Mrs. Noah - Poem

Mrs. Noah

Did Mrs. Noah bottle peaches

   Or keep pennies in a jar

Have I stroked or fed a lion

   Or learned to speak leopard

Did her garden grow zucchini

   Or did she rotate soup

Have I ever cleaned an ark

   Or paddled a canoe

Did she ever ask the question

   What’s all this stacked wood for

Have I found the answer to

   How long will bagged wheat store

Did she lift and swing a hammer

   To nail the door secure

Have I recently sought safety

   Through a temple door

Did she kneel beside grandchildren

   Teaching them to pray

Have I held and read to them

   The prophet’s words today

Did she hold and comfort them

   When the torrents came

Have I knelt beside their beds

   And taught them faith again

Did she seek Noah’s opinion

   On which dove to choose

Have I sought my husband’s blessing

   When wondering what to do

Did she joy and give thanksgiving

   Viewing rainbowed skies

Have I recognized God’s blessing

   In my family’s lives

By Janice Harten

Sept 6, 2008

Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Logan Utah Temple - Home

"Who can see the temple!?"  This was a game my mother played with us as we emerged from Sardine Canyon into Cache Valley Utah, on our way home.  Way off in the distance, our young eyes searched for the white capped spires of the Logan temple on the hill.  As soon as we spotted them we called out, "There it is!  I see it!", and waved our fingers trying to help each other find it.  This marked the spot we called home.

Perhaps my mother was just trying to entertain restless children, the final few minutes of a long drive.  Riding in the back seat of a car, four abreast, before seat belts or other restrictions were required, made for a lot of elbowing, and imaginary lines separating what was my space and what was yours.  Focusing our attention on finding a glimpse of the temple, we were now excited and united in a quest.  But, perhaps she also had another goal in mind, to point her children to what really matters in life.  Regardless of her motives, the result was unforgettable.  Even a very young mind doesn't have to be told that the temple is special.  They can see and sense it.

Over my lifetime I have observed the devotion of my parents as they attended and then served in the Logan and other temples.  As I walked the halls and gazed at the beautiful surroundings, I felt a personal connection to this place, and imagined my mother and father quietly blessing and helping others.  In most recent years, my father received the sacred calling of Sealer, (given the power to perform eternal marriage) and on at least one occasion, we, his children, joined him and my mother for a session.  I am forever grateful to my parents for the love they showed me, and for helping me find my way home.

In April 2009, Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared the following experience:

I remember a warm, sunny afternoon when spring was trying to nudge its way through a long winter in Cache Valley, Utah. My father, whose Saturdays were always filled with chores for his grandsons, stopped by our home with an offer to “go for a ride.” Always happy to ride in Grandpa’s truck, our four- and six-year-old sons scurried into the back jump seat, and I joined my father in the front. Our drive took us through the streets of downtown Logan, which wrap around the Logan Temple, prominently situated on a hill, centered beautifully in the city. As we moved further away from the city, we turned from paved, busy streets to seldom-used dirt roads, where we crossed old bridges and weaved through trees far into the country. We were far from any other traffic and all alone.

Realizing his grandsons were in a place they had not been before, my father stopped the truck. “Do you think we are lost?” he asked the wide-eyed boys as they gazed out the windshield across the valley. Followed by a moment of silent assessment came the profound reply of a young child. “Look,” he said, pointing his finger. “Grandpa, you are never lost when you can see the temple.” Our eyes turned, focusing with his, seeing the sun glistening off the spires of the Logan Temple, far across the valley.

You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the “mist of darkness.” ¹ It is the house of the Lord. ² It is a place where covenants are made and eternal ordinances are performed.

Coquella - Poem

Coquella

softened rays

paint her silhouette

through curtain lace

planting place

geranium red and

earthen pot

her favorite spot

upon deep

window sill

I can picture it still

Janice Harten

my grandmother

June 13, 2011

Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

California Beaches

We enjoyed some of nature's beauty on our recent trip.  It was a little tricky finding time for extra activities, but we managed to catch a couple of sunsets.  Because Bill has to continue working as we travel, he has figured out how to connect with the internet using his smart phone and connect it to his computer, while in the car.  I drive while he continues doing business.  Technology is amazing!

Video of Newport Beach Sunset

Coronado Island, California

Coronado Island, California

Redlands California Temple - Prophets

This fountain at the Redlands Temple is symbolic of the organization of Christ's church.  At the top is the Savior, followed by the Prophet and his counselors, and then the twelve Apostles.

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth." 

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."  

"We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."

These statements and others are found in a document entitled "The Articles of Faith".  This is a concise statement of the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The following link contains the complete document:   http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,106-1-2-1,FF.html

Above the front desk, as you enter the Redlands Temple, is a stained glass window of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, speaking with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  This is the story of how this art was brought to the temple.

After the first chapel was built in San Bernardino, Calif., in 1933, a large art glass window depicting the First Vision and over a dozen small windows or icons showing various aspects of Church history were installed. . . .

In 1960, it was deemed necessary to sell the building — windows and all — because it had no off-street parking for the growing wards.
Once the building was sold, San Bernardino Ward Bishop Charles W. Eastwood tried to buy the First Vision window but the pastors of the Protestant faith that had bought the building would not allow its removal. Finally, in 1978, after repeated requests, a new pastor allowed it to be taken if it would be replaced with amber glass.
Some time later, the icons were also obtained and put into storage.
Brother Eastwood and his wife, Laurie, became the custodians of the window and began to search for an artisan to restore the dirty and broken panes of art glass. Sister Eastwood, daughter of famous Latter-day Saint artist Minerva Teichert, had a special interest to see these works of art preserved. . .

The First Vision window was finally installed in the Pacific Chapel in San Bernardino and unveiled on March 7, 1979.
When the Redlands California Temple was announced, Sister Eastwood initiated efforts to obtain the window for permanent display in the temple.
"I felt impressed that this exquisite piece of art should be in the temple," recounted Sister Eastwood. "In the temple thousands will enjoy its beauty and message." 

I testify that the Prophet Joseph Smith was called by God, and I know we are led by a living Prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson.  Prophets and temples, what an awesome time I live in!

The Redlands Temple is set in a mountainous region, similar to the Wasatch Front.  The place felt familiar to me.  The people we spoke with were grateful to have a temple so close to where they live.

San Diego California Temple - Witness

A witness is someone who has seen with their own eyes, and can testify to others about what they have seen.  Although I cannot claim to have seen Christ, I have seen evidence of his existence and love.  I see the world he created and I experience the blessings he promises to those who follow him.  I see, with eyes of faith, the reality of his love for all mankind, and his efforts to save them.

There is a scripture, "by their fruits ye shall know them".  My life is filled with the fruit of happiness and hope.  I experience promptings from the Holy Ghost, and I feel love in my heart for my family and others.  I have been rescued from temptation and sin and restored from sadness to joy, through his atonement.  My trials teach me to trust in him all the more, because his is the only power that can save.  I don't just believe in Christ.  I believe Christ. 

He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.  He is the perfect example of obedience to God and has suffered for all mankind.  His resurrection is real, and he continues to reign in the heavens.  And one day soon, he will return to the earth to claim his kingdom and reign forever.  He is the light of the world, the only begotten son of the Father, the prince of peace.

I am a witness for my Savior and his goodness.  His love has changed my life and I will praise him and be grateful forever. 

Throughout the San Diego temple are pictures of Jesus Christ.  As I looked at them, I felt his presence and his love for me.  The entrance to the celestial room is unique.  One walks up a gradually inclined, circular hallway, as though you are ascending into heaven.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - Greatness!

Awe inspiring!  Our visit to The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley was unforgettable.  I thought we would be there a couple of hours and then be on our way.  Six hours later we were the last ones to leave, as the presidential guards locked the gate behind us.

We read and listened to Reagan’s inspired words.  He was fearless and said what we all wanted said.  He put into words what we all felt.  He was the “great communicator”.  He restored our self-respect, and our reputation in the world.  He loved all people and defended individual worth.

We toured the Oval Office and Air force 1.  We stood by a piece of the Berlin Wall.  We took pictures of the presidential seal and pondered by President Reagan’s grave, overlooking beautiful Simi Valley.  A hundred chairs were set up for his 101^st birthday celebration the next day. 

Ronald Reagan is not only one of my heroes.  He was a man prepared and lead by God to protect and preserve this land for the sake of all people on the earth.  His efforts to reign in government spending, establish a balanced budget, and create a national defense, restored America’s ability to protect itself from both enemies without and enemies within.  His efforts brought down intangible as well as tangible walls of hostility.  Some of our enemies became our friends, and our nation’s citizens once again had their God-given rights, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, declared and protected.  We need another Ronald Reagan in the White House.

Lifelong Friendship - Horse ride

Just north of LA lives a couple, who have been our life-long friends.  Bill first became friends with them in college, and when we were married, this man served as his best man at our wedding.  And even though we have lived many miles apart most of our lives, we shared our family’s joys, pains, hopes and dreams. 

It was great fun to experience their home, and observe them helping their daughter care for her three-and-a-half year old and a set of seventeen-month-old triplets.  Their daughter has been visiting for a couple of months, and experiencing a brief respite from her and her husband's tiny New York apartment.  How great to see their redheaded mini-me’s! As you can imagine, even with all the hours of help she has received from family and friends, raising these children has taken her to her very limits.  

The challenges don’t seem to end, but life has a way of propelling us forward, regardless.   It’s like we need to congratulate ourselves, just for staying tied to the saddle of a runaway horse!  Somehow the horse knows his way home to the safety of the corral.  Occasionally we stop screaming and look up to see the vista, as it whizzes past.  And in the end, we get a few oats to eat and plop down on a bed of hay, in satisfied exhaustion.

Los Angeles California Temple - Preparation

Ok, it happened….I was ornery and disagreeable all the way to the temple.  I could blame the Los Angeles bumper-to-bumper traffic.  Or, perhaps it was the way my husband and I exchanged words, or the lack thereof.  Maybe it was my lack of sleep or having to adjust my high expectations.  But, when all was said and done, I was in a very bad mood when I attempted to smile for a picture outside the temple with my husband.  I knew I could not, in good conscience, attend a session.  It would have been totally in vain.

So when we entered, I jumped at my husband’s suggestion to eat some lunch in the temple cafeteria first.  And sure enough, by the time we were done eating, I was able to genuinely smile at my husband with love!, and thank him for getting us to the temple safely.  I apologized for my actions and felt the spirit return.  I was glad for a recovery period!  After all, the temple isn’t for “perfect” people, but is for people striving to become perfect.

This experience taught me about the importance of preparing to attend the temple.  I wonder how many blessings I have forfeited by my neglect.  I think the Lord is eager to share all he can with us, yet I am sometimes not in a frame of mind to receive what he has for me.  And, I believe the earlier and more diligent the preparation, the more abundant the blessing.

Newport Beach California Temple - Veiled Invitation

The warm California breezes were wonderful!  I love everything about the Newport Beach Temple.  It is one of the smallest temples, but it has an attractive Spanish design.  There is natural light pouring through windows in every room, and the vaulted ceilings are works of art.  In the celestial room, the shadow of palm tree branches just outside, waved through the crystalized glass, from floor to ceiling. 

I thought how much this represents the veil separating us from heaven.  I could only see the shadow of the branches as they waved, but it was beautiful, and I wanted to see more.   Like someone waving to me from heaven, I wanted to greet them back.

Sometimes I grow impatient and wonder why I can’t see and remember the heaven I once lived in.  I want to hug my mother, who has passed away, and I want to experience relief from the difficulties of this life.   

In faith, I remind myself that this is all for a divine purpose.  This is a unique test for me to learn and choose who I will follow and who I will become.
  
The Lord does not force anyone into heaven.  He only waves, and invites.

Video of fountain

Las Vegas Nevada Temple - Riches

On the other side of the city from the glittering Las Vegas lights and casinos, stands a monument to the Lord Jesus Christ and his goodness.  It’s light shines in contrast to the work of man.  It is an example of how it is possible to be in the world but not of the world.

Driving toward the temple, my breath was taken away, when its six spires first appeared at the end of a long boulevard.  I was excited to enter the doors, and a little out of breath, literally.  Bill and I thought we were arriving late, just after the last session was scheduled to begin, at 8pm.  We smiled at each other when we discovered we had forgotten to factor in the time change.  It was actually 7pm, and we had made it!  Our last stop for gas was no longer a source of contention, and I felt foolish for growing impatient. 

glowing eyes...I haven't figured out how to make that adjustment

Afterward, we walked through a hotel casino to get to our hotel room.  I felt sorry for those sitting at gambling tables, trading their lives and their last dollar away.  I wished I could share with them a better way to find happiness.  I wanted to give them the riches of eternity, without spending a dime. 

St George Utah Temple - Proxy

An interesting painting greets visitors in the lobby of the St. George Temple.  Many of the founding fathers of the United States are shown standing and sitting together.  Not long after the temple was dedicated, "The Founding Fathers of the United States of America appeared twice to Wilford Woodruff in the St. George Utah Temple asking why their temple work had not yet been performed on their behalves."  http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/stgeorge/

A core belief of the Church of Jesus Christ is that life continues beyond the grave.  In the spirit world we continue to be taught and are given additional opportunities to accept the teachings of Jesus Christ.  If we accept his message and desire to be baptized into his kingdom, a person still living on this earth, can be baptized in their behalf.  In this way, everyone is given the same opportunity, because not everyone hears the message while here on earth.  Because our spirits become separated from our bodies at death, it becomes necessary that someone who still has a body perform the sacred ordinance.

My husband served a mission in France and Switzerland.  While there he met a young man who was engaged to marry a young woman who lived in Africa.  However, he was unable to travel to her country because of monitary complications, and she was unable to travel and be with him until they were married.  Therefore, they arranged for his uncle to stand in his place, in Africa, while the marriage vows were exchanged.  Then she traveled to be with him in France, where their marriage was considered binding.  His uncle served as his proxy.

In this same way, we serve as proxies, for those who have passed away.  Primarily, each individual is responsible to do the work for his or her own ancestors.  Our ancestors then have the opportunity to accept the ordinances which have been done for them.  These are the most precious blessings God has for his children.  And, we are acting out of love and doing for others what they cannot do for themselves.

I have special feelings for the celestial room in this temple.