The Blessings of the Temple

Today I had the great privilege of attending the temple.  Once again I was able to partake of the sacred ordinances of baptisms and confirmations for the dead.  Being in the house of the Lord was such a marvelous experience.  I needed to go because I've been getting anxious about going on a mission.  The reality is starting to set in.  I get my wisdom teeth out tomorrow and then my papers go in.  It only takes about a week to two weeks for the calls to come.  Then once it's here I'll be able to either get a job or just keep preparing and working and then leave. 

So with this upcoming change comes anxiety and fears.  Also, I've started to have a lot of doubts about myself and my ability to serve as a missionary.  I've learned that once a person decides to be a missionary, that is when the adversary (or Satan, Lucifer, the Devil) tries his hardest to get that person to change their minds.  The temptation to just stay home, work and date every guy I see, has been very strong.  I've started to struggle with my self confidence and my self image.  I've started to feel inadequate, like I don't know enough, that I won't be able to show others how wonderful the Gospel of Christ is. 

So with all of these doubts, fears, anxieties and struggles I knew that I needed to go to the temple and give my spirit and mind a rest and spiritual nourishment; for that is what the Gospel is... it is spiritual nourishment.  While in the temple I was able to find the answers I needed.  I read in Doctrine and Covenants.  Sections 4-14 and other sections mainly focus on missionary work.  As I read the words and felt the Spirit, many of my fears and anxieties were answered and put to rest.  I still have preparation ahead of me.  But I am so incredibly grateful that the temple is there. 

For those who are not worthy to go to the temple, or have never been, I say become worthy.  The Atonement is real and through the Atonement the blessings of the temple can be obtained.  It can be difficult to understand why the temple is so important and brings so many blessings because we never talk about the actual ordinances in great detail; because they are so sacred.  But I testify that the temple can bring peace, happiness, answers, and help us recenter our lives around Christ.  Even just walking the temple grounds or touring a visitors center can bring the spirit of the temple into our lives.