Tuesday, March 4, 2008

beautiful weekend...



It was a quick trip to Utah, but one I will never forget. We were invited to witness the sealing of little baby Mark to his parents Carol and John. The temple sealer said that of all the things we do in the church, this (a child being sealed to his/her parents) is perhaps the most tender thing we will ever witness. I can truly attest to that. It was emotional and beautiful and the Spirit of the Lord prevailed. Truly a heartwarming experience for me to behold, as I'm sure it was for others present, and undoubtedly even more so for our friends Carol and John. I love going to sealings especially to listen to the advice and counsel given to the couple. I feel bad that I have no recollection of the things our sealer told us on our wedding day, so I like to listen to the advice given to other couples and try to apply it to my marriage and family relationships. Although Carol and John have already been sealed to one another, the sealer had some wonderful counsel for them in rearing their children. One thing that I loved, and that will always stick with me, was when he said "Make sure your home is a place that no child would ever want to run away from, but would only want to run home to". I just loved that. I always want my home to be filled with love. I never want my children to question my love for them. I want it to be a happy place. A place where laughter is heard. I want to create a safe haven for my family...a harbor that will protect them from the storms of life.

I think about the people I love and care about the very most. I think about the special relationships that we have and the bonds of love that exist between us...
It makes me shudder to think death the culmination of it all. I am so grateful for temple ordinances that bind families together for this life and on into the eternities. This knowledge brings me not only hope, but incomprehensible joy.

14 comments:

Melanie said...

What a cool experience! I love the quote from the sealer too. So precious.

On a different (and OK, admittedly more selfish) note, I can't believe you were in Utah and I WAS THERE! I know, I know ... I didn't really announce it to the blogosphere, but still!!! Someday ...

Amy Eagleston said...

It was so fun to get to spend a little time with you this past weekend. Paul and I are trying to make it work for Easter and think we may even stay a whole week. I'll let you know.

Travis and Teresa Wilson said...

How exciting for carol and her family. I to can't express the joy of knowing that my family can be together forever brings me. Thanks for the great reminders of these things that you always put on your blog.

Lacking Productivity said...

What a beautiful experience, and you always express it so well.

Sarah said...

What a great experience! When my husband and I were sealed, my daughter that is from my first marriage was able to be sealed to us. It is a very special thing. I was crying so much I couldn't see anything, the spirit was so strong! I love what the sealer said at the one you were at, that is very profound. I will definately try to remember that and incorporate it also.

diana said...

such a good insightful quote, i will definitely remember that, too.

i had the opportunity to be sealed to my parents a little before bryce and i were sealed. it was truly a wonderful experience.

Danielle said...

Nicole,

You always say the perfect things in the most perfect way. What an EXAMPLE you and John are to me, and so many others. I am so blessed and deeply honored to know you both. I know that Heavenly Father made us friends, not because I had so much to learn from you. I hope to one day bless and brighten your lives, as you have mine ...

Indeed, the fact we have temple ordinances is another example of Heavenly Father's infinite love for us. Though, it breaks my heart to know that I cannot be sealed to my beloved mother.... I am infinitely grateful to have been able to do her temple work.

I can't wait to be a mother. Truly, that is the deepest desire of my heart. In the meantime, I'll keep taking lessons from you (and combine those with the beautiful example my mother gave the 15 short years I had with her).

God bless! I can't wait to hear about you guys being sealed to YOUR new addition. I've put your names in the temple, and I'm continually praying for you.

Lots of love!

Danielle said...

typo: it should say BECAUSE I have so much to learn from you.

Jess and Matt said...

What a special experience! You, nodoubtedly, will have a house your children will always feel safe in, loved, and will want to run to. You are such a lovely person and full of love and optimism, faith, etc. Your children will pick up on that and your home will thrive in peace and love.

Celeste said...

I too love going to and doing sealings in the temple. And Nicole, that dinner you made was FABULOUS! My whole family is still talking about it. That was such a kind act of service too. We love you and we'll get together soon (recovery is taking longer than I thought!).

Ashlyn Ellsworth said...

What an inspiration your family is! I love that quote you gave given by the sealer. You guys are amazing. Thank you for being wonderful examples!

Blackner Family said...

How incredible and what a great experience to be apart of! And I have no doubt that your home will be one that your kids never want to run away from!

Brooke said...

Very cool! Someday that will be you!

Julia Kelly said...

Oh, what a wonderful experience! I'm so happy for Carol and her family. What a beautiful picture of you guys!