Phil spent his last weekend as Bishop working. Hard. The ENTIRE front and backyards got cleaned up! It was like a little heavenly blessing for me. ;) ha
Noah LOVES to help. everyone. anyone. especially when it involves tools. he had to have one hand on the blower at all times. :)
Emi decided that Isaiah needed a spa day. so she painted his nails. clear, that's for boys apparently.
they had quite a good time.
Then I got to take a trip to the temple for stake temple night. I went to an earlier session so I could alone in my thoughts about Phil being released as Bishop and about my lesson to my yw. It was amazing. I decided when I walked in that I wouldn't worry at all about all the kids getting to and from soccer and all that. I knew they would be okay and I decided to just soak up the peace.
It was the most beautiful night. That's the new Bay Bridge. :) It was 80 and no wind.
I just kept snapping shot after shot. These don't even do it justice.
I should really edit my photos or at least straighten them, but oh. well.
In the temple the counselor, President Lopez shared some thoughts about the temple. It was beautiful...He shared how those of us who are here on earth and are a covenant making and keeping people are those who were saved because of our strength and valiance. That we came to earth at a time when we would have the privilege and task of building the Kingdom of God during a time on earth when there is much wickedness and opposition. He counseled us to return often to the temple so that we can arm ourselves and strengthen our spirits against the outside influences and temptations. He urged us that this place is a refuge from all that ails us in the world and that by returning often we would be stronger.
I am sure I am not adequately expressing his words, but this is what I recall and treasure. Seriously. It was soooo great to listen and really be in the moment rather than at other times when I struggle with kids and distractions. So thankful I was able to go! While I was there I prayed and meditated about my lesson and had an idea that I used. The girls had a lot of fun and it hopefully brought the message home to them.
I wrote VIRTUE on a piece of paper and made it colorful. The girls then talked about things that can take away from their virtue...lying, cheating, friends, alcohol, immodest dress etc. Then I had them squirt gun the poster and the word began to run and look messed up. I explained that this was happens when we allow outside worldly things to interfere with our spirit. Then we thought of things that help us guard our virtue...scriptures, seminary, good friends, prayer, temple, FHE, modest dress etc. and we wrote them in permanent marker on cellophane and I taped it to cover the virtue poster. Then when they squirted the poster wasn't penetrable. Not even doing it justice with this description, but it got the girls talking and sharing and I hope it helped them want to good choices that will lead them to this place. The temple.
This is our Heavenly Father's university. I love that thought and I love going here. I wish that everyone could just try it one time so they would know the peace that comes from truly keeping the commandments.
