As you may know, this past weekend was the Twin Falls Temple Dedication. In conjunction with that was a Youth Celebration. This consisted of the youth from 14 Stakes preparing with song and dance a celebration of the development of this area and the fact that the Lord has blessed us with a "temple in our midst."
The theme of the Celebration was Living Waters. 3500+ youth participated and have been working on it since January. What a wonderful production it turned out to be! The script told the story of our Magic Valley and how it was settled and turned into a "fruitful field". It depicted faithful families (much like the Hilterbrands) who turned the desert into a rose and raised righteous children who now are privileged to drink of the living waters of the temple.
Three General Authorities attended: Pres. Monson, Elder Erying and Elder Cook...plus I saw others from the 70's such as Elder Groberg, and Elder Walker.
Here's a few pictures I took.
Lots 'O youth!
The event was held at the Filer Fair grounds. People donated their time and materials and created a smooth wood floor the size of the rodeo area for the kids to dance on.
A man from Raft River Sod volunteered to put down sod (grass)around the edge of the arena...around the wood floor. (Boy did that ever dress it up out there. After the Celebration, he would have to take it all up again. ( I coudn't believe it! it make it so nice!)
Then see to the left of this picture...that pile of big boulders to the left of the light pole. Can't see it real good but it is a waterfall. A man came in and build a gorgeous waterfall...like you might see in somebody's fancy yard...you could hear it running and it looked so refeshing! Really added to atmosphere.
Steve and I were really touched by all the work to make it so lovely.
They build a platform stand for the Prophet to talk to the youth from.
YOu can see Pres. Monson shielding his eyes as he greets them. I want to tell you about when he came. They brought him on a golf cart from the cow pie pasture where we park. As soon as we could see him coming a hush fell ove the crowd and you could hear a pin drop. (Those of you who have worked with youth...have you ever tried to hush them up...esp when they are with members of the opposite sex! CAN NOT DO IT!
But I kid you not...it went stone silent...the boys took their hats off and we all stood while he entered the arena. He waved a big wave and said some comments like, "Oh! you have on yellow! that's my favorite color...its gives all other colors light!"
Here'a another pic I got to take of him when he moved over by us, to sit on the bleachers. You can see a little of Elder Eyring too.
Did you ever stop to think that the Prophet is the most important person on earth? He IS!
Here are the youth, in costume, looking at our Prophet. They were one excited, respectful bunch of kids! He told them..."Just have fun tonight, do your best and have fun! You've worked hard, not enjoy it!"
He said, "Some of the brethren think this is alot of unnecessary work"...but I say, "Oh, let them do it! It's fun for them, they like being together and rubbing shoulder with other youth, it helps them to know that they are not alone in their fight for right."
This is the Youth Choir:
Camera man...Bonneville Productions recorded it. There were people there from the Newspaper and Ensign and Church news, etc.
The kids did some impressive and beautiful routines using flags depicting "living waters."
Then Sunday, we had the opportunity to be in the temple when the Prophet dedicated it. It was as close to heaven as one could be. The music was so touching...when they sang "The Spirit of God, " I felt like I was going to be lifted up. I feel certain that angels joined us!" The Spirit was so strong in that room!
We were Was missing Redge and Cyndee this day!
Monday Steve and I got to go with the Stake Presidencies for a temple session. It's customary to do that the Monday after it is dedicated. Words can't describe the peace and warm we felt there...a brand new dedicated temple...close to us! OH! I felt like I was in a dream! I LOVED IT!



















