We enjoyed attending the open house for the Draper Temple on January 15th and 16th -- the 15th with some friends of ours and the 16th with our young grandchildren!
It was really fun to see a temple from "new eyes"--none of these people had ever been inside a temple before. Each person was interested in the concept that temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints represent a re-establishment of principles and ordinances. Our loving Heavenly Father has revealed these things throughout history to His children, whenever they have prepared themselves to receive such knowledge and make such promises--covenants--with Him. Now in our day, in fulfillment of prophecies (see, for example, in the Bible, Acts 3:19-21), God has re-established what He revealed before to bless us when we need His help so much.
Of special interest on the tour were the:
- Baptismal font (e.g., in the Bible, 2 Chronicles 4:2-5) where baptisms will be performed by proxy for ancestors who have lived before (e.g., in the Bible 1 Corinthians 15:29).
- Ordinance rooms with their beautiful murals of mountain scenes where those who attend the temple after its dedication are taught more about the plan of happiness for this life (e.g., in the Book of Mormon, Alma 42:8).
- Celestial room, filled with light, symbolizing the light and peace which we will enjoy again in the presence of God.
- Sealing rooms, with altars where husbands and wives kneel across from each other to be married for this life and for eternity (e.g., in the Bible, Matthew 16:19), and with mirrors on the walls in which images of each person are reflected back and forth to infinity.
We appreciated feeling the peace and love that were evident in such a beautiful building, and we're happy that others could learn some of what temples mean to us. We are very grateful that we could be married in a temple, sealed by someone having the proper authority from God (e.g., Hebrews 5:4), so that through the Savior's Atonement we have the promise of being together as a family forever. We are also grateful that our children have been sealed to us, and that our parents and other ancestors are all sealed as well. We look forward to being together as families in God's presence throughout eternity.
Although your friends and family were intrigued by what they saw at the temple, ongoing discussions and the example you set each day are of greater importance. We are thankful that you and Louann live by gospel principles so we can see that these eternal truths DO make a difference.
ReplyDeleteWe are happy to tell both of you once more that you are our heroes!