Then when the Newport Beach Temple was built, we changed to the Tuesday evening shift every week. This temple is so small and intimate, we really feel like we are a family each week--both the workers and the patrons.
Ten (and then some) of the things I love about the temple (in no particular order):
1. The spirit I always, always feel when I am there.
2. The wonderful people I get to work with weekly when I am there. They have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives for many years and are willing to do all that is asked of them.
3. The patrons who regularly come to serve there. We have a few dear ones who come almost every week no matter what. They come if it is Halloween, Valentines or the first week of school. They come to serve, to learn, to grow, to keep the Spirit in their lives.
4. The brothers and sisters who only come once in a while and are still learning. They have faith and hope that they will more fully understand some day. They desire to do what's right. They seek the Spirit and find it there.
5. I love stepping out of the world and leaving the distractions and noise outside. I love that I can forget my cares and immerse myself in helping others also have a good experience.
6. I love seeing the youth come to the temple to do baptisms. I love that they feel the spirit, maybe for the first time and leave with stronger testimonies.
7. I love seeing my husband as we go about our separate duties. There is something so special about coming around a corner and seeing him anxiously engaged in this sacred work. He shines for me there.
8. I love the inspiration I receive when I am there and the desire to continue to strive to be better.
9. I love the opportunity to learn and begin to understand the words and symbols and deeper levels of meaning that exist in that sacred place.
10. I love the sweet peaceful Spirit the lingers with me after I have been in the temple.
10a. I love the promise of eternity and eternal families I receive there.
10b. I love being in the House of the Lord. It is His house and He is there.
We took our older grandchildren to see the LA temple, just from the outside, last year and it turned out to be one of the favorite things they did all weekend. Their young spirits respond to the spirit so readily. I hope I will get to see each one of them inside as they are endowed some day. It is one of my greatest desires for them!
