why we have temples

i just read this talk by elder richard g. scott. i have often wondered what i would say if i were asked why the lds church builds temples all over the world and elder scott's article answered many of my questions.

• in the temple we can be sealed to our families. both jordan and i were born to parents who had been sealed in the temple and we know that our families will be together for eternity. because jordan and i have been sealed we know that it is possible for us to be together forever. this blessing also makes it possible for our children to be with us forever. 
• we also know that these blessings depend on how we choose to live our lives here. elder scott tells of his own experience with realizing this fact after losing two of his children. returning to the temple helps us to be reminded of these blessings and what we should be doing in our lives to live righteously.
• elder scott also bears his testimony that attending the temple brings peace, joy, and understanding into our lives. 

i am so grateful for temples on the earth today. i need to be better about making sure that temple attendance is a part of my regular schedule. i know that the temple is the house of the Lord.