Several repeated themes hit me during the most recent General Conference - temples being one of them. Being in the stage of young children, I especially listened as President Monson quoted the importance of hanging a picture of a temple in every room, saying, "To you parents of young children, may I share with you some sage advice from President Spencer W. Kimball. Said he: “It would be a fine thing if … parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]. When [they reach] the age that [they need] to make [the] very important decision [concerning going to the temple], it will have already been made.” That is an easy place to start with the little ones we have right now. In days since, I have bought a white frame and placed it on the shelf in the girls' room.
But, I also felt like we could do more than just provide a photograph. With so many temples nearby (fifteen sites in Utah), I set the goal to visit each Utah temple as a family. There are some temples within the state lines that I've never seen. And, certainly, a picture of the temple would mean more if the child has been there and can look at a photograph of themselves near the temple. Longer distances can be doubled up with a camping trip or hike as the weather gets warmer. We can walk the grounds. And, as we are visiting the walls, we can try to teach what President Monson testified, that "temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service."
To start, we headed out to the Salt Lake Temple yesterday. Parking on the North side of the Conference Center, we first climbed its stairs and explored its waterfall from the outside and inside. A Conference Center tour allowed us to see the auditorium full of chairs "where the prophet speaks," and view the temple from less common angles!
The evening was a bit overcast and windy. Jackets should have been worn, but hugs helped out.
There was alot of walking. Alot of bending. Alot of reminders to stay out of the water...
There were also alot of bright spring flowers covering the grounds. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths! It was a good Spring evening. A good kick-off of temple touring!
Utah Temples to Tour:
- Bountiful
- Brigham City
- Draper
- Jordan River
- Logan
- Manti
- Monticello
- Mount Timpanogos
- Ogden
- Oquirrh Mountain
- Payson
- Provo
- St. George
Salt Lake- Vernal
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