Hosanna! Hosanna!

I taught Sunday School today (lesson 44, Ezekiel 43-44, 47) and loved it! I like teaching all the other times, but I really enjoyed today's lesson. I warned my class (which was everyone who came today--a lot were still out of town) that I would be on my soapbox a lot as the topic was about my old calling--temples! I really wasn't planning on taking the route I did with the lesson, but I just got on it and felt that's what I needed to say. The manual suggests relating the enthusiasm found at a sporting event to that found in some events in the scriptures, church, and/or gospel. We talked about lots of different things but focussed on the hosanna shout given at temple dedications and the excitement for when new temples are announced. Basically, I turned to my class and asked them where the enthusiasm goes since everyone is so excited and full of joy with each new temple, but when it comes time to attend, not so much.

I loved all three chapters focussed on in the lesson, but I think my favorite was chapter 47. In this chapter Ezekiel sees a vision of the temple in Jerusalem. A river of living water is running from the east doors of the temple towards the wilderness/desert and the Dead Sea. Everywhere the river flows, trees are growing and being fruitful, waters are healed, and animals are living. The things we learn in the temple are our living water which is used to help us grow and live and be fruitful. Ezekiel is told to cross the river several times and each time he does, it gets deeper, I love this! Every time we attend the temple, we learn and understand more, our knowledge increases and our understanding deepens! Reading these things, why wouldn't you want to go!

I used several quotes from conference talks and Ensigns, most came from President Monson. My favorite one was from the October 2010 Ensign (which was all about temples), "In the temple,the precious plan of God is taught. It is in the temple that eternal covenants are made. The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory. It is the house of God. All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and ennobling." How could you not want to go to the temple after hearing that!

I love the temple! You should go and you should go often!