Temple Trip #15 - Ogden Temple

The temple has been a place where we have received instruction from on high.  We have found guidance and direction and strength as we have visited nearly every temple in Utah in 2009 (Monticello pending).  These temple trips were made as opportunities presented themselves and babysitters became available.  It became natural for us to think of how we could make a temple visit in correlation with other trips.  Though each temple trip provided great peace and direction to our lives, this most recent temple trip came out of necessity due to recent trials where a greater eternal perspective was required.

Our faith has been tested in light of recent trials as we strive to have a family.  Miraculously Melissa once again became pregnant.  God's hand once again had been recognized and excitement and preparation permeated the holidays.  The joy of the holidays was dampened with the news that the baby didn't have a heartbeat and that there was no growth in the 7 week old fetus.  Needing greater strength provided only through the Lord, we traveled through the snow and smog to the Ogden temple.  We found understanding and a greater perspective as we worshipped in the Lord's house.

This temple and each temple has taught us much in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.  How grateful we are for these sacred "schools" that educate us of God's ways and His plan for us and for our family.

Total miles = 370 heart-wrenching miles

Temple Trip #14 - Jordan River Temple -Happy Birthday Joseph - 10 years

104 years ago this day the Prophet Joseph Smith was born. 10 years ago this day I went through the St. George temple with my family and Mark Corry and his family for the first time. Today we found ourselves remembering all that the prophet Joseph Smith had done in restoring the gospel by partaking of the blessings that flow from that restoration by going to the Jordan River temple.

In a way this was a birthday gift to the man who has done more for our family than anyone else, save Jesus Christ. The irony of this is that in giving this so called "gift" we got more in return by drawing closer to God, strengthening family by remembering covenants, and finding peace, joy, and revelation.

Total miles = 274 Birthday miles

Winter Wonderland

Though the best experiences happen in the temple, tonights winter wonderland stroll on temple square was just that, a "wonder" to behold. Minus Parker, who was enjoying the comforts of Grandma and Grandpa, we were able to have some time together to enjoy the beauties of nativity scenes from around the world and lights galore. It had the holiday feel as a fresh new coat of snow had recently blanketed the city. Amidst the crowds of people and the occasional snow plow, we took time to listen to the story of the first Christmas and reflect on the reason for the season.

After enjoying the lights and holiday cheer, it seemed fitting to get a nice cup of "hot chocolate." My suggestion of doing this was misunderstood and interpreted by Melissa as getting a "hot pocket". After a laugh and some clarification we stopped by a nearby market only to find that the machine was broken. Though disappointed not to have got "hot chocolate" or a "hot pocket" we returned home having warmed ourselves in the winter wonderland that temple square brings this time of year!

Through the Fog

A couple of conferences ago, one of the brethren talked about how we are really never lost when we can see the temple.  Well what happens when you can't see the temple?

Such was our experience in our trip to the Logan temple.  We found ourselves arriving in Logan in a dense fog, not knowing where the temple was in ideal conditions, let alone in foggy conditions.  We were assured that "you can't miss it".  Well, we were pretty sure that you can and luckily we didn't.  Following Melissa's instructions to "turn right" proved to be the smartest thing I did all trip.  We found the temple without much difficulty but learned a lesson in the process.

As we made the decision to "turn right" we were unsure of what we were doing but as we looked through the fog we could scarcely make out the temple.  We kept driving in the direction of the temple until it came into full view.  I learned that what happens in the temple and what we are taught within those walls helps us see through the "fog" that life sometimes is.  When we keep covenants, we are able to see right from wrong and what direction to head.  The more faithful and consistent we are in keeping those covenants, the clearer that things come into view.  This was the lesson I learned that "clearly" taught me something I hope we never forget.

Temple Trip #13 - Logan Temple - Over the Mountain and through the fog to the Lord's House we go

The warmth of the bed was abandoned early for this temple trip to Logan as we loaded the car at just after 5:00 AM leaving Parker in the ever eager and willing hands of Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Brittany.  Braving the elements of single digit temperatures and dense fog we traveled over snow capped mountain passes and through fog engulfed valleys.  True to the spirit of the season we were traveling "over the mountains and through the fog to the Lord's House we go".  As we entered Logan we were unsure where the temple was.  We were told that we couldn't miss it.  The hovering fog eliminated this possibility but after a right hand turn off of main street and looking through the fog, we were able to spot the temple.  

We found warmth in all of its forms as we entered this pioneer temple.  We were well taught and grateful for the chance to serve those who have passed on ever mindful of the significance of this sacred work.

Leaving the temple and back into the brisk Logan temperatures we traveled home stopping a few times to do some last minute Christmas shopping and a visit with family.

Total Miles= 459 frigid miles - temps ranging from 0 - 32 degrees

Touching the Temple

We have often heard the following story

 “Early in the week, Elder Thomas S. Monson of the Quorum of the Twelve suggested deep spiritual meaning in the physical presence of the temple. He recounted the late Elder Matthew Cowley’s story about a grandfather who took his small granddaughter on a birthday visit to the Salt Lake Temple grounds. With permission of the groundskeeper, they walked to the large doors of the temple. He suggested that she place her hand on the temple wall and then on the door, saying tenderly to her, ‘Remember that this day you touched the temple. One day you will enter this door.’ His special gift to his granddaughter was an appreciation for the House of the Lord. Likewise, counseled Elder Monson, ‘As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us.(’In JoAnn Jolley, “A Shining Beacon on a Hill: Jordan River Temple Is Dedicated,” Ensign, Jan. 1982, 77)

We took this counsel as we recently visited the Salt Lake Temple.  

One Grateful Husband

Saturday's mean football games and yard work.  They are days to get caught up on all that has been delayed and needs to be done.  It is a day to relax and enjoy stress free time.  This was what I thought Saturday's were for until my dear wife taught me otherwise.  Saturday's are days to be found in the Lord's house.  With the recent fall and surgery of Grandpa Gus and no doubt much on her mind she woke up early and did a session in the Salt Lake Temple with her dad.  Having been home alone all week and anticipating her return I anxiously called her hoping for a quick arrival only to get her mom on the other line telling me of their early morning trip to the temple (Saturday October 10).  

How grateful I am that I have a wife that loves the temple and goes there often.  How thankful I am that she goes there when the turmoil of life is pressing down on her.  How appreciative I am of a loving wife who sacrifices the Saturday pleasures to be serving in the Lord's house.  

As for her experience in the temple, I am going to leave that to her for the telling but in my case her actions have spoken louder than words.  Her actions echoed the words, "I love to see the Temple".  

Feels like Home!

Being back to the Manti Temple was a wonderful experience.  As we entered on Saturday, September 18, it felt like coming back home again.  I love Manti for that reason.  We were able to load up the car with Heather and Tommy Eden, their kids, and of course our little Parker.  We first headed to Price to drop off Parker with Grandma and Grandpa, then on to Mt. Pleasant to drop off the Eden kids to their grandparents house.  It was worth going the extra few miles so we could have them watch the kids.  

We pulled into Manti and just the site of the Temple makes me happy.  It was such an amazing spirit as we went through the session with the Eden's.  I was so overjoyed to be sitting by Heather and know that we were in the right place.  It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget! The temple is such a sanctuary and a privilege to have one so close to be able to experience a little piece of heaven on earth!

Tara's Temple Trip

On August 15 my dear friend, Tara Sullivan, entered the House of the Lord in St. George, UT to receive her own endowment.  I love this girl and was so ecstatic to hear of the news.  I wouldn't have missed this session for the world.  She is one amazing sister and I love her.  She is so true and faithful and has made it top priority to be back to church and serve!  It was a gorgeous day and so amazing to see her in white.  I love the purity and equality of the temple.  We are all children of our loving Father in Heaven!  Each time I attend I am reminded of the worth of our souls in His sight and I want to strive to be with Him and my family and friends forever!

Temple Trip #12 - Oqirrih Mountain Temple Dedication

What do you do on a rainy August Sunday?  If you are Dr. Seuss you invite The Cat in the Hat to play.  If you are a baseball fan, you sit in a rain delay.  But if there is a temple dedication with all of Utah invited you put on your Sunday best and make a trip to the dedication.

And so it was today.  There was no rain delay and there was no cat in the house to play.  The gloom of rain hovered most of the day but didn't dampen the spirit of this sacred occasion.  Our friends the Eden's brought their kids over in the morning so that they could go to the dedication.  Parker was in heaven as he colored and ate graham  crackers with them.  The favor was returned as we participated in the afternoon and final dedication in the church house in Orangeville.

The dedication was uplifting and enlightening as Sister Allred, Elders Zwick and Ballard, as well as President Monson each addressed us.  President Eyring's reading of the dedicatory prayer sealed the session as Elder Ballard led us in the hosanna shout.  Coming out of the building and out into a drizzle of rain reminded us of many valuable lessons that the gospel and rain bring.  

1.  A sense of freshness and a new beginning

2.  Heaven's open with bounteous blessings

3.  There is always a refuge from the storm

4. The Lord is the source of all blessings 

Fittingly as we drove home we saw in the distance a rainbow, another reminder of God's love for His children.  And so it was that on this rainy Sunday the heavens were opened in many wonderful ways.  

Why Temples???

Why temples?  Need we say more?

Attending Mia's blessing was just another reminder of the importance of temples and covenants in our lives.  Thanks Mia for the reminder!

Temple Trip #11 - Vernal Utah Temple - July 31

As a seminary teacher it is our hope that all of our students have their eyes fixed on the temple and achieve that goal.  It isn't always possible to know the outcome of all of our students but know and trust that they are in good hands.

So what happens when one is able to see their students go to the temple?  Well this trip was one of those experiences.  While Melissa was a senior at Carbon High School she had a seminary teacher that influenced her greatly by teaching her the the power of the atonement.  

Brother Walton's influence continues as he teaches in the same area as us in Vernal.  So, while on our way to Green River, WY to attend Mia's baby blessing, we stopped and visited the Walton's.  We went to dinner to a Chinese restaurant followed by a sealing session with the Walton's in the Vernal temple.  On our way home to rescue the baby-sitter's from Parker's madness  we picked up some yogurt from Maverick.  By the time we got home it had become soup.  This was the least we could do for the brave baby sitters Rachel and Emily.  They had discovered that the "only thing" that worked for Parker was a ride in the stroller.  The night was topped off as Brother Walton and Melissa reminisced of their seminary days in Price as he pulled out old photographs.

We are grateful for those that have an influence in our lives and point us to the temple, and then pay them back by finding ourselves there (ironically we are the one's that are rewarded!).

Total Miles:  286 Temple Miles

504 Round Trip Miles

Temple Trip #10 - Oquirrh Mountain Temple - July 25

After celebrating birthday bashes with both families the icing on the cake was a trip to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House.  This was Parker's second attempt at seeing the inside of the temple but apparently he chose to "ponder" his way through this tour as well.  Having all of Melissa's family there made it nice, not to mention increasing the odds at getting more cookies at the end of the tour (this part Parker did wake up for though!).

After seeing the simple beauty that the temple has we walked outside where you could see two other temples in the valley (Draper & Jordan River).  Melissa's dad put it best when he said, "Brigham would have been proud".  Having now 4 temples in the Salt Lake Valley truly is a testimony of the strength of the Lord's kingdom here on earth.

Carter giving Parker a hug (After all this is his and Cali's temple)

As we drove home from the temple we discussed what we liked about this tour.  It was unanimous, we both left with a greater desire to come back more often and to re-dedicate our lives to serving in the Lord's kingdom.

The trip was made complete with a stop at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house in Spanish Fork where he showed off his walking skills.  

Total miles:  280

Temple Trip #9 - Mount Timpanogos Temple

There is no better way to celebrate an anniversary than to be in the sealing room with your eternal spouse and that is where we found ourselves for our 5th year anniversary July 10, 2009.  With a baby sitter nearby (Scott & Janice), we were able to sneak away to the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

Upon our checking in to perform sealings we had an insightful conversation with a temple worker that went something like this:

Temple worker:  "How are you doing this day?"

Us:  We're doing good.

Temple worker:  "Of course you are you are in the temple"

Us:  "Well how do we STAY in the temple?"

Temple worker:  "You keep repenting" and then he followed up with this statement, "you know the temple is a place of sanctification!?"

After performing some sealings and spending some peaceful time in the celestial room reflecting on our 5 years we returned to rescue Parker from his baby sitters.  Finding all well and not believing our luck at their willingness to watch him longer we ventured to Pizza Factory for a nice dinner.

The night was topped off with a game of Bocce ball in Scott's backyard and a trip home kept awake by singing along to some sappy love songs.

Total miles: 236  "lovely" miles

Highlights:  

Pre temple Cafe Rio Trip

Post Temple Pizza Factory

Bocce ball at Scott's 

Reading book on the way up

Sing along on the way home

Game of "coins while waiting for dinner

Temple Thought - In the mouth of babes

On the outside of each temple is the phrase "House of the Lord".  This lesson was taught to me in a simple yet profound way.

 I was babysitting for an enrichment night and was taught a great lesson from a three year old girl Audrie.  In the primary room is a picture of the temple.  I asked her what it was a picture of and she replied, "That's where Jesus lives."

Lesson learned.  Thanks Audrey.

Temple Trip #8 - Manti Temple

In the recent General Conference Elder Richard G. Scott (April 2009) gave suggestions to members that can help us get more out of our temple experiences.  One of those suggestions was to take off your watch.  This counsel seemed to hit home for us as we have had other things occupy our time as of late (Youth conferences, master's degree, etc.) and it was nice to be able to "take our watches" off for 6 hours and have a temple experience.  This "taking off of our watches" also meant leaving Parker at Grandma's for 6 hours, a feat that we had never really faced.

Melissa described the trip best by saying that it brought "peace" that we needed.  A sack lunch for the return trip home, a quick stop at the Malt Shop for their infamous shakes, and dodging deer driving through the mountains highlighted the remainder of the trip.

Temple trip stats:  249 miles