The Call!

At the beginning of February, E submitted the paperwork to serve an LDS mission. Yesterday, the letter we've been eagerly awaiting arrived in the mail, telling him where he would be going and when he would be leaving.

There aren't many moments in life I've dreaded and looked forward to at the same time, but this was definitely one of them.

Drum roll please..................he's going to the Florida, Tallahassee Mission (also covering parts of southern Alabama) and he leaves on June 1. He'll be gone for 2 years! And I'll only get to email him once a week and talk to him on the phone twice a year. That's the part I've been dreading. Who will remind him to take his medications?

But of course it's such an exciting time, and so wonderful when your child decides he wants to go and do something challenging to serve other people.

I'm sure you've seen Mormon missionaries out and about in your daily life (and probably hoped the didn't come knocking on your door). You can learn more about the whole process of getting a mission call and serving a mission here.

But here's what I really want you to know. Whether or not you care to hear the message they have to share, somewhere out there those missionaries have a mom, or a dad--someone who is worried about them, and praying for them, and hoping they are healthy and happy and well. And that people are being nice to them.

So just be nice to them. And if you happy to run into that missionary pictured above, could you also remind him to take his medicine?

Mormon San Diego

Driving to our San Diego area hotel, we passed by this.....

The San Diego Mormon temple. Kind of hard to miss, isn't it? So of course we had to stop for a photo. Not all Mormon temples are this large and grand, but this one certainly is!

We also visited the Mormon Battalion Historical site in Old Town San Diego. Yes, there was a Mormon Battalion of the U.S. Army. United States President James K. Polk called for 500 to 1,000 Mormon volunteers to march to Fort Leavenworth (present-day Kansas) and then to California on a one-year U.S. Army enlistment during the Mexican-American War.

Not a single shot was fired by the Mormon Battalion except at a herd of rampaging bulls, but 20 battalion members died during the journey. The battalion arrived in San Diego on January 29, 1847, making the journey the longest religious march in U.S. history.

Friends, the Mormon Battalion Historic site is a fabulous, FREE attraction, open to everyone. You even get to pan for gold......also free! And lest you think I'm just talking it up because I'm a Mormon, it was rated #13 of 220 San Diego attractions on Trip Advisor with a 4.6 out of 5 ranking.

I think G is hoping to pay for this vacation with the gold he finds. You also get a free old-time photo. They give you a copy right then and there, and then email you the digital file. Now tell me, when is the last time you visited a tourist attraction that let you pan for gold and gave you a souvenir photo, all at no charge?

And the museum tour is also super high tech. The photos on the walls talk to you! If you happened to have an ancestor who was in the Mormon Battalion (we have two!) you can look them up on this handy kiosk.

I definitely recommend this attraction to anyone visiting the San Diego area. While we were there, there was a Girl Scout troop visiting too.  And when your tour is over, you can head upstairs for some great views of San Diego.

What the World Needs

On Sundays, I teach a group of 14-15 year old girls. Here's what we'll be talking about today.

Semi-Annual Words of Wisdom

If you've been reading my blog for long, you know how much I love my church's semi-annual General Conferences. Every April and October, our church leaders gather in Salt Lake City, UT and their messages are broadcast around the world. Which means we get to stay home and watch church on television.

But that's not the main reason I love it....although there is something to be said for attending church in your pajamas with a bowl of popcorn and M&M's beside you. I love it because of all of the uplifting messages.

These are a few of my favorite snippets from our conference this past weekend:

(LDS Printables)

Some of my favorite talks are by the women who speak. Probably because I feel like they can relate.

(All Things Bright and Beautiful)

(All Things Bright and Beautiful)

The quote above was from an incredible message about dealing with depression and mental illness. I can only imagine what hope it gave to people who are struggling with those things.

Which is one of the other things I love about General Conference. We hear speeches on a wide variety of topics and it's a pretty sure thing that no matter what you are dealing with in life at the moment, you will find hope and encouragement for your particular challenges.

(LDS Printables)

(All Things Bright and Beautiful)

Sunday Inspiration

We could certainly use a little inspiration in Colorado today....this is from a hymn we sang in church this weekend.

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Temple Groundbreaking

Saturday was an exciting day for Mormons across Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming. I think there may have even been a few excited non-Mormons, to tell you the truth. After being announced over 2 years ago, ground was finally broken for our temple here in Fort Collins.

This is how it will look when it's finished. Beautiful!

If you've ever seen a Mormon temple, you know they are impeccably designed and executed, down to the last detail. We even use golden shovels at the groundbreaking. And everyone gets a change to turn the soil--church leaders, government leaders, even the kids!

This will be the second Mormon temple in Colorado. You can read all about the groundbreaking ceremony here (and see pictures of all those cute kids shoveling). We didn't attend the actual ceremony on the temple grounds, but attended a live broadcast at our church building.

One of the big concerns for the people who live near the temple site is traffic. It's a common--but generally unfounded-- concern. Our temples differ from our chapels, where members meet for weekly Sunday worship services. Temples are used for marriages, baptisms for deceased ancestors and ordinances intended to provide eternal family relationships. Temples are open throughout the week and closed Sundays.

So you don't really have large congregations visiting a temple all at once, but smaller groups and individuals who visit throughout the week.  However, if all the Mormons in the area showed up for the groundbreaking ceremony, there would have been thousands of us. So out of respect for the neighbors, there was a small group invited to the site, while the rest of us watched from our church buildings around the area.

Worldwide, there are currently 171 Mormon temples either in operation, under construction or announced. The Fort Collins temple is slated to be completed in late 2015 or early 2016, and be the 155th operating temple.  You can see photos of all of our worldwide temples here, and learn more about why we build them.

EXCITING TIMES

There's been so much going on around here lately!  But I've been trapped in the car, driving people to and fro, and haven't been able to share.  On Saturday's schedule, for example, there was a church women's conference, a Robotics fundraiser, a basketball game, and two birthday parties. 

On Tuesday evenings, we make our weekly contribution to the demise of the American family.  Between Robotics, basketball practice and scouts, we've had to split up and eat out.  Not only are we not sitting down to dinner together, we're not even having dinner together in the same restaurant!  I shamelessly admit that I will be so glad when these particular extra curricular activities come to an end.

But amidst all this running around, we've had lots of exciting news.  At least, it's exciting if you happen to live in the same town and go to the same church we do.

On Thursday, I escaped driving duties for a few hours to watch live streaming of the city planning and zoning board meeting.  What?  This isn't the way everyone spends their Thursday nights?  Me neither, usually.  But on this particular night, the board was voting to approve (or not approve) plans for a Mormon temple to be built here in Fort Collins.  This was the last hurdle to clear before construction can begin on this beautiful building.

    
It was unanimous!  The plans were approved!  I know it's not typical planning and zoning meeting behavior, but we might have been jumping up and down and giving each other high fives.  In the privacy of our own home, of course.  Thank goodness the live streaming was only one way.

The very next day, we learned that Fort Collins, Colorado will have it's own mission.  You've probably seen some Mormon missionaries out and about in your town.  Perhaps they've even come to your door and you pretended you weren't home.  It's okay.  But if you do ever open the door, be nice to them.  They're just barely-out-of-high-school kids far away from home and family who are working really hard, at their own expense, for something they believe in.

Anyway, we organize all these missionaries geographically into missions.  Each mission has a mission president, who along with his wife, act as kind of surrogate parents for all these young kids while they are away from home for two years.  Fort Collins had been part of a Denver mission, but now we'll have a mission all our own. 

And speaking of missionaries, on Friday I got to photograph two beautiful girls who will both be leaving for their missions on Wednesday.  The lovely young lady on the left is going to Chile and the equally lovely young lady on the right is going to Denmark.  Aren't they cute? 

Last October, our church changed the age of missionary service for boys from 19 to 18, and for girls from 21 to 19.  I have to say, my church is full of amazing women, young and old alike.  In the weeks following the missionary age announcement, the Church reported that missionary applications had increased dramatically (from 700 applications per week to 4,000), with women comprising more than half of the applicants.  And these two are among the thousands of young ladies who said, "Hooray! I don't have to wait.  I can go on a mission now!" 

Can you believe that they didn't get to together and plan what to wear for our little photo shoot?

 

True story.  They both just showed up in these color coordinated outfits.  How awesome is that!

This weekend at our church services, the young men (age 14-18) in Fort Collins will be singing in a special choir, directed by the Chair of the Department of Music, Theater and Dance at Colorado State University, who--as far as I know--is not a member of our church.  You don't have to belong to our church to sing in the choir either.  You just have to be a boy between the ages of 14 and 18.  Otherwise it wouldn't really be a boys youth choir. 

And E will be the first to tell you that if he's joined the choir, you don't even have to be a good singer to participate. I can't wait to hear them. I think they'll be amazing!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go drive someone somewhere.  Probably choir practice.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

During the Christmas season, it is easy to get caught up in the pressure of the season and perhaps lose the very spirit in our lives that we’re trying to gain. Overdoing it is especially common this time of the year for many of us. The causes for this might include too many Christmas activities to attend, too much to eat, too much money spent, too many expectations, and too much tension. Often our efforts at Christmastime result in our feeling stressed out, wrung out, and worn out during a time we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of our Savior.

Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done, nor is it found in the purchasing of gifts. We find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the season. We can keep Him in our thoughts and in our lives as we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth. At this time, particularly, let us follow His example as we love and serve our fellowman.

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart—and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all.

Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.

As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our Christmas opportunity in service to our fellowman. May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior. And may one and all have a joy-filled Christmas.

*From Christmas is Love by Thomas S. Monson.  Artwork from mormon.org.

MORMON HELPING HANDS: HURRICANE SANDY

Thousands of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to volunteer to assist in the recovery efforts within the communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. On Sunday, November 11th, thousands of Mormons cancelled their church services and arrived by air, bus and train from all across the country to help.

 

 

Share this video with any friends and family that might be able to help the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. Not only at the Rockaways, but Staten Island, Long Island, and New Jersey. The church is coordinating the efforts, but anyone (both Mormon and non Mormon) is welcome to come and help.

 

I love my church. 

GENERAL CONFERENCE KIT

If you've been reading my blog for very long, you know how much I look forward to my church's twice yearly General Conference.  Instead of dressing up in our Sunday best and heading off to the church, we get to sit at home in our stretchy pants and watch church on t.v.  While eating snacks!  What's not to like about that?

This time around, I decided to make General Conference Kits for a few of my church friends, to help them enjoy the proceedings even more.  I was inspired by these kits over at A Bushel and A Peck.

 



 First and foremost, I included some snacks.

 

 

I also included a little notebook, a pen and a highlighter--for note taking.  And a package of tissue.  Because the speakers are just so touching and inspiring.  I put everything in a colorful gift bag and tied a note to the outside letting the recipient know what was inside.

 

 

Finally, I put in a copy of the 2006 General Conference talk by Jeffrey R. Holland "Prophets in the Land Again," and some printable cards with interesting facts about some of the speakers.  I designed the 4x6 cards awhile back to entertain my kids during church services, and I thought they would make a great addition!  You can download them here.  Just follow these instructions:

 

Click on the thumbnail of the picture you wish to download. Scroll your cursor over the larger photo that appears on the right, and when the menu tab appears, click on the file folder icon with the green arrow to save a copy to your hard drive. Please remember, these prints are for personal use only and are not to be sold or reused in any way for profit. Source for images and information lds.org

 

General Conference weekends really are my favorite weekends of the year.  To give you an idea of the kind of things I'm looking forward to hearing, this is one of my favorite quotes from the last General Conference in April.

 

"However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines." ~ Jeffrey R. Holland

 

I can't wait!

 

  

IT'S GREAT TO BE EIGHT

Yesterday was a special occasion at our house. 

 

C was baptized!  In our church, that happens when you are eight years old.  All the grandparents came to town for the big day.  Some from as far away as Canada!

 

 

 

 

 And of course, the rest of the family was there too.  

 

 

C was baptized by his dad, which is something I'm guessing is unique to the Mormon faith--that all men, starting at the age of 12, can have the priesthood.  If E was 16 (just 6 months older), he would have been old enough to perform the baptism.  But C didn't want to wait that long!

 

 

 

 

There were also many special friends there to support C, like his preschool teacher Miss Elaine, our friends Derrick and Debbie, and our home teachers, the Porters. 

What are home teachers, you ask?  Well, everyone in our church as two people assigned to look out for them and their family.  They stop by once a month to see how we're doing and ask if there is anything we need.  And we always know there is someone we can call if we need help of any kind.
The Porters are an older couple--he's 83, but he doesn't look a day over 70--and the kids love hearing all the stories they have to share.  They also love knowing someone who has a great collection of fishing poles that they can borrow for scout camp!

After the baptism, we invited everyone back to the house for some lunch.  I meant to take pictures of the festivities, but I got chatting with the guests and kind of neglected the picture taking.  I did snap a few shots of the candy buffet though.

Since C loves candy so much, we thought it would be a fun way to celebrate. 

 

 C is a such great kid!   We're so proud of him for taking this important step in his life, and we hope  he always remembers the words to this song.
 

DON'T MISTAKE ROUTINE FOR COMMITMENT

This is my great-great grandfather, David Cline.  He was a Jewish Rabbi in Latvia.  We know very little about his life, although I have always been fascinated by his Jewish faith.  Tonight at sunset my Jewish friends will begin their observance of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, and the holiest day of the year for Jewish people.

 

 

 

I was reading about Yom Kippur this morning in the Washington Post, where Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld explained that "Yom Kippur is a reminder that we can't only commit halfway to God."  

Don't we all need to be reminded from time to time to be more committed to whatever it is we believe in?  Rabbi Herzfeld talked about God removing stumbling blocks on Yom Kippur--all those things over the course of a year that have kept us from doing what it was we wanted to do.  Or knew we should do.  He said that on Yom Kippur, "God comes out to meet us and helps us take that extra step of commitment to Him." 

And be careful, he warned, "not to mistake routine for commitment."  That's a pretty powerful little statement, if you think about it.  About how we think we're committed to something as long as it's easy.  But when it becomes difficult, even just a little bit, it turns out it was just a routine and we weren't very committed at all.

For example, there are many members of Rabbi Herzfeld's congregation who routinely attend  synagogue.  But when it rains, he tells his children, "the forecast calls for scattered congregants."  And aren't we all like that sometimes?  We let a little rain, or some other inconvenience, keep us from doing what we should have done.  Rabbi Herzfeld has printed ponchos for his congregation with the slogan, "Shul. Weather or not."  Weather or not.  Whether or not.

Quite simply, that's the only way to know if we're really committed to something.  We go and do what we're supposed to do, or religiously speaking, what we believe God wants us to do. Whether or not.

Obviously there are differences between my religion and Rabbi Herzfeld's.  In my church, those who speak to us have put it this way:

"May we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear."  (Jeffrey R. Holland)

But what Rabbi Herzfeld said spoke to me too.  He reminded me that whatever it is I say I'm committed to, I can't commit halfway.  If I do, it's not a commitment at all.  It's just a routine.  And nothing great has ever happened in my life when I've just been going through the motions.  I have to give a little more than that if I want to achieve all the great things God has in store for me.

"Yom Kippur is also a reminder that if we carry out on our commitments, if we commit with all our heart to service, then we can literally transform the world with our actions. We were all created for greatness, and Yom Kippur reminds us that if we take our commitments seriously we will achieve greatness."

So thank you great-great grandfather David Cline, and Rabbi Herzfeld, for reminding me today to try a little harder.  Thank you for  reminding me that:

"God wants us to be stronger than we are--more fixed in our purpose, more certain of our commitments, eventually needing less coddling from Him, showing more willingness to shoulder some of the burden of His heavy load. In short, He wants us to be more like Him."  (Jeffrey R. Holland)

So put on your ponchos and get going!

You can read Rabbi Herzfeld's article here.

TURNING TWELVE: IT'S A BIG DEAL

Last Saturday, we had a pre-birthday celebration for T and his friends at the local mini-golf/laser tag/video game place.  Seeing as it was about 105 degrees outside, we decided to forego the mini-golf and stick with laser tag and video games.

And it's always fun to see if you can fit an almost 12 year-old into Bob the Builder's bulldozer.  Can we fit him?  Yes we can!

On Thursday, Grandma and Grandpa arrived for T's actual 12th birthday.  Since T is our creative, artistic, free-thinking child, the one with big plans and innovative ideas, it probably won't suprise you that he opted for birthday pie in lieu of cake.  And he spent the day putting this together.....

But the most important and exiting thing about turning 12 is that tomorrow at church, T will receive the priesthood and become a deacon.  Here's a bit more explanation.....

Male members of the (Mormon) Church may begin their priesthood service when they reach the age of 12.  At different stages in their lives and as they prepare themselves to receive different responsibilities, they hold different offices in the priesthood, such as deacon, teacher, or priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and elder or high priest in the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Although the authority of the priesthood is bestowed only on worthy male members of the Church, the blessings of the priesthood are available to all—men, women, and children. We all benefit from the influence of righteous priesthood leadership, and we all have the privilege of receiving the saving ordinances of the priesthood. (lds.org)

Yes, at the ripe old age of 12, these boys--the same ones who play with Legos and video games--are given responsibilities to help and serve others in their church congregations and families.  And it's a wonderful thing.  A miracle really.  It helps them grow up to become good men.  And so, if you'll indulge me, there are a few things I'd like to share with my son (and with you) as he approaches this important day.

In the most difficult and discouraging days of World War II, Winston Churchill said to the people of England: “To every man there comes … that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a special thing unique to him and fitted to his talent. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour.”

In an even more serious kind of spiritual warfare, the day may come when in an unexpected circumstance or a time of critical need, lightning will strike, so to speak, and the future will be in your hands. Be ready when that day comes. Be strong. Always be clean. Respect and revere the priesthood that you hold. “Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Jeffrey R. Holland)

THOUGHTS ON EASTER

Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are.....one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.



May we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death," for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone.

From "None Were With Him" by Jeffrey R. Holland

CONFERENCE FAVORITES

I just wanted to share a few of my favorite quotes from General Conference this past weekend.  I can't think of a better way to explain why I love it so much.

However late you think you are; However many chances you think you've missed; However many mistakes you feel you've made or talents you think you don't have or distance from home and family and God you feel you have travelled, I testify that you have not travelled beyond the reach of divine love. - Jeffrey R. Holland

Don't judge me because I sin differently than you. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal voyage without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him guidance to ensure our safe return. -Thomas S. Monson

There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition.  May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another. We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. - Jeffrey R. Holland

It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel. - Henry B. Eyring

This one is available as a free printable here.

We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm—please apply the following: Stop it! - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

There were so many other wonderful talks by wonderful men and women.  And I just can't resist mentioning the celebrity sighting that had everyone so excited.

(Photo Source)

Yes, that's American Idol David Archuleta, or as he's now known, Elder Archuleta, singing in the missionary choir. Do you think the choir director was excited when he volunteered? He's currently at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah preparing for a two-year mission. I'm not sure where he's going, but judging by his name tag, somewhere Spanish speaking. And hopefully someplace where the people will have no idea who he is.

Don't get too excited. I wasn't there in person. I was watching on television. Maybe next time. I'm already looking forward to it!

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND

It's one of my favorite weekends of the year.  We call it General Conference.

In biblical times, God spoke to His children through prophets. Prophets are inspired teachers and are special witnesses of Jesus Christ.  Today is no different from past ages. The Lord loves His children living now as much as the ones who lived in the past. So, in our day, He has also called prophets that testify of His divinity and teach His gospel.

Because the teachings from these inspired teachers are so important, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather twice yearly for a special meeting called “general conference” to listen to these living prophets.

So what's it all about?   I'll let Jeffery R. Holland explain.  He's one of the people I'm most looking forward to hearing from. 

In my own expression of testimony and gratitude for the messages and meaning of general conference, may I suggest three things these twice-yearly gatherings declare to all the world.

First, they declare eagerly and unequivocally that there is again a living prophet on the earth speaking in the name of the Lord. Our times are turbulent and difficult. We see wars internationally and distress domestically. Neighbors all around us face personal heartaches and family sorrows. Legions know fear and troubles of a hundred kinds.  How we need such guidance!

Secondly, each of these conferences marks a call to action not only in our own lives but also on behalf of others around us, those who are of our own family and faith and those who are not. As general conference was convening in October of 1856 in the Salt Lake Valley, pioneers were staggering through the last freezing miles of Nebraska and were soon to be stranded in the impassable snows of the high country of Wyoming.

Brigham Young’s inspiring general conference message to the Saints was simply “go and bring in those people now on the plains.”

As surely as the rescue of those in need was the general conference theme of October 1856, so too is it the theme of this conference and last conference and the one to come next spring. It may not be blizzards and frozen-earth burials that we face this conference, but the needy are still out there.  They are all out there with feeble knees, hands that hang down, and bad weather setting in. They can be rescued only by those who have more and know more and can help more.

And don’t worry about asking, “Where are they?” They are everywhere, on our right hand and on our left, in our neighborhoods and in the workplace, in every community and county and nation of this world. Take your team and wagon; load it with your love, your testimony, and a spiritual sack of flour; then drive in any direction. The Lord will lead you to those in need if you will but embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ that has been taught in this conference.

Lastly, a general conference of the Church is a declaration to all the world that Jesus is the Christ, that He and His Father, the God and Father of us all.

I can't wait to hear the inspiring messages!  

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT TEMPLE SQUARE

I promised to share more about the Christmas lights at the Salt Lake Temple.  I don't think I've been to see the lights since I was in college, which was almost 20 years ago.  I knew it would be crowded, since we were there on the day after Thanksgiving--the first day they turn the lights on for the season.  But I really wanted to share this with my kids. 

There are over 700,000 LED lights on display at Temple Square during the Christmas season.  Workers start putting up the lights on August 1 and finish taking them down by March 31.

There are also beautiful lanterns and luminaries lining the walkways and fountains, along with several child sized nativity sets. The sets were made especially for children who came to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. There are sets from Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Poland.

The Salt Lake Temple was begun on February 14, 1843. It wasn't finished until April 6, 1893. It took 40 years to complete.  The excavation for the basement required trenches twenty feet wide and sixteen feet deep, much of it through solid gravel. Just digging for the foundation alone required nine thousand man days of labor.

The granite selected for the construction material was twenty miles away in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Oxen proved to be the only viable means of transportation. The precise design and dimensions of every one of the thousands of stones to be used in the temple had to be marked out individually in the architect's office and shaped accordingly. To put one layer of the six hundred hand-sketched, individually squared, and precisely cut stones around the building took nearly three years.

John Rowe Moyle was a master of stonework who came west with the earliest Mormon handcart companies in 1846. He settled in Alpine Utah, which was nearly 22 miles away from downtown Salt Lake City. He was called to work as a stone mason on the Salt Lake Temple. To be to work by 8:00 in the morning, every Monday John Moyle would wake up at 2:00 a.m. and walk to Salt Lake.

He would spend the week in Salt Lake, working on the temple, and then on Friday, at 5:00 p.m., he would start the long walk home, where he would tend to the duties of his farm over the weekend.

One weekend, he was kicked by one of his cows, resulting in a compound fracture to his leg. With no sophisticated medical help available at the time, the only available solution for his injury was amputation. His family and friends removed a door from its hinges, strapped him onto it, and removed his leg with a hacksaw.

When he was able to sit up in bed, he took a piece of wood and using his carving skills, he carved an artificial limb for himself. As soon as he was able to stand the pain from walking on his stub leg, he again began walking to the temple to do his work, which he did for many years to come.  Among other stone work he did, John Moyle carved the “Holiness to the Lord” stone on the east side of the temple

Around a million people visit Temple Square at during the Christmas season.  I think half of them were there on the same night we were.  Which made it hard to get pictures that really do justice to the spectacular display. 

So watch this video to see everything I wasn't able to capture with  my camera.