I Love to See the Temple

Today was the re-dedication of the Ogden, Utah LDS temple.  When a temple is dedicated or re-dedicated (Ogden got a complete face-lift and renovation, in progress since 2011), LDS members in the area get to participate in the dedication services by broadcast in our local churches. Prior to the dedication, an open house is held, where anyone in the public can go tour the temple. Hallie, Jace and I were able to go to the Ogden temple to see it. It is beautiful and the spirit was strong. 

I remember going to the Bountiful temple open house when I was younger, and those feelings stuck with me. Maybe that was the root of my testimony of temples. For as long as I can remember, the temple has always held such sacred feelings for me. When I was young, my favorite primary song was "I Love to See the Temple" and that statement is true today. I love that temples are everywhere and that each is incredible and beautiful, but not only that, a House of the Lord. 

For some reason, as I sat in the dedication services this morning, I felt especially tender and sweet feelings associated with temples, and particularly with being there to be sealed to Devin and then later to Flor. Children born to Devin and I biologically are considered "born in the covenant", meaning they are born sealed to us and there is no need to go to the Temple to have them sealed. Adopted children, however, get the special experience of going to the Temple to be sealed to their families. This means that we can stay together as a family unit even in the eternities. "And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens." (D&C 132:46). 

My sealing to Devin and later our sealing to Flor are the most sacred experiences of my life. I have a strong testimony of the temple and the work that goes on there. I feel blessed that these feelings and testimony are something I have been given. I have always, even as a young child, had a great love for the temple and a testimony of its divinity and sacredness. It has provided rich blessings in my life and for that I am so grateful. 

In the temple, we learn of the Plan of Salvation, the role of the Savior in our lives, and how to return to our Heavenly Father. There are multiple teaching opportunities that we have there that culminate in the ultimate ordinance, which is the sealing. The temple is a place of peace and joy and a sanctuary from the world. 

One quote from this morning's dedication service that I loved was from Elder David. A Bednar, who is one of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. He stated, " I can take light with me from the temple into a world that is increasingly hectic, dark, and confused." That is exactly how I feel, too, when leaving the temple. 

I felt prompted to share some of my feelings and my testimony associated with temples here, so there you go. 

Here are a few temples that have extra special significance in our lives: 

Idaho Falls Temple where Devin and I were married & sealed 

The Provo Temple, where Flor was sealed to us

The Guayaquil, Ecuador Temple. This was most certainly a beacon of light when Flor and I went to get her visa at the end of her long and trying adoption process. I didn't go inside because I had Flor with me and because we didn't have enough time, but just being able to visit and see it was enough to lift my spirits.

There it is again.

Idaho Falls again. So pretty, right along the river. LOVE that image of my hometown.

The Jordan River, Utah Temple. This is where I received my own endowments- when I went through the temple for the first time.

The Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple- where Devin received his endowments.

The Manti, Utah temple. This is Devin's "home" temple.

The new Ogden Temple

Provo again. No more beautiful feeling than to be surrounded by family and loved ones in the temple. 

There are now 143 temples in operation throughout the world, with 15 under construction, and 12 more announced. One is announced for Lisbon, Portugal, where Devin served his mission. He thinks going for the dedication is a good excuse to go back. :)

I also though this infographic was pretty cool:
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormon-temples-currently-under-construction