Letter #25"Revelation comes on the Lord's timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith, even though we haven't received all the answers"

Dear Timpanogos Temple,
Thank you for being so beautiful. Thank you for being a refuge and the house of the Lord. As I reflect back to one year ago from today, February 10th, I start to cry. I wrote in my journal a year ago that I will remember this day for a very very long time. I know many of you (mostly family members) have heard this but, today this is what I am grateful for.

One year ago...
"I just wanted to let you all know that I have been filled out my mission papers and plan on turning them in March 16th (after I get my physical and dental exams). I am so excited to go out and serve the Lord!
I decided to go on February 10th while I was in the Timpanogos Temple. I was waiting in the chapel to do baptisms and confirmations and I usually pray for those I am about to do the ordinances for (to open their hearts and their minds). At this point I was unsure about what I was going to be doing during the Fall of 2010. I had many options including go back to the U, stay at UVU, possibly attend BYU...you see my dilemma =) As I prayed for each of these things I didn't feel anything. Without realizing what I was asking I asked if I should go on a mission (which I have never seriously thought about before) and all of the sudden I felt so warm inside. I felt every good thing anyone could feel at one time...peace, joy, happiness, love (you get the picture!) I knew in that instant that I was supposed to prepare for a mission and that is exactly what I am doing!!! I immediately met with my bishop and started filling out my papers (which are now done!)
I just wanted you all to know that I love the Lord and this gospel! I have a testimony of personal revelation and that if we pray and communicate with the Lord daily we can be blessed and he definitely answers prayers! I am excited to share the gospel with those who are searching for the truth. Thank you for being great examples to me! I love you all! Family Forever!!!"

Looking back I am so grateful and humbled. Obviously I did not go on a mission and I know why. It is sometimes difficult to completely interpret personal revelation. When I prayed and asked if I should prepare to go on a mission and got a clear, "yes", I immediately thought that meant I was going on a mission. Little did I know that while preparing for a mission I was really preparing to go through the temple and be sealed to Calin. Everything happens for a reason and although it may be hard sometimes, if we listen to what the spirit is trying to tell us we will be happy. Being happy sounds so simple but, it is something that I strive and work for everyday. Calin and I slacked off on reading the scripturers the last couple of weeks and recently started up again and already I can tell a difference in school, family life and work. I am so grateful for the temples. I don't go as much as I should. It is so easy to come up with things I have to do instead. I want to testify to all of you and more importantly to myself that I know the temples are a house of God. They are sacred and holy places that if you have the right desires anyone can receive personal revelation. I am so grateful for this blessing in my life and I will try my best to not take it for granted. I know that thanking the temples sound a bit odd but, thank you.

ps. my letter quote came from Robert D Hales Oct 2007 conference talk. read it!