I Love the Temple!

It's almost too wonderful to believe,

but the Church is building a Temple in Phoenix. I love the Temple, and it is so exciting that we'll have one close by.

With Erik currently serving as a Bishop, he and I were invited to attend the groundbreaking for the Phoenix Temple. Thanks to my parents, who took our kids to the satellite broadcast of the ground breaking, Erik and I were able to attend in person.

Though hot, it was really neat to be able to go outside and turn our own shovelful of dirt. What was incredible, however, was the feeling inside the chapel. It felt like home to see so many friends from our old wards, and it was nice to be able to sit quietly and partake of the sweet spirit there. When we sang the hymns, there was an incredible energy present.

Before the meeting began, I was reading my scriptures, when I suddenly felt a burst of happiness. I stopped reading and looked up to see if something had changed. Just as I looked up, I saw Sister Ann Dibb, President Monson's daughter, walk in with her husband, her son, her daughter-in-law, and grandchild. She sat only a couple of rows ahead of us, but to the side. It was fun to watch her interact with her family.

After the dirt had been turned over, and everyone had pretty much cleared out, we happened to be walking past Sister Dibb. On a whim, I went up to her, and thanked her for the bubble of happiness that she carries with her. She hugged me, and told me that her family has difficulties and hard days too. Her response was just what I needed to hear, as I am facing so many difficult days in regards to parenthood & supporting my husband as Bishop. We talked for a few minutes, and it was such a sweet experience; I felt like we had been good friends for a long time.

What a great start to a beautiful day - sharing time with my husband, in a spiritual experience. Now we'll close the day, in an equally spiritual way . . . with James' baptism.