Love is the natural consequence of service

Shift #3

This morning was thankfully less eventful. I arrived at the temple a half hour early to spend some time reviewing our training materials. Earlier in the week I had purchased, in bulk, some white hand held fans for the sisters since the room we meet in seems to be overly warm. A few of the sisters that had them already said they got them from the Salt Lake Temple. I knew I, and others, would greatly benefit from them so I was able to purchase 36 fans reasonably to share. I think people normally use them for weddings and, in fact, I don't even remember seeing the option to buy only one or two. 

I checked the schedule before going into our prayer meeting. My name was at the very top in alphabetical order. "Baptistry Assistant". My first thought was SWEET! I was so excited. I thought, that is the best place for me to start. After prayer meeting I returned my training materials upstairs and then headed back down to the baptistry. I was met by 3 sweet sisters that would be showing me the ropes. The first job I had was to assist those performing baptisms for the dead by signaling to them when it was their turn to come up. As I sat there watching each baptism take place, my heart was touched by the spirit on some particular names that were read and by those youth that were being baptized, I was grateful there were kleenex nearby to wipe my tears. Their Christlike angelic countenances were so bright as they came up at of the water. What a beautiful service these youth were performing for those that have since had to leave their body here on earth that is needed to perform these ordinances. Henry and I have had the opportunity to do baptisms for some of his family members, some he has even known in this life, and we have felt the Spirit so strong when doing their names. They are memories we will never easily forget. 

My next task was to go to the Baptistry waiting area and greet all those who entered the temple on that level and direct them where to go upstairs to checkin. I was also in charge of organizing each baptism group that had scheduled hour long appointments. I loved this position as well. So many wonderful people to meet and greet and say farewell to as they left for the day. How wonderful it was to greet everyone with a smile and feel of their excited Spirit as this was most patrons (a person who comes to the temple who is not a worker) first time back to the temple in over a year. The joy in their smiles and the the spirit they brought were so invigorating. There were a few individuals that walked out and I could feel the Spirit so strong and knew they were walking out with angels to protect them. 

As one sister came walking down the ramp I could feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. She seemed so tired, but glad to be there. She walked to the elevator and I felt prompted to give her my fan. I had been so warm up to that point, these dresses, while beautiful, do not breathe well. She graciously accepted it before getting on the elevator. I walked back to my spot and instantly felt cooler for a while, and grateful I had followed the prompting to give her my fan. Next week, I think I will keep two in my pocket and I must also remember to wear a watch. 

I made it a habit to not wear a watch in the temple because then I am always tempted to watch the time and be thinking I have this much time until this or that, and when I am a patron I think it is still a good practice not to wear a watch. Time is such an earthly battle and I love being "on vacation" from time while I am serving as a patron in the temple. But as a worker, it is important for me to know what time it is. So note to self, make sure your watch has batteries for next week. 

Another sister came walking down the ramp in black pants and a blouse with camera in hand. It was obvious she was there to take pictures for a wedding that was taking place. As she walked towards me she apologized profusely for the pants she was wearing and asked where she should go. I told her she was totally fine and directed her upstairs to the lobby since no photos are allowed in the temple. I could tell she felt out of place but I was actually so happy to see her. Being in the temple changes you in so many ways. I felt so much love for every person I came in contact with. I was so glad that she had the opportunity to set foot in the temple even briefly so that she could feel of the spirit here. I hope it left an impression on her to want to know more someday. 

As the groups to perform baptisms arrived, some were families, some were from wards, some were big groups, and others small. For some of the youth it was the very first time they had ever been to a temple. What a wonderful experience and blessing for all of them to be able to do such special work.

The last job I had was to be the hostess to the groups coming in. I directed them where to go and explained where everything was in the locker room for the girls and then as they finished would show them to confirmations and then when the whole group was done would direct them back out to the lobby. For all the nervous first time youth that were hesitant going in not knowing what to expect, as each walked out they were grinning from ear to ear. 

As I drove home and saw people walking on the sidewalks all I could think to myself is, what is their story, where have then been in life? I truly felt a love for these strangers I had never felt before. I can feel the temple changing me even more than I realized it would.

There is a great article on the Church's website called the Four Blessings of the Temple. I have provided the link below and is worth reading to gain a greater understanding of why people go to the temple. I have listed a couple of quotes from this article that stood out to me below.

Link to Four Blessings of the Temple

I love this quote from this article "In this world we may receive many gifts—cars, money, beautiful homes, educational degrees, and fame in our professions. But none of these compares to the light and revelation that comes to us in the temple. Why is this so? Because there is a special spirit in the temple that can bring us direction and peace in our lives."

"A fourth blessing of the temple is receiving the knowledge that we are a part of a great cause. This is an uplifting feeling—to know that we are a part of an inspired and very real plan headed by the Lord Jesus Christ himself. We are part of the preparation for his second coming.

One of the great revelations of the temple to those who go often is the reality and nearness of the spirit world. While serving in the Provo Temple, I can say that we felt the presence of the spirits of this unseen kingdom. Often it feels as if one is standing in the midst of eternity with no veil separating this life from the next.

How great is the unseen, but definitely felt, spirit world! It contains hundreds of times more people than our mortal world. Perhaps millions there have not heard a gospel presentation. President Joseph F. Smith saw in vision the hosts of the spirit world being taught the gospel by the priesthood. (See D&C 138:29–31.)

Every one of the individuals we do work for in the temples may receive the Lord’s promises if they are ready to receive them. They may accept the gospel, and the men have the opportunity of receiving the priesthood. And once they are organized, they may preach to the rest of the spirits.

People without faith doubt that every one of God’s children has the chance of accepting the gospel. They do not know that the faithful are working as hard or even harder in the spirit world than we are to move God’s plan along. Our concern should be to perform the ordinances for the dead so that they will not be held back. No wonder the Prophet Joseph Smith referred to temple work as “a voice of gladness.” No wonder we sing, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth!” (D&C 128:19.)"

"Maybe Today"

Last Sunday in our Sunday School Class, our teacher told a story of a friend of hers that every morning looked out the window hopeful and said  "Maybe Today". 

D&C 49:7 teaches us "I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes." 

While we may not know the day or the hour, the day will come when the Savior of the World will return in Glory and "every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess" that Jesus is the Christ. Mosiah 27:31

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly. Even so. Amen." D&C 49:28

I have a testimony that our Savior, Jesus Christ, will return to this Earth and all shall know him and know that he is the Christ of who the Prophets and Scriptures have taught. The Holy Ghost has made these truths known to my mind and my heart. The parable of the ten virgins has become one of my favorites over the years found in Matthew 25:1-13.

Link to Video Portrayal

Some may watch this video or read the parable in Matthew 25 and think those that had oil should have shared with others, why were they so selfish? But the truth is, the oil in this parable represents our worthiness in obeying the commandments of God that includes our good works. This is not something that can be shared when we are brought before our Maker. We must all prepare for ourselves every needful thing, so that when the day comes we are worthy and aren't full of regret. Notice I did not use the word perfect. We are not expected to be perfect. Worthiness comes from sincere repentance and baptism to become clean from our sins. It isn't possible for us to be perfect on our own. We are just asked to strive to be worthy of the sacrifices our Savior has made so that we can become clean from our sins and so that his suffering will not have been in vain.

In 2nd Nephi 28:30, we are told "For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom."

I love that scripture because it reminds us that we are allowed to take baby steps as we grow in our knowledge of the gospel and all that is expected of us. We are not expected to become perfect overnight.

I also love this talk by Elder Bednar "If Ye Had Known Me". I love the below excerpt:

In reference to the parable of the ten virgins: "Our understanding of this episode is enlarged as we reflect upon an inspired revision to the text. Significantly, the Lord’s phrase reported in the King James Version of the Bible, “I never knew you,” was changed in the Joseph Smith Translation to “Ye never knew me.”

Link to Talk

The Savior knows each one of us, every hair on our head in fact. He knows our struggles, our pain, our joy. He will always know us, but it is up to each of us to "know Him". So how can we "know Him"? I feel like the best place to start is to read the New Testament of the King James Bible: read of his life, what he taught, how he suffered and died for us. Then read the Book of Mormon where his words and teachings can be found in every chapter, go to our Father in Heaven in prayer and pray to know Him, receive the blessing of baptism from a worthy priesthood holder, attend the temple when worthy, sing hymns, partake of the sacrament, study conference talks of prophets, apostles, and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ and most of all never give up. He is closer to you than you realize, He is just waiting for you to reach out Him. 

"Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you; repent of all your sins; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you." D&C 49:26

Each day may we strive to be a little better than yesterday in overcoming our weaknesses with the help of our Savior and look to the sky and think "Maybe Today". 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Fathers Day

 

Yesterday while in prayer meeting at the temple, the sister conducting shared this quote, "Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us."

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1988/12/jesus-christ-gifts-and-expectations?lang=eng

"God loves us. He is watching us. He wants us to succeed. We will know some day that He has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew it, heavenly hosts are pulling for us—friends in heaven that we cannot now remember who yearn for our victory. This is our day to show what we can do—what life and sacrifice we can daily, hourly, instantly make for God. If we give our all, we will get His all from the greatest of all.

Give God your best, and His best will come back to you."

On this fathers day, my thoughts turn to our Heavenly Father, who created us. He is ever present and has so much love for us that he gave his only begotten Son so that we could have the opportunity to live with Him for eternity. We speak to Him in prayer, He listens, and answers. Maybe not in the timing that we think is best for us, but He answers in the timing that He knows is best for us. The closing song in sacrament meeting today was "I am a Child of God". I was so grateful for that reminder of whose we are. 

1. I am a child of God,

And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

[Chorus]

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

2. I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.

3. I am a child of God.

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will

I’ll live with him once more.

I also love the new YW Theme that begins: "I am a beloved daughter of Heavenly Parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny." How powerful a reminder that is!

I love the first chapter of the gospel principles manual titled "Our Father in Heaven". It talks about the nature and image of God and how we can we get to know him.

Link to Gospel Principles-Our Father in Heaven

I also love this video of the complexity and vastness of the universe and life on this Earth. This is such a testament to me of our Creator.

Link to Youtube video of universe

One of my favorites

 

Day 2

 

It's Saturday morning again and my second shift at the temple will start in a couple of hours. I was in a fairly good mood and headed over to the distribution center with my letter in hand that read: for first time ordinance workers we could receive a discount on one dress and one pair of shoes. As I arrived at the store, the Sister to greet me made me feel like I was in the temple already with her warmth and kindness. She helped me to pick out a new dress to order and a new pair of comfy white shoes. 

  

I checked out and walked to the car. I opened the car door to hear, riiiiippp. The capri pants I was wearing tore. Tears began to pour like a faucet. I knew I had put on weight since my recent surgery and I know these pants were probably 10+ years old, and had been washed atleast 50 times over the summers, but still the event of it happening was so upsetting. I sat in the car and tried to think positively. In prayer, I expressed my gratitude for it not happening in the store as I bent over to try on shoes. The humiliation would have been unbearable. 

As I drove away the tears didn't stop. I called Hen. I told him what happened. He being the best husband as always said "who cares about that", "those were old pants", "no upset". He has always been so kind to me when it comes to these situations. So many husbands would have responded with, "You should lose weight", "It's your own fault". I'm not saying those things aren't true, but in that moment that is the last thing you want to hear. And I am so grateful to him for always saying the right thing in those moments. 

As I drove home I thought about my weight. For those that know me, know I never talk about it. Not only is it the "elephant in the room", and people are kind enough not to mention it, but I am in fact that elephant. I have not always been this size, believe it or not. The weight didn't come on until college after I had been on some medication that drastically changed my metabolism. Then after years of bad choices and not enough exercise, that has brought me to where I am today. I am sure so many in my life can't fathom why I haven't done anything about it up to this point, and I am grateful that no one bothers me about it. The funny thing is I had actually lost almost 30 pounds last year prior to my surgery in February and then strict rules after my surgery for 6 weeks of basically not doing anything was enough for me to put it all back on. And since it was covid and no one saw me, they didn't know I had actually accomplished that small feat. But it was all for nothing, and I probably weigh more than I ever have now, but I don't even want to look at a scale to find out. 

I know you are thinking Kara, it's just math. Eat fewer calories and burn more calories and you will drop the weight in no time. But for whatever reason, this a trial I have caused myself to endure and I haven't had the willpower to overcome it yet. So I appreciate the continued patience around me of letting me figure this weakness out on my own because frankly I don't want to talk about it. 

As I drove home I was reminded of what is positive about being so overweight, or morbidly obese as some doctors like to remind you. Everyday that I carry this weight helps me not to judge others. We all sin differently and I can never cast any stones because all I have to do is look in the mirror. I believe carrying this weight has given me the ability to have so much compassion for others over the years and I am grateful for that. That person over there addicted to alcohol, that person over there addicted to drugs, or addicted to tattoos or any other kind of addiction, I feel like we are all in the same boat, battling our addictions for the world to see. When the truth is everyone has an addiction in some way shape or form, but not everyone literally wears it for everyone to see everyday of their life. The funny part that you may find hard to believe, is that I actually 99% of the time forget that I am fat, until an event like this happens or I go up a staircase and can't catch my breath. Even when I look in mirrors, I am always looking at my face more than the rest of my body. So these experiences always wake me up to the harsh reality of what I have done to my body over the years.

The tears continued until I got home, and as I ate my lunch. Hen wiped my tears away as he passed by. I didn't even want to eat, but knew that I would not feel well at the temple if I didn't eat before I went. I would have definitely had heartburn at the very least for not eating and would have possibly have felt faint since it was 1pm already and I had skipped breakfast.

I was finally able to feel a little better as I showed off my new temple shoes and my temple name tag to Hen. I started to get excited that I was going to the temple again.

He left for work at the same time I was leaving for the temple, we waved and he said "you will do great, don't worry!" He knew I was nervous because today would be the first day I would be performing a ceremony I had never done before. 

I drove to the temple keeping a close eye on the speedometer. I didn't want to speed this week. I checked for the policeman by the golf course, he wasn't there. As I drove, I said a prayer of gratitude for working air conditioning in the car as the outside temperature reflected 100 degrees. The ac felt so cool and refreshing. I also expressed gratitude for that sweet sister at the store earlier. I was so grateful for her kindness before my upsetting situation. It is such a great reminder that we should be kind to everyone because you never know what battles they are facing or are about to face.

It felt nice to be on week two and know at least where to go and what to do in small ways. I went straight to the locker room and changed into my temple whites which are a white blouse, a white skirt, white stockings, and white shoes (my new comfy shoes). I got there early enough that I had a few moments to ponder before our training started while a sister played hymns at the piano. 

I sang the lyrics in my head. 

One song in particular stood out to me because of the events of that morning, in particular verses 2-4. 

1. Savior, may I learn to love thee,

Walk the path that thou hast shown,

Pause to help and lift another,

Finding strength beyond my own.

Savior, may I learn to love thee—

Lord, I would follow thee.

2. Who am I to judge another

When I walk imperfectly?

In the quiet heart is hidden

Sorrow that the eye can’t see.

Who am I to judge another?

Lord, I would follow thee.

3. I would be my brother’s keeper;

I would learn the healer’s art.

To the wounded and the weary

I would show a gentle heart.

I would be my brother’s keeper—

Lord, I would follow thee.

4. Savior, may I love my brother

As I know thou lovest me,

Find in thee my strength, my beacon,

For thy servant I would be.

Savior, may I love my brother—

Lord, I would follow thee.

I love this song, probably because I can relate to it so much. In my "quiet heart is hidden, sorrow that the eye can't see", and because of this I show a "gentle heart" as much as possible to those around me because I know we are all "wounded and weary" in one way or another. I'm not perfect at this but really do try to reflect on myself before passing judgement on others. It is definitely not something that comes naturally to any of us, but is something I have worked on over the years to be a little better at everyday.

Of course the tears returned as I felt comforted by the Holy Ghost, that while this trial of mine may be self inflicted, it is one that has a purpose for me to learn from while in this mortal existence.

As I sat in our prayer meeting looking around at all the beautiful sisters, I literally felt like I was in the presence of angels. The light of Christ shines so brightly through their eyes and through their countenance. Their smiles bring so much peace and calmness to my heart when I see them. As I was admiring them, a line from my patriarchal blessing was brought to the forefront of my mind "You will be called to responsible positions in the Church. You will do those things that are accomplished by the most faithful women of the Church." 

I was taken back, I definitely don't see myself as "one of the most faithful women of the Church." I have such a long way to go, but I am grateful that our Heavenly Father sees us for what we can become and not just what we are at that moment. 

I am grateful for patriarchal blessings that teach us different things at different times in our life and that remind us who we are, why we are here, and what we can accomplish through our obedience and faithfulness. My patriarchal blessing has brought me so much comfort over the years. I received it when I was 16 and while some blessings may not come in this life, I have faith they can come in the next.

After our prayer meeting and training for some changes that would be happening as phase 3 starts this week, it was then time to go and perform sacred ordinances for those who may have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ into their lives in the Spirit World and are waiting for us to perform these for them by proxy.

There is a double staircase that goes up to the 1st floor from the lower level. Last week I had "run" up the stairs, because again, I forgot that I was fat and was in a hurry, and literally couldn't catch my breath for like 2 minutes after and looked ridiculous in front of some other sisters. So I thought I would avoid that this week by taking the elevator.

I walked to the elevator to find 3 sisters waiting there to go up. They seemed to all know each other and were going to be serving at the Layton temple as soon as it opened up. They had carpooled together and appeared to have known each other for a long time. Because the elevator took longer than usual we had more time to chat and get to know each other. 

We made it to the room where we would be performing these special ordinances. There were probably a total of 20 sisters there all together. As they started to separate the groups into fours the ladies I rode the elevator with stood up and motioned to me to come be apart of their group. I don't think I have mentioned it yet, but there isn't anyone on my shift that I know. Their warm invitation brought joy to my heart.  Because of the sacred spiritual nature of these ordinances, I won't go into detail, but I can share with you that it was a special experience to get to perform those ordinances for those who had passed on. At one point or another as the 4 of us rotated doing the 5 names, each of us was touched by the spirit at a different time, as quiet tears slowly ran down our cheeks. As we finished we all commented on the joy we know those sisters felt to have their work done. One sister commented, I did not know I would feel the spirit so strong, another said, those sisters were so kind to let us do their work even though we are just learning, another sister with a strong Australian accent said, the spirit was on fire in there! We all exchanged hugs, having bonded over such a sweet experience.

After that we were done for the night and got to go home a little early. I felt such a peace as I left the temple. I always feel at peace when I leave the temple, but something felt a little bit different today. I think it was an additional calmness that had come over me after being able to participant in something so special and being in the presence of those earthly angels. Additionally I had also felt the love of our Savior through the Holy Ghost that I was where I was supposed to be and doing what they needed me to do. 

That is why I love the quote at the top of this page that I came across "There are two types of tired: One that requires rest, and one that requires peace". In my life I have only been able to feel this peace when I have drawn nearer to our Savior through prayer, through uplifting music, repentance, obedience, and most of all, time spent in the temple. Our souls truly need peace. Just like our bodies need air to breathe, our souls need rest from the world from time to time. 

I arrived home and fell asleep quickly, mentally and emotionally exhausted from the events of the day. Later on I picked up my sister in the golf cart and we came back and sat in the hottub for a while. It was nice just to chat and float around. I am glad she lives so close, I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do. I am grateful for the time we have been able to spend together since she moved around the corner. 

Inspiration

The truth of this quote has been evident in my life time and time again. I can't tell you how many times I have read the same scripture for the 10th time and at some point my understanding is increased and the words not only make more sense but have application in my own life. We all have spiritual gifts, even if we don't realize it. I love this chapter in Gospel Principles called The Gifts of the Spirit. What gifts do you think you have? How has the Holy Ghost influenced your Spiritual Gifts?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-22-the-gifts-of-the-spirit?lang=eng

The Lord has said: “For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby” (D&C 46:11–12).

To develop our gifts, we must find out which gifts we have. We do this by praying and fasting. We should seek after the best gifts (see D&C 46:8). Sometimes patriarchal blessings will help us know which gifts we have been given.

My first day as a temple worker...

It's Saturday morning. Hen has taken the day off from work to do some school work, so he leaves around 8 to head to campus. The house is an absolute mess. I have not had any energy lately to stay on top of things. I think the Lord knew I needed my mind to be free of distractions and so gave me the energy to put my house in order before heading to the temple.  I am always less stressed when my house isn't a mess. I spent the next 4 hours doing dishes, vacuuming, laundry, cleaning out fridge and freezer etc. At noon I needed to go pickup groceries, I wanted to get the car washed, and grab some quick lunch before I had to race back home, put groceries away, eat and finish getting ready for my first shift at the temple. 

Miracle 1- Decided to get my car washed and normally on a Saturday, all three lanes are always full and it takes a min of 15 minutes of waiting to get to your turn. Today there wasn't a single car there and I went straight through.

Miracle 2- Went to pick up my clicklist groceries at Smiths. Again on a Saturday, at noon, and there wasn't a soul there. My groceries were loaded in less than 5 minutes.

Miracle 3- Went to grab some food and the line at all the surrounding places had a line full of cars, but this one only had one car in front of me. 

Somehow make it home with enough time to finish everything I need and even pass Henry on the way out of the driveway to head to the temple to be there at 1:45. And seriously I can't stress how every single minute from noon on had been accounted for, there was no extra time.

Miracle 4- this is the biggest one of them all. I was driving faster than I should have when I got to the golf course on Bountiful Blvd. 40 mph in a 30 mph zone to be exact as I came up over the hill to have a motorcycle officer with a speed gun pointed directly at me. Obviously I slowed down immediately, but no way in time for him to not have clocked me going 40. I was like ok, here we go, there is no way he isn't pulling me over. And honestly that isn't like me to be speeding through a residential area, I think it was a combination of excitement and nervousness to not be late that I was driving faster than usual. I had accepted my fate, passed the cop and expected to see those red lights in my mirror. But they never came. I am not sure why he didn't pull me over, he was definitely in the right to, but must just not have been meant to be.

I pull up to the temple and there were tons of cars parked around the perimeter. I was really surprised. As of now in Phase II, youth are able to baptisms, but the only other ordinances being performed are for individuals doing their own work. What I failed to realize is that it is June and wedding season, so there were quite a few weddings going on. I parked in the lower parking lot as I had been instructed to and walked through the lower level down to the baptistry to take the elevator up the recommend desk. As I walked through the baptistry waiting area, there were youth spread out everywhere. It made my heart so happy to see them there. And the feeling that things were starting to get back to normal.

I got on the elevator with two other sisters and asked them what floor? They both looked at me blankly. I said sorry, it was a joke, there is only one choice. 

As I entered the foyer and recommend desk area there were people everywhere. What a wonderful sight!

I proceeded through after my recommend scan was successful (I wasn't going to make that mistake twice) then headed down the hall and down the stairs to the cafeteria area, then was directed back to the locker rooms. 

I was assigned a locker and immediately was meeting and visiting other sisters on my shift. Their smiles and the light in their eyes was so kind and welcoming! I changed into my temple whites and had my picture taken. I received my name tag and felt so official. It was really real. I was now a temple worker. We then had training for 2 hours with the temple presidents wife and then I had the opportunity to do an endowment session. It was so wonderful! The spirit I felt with the sisters in our time training was overwhelming. As I sat there in the prep room learning how to help others feel the love of our Savior in the temple, I felt so much love myself. I realized how much the Savior and our Heavenly Father were in the details of not only my whole life to prepare me for this new chapter, but that day. While I know it is probably silly to someone those items that were miracles to me, I have learned, in my life, that there are no coincidences. Everything has a purpose, no matter how small.

The temple presidents wife said that people who are making appointments in phase 3 are clear out to November and December and that already 10,000 appointments had been made. I couldn't help but feel so blessed to get to now be spending 4 hours a week in the temple and not have to make an appointment to do so. So many people will be waiting months and months and months just to do one name and now I get to be here every week.  

I learned in this training that I will be assigned a different floor each month. One month I may be assigned to the bottom floor which is the Baptistry. Then the next month I may assigned to main floor to help with clothing, or locker rooms, or initiatories. And another month I could be assigned to the top floor for assisting with the endowment sessions. I am excited it will be setup this way. That way I can try to master one floor before moving onto another. I have also learned that there is so much to learn! 

When you are patron going through for yourself or by proxy, you don't realize the organized ant farm that is the temple. There is so much to learn but what is most important is helping the patrons to have the best experience possible! A smile goes a long way, kindness goes a long way, quiet reverence goes a long way! And there is no reason to rush anything. There is time. The Lord doesn't rush our progress and gives us all the time we need to progress. Likewise we must be patient and do the same for those visiting the temple. I have to admit I take a bit after my Dad and like things to run smoothly and efficiently. This will be an area I need to work on to slow down and realize everything will happen as it needs to. 

I was so grateful to get to do an endowment session and felt such a peace to serve a Sister who had passed, with her work. As I entered the celestial room I found my favorite chair by the window. It is my favorite chair, because it is the chair Henry proposed to me while I sat in 13 years earlier. We had gone on a date to the temple to do sealings late one night in May I think. After the sealings we went into the celestial room. He sat down in the chair next to me. After some time, he proceeded down onto one knee, asked me "Will you marry me?" and without even giving me a second to respond, put a ring on my finger and sat back down in his chair. 

Sitting in this chair always brings me back to that sweet memory and makes me think back to that time. I would never have thought at that time that 13 years later we would be living in North Salt Lake, and both be working in the temple at our young ages of 37 and almost 40. I always thought temple workers were for kids getting ready to go on missions or empty nesters and retirees.

Sitting in "my chair" today, I was calm, I was at peace. As overwhelming as everything would be to learn, I didn't worry about that. My humble prayer was of gratitude for getting me here after over a year and preparing me for this next adventure in my life among other things and for rain that we so desperately need.

I stayed in the peace and quiet and beauty of the Celestial room until everyone except for me and one other sister were there alone. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. It felt like I was visiting Heaven. The stress of life and world felt so far away. Some of my favorite hymns played on repeat in my mind as I pondered scriptures I had read and the life of our Savior. 

I was so grateful Hen was home with the dogs, so I could just stay as long as I needed. I stayed in that room for atleast 40 minutes before leaving around 6:45. It is always so hard to leave that room. I always take one last glance backward as I walk out the door. I made my way back down to the new locker rooms I would be using from now on. The path was becoming more familiar. 

One of my favorite things about the temple are the smiles of all of the temple workers. They are so calming and comforting. They bring such a special spirit that can be felt by all. As you pass each one you are uplifted.

One of the stories shared in our training was that of a 4 year old boy who came to the temple to be sealed to his parents. When asked what was his favorite part, he said all the kind grandmas in their white nightgowns. That is my new goal, to be one of those kind grandmas in their nightgowns so that all who come here can feel the love the Savior has for them.

I am looking forward to next week when I get to go again. What a wonderful new adventure and blessing!