The Gift

I received a gift from my bishop in Jacksonville, FL one time. He was discussing with me the "suggestion" that I begin to prepare for my temple endowments. There was no greater desire for me than to be able to go through the temple, but I was not ready. There was no way I would allow myself into such a sacred institution with the amount of imperfections I carried with me. So, we discussed openly what those imperfections were. The Bishop listened and didn't say much. He gave me the book, "Miracle of Forgiveness" by Spencer W. Kimball. His only request was to read it and pray about it and when I was finished we'd meet again. I agreed and that was that. I thumbed through the book on a few occasions over the course of a few weeks.

It was probably almost two months before I actually pulled it out and read it. It was early fall and it took me about 3 months honestly to get through it. I called the Bishop and set the appointment. The following month I started Temple Prep classes and worked towards preparing for the Temple. I had planned a visit to see my sister March of 2007 and it was then we'd go together through the Houston Temple. First, I would receive my own Endowments, secondly Brent would be proxy and have my father baptized through baptisms for the dead, thirdly we'd have a couple proxy to seal my parents together for all time and eternity and lastly, Jody and I would be sealed to my parents for all time and eternity. We did all of this on March 10th. My mother's birthday. It was the greatest day of my life above all else I had ever experienced. It was the purest I'd ever felt. It was the most beautiful I'd ever felt. I'll never ever forget that day.

It's been a great blessing to go through several Temples across the country since that time. I'm so grateful for the privilege I have to be a part of something so heavenly. The covenants that one makes are sacred and treasured. Although I have never felt isolated from sin it envelops me in a security of faith that I feel does not falter. I am weak and make mistakes, however, the miracle of forgiveness does live within me. It is not others that I find I need to forgive. It is myself I have the most difficult time forgiving. We have such a merciful God. It sounds so simple to open up and receive his gifts that allow us to grow mentally and spiritually. I find it a continous challenge to ask for his help and guidance. It's not until I sit down and remind myself that I accepted to follow his conventants. There is a deep need the Lord has for his children. I have a desire that burns inside of me to seek righteousness through diligent prayer by showing my gratitude and respecting Him and his Son to ask for his help to change and do what is right. I need His guidance more than ever to be the daughter he wants me to be. I know my eternal salvation depends on it.

I have picked up the book to reread again. It's time. I'm looking forward to the rejuvenation of peace this book always brings and I need to be reminded of my self worth and the daughter of God that I am. I need to be reminded that there is no greater gift than Eternal Life. I have a blessing not too many others get to have in this life. I will get to rein in Celestial Glory with my family. One day Dawson will be sealed to me. I have a testimony of miracles. I have an unwavering faith that the Lord continues to provide. Eventually it all seems to come together and often times with a greater than one could imagin surprise.

So, onward. My mistakes drive my character because I long to learn from them. We can receive forgiveness through repentance when mistakes are not repeated. The love of my Heavenly Father and Christ will power me through.

Insight into this books is at: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=da135f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=2909862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1&contentLocale=0