Meeting Thomas S. Monson

So I am taking the initiative to make this blog more of a journal and less of a blog about Alex. Not that my life is that exciting, but I do have one or two experiences that I would like to record before I forget them. I was reminded of my experience of meeting Thomas S. Monson by the recent Draper Temple dedication and although this instance happened when I was a teenager, it is important enough that I want my children to know about it.

When I was 16 years old, my grandmother, Zella Farr Smith, passed away. I was not extremely close with her but she had pretty much been the only grandparent I had ever known my entire life. One grandfather passed away before I was born, the other passed away when I was one years old, and my other grandmother lived in Germany so I only had the opportunity to meet her twice. That, combined with the fact that I had never really experienced someone close to me dying made it a really difficult time. Up until then, I had had a cousin pass away when I was eight but I didn't even know her so I wasn't really affected. I remember my Grandmother's funeral pretty vivadly and I was pretty upset the entire time.

My grandmother was best friends with Sister Hinckley and Grandma and Grandpa had belonged to a book group with her and President Hinckley. Unfortunately, when she passed away, President Hinckley and his wife were out of the country on church business and were unable to attend. In their place, they sent a letter of condolences and the then apostles Thomas S. Monson and Russell M. Nelson. Before the funeral, I was standing off to the side of the viewing room, crying while lots of people mingled around me. All of a sudden, someone came up to me and embraced me in a big bear hug. It took me a second to realize that it was Thomas S. Monson. I don't remember if he said anything to me, but I will NEVER forget how sweet and understanding he was. I had never met him before but he had recognized that I was in need and he had consoled me. This is the kind of man he is. He was much bigger and taller than I had thought from seeing him on TV but as gentle as a teddy bear. My Dad observed what had happened and afterwards said to me, "Do you realize that you were just hugged by the man who will someday be the prophet?" Of course I had realized that I had been hugged by an apostle which was pretty neat in and of itself, but in my adolescence, I had forgotten that he would someday (and has!) become the prophet.

I am so glad that this wonderful man has been chosen to lead the church today in these turbulent times. I can personally testify that his kindness, wisdom, and gentleness is sincere and that he takes the need of the insignificant individual to heart the same way the Savior would. I am so glad that the Lord has set up a system of true and proper authority so that when one prophet passes on to the next life, another one is ready to take his place. I know that President Monson is a true prophet of God with all the authority, powers and priesthoods that goes along with it and I seal my testimony of this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Draper Temple Open House

Eric and I had a wonderful opportunity to serve as ushers for the new Draper Temple open house. Of course we would have been happy to serve anywhere they had assigned us but we were especially thrilled to be placed in the Celestial Room. For those who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Celestial Room is the most sacred room in the temple (and the most beautiful) representing the peace and happiness we will share with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the eternities if we live righteously. We spent a total of six hours standing and pointing people in the direction they should go but the time flew by quickly as we counted ourselves lucky to spend so much time in this sacred room. For those of you who haven't had a chance to go to the open house yet, this celestial room is very unique compared to others that I have seen. It is quite small, as is the entire temple, but it seems much larger by the height of the room (49 ft. - why they didn't make it an even 50 I don't know) and the MASSIVE all-crystal chandelier that hangs from the ceiling. It is very awe-inspiring. It's interesting but the question I got asked most is . . . "Are all those crystals REAL?" Which of course I didn't have the answer to (although I'm sure they are since LDS temples are only made with the best building materials available).

My favorite part was to gaze across the room and see my handsome husband with a glowing smile on his face. It was an amazing experience to share with him and it reminded me of the covenants we made to one another as we knelt across the alter in the Salt Lake City temple almost five years ago. My second favorite part was to see the look on people's faces as they came into the room (which I was perfectly situated for since I would usher them in). I also got to hear their first reaction which was always amazement and wonder. I loved the little children who would yell, "It's beautiful, Mommy!" or "It looks just like a castle!" I even had to chuckle as I would hear a few young men blurt out, "Cool" before they knew what was coming out of their mouths. A lot of the young women would ask me if this is where you where married to which I replied, "No, that takes place in the sealing rooms. The missionaries can tell you more about it at the end of the tour." To which response they always seemed disappointed. The little boy inside Eric got the better of him and when no one was in the room he couldn't help but opening up the side doors to see where they led. I was shocked thinking we'd be kicked out immediately but of course, after awhile I realized those doors must just led to the endowment rooms. Little stinker - especially when some teenage boys tried to do the same and he got mad at them.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to serve those who may be edified and uplifted by visiting the temple. I have such a strong testimony of temples and the sacred covenants that are made within their dedicated walls. I'm so grateful to have the blessings in my life that come from keeping those covenants. I wish all could share in the joy that I know in my life because of it.