Temples will lift the Saints of God and change the face of countries throughout the world, Sister Carol B. Thomas, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, declared Saturday morning.
Sister Thomas told of an assignment she had to Guayaquil, Ecuador, a month ago, during which she looked out her hotel room the first morning to see a granite building. "Its stunning beauty was evident, but it wasn't until I saw the Angel Moroni on top that I, with tears in my eyes, realized that here was a temple, a symbol of the glorious blessings that will come to the members of the Church in that part of the world."
She spoke on preparing children for the temple and said in a family setting many "precious truths," when taught with sensitivity and common sense, will help prepare children.
Consider, she said:
The sacred nature of the temple clothing. "In the temples all are dressed in white. White is the symbol of purity."
The temple is the Lord's classroom.
What it means to be worthy for the temple. "Can we teach our children that receiving one's endowments and the wearing of the sacred garment will not require a change of wardrobe or lifestyle if the principles of temple worthiness are understood and lived in their earlier years?"
Understanding gospel language. "What do the words endowment, ordinances, sealings and keys really mean?"
As a girl, Sister Thomas recalled, "I knew the temple must be a pretty wonderful place because my parents faithfully attended, and they always came home together in such a good mood."
Continuing, she shared some things she learned from temple activity, including the following:
"Going to the temple often provides balance in our lives. After returning home, we have an increased sense of well-being. The influence of the Spirit can shield us from the frustrations of the world.
"The spiritual atmosphere of the temple curbs our appetite for worldly things.
"The temple is a place of revelation.
"Satan will try to keep us from going to the temple.
"In the temple the Spirit of the Lord provides comfort and peace, especially during moments of despair."
In her concluding remarks, Sister Thomas said: "Brothers and sisters, as servants of the living God, we shall press forward in this sacred temple work. May we teach our children that, as they spiritually prepare themselves for the temple, they may stand in the presence of the Lord."
