released by my Stake President, President Pieper. We visited about plans to return to school, and I must say I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life as far as a vocation. He encouraged me to return to work, while I made my decisions.
One day President Pieper took me aside to visit about a change in my employment. Mr. Newton, the owner of the Rexburg tire store, was in desperate need of help. His employee had broken his leg on the job and he was not able to conduct business as usual. President Pieper asked, "If I would be willing to help out in Rexburg for the next few months." He also said, "I will continue to pay your wage until Mr. Newton is back on his feet. Then he asked, "How soon can you be ready to leave for Rexburg and do you have your lunch?" Then President Pieper said with a twinkle in his eye, "You never know when opportunity may knock, and you need to be prepared to open the door."
These experiences working for my Father, President Pieper, and Paul Newton prepared me for a comfortable place to make my livelihood. I truly like people and enjoyed serving people and helping them to be safe and comfortable as they traveled the highways of this great nation. We never know when opportunity may knock and we need to be prepared to open the door.
President Kimball
Now a personal reference to President Kimball: It concerns his readiness and his faithful preparation. At President Lee's funeral with love and emotion he declared:
President Lee has gone. I never thought it could happen. I sincerely wanted it never to happen. I doubt if anyone in the Church has prayed harder and more consistently for a long life and the general welfare for President Lee than my Camilla and me. I am four years older than Brother Lee (to the exact day, March 28). I have expected that I would go long before he would go. My heart cries out to him and for him. How we loved him![2]
President Kimball never aspired to be the Prophet. Elder Kimball, however, when the call came, unexpectedly too be the Prophet, he was prepared. President Kimball was always prepared.
It is important as the youth of this Church that you prepare, believe in what you are doing, have faith, and be ready. Be watchful and don't do or say anything that will limit you opportunity or render you ineffective to serve in the Kingdom of God. Your opportunity to serve will come. Be prepared when it comes.
Oliver Cowdery
Two days after Oliver Cowdery, an educated schoolteacher, arrived at Joseph's home, the translation of the Book of Mormon resumed. He had mastered the art of penmanship and could write rapidly becoming a great asset to the work. Oliver wrote as Joseph dictated and the work was written on foolscap paper. However Oliver had a desire to translate. He spoke with the Lord in prayer about translation. A revelation given to the Prophet Joseph concerning Oliver's question revealed secrets which until now had been known to Oliver alone. Oliver could no longer doubt that his newfound friend was a prophet of God.[3] The Lord then spoke to Joseph telling Joseph why Oliver could not translate.[4]
Oliver was prepared to be a scribe. Oliver is promised that he will have the power of translation bestowed upon him for it says: "And behold, I grant unto you a gift." This wonderful promise might have been fulfilled had Oliver remained within the Church. The sections given for Oliver's benefit and strength have also been responsible for teaching great truths to the members of the Church. There were two copies of the manuscript both written almost entirely by Oliver, one as dictated by Joseph and the other a copy to safeguard against loss while in the hands of the printer.[5]
Now to you young people who attend Brigham Young University-Idaho. The Brethren have worked hard to provide a faculty and staff that share their example of Christ like attributes. The buildings where you attend your classes have been designed to help you learn. Every needful thing has been provided that you may grow, develop, learn, and progress on your mortal journey homeward to live with God and His Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ. Continue your preparation and be ready for your opportunities. We love you. Many of you are faithful servants of the Lord, as you serve in His holy house.
Another way of saying be prepared is keep your gospel shoes on. Paul writing to the Ephesians said, "Stand therefore, having ... your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."[6] In Acts 12:7-8 the angel said to Simon Peter: "Arise...Bind on thy sandals...Follow me."
Jesus came to the Americas to visit the Nephites after His resurrection. He spent the day teaching them the beautiful truths of the Gospel, but was able to perceive that they were weak and unable to understand all of the words that He was commanded by the Father to speak to them.
The Nephites
In 3 Nephi 17:3 Jesus told the Nephites: "Therefore go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."
This scripture, which aided the Nephites in understanding the Gospel, will help each of us in this BYU-I Center as we consider our first or hundredth time attending the temple. The five steps he gave in being prepared are as follows:
1. Go ye unto your homes
In our homes we should be able to find a place of prayer, peace understanding, learning, and love. There should be nothing in our homes that limits our opportunity to be taught by the Spirit. Nothing that could or would prevent us from being taught and feeling the Spirit should be present in our homes. The Lord has power beyond our comprehension that can make differences in our lives.
2. Ponder upon the things which I have said
Ponder could include such works as reflecting, studying, and meditation. We must be acquainted with the temple ordinances to ponder effectively. Our scriptures can be read and reread as we ponder on a particular topic or verse.
The temple ordinances must be written in our hearts and minds. We are unable to read the words from a printed page. Perhaps sometime you have wished that the session could be paused while you reflected or wrote a note to remind you of something you learned. We must learn to remember what we have been taught by the Spirit. Then in a quiet moment, either in or out of the temple, ponder on what you have learned.
3. Ask the Father, in my name that ye may understand
Prayer is always a way to gain understanding. How often do we get on our knees prior to attending the temple? Upon our return home do we kneel to pray and beseech him to teach us the truths of His Holy House? He is ever willing; all we must do is ask. When we give instruction, we always tell those receiving their own endowment that they will have questions. Those questions can be asked of their loved ones while they are in the temple and as they greet one another.
When we visit together outside the temple with family, we can know that this can be appropriate as long as we only use and speak of those thing found in the scriptures or written in the official publications of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Outside the temple great care must be taken.
During the October 1997 General Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, and I quote: "We are under obligation serious and binding to not use temple language outside the temple."
When we live within the parameters the Lord has given we will be safe and will be helping to keep the temple sacred. "Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care and by constraint of the spirit; and in this there is no condemnation."[7]
4. Prepare your minds for the morrow
The temple is the House of the Lord. It is beautiful, peaceful, and filled with the spirit of our Lord and Savior.
We should be mature and seek to avoid anything that brings offense to the Spirit. Those offenses can range all the way from language, the type of entertainment we participate in whether it be movies or music. Occasionally even our dress and hairstyles, if extreme, can be offensive. Elder Boyd K. Packer said, "The Lord could not be pleased with those who show obvious preference to follow after the ways of the world."[8]
Serving our ancestors can help us put our minds in the proper frame to receive revelation and we are more receptive to spiritual things. We can be blessed with a deeper commitment to the ordinances because we are doing the work for our own.
5. I come unto you again
The Nephites were told that the Savior would come again. The Holy Temple is where He will come. Each time we return we can feel His Spirit, feel the calm and peace that abound there and be taught by revelation those matters we have talked with Him about in our prayers.
We must determine that we will return as often as possible. You students and many in the community are so blessed to have this temple in such close proximity. Often when we live so close it becomes more difficult to attend because we know it is so close and we can be there in a few minutes. When we travel distances we have to plan. When we live close we also have to plan. We need to pick a day of the week, a time of day, or a particular session. Make this your temple time. Guard it carefully. And make sure your temple recommend is in the same place in your wallet. We have not time for distractions and looking for a recommend can interfere with your ability to be in the temple when you are prompted.
Christmas gift
As a Christmas gift one of the children received an electric rock-polishing machine. They were all anxious to see how it worked and what would happen to the ordinary Madison County rocks. Mind you, there were no precious stones just ordinary rocks that filled the can. I don't remember the complete process but after a number of hours of tumbling we anxiously opened the can to find that each rock had received a complete makeover. Those plain unattractive rocks now had a smooth surface, a deep polished appearance, and the natural coloring and accent stripes shone brightly. Those simple, plain, unattractive rocks had a beauty that I would not have thought possible. This same process happens to us as we experience the polishing that God sees fit as a preparation for our growth and development.
Mortality's trials and disappointments have polished us. Our Church preparations began early in Primary, Young Women's, Young Men's and for you brethren the Aaronic Priesthood. You received gospel teachings and instructions, helping you prepare to be who you really can become.
At the present time, many of you are finishing your final preparations to be in the temple for your endowment and sealing. Others are making plans for missions; where you will baptize new converts and instill a desire in them to receive temple blessings.
As the temple becomes an important part of your life's experiences you will continue this gentle polishing. The opportunity to be taught, to learn, feel the spirit of the Lord in His Holy House, receive revelation for you and your loved ones, and find that peace, "that passes all understanding." You will desire to have that continued gentle polishing needed to finish your final preparation to go back to the presence of God and there live with Him for the eternities. He has promised us in the scriptures "all that He has we will be able to obtain."
Jessica
May all of your preparation be centered on being in the temple.
Nineteen years ago in September our family was changed forever. Our beautiful granddaughter, Jessica, was called back home quickly and unexpectedly. We all loved her and she has been a great continuing influence in our lives, to live the gospel and be with her and our Heavenly Father. Just a few minutes before Jessica, her older brother Jaren and I returned home. Her last words were, "Grandpa, Can I sing to you?" Then in her tender sweet way she sang as only a sweet little three-year-old can. Not all of the words, but I have always felt she directed our family to the temple.
I love to see the temple.
I'm going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty,
I'll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty,
I love to see the temple,
I'll covenant with my Father;
I'll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together,
As a child of God, I've learned this truth:
A family is forever.[9]
Notes
[1] David Gergen Parade Sept 30, 2012
[2] Ensign, Feb. 1974. P. 86.
[3] Doctrine and Covenants 6
[4] Doctrine and Covenants 9:1-10
[5] Oliver Cowdery - Second Elder and Scribe, Oliver Meets Joseph Smith, by Stanley R. Gunn, 27-4; A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Coming of Oliver Cowdery, by BH Roberts, 116-133
[6] Ephesians 6:14-15
[7] D&C 63:64
[8] The HolyTemple, 74
[9] Children's Song Book 95