We were supposed to attend the temple for the first time as a married couple yesterday, but my fear of not making it through without asking someone to “show me to the potty” due to the UTI prevented us from getting there this week. Thinking about writing this post got me looking at flickr photos of temples, and there are so many beautiful photos of temples floating around the internet.
This shot had me thinking I might be missing the snow in Utah just a little bit!
I think I would like to start posting on a more spiritual note on Sundays. My beliefs make up who I am, and if this blog is truly an attempt to share my life with others, it’s an essential component that can’t be left out.
There is no denying that the latest attacks on the church are fueling this desire as well. I’m 23 years old, newly married, living in Texas. I don’t drink, smoke, lie, swear, cheat or steal. I have a desire to serve in the community, I want to make a difference in the lives of others, I want to raise good, morally-concious children and transfer this desire for good on to them as well. I want to graduate from college, learn to take better pictures, learn to cook and bake like a superstar, live in a real house someday.
I, and others of my faith, are not bad people, and I hope that if you continue reading, you will be reminded of that.
Today is Sunday. A day for me to rest, relax, and recharge. I hope you will take time to do the same.
November 9th, 2008 on 5:42 pm
I am so excited for Sunday posts then! I hope you don’t take this meanly (it isn’t intended that way) but you have really changed my viewpoint of Mormons. What is perpetuated in mainstream society is so not true of people in your religion. I now realize that you are a sweet, wonderful person. I really respect you as a person. Again, can’t wait!
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November 9th, 2008 on 7:05 pm
kaymarie-I don’t take it in a bad way at all. In fact, it’s such a wonderful compliment I don’t know how to thank you for it. To change someones perspective of an entire group of people is a powerful thing. I hope I will live up the the goals I have set.
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November 9th, 2008 on 7:52 pm
I don’t blame you for your desire to serve the community. If there is a Temple, try to volunteer in a ministry - you could even see if there are any young ladies newly married - trust me it helps to have someone in the same boat or could relate nearby.
Don’t worry about the attacks on the church - between the LDS and Catholics, I don’t think we’re anyone’s favorites in California. My friend didn’t understand why Prop 8 went through. I had to explain in Constitutional manner that civil unions maybe okay - that can be guaranteed by the state; but marriage in all religious sects is the bond between man and woman and its sealed promise.
Yeah she didn’t like that response.
Oh well, I think it will work itself out.
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November 10th, 2008 on 12:44 am
Beautiful photo. Stunning really, with the temple and snow. Don’t miss the snow Jenna. It may be beautiful, but remember. It’s wet, cold and neverending here in Utah. I’m excited for your Sunday posts!
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November 10th, 2008 on 1:30 pm
Even though you and I differ so much (in experience, opinion etc.) on many of the issues we have both blogged about since becoming blog friends, I still consider you one of my closest blog friends, and one of the most interesting (not to mention entertaining) bloggers I ‘know.’ I would absolutely love if you would share more about your faith so that we could get to know one another better.
As I think you know, I was raised as a Catholic and am now an atheist. I sometimes feel quite strongly that I would like to show the world that atheists are not ‘bad people,’ that we have just as strong morals without religion as others have with it, so I completely understand your desire here, which makes me even more interested.
I also have an academic interest in your faith. I find the world’s religions one of the most fascinating topics. (I know, I’m so provocative, politics and religion are two of my favourite topics… I also love working with children and animals - ha ha!)
So, all in all, I can’t wait to hear more about your faith and the discussion that will likely ensue. Thank you in advance for sharing it with us.
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November 10th, 2008 on 6:01 pm
I like the above posts by kaymarie, and I agree. I had a different idea of mormons, because I don’t know any. (Not that I “know” you, but I feel like I kinda do, from Miss Avocado and That Bride).
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November 10th, 2008 on 6:10 pm
I’ve always found temples to be stunning. I grew up near the D.C. temple and my brother and I always thought it must be something as awesome as say, Disney World, because of the lights and spires. Now that I understand what it really is I think it’s still pretty high on the list of places that are awesome.
This picture is absolutely gorgeous, all that snow! I lived in a place with none for so long I completely forgot that it happens in other places - and now I live somewhere we should be getting lots this winter. I’m partly excited and partly terrified.
I am looking forward to your Sunday posts too!
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November 19th, 2008 on 9:59 pm
Skywalker-I hope that most of those around you have been as open and encouraging as my friends and associates have (for the most part!)
Emily-But your daughter looks so cute in her snow clothes!
Guilty-I believe that morals are an inherent trait that we as human beings are born with, so I don’t think that you have to believe in a higher power to know right from wrong. I can’t wait for you to start posting again!
Krista-I feel the same way about my “blog” friends. You can learn a lot about a person from what they write.
Kate-The DC temple is definitely one of the prettiest I know of!
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December 28th, 2008 on 6:41 pm
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