The Temple is our Ultimate Target

Dan was asked to write a message for the first edition of the LV II ward email newsletter.... Bishopric Message With the deer hunt approaching, and knowing that there are many hunters in our ward boundaries anxious for that opening morning, I thought this story would be appropriate. You may have heard the story of the hunter who took his wife hunting for her first time. Although reluctant at first the hunter found out after only a few short lessons at the shooting range that his wife was actually a very good shot. She was accurate at long distance and could even hit a target on the run; a regular Annie Oakley. On opening morning he situated his wife on a ridge overlooking a valley below. His plan was to move down through the valley driving deer in the open where his crack shot wife would shoot the deer. The plan worked well, for it had only been a few moments and he heard the recoil of his wife’s gun. Quickly, the hunter ran to where he heard the shot. As he got closer to his wife, he heard her screaming: "Get away from my deer!" Confused, the hunter raced faster towards his screaming wife. And again he heard her yell: "Get away from my deer!" Now within sight of his wife, the hunter was surprised to see a guy standing there with his hands high in the air. The guy, obviously distraught, said, "Okay, lady, okay!!!! You can have your deer!!! Just let me get my saddle off it!" Obviously a discussion about what the ultimate target should have been was neglected. Truly a silly story; but how often as we go through the routine of the day or the week, do we forget what our ultimate target is. What are we really living for? I hope that this month’s issue of the Ensign will give each of us an answer to what should be the ultimate target for our family. It is an issue totally devoted to Temples and the importance of them in our lives. Pres. Howard W Hunter explains that “All of our efforts in the church lead to the Holy Temple. All of our effort in proclaiming the gospel, perfecting the Saints, and redeeming the dead lead to the holy temple. This is because the temple ordinances are absolutely crucial; we cannot return to God’s presence without them. Do everything you can to prepare yourselves and your families to enter the temple. “ We encourage all members of our ward family to become “A Temple Motivated People”. Please take the time with your families to study this Ensign Issue, review the council from General Conference, and plan an opportunity this month to go to the temple and experience the spirit of our Heavenly Father that resides there. Next ward Temple night is October 9th at 7:20pm. Hope to see you there. -Brother Dan Flake and the Bishopric