The 23 Day Gift to Christ

"Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older, you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life." -Richard G. Scott "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead"

 The mom who drove us the the temple today, Teresa, told us something she had learned from a past temple president. He said that when we do temple work for the dead, they are so grateful that they dedicate themselves to us. Pretty soon you have legions of angels on your side, watching over you and taking care of you.

Today I am filled with gratitude and love for the wonderful kids who have included my kids in this exciting adventure! I have a testimony of my savior Jesus Christ and our loving Heavenly Father who sent him to us. I'm so grateful to be a part of the work that is bringing salvation to so many. It seems like no matter how tired I am in the morning or what else might be on my plate the minute we get the kids in the car I can feel their joy spreading and uplifting me and my children. I wouldn't trade these experiences for any amount of extra sleep. My daughter shared a quote by Elder Uchtdorf with me  that was like a healing balm. It was: "Satin would rather that you define yourself by your sins instead of your divine potential. Don't listen to him." I substituted sins with shortcomings. This last week was one of the most trying weeks for me personally. It seemed like I was being hit on all fronts, and all I could see was what I was not doing well enough. Feelings of...

We just got one more edition to our group. He just turned 12 and he went to the temple for the first time today! Also on Sunday and Monday we did service by visiting people's houses and walking a dog! It was fun!

After some difficulty of a lost recommend and some sleep deprived kids, we made it this morning,

W ent to the temple in the morning yet again! I felt the spirit there and it was so peaceful. It's a nice place to forget all of your worries and concentrate on what you really need to be doing. I love the temple!

Went to the temple again this morning! The girls got to do confirmations for people in Croatia, and the boys did some for some other places like England. It makes me so happy to do this! It lights up the day!

Today I noticed a picture in the confirmation room that I have never noticed before. It is of a mother bringing her child up to Jesus. In the background are other people with varying disabilities. I realized that we are much like this mother when we go to the temple, we are helping others to reach Jesus by doing these saving ordinances. 

We went to the temple at 4:45 in the morning and it was way crowded! We were in the temple for about an hour and a half just to get baptisms and confirmations done! We had 4 of us there (plus a parent) and we each were baptized and confirmed for 5 people! That's 20 people who have been given the opportunity to accept the baptism covenant!  We are super excited to continue our challenge!