“That the work of gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must need be fulfilled. Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be…” Doctrine and Covenants 101:64-65
Last night Lily and I were able to attend the Rexburg Idaho Temple Celebration. It was indeed astounding! I could not believe how amazing it was. It was made up of random people from 84 wards in our temple district performing. Alexis was chosen to be one of the many, many children to carry sheaves of wheat. We were curious as to which Apostle would be present and to our delight we were privileged to have Elder David Bednar and Elder Russell Nelson along with Joe J. Christensen attending. Before it started Lily and I ran to the bathroom and upon returning the entire Hart Auditorium with people filled to capacity was completely silent, mind you there were also many children there. We discovered that the apostles of the Lord had entered the room, the reverence felt was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Elder Bednar urged the youth and children to always remember this moment and pray as we attend the dedication tomorrow that we will feel the spirit and remember what is was like to witness the newly called prophet in our presence. As the performance got underway it was definitely a celebration done so tastefully. They were able to get all of the emotions stirred as they told of the settlement of the valley up until the present. From the sprinkler pipe dance (representing the help rendered from college students at the time of the Yellowstone Fires)to the thunderous noises and commentary of the eruption of the Teton Dam and many more. There was also fiddling, barber shop choruses, and sacred hymns! John Bidwell directed this and he did an excellent job! I came home uplifted and inspired to be a better person. As I looked out on the youth that were performing I thought of what an amazing memory this will be for them and how they are the future that will carry on the traditions made here by the saints who sacrificed so much. What wonderfully fun people, it was also wonderful to see how much fun can be had in a simple, unworldly way. I am grateful Alexis was able to be a part of this celebration. She was so excited to tell me that she was three people away from Elder Bednar as she was walking out…I am sure she could feel how special he was as a called witness of Jesus Christ.
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Comments:
Mom and Dad Parker said…
Thanks for the special commentary on the dedication. That’s so neat that Alexis was able to take part. I wish all the sweet saints here could have been there.
Sunday, February 10, 2008 8:51:58 AM
Jana said…
I loved that event also, it was a Celebration indeed.
And a celebration that has been long anticipated by the Saints in our beautiful Valley. Kudos to Lex!
Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:33:39 PM
Haley said…
That is all so cool!!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008 3:01:15 PM
Steve Baldwin said…
Thanks, Jodi, for your testimony and example; it is powerful. It is very pleasing to know that the temple is important in the lives of your family. We would liked to have been there to celebrate and look foward to coming home to go to the temple.
Sunday, February 10, 2008 5:33:02 PM
John said…
What a blessing to live in the Last Days with Apostles, temples, and wonderful members to celebrate with. Thanks for sharing your experience Jodi. You do a good job capturing the event into words.
Sunday, February 10, 2008 9:14:57 PM
Anne said…
It sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Monday, February 11, 2008 10:09:26 AM