Provo Temple

On January 24, I went through the temple for the first time. It was a beautiful, amazing, and marvelous experience - one that I will never forget. Although I was so nervous, I was excited to finally enter the temple and make those sacred covenants that I have been working toward for years. As I walked toward the temple, I couldn't help but hum "I love to see the temple" Ahh! I was so excited! :)

As I went through the temple, I tried to focus on what I was feeling rather than trying to remember and understand everything that was going on. Whoever gave me that advise, thank you!!! The Spirit was so strong and I realized why it is so important  to be completely worthy to enter the temple. We are in the house of the Lord! No unclean thing can or in this case, should dwell in his presence!

I had several favorite moments...but I will only share a few of them here. First was when I presented my temple recommend to a temple worker at the front desk. The kind older gentleman took my hand, shook it gently and smiled. He looked at my recommend and then at me, saying, "Welcome to the temple Sister Donaldson. We've been waiting for you!" My heart was full of joy as I thought about those words. All of my life I've been working on being worthy to enter the temple and now I knew I was ready and worthy! I also thought about the love our Father in Heaven and Savior have for us and how happy they must be when we choose to take the steps necessary to enter the temple and make sacred covenants.

Another one of my favorite moments was when a temple worker, my mom, and I were sitting in the endowment room waiting for the session to start. Behind me, I heard the doors open and people started to walk in. I turned around and saw Dad, my brother Jared, Sister-in-law Haley, Aunt Chris, Uncle John, Aunt Rebecca, and my bestie Emily walk in. It was beautiful! Eternal families (and friendships) rock!

The last favorite moment was at the end of the session when I walked into the Celestial room. As I turned the corner, there was my family, lined up, waiting there for me to arrive. Tears of joy started to flow as I thought to myself, "I made it! And they're all here waiting for me!" Perhaps that was the most beautiful thing I had ever experienced. Let me repeat that! Perhaps that was the most beautiful thing I had ever experienced. Many hugs were shared and many tears were shed.

I love the temple! I love my Savior! I love the blessings that come from going to the temple and I'm excited to continue going and learning.

D&C 109 : 22 "And we ask thee, Holy Father, that they servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them."  The temple is amazing! :)