My first temple experience

On December 30th, I woke up with a feeling of peace and excitement in my heart. The day has finally come that I can go to the temple to receive my endowment and make special covenants with God. This day had long been anticipated. 

When I walked into the temple, I immediately felt the serenity that is promised in a house of the Lord. The men that scan your temple recommend knew who I was and greeted me happily. As I passed by those men, I looked ahead to see three beautiful women standing in white. They had bright smiles and greeted me as though I was the Queen of England. 

Sister Thurgood was designated as my very own special helper for the evening. She put her warm arm around my back and guided me to the dressing room. My mom changed in the stall next to me and I still remember walking out, both of us dressed in white. I listened carefully to the Initiatory work and instruction given to me. I felt a new sense of strength and power inside of me. Soon, it was time for the Endowment Session and my mom and I were taken into the first room. 

It was there that several loved ones entered the room. The familiar faces, all dressed in white with shining smiles greeted me. There is great power in the temple. Before temples are dedicated, the general public can tour during the open house period. They show the baptistry, the dressing rooms, the Celestial room, sealing rooms, etc. At the end of the Endowment Session, you walk into the Celestial room, which is glowing and sparkling with peace and serenity. The first person I saw was my dad. I went straight to him and gave him a huge hug. 

As I spent a little time in the Celestial room, I saw some of my loved ones. My heart soaked up the moment and the memories. One day we can live in the presence of God, with the people that we love. We will be happy beyond comprehension. 

After the temple, I went home and tried to sleep, but my mind was racing. So many new things take place in the temple. I kept thinking about everything and it started clicking. "This means this! That probably represents this....The words of this are so powerful..." The Spirit was teaching me as I pondered and prayed. By morning, I could hardly wait to go to the temple again! 

My first temple experience was absolutely amazing. When Sister Thurgood was walking me through everything, I never felt more safe, calm, or at peace. My parents, family members, and close friends were there with me for the Endowment session and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I found strength in knowing that my trusted loved ones knew of the blessings of the temple and attended regularly. I am so grateful that both of my parents are worthy to attend the temple and be there with me on that special day. It is a day of eternal significance and one that I will always remember. 

I am an ENDOWED member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is power in that statement.