Last week, our missionary son sent us this beautiful photo of the Gilbert Arizona Temple. The area where he currently works is very near to the Temple. How wonderful to have the very symbol of the greatest blessings of the gospel that he is called to share with the people, right there, constantly before their eyes.
Not long ago, I was searching for an idea for a Children's song, when I picked up a copy of the 2010 Temples Issue of the Ensign magazine. On the back cover was a quote by President Thomas S. Monson. It said, "How far is heaven? In the holy temples it's not far at all. In these sacred places earth and heaven meet and Heavenly Father gives His greatest blessings."
Not long ago, I was searching for an idea for a Children's song, when I picked up a copy of the 2010 Temples Issue of the Ensign magazine. On the back cover was a quote by President Thomas S. Monson. It said, "How far is heaven? In the holy temples it's not far at all. In these sacred places earth and heaven meet and Heavenly Father gives His greatest blessings."
These words literally jumped off the page in melody. I was so excited, I had to grab a piece of manuscript paper to write it down. The first verse was beautifully and perfectly formed, but the song seemed short. There must be a second verse. So I picked up the Temples issue again and started scanning the pages for another quote by Pres. Monson. And, sure enough, there on page 10 was a quote that perfectly fit the melody. "In their gleaming glory, temples seem to say, 'Come home to heaven, home to family, home to God."
Yes, these words fit perfectly, but the song still seemed a bit short. During General Conference a few days later, I was sure if I listened intently enough, I would hear the words to create another verse. And sure enough, one of the brethren was talking about temples. He said, "In sacred ceremonies, covenants are made. These covenants create eternal families." Yes! I did not know I was searching for the body of the message. But it became clear. That was what had been missing. It is through sacred covenants that the greatest blessings Heavenly Father has to give his children will be given.
So, this beautiful song for children about the holy temple, "How Far Is Heaven?" was now complete. I had the occasion to present this song to President Monson himself. He sent a letter of appreciation to say that he is always pleased when the members of the Church create beautiful works that will help bring more people to a knowledge of their Savior. I am sure that this song can be instrumental in doing just that.
How far is heaven? How far is heaven?
In the holy temples it's not far at all.
In their gleaming glory, temples seem to say,
"Come home to heaven, home to family, home to God."
Yes, these words fit perfectly, but the song still seemed a bit short. During General Conference a few days later, I was sure if I listened intently enough, I would hear the words to create another verse. And sure enough, one of the brethren was talking about temples. He said, "In sacred ceremonies, covenants are made. These covenants create eternal families." Yes! I did not know I was searching for the body of the message. But it became clear. That was what had been missing. It is through sacred covenants that the greatest blessings Heavenly Father has to give his children will be given.
So, this beautiful song for children about the holy temple, "How Far Is Heaven?" was now complete. I had the occasion to present this song to President Monson himself. He sent a letter of appreciation to say that he is always pleased when the members of the Church create beautiful works that will help bring more people to a knowledge of their Savior. I am sure that this song can be instrumental in doing just that.
How far is heaven? How far is heaven?
In the holy temples it's not far at all.
In their gleaming glory, temples seem to say,
"Come home to heaven, home to family, home to God."
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