I’ve always had an affinity for frogs. From the time I can remember, I have loved frogs! However, I don’t like to hold real frogs, I just like to look at them – with a plate of glass between us.

I was even a frog three years in a row for Halloween as a kid. Through the years I’ve amassed a small collection of frogs. I keep most of them in a hutch in the “frog bathroom”. A strange addiction? For sure! I’ve often wondered what it is that draws me to them other than the fact that they are green.

Frogs, are considered to bring good luck and prosperity. They are often associated with water, which symbolizes abundance and renewal. Additionally, frogs are believed to have the power to bring about positive change and transformation. From some traditions, the frog appears as a symbol of nurturing love, attracting friendship, and for inspiration to hasten recovery from injury and disease. Frogs are also thought to hold powerful spiritual meanings that indicate prosperity, growth, and new beginnings.

There’s even a fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm – “The Frog Prince”. In this story, a spoiled princess reluctantly befriends the Frog Prince, whom she met after dropping her golden ball into a pond under a linden tree. The frog agrees to retrieve the golden ball for her in exchange for her friendship. The Frog Prince, is actually a handsome prince who is under a wicked sorcerer’s spell.

He is transformed back in to a prince after the princess agrees to kiss him.

There are many versions of this story, but this one is most common.

A few months ago, I stumbled across a cute florist in Tennessee who also loves frogs. He tucks them here and there in his work as a symbol of his love and devotion to the Lord. He describes the meaning behind his love for frogs to “Fully Rely On God” = F.R.O.G. When I read this, it brought LIGHT into my heart, and reminded me of a dark time in my life a few years ago.

I had been struggling with thoughts of inadequacy, not being enough, feeling lost and alone, not reaching my full potential, anxiety, expecting perfection in all I do and never attaining it.

One day I went to the temple - a place in our church where we go to worship the Lord in search of hope, understanding and peace. These are beautiful sacred edifices dedicated to Him! I had been asking the question “Heavenly Father, are you aware of me?

Do you know the anguish and pain I feel inside my heart and soul? Am I going to be alright? Can I make it through this dark time?” As I walked from one room to the next, I glanced down at the mural that covered three walls of that room, and there sitting on a lily pad in that gorgeous painting was a frog! Coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences. I had never before noticed a frog anywhere in any temple I had been in.

Many older temples have magnificent murals painted on the walls depicting the beauties of this earth. Most newer temples do not have these murals. On that specific day, in my hour of need, right there as plain as day, was a frog. It was an answer to a prayer. I am never alone.

He is aware of every pain and affliction we encounter. Now, each time I see a frog, it is a reminder for me to bolster my faith, strengthen my resolve to hold my head up, and “Fully Rely On God”. Have I started looking for frogs each time I visit a new temple, yes! Have I found them in other temples, yes!

Are they in every temple, no. Do they have anything to do with the ordinances of the temple, no. But they are one of God’s creations, and so am I! With this reminder, frogs have become a symbol of hope and LIGHT for me. And they are green!

New temples are being built all over the world. Before they are dedicated, there is a public open house where anyone can go inside and experience the beauties therein. Currently in Utah, there are two public open houses either currently going on, or about to start.

One is the Taylorsville Temple, the other is the Layton Temple.

You can obtain tickets on the church website to go to these open houses. The following is an explanation about temples taken from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

“Temples are houses of the Lord, where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regularly go to worship. Inside these holy buildings, faithful Church members make promises with God, feel His Spirit, and come closer to Him through sacred ceremonies called ordinances.

What really goes on inside a Latter-day Saint temple?

Inside temples, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform sacred ordinances or ceremonies. When members take part in these ordinances, they show their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and receive blessings and direction from God. There are three main ordinances that happen inside the temple.

Baptisms for the dead

Jesus taught that baptism was required to enter the kingdom of heaven. But what about people who die without having the chance to receive baptism? In temples, faithful Church members are baptized on behalf of these people—a practice that also took place during biblical times. Participants dress in white and are baptized by immersion for family members who passed away without having been baptized into His Church. Baptisms for the dead give those who have passed on the opportunity to choose whether or not to accept that baptism and follow Jesus Christ.

What Are Baptisms for the Dead?

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform baptisms for the dead on behalf of their ancestors so that they too can accept Jesus.

Marriage ceremonies

Marriage ceremonies called temple sealings also take place inside temples. Because God wants us to be happy forever, marriage and family relationships are meant to last far beyond “till death do you part.” During a temple sealing, the bride and groom kneel and join hands across a simple altar. They promise to honor and love one another, and they commit to follow Jesus Christ. In return, they are promised sealing blessings of receiving all the Father has, including having their marriage and family last forever, even beyond death.

The endowment

The word endowment means gift. Those who receive the temple endowment receive various blessings, such as greater knowledge of God’s purposes and the power to resist temptation and follow Jesus Christ. The endowment ceremony teaches of God’s love for all of His children and His plan for their happiness. Participants make special promises with God called covenants. They covenant to obey God’s commandments and follow Jesus Christ. In return, God promises wonderful blessings in this life and the opportunity to live with Him as eternal families after this life.

Who can go inside temples?

After a temple is built or renovated, all are welcome to attend a public open house and tour the temple. After a temple has been dedicated, everyone is still welcome to enjoy the beautiful grounds and visitors’ centers. However, entrance into temples is then reserved for faithful members of the Church who wish to participate in the temple ceremonies.

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are places of peace, happiness, and service. They help us draw closer to God, learn about His plan, and serve those who have passed on by giving them the opportunity to receive saving ordinances that they did not have the opportunity to receive in this life.”

I hope and pray for each of you to feel of His LIGHT and Love this week. If you get the chance to tour one of the new temples, do it!

You will feel peace and calm in your soul, and the Love of Christ.

And no I have not seen a frog in the Taylorsville or Layton Temples, but if you happen to see one, be sure to let me know!

Each time you see a frog remember to “Fully Rely On God” = F.R.O.G.

Love Ya, Les :)

Faith

FROG - Fully Rely On God