I appreciate good music and most of all good friends!!!

I seriously don't know what I would do without such incredible and inspiring friends. Saying goodbye to Elizabeth and Bethany today (both are moving on to the next thing God wants them to do) was hard for me. But it really got me thinking about how much I appreciate them and the other good friends in my life.

That being said, I was kinda feeling super cranky after church. So then I really appreciated Cathryn's invitation to see a special tour of the new Brigham City Temple. Cathryn works for the church on interior design for Temples, so there was a tour for her & her coworkers & family. No big deal, right? Anyway, I appreciated being her sister for the day. ;)
The Temple as well as the Sunday school lesson today (on Captain Moroni) made me realize that I haven't been to the Temple in a few weeks and that is really leaving a big empty spot in my life. I need my regular time in the Temple in order to be replenished spiritually because sometimes my life feels very draining.
The Brigham City Temple is absolutely incredible! It's the 5th Temple done in the historical style, and the detail in the interior is absolutely incredible!!! Beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodworking, the paintings (there's an original Minerva Teichert painting and a couple reproductions of her work, two paintings by President Packer, as well as other beautiful originals), the Native American history with the church in Brigham City, and peaches are just a couple of the many little details that make that Temple really special.
Anyway, that experience and talking with Cathryn were what I needed in order to lift my mood and help replenish my spirit. The spirit in the Temple amazes me--this Temple hasn't even been dedicated yet, but it still lifted me up. I'm so glad that I can talk with Cathryn about anything on my mind! And I'm glad I can vent and she'll listen to me just talk.
This morning Mormon Tabernacle Choir helped me de-stress enough to function at church without anyone seeing the weight on my shoulders. Now, after what turned out to be a really good day, my Sara Bareilles radio station on pandora is just what I need to wind down for bed.
Speaking of bed, it's super late and I have to wake up bright and early for work. So good night, and thanks for being my friend!!!