Temples and how they changed my life

The temple has literally changed my life. Growing up I always knew I wanted to be sealed in the temple. The thought of being with my husband and children, that I had yet to meet, forever seemed very appealing. If you chose to be with someone for this life wouldn't you want that to carry on for eternity? Um, yes please! So when that beautiful sunny day came in late July almost 8 years ago, my world changed. I knew that no matter what happened in this life we would always be together. Through the last 8 years we have visited the temple for so many reasons; to support friends or family going through for the first time, to support someone who is going through a trial, for date night, for a girls night out, to witness two people being sealed for time and eternity, to witness an adopted child be sealed to their family. Each and every one of those experiences was special, but my most recent experience is one I will never forget and changed me. Last Tuesday night some friends organized a night we could all go together. Being there with some of the people that I love most in this world lifted me and made me feel so loved, I think more then I have ever felt in my life. Pure love, sacrifice, support and heart ache. Through this process sometimes I need people to tell me I got this, I can do it, I'm strong and other times I just need someone to cry with me. This was all of that.

I know that no matter what this life brings my way I can handle it, I know it will be hard but I also know I'm not alone. Heavenly Father has blessed me with the most loving family and friends. I also know that I can do this with His love. Through prayer, scripture study, attending church and the support from those I love most and from those I have never met are the things that will keep me going.

"The tests of life are tailored for our own best interests and all will face burdens best suited to their own mortal experience. In the end we will realize that God is merciful as well as just and that all the rules are fair. We can be reassured that our challenges will be the ones we needed, and conquering them will bring blessings we could have received in no other way. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland