Been preparing for the temple

[Generally_Me]

So, in recap. Been civilly married for 5 1/2 years.
Both LDS, not active.
We've been attending and participating in church for a little under a year now.
Started out rocky, attendance twice a month and occasional tithe-payers.
By May, we were attending nearly every week and paying a full tithe (working on catching up the amount unpaid at the beginning of the year).
Hubby was made an elder at the end of July.
The week before that, I was asked to serve in the Relief Society presidency (2nd counselor). Very inspiring experience, the set-apart blessing stated the Lord had forgiven me and loves me, albeit in more detail than I'm willing to write here; it was something I'd been very worried about at the time. Note: The blessing was not given by the bishop, and he is not a bishop to gossip about anything with anyone.
We then started temple prep classes. It's been a slow process, as we are a class that tends to go off on tangents, but are projected to be through it by the end of November. Our daughter (age 4) is extremely excited and keeps talking about Mommy and Daddy "getting married again".
I was worried about money. Well, we both were. Not only that we were behind on tithing (the bishop helped us come up with a plan to catch up by end of year, but the budget hurts a little), but I didn't see how we were going to come up with money for white clothing and garments. The vehicle, the dishwasher and the heater broke down in the last few months, obliterating our savings. Lack of dishwasher has helped our electric bill though.

Here comes the testimony:
Got a call (not from the Lord though it kinda felt that way ) today. I will be receiving a bonus check because they have reevaluated my part in the company and determined I was underpaid. This check will be showing up within the next 2 weeks. There will be money enough to catch up our tithing and offerings, purchase temple clothing and pay off the vehicle, maybe replace the dishwasher (haven't yet), and definitely have a beginning savings again.

Could I blow it all on a trip to Disney world? Yes. But I won't.
I may, however, tickle my husband into getting sealed in the temple of my choice rather than the "local" one that's 3 hours away (what's another 2 hours on top of that anyhow??)

I know that after the sacrifice, comes the blessings.

[beefche]

That's wonderful, GM! Congrats!

A couple of thoughts: temple clothes for first timers can be had for a discount. Contact the distribution center for more info (or you can call the beehive clothing store at the your temple if there is one). Also, have you checked with the RS president (you have an "in" being in the presidency) to see if anyone has some used temple clothes? Sometimes people want to get new ones even when their current ones are fine. Just some thoughts on how to save some $$.

[Generally_Me]

I did know about the first time discount, and was planning to take full advantage of it. Didn't think to ask about second-hand clothing though. Thanks!

[pam]

What an awesome story about the blessings that can be received.

[Zowieink]

Myself, who you don't know, congratulate you on your sacrifice. I am an ordinance worker in the AZ Temple. When you go for the first time, some things to think about:

First, If you have to travel to get to the temple, schedule some time to do baptisms for the dead (hopefully your own ancestors) and then later in the day or the next, take out your endowment. In this, you will find a very uplifting experience. You will receive many blessings. Don't stress out on particulars, and don't try to eat the elephant in one bite, but relax, listen and enjoy the spirit. In all the things you will be asked to do, you will be making covenants with the Lord. You have been found worthy, so don't sweat it, just listen and participate....many millions have gone through the very same thing. Don't question things, but instead, feel the spirit and let the Holy Ghost teach you. On your journey during the endowment, don't worry or get stressed out. You will be asked to remember certain things and recite them at a certain place that will be shown you. Remember, there is a temple worker there with you, to help you all along the way and make this the most spirit and special experience of your life...so again relax. Just enjoy the spirit, your friends that are with you, and the wonderful experience of symbolically entering the celestial realm (the Celestial Room of the temple). You will be able to go through this experience as a proxy many many more times.

When you are ready to be sealed together, again, just listen, and enjoy the sweetness on kneeling across the altar as special blessings are pronounced upon you and you are sealed, husband and wife for time and all eternity. Then if you have children, they will be sealed to you in a ceremony that will bring tears to your eyes.

Just remember, Satan will try to weasel in and destroy the moment. You will know that because of your faithfulness, the Lord has forgiven you, otherwise you would not be in the Temple. Enjoy, the feeling of coming back Home.

[Generally_Me]

Zowieink, thank you. You just made me tear up. We are sooo excited for this! My family was sealed when I was young, and I used to do baptisms for the dead, but it's been over 10 years since I've been to a temple. We are really looking forward to this, it's been a long road, and the blessings we have seen and felt in the last few months have been undeniable.

[beefche]

I still remember the first time I entered the temple to receive my own endowments. My best friend was my escort and the night before, we had some private time in which she explained what to expect (without revealing anything she shouldn't). That was one of the best things anyone has ever done for me. It allowed me to relax and concentrate on the experience.

GM, if you have the opportunity, I would recommend that someone who has been through the temple do this for you and your husband (you are married, right?). It removed the "mystery" for me (most people are nervous about the unknown). Always remember, that there is someone there with you every step in the temple (even after your first time) to help you with whatever you need help.