A Visit To the Oakland Temple

Last Sunday night, our family went to the Oakland temple to see the lights. We decided to walk around the visitors center first because the kids always love to see the big statue of Jesus. Well, the second we walked in, we saw a sister missionary from China! We were so surprised and elated to talk with her. We told her a little about William's experience in becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and about how different things were for the Church in China just five years ago.

It gave us a good excuse to really pause and think about all that has happened in our family in those 5 years. There have been miracles, for certain, and I personally am very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that without it, my life would be very different.

When we went to the visitors center that night, we watched a short film about families. It showed two new, young parents wondering, in all the complexitiies of the world, what was the most important thing they could teach their child? The settled on three: That she's loved, that's she's a child of God, and that their family could be together forever. I thought about it, and decided that everything else we need to teach our children can flow from those three. How grateful I am for my family---our little family, yes, but aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents as well.

I'm reminded of a quote I came across just yesterday while reading the Ensign. It is from President Gordon B. Hinckley. He said: "Do you want a spirit of love to grow in the world? Then begin within the walls of your own home. Behold your little ones, and see within them the wonders of God, from whose presence they have recently come."

After seeing the "big Jesus" as Annabelle calls the statue in the visitor's center, she said: "Mom, that's Jesus. He loves us so much." I was touched by her statement and was about to respond to her when she added with a strong look: "But He is NOT coming in our van!". So, I didn't know what to make of that. Perhaps in all we're trying to teach her, she's also learning to have very strong feelings about the van. Who knows!

Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying this holiday season. Happy December!