I wanted to cap off our Easter celebration with a trip to Temple Square. It was gorgeous! Jeff patiently wrangled the kids and stroller while I dragged behind clicking away. Aside from the silhouetted temple shot (with lamppost and hanging branches), which I lightened in Photoshop just a bit, these images are exactly as I took them. I had a lot of fun.
The light was dimming fast, but I liked it -- for how the last glinting rays of the day's sun said goodnight to the statue of Moroni, how certain flowers stood out more brilliantly, how lampposts passed along the baton from dusk. A lone interior light on the south side of the temple captured my interest.
We visited the statue of the Christus. Samuel, as usual, wanted to walk his own path. He was vocally mad when I pulled him the other way to carry him up the ramp to see the statue. (That building has great acoustics, I must say.) When he stopped crying upon seeing Christ's representation, however, I thought, Wow -- he knows. But then he went right back to tantrummy Samuel, and we had to quickly flee.
I was most touched when Elise's usual loud commentary was hushed to a reverent, awe-filled whisper. "Mom!" she said, most concerned, "I can see the nails."
This year, perhaps more than any other, I am so grateful for Easter. I value Christ's atonement and the promise of resurrection more than I can say. I am so glad that families can be together forever.
It seems that all of my children, at one time or another, have clasped "I Love to See the Temple" close to their hearts as a favorite primary song. They seem to know, long before they even step through the temple doors, how special these beautiful buildings are. I don't do enough to teach my children how I love the temple, too. I need to improve.
8 comments:
Author, pianist, baker, photographer, . . . Is there anything you can't do? These photos are absolutely gorgeous! I hope you'll consider framing some of them!
What beautiful pictures and commentary about the temple. I really wish I was that talented from both perspectives. It looked like you had the place to yourselves too! I bet that was peaceful, besides Sammy having a hard time! :( Abby has a mind & legs of her own too...they would do great together! :) I also love that you thought to go to the temple grounds during Easter. What a great idea. Here's a cute thing to teach your kids about the temple. When I was up in Logan going through the temple when my best friend Shauna (& her family) were getting sealed to their newly adopted baby girl, the sealer turned to their 5 year old and said this: "Now Tyler, this will probably be the last time you can come in the temple before you turn 12, but it's not the last time the temple can touch your live. In fact, I'm asking you to come and visit the temple often, and just come up to it to touch it. Feel it and see if it feels you." There wasn't a dry eye in the room Jenni! It was inspiring to say the least. If little kids can just "touch" the temple while they're young, they'll want to "feel" the temple later on in life. Keep up the good work! Take care! --dayna
Wow! What gorgeous pictures! Great job!
Jenni, I finally got myself signed in and caught up on your wonderful blogs. I have a hard time finding the words to tell you how beautifully you write, and how creative and inspiring it all is. It (almost) makes me wish I could be a young mom again and have your blog to inspire and encourage me. Keep it up Jenni, this is a really good thing!. Love, Mom H
What amazing pictures! I'm so relieved you decided to keep up the blog! You're so poetic in words and pictures.
I'm so glad you're still blogging. And look!--you even got me to create an account and leave a comment. Where does the power of your writing talent end?
What a great way to spend Easter.
What great pictures. They are beautiful!
I would have to agree with everyone else. These pictures were amazing! I love Temple Square in the Springtime! I also loved the comments about the kids. They really do know and grasp on to so much more than we realize!
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