"Sacred priesthood ordinances for ourselves are the first blessings we receive at the temple. Within the temple walls, we take upon ourselves 'all those ordinances...which are necessary...to enable us to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain our eternal exaltation." "The word endowment means "gift" or "bestowal". As part of this ordinance, we are taught about the purpose of life, the mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father's plan for His children. We gain a glimpse of what it will be like to live in His presence as we feel the peaceful atmosphere of the temple." | Dear Family and Friends, Today I had the opportunity to go to the Jordan River Temple in South Jordan, Utah to receive my own endowment. Let me just start off by saying that I had an idea of what the temple would be like. I had this fear that I would have to get in my skivies in front of everyone and it would be an awkward experience that I would not be prepared for. Well, I was prepared for it and it was nothing like I was expecting. My friends all described the temple as weird, yet, as I experienced it all for myself today, I found nothing weird about it! As I listened to the words that were spoken and the promises given, I was filled with nothing but overwhelming peace and the light of Christ. I still don't quite remember everything that happened while I was experiencing this for the first time, but I do remember how I felt. This experience has testified to me that this church is truly one that is a restored gospel. The promises that were given to the prophets and people of old are the same promises that we are blessed to make. I know that as we all strive to live like our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will be blessed. I also now know that as we covenant with our Father in Heaven, or in other words make sacred promises, we are blessed with protection, guidance, and most importantly JOY! "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25). God does not wish for us to be miserable in this life. We are all guaranteed struggles and tribulation, yet we are also blessed with many avenues to receive the strength and motivation we need to continually hold to the things we know to be true and push through. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are first, faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I also believe that after we are baptized, we need to endure to the end. This task may seem difficult at times to all, but I promise you that as you put trust in the Lord and turn to Him for help, He will bless you. "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." The Holy Ghost testifies to us of truth and also acts as a guide to us as we try and make our way in a world that is continually pushing us to err. This gospel and the covenants I have made today, give me the personal and spiritual strength I need to make it through my trials. It also gives me comfort knowing that the things I have promised to do will bless my life so completely. I encourage all who seek peace in this chaotic world to read The Book of Mormon and watch as you grow spiritually and are able to see more fully the hand of the Lord in your life. This recognition of blessings allows you to recognize that our Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ, love each and everyone of us, are perfect, and allow us to feel a sliver of strength that will continually grow giving us the strength we need to make it through our trials. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us the opportunity to live with our Heavenly Father, become Gods and Goddesses, and creators of worlds while also allows us access to the perfect comfort and strength we need to make it through our days. Our Savior, through much struggle and pain, has felt everything we could ever possibly feel and is the ONLY person that can perfectly know how to comfort and succor His people. While this post may seem scattered and all over the place, this is what I have learned today. I have gained a deeper testimony of the simple truths I have learned in my youth and continue to learn now as I prepare to go on my mission. Love, Sister Rebekka Ann Kunz |