Provo Temple at Sunset

A friend of mine asked me to get a good photo of the Provo Temple for her, since that is where her parents were married.  So I watched for the perfect night.


I think I found it.

Some people are critical of the Provo Temple's design, preferring the more classical lines and styles of other temples.



But I've been attending this temple regularly for two decades, and I love it.  I love the peace, serenity, and nearness to God I feel there.  I love the direction I receive there.


I love the answers to prayers and the whispered promptings of the Spirit I've received in this temple.


I've come to this temple for comfort in my hardest times.  And I've found it. 


I've come with my heart drawn out in sorrow, and prayed for friends and family who are experiencing their hardest times.  And I've felt that God would answer me and them in His own time.


I've come to this temple seeking wisdom, to know what to do in complex and heart-wrenching situations.  And I've found answers.


I've come full of thanksgiving and joy, and have basked in the loving Spirit of my Father in Heaven.


I've come upset and worried and have left with peace. 


I've come tired and in need of renewal, and I've felt helped and healed.


In ancient times, God called a prophet named Moses to lead his people through the wilderness.  They carried their temple with them and called it the tabernacle.  Inside it, God spoke to Moses face to face.  When Moses went in to speak to the Lord, "the cloudy pillar descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses"


The scriptures tell us of Moses and his people, "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night."

The Provo Temple was designed to refer to this symbolism, to represent both the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night.


Isaiah promises that in the last days "The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.  And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."


That's what the Provo Temple represents to me -- my own personal protective cloud, a place to commune with God, and a pillar of fire to light up the darkness.

If you want to understand more about temples in my faith, this link is wonderful, as is this video:



p.s. I've gotten a lot of requests lately for prints of my landscapes or temple photos.  If you are interested in one of my photos, please contact me.  I'm happy to share my work and can provide you with high-quality prints or canvases at cost.  If you'd like to donate additionally to the LDS Humanitarian or Missionary Fund, that would make me especially happy.  Someday, I might set up a website or shop, but this is what works for me for now.    

Comments

Kara said…
I am wondering if I could get a digital copy of one of your pictures of the Provo Temple to use for a Christmas present. I would love to be able to email you so I could let you know more about what I'm hoping thanks you!
Handsfullmom said…
At some point, when my life slows down (hey, it could happen!), I might sell my images. At this point, I am too busy for it, so I am just giving them out free to friends and those who ask. For personal use only, of course. Kara, feel free to email me at handsfullmom at gmail.