Update # 1 - Saturday May 30th

May 30th was a very special day and one of the most important that will ever happen in my life as I entered the temple to receive my endowment. I had been nervous the night before, anxious if I was prepared to understand the things that would take place; if I would be comfortable with them. Yet as morning broke and I readied myself, I felt calm. Mom, who was acting as my escort, and I were supposed to be at the temple at 8 (an hour before the actual session) so we left the house at a quarter to. The sun was climbing above the beautiful mountains in our backyard, lighting Cache Valley with summer sunlight and practically making the temple sparkle as we hit the crest of the hill and could see it waiting for us, for me!

As we drove closer my sweet mother began to sing, “I love to see the temple, I’m going there TODAY” rather than the word “someday.” This simple primary song hit me so strongly, it brought tears to my eyes. I thought of all the hundreds of times I had seen it as I had grown from toddler to teenager, driving down our Cliffside Hill to soccer practice, to school, to work – the ensign of our valley. It has always been a symbol of peace, security and worthiness to me. It has been my goal to enter its holy walls some day, to worship my Heavenly Father, to make covenants with him. I always knew I would, but the day seemed so far off, as thought it would never come.

Nothing about the temple ceremony or ordinances seemed strange or foreign. They were beautiful, simple and clear. I rejoiced inside for parents who had raised me in such a way to feel at peace in the temple. I did not understand everything that happened, but I look forward to attending the temple my entire life and gleaning understanding from faithful worship and service therein. I felt the spirit testify that NOTHING in life is more important than living your life worthy to be in God's home and to be with our families forever.

After we came out we stood around talking with our wonderful families who had all come to support us and be there on that important day. Lo and behold, what should be on the temple grounds that day, but a JOHN DEERE tractor. It was too good of a moment to pass up and we snapped a picture atop the lovely tractor with the temple in the background. I wish I had a copy of it and I'll have to post it as soon as I get one from my sis. It was a wonderful day and I was so grateful that both my family and Burke's family as well were there to share it with me. Burke and I have realized the joy the temple can bring and we set a goal to go to the temple every week of our marriage, a goal we have kept thus far - even on our honeymoon!