Day 178, July 22, Idaho Falls and Pocatello

When I was a young girl growing up, it was a different world in so many ways. The idea of retiring from a career or from a lifetime of work (as opposed to working until you died as has been the historic norm) was a newish concept. Those fortunate enough to retire with some small amount of savings and with enough health and strength left for travel were few. I clearly remember knowing some LDS folks whose retirement dream was to visit all of the then 12 temples in the world. All twelve. Now there are 282 operating or announced temples around the globe. Kasper and I have visited 58; we still have a long way to go to snag them all.

Todays visit through southern Idaho took us first to the Idaho Falls Temple…

…and secondly to the Pocatello Temple.

Idaho Falls surprised us. Constructed in 1945, it’s one of those twelve large original designs. Renovated in 2017, the old architecture survived and moved us through 5 rooms as the session progressed, each room hand painted with stunning scenes. The celestial room was the most unique of any we’ve yet visited with grand paintings on all four walls depicting heaven. The colors of paint and upholstery were sumptuous and soothing. Idaho Falls was also very busy like a beehive of folks making their way from weddings to sealings to endowments. Aaron and I both experienced deeply profound spiritual insights, always a delightfully tender mercy. 






By contrast, the Pocatello Temple is brand-spankin’ new, dedicated and opened only 8 months ago. It was so very lovely, oh my goodness. Such gorgeous palate choices; carpeting, chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and furniture all in  coordinating floral pinks and greens throughout. Aaron and I were so enamored with the gorgeous celestial room that we lingered and discussed doctrinal points way longer than usual. We were the last ones out and reluctantly at that.





Habakkuk 2:20. The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

Good deeds:  Besides cleaning tables and trash on the floor at Costco where we stopped for lunch, Aaron acquiesced his lunch table to a trio of young folk unable to find an empty spot. I noticed the three looking fruitlessly for a place to sit, and Aaron was happy to give up his seat for the others. I knew he would be willing when I spotted the opportunity for a good deed. He can always be counted on to do the generous thing. 



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