Monthly Temple Trips

Awhile after my parents received their mission call, we decided to start going with them to the temple monthly. Why not go together since we are all going anyway? Spending quality time with my parents and sister and husband has helped ease my broken heart. Of course, food is a given when it comes to these temple trips. We've had Cubby's more than once, The Chocolate, Mi Ranchito, La Hacienda, Tonyburgers, Texas Roadhouse, and more that I'm forgetting. Give me all the food.

Temple attendance is important to me. I've noticed the blessings that come from going to the temple regularly. A few years ago, I was struggling with someone. She bugged me and I had to spend a fair amount of time around this person. I prayed and prayed to try to figure out how to be around her and see more of her good qualities. My answer was clear: go to the temple. Me:.... "but I already go to the temple!" Go more! I started going to the temple every week. I believe I was able to go 6 weeks in a row before having Izzy. It's hard to explain what happened, but the girl started bothering me less and less. In fact, I could even start to see why so many people like this person. We didn't become best friends or anything, but being around her wasn't really a burden anymore. I can attest that my heart changed because of my temple attendance.

I think part of my desire to attend the temple stems from my parents and their faithful example of attending the temple frequently throughout the years. Andrew and I recently went on a date and Isabelle asked Andrew, "Are you going to put your Oquirrh Mountain clothes on?" It was super cute and made me proud that our children notice our efforts to go to the temple.

Draper Temple (May)

We started the monthly temple trips with my parent in November 2021. We went to the temple together on November 20, 2021, December 23, 2021, January 8, 2022, February 19, 2022, March 22, 2022, April 16, 2022, May 17, 2022, and June 4, 2022. We've done a mix of sealings and endowment sessions. One time, when we were doing sealings, we were asked if we would be willing to do some of President Nelson's temple names. What an honor that was. We've gone to a variety of temples too- the Draper Temple, the Jordan River Temple, and the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. 

Some months it was surprisingly difficult to find a day/time to go together, but we always made it work. It was especially tricky to schedule temple trips after my mom's 2 surgeries and during her radiation treatment. Unfortunately, we didn't get a pic with Jess and Chris, but I promise they were with us many times! My mom has enough family names to keep us busy for eternity. I'm sad to report that we went to the temple with my parents for the last time this past weekend. A soft peanut butter cookie from Cubby's helped soften the blow.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple (June)

Last October, President Nelson emphasized temple attendance in General Conference. In his talk titled, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation" he said: "The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead." I really felt the urgency to attend the temple as he spoke. I have definitely felt like I need his strengethening power in these divisive times and go to the temple more than my goal when I have the chance.

I know in July when I attend the temple, I will notice my parents absence. I also know that there is no beter place to be than in the temple. I have felt the peace within the walls of that sacred space. In 3 years when my parents return, I think they'll join us again on our temple trips and oh what a happy day that will be.