Warning, seriousness ahead

"I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." Matthew 16:19

The meaning behind this scripture was very much on my mind Saturday. Brett and I went to Twin to play in the Ferguson golf scramble on Saturday.

We played all day while my mom watched the kids for us. It was so fun to have a date day with Brett and, of course, be out on a golf course for 5 hours straight; I forgot how much I like golf! After this we went and rescued my sons head from the window of my mother's car where Lauren had rolled it up, and finished watching the Blue Angels show, which was pretty dang cool. We saw friends and family we've missed since moving away and then we got dressed in our Sunday best and headed for the brand new Twin Falls temple.

I knew I wanted to take the kids through, and I had been thinking that if we got the chance I would really like it. I was very surprised at how much it affected me to bring my children there with me. We went to the new stake center and they sat us in a room where we watched a short video on the church. From the moment the video started, Ethan's attitude changed. He became very reverent and pensive while he watched this movie. He kept looking at the pamphlet they had given us and watching for the pictures he was seeing on film. I can't really describe how it is he acted, but I know my prayer that my children could feel the spirit as we walked through was answered. Ethan was affected the most, Lily was quiet and content, and even my little Lauren was somewhat more subdued than normal.

We were lead to the temple after the movie where young men were putting protective booties on people's feet and I had to really work hard to stop Ethan from running into the temple; he really, really wanted to go in!

First, this temple is spectacular! I was so impressed with everything! The walls, the tile work, the paintings, the way the light comes through the etched glass and how the temple is laid out. It's perfect, I couldn't be more proud to have this temple in my own home town.

When we entered the baptistery the kids got really excited. Ethan quietly asked me questions and said he wanted to be baptised there.
The entire time we were inside we all felt an incredible spirit there, but one moment in particular touched me. I was thinking about my small family, how Brett and I had been sealed for all time in the temple, how our children are therefore sealed to us too, when I looked over to see all of us standing in front of a large mirror. We stood there for a moment I don't think I'll ever forget. My whole family together in the house of the Lord. It was beautiful.
We walked past the bride's room and Lauren asked when we got to go try on wedding dresses. Great disappointment followed when I explained that only brides got to put their dresses on in there on the day they were married. So sad.

We went into the Celestial room at the very end of the day. The windows of the celestial room face west so the sun was shinning magnificently through the windows and every one in that room was awed. Not a word was spoken as everyone soaked in the feelings of peace and perfection. That is until my little angel grabbed her crotch and said quite loudly, "Mommy, I need to go potty!" Talk about ruining a beautiful moment. I tried not to giggle too hard.

Another favorite moment is when we went into the sealing room and sat down on chairs. Brett and I quietly told our children about the day we were married in a room very much like that one. How we had knelt across the alter just like the one in front of us and made promises to ourselves and our heavenly Father.
I guess I was glowing inside the whole time we walked through. At least for a few years, this was the only time I get to have my husband and my children with me inside a temple, and I was filled with gratitude for being given the opportunity.

I encourage anyone who can go, where it's reasonably easy, to go. LDS or not, this is something everyone should do. I've been to the temple probably around a hundred times, a fully functioning, dedicated temple. This was my most favorite time. Well, okay, my wedding day is for sure up there as well. Even now when I think about the feelings I received, I still feel like I'm glowing. I've been renewed, my resolve has been made stronger, my determination to live my life as my Father in Heaven and my Savior would have me live has been multiplied. My goal is an eternal family and this is why I live my life the way I do.