We only have four talks left from the last General Conference; can you believe it? This week, we’re going to study the talk by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need.” 
“When we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously . . . , we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent.”
I’ve only glanced at it so far, but I’m curious about the list of things we can learn as we worship at the temple. I look forward, as always, to your insights, too.
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Diapers and Divinity 
Here are a couple of things I liked:
1. Make going to the temple a priority. Whether you live close or far away, it takes effort and planning (even more so with little kids) to make sure you are getting there regularly (whatever form of “regular” works for your current circumstances). My dad says that you do what’s important to you. If the temple is important to you, you will go.
2. “I have never asked why but rather what is it that He wants me to learn from this experience. I believe that is a good way to face the unpleasant things in our lives, not complaining but thanking the Lord for the trust He places in us when He gives us the opportunity to overcome difficulties.” Wow. He talked about this in relation to losing his wife, but it applies to all trials we go through. This is something I want to work on. Stop obsessing about why things happen and instead pray to learn what Heavenly Father wants me to learn.
3. Being more thoughtful in our temple attendance. The list he gave of suggestions made me think about how I prepare for my temple experience and what I can do better once I’m there.
This was one of my favorite talks. It’s definitely a classic to be studied over and over again.
For now, I’ll just share a story that shows how mindful Heavenly Father is of His children.
There’s a young mom from our stake who lost her little boy to a heart defect back in February. He wasn’t even a month old, I believe. But I know it was NOT just coincidence that she was sitting in the Conference Center for this specific talk. Nor was it just a coincidence that she was sitting near Elder Scott’s son. She was able to go up and talk to Elder Scott after this session of Conference. They shared their stories of loss, cried with each other, and gave each other hugs. What a wonderful thing!! Two months after her little boy passed away, it was NOT a coincidence that Elder Scott chose this topic or to share such a personal experience. Conference is for all of us, but that talk was truly for her and her family! They needed this talk, and Heavenly Father knew that.
He’s truly mindful of all of us.
Great choice! And so timely after the dedication yesterday. The temple seemed to be such a strong theme during the last conference. I’m very eager to study this talk in greater depth. (I’ll come back later with something insightful.)
I have lightly glanced over the talk, and I will read it right after I comment, but I wanted to share a little something. I went to the temple on Saturday morning, by myself. I was praying about issues concerning my blog that I have been experiencing for weeks now. About halfway through the session, the topic for my sharing time this Sunday popped into my head, and I wrote my whole sharing time right there in my head during the session. It was like the heavens were opened. Then, when I got home, I realized that my issues about my blog were worked out. Weeks, even months of concern and angst – gone. I love the temple.
(I may or may not be back with a comment, but know that I am reading it right away.)
That’s very cool, Erin. A great reminder about how tangible (and sometimes quick) the blessings are.
I think it is amazing how the Lord can truly be mindful of everyone. I don’t understand how it is possible, but I have experienced it enough to know that it is. I loved how even though Elder Scott had struggles, he always had an eternal perspective–what a great example to all of us as we go through our personal trials. The temple gives us that perspective, strength, and ability to make it from this life and into the next.
I am looking forward to Conference, I can’t believe it is coming up so quickly.
I was so moved as I read his story, and I admired his strength in facing his adversity. This phrase hit me like a ton of bricks:
“We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives.”
Oh boy, do I need to work on that. With all the blessings I have, and the minimal trials I face, how dare I complain?
And I had the same impression as I read this talk as I did when I heard it at conference: I need to put temple dates on the calendar and schedule a babysitter. I’d better do it.
What a wonderful talk, with so much to apply right now, including a redoubled effort to visit the temple more often. I especially loved this paragraph:
“Sometimes when I hear a choir during a temple dedicatory service, I experience a feeling so sublime that it elevates my heart and mind. I close my eyes, and more than once, in my mind, I have seen an inverted cone of individuals beginning at the temple and rising upward. I have felt that they represent many spirits waiting for the vicarious work to be done for them in that sanctuary, rejoicing because finally there is a place that can free them from the chains that hold them back in their eternal progress.”
I have had similar thoughts and feelings as I attended temple dedications. I especially remember the first one I ever participated in, for the Jordan River temple. I was in the tabernacle, and I honestly felt that if they could open the roof of the temple (I imagined just rolling it back like a sardine can),you would see throngs of angels, singing with us, rejoicing over the new temple. I felt their presence so strongly.
I wrote a response to this portion of the article after attending the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication last week. The post is on my scripture-study blog, here, if you’re interested: http://feastinguponthewords.blogspot.com/2009/08/well-sing-and-well-shout.html