Salt Lake Utah Temple - Love

There is one word that entered my mind when we attended the Salt Lake Temple, love.  When the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1842, there was nothing but sage brush and harsh desert.  The saints had been driven from their homes in beautiful Nauvoo, Illinois, and made the long difficult trek to the mountains.  When they arrived, Brigham Young declared, "This is the right place", meaning this was the place the Lord had shown him in a vision, they would live and build again.  Only this time, they would not leave.  The saints were destitute, bringing with them a few seeds and items they could carry in wagons or handcarts.  So, they began anew, building a city with their bare hands, and faith.

The Salt Lake Temple was a labor of love.  The first foundation laid, which took nine years, was filled in when the army of the United States once again threatened to enter the valley and persecute the saints.  When it was uncovered, there was a serious flaw discovered and the decision was made to begin again.  For 40 years, the people devoted resources, time and talents, to build a temple to God, like the ancient temple in Jerusalem.

When I look at the beautiful details in every inch of the walls, doorways, ceilings, floors and more, I feel the labor of their love, and their testimonies.  They were building a place for the Lord to visit and give instruction to his prophets and saints.  Several rooms have floor to ceiling murals depicting the creation of the world.  Intricate carvings and colorful moldings decorate the ceilings.  Doorknobs made of brass, are works of art with symbols of beehives or other meaningful items.  They used their best artistry and yet their humility is evident.  Their work was not to be seen of men and praised by the world.  It was to furnish a house unto the creator of heaven and earth.

For a long time, Bill and I sat, gazing at the beautiful furnishing, and feeling the spirit of the Lord.  We watched as many others quietly entered.  I noticed people from many other nations, brought together in worship.  One young sister from the polynesian islands, entered.  She was soon greeted by family members and friends, with long hugs and tears.  Again and again, they came to hug and congratulate her on receiving her endowments.  Her tears flowed.  This was a place for family and friends to greet and show their love for one another.

This is a place to feel the love of the Lord and receive his blessings.

More interesting information about the Salt Lake Temple can be found at :
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/
http://saltlakemormontemple.com/162/a-history-of-the-salt-lake-mormon-temple


This information mentions, the Salt Lake Temple is a fulfillment of the prophesy found in Isaiah 2:2

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."

Painted Toenails - Poem

Painted Toenails -

I look

at my recently painted toenails

and carefully moisturized feet

and wonder—

how would these hold up

on the plains of Wyoming?

July 14, 2006

Janice Harten

Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple - Willing Hands and Hearts

As we drove through the fields and rolling hills of the midwest, from Des Moines, Iowa, to Omaha Nebraska, I tried to imagine the Pioneer Saints traveling in their covered wagons or pulling handcarts,  along this route.  The newly harvested fields and green landscape were beautiful from inside our comfortable car.  But, as I felt strong winds push sideways against the car, and saw groups of semi-trucks pulled over for safety, I realized the pioneers had traveled under very different circumstances.  Their journey was in the middle of winter and in freezing blowing snow.  Every step was a battle for life, and many lost their lives.  These were my people, my family, my heritage.

Temple stained glass windows, with Pioneer scenes

I regret we did not have time to explore a nearby church visitor site, with details about the pioneer's experience.  So, if you ever visit, allow an extra hour or two, to maybe pull a handcart!  But, we were lucky just to make this evening journey, during a week of business meetings in Des Moines.


We met a young woman, who was celebrating her twelfth birthday with her family, by attending the temple and doing baptisms for her ancestors.  I was impressed that she chose to serve others on that day.  I also thought of other young men and women I worked beside, just a week ago.  We participated in a service project, organized by our ward, to trim and clean up the grounds around the elementary school.  It was hot, challenging work, but they stayed for almost three hours, and they were cheerful.  Whenever I hear news events that would discourage me, I picture them.  They keep my hopes for the future alive and bright.  I see the faith and willingness to sacrifice, traveling from the pioneers of the past, into the hands and hearts of our modern-day youth.