(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)
It was raining hard yesterday as we drove up to my favorite bridge that shows a view of the temple from its summit. I always take the inner lane of that bridge to give me a bird’s eye view of the Lord’s house when I reach its peak. I was hoping to take a glimpse of the beautiful edifice despite the weather, but it was pouring really hard and we had zero visibility.
In spite of us not seeing the temple from where we were, we knew it was there and if we only endured our unpleasant journey through the stormy weather, we knew we would get there in no time and be blessed with its warmth like no other place on earth.
Life is a very interesting journey. At times it pretty much feels like driving through the storm and even as we strive hard to reach the pinnacle of our faith and look to Him for relief, there are moments when it would seem like He is not there. It is during these times that we must exercise greater faith and know that He IS there; that He is watching over us and protecting us from getting completely harmed by the adversary.
Like any loving parent to their children, I trust that He allows things to happen to us so we may grow. He gives us space to learn from these experiences and if we submit our will to His, we will come out of each situation a better person.
May we all learn to look up to Him and get down on our knees when faced with life’s stormy weather. For He can calm the tempest and provide comfort to us during the worst thunderstorm. May we all develop the faith and trust that He is there for us even when life’s downpour blinds us and we have zero visibility.
Truly there are times when things do turn the way we never expect to be. Hard times come at some point in our life like rain and storm, but like all storms, it will come to pass. Thanks for helping me remember.
You’re most welcome, Dan. Thanks for your comment.
musta ka na Te Che?
I really get inspired, edified, uplifted everytime I read your blog here in wordpress…I feel strengthened and reminded of my weaknesses, which I need to improve on. Thanks a lot. miss you na! regards to your family.. kita kits tayo sa Cebu Temple dedication ha?
I’m fine, thanks!
I’d love to be there during the dedication! When will it be? Let me know, okay? Thanks!
Thanks.
You’re welcome, Alba!
Cherry,
Thats the beauty of relying on true faith, which although actually seeing nothing yet realizing our hope regardless of whatever present eventuality may occur in our lives. A direct point of saying “I will not divert from what I believe because I know its true and already happened, and its happening, and will happen for it is His promise as I obey His will”.
The following day right after my Sunday baptism, while I was on my way to office work, I felt a strong desire to visit the temple. So I drop by Gate 5 of Camp Aguinaldo and started walking. As I approached near the place about 300 meters, I saw the statute of angel Moroni and heard the sound of the trumpet that I was amazingly touched by the Spirit and cry out of gladness. What a glorious feeling.
However, as I arrived, the gate was closed. I asked the security personnel if he could allowed me to go inside. He told me its Monday and the temple is closed but you can enter just to have a look of the surroundings. I pick up a small white flower and inserted it on my scripture as a token that I will be back after a year for my endowment and temple sealing with my wife and children. And it came to pass, that it happened because I know these things are true.
A heaven on earth is a place where God is present and abiding. He’s celestial abode in this mortal world is in the temple which is the house of the Lord and where his holiness reigns. Inasmuch as we intend to see Him, the more we should have that desire to be in the temple to partcipate in performing those vicarious ordinances. A glorious edifice dedicated for the work of salvation and exaltation of rigtheous beings.
Be aware that our temple recommend is not just a passport to allow entrance to another foreign place out of the world but a representation of our worthiness that the temple of the Lord be not polluted like that of the olden times.
Regards,
Dan
Thanks, Bro. Mendoza.
hi this is a very wonderful photo of a temple spire, i hope we could xchange links..pleassse
http://ldsfilipina.blogspot.com
Thanks, Flor. The person who took that photo is an official photographer of Dateline Philippines! And I’m glad he’s also my friend.
Thanks for stopping by.
hi Cherry! Thanks a lot for being a friend. I like all of those inspiring messages you are sending. I am learning from you! you’re really a real friend. Thanks talaga! Keep sending it inspire me!
You’re welcome, Carol. Thanks for stopping by.