The House of the Lord

Last Sunday night we attended the dedication of the Draper, Utah Temple. As I sat listening to the beautiful organ music and watching photos of the inside of that beautiful ediface, I recalled many sweet experiences that I have had in the temple.

Dave and I had the blessing of living in Dallas at the time the temple was built. We watched it go up, prayed for those building it, contributed funds for the construction, worked as hosts at the open house and even cleaned this beautiful ediface the night before the dedication. We also saw dectractors chain themselves to the gates of the temple, yelling obscenities and untruths as they demonstrated against all that is good.

I was a visiting teacher to the temple matron and she always shared sweet stories about the temple with us. One day she shared that many of the neighborhood residents strongly objected to the building of the LDS temple in their neighborhood. One woman in particular led the group in public and private demonstration against zoning permits for the temple. All along the way she was a thorn in the side of those working to complete this house of worship. The very first open house session was for VIP members of the community and neighborhood. This woman was invited and probably came to complain about something or other. As she was guided through the building and told about the LDS faith, something stirred in her soul. At the end of the openhouse she asked to know more. She shared that she had spent everyday of her life looking out her kitchen window at this building, cursing it's presence in her life and little did she know that she had watched the raising of what she needed most in her life. She gained a powerful testimony of the gospel and joined the church. Sweet experiences. It is a particular blessing to be in the temple district of a new temple. Blessings and spiritual experiences abound.

I also recalled an experience when I went to the temple with deep pain and distress. I went alone seeking answers and solace. That is exactly what happened for me. My load was lifted when I heard my answer; "Be still, and know that I am God." I have recalled those words many times since and though time has passed, the feeling and answer I received in the House of the Lord that day has not dimmed. Each time I proceed through the veil, that same spirit comes to my mind with great force. I am grateful for the blessings of the temple and delight in knowing that those sacred ordinances will seal all that has meaning in my life, to me forever.

How Lucky Am I?

I have always considered myself a lucky woman. I just plan on having luck. In fact I have told my children that I am certain we will find just the right parking place, the one right smack in front of the store because I am a lucky woman. I want to hang around for the raffle tickets to be read because I feel deep in my soul that I will be a winner. I read an article a few years ago that studied the "luck" of people that felt like they had luck as opposed to those who didn't feel like they were ever lucky. Those who felt "lucky" indeed were. Those who considered themselves unlucky, never won the prize, found the penny on the ground, and certainly never found an empty parking place right in front of their destination. But I am a lucky woman. Maybe this is because years ago your dad and I were hunting for four leaf clovers and found one! Dad put it into a piece of clear tape and has kept it for years. I think he still has it. We have truly been lucky! But then, I believe "we make our own luck". I think you can attribute that quote to me, but I am not certain. The luckiest day of my life was the day I married Dave. He has been the love of my life, the joy in my life, my partner in crime and my all time best friend. We have very literally grown up together. I have dated him since I was a sophomore in High School, and you know what, He is still the one I love being with the most. On this Saint Patricks Day, I feel lucky to have married a man that dreams big and makes sure they come true! I love you Dave! So remember, "We make our own luck", and Dave was and is the man of my dreams.

Oh, How Time Flies!

Time is rushing on. I haven't posted for a long time and I had planned this blog to be a journal of sorts. I could start with my usual journal start: "It has been a long time since I've written," but instead I think I will just list what has been going on in my life:

• Shingles---ouch! Fortunately I have a light case, I had a nasty rash but I thought it was due to new hair product. I went back to good old WW (Weight Watchers) and had the tender mercy of sitting next to a woman who told me she had been suffering with shingles. Ding, Ding. A bell went off in my head. I paid a visit to the dermatologist the next morning and after a biopsy and a prescription I was sent home to experience "pins and needles". That is what it feels like. The Dr. had no bedside manner and after telling me I had shingles, he proceeded to tell me that it is the #1 reason the elderly want to kill themselves. No, I am not contemplating that. I am grateful however for that "tender mercy" so that I could get treatment early. It never ceases to amaze me how many times I am made aware of Heavenly Father's awareness of me and my circumstances.
• WW--Once again. When will I ever get this under control. It's a "New Beginning" for me.
• Phoenix. We went to "Valley of the Sun" an annual race we go to with Connor. It was sunny and beautiful. A great get away from the snow and grey skies at home. We came home contemplating the purchase of a townhome or condo as prices have hit rock bottom. But I think it was just a pipe dream.
• Temple Night-Had dinner for the group last Friday. Bring on the Mexi Haystacks!
• Scrapbooking--I am having what I call "Home School". I am trying to teach myself how to scrapbook with Photoshop so I can help my mom to publish a book about her life. This will be an ongoing project but will be well worth the effort.
• Jazzercise. I have been rocking every morning with Cristie Carter. I am really enjoying it and am training my body to move in ways I haven't for years. I think my spine has finally fused itself after the two surgeries (no disc left) and I am doing great. I find that I can move in ways I haven't been able to for the last 10 years. Hurray! I don't let a day go by that I am grateful to be out of that nasty pain.
• Europe. Dave booked tickets yesterday. We are going to Belgium for two weeks to watch Connor ride with the US National Team. I can hardly wait.

So there is a quick synopsis of the past several weeks. Life is good! I am grateful!