If you want to see all of the LDS temples of the world, click on the image.I never really had one of those tear-welling, heart-swelling experiences the moment a new temple was announced. Of course, I thought it was wonderful, but it never really affected me the way it did this last General Conference. "Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Córdoba, Argentina...." When President Monson started the list of new temples to be constructed, "Philly, Philly, Philly" was thrumming in my heart. Hoping.
"...greater Kansas City area; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Rome, Italy."
My reaction was like that of so many church members around the world when a new temple in their area is announced--I cried with a prayer of gratitude in my heart. I thought of the blessings that come from attending the temple and that so many more people will be able to take part in them.
Their are many blessings that Juan and I have experienced from our choice to attend the temple. When we are there it is a peaceful experience, one that brings us closer to our Heavenly Father and each other. We make promises with God and each other that we will do was is right and good. We are renewed with courage to go forward in faith through a world drenched in problems and sadness. We leave with protection and strength given us from God.
Currently, the closest temples to us are the Washington, D.C. Temple and the Manhattan, New York Temple. For church members who do not own a car (many families in the wards and branches out here,) temple attendance is difficult financially and time-wise, as is for most members in the world without a nearby temple. Although it is not a two, or three-day journey, members still have to wait until they can either carpool with another family or save up enough money to take the bus. The closer the temple is, the more often we all are able to attend and escape the busy lives we lead the moment we step through its doors.
I say what so many others have said, "I wish I would have gone to the temple more often when I lived so close to one." It means a whole lot more when you don't have it so readily available. For those of you who have a temple nearby (ahem...in Utah,) I hope you take advantage of it. Go for yourselves. Go for those who cannot. Just go.
5 comments:
I loved your description of the temples and what they bring to our lives. You described it perfectly! Well done.
It's so crazy that there's gonna be a temple in Rome! how exciting! and I'll mail ya Neaveh but you gotta mail me Sienna! LOL..They're both just so adorable!
I thought of you when they announced your temple! Congrats!
Oh I love it, congrats on the temple! We definitely need to go more! By the way, that is not our house, it's my DREAM home for sure, but all in due time. I have to come up with a couple million first :) Hows your business going? I'm trying to start a business here, but strugglin with the name. *sigh Have any good pointers for first business goers?
that is so awesome! I'm so glad you'll have one near by!! It's wierd to think what it would be like without a Temple so close! What's EVEN more sad is the fact that I take it for Granted having one so close to me! Lesson Learned, I"ll be better :)
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