Fall Colors - Powder Ridge Utah

Here are a few fall colors we were awed by on our drive to Powder Ridge, above Eden Utah.

Provo Utah Temple - Agency

Our visit to the Provo Temple was very different from what I imagined it would be.  I thought we would re-live the wonderful events surrounding our marriage there, 34 years ago.  Instead, it was a mix of emotions and memories that began before we even met.  The matured pine trees behind the temple, filled in the years since we were last there.  Squaw Peak, to the east, and BYU University to the south (where we met), held a flood of sweet and poignant memories, hopes, dreams, frustrations, discouragements, excitement, inspiration and longing.  We visited the past and wondered how we got where we are, now.  It began a few days ago, when we saw the pictures of our wedding day.  Real questions surfaced of, 'Who am I?' and 'What happened to the person I was then?'  'Is this the future I imagined for myself?'  Our experience spilled over into the next day as we continued to share our thoughts and feelings, mixed with some tears.

Our life together began one afternoon on the BYU campus, while I was waiting for choir practice to begin, for a special performance behind the DeJong Concert Hall stage, which we were both part of.  I had arrived early, and the room was relatively empty.  A young man entered and walked straight across the room, passing umpteen empty chairs, to sit in the seat right next to me (invading my personal space).  Then he turned and asked if I would be willing to go on a date with him.  I remember thinking, "Why does this good looking guy want to go on a date with me?"  It's not that I felt totally unattractive, but I thought he was very good looking, and I wondered what had attracted him to me.  I asked what he had in mind for the date, and when he mentioned going to a movie at the theatre on campus, I thought that sounded safe enough, so I said yes.  For the next several minutes, we sat in awkward silence, not knowing what to say or do.  When the choir practice began, I felt shy singing next to him.

When he picked me up for the date, he suggested we go to a fun hamburger spot to eat, called Jimba's, instead of the movie, so we could talk and get to know one another.  I decided to be adventurous, and I ordered sprouts on my hamburger, which I had never tried before, (that is about as adventurous as I get, so this should tell you something about me).  The next thing I knew, Bill was asking if he could have a bite of my hamburger.  I wondered who this guy was, to be so bold, especially on a first date.  And, I hate sharing my food with anyone, so, this was almost a deal-breaker.  For the next couple of hours, we  ate, were entertained by the antics of a student in an ape costume who worked for the restaurant, and talked about our families and our studies.  When he dropped me off at my apartment, one of my roommates asked me how the date had gone.  I remember telling her that, at first I wasn't sure about this guy, but I had had a really fun time with him, and if he asked me out again I would say yes.

In the following months, Bill graduated and started working for a company nearby, while I continued to attend college.  And, when Bill asked me to marry him, five months after our first date, I told him no.  I knew a proposal was coming, because Bill's employer was preparing to transfer him to do work in another state.  As soon as I heard this, Bill's best friend said, "Janice, you better start fasting!".  This was sooner than I had anticipated, and I wondered how I could know if I should marry Bill.  One evening, as we were sitting on the couch in my apartment, Bill turned and asked if I would marry him.  I felt bad that I didn't feel to throw my arms around his neck and say yes.  Instead, I told him I needed some time to decide.  Right after this, Bill's employer decided not to transfer him, but here was this big, looming question of marriage.

I prayed, I pondered, I read, I prayed again; nothing seemed to give me the answer I was seeking.  I was waiting for the Lord to tell me what to do.  I wanted a sign of some kind, bells, anything.  But, nothing came, and I wondered how to make such a monumental decision.  I knew I loved Bill.  In a previous relationship, a fellow asked me to marry him.  After several months of uncertainty, I finally told him I couldn't marry him.  He was very hurt.  Yet, I knew I had made the right decision.

Now, with Bill, I was afraid of hurting him, and of dragging this decision on for months.  So, one evening I told Bill that I loved him, but that I did not feel I could say 'yes' to his question, so, therefore the answer had to be 'no'.  I explained that I didn't want the uncertainty to go on for a long time, so I wanted to release him from any obligation to me and allow us both to move forward.  As I told Bill this, it was a very different experience than I had before.  I felt, even though I was telling him no, I knew he would call me the next day and I would go out with him.  I still wanted to see and date him, and I didn't want it to be over.  Later, he told me he felt the same way, and he did call the next day.

This decision, to tell Bill 'no', put us back into just a dating relationship.  We began to have more fun than we had ever had together.  The pressure was off to decide about marriage, so we laughed and got to know one another and had a wonderful time.  Nevertheless, after just a few more weeks of this, I felt it was time again for me to revisit my decision about marriage.  However, this time, I found an important article in the church's Ensign magazine, that helped me understand how to hear an answer from the Lord.

In this article, a young woman described the process she had gone through to make a decision to marry.  It was exactly what I was experiencing.  I took this new found knowledge, and I began to discuss with the Lord my thoughts and feelings.  I told him of my desires and how I felt about Bill, both now and in my future.  In the end, the Lord carefully let me see into my own heart.  I decided that Bill was exactly the kind of person I wanted to marry, and I felt different with him than I had with anyone else I had dated.  I told the Lord that I decided to say yes, and get engaged to Bill.  And I asked the Lord to confirm my answer, by how things would go in the coming weeks.  I told him that I would know it was the right decision, if I felt happy and if things went well between now and the time we were married.  But, if I grew unhappy, and if things became troubled, then I would know I had made the wrong decision, and I would end the engagement.  As it turns out, this was also a very important test for Bill.  Up until then, he had been anxious in his other dating relationships.  Ours was the first time he remained patient and kept dating, in spite of the delay.  So, the Lord had important personal lessons for both of us during this preparatory time.

From the moment I told Bill I would marry him, I felt happier than I had ever felt in my life.  I could not wait to be with him.  Every decision we made went smoothly and all the preparations were put into place without a problem.  And, on the day we were married, I felt happier than ever before.  As we held hands across the altar of the temple, I knew I made the right decision.  I appreciate that the Lord allowed me to know my own desires, and make up my own mind on this most important decision.  It has allowed me to accept responsibility for my choice, and to see how the Lord honors our agency.

Bill describes his decision to marry me, in a very sweet way.  He said he knew on our first date, as he listened to me talk about my family, that he wanted to marry me.  He said, up until then, he often asked the Lord the question, "Is this the one I should marry?".  But after he met me, his prayers changed to, "Please, let this be the one!"

East side of Provo Temple

Our journey, for the past 34 years, has been one of joy, trial and discovery.  In many ways we are opposites; for example, spontaneous vs consistency, grandiose ideas vs steady-she-goes, confident vs hesitant, entrepreneur vs traditional, individual vs group activity.   He helps me dream, I provide stability.   Yet, when it comes to our core values, we are in perfect harmony.  We have strong personal values and religious views.  We respect and love one another.  We are committed to honoring our covenant of marriage and devotion to one another.  We wanted a family and have been devoted to serving them and the Lord.  We acknowledge where we are different and constantly search for ways to nurture the bonds that keep us united and close.  We have our share of disagreements and misunderstandings, but, we work to repair injured feelings and come to an understanding.  It is a work in progress.  Sound too good to be true?  Absolutely! We are in this for eternity.

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.

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."

Jordan River Utah Temple - Never Thirst

I believe the Jordan River temple is named for an actual river that flows through the Salt Lake Valley.  And I also believe, that river is named after the Jordan River which flows between the Sea of Galilea and the Dead Sea.

Water is the life blood of the earth.  Just like the blood that courses through our veins, rivers and lakes enable life to exist on this planet.  And as I listen to news accounts about space exploration, it seems scientists are intent on finding evidence that water did or does exist on any one of the planets around or beyond us.  As humans, we are hoping to find evidence that there is life somewhere, in addition to earth.

Christ once sat beside a well in Samaria, and asked for a drink of water.  Responding to his request, a Samaritan woman learned one of his most profound teachings.

"Jesus...said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."  John 4: 13,14

It is no wonder that Christ uses the metaphor of water to remind and invite us to partake of his gift.


Spiritual revelation flows like water.  One of the privileges I seek by attending the temple, is revelation or knowledge from the Lord.  I go with a prayer in my heart and mind, and am asking to learn.  My husband described his experience in the Jordan River Temple as a flow of ideas, as though a water faucet had turned on in his mind.  I would describe mine as drop by drop or a tiny trickle, but small streams are also beautiful.

It was different stepping back into a large temple, after having visited so many smaller ones. 

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

This is part of the view from the front of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple (pronounced Oker).  I will not make the mistake again, of calling it the Oquirrh "Hills" temple! My son teased me yesterday, for making that mistake.  This temple was built on the Oquirrh Mountain Range, and it looks directly across the valley, at the Wasatch Mountain Range.  The view spans the width and length of the Salt Lake Valley.

Our daughter lives nearby, and we invited her to join us.  As we waited together in the chapel, we listened as someone played hymns on the organ, and the words of the songs began running through my mind.   My daughter pointed to a hymn book which was sitting next to a set of scriptures, nearby.  I opened the book and the second verse of the hymn I turned to, directly answered a silent prayer I offered that morning.  I know someone was listening.

During the session, thoughts and impressions continued to flow, about the life and mission of our Savior Jesus Christ.  I pondered on the power he grants us, to overcome temptation and sin, and then to bless and help others, as we listen and follow him, step by step.  It doesn't happen in a single day, but over time his spirit teaches and prompts us to do better things.  We begin to desire and value the things of heaven, more than the things of this world.

I hope I can remember this visit to the mountain of the Lord.

Shakespearean Festival

Once a year, we travel to Cedar City to enjoy the Shakespearean Festival, and invite some of our children to join us.  This year was an experience in contrasts.  The first play we saw was "The Music Man", and I smiled all the way through.  The second was "Richard III", one of Shakespeare's plays, which is a history lesson about the consequences of ill gotten power, a statement about choice and character.

One of my desires, is to know the truth about what has happened historically throughout the world.  I wish I could know whether "this" historical account is true, or "that" one.  I like reading historical fiction, because I hope it contains bits and pieces of true history about different places and people.  Sometimes I wonder, when we get to Heaven, will there be a giant movie reel, anyone can watch, to uncover the truth of what really took place?  That is one movie I do not want to miss!  Except, come to think of it, maybe I would like to edit a few things in my own life, first!

Manti Utah Temple

Parents engagement photo

My father trained B-25 pilots during WWII.   While visiting home, during one of his rare leaves, he invited my mother to go on a small airplane ride.  He proposed to her as they overlooked the Sanpete Valley, where they both grew up.  However, he is careful to mention that he neglected to take parachutes, as a means of persuasion!  Soon after the war ended, my parents were sealed (married) for time and all eternity in a beautiful room in the Manti Temple, by my father's Uncle, who had been called and set apart by the Prophet of the church.

In subsequent years, all of my grandparents were called to serve in the Manti Temple, and my father's father received the sacred calling of a temple sealer.  Sealing, or marriage, in the temple, is the highest and most sacred ordinance on earth.  It allows a couple to receive the full blessings of Abraham, to have their marriage honored not only here on earth, but also in Heaven.  And all children born to that couple remain sealed to them for all eternity.  That means they can be a family forever.

My great-great-great grandfather was the original settler of one of the small towns nearby.  And other ancestors contributed to other settlements in the valley.  I wonder how many of my distant relatives helped build or contribute to this temple.  Their stories, and my heritage, fill me with appreciation for their sacrifices and faithfulness.  

The Prophet Brigham Young said, in ancient times the prophet Moroni once stood on this very spot and dedicated the land for a temple site.  It's exciting to know I have stood where these great prophets were standing.  And my life is, in part, a fulfillment of their prophesies.

Bountiful Utah Temple, Chandelier - Poem

A beautiful crystal chandelier hangs in the center of the Celestial Room of the Bountiful Temple.  One day, while gazing at the countless sparkles of light reflected within it, and in the mirror behind, I felt the spirit whisper about a numerous eternal posterity.  At first, I was thrilled by the symbolism and vision about the future.  However, the next few moments I felt the tremendous weight and responsibility that comes with having a family.  I felt overwhelmed and said a silent prayer, acknowledging my weaknesses and fears.  But again, the spirit whispered that my Father in Heaven would help me learn one moment, or one day at a time.  How is it that the Lord is willing to trust us with his most precious gifts, his children, knowing our imperfections?

As a result of my first impressions, I wrote the following poem.

Chandelier

Celestial Temple mirrors

   Sparkle Chandelier’s reflection,

Points of light and color grow

   With each crystal’s motion

Contemplating stars above

   And countless sand and sea,

Abraham’s promised posterity

   Travel through time to me

Miniature diamond chandelier

   Within my wedding band,

Brilliant sparkling facets

   Reflect husband’s love and children

Beyond us travel the promises

   More than the eye can see,

Whether grain of sand or point of light,

   Shines our eternity

By Janice Harten

7/21/2008

Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.