good morning sister nielson and welcome to the temple.

those are the best words i ever heard come out of an old man's mouth.

today i went to the temple for the first time in... too long.  it was perfect.  it took me about ten minutes to do the ordinances since i was the only person there but then after i just sat in the back and read my scriptures.  i was there for two hours just thinking and praying and reading.  [and crying. i was pretty emotional]  a few of my favorite findings during my studies were:

"and while i strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard: "ye shall obtain."

-I Believe in Christ, Hymn 134

Christ was cheering me on the whole time!  He is totally on my team.

"and when i think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, i scarce can take it in, that on the cross my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin."

- How Great Thou Art, Hymn 86

i can scarcely take it in.  these words are so perfect.  he gladly bore my burdens.  i can't even gladly bear my burdens!  not only that but he died for me.  he died for me... i love Him.

"and i also thank my Go, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son."

- Alma 24:10

this scripture hit me.  it was one of the very first scriptures i've ever read that i really felt like i read at the right time and in the right place.  it was kind of one of those "i-just-flipped-open-my-scriptures" moments.  it was glorious.  the words are so... so... for me.

the church is true.

i am so grateful for the testimony i have.

i am grateful for the worthy priesthood holders i have in my life.

i am grateful for my mother and her example.

i am grateful for my sisters and the relationship we have.

i am grateful for tyler and the strength he has given to me.

i am grateful for the old friends that i have and all they've ever taught me.

i am grateful for the old man that welcomed me to the temple.

but most of all.  i am grateful for Jesus Christ.  he is my brother and my friend.

amen.