Ogden Temple: March 2011

We had it all arranged to go to the Ogden Temple in January but on the night we were going I became ill and I had to cancel, then everyone else canceled. So we ended up going in March (February was a busy month) I would have thought so many more people would have come as it was the temple closest to their home but it ended up being Julie and I. Although in Stephs defense she did get called into work at 3am then had to work on sat.. poor thing..

We wanted to get here before April 2nd (I think that is the date) as they are closing the Ogden Temple for two years to remodel it. It was the first time I was able to go to one of the space ship temples (that is what I call them because I think that is what the outside reminds me of). It was interesting building. As the whole building is a giant circle I got easily lost, several times. There is a great painting in the front entrance. It is beautifully done. It has Jesus and Heavenly Father speaking with three men. I am sure I am supposed to know who the men are but I don't. They are wearing the robes that I would imagine to be from the time period of Jesus (either Isreal or Americas). EIther way it was still poinant. The one thing I noticed with this temple is less is more. The celestrial room, is quite a bit smaller than all the others I have been to and although none are overly decorated this one seemed to be less so. It had a beautiful chandelier in the middle, must be crystal as it shined and crystal sconces. Regardless of the decorations the spirit was very strong and the amount of peace that was felt was very overwhelming. Which I needed as the last two weeks of my life have been anything but peaceful.

I am grateful for all that I have been given. For my family, my wonderful husband, beautiful and spunky daughter and the knowledge that we are not alone and that our prayers are heard. I am not one that will discount the peace that heavenly father gives to those of other religions. I don't believe that if you are not LDS that you can not feel his presence. I believe that regardless of religion or beliefs he will hear you and help. I know that he is a father that loves us all, each time I go to the temple I am confirmed of this belief. I am also thankful for my friend Julie. I know I am a much better person because of her and her faith. I am grateful she is my "temple friend" and someone I can always rely on to go with me (even though I can go alone).

Bountiful Temple December 2010

December we tried the Bountiful Temple... Everyone but Julie and I backed out. We had a lovely time. I personally I have a great tie to this temple..I consider it to be MY temple. I was sealed here to my most lovely husband back in 2007.

The Brides room there I think is the most beautiful that I have seen (not that i am biased or anything) it has the most beautiful crystal chandelier in the middle of the room that when the light from the stained glass windows comes in shines glorious colours. The room is a wonderful cream colour with dark purple accents.

The Celestial room is also a bright white with gold accents and gold coloured furniture.. I love this celestial room (well just as much as any really) I always feel the spirit so strongly here. I love that I can just sit in the room reflect on what ever questions I have and really truely feel that I have god's attention (well we all always have his attention I know regardless of in the temple or not). I just love the closeness I feel the comfort that I have is just something I can't explain.

I am very thankful for temples. I am the first to admit I don't know much of anything let alone the temple. Symbolism, parables etc generally get lost on me, but i love the feeling of not being alone and that someone is listening and cares. I know I am not alone. I know that Jesus is my Savior and is there for me. I am not perfect nor will I ever be, I am okay with that, but that doesn't mean that everyday I don't want to improve myself. I am thankful for everlasting love and forgiveness.

Salt Lake Temple November 2010

So as we were kicking off the girls night temple tour we thought it would be nice to start with the Salt Lake one. I used to work in the temple and have been through it many many many times but a lot of my friends have not. While a lot of people wanted to go their schedules didn't work out. So Julie, Melanie and I went through. Leigh came for the dinner but was on call so couldn't do a session.

We had dinner at the courtyard on the top of the Joseph Smith memorial building. Julie got us a great table overlooking the SLC Temple. However, we didn't get to eat :( our waiter was super slow and it took over an hour to get our food. So we each had a couple of rolls and off to the temple we went... We left Leigh to tell our missing waiter we had leave.. Thanks Leigh.. we love you... he was nice about it ..

The Temple was amazing as always.. If you didn't know the Salt Lake Temple is a live session..meaning that there are actors rather than a film... It was fun. The Celestial room beautiful. All the gold decor and expert woodworking, makes me realize what amazing skills those pioneers have. I think we have it way to easy in this day and age, i don't think that as many of us have a lot of those skills. We rely on way to many computers and designs. The sealing rooms off the celestial room are soo pretty with the stained glass... I also got to show Julie and Melanie where there entrance to the holy of holies is.. of course we can't go in there but it is still cool seeing the door.

I think the funnies bit though was the fact that this was the first time I had put on my temple dress since I had my baby.. About ten minutes into the first room i realized that i really couldn't breathe. I was debating about trying to push through but about ten minutes later and a light dizzy feeling I realized it just wasn't going to happen. As we moved from the first room to the second I had to go up to a matron and ask to change. I know normally they won't hold a session but I somehow got really lucky and was able to run down rent a dress change (twice- i didn't have a slip on which the matron made me put on ) and get back to the session in 5 minutes.. I have never been so happy for a tent dress.