Hey everybody!
It's been some week that's for sure, there were a lot of monumental events that happened this week and I still can't get over it. The Temple Dedication was wonderful, and we also got transfer calls as well. We found out they are closing our Zone due to logistical stuff regarding stake boundaries. So Elder Neilson and I are doubling out of Hazleton! We head out tomorrow to our new areas, but the cool thing is that we already know where we are going since President told us our zone was closing. I found out I will be in Reading Zone serving in the Exeter Ward (but really it's Reading). It's exciting because I will be able to go back to Kutztown since it is a part of the Reading Zone. I never really thought this would happen to me on my mission, to be in an area for one transfer, but it's the Lord's will!
Since I have to pack and get everything ready for the new Elders to come in, this entry will be pretty short. But I do want to talk about the special experience I had with the Temple Dedication. It was incredible to see some of my favorite examples in the Gospel, Elder Christofferson and President Eyring, clothed in pure white in the Celestial Room. They both gave amazing talks, along with the Temple President and the Temple Matron. It was like watching a mini General Conference. Elder Christofferson testified that it isn't enough to just be in the Temple just like it isn't enough to be in a chapel for church. Like it says in 3 Nephi 9:19, Christ desires no more of animal sacrifices, but of us. When we go to the Temple we are the sacrifice to the Lord, who we are right now. Because all of us are flawed and imperfect, we should be willing to sacrifice those parts of ourselves and be willing to be instructed by the Lord in His Holy House. What touched me so much is that he bore witness that the sins that are alluring, attractive, and that so easily beset us will be come less desirable, and eventually, abhorrent. It's just so true, because as we go to the Temple, we become the celestial men and women God plans for us to be, little by little. He testified that Jesus Christ is the master builder of these men and women, that He is the Cornerstone of everything we do. President Eyring gave an exceptional talk as well explaining that instruction in the Temple is so individual and personal that God does know exactly where we are and what we need to do to progress. He humble spoke of our very natures being changed as we observe Temple covenants on a daily basis. Being a part of the Dedication was without a doubt, one of my favorite highlights of my mission. The music, the Cornerstone Ceremony, and the Hosannah Shout were incredible. The Dedicatory Prayer President Eyring offered was solemn and powerful. He blessed the surrounding area, the freedoms we have, the sealings and endowments that will take place, the city of Philadelphia, and so much more. I know for myself, that Temples truly are essential for our salvation. I remember when I went for my endowment and I left the Temple with a sense of enduring peace. I was with many of those I love, and I was especially with my Father in Heaven. It felt as though I was out of the world for the rest of the day. That's truly what the Temple is for, it is for us to change and become better men and women. It is to redeem the dead who did not get an opportunity to accept the Gospel but who would do anything for it, just like the Founding Fathers of our country, who created the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. They humbly asked a prophet of God to be redeemed, and they were, along with their loved ones. I'm grateful for my family and the covenant we are sealed under. As President Eyring prayed for the families to be sealed, I just thought of how great God's plan is for us as families.
Well, I have to get going on my packing, I hope all of you have a wonderful week!
Hazleton, PA
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