Thursday, June 18, 2009

Among Friends

I’ve always been a regular temple attender. I’m not trying to give myself heirs, but I have just always been fortunate enough to live within driving distance of a temple and I feel I might as well take advantage since I may not always have that opportunity. (For more about LDS temples, visit here.)

My first experience at the temple was in Logan, Utah a little over 7 years ago. That will always be my favorite temple. I lived ten minutes away. It sat on a hill and its radiance permeated the entire Cache Valley. You could see it for miles. I've never more greatly appreciated the beauty of a building.

In Texas, I was only about 35 or 40 minutes away. From pictures, I really wasn’t sure I’d love the Dallas temple. But pictures don’t do it justice. I found I really loved its unusual (or maybe just 1980’s) architecture. It was beautiful as were its grounds.

But there is something about the Columbus temple for me. I attended last night with my good friend Abbey. She attended the temple for the first time while I was in Texas and we’ve never been together. Not only did I have a great time both in and out of the temple with Abbey, but I also loved being in the Columbus temple again. While it is of course beautiful, it’s not really on my list of favorites for its beauty.

It’s a small temple. And by small, I mean really small. Smaller than most small temples. It was one of the first smaller temples built. There is something warm and welcoming about such a small temple. Quite often, the temple workers know you by name and vice versa. They are there with such a cheerful greeting and warm goodbye. And so appreciative of the time you spend there.

I suppose it’s hard to really describe. I of course feel welcome at any temple. I loved attending the Dallas temple when I could show up at any time of day without an appointment and know I could participate in the glorious work there. But with so many temple workers and so many jobs for them to do spread out through a bigger building, you just don’t run into the same people from week to week. In Columbus, there are only so many sessions per week where you have to schedule an appointment. You can guarantee the same people will be there. It seems so personal and cozy. You always feel like you’re there among friends.

It was so good to be back last night. The Dallas temple was closed for cleaning shortly before we left. Then I was all consumed with the move. It’s been 6-7 weeks since I’ve attended and I’m pretty sure that’s my longest drought since I’ve been a temple attending girl. I've been missing that in my life.

Among my other favorite temples:

San Diego (not only were Spencer and I married here, but this is the first temple I’ve ever been inside…an open house when I was a little girl.)

And Manti...though it's quite similar to Logan. There is beauty with age.

Anyone else have their favorites?

13 comments:

Eric said...

Logan, Manti and Salt Lake are my favorites. I haven't been to enough to really give my opinion on my most favorite though. Beautiful pictures, did you take them yourself?

Traci Elizabeth said...

I have to go with Winter Quarters. Everyone should visit that temple. The significance of it being on the same grounds as the cemetery of the pioneers is something amazing.

Amanda B. said...

I have only ever been in 3- Washington DC, Chicago, and columbus.(Yes, I true easterner- never even been out west...) While there is a true beauty to Washington- and it is so very big; and I was married in Chicago; Columbus feels like "my temple." My favorite of the ones I have been to.

Heidi said...

I have always loved the temple. Its just amazing what feelings you can feel inside. I have a special place in my heart for the REdlands Temple. I was able to work at the open house for it, and that is where I received my endowments, and where Matt and I were sealed. It is "my" temple. Such a special place!

Unknown said...

Hands downs the San Diego temple! Not only did I grow up there and watch it be built, I went to the open house, dedication, took out my endowments and was married there.

They are all beautiful though :)

Kris said...

What beautiful temples! When I was in Italy, I was entranced by the churches, and their beauty!

Kelly said...

Love those pictures...I know the guy who took the Columbus one- it is with some enhancements- but I love it. DC is for sure my fav, since we were married there and was my first- it's majestic site is just incredible- the park that surrounds it and it's grounds, with immaculate landscape is so gorgeous. SO glad you came back to Ohio- we should plan a girls night to the Temple!

jeanine said...

I know what you mean about the smaller temples... the OKC temple is the same as yours. It's kind of nice knowing the temple workers and even the temple presidency on such a personal level.

My favorites... I don't know if I can pick one! I love the LA temple because that's the one we went to growing up... and it's where I was married and took out my endowments. But I agree with Traci, I love the "historical" temples... both Winter Quarters and Nauvoo are so beautiful and there is such a connection to the early Saints. I love it!

Autumn said...

That is the most stunning picture of the San Diego temple I've ever seen-and its hard to see an un-stunning one. wow, the color contrast is just amazing. I love the DC temple because it was my first temple I was inside. I love the Cbus temple because I was at the dedication.

Tammy said...

9 comments already!!! And didn't you post this only a couple hours ago!? Holy smokes! So - you were skeptical about my blogging activity eh? Here I am, making my very first comment on your blog, so now I guess I'm officially in.

And I've always loved the Logan Temple. So beautiful.

J, E, S & L said...

Where do I begin??? The Temple is one of my very favorite places to be! Some of my favorite are: Newport Beach, Nauvoo, San Diego, St. George, Vegas, Manti, Dallas(we had to hide in the basement one night while a tornado blew overhead! Talk about being in the right place!)Timpanogoes, San Diego...I could go on but it's getting a little long. Before my mission I went to the Temple every Friday, it was awesome! There is nowhere in the world you can go and get the same peaceful feeling.

Kelly said...

LOVE Logan and San Diego! Beautiful post and beautiful pics. Are these pictures you tookd or ones from the internet? They're great!

mj said...

love the Logan. AND Salt Lake. Special