Types and Shadows

Yesterday I listened to many of the Inaugural proceedings as I cleaned my house. I listened to the prayers (and thanked my Heavenly Father that we are privileged to live in a land that STILL prays)! I've heard many this morning who took offense at the closing prayer. It didn't occur to me to do that, it made me smile. It felt sincere. I winced for President Obama as he stumbled over the oath. He must have been nervous. I prayed in my heart that he would be in tune with heaven, that he would feel the prayers of a nation. I don't agree with any of his liberal views and they frankly scare me. I just pray that he will moderate as he realizes the burden of his office.

I marveled at our form of government and I felt the spirit reconfirm to me that this land was born with the hand of providence for the purpose of restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that this land is still in the Lord's hands. I am comforted by the promise that the gospel will not be taken from the earth again, but will endure and blossom during the millennium. I don't know what trials we have to endure before that day, but I sang the song in my heart (which I KNOW to be true) "Victory, victory, through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

I was also struck with the thought that our government, our constitution with it's division of power and the amazing way that power is transferred from President to President and other elected offices by the people, in an orderly and peaceful manner, is a type and a shadow. A type and a shadow always happens in history to foreshadow a coming event, such as Abraham sacrificing his son, foreshadowing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It struck me that perhaps the government of this nation was a foreshadowing of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints; how our church transitions from one prophet to the next (with far less fanfare) and in complete order. And then I thought of how Abraham did not have to sacrifice his son, but how our Father in Heaven literally did; the real event so complete and perfect whereas the type and shadow just that, a shadow. I thought of how each type and shadow builds toward perfection, and then my heart soared as I imagined the culmination of that PERFECT transfer of power one day when Christ will reign on earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Now that is THE inauguration I pray to behold!

Draper Temple

Ron and I had the wonderful opportunity to host a V.I.P. tour of the Draper Temple for our stake on Friday, January 9, 2009. Some of the general authorities as well as stake presidents lead tours of their families and various others through. We were stationed in the stake center, but they graciously let each host couple tag along on one of the many tours.

The temple is of course breathtaking! The celestial room rises five stories! I can't wait to plan at least an hour in there just gazing up. It makes you look up! I hope and pray that Ron and I get called to work in this new temple. We will be released in March from our assignment at the Jordan River Temple.

I just want to bear my testimony again that first, God lives! Jesus is the Christ! That I have had the privelege of feeling the Holy Ghost (who is also a God) bear witness to me of this fact! President Monson is the prophet of the Lord for the whole world! Joseph Smith did restore the gospel of Jesus Christ, in it's fullness, in these latter days! The temple IS the house of the LORD! And, I love my family so much!

I have included a link so that friends and family who live too far away to come to the open house, can have a glimpse inside this beautiful temple. I will definately tend Aubrie, Jules, so you can go when you are home next! For everyone else "please" take this opportunity to take your children and let them experience the beauty and reverance and wonder of the temple! Also, in the beginning film our children's ancestors were mentioned twice! Guernsy Brown on Ron's side and William Draper on mine! Be sure to listen for them.

And, I cannot fail to mention the other most significant thing that happened on January 9th! It was our beautiful and wonderful firstborn grandaughter's 12th birthday! Ron and I take the older kids out for their birthday and Becky hit a new milestone this year. She requested Ihop for lunch! At first it was always McDonalds, then she graduated to Wendys, and now . . . ! Happy birthday sweet girl. We love you so much!

http://www.ldsmag.com/churchupdate/090114tour.html