Reader comments
President Monson dedicates Twin Falls temple

Ernest T. Bass | 7:20 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Rich blessing are in store.

How Neat | 7:25 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I really like the picture of Pres Monson that is in the Deseret News, It is the one with the little girl, What a Great Picture, & What a great guy, Wait ago Pres. Monson for being such a Great Person,

Gbreit | 7:37 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008

What a wonderful day for the people of Twin Falls. A house of the Lord where families can be sealed together forever through sacred ordinances. Oh it is wonderful!!

Comments continue below

K.Miller | 7:39 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008

The Lord has always had temples for his believers to enter and make sacred covenants. It is wonderful that the people in Twin Falls who believe in Christ have a temple so close that they will be able to enjoy the wonderful spirit of a temple and strengthen their faith. We become better people when we attend the temple on a regular basis. I am looking forward to 1,000's of more temples.

jwl | 9:04 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Everything was handled with dignity and class from the beginning until the end. Thank you Elder Brent Nielson. One great man ended his mortal battle with cancer addressing all the youth a few weeks ago who participated in the magnificent cultural event. He served over that group. Bill Mendenhall's funeral will be tomorrow and his good wife and children and their families viewed every aspect of what went on with the confidence that the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings to us all, and the very reason the temple was built....to bring families together and save souls. We'll miss you President Mendenhall and may the Lord continue to give comfort to his good family. Most will not soon forget what has led up to us having a House of the Lord in Magic Valley.

I believe! | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I am so happy that these people now have a "House of the Lard" to go and visit!

Sunday Best? | 11:39 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Westerners sure are too casual these days. I would hope the family of the little girl is embarrassed she is wearing flip-flops, how is that Sunday Best?

RE:Sunday Best | 1:59 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Judge not lest ye be judged

awesomeron | 2:00 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

The Little Girl and President Monson (who I love dearly), putting the Mortar on the Corner Stone. She will always remember that event, in part because some people will never let her forget it. It kind of sets her out and her fish bowl will be looked into more closely then some others. Both a good thing and a bad thing depending on how she copes with it. It is always nice to have another Temple in Operation.

We tried. | 2:12 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

The mother was embarrassed. But would it have been better to stay home and miss this event because her nicer sunday shoes had been left in California the night before. We did the best we could. At least we remembered her sunday dress.

Appalled | 2:11 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I agree with "Sunday Best." You'd think after Elder Holland's talk about not wearing beach attire to church that some would listen. But obviously not. Stop with the flop-flops already ladies! (and I live in Southern CA)

awesomeron | 2:14 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Sunday Best: Go get a life. I thought the slippers where cute comfortable and it is the Middle of Aug. No sweaty feet and smelly socks. I live in Hawaii and we do wear white shirts and ties but we also sometimes wear Lava Lava's and Sandals and Slippers (shower shoes). Our 2nd Counselor wears his Lava Lava often and Sandals, barely covers his Leg Tattoos. Get a Life. If you said something to any of us we would hug you and love you and welcome you just the same. You could be as uptight as the day is long and we would still accept you. However I some how do not think you would come back. To many colors in our Rainbow for you and many of them in charge. I note that President Monson was cool with it. Why not join him.

splitme2 | 2:35 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I thought the same thing about the flip-flops. We have been counceled not to wear them, unless we are at the beach. Maybe somebody is not paying attention.

re: We tried | 3:10 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

You not only did the right thing, but you provided those who have to find something to gripe about an easy target. The girl is beautiful. Period.

flipflop? | 3:46 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

"Who am I to judge another... when I walk (Sometimes in flip-flops)imperfectly?"
Instead of judging, "pause to help and lift another" the world would be a better place. It was a beautiful cornerstone ceremony and dedication and how appreciative I am that President Monson chose a child out of the goodness of his heart and her heart and not of her foot attire.

mom2_5boyz | 3:50 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Didn't Jesus wear sandals? Are we not followers of Christ? And they matched her dress nicely! Why soil a wonderful day, a extraordinary event with such trivial things? We had the Prophet of the Lord in our midst! We have a wonderful new temple dedicated to worship in! That is where our focus should be, not on footwear!

Oh brother | 3:50 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

To spitme2 - We have also been counselled not to self-righteous stuck up jerks, but that doesn't stop some people.

kathyn | 4:49 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

This little girl is so precious in the sight of the Lord. Remember "Suffer the little children...."? I am thrilled for this little girl and her family because she's had a truly wonderful experience with the prophet.

By the way, we had two sisters attend our ward on Sunday wearing blue jeans. I was so happy that they decided to come to church. I just hope we were all friendly enough to make them feel truly comfortable in our ward.

Yes, let's dress appropriately where possible, but let's not live the letter of the law and forget the spirit.

Bee Kind | 4:51 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I think it is ridiculous to be harping on the flip flops. I didn't even notice them. I think it is wonderful for this precious little girl to be at the temple with our dear prophet. We of all people should not be critical of others. Were you at the temple in the picture? Come on now. Her parents made the effort to get her there and she is darling. I have a disability and wear braces on my legs (even with dresses) would you judge me for not wearing high heeled pumps? Should I stay home because I can't wear heels I don't think so! What about a child with prosthetic feet? You have made a fool of yourself.

Momof4 | 5:32 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

President Monson was more concerned about the child than the shoes. If he had a problem with it he would not have been in the picture. No one needs help feeling bad about themselves.All I saw was a beautiful picture of our prophet with a willing little one. I would love to have a picture of one of my children at the temple with Presidnet Monson.He is a dear man with a kind word for every one.

LIN | 5:39 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I am catholic,but i love lds very much.Everything about lds interests me.I love to see that beutifull temple.i do hope one day i'll be able to see it in person.I thank you so much for the daily gem i subcribe.I just can learn and read alot about lds and mormonism through on-line.I've got the book of Mormon already which i got from the Elder PERRETT and ELDER KWOK.I feel blessed to know them,even though for a while.They are truely the heroes of your church.To PRESIDENT MONSON,i love to read 'MAY WE SO LIVE',It has a message that influences me alot.I also enjoy reading articles by other elders too.Thank you very much for everything,especially the websites as without it there is no way i can learn alot from you all.May GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!

The criticizers & the justifiers | 5:40 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Yes, Jesus wore sandals (as far as WE know) but that was the footware of that day. Flip flops, in most cases (such as every Sunday) is inappropriate. In most cases it is NOT Sunday best. In the case of the family from California it WAS appropriate because that is what they had with them and better to wear flip flops than to go buy other shoes on the Sabbath. It was also more important for the memory this little girl was given than any footware could replace. When we can, we should. When we can't, do the best we can.

Larry Laub | 6:24 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I wasn't able to attend the dedication because my reccomend was pulled because I got behind on my tithing. I have been with out it for 6 months. I was honored to be able to be one of the bus drivers for the overflow parking. Everyone was so polite and dress very well. It made me realize that I need to get with it and get my reccomend back. I am a convert to the church. I love the Mormon people, they are my people. The other thing that really stuck me was the protesters. I talked to one of them and they were very nice. But the protester that wore the temple robe, absolutely offended me. I do not poke fun at other religions and respect the right to worship as one wishes to. And I respect the right of free speech and to protest. But to wear the robe, that offened me. I realized that I must become a better member and get my reccomend back. Please do not take for granite your membership or the temple. The Church has done my daughters a world of good, they are all outstanding young ladies.

Idahoan | 6:27 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

To JWL:

Please explain more about President Mendenhall. Was he a Young Men President? If not what was his calling? Where did he serve, Twin Falls itself?

Squires | 6:41 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Our family thinks it is wonderful that this little girl had such a sweet, tender experience with our prophet. And it was wonderful to participate in the dedication of another House of the Lord.
God bless everyone who worked so hard to make it such a great experience!
We are a blessed people!

me | 7:42 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

where can i get Monson's speaches he realy hasn't given many since he became president. why?

monty | 11:29 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

Pres. William K. Mendenahll wa a former stake President of the Declo Stake who died of Cancer on Thurs Aug 21, 2008 and he was also the Chairman of the Youth Cultuer Clebration event. He was suppose to Introduce the Event the evening, but was upable since his death and so they made the tribute of the Youth Celberation in his honor.

Flippity-Flop | 11:42 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008

I think Monson should have wore flip-flops too. At least a pair of white Crocs.

Court | 9:46 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

What a wonderful opportunity for this young girl to have. It is such a sweet picture and a memory that will forever be cherished.

Anonymous | 10:25 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Very interesting that what so many of the commentors noticed most in this picture, was not that prophet of the Lord and his choice to have this sweet girl take part, but rather that she wore filp-flops. It says a lot about where we put our priorities doesn't it?

Kyle from az | 2:33 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

All the talk of the girl in flip flops does not surprise me as Mormons ( of which I am one) are some of the most judgemental people on earth, especially those that live in Utah and other mormon bubbles of society. Shame on you all for being so self righteous and puffed up that you judge circumstances of this girl FROM A PHOTO!

Eastern Idahoan | 3:18 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I look forward to seeing and visiting the temple in Twin Falls even though it's not my temple district. There are so many beautiful places, people, and things to see in Idaho--now there's one more. Hopefully, this temple will ignite the mission work in the Magic Valley. We could all do better sharing the gospel and telling others of the temple blessings available to Heavenly Father's children.

Jan from UT | 4:58 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

As a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints, I am a bit embarrassed that some have to be critical of others. This kind of behavior is how a lot of members of other churches accuse us of. I applaud her parents that they made sure she had the opportunity to be at this special event. I hope these comments don't find their way to her sweet ears. The Prophet didn't seem to mind what she wore on her feet. She is a Daughter of God and does not deserve this kind of discussion about what she chose to put on her feet to protect them from the environment. Or her parents for that matter. We need to treat each other as Christ would, with love
and kindness.Christ spent most of his time with those that some said were not worthy of His of His attention. We are all trying to make our way through this life and back to our Father in Heaven and our Savior. Each of us has struggles and none of us should point a finger at another Daughter of God and make judgement. Judgement belongs to Heavenly Father and our Savior.

idaho girl | 5:42 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

What a beautiful event this was. As one able to participate I will never forget those two days, first Saturday's youth extravaganza which was fantastic, and then the dedication on Sunday and being in the presence of the prophet and other church leaders. Also, as for the flap about the flip flops, I know this family and know their dedication to the gospel. They traveled here from California to take part in this special event and be with her family. What a special memory for that sweet little girl.

Krystal Artist | 6:32 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

It breaks my heart to hear comments about the child's footwear, rather than the uplifting opportunity that she had. I am also very disappointed that I did not fully read this whole chain of comments and I had forwarded the article to three non members. I am a member and know that we are not to be judgemental. Remember in the scriptures..."Judge not least ye be judged". What a heart breaking situation. But then what a learning situation this can become.

Krystal Artist | 6:33 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

A short follow up to my earlier remarks. Don't you find it interesting that the Prophet of the Lord did not find the child's footwear offensive. He called her up. Could have been a test for us, don't you think. Perhaps something to ponder on. Gentleness and kindness, love one another.

let's be loving | 9:49 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I appreciate your positive comments. it is a wonderful thing that this beautiful girl was able to be at the temple with the prophet.We are so fortunate to see the temples dot the earth. I am thankful to be a memeber of the LDS church because we should be kind and loving examples to all.

Grandmother of24 | 12:54 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008

I never noticed the flipflops, it is too bad that the one who did turned this discussion into one about footwear, instead of the Temple and the Prophet and the precious child. I am sure he must be embarrassed at his narrow mindedness by now. My Aunt was able to visit the Twin Falls Temple the Saturday before she passed away, and I was able to visit the evening after her funeral, and also take my mother and my "Jack Mormon" cousin through the following morning. It is absolutely magnificent, especially the room with the mural of Shoshone Falls. I look forward to attending a session whenever I am in Twin Falls again. I live in Sacramento, California

Catherine-Mother of 12, Ut | 5:09 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I agree with Jan from Utah.This should have been a wonderful memory for this beautful little child of God and her family.I wish my ten year old daughter or one of my grandchildren could have an experenace like this.Why are we so quick to judge others? I think that should be left up to the Lord.Let all of us try to have the true love of Christ in us.

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