An Anniversary and a Homecoming

Yesterday was mine and Tommy's

two-year temple anniversary.

We got married in August of 2007. Shortly after that I became a baptized and confirmed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then, after having to wait a full year of being a member, Tommy and I were able to take the temple prep classes with our amazing bishop at the time, and FINALLY, after waiting for what felt like forever, we were able to be sealed to one another as husband and wife for time and all eternity in the Seattle, Washington temple on February 21st, 2009.

It was a special day, and though our families were not able to be in the temple with us, it meant so much to us that they were able to still be a part of the special day and show their love and support to us.

I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has prepared a way for us to be able to be families, not only during our time on Earth, but for eternity.

And I am so thankful that I get to spend eternity with my husband, Thomas John Steele. :)

To me, the temple is a place where I can go to find refuge. It is a place set apart from the rest of the world, where I can go to focus on things with an eternal and spirtual perspective, rather than a worldy one. It is a place where I can feel closer to my Heavenly Father, and feel the peace and joy that can come only through Him and His son, Jesus Christ. I feel very blessed that I live so close to one of the Lord's holy temples and can go there anytime I choose. It helps me to live my life the way that I know God wants me to, so that I can be worthy each and every day to enter in to the sacred house of the Lord.

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I also got to celebrate something else very special yesterday....

My little brother came home yesterday from his second YWAM trip to Africa!!!

He has also been to many other amazing places (Switzerland and Egypt, to name a few). I missed him so much, but I am so proud of him and the young man he is becoming. :)

(He made an awesome video/slideshow of his time in Africa, but I can't figure out how to upload it to my blog. If I can stop being lame and figure it out, I will share it as soon as possible.)

As a big sister, I have seen my young brother grow from a hyperactive little dare-devil, to a sweet, caring, hilarious, and Christlike young man. I just know he is going to make a wonderful husband and father some day.

^Back when he was just a little tike. Awww . :)

^All grown up. Yes, ladies, he is single.

Love you, Buddy!

XOXO-