Search the Community

What resources were the most helpful for you before you went to the temple? (Or after too).

Am I crazy, or are the Temple Recommend Questions not on LDS.org anywhere?

I'm intrigued by the prices of the distribution center clothing. They're found on store.lds.org in the Garments and Temple Clothing section. Is there anything about these shirts that are only meant to be worn in the temple, or can these be used as everyday dress shirts? I've lost a bunch of weight and don't want to go overboard on clothing prices.

I am a convert of 5 years. I have tried for 4 years to get a temple recommend. The bishop at the time when I joined the church was going to give me my recommend at the one year mark. Then just as we setup the meeting he was released. The new bishop has said another 6 months for that last 4 years, each time giving a different reason or no reason at all. I have done everything the bishop has asked, and still he refuses to give me one. He told me that it would be on him at judgement, if he let me go not feeling I am ready to understand the sacredness of the temple. This I find odd because if I go to the temple not ready, thats on me. I feel that is between me and Heavenly Father. I can honestly ansewer yes to everyone of the temple recommend questions. I serve diligantly in my calling, attend church regularly, and pay my tithing, teach the gosple in my home, ect. I have felt so torn about this. I have prayed, fasted, and studied the scriptures looking for answers. I want to be sealed to my wife and children. This is the goal I have set and seam to not be able to achive. I feel like I'm hitting my head on a brick wall. My wife said to drive to the temple to go to the grounds just to feel the spirit of the temple. I was prompted to pray many times to pray while at the temple. The feeling was overwhelming that, that was the place I needed to be. So I am trying to do what he said, but feel in that time I will be refused again. Any suggestions? Thank You.

I'll start this off by giving you a little background about myself. I am 18, male, and I've been a part of the LDS church my whole life. Unfortunately there was a point in my life where I completely disregarded the church. Not too long ago, I decided that I wanted to change. I missed being a part of the church and the joy that it brought me. So I went in to see my bishop and straightened things out. So to lead up to why I am posting this; I'm getting married soon. I'll be getting married in the temple. (Huge accomplishment for me!) I know there are certain things that you have to do in order to get married in the temple. One of these things being endowments. I recently (about 5 minutes prior to writing this) saw a post about endowments and how when this young man went he had these bad feelings and it made him question the church and how going to the temple made him wonder if he should even go on a mission because he would have felt like a hypocrite teaching people things he wasn't sure he believed in anymore. Now, i don't think going to the temple is going to turn me away from the church, but it kind of freaked me out. My question is, what can I do to prepare to go and get this done? What should I expect? I mean obviously I'm not asking what is going to happen, because I'll know when I go. But what can I do to get ready to go? Is there anything? I grew up in a town where the population is (and I'm not exaggerating) 98% LDS. One unfortunate side-effect of this is that some people tend to get a holier-than-thou attitude. So questions like these are hard to ask around here. Anyway, I would appreciate some advice! Thank you.

While reading President Packer's The Holy Temple, he discusses Elijah and that the New Testament refers to Elijah as Elias, the Greek. Having read newer Bible translations my whole life (NRSV-CE, RSV-CE, NAB) the New Testament uses Elijah, not Elias. Though somehow I knew the whole Elijah=Elias thing already (possibly from reading the Douay-Rheims?) Anyways, all this I have no problem with. President Packer than states that Elias became a term for a forerunner, one who comes before. So for example, John the Baptist is an Elias. OK, so far so goo. No complaints, I'm following along and will agree 100%. Then comes the part where I get confused because Latter-day Saint history regarding temples is somewhat new to me. Three ancient prophets came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple, Moses, Elias, and Elijah. If Elijah is Elias, why did he visit Joseph and Oliver twice? Why didn't they just identify him under the same name? If it was another prophet, why not name that prophet instead of just using the title of forerunner? A skeptic could look at this and say that Joseph did not know that Elias was Greek for Elijah so while making up the story made it two people and providing a "smoking gun." I believe in the prophetic revelations of Joseph Smith, I just wonder who this Elias was in the Kirtland Temple.

Having a thriving, happy, eternal marriage in today’s world seems to be more and more difficult. As a student of gospel doctrines and as a Marriage and Family Therapist I find it my passion and joy to work with couples and guide them on a path to increased success and happiness in marriage. During my time working with clients and teaching the gospel I developed a questionnaire to help individuals and couples explore their individual readiness and marriages. I would value your insight and feedback on the questionnaire. You can remain anonymous if you would like. Or feel free to post your ideas here to this thread. Please rate and comment on the questionnaire here. What are your thoughts on the questionnaire? Where the question relevant? Helpful? Thought provoking? Dumb? Would love to know what you believe makes your marriage or future marriage joyous, exciting and profoundly enduring and loving. My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dbmft

I just attended a session at the Bountiful Temple last night and believe that I saw a 3rd new temple video. I am in the Salt Lake Temple district and usually attend the live sessions, Occasionally I do a session at Jordan River, Draper, Bountiful, etc. I have seen two new temple videos in the last 8 months or so, but the one I saw last night was brand new to me. Can anyone else confirm this? Thanks, CSM

So I honestly need some non-judgmental advice. I am 20 years old. I am part of the younger sister missionary generation. I was on my mission for 5 months and returned home on medical release. I can say that I have a strong testimony of the church and a love for my heavenly father and my savior. But, there is one thing that keeps holding me back. I don't think I was ready to be endowed. I have been endowed for nearly a year now and have never truly come to terms with wearing the temple garment. I wore it consistently on my mission but after a while of being home I could not stand wearing them anymore. I went three months without wearing them, then decided to talk to my bishop to try wearing them again. Since then I have been wearing them on and off. It's kind of hard to explain. I literally just cannot stand wearing them. They feel like a burden. When I take them off I feel like I just got out of a controlling relationship; I feel free. Every sister that I talk to about the garments has little to no problem wearing them. I feel horrible that I struggle so much with them. I just cannot imagine having to wear these things my entire life. Also, I feel like it is nearly impossible to feel attractive in them, which is really hard for someone my age. For a long time I called them granny panties. Need some help!

So, I am technically an investigator with a baptism date set for a few weeks in the future. I just turned 18 a couple of months ago, and, though I have been living by church standards for years, I wasn't allowed to formally pursue it until I left home for college. Now, of course, I am having to talk to my Catholic mom about this; I don't expect enthusiasm or whole-hearted support, but I just don't want her to be scared or to feel pushed away. My mom and I have a wonderful and loving relationship, and this hasn't estranged us at all. Unfortunately, she is content to accept whatever people who dislike the church tell her, she is suspicious about because she "doesn't know anything about it" and doesn't want to look into herself more, and, though she is a strong Catholic and actively practices her faith, she doesn't prioritize organized religion the same way I and other members of my family do (i.e. she thinks family comes first- more practically than spiritually- and that it takes precedence over certain supposed obligations). I know all the explanations, placations, and arguments I can offer her. What I am looking for are concrete sources that I can look at and/or send her in regards to her doubts: -examples of nonmember families (especially moms) accepting temple marriage and not feeling excluded -reasons and explanations as to why Mormons are Christians (and really good ones at that) -testimonies from nonmormons about how mormons are Christians/ good people/ a quality culture/ a good church (this would be even better from Catholics) -articles, etc. (especially from nonmormons) that dispel common misconceptions about the mormon church or note why the temple is a normal and good thing -reasons why it's important to get baptized (from individuals that seem authentic and relatable for her) Any help or things you can think of would be much appreciated!!!

I recently had the privilege to dedicate my home. It was a sacred experience and I blogged about it to encourage other single adults to build a Christ-centered living environment. Here’s an excerpt from my article posted on my blog: When Elder Richard G. Scott spoke last April about building a Christ-centered home, I was touched by his remarks and resolved to do my part to create such an environment. After pondering Elder Scott’s talk, I prayerfully considered how I could improve the living environment in my home. I felt impressed to dedicate my home, which meant giving it a special blessing to set it apart as a sacred place. In the same way that our chapels and temples are dedicated to set these buildings apart as a sacred place, the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as LDS or Mormon) have the opportunity to set apart their homes and invite the Lord’s blessings in their lives. As a single adult, I recognized that my situation was different from a traditional family. I was renting a modest home with two other Mormon roommates, but I still felt it was important to bless our home to invite the Lord’s presence more fully into our lives. Click here to read the full article!

breaks the law of chastity? It's obvious they're sent home.. are they kicked out of the church/unable to be married in the temple? Since they've broken temple covenants.. can they repent?

Hello everyone, my real question is can a young woman on her period (using a tampon of course) do baptisms? I remember when I was 13 or 14 at the DC temple they gave us papers saying if you were go talk to a temple worker but now they don't give out those papers anymore (it was a one time thing). My friend were just wondering about if you can if you are using a tampon? Thanks all.

If this is in the wrong forum, I sincerely apologize... I'm just curious as to whether any other young women out there wear their own underpants while doing baptisms for the dead? Is that okay, as long as they're white?

I just wanted to ask your feelings on your experience on going to the temple, without going into any detail. How did the whole experience make you feel? Did you understand anythig? What helped to guide you in the days after your endowments? Recently we had our first... as much as I would like to say that I loved it.. I did not, while i believe it is the house of the lord... I am left puzzled. I love the church, I really really do. I've never been happier, but this experience has left me feeling numb, confused and honestly a bit embarrased. A lot of people have said it was the best day of their lives, was I not prepared well enough? I was excited... now I am just confused. While I understand that my view and feelings might be of the "world" hence the weirded out part. I wanna feel happy again, I am numb, I am sad, I felt humiliated, silly. While I get the message... I can't stop feeling like this. Any suggestions? I feel like I need some type of intervention, but In my heart I love the church, I believe in our prophets and everything is so perfect until this.

My husband would like to find out who he did baptisms for if at all possible. Apparently the night after we went he dreamt that a large group of soldiers thanked him. It was a neat experience for him, one he realizes may have been a neat coincidence, but he'd love to find out if possible, if it could have been a real thank you from his brothers. Thanks guys!

I'm a 15 year old male, and my ward is going to do baptisms for the dead on Thursday. There are rumors going that I'm not worthy to do baptisms because I made out with this girl. Although I didn't make out with her, I'm just wondering... If I did, would I still be worthy to go to the temple? Thanks.

The last 4 or 5 times I've gone to the temple I've become increasingly convinced that there are 2 different actresses that play Eve. It seems to me that Eve makes a change of appearance once they leave the garden of Eden. When they're walking out of the garden she looks very different. Other facial expressions after the garden look different than the facial expressions of Eve while in the Garden. It looks like her eyes are very light green/blue in the garden and then brown at the end of the movie. Also, she has a few freckles on her face in the garden, but they're not visible after the garden. If it's not the same person, they look staggeringly similar, but I'm curious if anyone notices the differences in appearance, expressions and mannerisms between garden Eve and lone and dreary Eve. Not sure why they would have more than 1, unless the garden Eve was prego but they still wanted her to play the role. Also, from what I read on another post it sounds like Adam and Eve are married in real life. One individual says he saw them at church together. Curious to know if anyone knows whether it was the same actress or not. Go to the temple and check it out and let me know what you think.

Me and my girlfriend have been going out for a while now, and somehow stumbled onto the topic of marriage and the temple. To understand the dilemma first I'm going to give a little bit of background. She has had issues with relationships in her family in the past. She was abused by her birth father, who her mother has since divorced and her step dad has had 2 wives before her mom both of which were temple marriages that were annulled. They have all been sealed together as a family but her dad cheated on her mom. This has caused a lot of resentment towards temple marriage for her. We got onto the topic and she said that she would get sealed in the temple, but would require a civil union for about 3 years first. (An emergency way out of the situation probably caused by the abuse that she saw her mom take as a child.) My background from my parents, grandparents, great grandparents and so on is that you should never settle for a civil union. If they won't go to the temple first thing then you should proceed with your life. We got into a large disagreement about it and it ended up with her saying well you can take me as I am or leave me. We haven't spoken in about 5 days now. I love her more than anything except for God and Jesus Christ, and it's tearing me up inside. Could you guys accept a temporary civil marriage, and then get sealed or do you feel that it is a situation that will cause more problems than help? Please help -SomebodySomewhere101

So I know I've written a lot, if it's TL;DR, that's ok here's the main question. For people with anxiety over being the center-of-attention, what are good ways to get over it? (My farewell's coming up in 2-3 weeks, I don't really have time for therapy and certainly no meds, etc. So what's a good way to naturally deal with having to talk with people about me, about my mission, the whole crying about "Oh I remember just yesterday, you were just a baby and now you're going on a mission..." etc?) I'm not usually a big center-of-attention person. In fact, I hate it. I mean, I'm all excited for other people having the spotlight and even love playing it up for them, but for me I hate it. There are certain times when it's kind of ok, like giving talks or testimony meeting I don't mind so much, but making something special about me kind of makes me want to throw up (having my parents invite all of the family to my mission call opening was hard enough) So when I was preparing to get my endowments out for my mission, my parents and I ended up getting into a discussion about family. I brought up the fact I really wasn't looking to have my aunts and uncles there and even requested that my grandma and Great-grandma be there (because of course what do grandma's do? Throw a big fuss and love putting a lot of attention on their grandchildren) I ended up having an emotional breakdown on the phone with my parents and eventually over time I did concede to at least have my grandmas there with rules that if I was overwhelmed by the whole experience and by everyone I could be left to sit alone in a corner of the Celestial Room, etc. So fast-forward to the present. I have my endowments out now and the trip to the temple was fine. But I have come to find out that my grandma, even though my parents told her that I was feeling anxious and didn't want a crowd, actually invited all of my family to the temple that day. (Due to various reasons such as sickness, the death of an in-law, etc. they couldn't make it) And said to my dad in regards to me "Well, it's a public place, if everyone just happens to show up for a session at the exact same time it can't be helped, can it?" I am hurt that she did this, even if she might not have know the severity of my anxieties. I'm also grateful of how things did turn out, but I'm upset over what could have happened. If my relatives had shown up, I would have been so much more stressed out and I also probably would've been angry at my parents, especially my dad (he was a big pusher for trying to invite family to events) and in that case, when I had gone with him to participate in the prayer I would have had to withdrawn because I would've had ill-feelings towards him and then I would've been humiliated having to sit down in front of everyone and then having everyone wonder and maybe ask why I did that. And what would the explanation be? "Oh, I'm sorry, I was upset because I didn't really want any of you to be here..." So I feel like I have two problems: How should I talk to my grandma about this?Is there a way to get over some of this center-of-attention anxiety?I know we're usually more self-conscious of ourselves and notice more that we do than others, but I can get anxious over happy things as well. Like thoughts of getting married and having my extended family watch me get sealed and have a reception makes me want to throw up. But more urgently, what am I'm going to do for my farewell? The talk will be fine, but I don't do the whole partying/talking to people, especially not if I'm in anyway part of the focus. But that's the whole point of a farewell, and there's really no way of not having a gathering with my family, so what am I to do?

Hi I recently did my genealogy and have a lot of names to take the temple. I am going on the Youth Temple Trip tomorrow and was wondering how much names should I take? I was planning to do some more names this fall when I am out at BYU-I.

My husband and I were in active in the church for many years prior to meeting on LDSPlanet. We still were after we moved in together and got engaged. We started to go back as we prepared to get married, but since we didn't know how long it would take us to truly be ready for a temple sealing we decided to get married civilly. My father passed away during the planning and then my husband began nursing school so we ended up just having our Bishop (and two missionaries as witnesses)meet us at a local park to marry us. Ever since we both have been sad that we never got the full experience with sharing the day with family and friends. Plus, i never got to wear the dress my father saw me in (in pics) while he was in the hospital with Leukemia. I still have it ,tags attached and all, 4 years later. Since getting married in '09, my hubby graduated school, we had our son (now 15 mos), and we have moved back to Utah to be near my family. We are now talking with Bishop about preparing for the temple. In planning for it... Would it be weird to treat it as our "true wedding"? Having a small reception and me wearing my wedding dress etc?? My dress would have to be altered since its strapless and it would only be for after the temple as it is ivory and champagne. I would have to get a "temple dress" unless I sell the other and Just get one that's all white and temple ready. Any advice or suggestions??? My mind is reeling lol Plus, we want to make sure our son is included in whatever we do... Not like we would need a ring bearer so what to do? :/

I hope I'm posting this in the correct forum... I'm new here, this is my very first post. My husband and I have been married for 1 year, and are ready to be sealed in the temple! We live in Arizona, and our families live in Utah and California. We want to make a big deal about this (obviously its a big deal) and invite our families to join us in Hawaii. But I have never been there before and don't know where we should stay. Does anyone have any tips on where to stay and what to do??? Thanks in advance for any responses :)

xzxc

I just saw a video made inside the Salt Lake Temple filming a girl getting baptized for the dead. How can this happen? How can anyone get themselves to do such a disrespectfull thing? Is there any way it can be taken down from the internet? The guy has also filmed more sacred things in the temple. I feel very helpless about this issue. The comments made are just so horrible... What can we do to make this [YouTube User] stop posting recordings from the temple on youtube?