ten years of forever.

Golden doors at the Washington D.C. temple

Ten years ago during a dry summer in the year 2003, I was sealed for all time and eternity to an amazing man and two beautiful little girls in the Salt Lake Temple, and each year we celebrate our sealing anniversary by attending the temple to seal other families forever.

Sierra, and Lexie-Circa, Salt Lake City- 2003

We are no longer surrounded by the vast mountain area which houses at least 13 temples, but have always managed to celebrate this special day by attending one...even if it's two and a half hours away.

Ten years have past since entering the temple for the first time, and the memories will always be etched in my heart.

Sweaty hands, feelings of  excitement and a heart palpitating 100 miles an hour was a sure sign that I was at the right place at the right time. I knew that this is where i needed to be. I knew that this was it. This was the cream of the crop, and this is the place where I would be sealed to my family forever. To feel the presence of Heavenly Father, and to know that we can reign with Him and His Son forever.

I sensed silent angels clapping their heavenly hands throughout the temple as I was getting my endowments, and then again when we entered the sealing room. Endless mirrors surround the room as it was forever. And it is forever. 

Not "until death do you part."

Looking at our sealing picture reminds me of simplicity, love, beauty, innocence, and forever. Temples bring knowledge, gifts, answers, peace, tears of happiness, joy, confidence, and the will to do better as a person. 

The feeling that it brings permeates so strongly through the soul that you never want to lose sight, forget, or let go.

It's a feeling of appreciation, and gratitude to know that there is a place...even if it's just for a few hours to escape the "noise" of this world, and it is a beautiful world.

It is a responsibility. My responsibility to help those on the other side.

Sanity, patience, and a stronger faith is returned afterwards. Our bodies feel rejuvenated, put together, and we are a better judge of character for it. 

Ten, twenty, thirty years will fly by in the future, and with fervent prayer, hope, and faith those feelings of the temple will never change.

"The temple is a House of God... a place of love and beauty."

And the work will never grow weary.

How eternally grateful I am for this beautiful building we call the House of The Lord. 

Update: This story was also published on Deseret News, and you can see it here if you'd like.