My Endowment

[eternalpromise516]

Hello Everyone :)

I haven't been very active on the boards lately since I've been busy with classes, but I've been popping in and out when I can.

Anyways, I have some good news/an update. I've been counseling with my Bishop on going through the temple to receive my Endowment. I recently met with him again on the 12th for my Tithing Settlement, and one of the things we talked about in addition to that was the temple. He said that he has been getting some promptings that it may indeed be my time to go through. He'd like for me to continue praying and to go at least once or twice more to the temple before we get everything together and he makes his case before the Stake President, which he said he'd gladly do.

So, I'm feeling very blessed and so excited right now. I've prayed immensely about this, especially when going to the temple for baptisms, and with everything Heavenly Father has revealed to me through prayer, scripture study, temple work, and visions/revaluations, I'm growing more strong in my faith and sure that this is indeed the next step for me to be taking in my progression.

Right now, I'm leaning towards going to the Columbus Ohio temple, which is my home temple. I'm also considering Salt Lake, since there are so many of you that are like family to me, and it would be easier for you to make it if I went through out there. I have the same situation here with my ward family, so it will be a tough decision to make. But Lytle/Ghost Rider and my favorite PB sandwich (his wife) said they'd love to take me temple hopping once I come out and when I'm endowed, even now if I'm not, so that may be the best option. We could have an LDS.net get together, COMPLETE with Pam's hottie potottie Chad (is potottie even a word??? LOL) and kind of co-celebrate my endowment and do some temple-hopping And yes, I DO have my dress picked out :) I saw myself in it before I even knew it was the one, in one of the visions I had about the temple.

Any advice/suggestions that are appropriate to be discussed outside of the temple are gladly welcomed. Scripture suggestions, things to do the day of or day before or day after or all!, etc. are great too :)

Edited December 21, 2010 by eternalpromise516

[HiJolly]

That's awesome! Maybe I will meet you if you come to SLC.

HiJolly

[Guest mirancs8]

I am so excited for you! I'm sure whichever Temple you decide it will be a wonderful and memorable experience for you. I share in your excitement as I will be receiving my endowment soon as well :)

I'm sure anything I point you towards reading you've already read, but I'm certain others will have some great ideas for you.

[Traveler]

Hello Everyone :)

I haven't been very active on the boards lately since I've been busy with classes, but I've been popping in and out when I can.

Anyways, I have some good news/an update. I've been counseling with my Bishop on going through the temple to receive my Endowment. I recently met with him again on the 12th for my Tithing Settlement, and one of the things we talked about in addition to that was the temple. He said that he has been getting some promptings that it may indeed be my time to go through. He'd like for me to continue praying and to go at least once or twice more to the temple before we get everything together and he makes his case before the Stake President, which he said he'd gladly do.

So, I'm feeling very blessed and so excited right now. I've prayed immensely about this, especially when going to the temple for baptisms, and with everything Heavenly Father has revealed to me through prayer, scripture study, temple work, and visions/revaluations, I'm growing more strong in my faith and sure that this is indeed the next step for me to be taking in my progression.

Right now, I'm leaning towards going to the Columbus Ohio temple, which is my home temple. I'm also considering Salt Lake, since there are so many of you that are like family to me, and it would be easier for you to make it if I went through out there. I have the same situation here with my ward family, so it will be a tough decision to make. But Lytle/Ghost Rider and my favorite PB sandwich (his wife) said they'd love to take me temple hopping once I come out and when I'm endowed, even now if I'm not, so that may be the best option. We could have an LDS.net get together, COMPLETE with Pam's hottie potottie Chad (is potottie even a word??? LOL) and kind of co-celebrate my endowment and do some temple-hopping And yes, I DO have my dress picked out :) I saw myself in it before I even knew it was the one, in one of the visions I had about the temple.

Any advice/suggestions that are appropriate to be discussed outside of the temple are gladly welcomed. Scripture suggestions, things to do the day of or day before or day after or all!, etc. are great too :)

When I went to the temple for my first time it was just my parents and myself. It was very special for me and for many years I was sure that being with my parents in a small private group was best. When my eldest daughter went to the temple for her first time she invited everybody. Her parents were there her soon to be parent in laws were there, her grandparents were there and her grandparent in-laws were there. Her siblings that could be there were there and her in-laws were there – there were aunts and uncles and cousins from both family and in laws. Almost the entire session was there for her first time – and her mother was her escort.

Entering into the Celestial room was an unbelievable experience. As each person entered and was greeted by many - I had the distinct impression that this was a for-shadow of being greeted by family and friends when we die.

What-ever you decide – make sure to include your closest family and friends – and as many as possible but whoever is there be grateful and thankful and know that the experience is the best possible.

The Traveler

[eternalpromise516]

Thanks everyone! And mirancs8, that's so awesome!!

One blessing that I've already started to notice from really preparing to go soon, is that my willingness/ability and opportunities to do missionary work, especially with my family. For my own safety, I have chosen not to come out and fully disclose to them that I am a member of the church, which is definitely a decision that I have not taken lightly and have prayed long and hard over at home and in the temple and have counciled with my home teacher and other leaders, who agree. However, since the passing of a lady I know from church, and how my mom's talked about it since she was the wife of one of the doctors when I was recently in ICU...things have been a bit "different." Mom is still pretty hostile, and so is everyone else. But I feel like progress is being made and that some of the hardness in their hearts is painstakingly been chipped away. Needless to say, I've certainly been following the council in my PB to always be praying for them. Who knows, one day I may be taking my own mother to the temple and we'll be sealed together!! :)

Anyways, being the planning person I am with events like this, I've done some work already. The girl who helped me join the church was originally going to be my escort, but I've changed that. I'm going with our very own Beefie :) The other girl lives out at UoU with her husband/they're graduating this year, and I just don't want to take a gamble on having to arrange my temple day and her not end up being able to be there. If she is, good. If not, I've got my professional dry tongue cleaner with me

I've included links to pictures of my dress and one of my temple bags. I am having a hard time deciding which envelope I want. There's one I found on a website that has everything sectioned out for easy dispersal, and then there's a plan pouch one on another site that I can have my name, endowment date, the temple of my choice, and even the name of the temple embroidered on it. Going to try and see if I can't get the sectioned one embroidered. There are links to those too.

In terms of who all I want to be there - I'm split between just inviting a select few and inviting everyone I know. If I could be endowed personally in multiple temples just so I could get to go with everyone, I totally would.

Envelope #1 (w/sections)

Heavenly Delight Temple Gowns - Sessions Envelopes Page 2

Envelope #2 (embroidery)

Personalized Temple Envelope Product Details - White Elegance - Makers of LDS Temple Clothes, Temple Dresses, Pioneer Costumes and more

My Temple Dress

Modest Wedding Dresses - ETERNITY Gowns: Sophisticated Dresses and Gowns Designed with Modesty in Mind for Weddings, Prom, Shabbos, Quinceanera, Pageants, Muslim Events, LDS Temple, etc.

One of my Temple Bags (second one, dress bag in blue and brown damask)

https://www.celestialfashions.com/Temple-Dress-Bags.html

*also looking at one of the other regular bags for my envelope materials and stuff.

[Guest mirancs8]

I love the idea of the embroidery one! I think that is a great idea. The Temple dress you picked is just beautiful! The Temple bag as well is very nice.

I think you must have noticed the embroidery envelope has a 4-6 week ship date.

It’s unfortunate you can't have everyone there for your own endowment. However, when you are endowed you can make plans with each Temple you visit to meet up with those folks. For me personally I have many here near me who have been there from the beginning (from Baptism on) and I would like them to be there. Well at least make it easy for them to be there.

I can completely relate to the hostility in family and how being a member of this church can certainly amplify that hostility. It took me over 8 years to break the silence I held but I made a promise at my Baptism this past March that I would start being honest about my beliefs. I’ll admit each time it gets easier to say it, but it’s never easier leading up to that moment. I go through an internal battle before I finally just say it. My family has a true distaste for the Mormon faith but that’s OK. I’m not living to please them… I am living to please my Heavenly Father. It’s not fun at all being the only member in a family (I’m making an assumption you are from what I am reading), and it’s something members who come from member families can never grasp an understanding of.

That is so wonderful that you picked Beefche to take you through the Temple for your endowment. I’m sure she is thrilled

[beefche]

Anyways, being the planning person I am with events like this, I've done some work already. The girl who helped me join the church was originally going to be my escort, but I've changed that. I'm going with our very own Beefie :) The other girl lives out at UoU with her husband/they're graduating this year, and I just don't want to take a gamble on having to arrange my temple day and her not end up being able to be there. If she is, good. If not, I've got my professional dry tongue cleaner with me

Sorry to tell you this, but my tongue isn't dry! Be prepared.

This is an exciting time for you and I'm happy to be a part of it. Thank you.

[Wingnut]

I have an embroidered envelope, and I love it, except that it's kind-of big for what I need.

[eternalpromise516]

Sorry to tell you this, but my tongue isn't dry! Be prepared.

This is an exciting time for you and I'm happy to be a part of it. Thank you.

I wish we had a hug button :)

[eternalpromise516]

I just placed the order for my envelope and hankie. As much as I've worked and struggled to get to this point, I already have a feeling I'm more than likely going to be doing some crying when I go through. Ended up going with the embroidered personalized envelope and same hankie from White Elegance. The even better part? A portion of the cost from each item goes to sisters and their families in the Philippines! The links to what I got are below. For the envelope, I used one that shows the women's design, even though that specific page isn't for that one. Same for the hankie It'll have my fully name, the phrase "Families Are Forever", and the name of the Columbus Ohio temple, in addition to an embroidered picture of the same temple. My hankie will have the Cbus temple picture, my name, and the temple's name.

Envelope: Embroidered Temple Envelope Product Details - White Elegance - Makers of LDS Temple Clothes, Temple Dresses, Pioneer Costumes and more

Hankie: Embroidered Temple Hankie Product Details - White Elegance - Makers of LDS Temple Clothes, Temple Dresses, Pioneer Costumes and more

I can't describe how excited but peacefully so I feel about finally being able to go and obtain these blessings. It will be even more real when I can look my Bishop in the eyes and declare that, and sign my recommend. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

[Roseslipper]

everything u picked out is beautiful, i love the dress u will look beautiful, they have so many beautiful dresses today. I remember the first time i went i live in fla and at that time had to drive up to atlanta stayed a week it was a wonderfuleel time. The temple is very special i didnt want to leave, its beautiful sure, but its more of what you feel when your inside. Enjoy it and go back often. Theres really no better place to be but inside.

[dahlia]

eternalpromise516, your dress is literally 'simply beautiful.' I'm excited for you. I may go to Nauvoo soon with the group from the ward. I'll look around the visitor's center and the town. I cannot imagine ever being good enough for an endowment.

I have a question for everyone - why do people go with you when you get your endowment? Do they go through with you and it's a group event or do they wait for you to be done and it's more like a celebration afterward?

[beefche]

You have someone of the same gender (your choice) to be your "escort." This person is with you each step of the way as a support and help. The entire process takes about 2 hrs for the first time through. Since it is new, unknown, and we don't discuss it outside the temple, it can be intimidating for the first timer.

Others are invited as a way to celebrate. They are there for the endowment portion only (there are 2 steps--initiatory and endowment. Most people upon returning to the temple attend an endowment session). They are in the same room as you and then will be in the Celestial Room (the end portion of the endowment session) to greet you.

[eternalpromise516]

exactly what beefche said. you can choose an endowed member of the same sex, usually a family member or close friend, or you can have a temple worker be your escort as well. from what i've read in approved resources, they also pin a little piece of paper on you to show that you're a first-time patron so the workers and other patrons know and they can help guide you if you want/need it.

as i'm trying to put everything together, i'm planning on inviting those who have been the most influential and key in my spiritual development. some choose to only have their escort and immediate family there, and some choose to have a big "party" with everyone they know - so that's why i'm going to be a little selective. i finally decided to go through the Columbus temple for a couple of reasons. Mostly because it's only an hour 45 away, i have a lot of ward family that I'd like to be there, and it feels like home to me since i've been there so much. i'm planning on a trip out to SLC fairly soon and am planning on doing some temple hopping, so i figured that everyone from out there could be with me then, as i'm SURE i'll still need help. i am very much looking forward to entering the Celestial Room and seeing everyone i know that came there. it seems like it'd be a direct mirror of eternity.

dahlia - you ARE good enough to go receive your endowment! everyone is invited to go and receive those blessings, which is one of the best things about the Plan. you'll know, just like i've come to know, when you're ready and it's time to go. it's one of the best feelings i've ever had, next to being baptized and confirmed, my first trip to the temple for proxy baptisms, and the day i witnessed my grandfather's work being started (that one made me cry, tearing up a little now just remembering what i felt then!). it'll be one of the best days of your life. and i'm JEALOUS you're getting to go to Nauvoo soon! i'd love to go there too! enjoy it :)

next month (hopefully): order my temple dress

[captmoroniRM]

Any advice/suggestions that are appropriate to be discussed outside of the temple are gladly welcomed. Scripture suggestions, things to do the day of or day before or day after or all!, etc. are great too

Read the Pearl of Great Price, especially the Book of Moses.

[eternalpromise516]

Read the Pearl of Great Price, especially the Book of Moses.

will do. i think i've read it already, and rather liked it. abraham on the other hand seems to be a little rough for me to handle and stay awake through (hence why i've only made it through the first chapter!! LOL)

[eternalpromise516]

just ordered my temple dress :) hopefully it'll be here by April 6th, which is the day i'm looking at going through. going to be attending a session next month, and then making a meeting with the bishop to start the process rolling forward more quickly :)

[Maureen]

just ordered my temple dress :) hopefully it'll be here by April 6th, which is the day i'm looking at going through. going to be attending a session next month, and then making a meeting with the bishop to start the process rolling forward more quickly :)

Hi eternal, I'm just asking for clarification out of curiosity. You are saying that April 6th is the date set for you to receive your endowment, is that correct? But then you say that next month, which is February, you will be attending a "session"? Isn't the word "session" just another word for endowment? Your timetable is a little confusing.

M.

[eternalpromise516]

Hi eternal, I'm just asking for clarification out of curiosity. You are saying that April 6th is the date set for you to receive your endowment, is that correct? But then you say that next month, which is February, you will be attending a "session"? Isn't the word "session" just another word for endowment? Your timetable is a little confusing.

M.

no. session can also be applied to the baptistry. :)

[Maureen]

no. session can also be applied to the baptistry. :)

Thanks for the clarification, that makes more sense.

M.

[eternalpromise516]

Hello Everyone!

Finally an update. I've since received my envelope and hankie - absolutely beautiful! I cried when I opened the package.

Anyways, I have an interview scheduled with my Bishop for March 2nd at 7:30pm. I stated in my email to the Executive Secretary that I wanted to see the Bishop regarding an interview for my full recommend. So, hopefully by the time I walk out of that office I'll either A). Have my recommends in hand and have to schedule an appointment with the Stake President, or B). Have another appointment to actually interview for my recommend.

I feel totally at peace and know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have revealed to me that it is my time to receive this great gift and ordinance. I have been doing much prayer and fasting, pondering of the scriptures, and attending the temple to complete baptisms as frequently as my means has allowed, and keeping active in family history temple work, in addition to counseling with a couple of different leaders of mine and on three occasions temple workers, including a sealer and the temple president and an assistant to the matron. But the thing that has helped me the most is prayer, fasting, and attendance at the temple. I feel well prepared to accept and keep the sacred temple covenants.

So, I would appreciate it if everyone would send as many well-wishes and prayers as possible in the coming days. If you would be willing to add myself, my bishop, and Stake President to your local temple's roll, please PM me and I will provide you with names. Thank you all for the love and support you've given me :)

-The Great EP

[eternalpromise516]

Good evening everyone!

Some GREAT news to report!! Meeting went quite well with the bishop. I would've been able to receive my recommends tonight, but I do still need formal approval from the Stake President since I am not going on a mission or being sealed in the temple. However, the bishop is 100% supportive, agrees that I am well-prepared to go, and said that he will do everything he possibly can in order to make sure that it happens, which he isn't doubting that the S.P. will have any issue in approving :D

So...they have a meeting either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. By this time, hopefully I'll have a definitive appointment to become a full recommend holder and that much closer to receiving my endowment!!

-The Great EP:D

[pam]

Woooohooo EP. That is awesome news!!!!

[Backroads]

This is so wonderful! Congratulations!

[Guest mirancs8]

So excited for you!!