My Celestial Room

I went and did baptisms tonight and let me tell you, it was just downright amazing. I went after work and barely made it in time, but still grateful I was there. It used to be weird when I went by myself, but now I love it!! (Do I say that every time I talk about the Temple?)

While I was waiting in line, one of the workers asked if I'd like to help out and do some family names, so I thought, why not? I'm here to spend time at the Temple, I don't mind being here long. They handed me the names and I gathered my Temple clothing, and went to change. I always get extremely excited to see the dates and where they are from. It's something I look forward to with every visit; I feel it makes it more personal for me.

But before I got my clothing, they have you go into what used to be the "Prayer Room" and they give you instructions on where to go. I've been so many times I could prolly repeat back to the worker everything. But they've changed things this year and the presidency doesn't want anyone to feel put on the spot for saying a prayer, but if they'd like to, they are more than welcome to. But she talked with me about what to do and then she said something to me, that has never and I mean never struck me before. She told me that when I was through with my service, if I wanted to stay at the Temple and read scriptures or ponder/pray, that I was more than welcome to, and that, pointing to the waiting area, it was my celestial room. I almost started crying. I've never thought about it that way.

Sometimes I get discouraged because I feel too old, or I just want to get married already and it makes me miss Brady that much more, but I've never thought of the waiting area in the baptistry as my celestial room. It made the experience more special and I thought about that statement throughout the entire service. I read the some amazing things in the magazines that I took a look at. When I decided to take a look at the names of the people I'd be helping, I noticed something that only a missionary girlfriend would notice; they were all from England! Yup, right where my man is! Meant to be? Yes! Ironic? Mhm! Hahahaha, and stinkin' awesome? Of course! I love when that happens to me :)

While I was waiting for my turn, there was a girl before me who just had one family name to do, and that they were just going to do her confirmation right there in the baptistry. They do that a lot at Salt Lake, and I've witnessed it before, but this time was different. When she sat in that chair, and all the worthy men, holding the priesthood, surrounding her, I lost it. I completely lost it, and I've never gotten emotional over something like that because I've seen it so much. I don't know what it was, but there was just something so holy and pure about that moment. I love that everything about the Temple is white, and purity and holiness. It makes me feel so close to Heaven I can't even describe it.. I tried my best to hide the tears, for' it was my turn. But I just pictured Heaven being that way. Nothing but purity, happiness, and Temple work :)

I love this gospel, and I love the small blessings/tender mercies of the Lord in my life and I'm so grateful for all the constant/little reminders from Him, letting me know that He is watching over me and is every mindful of my needs. I love my Father in Heaven very much and I'm so grateful for Temples and my testimony of them is strengthened each time I go.