Jordan River Temple

I decided to head to the Temple after that feeling you get inside when you should bear your testimony on Fast Sundays. I made it a goal to go each and every week this year. Sometimes I feel silly because I'm almost 20 and I can only do baptisms, but then I have to remind myself that's not the point. Jordan River has a special place in my heart, because they have a prayer room. When I got there this time, they'd changed things. I guess the Temple Presidency wants the "prayer" to be optional instead of the first thing you do, but when I was there, all by myself, I couldn't pass it up and I never will. I almost started crying when I started praying. It was one of the most powerful prayers I've ever said. Sounds cheesy, but I felt like the priesthood do when they say, "It didn't come from me, it came from God." I really felt that way. I was the only person in the Temple at the time, so I felt sort of special. The clothing all the Temple workers were wearing seemed whiter than usual; more holy. I got changed into my favorite Temple outfit (sometimes I imagine us being in pure white when we get to Heaven, and that's what I feel like in the Temple; pure) and when I came out the kind Temple worker asked if I was waiting for anyone else, I said, "No, it's just me!" And he said, "Well I'm sorry." And I said it was okay, but then got to thinking, it's fine that I'm alone. At first it was hard to go to the Temple by myself, but sometimes I prefer it. Temple time is me time. My favorite part is the confirmation room, so when I was guided by 5 priesthood holders, I seriously felt the Lord surround me. That moment when they place their hands on your head, and there is a moment of silence before they start reading the names, that's my favorite part. That's what captures my heart. I'm such a lucky human being; to have this gospel in my life, and the knowledge that work goes on after death, and that everyone has the chance to accept this gospel. When it was my turn to go into the font, there was no one, but me and the priesthood, I felt special then too. I baptized 5 people from the states; it was wonderful.

This experience was different and changed me. I thought I was going to show up to the Temple, have it be busy, wait and hour or two, try to read scriptures and "clear my head." But all I needed was to feel special. That's all it took. No clearing of my head, no getting things off my mind. No trying to read scriptures or magazines, just a simple, in and out of the Temple with the feeling that my Heavenly Father is aware of me. That He knows exactly what I need at this point in my life. It's in His house that we can feel of His love. It's where He communicated with me. It's where I know I can always turn to for peace and comfort. I wonder if that's how it's going to be when we greet him in Heaven. Just Him and I, ya know? That's how I felt tonight, just me, "angels" (aka Temple workers) and Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, with the blessing of the Holy Spirit. I'll never turn away from the Temple. Nothing is EVER worth sacrificing that recommend. I can't wait to go again next week. In fact, maybe I'll go twice. :)

Thanks Heavenly Father, I know they truly are your houses.