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My First Temple Experience
I recently went to the Belém Brazil Temple with other Church members from Suriname. This was my first visit and when I approached the temple, I was restless and nervous. As I entered that sacred house of the Lord, I felt its warm embrace. The Spirit was so strong. When I approached the recommend desk, I saw a picture of the Savior with two children by His side. My nervousness disappeared. The scripture from Matthew came to mind, “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
This scripture gave me strength for I was a little child coming into His sacred house.
That day I was washed and anointed and received the power of the endowment. This is an experience I will never forget, and I want to return to the temple as often as I can.
While in the temple I watched a mother and father sealed together and then their daughter sealed to them. It made me cry. If they are faithful, this family will be together for the eternities. I am excited to bring my family to the temple so we too can be an eternal family.
I return to the challenges of daily life more committed to living a righteous life. My testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been fortified and with it I will plant my roots further into the ground and stand stronger. I have come to know that I do have a loving Father in Heaven and a Savior and Redeemer to help me through my challenges. My testimony has grown stronger, and I have learned new things. I will surely stumble in life, but I will stand up and carry on. I shall not falter. Perhaps the psalmist said it best:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Psalm 23).