I love to see the temple...

Have I mentioned that I love November!?

A few serious thoughts on my mind this morning.  If you are reading this and you are not LDS, it may sound a bit "odd", I apologize.  But, these feelings are most important to me and mine, so I must record them:

Last night was our Family Home Evening, in which we celebrated the one year anniversary of our adoption and temple sealing.  Doug came home from work, earlier than I'd expected, so we raced out the door to Logan to be at the temple before the sunlight was gone.  Everyone was still in school clothes, there was no hair brushed or preparation for the photos, whatsoever, but it's all good, Doug reminded me. We arrived just after sunset and a nice couple were willing to take a few photos of us on the hill. The babes enjoyed rolling down the hill, over and over for a bit, and then we settled down and walked around the temple grounds.  Even if you are not LDS, this is a special experience, where you can just feel a calm and peace come over you.  (According to most of my non-LDS family who've visited.)

The temple is closed to all on Mondays because it is Family Home Evening.  Surprisingly, after that couple and two groundskeepers left, we were alone on the temple grounds.  We talked and shared our thoughts and feelings about being a family and our memories of the whole experience a year before. This year has gone by so quickly! 

At one point, I shared a little message that I'd read recently:

Thomas S. Monson, then, of the Quorum of the Twelve, suggested deep spiritual meaning in the physical presence of the temple. He recounted the late Elder Matthew Cowley’s story about a grandfather who took his small granddaughter on a birthday visit to the Salt Lake Temple grounds. With permission of the groundskeeper, they walked to the large doors of the temple. He suggested that she place her hand on the temple wall and then on the door, saying tenderly to her, ‘Remember that this day you touched the temple. One day you will enter this door.’ His special gift to his granddaughter was an appreciation for the House of the Lord. Likewise, counseled Elder Monson, ‘As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us."

Our children, the babes, had the rare opportunity of entering the temple a year ago with Doug and I to be sealed together as a family for time and all eternity. Children only go inside the temple for this purpose. We reminded them of this and Gracie said again, as she says often, "I can not wait to go back."

As we were there outside those east doors of the temple, we remember that we've stood together with family and friends many times, such as when Liza and Buddy were married, as well as several cousins, aunts and uncles and friends.  These doors were the place that the babes chose to "touch".  It was a reverent moment for us all.  We reminisced and then gathered together, discretely out of sight and said a prayer of thanks for the privilege of being a family. Without any more details, suffice it to say, we felt those remarkable feelings that we'd shared together inside the temple just a year ago, all over again.

 As it was getting dark quickly, we watched the lights come on and then talked more of our favorite memories of our special day. Doug and I were both surprised at what detail each child remembered.  It was simply a perfect little Family Home Evening.  How grateful I am for the privilege of taking them to the temple with us, not to mention of raising and loving these three awesome children.

Earlier in the day, I'd spent over two hours in a meeting at the school with a team of professionals, discussing Gracie's progress and her challenges.  Quayd and Gracie, as I've mentioned, have some developmental delays, due to the neglect that they had their first few years of life. While very normal, they have their struggles.  They are wonderful children, very likable and most willing to do their best on anything asked of them. Seeing test results, hearing the details of their daily challenges from teachers and counselors (who are nothing but wonderful and encouraging) always makes my heart ache.  On the days of these conferences, I'm always teary and want to love them a little more, help them along a little extra and yet, saddened at the reminder of their rough beginnings.   

Going to the temple with the children, last night, brought things back into perspective. It was the perfectly timed reminder that I needed.  Not just of the fact that we are an eternal family.  BUT, that these three special little spirits were sent to Doug and I for a purpose and reason and it is, indeed, a privilege to love them and teach them and help them grow, as it is for any parent to raise children. Every child comes with their own "issues" and uniqueness, regardless of their circumstances.  Every child needs to be loved and cherished.  What a gift to be given, as a parent... the opportunity to help them discover who they are and their own potential and to teach them the things in life that really matter. I am blessed! Enough said.

Our strength often increases in proportion to the obstacles imposed upon it.

Comments

[Chaira]

Sophia I love reading your blog and gaining knowledge about your faith. Your temple is simply a beautiful place. I myself am dealing with developmental delays with my little one and it is a struggle as my little guy is not too and reading your blog always brings me joy and laughter thank you for always sharing.

[Laura (vanmama on 2Peas)]

I am not LDS, of course, but I can appreciate your feelings on this.

Your babes are also so blessed to have you!

[Nicole]

Very beautiful pictures and very beautiful blog entry. A year already... How time flies...

[Connie Bingham]

I can't believe it has been a year. Time passes quickly. For those non-member friends who do check in I just wanted to add one little comment. Young children are only allowed in the main part of the Temple for sealings and get to see those beautiful rooms that usually only adults see. However, children ages 12 and older can obtain a recommend from thier Bishop to do baptisms for the dead. This is a great work in the church that begins the process for families to be sealed to loved ones who have died but were not members.

Enjoy this beautiful day! Sophia loves snow, I do not want it, ever!!

[Audra]

I'm a little confused, and I admit I don't know much about your faith. I was wondering why the children are not allowed in the temple? I thought it was a place of worship. Please forgive my ignorance.