Daughter of Royal Birth

 

I was asked by a good friend to take pictures of her daughter as she prepares to be baptized later this month.  I was so happy to do it.  First off, having only boys, I don't get to take pictures of beautiful girls, especially in a beautiful white dress for such a special occasion.  She was so, so beautiful.

Originally we were going to take pictures by the river but at the last minute I suggested going to the temple.  I don't know why I didn't think of that before.  It was the perfect spot.  Especially for the purpose of these pictures. 

I enjoyed it so much.  I think that this sweet girl enjoyed feeling like a princess for a while as I took her pictures

The picture above is one of my favorites.  As she walked along the evening sun cast her shadow onto the cool granite walls of the temple.  Her mom noticed that and suggested I should take a picture of her shadow.  At first I got just her shadow alone and then I decided to get both she and her shadow together.  The results were amazing and, I think, symbolic.

I feel like this picture represents so many things about the temple and knowing who we truly are.  When I looked at this, to me, the shadow represented our spirits.  I love how it is cast on the wall of the temple.  The temple is a place where our spirits yearn to be.  It is a place where we can learn more about our purpose here in this life and eternally.  It is a place where we can be reminded of who we truly are.

We are the children of a divine King.  We are all true prince and princesses with potential beyond our greatest imagining.  The temple is such a blessing to teach us these things.  It is a place where our spirits feel a sense of familiarity because it is the closest thing to the home they knew before this life.

How grateful I am for the temple.  To me it is a place where I can strip away all that is wordly and focus on what matters most.  Sometimes when I'm there my mind feels clear and enlightened as I learn.  Other times, especially if I'm tired, I may not have as much clarity but I still feel the peace that my spirit and mind need.  Sometimes just being within those walls and sitting there, feeling the quiet serenity beholding the beauty of the temple, is all I need. 

I am grateful to be reminded of who I am and get a glimpse, as a favorite song of mine says, "What Heaven Sees in You." 
Check out the song at this link.  It is beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8TNpZOdYA8

A few extra pictures I took.  Isn't she beautiful?