The power of godliness is made manifest

 

I would say that one of the greatest blessings that I have as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the ability to enter and worship the Lord in his holy temple. This weekend I had the opportunity to  attend the San Antonio temple with my stake president and his wife, two young men about to leave for their missions in Brazil and a few other members. We departed Raymondville early in the morning. This was my fourth time in the temple and the third time since I have been home from my mission.

This weekend was also very special for me because it marked my fourth year as a member of the Church. I can't believe that much time has elapsed. As I look back at the last four  years I realize how much I have changed and how much I have been blessed. I have experienced so many beautiful things since I joined the Church one of them being able to serve a full time mission for the Lord. 

On Saturday when I was inside the temple I realized though that as much as I have been blessed because of my membership in the Church I believe that its significance goes beyond that. I was in the temple to help those that have come before me to accept this very gospel that has blessed my life. My life really does not belong to me. If I am worthy and able to Heavenly Father will do with my life what is needed for the advancement of his Kingdom. I saw his influence on my life as a missionary and now he needs me to do this great temple work to continue his plan of happiness and salvation for his children.

I have realized that what I do not only affects me but all of my loved ones who have gone beyond the veil and are waiting for their temple work to be done on their behalf. While in the temple I placed close attention to everything as if it were my first time in that sacred place. That really made everything more meaningful as I placed myself in my ancestor's shoes. I imagined what it felt like to them to be in the temple and to learn more about God's plan for us. I felt a great, sweet and beautiful Spirit overcome me and I quickly felt myself surrounded by my ancestors. It was a great experience that I will never forget.

I was reminded of this great verse out of the Doctrine and Covenants as I left the temple that day. Out of the 84th section, verse 19 we read "therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest". Truly I felt the power of God, the love of my ancestors towards me and mine towards them increase as I participated in this great work of salvation. I hope to be always worthy of being a participant into bringing to pass Father in Heaven's work and glory.

Temple visit

I love this picture of the temple I took this last Saturday. You really can't see much of the temple but I just love the picture so much! I really enjoyed the temple trip. It was an extremely hot day in San Antonio. It was a whopping 106 degrees outside. Thankfully the temple is surrounded by beautiful oak trees that give a beautiful shade. I had some time after I did some initiatory ordinances to go outside for a bit and walk around the temple. I had never had the opportunity before to do that so I was gratefully I had an hour before the endowment session began to walk around the temple grounds.

It was so peaceful to walk around the temple. There was a couple that had just gotten married so I witnessed them taking pictures with their wedding party outside the temple doors. They looked so radiant and happy! Yes,I have come to realize that is my next step. I just need to find out who I am going to marry. :P My good friends Kye and Kate are getting married later this week in Salt Lake City. I am so happy for them and of course a little sad that I won't be there for their very special day.

The session I went through was amazing. I felt the Spirit so strongly like never before. This was my third time at the temple going through a session. I felt like I was in a really familiar place though. I loved every moment of it. Of course I love the celestial room in the temple. That is where I feel the Spirit of God the strongest.

The night before I couldn't fall asleep so on the way back I was having a hard time staying awake so I am sure I fell asleep for a bit. I was so tired. I didn't get home until later at night around 8pm. I went straight to bed.

Well I have officially changed my membership records to the Young Single Adult branch in my stake. Sunday was my second time there. It will take some time getting used to it. It felt good to be there. For the first time in a long time I felt like I was at Church for myself and also enjoyed it. The branch president was happy to hear that I was transferring my records to his branch.

Overall an amazing weekend!