Book Review: American Temples

I was very blessed to be able to receive a free copy of Scott Jarvie's American Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of his campaign on Faith in America. This is book #2 of the project. The first book is about religious buildings of many different religions in America, whereas this second book focuses solely on LDS Temples.

When I first picked this book up, I was astounded at how big and thick it was. I was excited to know that there are more than one spread for each temple in the United States. I had fun just flipping though the pages and looking at the beautiful photography.

 I had been to many of these temples before, either on the outside as a visitor, or inside as a member. So, it was neat to relive those experiences by looking back at the pictures, reading building information and interesting facts, as well as learning about other members' experiences with each temple. 

I loved seeing all the Utah temples, especially the iconic and all-time favorite, Salt Lake City temple, and the Jordan River Temple (where Justin and I got married) and learning the history of that temple.

But, when I turned the page to this temple, my heart ached.

This is the Washington, D.C. temple. I grew up in its boundaries. The youth in my congregation would go to this temple many times and do proxy baptisms for the dead. We would also walk around the grounds during Christmas. Now, Temple Square in Salt Lake City is known for its Christmas lights, nativity, and decorations. However, I truly believe that the D.C. Temple could easily compete in beauty and awe. My favorite part of the temple grounds is this reflecting pool that you can see on the picture above. It perfectly reflects the temple. How I wish that I was able to go back inside the temple, now that I am older and have more access, to do other religious work. 

I absolutely love this book and was so excited to receive it. My only regret is that it only contains the United States's temples. There are so many more LDS Temples around the world. Of course, it is very easy to Google pictures of them online, but to have it in a beautifully put-together book like this would be amazing.

To find out more information on American Temples, Scott Jarvie's photography, or his campaign on American Faith, check out his website here.

If you are Mormon, what is your favorite temple and why? If not, what is your favorite American religious building and why?

Taking Time Away From the World

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Justin and I had the chance to witness another very special eternal marriage--that of his best friend, Steve.

We went to the Manti Temple to witness the special and sacred sealing ceremony which marries LDS couples to each other not just for time, but for all eternity. What a remarkable experience.

I had never been to the Manti Temple before, so it was a neat to be able to go to new temple, especially because the Manti Temple is so beautiful--it reminds me of the castle in Edinburgh. But more than that, it was the 5th temple to be completed, so it's very historic. The Temple was beautifully set upon a hill, watching over the tiny town of Manti, that you could see from miles away. Inside was beautiful as well, especially the two front spiral staircases.

I have said this before, and I'm saying it again--I love our Temples. There are so many reasons to visit, so many ordinances to perform for ourselves and by proxy for those who have passed away. That is why it's so important to visit and that the leaders of our church encourage us to go as often as possible--we are helping His work along on this Earth by going. 

But, more than that--we are taking time away from the world.

Time does not exist in the Temple--you are too focused on holier things than to bother with a mortal concept of time. As you enter the doors, an overwhelming breeze of peace envelops you.

As students at Brigham Young University, which is right next to the LDS Church's Missionary Training Center, we are blessed to have a temple right next to our university. The Provo Temple is always busy and filled to bursting with students, missionaries, retired couples, and local church youth groups, all there to perform service and to worship. 

I remember one time as a sophomore in college, I was very stressed and having a hard time. So, I decided to go to the Temple. I had two and half hours before my next class--plenty of time to do some ordinances by proxy. But, there was a church youth group there. It was crowded and busy and took the entire two and a half hours rather than the normal half hour. It didn't matter to me. I had a feeling of peace; I didn't even look at the clock.

Another time was about two months ago. Justin and I went after he got off work (in the evening, near dinner time) to do some ordinances by proxy. For some reason, it was super busy and we had to wait in line for an already long ordinance. But, we didn't care. We didn't even really notice our hunger until we stepped out of the temple doors.

Then, last week, at Steve and Lora's wedding, Justin and I were among some of the first to arrive for the wedding. We were shown into the waiting room and expected to wait about half an hour for the entire wedding party to arrive before the ceremony. However, due to weather and a delayed flight, one of Lora's family was delayed. But, sealing ceremonies are very important in our religion, so, we waited another about forty minutes for him. No one cared. We were in the Lord's House. Time didn't exist. Peace and tranquility abounded. Although I was stressed about jobs, giving birth, housing, and everything else under the moon (not to mention I was sick that weekend, and hungry because it was lunch time and I was pregnant), none of  those worries even crossed my mind.

I love the Temple. I love that we can give the best service to the salvation of mankind in there and worship to a full extent. And in return, we are blessed with peace and tranquility in our hearts. It is such a wonderful feeling.