Day 60 - { a temple in Fort Collins }

When we were deciding where we should move for DC’s occupational therapy studies, and once he had been accepted to CSU, we looked at all the pros and cons of what we thought our choices were, i.e. Colorado or Arkansas.

(Note: this ended up being kinda funny, because a few weeks after we chose Colorado we received a rejection letter in the mail from University of Central Arkansas. Turns out we didn’t have a choice after all! haha)

One of the biggest pros for moving to Colorado was the fact that a temple had been announced for Fort Collins.

ldschurchtemples.com

I love the temple.

Temples are different from normal church meetinghouses. They are reserved for special ordinances like baptisms for the dead and weddings. We believe that if both spouses are faithful, a temple marriage lasts beyond death.

(To read more about why Mormons build temples and what goes in inside temples, visit here).

When I am in the temple, I feel close to heaven. The worries and stresses of life are diminished, because the work we do there brings an eternal perspective. I feel an equal bond to all five of my children – it feels like the separation between us and Benjamin is almost non-existent.

"Everything that occurs in the temple is uplifting and ennobling. It speaks of life here and life beyond the grave. It speaks of the importance of the individual as a child of God. It speaks of the importance of the family and the eternity of the marriage relationship."

—Gordon B. Hinckley

I often get very clear answers to prayers there. I always come away feeling stronger and happier. Worshipping in the temple brings me closer to Christ, and gives me more strength to live like Him.

The Fort Collins Colorado Temple was announced by President Monson in April 2011, and by the time we thought we might move there the site and plans had just been approved, in February 2013.

No one knew yet, though, when construction would begin.

Then, on our third Sunday in our new ward in Fort Collins, the bishop announced during sacrament meeting that the groundbreaking has been scheduled for August 24!!

We were so excited we drove to the temple site right after church. It is a lovely spot, right now mostly open fields. Nearby is a newly built neighborhood, and also nearby is horse property. Below are a few photos of the temple site.

When we lived in Tallahassee, our closest temple was the Orlando Florida Temple, a four-hour drive away.

Our closest temple while we lived in Arkansas was the Memphis Tennessee Temple, a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Our closest temple right now is in Denver, 1 1/2 hours away.

This temple site in Fort Collins is a ten-minute drive from our house. I can’t even say what joy I feel about the thought of being so close!

It used to be our weekly tradition after church to go visit Benjamin’s grave. I’m thinking a new tradition of visiting the temple site every week and seeing the progress as it is built is going to be just the thing!

I have dreams of being asked to help with music for the events that will take place, of our boys getting to participate in the cultural celebration, of crocheting altar cloths,  anything we can do to help will be such a privilege and an honor!

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for bringing us to this place where we will live so close to Your house. Thank You for temple blessings that bind our family together for eternity!