There Are No Coincidences

Recently I finished President Monson's inspiring biography To the Rescue. Near the end of the book, the author recounts several experiences that President Monson had. Many people would say that they were coincidences, but President Monson firmly believes that "there are no coincidences."

Nearly two weeks ago, I was working in the Oakland Temple. I don't have any say in where I'll be assigned. I was hoping that I might be assigned to work the front door from 11:00 am until 11:30 when my shift ends so I might greet my cute niece Nikki and her handsome husband-to-be Kirk when they entered the temple. I knew they were scheduled to be married at 12:30 pm and there was a good chance they would arrive during that time period. Imagine my delight when I looked at my schedule and saw that that was where I was assigned! Sure enough, shortly before 11:30 am Nikki arrived in her wedding dress accompanied by her mother. The happy couple had been taking pictures before the wedding. A few minutes later, Kirk also showed up. I greeted them with a hug and escorted them to a room to make sure all their paperwork was in order. I really feel like my temple coordinator was inspired to assign me during that time.

But, that is not the end of the story of "there are no coincidences."

Earlier that morning I was scheduled to spend two hours in the Youth Center. A family was being sealed and they have 2 1/2 year old twin sons. I had never worked there before, but it was fun playing with them and keeping them happy and entertained until it was time for them to go upstairs to be sealed. They were pretty happy--until it was time to go up the elevator. The twin I was carrying had a melt-down. I found out later he is terrified of elevators. Nothing would calm him down. His crying set off his brother and we made quite an entrance to the sealing room in the normally quiet temple. As I walked into the sealing room, tears came to my eyes. I was going to be part of a sacred experience as a family was joined together eternally. I was so grateful to be there and witness this event. As I looked at the parents, the mother looked vaguely familiar but I knew I had never met her before. Soon, it was time to go back down the dreaded elevator and soon the father picked up his twin sons at the youth center. I didn't think I would ever see this family again.

I told Ron and Emily about my experiences in the temple later Friday afternoon. A couple of days later, I was sitting in church when a toddler began screaming and crying.

"Ron," I whispered, "Do you hear that baby? That's the same kind of cry that was in the temple on Friday."

Then I looked at the child being carried out. And I looked at the parent who was doing the carrying. Imagine my shock when I realized that the family I helped out was sitting in my Sacrament meeting! I wrote a hasty note to my brother and sister-in-law asking who the family was. It WAS the same family I helped out! My eyes were not playing tricks on me.

After Sacrament meeting, I went up to the mother and said, "Do you remember me? I helped your little boys in the temple on Friday." She smiled and said, "You looked familiar, but I wasn't sure where I knew you."

Ron, Emily, and I have moved into a large ward. I am still meeting people every week even though we've been here nearly 11 months. What a wonderful way to form a connection with a young family in the ward.

I believe there are no coincidences.

Ripples in a Pond

Nearly every child I have ever known loves throwing rocks in a pond. There is something mesmerizing about watching the rock hit the water, make a splash, and then watching the ripples making constantly widening circles as they spread from the point of impact.

A couple of days ago, an 8.9 earthquake hit Japan, devastating this country. A tsunami struck a short time later. Thousands of people have been killed or are missing. A nuclear power plant is having major issues as it has a partial meltdown and leaks radiation. Men, women, and children are without sufficient food, water, or power. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and everyone who was impacted some way. I'm sure it will take years to rebuild everything that was lost.

Yesterday morning as I arrived at the Oakland Temple we noticed a lot of people in the parking lot. It was not even 6:00 am and the temple didn't open till 7:00. We wondered why there were so many people there. They were dressed casually. I speculated that they were gathering together for another activity.

A couple of hours later, I found out why they were there.

They were afraid a tsunami was going to hit the Oakland area. They drove either to get out of harms way or in hopes of seeing a monster wave strike Oakland. I think that it is interesting that these men, women, and children would flock to the temple. Perhaps they could sense a place of safety and refuge even though they are not members of my church.

The earthquake struck Japan, but like a rock thrown into a pond with enough force, the ripples it created stretched halfway across the world.

Thank You for Being Jesus' Friend

A couple of weeks ago, a 14 year old girl was at the temple. She had only been there one time previously with her ward youth group. This time, she came alone to do baptisms. She was nervous, but the woman who helped her was kind and loving. It was a very positive experience for this young girl. As she was leaving the temple, the young girl thanked the temple worker profusely for all her help.

"I have always heard that the temple is the House of the Lord," the teenager said, "But today was the first time that I could feel it was Heavenly Father's house." She paused and added, "Thank you," she gestured to the temple worker and those standing nearby, "for being Jesus' friend."

When I heard this story today, I was touched. One of my favorite things is to work in the temple once a month. I was reminded that one of my goals is to be more like Jesus--to be His friend. As I greeted the men and women who were visiting the temple today, I tried harder to smile and greet them with warmth. I wanted them to feel that this is truly "The House of the Lord" and that I am striving to be His friend.

While I was in the temple, I noticed a beautiful young woman with her mother. She was getting married and was glowing like most young brides. Her mother was obviously happy about her daughter's choices. What a wonderful day for this family!

A few minutes later, I saw her mother alone. I greeted her and asked, "Is your daughter getting married today?"

She smiled and said yes.

"Congratulations," I said, "Having a daughter get married is such a wonderful occasion, but a little bittersweet, too." I felt like I needed to explain, "I've had three daughters get married, and even though they married wonderful men, I realized that I'm no longer the most important person in their life."

She agreed and then said, "Today is even more bittersweet for me. My husband is not a member and he's having a hard time not being able to watch his little girl get married." Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm going to join him in the waiting room so he isn't hurt even more."

Tears filled my eyes, too. I'm sure this mother has dreamed about her daughter's wedding day for years, yet she wasn't going to be there either. I tried to say something that would give her comfort. She then left to join her husband.

I saw the mother a couple more times this morning. We shared a smile each time we met. For a few minutes we made a small connection. Hopefully I was able to be, in some small way, Jesus' friend.

Wedding Day Blues

Once a month I volunteer in the Oakland Temple. Yesterday, I had that privlege. One of my assignments was to stand near the front desk and greet the patrons. When you are assigned the front desk area, you also make sure those doing baptisms or receiving their endowments, or getting married are shown the correct area to go.

About 9:00 am, a young man showed up. The man at the desk found out he was getting married that day. He was getting married at noon. He was slightly early. His fiancee was not with him.

I escorted him to the room so they could complete the paperwork and make sure his wedding license was in order. No one was in that office and when I went to track someone down, they suggested that he wait in the cafeteria because it was so early.

I went back and suggested he might want to get something to eat. He wasn't interested in eating. He was interested in getting married. He looked so nervous that my heart went out to him. I tried to calm him down by visiting with him a few minutes. He told me that his fiancee had already recieved her endowment in the Sacramento temple. He told me that they were arriving early to get their pictures done before the sealing. He was also very distressed because it was so foggy that he was worried that the pictures would not turn out. I told him I got married in February and it was a very overcast day, but sometimes those are the pictures that turn out the best. I don't think I reassured him. As we continued to visit, he received a text. His soon-to-be wife was running late.

I felt so bad for him. Here he was--all alone in the temple with some strange lady for temporary company. He began pacing the room and then decided to wait in the large foyer off the entrance. As I waited near the front desk, I could see him texting. I'm assuming it was to his bride. Soon, it was time for me to go to my next assignment. Yet, I kept thinking about him the rest of the morning.

When I finished my shift, I met my mom and she told me that she had heard that the bride had never arrived. I felt sick. I kept seeing this very young man with worried brown eyes, pacing the floor. My mom told me all the wedding guests were waiting for the noon wedding--which was only a few minutes away. She actually knew the groom's grandmother and she went to find her and visit for a few minutes.

When I met my mom again several minutes later, I received a wedding update. Actually the rumors about the bride not showing up were inaccurate. She had arrived after becoming hopelessly lost driving to the temple and had ended up in San Fransisco. Her groom became worried when she kept calling and saying she couldn't find the temple. He finally left to find her. Unfortunately, he was involved in a traffic accident. He was fine, but his car was totaled.

I could not believe what I was hearing. I've heard of things going wrong on a wedding day, but never to this extreme. As my Mom, Jack, and I left the temple, there was the waiting room full of guests. There was the bride and her bridesmaids standing outside the temple with the photographer getting a few pictures taken before the groom showed up. I wondered if the wedding EVER happened that day. Well today, I got the rest of the story.....

Today, I went back to the Oakland Temple with our ward's youth group who were doing baptisms. While I was there, I ran into one of the assistant matrons who recognized me as a temple worker. She mentioned in passing the wedding they had on Friday. I expressed interest and let her know I had met the groom and wondered what had happened. This is what she told me.

"Once the groom was in the car accident, his father went to get him. His car is a total loss, but fortunately he was OK. After a three hour delay, they were finally married and then his father drove the new couple up to the Sacramento area for the reception. I hope they got there in time!"

I was happy to hear that they finally were married. Whenever they move into a new ward and are asked to give a talk and "tell a little about themselves" they will have quite the story to tell. And when their future children ask about their wedding day, hopefully they will be able to laugh about it and say, "Well, there's this song from My Fair Lady that starts out,

I'm getting married in the morning.

Ding dong the bells are going to chime!

Throw out the stopper

Let's have a whopper!

But get me to the church on time!"

Men Are That They Might Have Joy!

When Ron was told that his job was coming to an end about 1 1/2 years ago, we began attending the temple on a weekly basis. It was the highlight of our week because for a few hours we were able to forget the pressing problems that weighed so heavily upon us. "How would we meet our financial obligations? When would a new job open up?" We always felt great peace as we walked through the temple doors and were able to put our problems behind us. We also felt a tangible feeling of Heavenly Father's great love for us. No wonder we enjoyed going to the temple every week!

One particular temple session stands out from the rest. We had been attending the temple for a few months when one of the officiators said something that I will never forget. He was giving the prayer and he said, "We ask that those attending the temple will feel joy."

This was an emotion I had not felt in months! Peace, yes. Love from our Heavenly Father--yes. Joy? No. Soon after entering the Celestial Room, I sat in a comfortable arm chair and began praying once again. Praying for our family. Praying for Ron in his search for employment. Praying that I might have greater faith. Suddenly, I was filled with such an overwhelming feeling of joy--it was indescribable! I don't know if I have ever felt such great joy in my entire life. It surpassed even the feelings on my wedding day and the birth of my children. It was joy that was felt in ever fiber of my being and brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. As I soaked up those nearly forgotten feeling of joy, I thanked Heavenly Father that the prayer of a humble temple worker was answered. I felt like that particular prayer was given for me--that I could have joy even during the trials and tribulations of life. That feeling of joy stayed with me for the remainder of the day. How grateful I am for the reminder that in this life, we can have joy and experience peace, even when our lives seem to be falling apart.

White Hair is Not a Requirement

Last Friday morning I woke up at 3:20 am because I wanted to--not because I had insomnia. After getting ready for the day I was out the door by 4:35 am. I met up with my mom and Jack and we then got in their car to drive to the Oakland Temple. It was my first day of being a set apart temple volunteer and I was excited!

After the short, but interesting preparation meeting, I was given a short orientation and then my assignment began. My main duty is to help welcome men and women to the temple and answer any questions they might have. I actually had quite a few questions asked. I hope I answered them all correctly!

I have always enjoyed attending the temple and one reason is how friendly and kind everyone is. Now I am one of those temple workers! I am following in the footsteps of my mother, my mother-in-law, and my aunt. I am so glad I have this opportunity to serve in the temple.

P.S. White hair is not a requirement!

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Monday morning our church building was given the assignment of cleaning the Sacramento Temple. This was our first opportunity to do it. I was excited about helping out. Vicki and Gary told me they would pick me up at 6:30 am so we could arrive by 8:00 am.

I was so excited and anxious about being ready on time that I woke up around 3:15 am and never went back to sleep. I usually get up around 5:00 am and so I could not understand why I was worried that I wouldn't be ready in time. I blame Grandma Faulk. She was a worrier and she passed this gene onto her grandchildren.

When we arrived at the temple and had put on our white coveralls, we gathered together to receive our instructions. The head cleaning man shared a story.

Shortly before the temple was dedicated, the new temple presidency was instructed by someone from Salt Lake that this temple would not have a paid cleaning crew and would rely on volunteers. They told them that there were two ways to accomplish this. The first way was to have the early morning temple workers arrive two hours before their shift. This meant that they would need to be there at 3:30 am to clean the temple. The late evening temple workers would need to also stay late which meant that they wouldn't be able to go home until 11:30 pm or midnight. The temple presidency didn't really like this suggestion and asked what the alternative was.

"Well," they were told, "you can ask the stakes to send pools of volunteers to come and clean. But, this has never worked. We really recommend that you use your temple workers."

The temple presidency thanked the Salt Lake people for their counsel and direction and decided to go with suggestion number two. The stakes were asked to help clean the temple.

About a year later, a group of people from the Temple Committee from Salt Lake came out to inspect the Sacramento Temple. They spent three days inspecting EVERYTHING! When they were finished, they met with the new temple presidency and reported that this was the first temple in their recollection that was in better shape a year after the dedication. The stakes had pulled through!

We were then given our assignments. Some vacuumed, some cleaned and restocked paper supplies in the bathrooms. Some dusted. I was part of the dusting crew. We were asked to dust every horizontal surface we could find and polish any mirrors or glass work that we saw. We were given a damp rag to dust with, two dry rugs (one to dry after dusting and one for our window cleaning) a bottle of Windex, and a Magic Eraser. We then went to work.

After three hours of dusting I looked at my damp cloth. It looked just as clean as when I started. I looked at my dry cloths. They looked clean, too. My big contributions to cleaning the temple were picking up a stray bobby pin, a used Kleenex, and a three pieces of lint off the carpet.

I wish my house was this clean!

I Love to See the Temple

The Sacramento Temple

I love the Primary Hymn, "I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday. To feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray..."

Last Friday night, Ron and I went to the temple with members of our ward. We had a sealing assignment. As I listened to the promised blessings I was filled with joy and gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who makes it possible for us to be united as families for all eternity. The sealer shared with us that approximately 50 generations separate us from Abraham. For some reason, this made Abraham seem more like a close relative like a beloved Grandpa instead of someone whose story is only found in the Bible.

The temple has always been important to me. I remember as a little girl attending the Oakland Temple Open House. I don't remember much about the event except walking up a very steep parking lot and thinking my legs would not make it.

Later, as a 12 year old, I remember the special, reverent feelings I had doing baptisms for the dead. As a Senior in High School, I had the opportunity of being on the temple ground nearly every day for a week performing in the Temple Pageant. That was a life changing event as I felt the Spirit testify to me that the things I was hearing and singing about are true.

I remember the anticipation I felt as Ron and I prepared to be married in the temple. I recall waiting with Ron in the Celestial Room for our turn to be married. I held his hand and could not believe this special day was finally here! I was filled with great joy when the sealer joined us together as husband and wife for eternity.

This past summer as Ron and I attended the temple nearly every week, it became our anchor during our uncertain time. When we became nearly consumed with stress, we knew that a visit to the temple would bring us peace and help us remember the great love our Heavenly Father has for us. We looked forward to those weekly visits because we knew that for a few hours we would find peace and comfort. We would also return home filled with strengthened faith and hope.

I recall one visit in particular when I felt such overwhelming joy! It was a feeling I had not had in a very long time. I believe it was a gift from my Heavenly Father assuring me that we were not forgotten and that we could experience joy even during the dark times.

As we were at the temple Friday night with members of our ward family, I glimpsed to a small degree what Heaven will be like. I am so grateful for temples here on the earth and for their saving ordinances.