House of Learning: Getting More from Your Temple Experience

by M. Richard Walker, Kathleen H. Walker

Have you ever felt that there might be something more waiting for you in the temple? Many people who say they love the temple and feel good when when they attend still express a desire to bring greater focus to their temple worship. This insightful book from a former temple president and matron is designed to help.

Engagingly written, with many personal experiences and practical applications, House of Learning outlines ways any Latter-day Saint, novice or seasoned, can prepare to be receptive to the spiritual teachings of the temple. It outlines the traits we need to develop to be in the proper frame of mind and heart for temple attendance. Then it explains a simple process through which we can unlock the spiritual meaning of the ordinances—including how they apply in our lives—and make the temple our house of learning.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Inspirational, Book Club

144 pages, Hardcover

First published July 7, 2010

Reviews

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by a husband and wife but some reason, her name--Kathleen Walker--is not included as co-author. Kathleen is one of President Gordon B.Hinckley's daughters. Richard and Kathleen both lost their spouses, found and married each other and were then called as President and Matron of the Salt Lake Temple. I am trying to attend the temple more frequently and have been looking for books to help me better understand this experience. I liked the personal experiences that the authors included--his and hers--and also the experiences of other temple workers and temple patrons. It really added a human touch to the book. One of my favorite sections of the book was entitled "How to learn in the temple". It followed a simple recipe--(1)Identify the principle being taught. (2)Figure out how it relates to the Savior. (3) Find out how it relates to you personally. We learn that the temple really is the key to our happiness and how we can work towards this goal.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been more than 7 years since my good friend first loaned me this book. I was looking for something I remembered reading and thought it might be in this book so I asked my friend if I could borrow it again. I didn't find what I was searching for, but what a JOY to read this book again. It is filled with so much wisdom that I want to remember and do to enhance my temple experience..

August 28, 2015: I finished reading this book for a 2nd time, taking notes this time. I loved it even more with the 2nd reading and found even more golden nuggets I want to apply.


8/24/15: My good friend, Cindie Walker, loaned me this book. I started to read it and could not put it down until I finished it. It only took a little over an hour to read (and that included the times I had to stop reading because I couldn't see the words for tears), but it is filled with so much wisdom and counsel, I want to read it again (and again!).

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book on the importance of the temple as a house of learning. At the end of each chapter a question is asked such as, "What can I do to see myself as the Lord sees me?" In reading the book you realize the temple is a great place to find an answer to such a question and more.

[Jeff Birk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read but well worth it. It was written by a former SLC temple president and his wife. Some great points on reverence, lovingkindness, learning and other topics plus a large amount of examples from their personal experiences serving. One thing that stood out to me is that the matron said she never met anyone during her three years there who said they had a vision or other spectacular experience like we sometimes hear of. Her point being that the most important thing is to learn to listen for the spirit. It'a all about the thoughts that come to your mind and the feelings to your heart when you're properly worshiping in the temple.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the temple. How to get more from your temple experience. The Temple is a House of Prayer, a House of Safety, Security, and Peace, a House of Learning, a House of God. It is the Key to Our Happiness. Part 1 is about preparing ourselves for Temple Worship. Part 2 is how and what we can learn in the temple. This is chock full of so many good things and lessons. Everyone should read it. I am very glad I read it.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this little book. It helps one get more and make more of the time spent in the temple. A great book to revisit every so often when I feel a little out of touch. It reminds us how to prepare before we go and how to ask and ponder questions once there. Great insights and tips from former SLC temple president and matron.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is short book about what Kathleen and Richard Tuner leaned while serving as President and Matron of the Salt Lake Temple. It is full of stories of experiences they had there and lessons learned. Might be a good read for someone new to the temple.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book! It felt more like having a conversation and less like teaching a textbook. I'd recommend this to anyone looking to attend the temple or just want a feel-good book to read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that will truly help your temple worship to become even better and more spiritual.

[K Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this one full of nice stories, but only one chapter that actually gave ideas to make my temple worship better than it is.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by the temple president and matron who served when Jay and I were sealed.

[Leah Darby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for work. Nice read.

[Terry Earley · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://deseretbook.com/House-Learning...

The Walkers served 3 years as Salt Lake temple president and matron. This is a book of insights they gained from the experience. I was hoping for something more "profound" or "deep". This was not one of those books. It is very short, barely over 100 pages and filled with stories. It was simple and direct in describing the preparation and process of making temple worship more meaningful.

I have often wondered why there was not some kind of "class" or "seminar" given in the temple to help us understand the symbolism better. Over the years however, I have softened that opinion and now tend to agree with the Walkers that the temple is a place to let the symbolism and messages flow to us on a very personal and often timely basis. Just like the same, familiar scriptures take on new and fresh meaning as we re-read, the temple teaches us in very subtle ways the very principles we need today.

Here is how they put it on page 75:

In the three years that we served in the temple, we never once heard of anyone who had a vision. Nor did we ever see anyone leave with a detailed list of "dos and don'ts" that would answer all problems and cure all ills. The Lord does not usually answer our prayers by giving us visions or by handing us a to-do list. But He does answer our prayers. And He prompts us in many ways.

Sometimes a prompting comes from hearing just a line or even a word in a new way. Sometimes it comes in a calming feeling of peace. Sometimes it comes in the form of ideas that come to our minds and hearts. Sometimes it comes in an expansion of our understanding of the principles taught in the ordinances. At times it may come from observing others. But it can and will come as we prepare our minds and hearts to be in tune with the Spirit that gives revelation and light.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book by Richard and Kathleen Walker. The perspective of this couple about temple learning and temple worship was very insightful. Both having been previously sealed in the temple to another spouse, Richard and Kathleen remarried after being widdowed and later served as Temple President and Matron. Their perspective on how to worship in the temple and increase the power of righteousness in your life through temple worship is methodical and concise, yet conversational. I particularly ejoyed their approach to focused learning in the temple by looking for principles taught in the ordinances, examining how they relate to the Savior Jesus Christ, and then applying them to self. The Walkers summed up nicely many things that I have been thinking about as I attend the temple.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House of the title is the Temple of the Lord. The Learning comes from the Holy Spirit. The authors, having served as the president and matron for the Salt Lake Temple, share insights on how to enhance your learning experience in the temple.

While the book could be a quick read, I would recommend treating it as a workbook. Perhaps considering a chapter a month, especially if you are in a position to visit the temple regularly and can put the principles discussed into practice.

"House of Learning" provides an opportunity to increase our spiritual perception as we serve in the Lord's house.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a short, sweet little book written by a couple who were president and matron of the Salt Lake temple for three years. You can feel their loving spirit through the personal anecdotes and just the ideas they share. This book isn't life-changing or ground-breaking in a dramatic way, but the ideas are simple enough for a new temple attendee like me but still thoughtful enough for someone who's been going to the temple for years. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is wanting ideas for getting back to the basics and getting more out of their temple experience.

[Robyn Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband bought this book soon after we started serving in Oquirrh Mtn. Temple. Short and sweet. Written by a former SL Temple Pres.& his wife. Favorite story - page 65 from Kathleen, her personal struggle with "organizing"- Learning that the Lord himself went through the process of creating from "matter unorganized". Took His example - Step by step, one day at a time. At the end of the day, took joy in His accomplishments and left tomorrow's tasks for tomorrow. Don't get discouraged or overwhelmed~

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is simple but helped me to think of how I can get more out of going to the temple and to apply what I learn there to my life. I read this at a time that I really need it. I recommend reading it if you want to get an idea of how you can feel closer to God and get answers to your questions.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect. This book is amazing. I felt the Spirit so strongly every time that I read it. I was able to take such great notes. I love this book and I'm kind of sad it's over. I have loved learning about the Temples and the importance of them in our lives. I recommend this book to everyone!

[DeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book with several anecdotal stories shared by the authors when they were serving as President and Matron of the Salt Lake Temple.

A good good for someone who has just gone through the temple. But personally it left me wanting. I kept waiting for more "substance".

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a simple quick read, with great insights into making our temple worship more meaningful. I really liked the question/comments at the end of each chapter, things to really ponder and work on!

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Walkers and I love their style of writing. I felt the Spirit many times while reading this book. It gave me many things to think about and do, without making me feel like I have not been doing enough(even if I haven't).

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love reading about the temple and about their experiences working in the temple. I also love the temple and especially the workers in the temple. It brings me much joy as it has brought them joy. I also hope to work in the temple someday.

[Tosha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring book told from the perspective of a Temple President and his wife. It tells of their wonderful experiences that they had serving in the temple. It encouraged me to attend more often so I can gain more insight from being in this hallowed house.

[Scott Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An icredible book about the manner in which we can more fully experience the blessing of the temple. I especially enjoyed the personal experiences that were shared, that really drove home the principles and doctrines expressed in the book.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for a lesson I am teaching on the temple. It is a quick, easy and inspiring read. I really enjoyed the many personal stories included in the book. There was also great practical advice to enhance the temple experience.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the simplicity of this book. The authors shared information on how to better understand and enjoy the temple and included many real-life experiences from their time serving at the Salt Lake Temple.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard and Kathleen walker descripe their experience as a Temple President and encourage us to have our hearts prepared for going to the temple. It's not as insightful as I hoped, but it does give you ideas on how to find the answers and Spirit you seek as patrons.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, short little book. It was not quite as deep and insightful as I had hoped, but I did very much like the personal stories the authors gleaned from their work as president and matron of the Salt Lake Temple.

[Janell · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first the ideas in this book seemed a little simple, but as I continued to read, it really reminded me of things I should be thinking about and working on as I attend the temple. Included numerous personal experiences.