Bren - Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad that you had a good experience. I hope you took the opportunity to go in the prayer circle. I'm so glad you told us that you were in Germany. I looked at your city/state and I couldn't figure out where you lived. I'm the curious type so I have some questions for you. Have you always lived in Germany? Are you there for your job or your husband's job? Is English your second language? Now for the temple. Is the session done in German or do they also have sessions in English? I'm so glad that you had a good experience. When you get the opportunity go through an initiatory session. That by itself will remind you of what you are promised and what you are capable of. Have a wonderful Sabbath, mine has been especially good. It was our High Council Sunday which is one of my favorite weeks. My other favorite is fast Sunday. I just love those two weeks of the month. Melody

Oh my goodness!!!!! That is about all I can say. You know, during those 3.5 years I was away from the temple I didn't think I was really missing that much in my life. Having only been the one time and being so nervous I don't really even remember much of it, I didn't realize how much I really was missing. I knew what everyone said about the feelings you have but I never KNEW, I mean REALLY KNEW, how it felt to bask in the warm glow of Heavenly Father's light and love. I also didn't realize the impact it was going to have on me emotionally. I definitely was not prepared emotionally for all the feeling inside of me. I walked up to the door and tried to open it, already starting to feel the tears well up under my eyes when to my horror, the door wouldn't open. Part of me felt like, "Well, see you weren't supposed to be here after all. You just aren't worthy!" Then (of course) I see the sign beside the door saying to push the button to be let in!! Standing there in the front, showing my temple recommend, I started crying. Full on--almost bawling! I couldn't believe that I was worthy to be standing in this Holy House of the Lord. For so long I had felt so unworthy, that is why it took me 3.5 years to make it back. All through changing my clothes and then waiting in the holding pen for the session to start, and of course all through the session I just weeped. I had so many emotions running through me...was I really worthy, or was I faking; did I really deserve to be here; feeling the love of the Lord; feeling the love for my husband who was there with me; nervous, happy, repentant, love, sorrow (for staying away so long) and the pride that Heavenly Father must be feeling knowing that one of his children has returned home. I just wanted to share this experince with you, with people that understand what it means to have these feelings. The really cool part is that today I got to teach the RS lesson about the natural man, and share my experience with my RS sisters about how good it felt to put aside the natural man and be in the presence of God. Thanks for listening to me. It feels so much better when you can share it with others. Have a great Sabbath Day!!!!!! Bren P.S. In case you were wondering, I am in Heidelberg, Germany and went to the Frankfurt, Germany temple.

Hey Everyone, I just wanted to pop in and say that I am going back to the temple for the first time since I was sealed to my family 3.5 years ago. I have had my recommend almost this whole time, I just have never been. The biggest part has been that of feeling unworthy. I have been having marriage problems and when I spoke with my Bishop, he asked when the last time was I was at the temple and I think he almost fell out of his chair! I told him about my unworthy feelings, but when he asked me some questions about it, he helped my realize that I was worthy. He seemed almost confused at why I felt that way. He is such a great man, he really helped me out a lot that night. So, its off to the temple tomorrow with the ward, and then again next weekend with the RS. I go in for surgery on 04 Feb and thought what better place to spend my last weekend than at the temple. I really wish this forum was a bit more active. I think we could do a lot of good helping each other out. I know I really struggled with making this decision. If I had known about this board I think it would have really helped in the process. I'm just glad I know about it now and know that I can come here and feel welcome and be able to express my feelings and thoughts with people that have the same values I do. Sorry this is so long, I guess I had more to say than I thought!! Bren

Sherrie - What a special, special time for you. Our theme in Sacrament meeting this month is on repentence. Obviously you're well exercised in that department. I hope you get to the temple and enjoy using your recommend. A special time and a special spirit awaits you. Congratulations! This is almost better than having your surgery. Melody

After losing my temple ordinances 10 years ago (long story) I got my ordinances restored tonight!! I am amazed at how much my life has changed in the last year. Just wanted to share. -Sherrie