Secrets of the Mormon Temple Revealed!

[Guest Goose]

The washing and anointing ceremony was changed somewhat a few years ago. You may not find it as uncomfortable as you used to

Yes, I know it changed a bit but still, for me, until we change and adopt a catholic like baptism for the washing I'll probably avoid it and go straight to sessions only. :)

[Maureen]

Originally Posted by Wingnut

The washing and anointing ceremony was changed somewhat a few years ago. You may not find it as uncomfortable as you used to.

Yes, I know it changed a bit but still, for me, until we change and adopt a catholic like baptism for the washing I'll probably avoid it and go straight to sessions only. :)

The initiatory has changed more than just a bit. I'm absolutely positive that you would be much more comfortable now.

M.

[BenRaines]

I have made some edits to posts and may make some more. Please stick to the original topic and spirit of the OP. No more personal attacks. If you have something to call someone on or wish to discuss with them regarding their post please handle in private.

This was a great thread that PC started regarding his experience and it turned in to a complaint thread about what people have experienced in the temple.

I will continue to monitor this thread and take appropriate action.

Ben Raines

[Elgama]

I was baptized a full ten years before going through the temple because of my age, and I am grateful for that time, I am also grateful for the Bible knowledge I gained outside of the church, as a result nothing was unexpected or new, almost everything you learn inside the temple can be learned outside the temple with study and prayer, just without the intensity, you can learn in 3/4 hour in the temple what takes years outside it. I am very sure the Old Testament prophets had that knowledge and the writings of Paul are stuffed full of the things we learn in the Temple.

I love the spirit of the Temple and have experienced many special witnesses, however for me the endownment ceremony physically is everything my Dyspraxia and Fibromyalgia make tiring, difficult and frustrating, I go to get through to the Celestial Room or enjoy the baptisms. I get stage fright over the endownment and find myself getting very nervous

[Guest Goose]

The initiatory has changed more than just a bit. I'm absolutely positive that you would be much more comfortable now.

M.

Yes I realize just how much it changed. I didn't want to give details of the Temple ceremonies here since we aren't supposed to, but my problems were both the ,ah, 'uniform' before and now still the fact that some old man is breathing my air......I mean the dude is soooo close...

[Guest Goose]

By the way, its isn't true what some people say about sailors....we really don't want to be closer to other men than needs be!

[Nikkie85]

When I go to the temple I try to be very aware of the person I am going through for. I think it is a injustice to them not to pay attention and really focus.

When my hubby and I first went through for our endowment my in-laws told us we were not going to understand everything and we should not try too. I will admit I was very confused but as I continue to go more starts to make sense. The temple and my patriarchal blessing cemented my testimony of the church.

[applepansy]

"Open question...for some LDS the Temple is one of the most positive, encouraging, motivating aspects of the faith. Others apparently find it difficult, and feel little desire to go more than occasionally. Thoughts? "

-- from PrisonChaplain

I'm in the camp that only goes occasionally. When I was High Priest Group Leader I went regularly, but frankly, I think I have such a high need for achievement, that I find the temple a real challenge to enjoy. Yes, I am going through for someone who will receive eternal ordinances, but the experience lacks any visible nowishness, and I find the four hours and the ceremony to be challenging to sit through when I've seen it before, and have mounting work at home or work.

And, the clothing doesn't ever fit me properly. I had an experience while in the Bishopric when I entered the Celestial room and some of my clothing (not my pants, by the way) fell off my waist and landed around me ankles. I felt humiliated. The shape of my body (flat buttocks) makes belts, and other clothing you wear around your waist fall off unless I hold it. It's maddening and been a problem all my life!

And in the temple, it's worse.

I also made a trip to the temple years ago when I had a big marriage decision, and was so worn out from school and everything I fell asleep in the celestial room and got booted out (nicely). Somehow the clothing-around-the ankles experience, and the being woken up in the celestial room experiences are partly responsible for making the temple a place I frequent only now and then.

Sadly, you can chastise me at will, but it's one aspect of our culture I find challenging to make a regular part of my life.

Have you tired the initiatory work or sealings? Either only takes an hour.

For me sealings are espeically nice with my husband. We are on a temple team (4 couples) who go twice a month to do sealings. There is a sense of accomplishment to kneel across the altar (albeit for someone else) and look at my husband. We've been married 33+ years and that's a sense of accomplishment.

[Still_Small_Voice]

The temple and my patriarchal blessing cemented my testimony of the church.

Interesting. The testimony the Lord has given me has come in the truth of John 7:16-17:

"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

Following the commandments of God and the teachings of the prophets has caused the knowledge of truth to grow inside me.

[Maya]

Glad to hear you were there: I been telling my family in Vancover to go, but I doubt they did. Vancover Temple reminds a lot the Finnish Temple! :)