Sunday, September 26, 2010

San Diego Temple

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we love to visit our temples as we travel on vacation.
One of the first things I wanted to do when we arrived in Southern California was to go to the San Diego Temple.
For us, temples are sacred structures where eternal questions are answered:
  • Where did I come from?
  • Why am I here?
  • Where am I going?
  • What is my relationship to my maker?
  • What of my family?
  • Will there be another Existence after this, and, if so, will we know one another?

The San Diego Temple is situated on 7.2 acres in La Jolla, California.
We arrived on a beautiful day, with clear blue skies. Absolutely stunning architecture, inside and out.
The temple was a lot bigger than I expected it to be.

When visiting temple grounds, I love to see the radiant smiles on the newly married brides and grooms, as they pose with family for pictures.
Temples are different than regular Church houses of worship.
They are very unique in purpose and function.

For me, entering the temple provides an opportunity to ponder, and communicate with God.
I experience a peace and comfort that I cannot find anywhere else.

Gordon B. Hinkley has said:
"The work that goes on in these buildings sets forth God's eternal purposes with reference to man—God's child and creation. For the most part, temple work is concerned with the family, with each of us as members of God's eternal family and with each of us as members of earthly families. It is concerned with the sanctity and eternal nature of the marriage covenant and family relationships."
The gold-leafed Angel Moroni Statue rests atop many of our temples, and is commonly used as an unofficial symbol of our faith.
If you have any questions about temples, feel free to e-mail me.
You can also find additional information at http://www.lds.org/

16 comments:

Darlene said...

That temple is beautiful - thank you for sharing.

Lois Evensen said...

How very beautiful. Thank you.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Thank you Nedra, that was interesting. I often wondered about the angel on the spire.

Natalie said...

Thank you for posting. I always love to see the temples! I needed it!:)

Jan Marie said...

Nedra, I feel the same way about the temple. I have always wanted to go to the San Diego temple.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the post. I found it interesting. I remember when the temple was built. Many people were annoyed that it could be seen from the freeway. Many Californians don't like to see anything religious on their daily commutes. Of course, children thought it was awesome and it's still a fave kids' 'spot the monument' moment along the freeway.

Traditional Catholics, the few left, also feel the same way about their church.

Lurline said...

Beautiful pics - aren't you lucky the weather was with you!
Hugs - Lurline♥

SewCalGal said...

I'm glad you were able to visit this Temple. It is an spectacular temple. I actually live quite near it. Very special.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Browndirtcottage said...

Well...it's a beautiful sight to see that's for sure!

Kristi said...

I grew up in San Diego and was a youth when it was built; my mom worked at the open house. When we were down from Seattle in June, the entirety was covered in scaffolding. I think from the look of your gleaming pictures that they were sand blasting!

Janet said...

I think this is one of the most beautiful temples in the world! I've only been to the Mesa temple but would love to see this one some day. So beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing.

Lori Holt said...

"i love to see the temple...i'm going there someday!
to feel the HOLY SPIRIT...to listen and to pray."
Thanks Nedra...
xx
lori

Nanette Merrill said...

I've never been to the San DIego temple. Reminds me of the DC Temple. They are big ones.

amy smart said...

I love the San Diego temple - it's one of my favorites. :)

Kris said...

Oh, Nedra!!! Sounds like you had a blast on your trip!! And isn't the San Diego Temple just marvelous?? Your pictures of it are wonderful!!! And I love Lori's song!!!

Cindy said...

Oh Nedra what a fun trip! My Dad loved San Diego and often said if he ever moved from UT it would be there. Dad was in the Navy and did his training in San Diego. He ejoyed showing us the Navel Base when we vacationed there as kids. Fun memories! The temple is so beautiful. Thanks for the fun photos of your get-away.