Yesterday I had the extreme priveledge of attending the Draper Temple openhouse with my entire family. I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love that we have the temples so that we can be given the keys that we need to have a Celestial and eternal marriage with those that we so dearly love.
I love when new temples are built for the opportunity of being able to tour through them as children and with children, as they have not yet been dedicated. I distinctly remember being 8 years old and being able to go to the Jordan River temnple with my family. It actually stands out in my mind as if it were not nearly 30 years ago but only a few. I remember being a small child and feeling the spirit that the temple brought into my life and knowing then that I wanted to be married in one of the Lords holdy temples.
It was amazing to me to sit and watch my children as we were watching the 10 minute video presentation before heading up to the temple. I have never in all of our years of going to church seen my boys sit so reverently and be completely engrossed in what they were seeing.
Inside of the temple I was yet again amazed by the beauty and peace of our surroundings. Every time we would pass one of the many paintings of Christ it filled my heart to see John Matthew grin his big cheesy grin as if he was seeing a painting of his best friend. Our little ones are so precious.
Aaron was so impressed with the baptismal font. JM just wanted to get in and go swimming.
The best part without a doubt was taking a few minutes to sit with my entire family in the Celestial room of the temple. To look in each others faces and to know that we are a forever family. My sweet husband sent me an email today that will go in my "happy things" place. He said.."When I looked at your face in the Celestial room it gave me a reassurance that you know the truthfulness of the gospel and that it is so important to you. I am so thankful for that!" I in turn am so thankful for my husband and the good man that he is and the example that he is to our children.
I pray that the experience of going to the temple will stay with my children and that they will remember the feelings of peace therein and that one day they too will choose to be sealed for Eternity with the loved one of their choice....or their "pretty girl" as Aaron and I discussed while sitting in one of the sealing rooms.
My testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is nothing earth shattering. It is a simple yet firm knowledge that the true church of Christ as been restored here on Earth in the latter days. I pray that I can teach my children well and that they will learn while they are young for themselves of the truthfullness of the gospel.
I am so thankful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and for the sacrifice that he made to make all of this possible.
6 comments:
Ok I realize I'm a bawl baby BUT you have NO just NO idea how much I needed that today. Thank you for your strength. I can't wait to go. Our tickets aren't until the end of Feb though. The 21st I think. I love ya.
Thanks. I needed to hear this today from one of my children. Thanks so much for being strong. Keep those children close and pray for them everyday.
Karen and I are going next week. I've heard great things and look forward to going.
What a wonderful post. I hope that I can have that experience with my family some day. Thank you for sharing your experience, it brought tears to my eyes and I felt the Spirit as I read your testimony.
What a wonderful thing to be able to do with your family. I hope the kids will have a lasting memory of their experience. Thanks for your testimony-it strenths me to know of your and Tracey's testimonies. I love you all so very much!
and you know Matthew probably was seeing his best friend. I really believe small children are very close to the Savior!
Such a sweet post, my dear! Gorgeous pictures and gorgeous words. Things like this sure make me wish we were closer to some temples to be able to take our kids to the open houses. And holy smokes, what a sweet email from your dear hubby. Wow, you guys have an amazing relationship. Love it! (and yes, I promise I'll send you an email one day about PS....it's been on my list of things to do forever and I haven't forgotten yet. Soon, I hope...soon!) Hugs!
Great pictures! We just took our kids on Friday afternoon to the Draper temple & loved it! It was such a great experience for all of us!
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