August 5- September 17, 2016
This post is about all of our recent experiences with the Philadelphia Temple. Our first experience was volunteering to play music for the Open House. After guests have toured the temple, they come to a reception area to learn more about the architecture. It's in the reception area where there is always someone playing music.
First of all, the temple itself is stunning. Even though it's brand new, it also looks like it has been in Philadelphia forever. The outside mimics surrounding buildings and the inside mimics Independence Hall.
Jordan and I had an amazing time playing the piano while guests spoke with sister missionaries, watched videos, or explored more information about the temple. We were so grateful for this opportunity, and that we were able to serve together!
We were also blessed to have amazing friends to watch Maria while we volunteered. Maria had fun playing with some new toys and we were proud to see how much she's already drawn to the force (yes, we are obsessed with Star Wars).
A week or two after we volunteered, we got to take our first tour of the temple as a family. We also went with some of Jordan's friends from school. I didn't get any pictures from that trip! The inside of the Philadelphia Temple is not like any other temple I had ever seen. It's just so unique and beautiful. You can check out pictures here.
Jordan's friends said they all loved the architecture and even asked some questions about our beliefs. It was a great experience and it was nice meeting some people from Jordan's school!
My next trip to the temple was with my dear friend from high school, Felisha. She lives in New York City so we've been able to see each other a few times since we've been in New Jersey. The tour was great (obviously) and it was so fun hanging out with Felisha and having deep conversations about everything! I love her so much and I love how much she emulates the Savior. I definitely was blessed to have her as a friend. :)
Later that week I got another chance to volunteer with music for the Open House. I also got to see one of our favorite sister missionaries there! I used to go out and teach with them all the time! It was one of the things that really saved me while I was adjusting to motherhood and to the east coast.
The next week was the temple celebration and dedication. The youth of our church have been practicing for months and it turned out to be a great program! Some one even posted it on Youtube if you ever want to watch even part of it. The finale is the BEST! I was in tears. It really made me feel so joyous and excited to have a temple of God 15 minutes away! How lucky are we? Not even everyone in Utah can say that!
I have already felt strength from this temple and I know that it will bless our family as we attend and keep the covenants we have made with God. Just having the temple here has helped me to come closer to God. And because of that, I have been able to become a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, etc. It's amazing how much life can change because of one building. But this isn't just a building. It's a house of God. It's where He dwells. It's where we make covenants to follow His laws and to help others to feel of His love. This temple has helped me understand the importance of temple work, family history, covenants, obedience, love, and the Atonement more than ever before.
If one temple of God can do that for me, it can bless anyone and everyone. If you've never been to a temple, GO. You don't have to be a member to walk outside the temple and feel the difference.
Sometimes I feel like part (an incredibly small part) of the reason the temple came to Philadelphia was to help me. And to obviously help and bless thousands upon thousands of other lives. But I really think that Heavenly Father knew I needed the temple. Maybe that's why he guided us to live where we live now. And to come here at the time we came. The temple has been an answer to prayers too numerous to count. My only hope in posting this is that someone else will be able to feel what I have felt. To know what I know. And ultimately, what I know is that God loves us and He has a plan for each of us. All we have to do is ask. Reach out. Pray.
Thank you for sharing your experience and your testamony of the temple Kristen. I am grateful for the light you are in my life. You inspire me to be closer to God.
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