Blessings of the Temple

President Benson’s mother taught him from a young age the importance of the temple and I learned from him that I need to do the same and teach my children a background of the temple obligations and covenants. I think my parents fall in to the category of those he spoke of who were “reluctant to say anything about the temple” because of its sacredness and I can understand why they would feel this way. I was taught the importance of being sealed to an eternal companion, but as I prepared for my own temple sealing I learned and felt more about why it is so important. When I was in Young Women classes we talked about how we shouldn’t settle for anything less than a temple marriage, but I think it is important to discuss how being sealed in the temple and keeping our covenants allows us to “enter in to the order of the Son of God” and receive a “fullness of the priesthood.” I had never heard of it spoken this way and it gives it deeper meaning to me. I also thought this statement by President Smith was powerful: “ Let me put this in a little different way. I do not care what office you hold in the church... you can not receive the fullness of the priesthood and the fullness of eternal reward unless you receive the ordinances of the house of the Lord; and when you receive these ordinances, the door is then open so you can obtain all the blessings which any man can gain.” President Benson said, “I believe a proper understanding or background will immeasurably help prepare our youth for the temple. This understanding, I believe, will foster within them a desire to seek their priesthood blessings just as Abraham sought his.” I think this would give them a stronger understanding of it’s sacredness and how it is not something that should be taken lightly. 

 Having children, I can apply the principle that Elder Hafen explained in my marriage-that of being as the shepherd rather than the hireling. To me this means putting forth daily effort-patience,respect,soft words, forgiveness, repentance-to keep covenants and not ever giving up on my marriage or children as a hireling would. These words from Elder Hafen stood out to me, “When the wolf comes, may we be as shepherds, not hirelings, willing to lay down our lives, a day at a time, for the sheep of our covenant. Then, like Adam and Eve, we will have joy." I know he is referring to children, but this means to me that I have to work every day to strengthen my marriage bond so that the adversary cannot have any hold on it or my relationship with my children.

Marriage

Last night we based our FHE lesson on this article.  At home last night were my 8 year old daughter, 6 year old son, 5 year old daughter, 3 year old son, and my husband.  We had a great discussion on this complex issue.  We decided it was time to discuss with our children our beliefs on marriage. My oldest had recently came home from a friends house and told me she learned a new word and it was "gay" and I asked her if she new what it meant, and she told me what it meant. I realized that I can't keep my kids in a bubble for much longer. This is an issue that has been in the news for a long time and I want my kids to know how I feel about it, as well as to learn how they should represent themselves as members of the church.  I felt it was important for my kids to know how to verbalize their beliefs and thoughts.  We also helped them to realize that they can still be friends with those who have other beliefs, but that doesn’t mean that they give up their own beliefs in order to do so. 

We talked about the importance of marriage and how God set marriage up from the beginning with Adam and Eve, and man doesn’t have the authority to change it.  We read Matt 19:4-6 together and talked about every part of the verses.  The scripture teaches us that we were all made male or female, marriage is between a man and a woman, they leave their parents and cleave to each other, and “Let no man put asunder.”  

We talked about how in those states that have legalized same sex marriage how the entire community has to change.  Some states are requiring gender shared locker rooms in middle school and high school.  Some are requiring elementary school worksheets and units on same-sex marriage.  Some allow gay-pride parades that feature naked people.  Some small businesses and churches are being punished and fined for not catering to homosexual weddings.  Same-sex marriage affects the entire community, not just the couple getting married.  It is an issue that affects us all in some way.

The last thing we talked about was the quote by Elder Oaks on tolerance.  It is important to remember that Jesus loved everyone, but not their sins.  We can be kind to others, but that doesn’t mean that we give up our own standards.

Why Tradition Marriage is Worth Fighting For

There are a few reasons why traditonal marriages are worth fighting for. First we in the LDS church we are taught in The Family: A Proclamation to the World that, "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity." In same sex marriages children are deprived of this fundamental right to being raised by both a father and a mother. By allowing same sex marriages we are changing the fundamentals of a family, and therefore changing the roles of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters... 
What about our social aspects? People will not be able to talk about their opinion on the matter without being deemed a 'bigot.' It may also be looked at as discriminating. Churches and church schools might have to conform as to not "discriminate." Businesses will not be able to turn away those that go against what they believe, because of the law.
This is so scary to me! 
We are already seeing the effects, as there are kids in school... yes kids, that are gay and don't feel comfortable going into the gender appropriate bathroom. It is effecting our schools already. What is shocking to me, is the statistics. I was shocked to read the statistics and how many partners gays and lesbians have over the course of their lifetime. After hearing so many people fight for their right to be married, when in reality their chances of cheating on each other are high, and their marriage only lasting a couple years, makes me wonder why they are fighting so hard for something that they don't feel satisfied in.
You can read all about the statistics and more about the effects in this article. http://poseidon01.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=011106009067117124096003117126108024038039000065003034103085102087095110085120070078010118005034010099113064106021000084113121039035093009046118065120088025082116071066071120113071067080119104007025125092002095016031088122091064016114072105079025096&EXT=pdf

I will be honest and say that I have never really gotten into this debate. But after reading this article I feel that it is so important to gain a better understanding of the effects of gay marriage, and to share your thoughts and feelings and to fight for traditional marriage!