the one about the Provo City Center Temple

I'm in awe as I think about the magnificence of the new Provo City Center Temple. There are simply no words to fully describe it's beauty! I consider myself so fortunate and blessed that I live here in Provo the same time as the open house and dedication. Before the fire, the Provo Tabernacle had served as a stake center for many here in Utah Valley. It has a unique history and stands as a reminder of the heritage of the pioneers and the work and faith put into building Zion in Provo. In December 2010 the loved tabernacle caught fire and all but the outer shell was lost. Months later President Monson announced it would be rebuilt with full preservation and restoration to be the 2nd temple in Provo. I never had any attachment to the tabernacle nor did the announcement effect me much until I moved and transferred to BYU. Now, I live within the new Provo City Center Temple district and I am completely in love with it. There once was an article in the Ensign of how the building itself is a parable of our lives. Our Heavenly Father has created us and loves us for who we are but wants us to become perfected. The tabernacle was beautiful and served its purpose well but Heavenly Father had more in store for it. Now being a House of the Lord it can bring many more on both sides of the veil to Christ. Sometimes it feels as though we are being completely burned from the inside out, that we are living in the refiner's fire. In time we will recognize the reasons for our perfect Father's plan and we will know His purposes. We have so much potential and must go through difficult things to reach it but it will always be worth it in the end. For we are sons and daughters of the Most High God.

the one about the temple

Growing up in the church, the temple has always played an important role in my life, but this past Saturday, I was able to learn and appreciate it so much more. I was blessed to be able to receive my own endowments. What a beautiful and amazing experience it was. Never have I appreciated The Atonement so much and never have I been so grateful to be a member of His great Gospel. The temple is such a wonderful place,  and it truly is heaven on earth. 

I can't say I wasn't nervous, I was. I had taken the temple prep class, I had met with my Bishop about it,  I read many many scriptures about temples and their purposes, and honestly, I was as ready as I could've been. When I entered into the temple, all my nerves went away. It was simply beautiful, as always. I know I made covenants with the Lord that day, and I renew those covenants every day now. I can honestly say, my life has changed for eternity, and for the better. The Spirit bore witness, to me personally, of the covenants I made and that they were true, and how grateful I am to have the Spirit as my constant companion to be able to have that assurance. The temple is truly the House of the Lord. I cannot say it was easy to get to the temple, it takes patience, dedication, constant prayer, diligent scripture study and most importantly the Atonement of Jesus Christ, but I can promise, it was is all worth it. The temple is not a "secret" place, it's a sacred place. As members we do not discuss the covenants made in the temple because they are so sacred to us and to our Heavenly Father. Anyone can go to the temple, if they are willing to live their life in accordance to His commandments and principles, it's not for the privileged it's for those striving to be like Him. I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that I can draw nearer to my Lord and Father in His Holy Temple and receive guidance and revelation for myself, but more importantly that I am just one step closer to being able to live and dwell with them again. I love to see the temple, I went inside November 23, 2013. I covenanted with my Father; I promised to obey.

Snow, Trials, and Sunday's picture

On a good note, we had the first snowfall of the year yesterday. The snow was magical. It fell so perfectly and covered the roads, tree tops, houses, and pastures like a thick white blanket. I love freshly fallen snow. It just automatically brings happiness all around. And I love seeing the tree branches white with ice and wind blown snow.

This week has been difficult. As you may see from only two posts. 

I have never felt so lost. I know who and what I need in life. . .the way to get it is the hard part. I know the Lord will bless me and will help me through everything. Only He knows what is in store for me. I will place my trust in him and hopefully I will be strengthened and guided in the right direction.

As for Sunday's picture mass I only have one. This picture has made me think a lot the last few days. I hope it gives you as much counsel as it has given me. 

 edited by me