Eternal Bonds

The newlyweds emerge from the Snowflake Temple after their sealing.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

My older son, Jacob, and his lovely sweetheart, Danielle, were married three days ago. They could have been married anywhere, from a small courtroom before a judge to a huge cathedral with hundreds of guests in attendance. Any of the possible options would have been both honorable and memorable. However, as members of the Mormon Church, they chose instead to be married in an LDS temple with about 50 guests, where they could be sealed for eternity by God's holy priesthood power. 

Danielle and Jacob less than an hour after being sealed as husband and wife

"for time and all eternity."

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we truly do believe our oft-repeated phrase that "Families are Forever." We know that one day, if we follow Christ, we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. We are also taught that it's His plan for us to have joy in the eternities with those we love most. Through the sealing ordinance, we are not only bound as husbands and wives and parents to children, we are also sealed into the Family of Christ.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Carter!

I'm so proud of Jacob and Danielle for their decision to covenant before the Lord to love each other for eternity and live together in Christ. Both marriage and family bring tough challenges that can try our souls. If we dedicate ourselves to daily becoming more like our Savior, though, we'll see our weaknesses become strengths and experience the joys family relationships can bring.

Love Danielle's beautiful, happy smile!

Before he performed the ceremony making Jacob and Danielle husband and wife before the law and sealing them for eternity before God, President Johnson spoke to the couple and gave them some advice. He particularly emphasized the importance of communication as a means to express love, deepen their companionship, grow as a partnership, and solve life's problems together. Never stop talking and never stop listening!

The new couple face the paparazzi!

Congratulations, Jacob and Danielle! I know you have a wonderful future before you, filled with beautiful blessings and challenges the Lord has chosen just for the two of you, to help you grow and return to Him one day. I love you both so much!

Danielle shares a moment with her older brother, Sterling,

who returned just last month from serving a 2-year mission in Indiana.

(I love seeing how the backs of wedding gowns are designed!)

The former Danielle Howell, now Danielle Carter!

Jacob and Danielle with the mother of the groom, Mary (me!).

Jacob and Danielle with the parents of the bride, Kordell and Julie.

Both sets of parents with the bride and groom.

Jacob and Danielle (ages 22 and 20) with the groom's siblings:

Dylan (age16) and Sarah (age 24). 

Jacob and Danielle (ages 22 and 20) with the bride's siblings:

Sterling (age 23), Jordan (age 18), and Nathan (age 25).

The bride and groom with all their siblings.

Jacob and Danielle with the groom's maternal grandparents, Myron and Kathy.

Jacob and Danielle with the bride's grandparents.

I'm sorry I can't recall everyones' names, but Kordell's parents are on the left and

Julie's mom is on the right. Her father is in a nursing home and was unable to attend.

The groom's side of the family.

(Remember, you can click on any picture to enlarge it.)

The bride's side of the family.

Mary, Dylan, and Sarah in front of the temple.

Sarah, Dylan, and Mary share a teasing moment.

Sisters Mary and Karla.

There were many children on the temple grounds during all this picture-taking!

While the temperatures were much lower than in the Phoenix area

(mid-80's as opposed to 110 degrees), it was quite warm in the sun.

Several people showed up at the reception that evening with sunburns!

Finding refuge in the shade.

Our family has grown again. Welcome to not only Danielle, but also to Kordell, Julie, Nathan, Sterling, Jordan, and all of their extended family. We're all connected now, forever!