Good Friends and Temple Service

We were released from our Temple Officiator callings recently when we received our mission call.  They said we could not do both, though I think we would have tried,  if they would allowed us to do so.  We loved the work there and we made so many wonderful friends, whom we love and will miss.
 

It's not like were leaving the Universe.  We will be able to see them often as we attend the Temple as patrons, for which we are very grateful.
 

Today we were invited to the Group Three Christmas social.  Most of the workers from our former group were there.  It was held at the Blue Bird in their upstairs dining facility.  The meal was wonderful and the association with all of our good friends topped it off in a wonderful way.  The past five plus years have been so very rewarding in more ways than I could ever begin to number. 

Below is part of the Group in the Bluebird dining hall.  There are about 100 people on our group. Some work with their husbands or wives, a few are single, and a some have spouses who are disabled or can't work at  the Temple right now for various reasons.  They are simply a wonderful group of God's children, and we have been blessed and honored to have such marvelous associations with them.  We shall forever owe them a debt of gratitude for their help and especially for their exemplary lives and truly joyous spirits.

Below is most of the Group.  Truly a faithful and grateful group of Latter-day Saints.

Iris has an ability to make friends and serve efficiently and faithfully with so many different people, fellow officiators and patrons as well.  One sister called her work: "Service with a Smile".  The  phrase certainly exemplifies her work at the Temple and everywhere she goes.  Here she is with Sister Rosella Boman.

Below are Iris and a couple more of the workers, beloved friends all.  I cannot put them all on this post, but  rest assured there are many.  (Iris with Sister Kotter and Sister Ashcraft)

Some of the workers have found out that one of my hobbies is photography, especially of the Logan Temple.  They had expressed an interest in what I have done, so I made each of them a copy of one of my favorite photos of the Logan Temple.  It speaks to me  of the nearness of heaven and earth, especially when we are in the Temple.  I hope some of these good brothers and sisters will get the same feeling I get form this picture.

One day I even felt inspired to write a small poem.  I don't claim to be a poet, but the
Spirit seemed to be whispering so I gave it my best shot.  Below you will find the

results.

 

                                 

                    The Logan Temple   Beloved Temple on the hill.                                                                    A beacon light our hearts does fill.
People come and people go,
Always feeling His love and know,
He gave His life, that we might be,
And prepared a way for eternity.
His sacrifice, the purest love,
Streaming down to us from above,
Helps us to understand and know.
The way is revealed for us to go.
For each of us, He prepared a way,
To be with Him on that great day.
We feel His presence and also theirs.
We and they will, with Him, be heirs,
Heirs to all that is good and true.
Our hearts and souls will be made anew.
Not just for an hour, as we shall see,
But throughout all eternity.
Beloved Temple in the sky,
It was not in vain, that He did die.
We'll show our love for Him and His,
And pass to others the love He gives.
We will be true to covenants made, and share.
In Holy Temples built with care,                                                                                   
The blessings promised , He will fulfill,                                   
To all who learn and do His will.

I hope you get the same feelings I had when I was writing this little poem to show gratitude for the many souls, both  living and dead, who have touched our lives for good in the Logan Temple.