by Kameo Monson

Created on: June 17, 2008

"I love to see the temple; I'm going there some day, to feel the Holy Spirit. . . " The primary song helps to prepare our children to enter the temple as they get older. We learn from such young ages the importance of temples. Yet, as we get older we wonder if we are truly prepared. Is it really all about those primary answers we have given over and over in our life: pray, read scriptures, follow the commandments, be nice to our brothers and sisters, listen to mom and dad?

Having a strong testimony is most important when entering the temple. Where does a strong testimony come from? The desire to believe comes from within, but if we do not cultivate our faith, our testimony will not grow. We need to study the scriptures - not just skimming words as we think of our busy lives, but honest study of those precious words Heavenly Father has provided. We need to pray for increased faith. We should talk to our Heavenly Father, be sincere and not pray by rote. There is need to show Christ the love we have for Him. We do this by serving other and following His commandments. We must live a moral life.

In today's word these things can seem too difficult. How do we live a moral life when society tells us all the high esteems we have are burdensome? It is not easy, but following Christ is not a wide road, it is a narrow path.

Following baptism, we were confirmed and commanded to receive the Holy Ghost. It is with us as a comfort. It protects us if we listen. We live moral lives by listening to the Holy Spirit, and allowing it to guide our decisions, and feeling the strength it gives us as we choose to do as Heavenly Father would have us choose.

Preparing to go to the temple is something we have done from the very 1st day we believed in Christ. If we are able to truly believe the gospel, that it was restored, that Christ appeared, that the priesthood was, again, placed on the earth, if we are willing to follow Christ in faith, we are prepared to enter the temple.

It is an experience like none other. No other place on earth provides a sanctuary from the woes of our earthly existence. In the temple we can dwell where God dwells; in His house.

Preparing to go to the temple isn't about the interviews of the steps we take to gain our recommend. It isn't about making appointments and saying the right things. It isn't about any of that. Preparing to go to the temple is a spiritual journey we take in order to be spiritually minded as we walk through those doors. When we are spiritually prepared to enter the Lord's house, we open ourselves to a wonderful and spiritual experience, one we should have repeatedly as we return to do His work.

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