For All Eternity!

In 1981, ground was broken for the building and dedication of The Atlanta Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

In 1981, at the ground breaking, my brother and I were there.  I remember sitting on a blanket, eating lunch, and listening to the prophet speak.  I remember President Spencer W. Kimball's hoarse voice and the wind blowing in his microphone.  In 1983, when the temple was dedicated, my brother and I were there inside the temple.  I remember being in the temple, wearing the shoe coverings, and seeing the choir with my mom (who played the organ) all dressed in white.  I don't remember a whole lot of what was said, but I do remember how clean and beautiful everything was.

At the end of spring break this year, we had the opportunity to go to the open house of the newly renovated Atlanta Temple before the rededication.

It was a beautiful day!

And the kids were so excited to go inside.

However, Rebekah was not too keen on wearing the shoe coverings.  :)

The cousins.

My family!  I am so thankful for the blessings of the temple - for all eternity!  When Layne and I were married in the temple, it was a beautiful day!

Samantha and Kenzie. 

I loved walking through the temple with McKenzie. Her eyes would light up and she would say in a whisper, "Oh, wow!" She loved the bride's dressing room, the big beautiful chandeliers and the Celestial room.  The next weekend, Kenzie got to go again with the youth from our area.  She had said that as they were touring the temple she pulled her friend Gabby (who goes to church, but is not yet a member) over to look at the bride's room and Gabby said, "That's where I want to be someday."  Kenzie said, "I want to be there someday too."

Kyler was so excited. He said, "I didn't think I would get to go inside the temple until I was 12 and here I am." He loved the "eternity mirrors."

Karlee liked being able to sit in a room like the one Layne and I were married in. She had us talk about our wedding day while we were sitting in the sealing room.  She said, "This is my favorite."

Kavan said,"My favorite was the sealing room because it was white and had big lights, and the white made me feel like getting baptized."

My feelings and gratitude for this day are endless, just as are the blessings of the temple!  It really was a beautiful day!