Refuge and Reality: The Blessings of the Temple

by John H. Groberg

When the heavy troubles of the "real world" bombard your soul, where do you go for refuge?

The peace and safety of the temple make God's holy house a refuge for many world-weary Saints. When Elder John H. Groberg served as president of the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, he often encountered Church members who would express their regret at having to leave the temple and reenter the "real world."

Through treasured experiences and stories, Elder Groberg affirms that the temple represents the "real world" of the eternities. He writes: "That which lasts forever is real; that which does not last forever is not real. The temple is the real world, not this temporal one."

As we seek to know our real selves and to see the real beauty in the world and people around us, this inspirational volume will direct our understanding toward the eternal answers found in the temple. The hope and strength we need are there: Our mortal burdens are made light, empty longing is filled, and when we leave that holy place, we can take with us the "real world" comfort and power of heaven.

Genres: Religion

Unknown Binding

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Elder John H. Groberg has been a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy since April 1976. Prior to his call as a General Authority, he served as a Regional Representative. He is the author of The Other Side of Heaven which is the basis for a movie by the same title.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book earlier this year. What a great influence it is! John Groberg shares many wonderful experiences that come from serving in the temple, and most of them are from the Idaho Falls temple. I was trying to remember who recommended it to me. Maybe it was from reading about Richard G. Scott's experience as a youth at the temple open house and I followed a reference to this book?

This is what I took away from the book: By serving others our lives are brought into focus. We can't help but treat people better when we serve them or watch out for them or think about their cares. There was a heart wrenching but touching and inspiring story toward the end of the book about a family whose daughter passed away due to medical mistakes but the family chose to do what was necessary to hold the medical community to a standard and help them learn from the experience, but not to push further and break the lives of the doctors who felt awful for what they had done.

I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to break out of the daily grind and truly see things in a more eternal perspective, or in other words, to see things in REALITY.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love about this book is how John H. Groberg takes real people, real situations, and real experiences and shows how the temple blessed, has blessed or will bless us for being faithful. I learned so much from reading about the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of other people. It is the perfect blend of narrative and lessons. I feel like each chapter in itself is a mini-lesson.

This is a great book if you are wanting to feel more motivated to attend the temple or you just want some new insights to ponder as you continue to attend regularly.

[Jamille Parks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter has a short story with a powerful message about life and the importance of attending the temple. I felt the spirit testifying to me that I need to make the temple a priority. So many good ideas came to me as I read this book. R ally well written and a good read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Quick read, great stories, great spirit throughout!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights on the temple.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Each chapter can be read and pondered before moving on to the next. His style of writing is endearing and easy to understand--love the perspectives he gives of the Temple.

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Groberg shares events, thoughts, tender mercies and other patron's temple experiences. He relates these experiences with scriptures and scripture stories. Well done!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty darned good.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Anecdotal Witnesses of the Eternal

Elder Groberg’s remarkable experiences with temple patrons complemented by some from his mission service are weaved together into powerful spiritual insights. Absolutely beautiful and instructive!

[Nancyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the temple, and clearly Elder Groberg does, too! Written in a very similar style to his other books, this is basically a compilation of stories and experiences he had while serving as the temple president for the Idaho Falls temple and the lessons he learned from them. Some great insights. I think what I loved the most though, was just hearing from someone who really understands the vital necessity as well as the joy of the temple and all that it offers.