A Temple, A Nation, A Promise

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the
Vancouver (Langley) British Columbia Temple Open House.

When a temple build is completed for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, anyone in the whole wide world can go take a tour of the temple (before a dedicatory prayer). Only general politeness required; there were few protesters.

Saturday morning was a VERY busy day of long lines to do it, and the national border jockeying made for a good travel story, but we knew once we got to the temple, everything would be well organized and a lovely experience.

It was.
The ward members there decorated the near by church building gym with their own nice belongings and had cookies, artwork, question and answer sessions, feedback cards, and guides just to help you find the bathroom.

Afterward we ate at our picnic. Every once in a while, I would remind Allie- or she would remind me- that, there was a TEMPLE right over there!

It was lovely on the inside, too. It's about purity. There were volunteers to slip on little booties over everyone's shoes before entering -- just to keep the rain and sog out of the beloved temple. And yes, there was another bank of volunteers to remove your booties from your shoes when you left so no one had to bend down.
Each temple is thought of and details are added with incredible care. This is one reason why the Salt Lake Temple (where the exiled pioneers first settled in the western wilderness) took forty years to complete.

This temple had a lovely motif of tranquil blues and greens, including soldered windows. A statue of the angel Moroni (Book of Mormon) is at the top of the highest spire. There were Church artworks depicting moments in Christ's ministry as well as local artists, who by commission, depicted vibrant waterfalls and sweeping vistas of the  Canadian interior.
Dogwood blossom frames the gilded mirror in the bride's room. Dogwood blossom was a delicate theme throughout-- it is the provincial flower of British Columbia.
We, all too soon, were on our way home.

I find intricate, simple, and special ways that I know this is true.

If you would like to ask me anything about these kinds of things, or something you've heard, message me, call me, tap me on the shoulder, please.

You deserve to know all you may wish.

Happy Birthday, Danielle!

....Until the last crumb went down the drain

 and we will continue to Celebrate!

One Year Older and Wiser, Too

Danielle's birthday is this coming Monday.
Boy, are we celebrating this Girl!!
We are so glad she has been able to do and be all that has been required of her this past year. She is crawling. Furniture "Cruising."And what a personality! She Loves Peek-a-boo and peaking and squealing to everyone. She holds still, hiding with her hand flatly and firmly behind her head... "Aaaaaoooo!!!!"

Danielle also pretends to talk on the phone. She'll put anything up to her ear and say "O?" including her breakfast chocolate chip pancake. If she talks to you on a real phone- fogettaboutit. She manages to hang up within milliseconds. She loves talking. It makes Jake cringe about a future cellphone bill...someday. We'll be happy to have it. (She talks with everyone but her very-nice-but-unlucky speech therapist.) She is a great communicator all the same and I'm never amiss with her.

She has a laugh for every SINGLE occasion, and pulls out all the stops often and easily enough.

I am raising a giant. Her spirit is a strong one. She's making it. From the first moment, I have been honored by her presence. This woman is helping me be more than I am every single day. She is older and I am wiser (I think).
To the Ultra-Precious Danielle,
Happy Birthday, You Wonderful You!!

Party Pics to come.

It is by Him

Easter is not a passport to another world; it is a quality of perception for this one. - W.P. Lemon

New Growth, not to be taken for granted.

New Loves, yet to be hugged. (Thank You, Bryn)

New Experiences, gifted to be remembered.

New Creations, bringing simple joys.

New Smiles, that have never been felt before.

New Peace, as unlike I've ever witnessed.

On Easter Day the veil between time and eternity thins to gossamer. - Douglas Horton 

He lives, He lives.