What I, Sierra, Need To Work On // Temple Challenge (Oquirrh Mtn.)

This past weekend was LDS General Conference. Essentially, what this is, is we sit around (huzzah!) and listen to our prophets and apostles and receive guidance on how we can become closer to God. It was something that I really needed right now. This health plan is kicking my butt, I won't lie. All I want right now is a Dr. Pepper. I received the emotional support to keep going by listening to these wonderful men and women talk about, essentially, just being good people. Because, realistically, isn't that what we are all trying to be? Better people. No matter what your religion is, or if you don't have one, I think its important to try to make goals in all facets of life. I am not perfect. I do everything I can do balance my life so that I am as stable and happy in all aspects: mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We all know that I am working on my emotion and physical health a TON, but sometimes, I forget to notice my spiritual health guides a lot of those other aspects. When I am spiritually happy, I find that so many other parts of my life are happy as well. Whether you are religious or not, I would encourage you to find something to help de-stress and calm you spiritually: whether that be meditation, long walks in nature, prayer or going to church, whatever works for you to calm your spirit. We need to take care of our spirits!

While listening to conference this past weekend, I realized that there are some things that I need to work on, specifically spiritually. So I wanted to share with you some of those things with you.

1. Daily Scripture Study.
I love to read, but sometimes my scripture reading falls by the wayside (see what I did there?). I will fall asleep reading a novel, but I need to remember to read my scriptures every day. I need that daily guidance.

2. Love for others.
I love people. I really do. But I tend to be kind of critical of other people, whether in my ward or other members of my religion. I need to remember to love those around me, especially in the Mormon culture, because I know that EVERYONE needs love.


3. Temple Attendance
I was on a roll of temple attendance awhile ago, but I need to remember to go at least once a month and continue my temple challenge (see below).

4. Trusting in God.
This was a huge theme in conference this past weekend. I tend to rely on my own strength and stubbornness to get through, which is great, but I also need to remember the Lord's timing and that He knows what He is doing. I need to work on Trusting Him, even when things are difficult or confusing or when I have doubts.

This temple challenge post is long overdue. It has been sitting in my drafts for awhile and I have been so bombarded with teaching, my health plan, and well, real life, that I haven't gotten around to it. This past weekend was the LDS General Conference. Essentially, what this is, is the 

Here's how my Temple Challenge works: I am trying to visit (and do a session, if possible,) in as many LDS temples as I can throughout my lifetime. Ideally, I would like to visit every temple in Utah before the end of Summer 2016, which is possible, but definitely a challenge (especially now that the school year has started--because there will be 17 temples by the end of the year 2016). 

         

I got to experience this temple with my sister in law, Kimmy, and good friend, Marie. I absolutely fell in love with this temple. The Oquirrh Mountain Temple  is a newer temple, built in 2005. It is a smaller temple that sits on top of a hill that you can see from miles and miles away. It is small, but absolutely beautiful. 

Other Temples I've Visited:  Payson // Manti // Jordan River // St. George 

What are some things that you learned from General Conference?
What do you feel like you need to work on spiritually? 

LDS Temple Challenge // Jordan River

Here's how my LDS Temple Challenge works: I am trying to visit (and do a session) in as many temples as I can throughout my lifetime. Ideally, I would like to visit every temple in Utah before Summer 2016, which is possible, but definitely a challenge (especially once the school year starts--because there are 15 in Utah right now--17 by the end of next year). This summer was a great time to  start to this goal of mine. 

I grabbed my sister in law and we went to the Jordan River LDS Temple in South Jordan, Utah this past week. This temple was the 20th operating temple ever and you can definitely tell when you step in it. It was erected in 1979, and you can feel the early 80's vibe to it. I love the simple, small celestial room with the retro gold chandelier. It is, like all temples, very beautiful, but in a unique sense. 

I got to experience this temple with my sister in law, Kimmy. When we walked into the temple, the workers looked at us and at our names and said, "You two are sisters, huh?" I think it's hilarious that I look more like my sister in law then my own siblings!

Note: the lighting was HORRIBLE at this time. So bear with me on these photos. 

Love the view of the mountains. It was a cloudy day so the mountains aren't as "bright". 

via Instagram. (You can't see the temple, but it's all good. You get the idea!)

Other Temples I've Visited:  Payson // Manti

A Girls Day: Temple Challenge // Manti // Summer 2015

One of my favorite traditions to do in the summer here in Utah is to take a mini road trip down to Manti, Utah to see the "Mormon Miracle Pageant." The outdoor show is on the hill behind the Manti  LDS Temple. I grabbed two of my girls and we made a day out of it. As many of you know, I am doing a Temple Challenge this summer and I thought that it would be fun to go serve in the Manti Temple before the pageant. We had a long, awesome conversation with two adorable girls regarding religion and life. 

As usual, mini road trips with me is always an adventure. While in the temple, it is a very sacred place. You are supposed to be quiet and whisper. Coming out of a room in the temple, I completely biff it down 4 stairs. Marie, Carli and I completely lost it with laughter. I don't get embarrassed very easily, but that may have been one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. All of the old workers were laughing at me--and so were the other people coming out. It was definitely a hilarious moment. 

I love this temple. It is honestly stunning. My favorite part about the Manti Temple is the location of it up on the hill. You can see it from miles away. 

It was a fun girls day! 

photos via Instagram and my phone: 

It's always fun to run into good friends :) 

Other Temple Challenge posts: Payson Temple

Other Summer 2015 posts: // St. George // Cowboy Up! // Mermaids // 4th of July 

Have you ever been to Manti? 
What is your favorite temple? 

Temple Challenge // Payson

I am not traveling long distances this summer (we are just doing a lot of local trips) so I thought that it would be fun to try to do some sort of service in every LDS temple that is currently up and running in Utah (as of right now, there are 15, I believe. 17 will be done in the next little while!). 

I am not perfect when it comes to my religion. Last Sunday, a speaker gave one of the best talks I have ever heard regarding imperfection, specifically to the gospel. I tweeted some of my favorite quotes from it. 

*The gospel is about being vulnerable and open enough to say, 'I'm sorry. I am trying my best, but I will make my mistakes.'

*Recognize the achievement you HAVE made, not what you are constantly doing wrong.

*"Embrace consistency, but also embrace imperfection."

*'I'll never forsake you.' -Christ

*This Gospel is about being okay, saying to yourself, 'I'm doing okay. I am still taking steps forward.'

*We need to be 'Nephi-Striving'

*You are pleasing God IN SPITE of your shortcomings as you are striving to choose the right.

*The Savior is perfect in his patience with us. He loves us perfectly.

 I have made LOTS of mistakes in my past. I am not a perfect member, nor will I ever be. But I am so grateful for the Atonement to try my hardest to become like Him and to fix my mistakes. I am trying my hardest to be love myself and others, and to do what I KNOW IS BEST and there is no greater way than working on my spirituality. I do what makes me happy in this life. Simple as that. It's been a long journey to get here. I've made many mistakes, but I am grateful for my trials because I am a stronger wife, friend and person because of them. I am so grateful for my knowledge that I am loved, no matter what. I do what I know to make me happy--and isn't that what life is all about? Each of us has a different path to take, and I try everything in my power to not judge others for their path, just like I pray that I am not judged for what I do, choose, or believe. I love challenging myself spiritually this summer.  

First Stop this Summer: Payson, Utah Temple with my mom.  

This temple was just completed and dedicated a couple of weeks ago. I love it! 

And, of course, on my bucket list is to do as many temples outside of Utah as well. If you want to join me on these excursions, let me know :) 


What is your favorite temple? 


I hope you all have a fantastic 4th of July. I try to post Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, but I will be too busy enjoying my holiday weekend to post. ;) Peace and blessings. See you next week. Be safe and have a wonderful holiday!