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.