I Love to See the Temple

I went through the temple and received my endowment on Saturday, July 28. I have been trying to imagine what that day would be like for my entire life. It was a much anticipated event- so much so that during the experience I thought to myself once, "I can't believe this is finally happening. I'm finally here!" It was a little surreal to finally be inside, learning more about the Gospel and making covenants with my Heavenly Father. 

I chose the Jordan River Temple because it is the temple I've grown up with. In my house at the top of the stairs is a round window that looks right onto the temple. When I was a little girl, as my dad carried me up to go to bed, he would stop at the window and I would say, "Goodnight temple." It's the temple I've done baptisms for the dead in, the temple I've seen lit up at night as I've driven home from various places. I'll always have a special place in my heart for the Jordan River Temple.

Those in attendance included: Mom, Dad, Stacy & Chris, Laura & Mike, Matt, Spencer & Tiffany, Taunie & Scotty, McKinzi & Tom, Coral & Doug. The only people I wished could've been there but weren't were Ralph & Julie. But it was awesome and meant so much to me to have every member of my immediate family in attendance- especially Stacy & Chris since they live away. 

It was also special to me to have my mom as my escort. Not only is she my best friend, but she's my biggest example of how important the temple should be in my life, and how high of a priority regular temple attendance should be. (I mean after all- she attends the temple 4 days a week herself!) Thanks Mom for your incredible testimony and example. 

While the experience was different than I imagined (there's no way anyone could accurately imagine what going through the temple is going to be like until they've experienced it for themselves), it didn't bother or weird me out. I just tried to take it all in and feel the spirit. I have faith that while I may not understand, Heavenly Father does- and He's in control. So if the temple is a necessary part of His plan, then I trust in all that goes on in the temple. I know I will be immensely blessed from the keeping the covenants I made and regular attendance. I look forward to returning again and again, learning something new each and every time.

The temple truly is a holy place, a place of love and beauty. I am honored I am found worthy to enter the house of the Lord. That fact alone is evidence of how much He loves His children. I love this Gospel.