audreyII Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 I'm so excited! So overwhelmed - it's a "good" overwhelmed, but overwhelmed all the same. I'll be going for my own endowments in 18 days. Feels soooo soon, and yet sooooo far away at the same time! So anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any words of advice for me about anything regarding the temple. As an FYI - I will be going to the DC temple, so there is a distribution center where I will be purchasing my garments that day, and they have clothing rental. I know it will be here before I know it, but it's just - ahhh!!!! So close, but yet so far away....lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 I don't have any advice but just wanted to say Congratulations!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_T_R Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 Are you getting married or preparing for a mission? Or is it just time to receive your endowment? :) Congratulations! I'm not sure what I can say here.. except that it was a day I'll never forget. Not because it's a big step in a church member's life, which it is. It was a beautiful experience and one that affected the entire course of my life since then. I actually went without an escort.. which I guess is pretty unusual. They didn't know what to do with me lol. But I wanted to experience it on my own so I did, and for my personality, that was perfect. Over the years prior to it I heard from many people the first time is just weird; confusing; it doesn't make any sense. But I didn't find that at all! I mean I've learned a lot more about it since that time but wow. What an extraordinary experience. I hope it is for you.. and if it is confusing and kinda weird, I hope you'll continue to return and let the Spirit teach you how amazing it really is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skalenfehl Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 The endowment is the similitude of the real thing; a real event. You've entered in at the gate of baptism and are feeling your way along the iron rod. One day you will find yourself at the end and when you part the veil, you will fall on your knees and experience the love of God firsthand. This endowment is the means, not the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audreyII Posted August 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 It's just "time" for me to go. I'm 25...no marriage prospects right now or a mission, but my bishop and I both feel very strongly now is the time for whatever reason. (not complaining...) :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skalenfehl Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 Did you take any temple prep classes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dravin Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 (edited) 1) Prepared to be overwhelmed with information. There is a lot to take in and because it is an interactive experience you'll probably focus on doing those parts correctly (you'll have help of course), and less time pondering the meaning and implications of what you're learning. 2) In addition to all the information it is steeped in ritual and symbolism and we really don't have a lot of ritual in the Church aside from the sacrament so it can feel 'off' simply because we're not exposed to a lot of it. 3) Because of the overwhelming aspect don't feel bad if you don't feel the spirit like you may expect yourself to. I heard others talk about what a spiritual experience it was and it is, but I didn't really feel it until I was more comfortable with the endowment. For me at least anxiety over the new experience 'buried' the spirit beneath it. 4) Go back as often as you can, once you're familiar enough with the endowment that you're comfortable then you can really sink you teeth into it. Edited November 21, 2014 by Dravin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
estradling75 Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 The advice I usually gave when teaching the temple prep class a long time ago was... Don't sweat the details. Focus on the feeling the spirit and generally how you are feeling. The details can come on later trips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audreyII Posted August 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 Did you take any temple prep classes?Yep! My bishop's wife is teaching it. My last class is next Sunday. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 My 2 cents: - I realize you're going in 18 days. But one thing that really helped me was that I went to the temple to do baptisms before I had my endowments. I only had a recommend for baptisms (I'm a convert) at first so I was able to do just that, then come back later for endowments and sealing after I've been a member for a year. I thought it was perfect that I was already a little bit familiar with the atmosphere of the temple when I went through all the many things that happened in the endowment and sealing. Line upon line, precept upon precept. - Keep the entire day holy - like a Sabbath - if you can. Don't worry much about anything. Just let the ushers and the helpers guide you along. Ask questions as soon as you feel confused/lost no what to do, where to go, etc. Don't worry too much about understanding and remembering the details. Just follow along for now and just soak in the atmosphere and the spirit of the temple. Take your time. - Hopefully, you will attend the temple again very soon and you'll get more and more out of it everytime you go. It's a lot to take in at first and it can overwhelm you if you seek complete understanding on the first visit. Congratulations and best wishes on your special day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarlJibbs Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 Some good advice here. I second those that have said to take it easy. I tried to soak everything in and retain every last detail, at the end of the endowment my head was swimming and I had a headache the rest of the day. It was still a wonderful time, but I wish I would have taken the experience as it is, that is we can go back as often as we want. Dont expect to learn everything the first time. Remember that you have the temple workers around you and they will help. Being your first time, they will make you feel right at home and will be close by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applepansy Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 I second everything that Dravin said. It might seem pretty weird, as it's very ritualistic, and nothing we do in the Church is quite like it. Don't let that scare you off. The other thing is to go back as soon as you can (especially if you get weirded out). Don't stay away too long. Also, if you want to fast in preparation, do it the day before. You don't want your blood sugar to be low the day of, when you're trying to follow everything that's going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Backroads Posted August 14, 2012 Report Share Posted August 14, 2012 I say just relax and enjoy it. In my experience it's next to impossible to really get everything the first few [dozen] times, so I wouldn't bother trying to wrap your head around it all. Go in, pay attention, and feel the Spirit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skoshmom Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 So happy for you! This is one of the most important days of your life - so don't sweat the small stuff. You are an invited guest in the house of the Lord, so cherish every moment. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed, you will not be expected to remember everything and don't put too high expectations on yourself. When I'm in my temple gown, I always carry a few cough drops in my pocket. You'd be surprised at how handy they will be - and not just for yourself either. There have been a few times when someone in the session has had a coughing spell and having a cough drop is sure nice to have around. I also always put a chapstick in my pocket as well. You may or may not need one, but I sure find it to be a lifesaver as well. Lastly, after you go gone through for yourself and will be going back, I have found something wonderful called an "endowment bracelet". I have just now discovered it and for me, it has been so handy. The bracelet is quite pretty and can be purchased at any LDS bookstore and is only about $6.00 or so. It is made up or pretty white or crystal beads (like pearls) and has a vinyl window for slipping the name of whom you are doing the work for into. In my opinion, it sure beats putting that slip of paper in your pocket and then forgetting which pocket you put the name in, and then going back and forth between pockets to find that slip of paper. These are just a few tips that have worked well for me. You'll quickly become adept at what works for you. Let us know of your experience. We will be thinking of you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippy740 Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 Couple of prepatory ideas:1) Think Old Testament... but no animal sacrifices.2) Read The Pearl of Great Price - particularly Moses.3) Remember that this is the dispensation of the FULLNESS of times.D&C 128:1818 I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times. I mention this because it may be rather uncomfortable and sometimes unsettling with how ritualistic the endowment can be. But if we keep the scriptural precidence in place and the right mindset, we can know that it is all of the Lord for our benefit and the fulfillment of scripture and prophesy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audreyII Posted August 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 Thanks everyone! I can't believe it's only 15 days away....CRAZY! I was in Institute the other day, and someone made a comment about their experience doing baptisms one day, and how he really wanted to have a spiritual experience. Well he did, but what it consisted of was "this isn't about you! it's about the people who you are being baptized for". That put my mind on the right track - this is the ONLY time I get to do this for ME, and the only ordinances that are "about us" are our own endowment and sealing. And really, my own endowment is the only temple ordinance that will be ONLY about me. I don't want to sound "full of myself" or anything, but it's so true - that day is ALL about me and Heavenly Father. That's not to say I will not receive personal benefit from going back and doing work for others (in fact, A LOT of benefit), but wow....this really is the only time it's going to ONLY be about me and the Lord. Huh.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skoshmom Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 When you truly realize the purpose of the temple and all the people who've departed this earth who are waiting for their work to be done, it humbles you like nothing else can. I am so grateful for the church in my life, there are just no words that can adequately explain it. The temple is the place where you can experience true joy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audreyII Posted August 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 And our own temple ordinances are just as important to our ancestors as they are to us...and vice versa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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