Radiating indescribable joy!

Last night - 12/6/11 - was amazing.

Earlier in the day, I was getting ready to leave. I had some time and I was prompted to watch David A Bednar's talk from the October 2011 conference. I forgot what it was about. I sat down and watched it and it is about doing family history work, baptisms for the deceased, and Temple work. I felt even more confident that what I will be doing is important work. It helped me to watch it.

It was a Temple trip between Mukilteo and Everett 2nd wards. I had done a good amount of family research during the 2 weeks earlier this year when I wasn't working. I printed off 10 women and 10 men, so I was ready. When I spoke with the office, I found I would be able to be baptized and confirmed for the women. But that I would not be able to watch the proxy for the men. I was bummed, but went along with it. I asked Sister Porterfield if I could at least watch the confirmation since I wouldn't be able to watch the baptism. She checked with Bishop Porterfield and he said I could. I was satisfied with that.

I was called to go first. I was kinda nervous and shaky. I took a few deep breaths and said a silent prayer for calmness and strength. Then the ordinance took place. I owe Bishop Lindstrom a huge thank you for doing his best to get me upright each time my feet flew out from underneath me! It couldn't have been easy... haha. I was happy to maintain my reverence. That's normally something that I have trouble with. As each name was done I felt almost a jumping up a down inside me. It was really cool. But I was determined not to bust up laughing.

After a few of us girls were done they sent us to have dinner. When I was done, I went back to the viewing room and they were getting the boys done. I was concerned that they were already done with the men that I turned in. I sat there wishing that I could have seen the male cards I turned in be completed. I was sure they were already done. The next young men went in and they started to read names and I realized they were doing the ones I turned in. I was so happy! I stopped myself from laughing. But I didn't hold back the huge smile that spread across my face. I knew at that moment that He heard me and was granting me that. I wouldn't be able to watch the confirmations because I had to go to work. I got to watch the first and that was really special. Sister Porterfield told me what time it was so I wouldn't be late for work. I thanked her, but I wanted to wait until the young man came out so I could thank him for being the proxy for the men that I turned in. When he came out, I went up to him and thanked him. He looked at me like, um ok..., but it was important for me.

Side note: Bishop and Sister Porterfield are awesome people. I am so thankful that they helped watch out for me. I love them! Sometimes they feel like another set of parents in addition to my actual parents.

Afterwards, I took off for work. Once inside my car I couldn't hold it in anymore and bust up in joyous laughter and a huge smile. It was an amazing feeling. It felt like it was more than my joy. It was joy of the 20 spirits who now have the chance at eternity together. I swear I heard whispered thank you's. I never want to forget how that felt!!

I am so thankful for the Temple. For the saving ordinances. For all of it really. Its so amazing what we get to do. It definitely makes me want to make sure that I stay worthy to have access to the Temple!!

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen