It’s temple Thursday! A perfect day to share some of my thoughts about preparing a missionary to receive their holy endowment and enter the House of the Lord for the first time.
Plus, enjoy Eliza's pictures at the Paris France and Preston England temples.
* Temples.churchofjesuschrist.org AND the scriptures are important resources - use them.
* Encourage your child to attend a temple preparation class your bishop or ward might offer, but remember, you are still the best teacher.
* Attend a temple open house and point out the different rooms, explaining what to expect for when they go to receive their own endowment.
* Don't forget the "Temple and Family History" tab on the Gospel Library app. Lots of goodness!
* The Gospel Library app also includes the Church Handbook of Instructions to help answer questions.
* This article came a little too late for me, but it might not be for you. It is such a helpful resource - "How Are You Talking about the Temple?', a November 2023 YA article.
How Are You Talking about the Temple? From the November 2023 Liahona Magazine.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16D7r9aXSz/?mibextid=oFDknk.
* There is a lot to take in on that first temple experience. Reassure your child they don't need to know or remember everything. You might also explain that a family member (or other escort they choose) and a temple worker will be with them to help every step of the way. As you are able, tell them what to expect.
* Follow up with your child after their experience. Listen to them and encourage them to share. There may be some questions they might have or some misunderstandings you can help to address.
* Consider scheduling a sealing appointment to do as a family while you are still in the temple. Your child will get to see and participate in all the ordinances. Which might be especially helpful if your child will be leaving soon after their temple experience for their mission. They will have a better picture of what they will be teaching and sharing with others.
* If a child chooses to receive their endowment a few months before they begin their mission, they will have more time to go again and again and become more comfortable and confident in their proxy service. You might need to point this out to them.
* Don't underestimate your example and preparation. The examples of my mother and grandmother were huge to me. Especially how they would talk about, care for, and honor wearing the temple garment. Seeing them attend the temple and care for the ceremonial clothing was also an example and encouragement for me. Their examples have been a blessing in my life.
Because I have recently become a temple ordinance worker, I am a better temple patron and my knowledge about the temple has increased since the time I first started preparing my young adult children for temple experience. I did my best based on what I knew at that time, but now I know more and understand better. I would do things a bit different. But no matter what, I hope I can continue to show by word and example my commitment to God and be an example to others about temple worship and the joy it is.
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Each of my children have chosen the temple they want to go to for the first time. We’ve gone to the Ogden temple, the Logan temple, and the Brigham City Temple.
If time is available, consider setting up a sealing appointment for after the endowment. Why? This way your son or daughter can see and participate in all the ordinances of the temple. Which also makes it helpful when they are on their mission and teaching others about the temple, covenants and ordinances, testifying of the blessing of sealing families together for eternity. Additionally, if you have other family members with you, you might be able to schedule the entire sealing session for just your family and get a lot sealings performed for your family.
We spend a lot of time preparing a child for their mission, when we probably should be spending more time preparing them to make covenants with God in His holy house. The ordinances in the temple are saving and important. The mission, while important, is not a necessary or saving ordinance.
Inviting grandparents and some other family members to join us, we’ve also tried to add to the memorable and special occasion of the day by going to dinner afterwards.
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