Manti Temple Pageant

I was so excited to get to go to the Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant this year. Chris had Thursday evening off and we weren't bound to the Mortuary so we took a beautiful scenic drive through Payson Canyon (the Nebo Loop) and on down to Manti for a late edifying evening on the temple grounds.

It was a beautiful night and I only got one mosquito bite! We had some hamburgers provided by the Manti High School Volleyball team, thanks volleyball team, it was yummy. I couldn't resist also getting an Italian Ice Custard thing....also very yummy! I think it's called a Gelato? I don't know, but it doesn't really matter because it was yummy.

Lydia was being soo fun and cute!

I walked around with Lydia in the stroller for quite a while before the Pageant started in hopes that she may go to sleep...and sleep ALL THE WAY THROUGH IT! BUT....she didn't. She was way too interested in all of the people and the lights and the sounds. She was very good though, despite her tired state.

You could tell the script for the Pageant is quite old, but it was a great production any how. In one scene, Brigham Young and the saints are traveling across the plains when they are given a summon to assist the United States Army. Brigham Young was pretty disturbed by the nerve the U.S. had to request their help after driving them from the country. I am familiar with the story of the Mormon Battalion, but I was touched by the portrayal of Brigham Young's faith and inspiration as he took the summon and immediately prayed for guidance concerning the matter. I was also touched as he received his answer through the prophets and leaders that had gone before him, each declaring their devotion to freedom and to the significance of defending religion, family, home, and country. It is neat to see that Heavenly Father certainly had a hand in the development of this country and Brigham Young was able to see that and understand that it was those men's duty to defend it. Heavenly Father believes in freedom, we were given agency or the freedom to choose through His plan. We are given the commandments that we may be free from the bonds of the natural man. He sent His son as a sacrifice for our freedom from sin and from death. Heavenly Father believes in freedom.

The end of the Pageant was also touching to me as the couple featured throughout the production accompanied each other up the magnificent staircase adjacent to the temple. As they walked side by side, angels sang, inviting them to their Heavenly home. They were welcomed with choirs of joy and love. I couldn't help but remember the day that my sweet husband accompanied myself up those steps after being sealed to one another. I pictured the angels that must have been there that day, singing praises at our decision to follow in God's way. I also couldn't help but imagine what it will be like to come to that place in time when Christopher will lead me into the place that has been prepared for us in Heaven. Will we be welcomed with concourses of angels singing praises at our successful missions? I only hope that we will.