Draper Utah Temple

We just got home from the dedication of the Draper Utah Temple.  We went to our stake center and watched it by satellite.  One of the many statements that impressed me was that in troubled times we need the temple.  It will be the one thing that will bring peace into our lives.  Regular temple workshop draws us closer to our Father and our Savior.  As we attend the temple we have a greater desire to become like Him.

It took me back to the dedication of the Vernal Temple.  I remember President Hinckley saying that it took 40 years to build the Salt Lake Temple and it took 90 years to build the Vernal Temple.  After the dedication of the Vernal Temple I asked the kids what impressed them the most.  

David: He was impressed that he didn't fall asleep.  

Melanie:  Seeing the prophet and her favorite apostle Elder Oaks.  

Carolyn:  It was so cool that even though we were not in the same room as the prophet you could still feel the spirit so strongly.  

Daniel:  It was all cool.  

Mary:  It took President Joseph F. Smith 3 days to get to Vernal to dedicate the Vernal Tabernacle in 1907.  He traveled by train to Colorado, then by stagecoach and buggy to Vernal.  In President Smith said he would not be surprised if a temple would be built in your midst.  President Hinckley said that was the same as saying a temple would be there.  (Side note: It took President Hinckley 20 minutes to fly to Vernal for the 1997 dedication of the temple.)