Temple

In September, I went and met with my bishop to discuss me going through the temple. Over the next couple of months, we met together often and discussed the reading assignments he had given me. Then I met with the Stake President before returning to meet with my bishop and a member of the Stake Presidency to get my recommend. 

I had considered going through many times, but had never felt like it was right. The end of the summer the idea kept coming into my head though. So I decided to act on it. I'm so glad I did. I know this was the right time for me. 

On December 20, 2014, I got to go through the Bountiful Temple with my parents, all my siblings and in-laws, my Aunt Marie, and one of my best friends, Ryan, there to support me. 

Peter and Alicia, Mandi and Nate, Mom, Me, and Dad,
Amy and Spencer, Derrick and Mary, Shannon and Jeff

I wish there was a way for me to describe how incredible that experience was for me. As with many things though, trying to really describe it would be impossible; things of the heart are often this way. I don't ever want to forget how beautiful it was though. I started crying quite early on in the afternoon and continued to do so many times. The peace and love I felt for my Savior and Heavenly Father during my time there was incredible. And walking into the celestial room and seeing my family there was a feeling that I will never forget. I was so overcome with the enormity of the moment. I was finally where I had longed to be for so long, and I was with the most important people in my life.

I'm so lucky to have such an incredible family and support system. They are amazing examples to me. Through the interview process, I was asked many times about my family. It was extraordinary to me that I could say that my parents, all of my siblings, and all of my in-laws were endowed and still worthy to enter the temple with me on my special day. I have learned so much from them of how I should be and I hope that I can be as good as they are.

I know it is unusual for girls to go through the temple before they go on a mission or get married. It's becoming less unusual, but it still isn't common. But for me, I know this was the right way to do it. My decision to go through wasn't tied to anything else. Other people can have those decisions combined, but for me I needed to know that I was doing it because I sincerely wanted to and was prepared to, not as a step to something else immediate. That was important to me, and I'm so grateful I could go to the temple knowing I was fully prepared and that it was the right thing for me to do.

I'm so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Knowledge of the Gospel has changed my life, it has shaped who I am and I know that I am better because of it. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ and his service as my Savior. I know He lives and will always be there to help me. I am grateful for temples, the covenants I made there, and for the chance I have to spend eternity with my family.