Since our temple is closed for some renovations, a friend and I have taken the opportunity to visit other temples. This week, we worshipped in the Saratoga Springs temple.
I grew up at the base of the mountains in Utah Valley. From my home, school, and church, my view of the surrounding mountains was never complete, as my line of sight was blocked partially by trees or houses.
From this temple, I could see those familiar mountains from a distant perspective, whole and complete.
Similarly, the temple offers a spiritual perspective that I can’t get anywhere else. With this more complete view of God’s plan, I also become whole.
I care about having a welcoming home. I have studied design concepts and worked hard to create a home that reflects peace and comfort. Plus, I clean a lot.
In a video I watched recently about home decor, the narrator said that design principles matter, and cleanliness matters, but there is an intangible quality you find in an inviting space. It is the influence of the owner that creates the final impact of a home. It’s their presence. Think of your grandma’s house, or a friend’s house where you feel loved and accepted. These people and their spaces are the magnet for your heart.
Think of the House of the Lord. The decor and lighting are serene and lovely, but this is only part of the story of why you feel good here. The presence of the Lord is behind the stillness, the light, and the ideas that come to your mind.
Think of the room where you spend the most time, or even your desk. What do you learn about yourself by looking at the objects you choose to display? What messages do you convey in this room or space? Can the Spirit of the Lord dwell there?
I want each person who enters our home to feel loved and welcome. I want the Spirit of the Lord to be here. His presence is the piece that makes all the difference.
When I compare myself to others, my life seems small. When I look at my life by the Lord’s measure, I no longer feel that way.
As one who has made a covenant with God, you are part of the house of Israel. You have been gathered, and you are a gatherer. The centuries-long epic story of the covenant people is building to its climax, and you are a key player.
Now is the time when “Jesus will say to all Israel, ‘Come home.’”This is the message of the gatherers: Come home to the covenant. Come home to Zion. Come home to Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel, and He will bring you home to God, your Father.
-July 2026 Come Follow Me Manual chapter, “Jesus will say to all Israel, Come Home.”
President Russell M. Nelson has called this gathering “the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it.”
“Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that.”
Mark’s photo of the Northern Lights from Bornholm, Denmark
Rejection is one of the greatest teachers in life. Mark is experiencing it as a missionary, and you can probably recall a time when you’ve been rejected. I think of a small rejection I faced just last week and ouch, it still hurts.
Rejection makes us see that we aren’t going to be chosen every time; we can’t all be the favorite; the gifts we prepare won’t always be appreciated; and sometimes, the precious things we share with people will be ignored.
Let’s remember that poor reception from others can’t obliterate our efforts. We haven’t failed if we have loved, sacrificed, and shown the courage to share. And if we are unable to accomplish the big things we hoped, let’s remember that our identity and our worth in God’s eyes have never been a matter of popularity, outward measures, or appearance.
…for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
What can we do when we experience rejection? It’s tempting to get discouraged, feel like a victim, or become angry. But Jesus knows a lot about rejection, and he met it with love and truth, whatever the personal cost.
Today, I am going to keep facing the winds of possible rejection and keep loving, serving, and sharing. I also take comfort that in some things, such as temple work, we see things as they really are:
There is value in giving, even if we don’t see an immediate result.
I am taking a break from updating my blog during the next few weeks. Weddings call forth many private emotions and so many errands. You can picture me in the aisles of Hobby Lobby on (another) “last trip for the wedding,” running errands, facilitating a big luncheon for family and friends, and preparing church lessons, etc. It’s a time to celebrate Tim and Queenie and to cherish the covenants of the temple sealing. While I am busy, I know that no detail of the wedding matters more than those few minutes in the temple being sealed as husband and wife for eternity.
Tim and Queenie are preparing a display of 4 generations of wedding/young couple photos for their reception. These are Richard’s grandparents. The first picture is new to me. Until this month, I had never seen a picture of the Rosses when they were young, and I see the features of both couples in their descendants. It makes me feel sentimental as I reflect on the bright hopes of young couples engaged to be married.
I think we should all collect family stories, share them, display old family pictures, and do some temple work.♥️ Everyone needs this kind of connection and belonging. In each family tree there is someone who will inspire you.
