Philadelphia Temple Youth Cultural Celebration.

I took this photo eight years ago when we first moved to Jersey, and toured the city of Philadelphia. I figured it was a perfect start to this post. 

Last weekend after months of rehearsing for the temple cultural temple celebration 1700 youth from the Philadelphia temple district got to shine in front of a huge audience on camera at the Liacouras center. 

This was something that Lexie had been looking forward to doing, and although I was getting a little weary of all the commuting with going to different areas (thanks to the Kellums for taking her a couple of times) in Pennsylvania to rehearse I too was looking forward to this momentous event. After all...it only happens once in a lifetime. Especially when you live in our neck of the woods. 

The theme "We the People" was absolutely perfect and it totally set the stage in tieing the birth of our nation to our church's history, hence having religious freedom, thanks to William Penn. People talk of the founding fathers, and in my opinion William Penn can also be called one of the founding fathers. Because of his efforts, he was able tot give us the freedoms that we now have, and he laid a lot of the groundwork when it came to religious freedom. 

Candy McNaughton who directed the production did an amazing job in putting it all together. My daughter totally felt the spirit with her, and is so grateful that she never missed one rehearsal, and that she was a part of something special. 

The whole evening was indeed a celebration. It was so nice to see the kids enjoying themselves with music while dancing. I myself was dancing in my seat when all the kids came out with their painted mural representing which area they were from. They were all truly unique. When the mailman dance came into play I could see the grin on Lexie's face as she raised the flag to the beat. Total ear to ear smile! I could tell she was having the time of her life. 

When President Erying made an appearance he told the youth that this will be one of the most memorable moments of their life, and that as they grow older will be something to talk about for years to come, and tell their future posterity. The fact that it fell on Constitution Day made it extra meaningful. 

The whole celebration was amazing, and having the presence of Henry B. Erying, and D. Todd Christofferson was extra special. These are amazing leaders that the youth look up to. They were not just extras sitting in an auditorium, but extra special because of their role in dedicating the Philadelphia temple the next day. How blessed we are to have apostles lead, and guide us in today's world. 

picture via 

The closing number to the celebration gave me goosebumps, and watching the youth putting the bricks one by one on a replica of the temple got me all teary eyed. It reminded me of my life, and how far I have come to having my family for eternity. My life has always been a puzzle, and when all the pieces came together when I joined the LDS church so did my life. Being sealed to my love, and children will be a day that will always be etched in my mind, and heart forever. 

Having a temple in Philadelphia will definitely bless the city, and if we choose to do so, can, and will change the hearts of the people from the surrounding areas in our temple district. Including our children. It is up to us to be the example, and share that special message of "families are forever", and the whole purpose leading up to this entire celebration. 

The temple is an enormous blessing for us all, and because of the history of Philadelphia feel as if this temple is meant to be in the city of brotherly love. The city now feels "complete" now that a temple is built. What an extra blessing it'll be for our youth since they are the generation in which they will be doing most of the work in the temple, and press forward in sharing His gospel.

As we all should! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!