Quite frankly, the posts made me very, very angry. I contemplated on my angry feelings, and something came to me... Those angry feelings were my testimony in action! As weird as it sounds, my testimony has come out through anger. Because I was able to form my own arguments and explanations of what I would tell my friend if he were here now, became a testament to me of just how strong my testimony is of the temple and of our church.
I am so thankful for this beautiful building here. Here at the Provo Temple is where I received my own personal revelation that Clayton was the man I was to spend eternity with. The experience that I had is so sacred to me, and one that changed my life forever. The Spirit testified to me so strongly that Clayton was to be my eternal companion, and the best partner for me in this life and the next. It was like no feeling that I have ever had before, and I knew that the Lord was on my side and had a path for me. And that path would only be bearable if I had Clayton by my side.
This gorgeous structure is where I received my Endowments. It was such a spiritual experience to me. My parents, and many others encouraged me to pay attention only to my feelings this day. As I did that, I can recall only a few times where I have felt such a feeling of peace and serenity as the Spirit testified to me that the process I was going through and the blessings I was partaking of are REAL. And as I met my family in the Celestial Room, both my family and Clayton's, and joy fell over me of how great it will be to be with these people for eternity in the Celestial Kingdom, and my love for them grew more than ever that day. It was such a beautiful experience, and one I will never forget.
And this... This is probably one of my favorite places. This is the beautiful place where I had the glorious opportunity to be sealed to Clayton and our future children for all eternity. Words truly cannot express the joy that I relish in each day as my love for my husband and my son grow more and more. And to be able to add to that joy that I have these two in my life not just now, but for all eternity. When I prepared myself for my wedding with my mom, and to see the pride and overwhelming joy in her eyes as she helped me look as perfect as I could be there in the Brides Room was such a special moment to me. And as I walked the halls with her to find Clayton and join him in the Celestial Room as we awaited our sealing. I felt such peace as we sat together and I knew that our eternity was becoming a reality. And when we entered the sealing room to be joined together in the presence of our closest family and friends was truly the happiest day of my life.Without these beautiful Houses of our Lord, I would not have so many of the blessings that I have been given. I love my Savior, and I know that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints makes Him proud of me, and I know that he loves me. I can only do my best to increase my faith and worthiness each day, and I know that He sees me trying. I can only hope that one day I will be worthy to be in his presence.
This is the day that I strive for each day. The day where not only can I be in the arms of my Savior, but for Zack to see his Savior and to know Him and to be blessed by Him and His love and sacrifice. Again, I love my Savior, and I love His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And I have such a testimony of the temple and the work that happens inside. They are truly, each a House of the Lord, and a place where miracles happen and souls are saved. I love this gospel, and feel so blessed to know and have the truth in my life.So, to my friend: I know that the church I belong to is the true church of our God. Others may believe otherwise. But all I can do is hold fast to the truth that I know, and let nothing shake it. I will keep my beliefs firm, and I will do my best to be worthy to stand at His right hand when He comes again. Do not question my beliefs in a demeaning way. Asking questions to learn are great. But asking questions to demean and destroy is not what God would have any of His children do. So your goal will NOT be accomplished through me. I will stay with my religion, and share my testimony with pride. The happiness I feel each day is a testament that my choices are good, and that Jesus loves the life I have chosen to live. So, please, show your love to Jesus in a way that is not demeaning to others, and I will live my life doing the same.
3 comments:
thank you for being honest about being angry about what people say about our church. I to get frustrated and take it personal when people bash it, but its nice to remember the choices I have made that allow me to live the wonderful life I have and happily. thank you for your strength and example.
THis is beautiful... You have an amazing talent for expressing your feelings through writing. I wish I could do the same! Don't you just wish that you could bear your testimony in church by just walking up there and reading something like this instead of fumbling through it and not saying half of what you wanted to? :) I love the temple as well... it has brought tremendous blessings to our lives. Keep being a good example to others!
Beautiful testimony, Kristie, we are so happy you are part of our eternal family. What a lucky man Clayton is to have you. And we are so lucky to have you be our special daughter and mother of our grandson. Looking forward to many more years and an eternity of love forever. We love you, Ken and Valerie
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