I Love to See the Temple

We took our kids out of school one day during the last week in January so we could go to the Rexburg Temple Open House. This is when visitors of all ages and religions can take tours of the Temple before it is dedicated. The beauty of the temple was breathtaking! It was a beautiful and cold day in Rexburg (it always is cold there this time year).

I remember when I was about 10 years old, my parents took us to the Manti Temple Open House. It was originally built in the late 1800's. Later, it was renevated and rededicated in 1985. I only remember two things about that day. I remember waiting in a really long line and I remember when we went into the celestial room, my mom whispered in my ear, "This is the closest place to heaven on earth." When we took our kids last month, I told them the same thing.

I hope my kids had a good experience. We didn't have to wait in a long line so that should help. I hope my kids remember the feelings they felt and the reverent atmosphere in the Temple. I hope they want to return again someday.

President Hinckley

We were shocked when we received the first of many phone calls letting us know that President Gordon B. Hinckley, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had passed away Sunday night.
I never met him personally, yet, I felt like he was my friend. He always gave me great advice, reminded me of things I needed to do better, and offered encouragement and praise. One of my favorite quotes from him is simply, "do your very best."
He loved his wife dearly. She was an amazing woman. She died almost 4 years ago. Although we are sad at his passing, we believe they are once again together and that brings peace and comfort.

When Esteban was a toddler and Ethan a baby, we left them with a friend so we could hear President Hinckley speak. We drove 2 hours south of the border to Monterrey, Mexico where he was speaking at a regional conference. While we were in the Mexican Consulate to get our visas for the day, we told the official we were going to a religious meeting. He told us there were lots of people going to a religious meeting that day. People came from all over the area to hear the teachings of President Hinckley. Thousands of people were gathered in the outdoor arena which was only partially covered by a canopy. Aaron and I happened to be outside of the canopy and it was raining. We were the only Anglos we could see in the audience. Not only did we stand out because of our skin color but, because we were sopping wet. We were strangers in the truest sense. Soon a garbage bag was passed down the row and we huddled together under it to hear the man we consider a prophet speak. When he was finished, as he was leaving, the entire congregation rose to their feet and sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." while waving white handkerchiefs. Aaron and I were unprepared and once again, white cloths were passed down the row for us to use. The arena was a sea of white as all of us bid farewell to our beloved leader. I learned what is mean to be brothers and sisters. Those people who sat nearby, did not know us, yet they cared for us. That day, I not only heard his teachings of tolerance and love, but I saw them put into action. I will never forget.

Tributes to President Hinckly have come from all over the world. It was the only news topic discussed on the local radio yesterday (it's the only thing I wanted to hear about). Politicians, reporters, and dignitaries all paid tribute to a wonderful man and leader. Yet, for me one of the most touching tributes came from ordinary kids who, upon hearing the news, spread word via text messaging to wear "Sunday Best" clothes to school on Monday in honor of the only prophet they have ever known. Schools in the Salt Lake area were filled with thousands of kids wearing dresses, suits, and ties. I'm sure it was their hope, in some small way, of saying God be with you till we meet again.

The Best Couch Day

I woke up Sunday morning with a sore throat and bad headache. I felt like laying on the couch in my PJ's all day. The nice thing is, it was General Conference so, I could do just that. Any other day of the year wouldn't allow it.

General Conference takes place twice a year in April and October. It is when members of our church stay home to listen to sermons broadcast throughout the world on TV, radio, or Internet from the church's headquaters in Salt Lake City.

One year during General Conference, our family went out of town. I had a friend, not of our faith, who saw the empty church parking lot that Sunday and wondered why church was cancelled just because the Bishop was gone.

One of my favorite talks was given by President Faust on forgiveness. He talked of tragic events in the recent past and how family members were able to forgive. I thought it was very poignant.

It really was the perfect couch day. I was able to take it easy and was uplifted with a renewed desire to better my life.

Are you a Mormon?

Ethan recently announced that every kid in his class was a Mormon. I asked him, "How do you know?" He replied, "I asked them all."