Wednesday, October 1, 2008

It's Really Official!

For most, getting their marriage license is "the step" that makes them realize that they are truly getting married, that the big party is really going to happen. For me, and likely for others of my faith, there is a different event that brings about those feelings. After picking up my marriage license the government will recognize my marriage, but I couldn't set foot inside of the temple to actually get married until I completed a personal worthiness interview with my local church leader, and then an area church leader, at which time they grant and sign a temple recommend. Temple recommends are essential to entering the temple, I in no way could have been married inside of the temple without one. I never intended to be married anywhere else so this was an essential step for me :)


This is actually the Dallas, Texas temple. Isn't it beautiful?
Source

Tonight, I received my temple recommend. For those who are not a member of my faith, it might be hard to understand the significance of this event. although I am sure there are other belief systems which involve moments that evoke similar feelings. I have been singing of, reading about, and anticipating going to the temple since I was old enough to understand what it meant. It is undoubtedly the most important step I will ever take in my lifetime spiritual journey.

Tonight I feel happy and blessed. In 10 short days I will be marrying my sweetheart for forever.

18 comments:

Paula said...

Congratulations! Part of my family is LDS so I can, in part, understand the importance of this to you both. And yes, the Dallas Temple is gorgeous. As is the one in SLC :)

Blessings to you-
Paula

Julie @ Bunsen Burner Bakery said...

Congratulations, Jenna! I can guess the feeling is similar to that of becoming a Bat Mitzvah in the Jewish faith -- becoming an adult in religious terms.

So, since temple recommends are done so close to the time when you actually need them, what would happen if you DIDN'T get the recommend? Or is it basically a given that you knew you would get one and it is more or less a formality because you can determine on your own if you fit the standards? I can just envision individuals having sent out invitations and gone through everything and then not getting the recommend, and what would you do?!

Cate Subrosa said...

Congratulations. It's clear from your words what this means to you.

10 days‽ How did this happen‽

AmyJean {Relentless Bride®} said...

CONGRATULATIONS! that is so awesome!

Jenna said...

Paula-thank you!

Ethidium-I actually know of a couple that sent out their invitations and then ended up pushing back the wedding due to the decision that more time was needed for one individual to feel worthy to attend. But you siad it corecyly when you said that each person is already familiar with the standards they need to be upholding. I think I do officially feel like an adult now. I like it.

Guilty-I think we have been reading each others blogs since I started planning. The time has moved by so fast.
Amy-thanks!

Jess and Carl said...

Congratulations Honey! I am so happy for you! You are an amazing woman and I just miss you! Who would have thought after all of years and through our history together I would miss you most out of the whole 2003 Royal High School Class... I mean that... Congrats and I can't wait for the 10th for you!

JennyLee said...

Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for a while now and I can't believe the big day is only 10 days away! Yeah!!!

atout said...

Congrats Jenna. Although I am not of your faith I can understand the weight of what this means to you. What a blessed time for you and the fiancé!

You just made me tear up at work!

● C E L I N A ● said...

CONGRATS!!!! That is so exciting!

Skywalker said...

No - I get it. Congrats - every girl has that moment when she realizes its going to happen.

I agree the Dallas Temple is a beautiful place.

Its only just begun now.

rebekah said...

10 days? Geez. How did that happen?

Shanna said...

I can't believe only 10 days to go-Congratulations! It is an amazing thing to go to the temple and you will be so happy. It is still hard for me to believe that you are getting married...seriously!

Ty Robbins said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I'm excited for you to receive your endowments. It's going to be a huge long day, but you will love every minute.

Carol said...

I've been reading your blog since the pink dyed petticoat and I can't believe your wedding is in 10 days. Where did the time go? I wish everything good and beautiful for your big day and I know you'll be a gorgeous bride!!

Kelly B said...

Yay! It's getting sooo close!

Oh, and I LOVED my package I received today! Thanks for the onions, I would surely be proud of my dad too if that's what he did (not that I'm not proud of him for what he does). I can't wait to taste them (would use them tonight, but I have dinner plans with a friend!) Thank you :)

Rachel said...

Congratulations!!!!! You worded this perfectly - how important this is to you shines through!

And, not to be rude/nosey - so, can you not attend service at/inside the temple until you are married and have this recommend? Or is this for being able to be married inside the temple and having your marriage recognized by the church?
I'm a little confused, just trying to understand.

Jenna said...

jess-Aww, I feel the same way. It's been such a pleasure catching up with you again.

rebekah and jenny.lee and shanna and carol-I have NO IDEA how it came so fast!

Riley-Not nosy at all! You can't go inside of the temple without the recommend, which you receive before a certain milestone in life. This could be serving a mission, marriage, or reaching a certain age of maturity. The church recognizes civil marriages done outside of the church as well, but this is a temple marriage, which has a different and deeper significance. We believe that without temple marriage you are only married until death. With a temple sealing, you are together for eternity (Can you believe I want to get married for eternity? I just love him!)

Naturally Blessed said...

:::claps::::

YAY!!!! I am SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

Congratulations for such a blessed event and yay for the upcoming marriage! may your forever be happy together always.