Including Parents Who Are Not Members In Our Temple Wedding

On the long ride from Brigham Young University to my home in California, I kept wondering how my family would respond to the news that I was getting married. My fiancee had asked me to marry him just a few hours before, and now I was on my way home to spend a couple of weeks before starting my last summer class, so I could graduate in August.

Though I was excited, I had a growing sense of uneasiness about how my family would react to my marriage, and especially to my being married in the temple. Four years before when I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they hadn’t approved, and things hadn’t changed.

When I arrived home, I lasted a whole ten minutes before I blurted out my news. My step-father seemed happy, but not my mother. During the next few days, she kept trying to discourage me from getting married: Did he really love me? I hadn’t known him long enough. They needed to meet him before they gave approval. I should wait longer, perhaps a few years. Right now wasn’t a good time for the family to have a wedding. I wasn’t being considerate of them. Besides, I was wasting my education. Other family members took me aside and counseled me to at least put off having children for several years and “enjoy life first”.

Since I hadn’t realized that my marriage would be such an emotional issue, I prayed for help in dealing positively with my family. I tried to understand their feelings. I was the first to marry in the family, and the only daughter. Not being able to attend my wedding certainly was not the wedding of their dreams.

Blessings of the Temple

This video explains the blessing that we, as faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  receive in the Temples of the Lord. I look forward to continuing my relationship with my husband and family for all eternity.

Payson Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A couple of days ago my husband and I went to the open house for the temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Payson, Utah.  This was extra special for me since this is the temple my husband and I will be attending.

Here some photos of the interior of the temple.
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/multimedia-download/article/payson-utah-temple-opens-doors-to-the-public

The pictures are beautiful, but can't really convey the sense of peace that is there. It is like you have stepped away from all the stresses of the world and are in a place of beauty and love. It reminds you of what life can be like and helps you put your problems into perspective. It gives you the hope and strength to continue on and  to find joy in living. It is a little bit of heaven on earth.

Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a Cult?

Some people think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a cult. I don't know about you, but doesn't the word "cult" sound scary? I think of crazed charismatic leaders who mind control their followers to make them do horrible things. I associate things like kidnapping, abuse, and mass suicide with cults. I certainly wouldn't want to be a part of a group like that!

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are known throughout the world as great humanitarians. We are some of the first people there to help after disasters and the last to leave. How could such a church with over 15 million members around the world be considered a "cult"?

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This video not only explains the purpose of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but tells what happens there and shows pictures of the inside. I look forward to going to the temple because

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Oakland Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where we were married.

What is so special about a temple?
My husband and I met our daughter and son-in-law at the Ogden Temple open house. Even outside on the grounds, I could feel something different. As we viewed the interior, I enjoyed the beautiful mirrors and glassware, the dark woodwork, the stained glass windows, and the sparkling chandeliers. Yes, it was beautiful, but I have seen many lovely buildings and not felt this way.