I'm a big kid now!!

At least that's what it feels like. This last Friday I was able to go up to the Vancouver, BC temple to go through for my very first time. I would recommend it to everybody who can. You're never too old or too young to start preparing for that experience. If you are considering it, you won't regret it. There isn't anything in this life that is worth missing out on the temple for. If there is something holding you back from getting a recommend, fix it, change it, do whatever you gotta do.

Everybody kept telling me that I would probably be overwhelmed with information and that I probably wouldn't understand some things and that I might be nervous. I remember having a moment of 'flippy stomach' walking to the temple when my mom asked if I was nervous. I think I had that feeling because it wasn't something I wanted to be nervous about but it felt almost expected that I would be (not anyone's fault at all). But that went away after just a second or two. I remember thinking several times throughout the session, I wonder when I'm supposed to be overwhelmed, then the session was over and I was confused. There wasn't anything that I felt overwhelmed by, nothing that didn't make sense or confused me. Sure it was a new experience and some learning involved and it will be a lifetime of attending the temple to continue learning.

The temple is not something that is secret, but it is sacred and not something we discuss just anywhere. Anybody can enter the temple if they are baptized and deemed worthy to do so. My overall thoughts on the temple are that they are designed for individuals to better themselves. To make promises to be good, virtuous, faithful, and to have integrity. To help us understand who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. It's a very uplifting and peaceful place amidst a world that can be very overwhelming and scary.

You can go here to get some more info about our temples if you're interested

Here is my favorite little blurb from that link:

"The temple experience is a deeply personal one for each participant. Since they consecrate their lives to God in the temple, each member is expected to reflect the highest Christian ideals in the way they live. In the temple, Mormons focus inwardly on their relationship to God so they can serve outwardly when they leave the temple."

It's so great. It was so neat to have so many people there with me. It just confirms that the choice to go through the temple was the right one.

 my parents, grandparents, and brother Ty were family that were there. There were many other friends there as well. I was so surprised when I saw everyone who was there. I know some great people.

 

The temple as I was walking to the car. Usually I take 46 pictures of temples especially at night but I forgot about it until I was almost in the car, so it is what it is.

 then I realized I hadn't eaten all day so the most logical plan of action was to stop at Wendy's to get frosties and fries duh.