Stuff That Makes Us Hillarys: 139

...in the beginning...

We are the Hillary family. I can't actually claim all of us to be Hillarys, we've meshed with the Stimpsons, the Doxstaders, the Merrimans, and the Lowreys - but the more you hang around us the more we kind of rub off on you, and poof - you become a Hillary. Which, after reading some of the things that we do might sound like a pretty frightening thing. The disclaimer is that I cannot embarrass any of my children, and I promised. Then I uncrossed my fingers. We love the following people in our family.... Del & Nicole, Matt & Bethany & Drew, Em, and the Noahman Ashley & Mike and Baby Mackadamia and soon to be..., Mandy & Ryan, J-man and Dimples, and Ryan and Katie - yes we own two Ryans! Not pictured: Zoey the German Shephard, Opi the newly adopted puppy, BG & Baby Red the Macaws (the latter two Zoey would eat if put in the same picture). Welcome to our Blog. Don't take us too seriously.... life is meant to have a never ending, bottomless tub of buttered popcorn and laughter.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

139

It was quite the experience today to sit through one of the dedicatory sessions for the Brigham City Temple. President Packer was by far my favorite - he was so sincere and emotional. I often wonder if his faith and pleadings with the Lord allowed him to stay for this special day. A Brigham City boy, one of 11 children, he can now attend a Temple of the Lord in his own hometown. I loved the prayer, how it encumbered every needful thing. The choir was amazing. This is now the 4th temple dedication I've been able to attend - each unique to it's area and each a precious memory. I loved the story of the jewel - about a man that had a precious pearl, and he wanted to share it with the world. He made a beautiful box to put it on display in, and all the people commented on the box, not the pearl. What goes on inside these temples are the precious gems of life, and of eternal life. Today - I was approached by a friend, not of my faith, and I was able to say a few things to him. it wasn't a confrontational conversation, but yet a gift of time to be able to discuss my beliefs. I sat there with my husband - but I knew that my children all had the opportunity to attend the temple when they married their loves. The rest is up to them on keeping those covenants - and the blessings that can be poured out upon them will be their choice. I trust they'll choose wisely - as it has been the anchor of my life, and the purpose of my Patriarchal Blessing - to do the work for those that cannot. Since my first time there 30 years ago - over 2,000 ordinances have been prepared, and provided for those on the other side - with the help of my children. My connection to my ancestors is real - and sometimes creeeeeepy - but never the less - priceless. I was married in the Salt Lake Temple - and I did my endowments on that same day. Every year on my birthday I go to the temple. During the week - I attend a session, or my week is not complete. Can the world or the next world do without these holy Temples? No... amen and amen....