Temple day...

Friday we went with Mooneys to the Logan temple. It was their first experience even seeing a temple, let alone being able to go into one.  It was the thrill of a life time. 

We talked all the way down, they are truly some of our best friends.  We put the men in the front where they could talk about the "burnt mountain side and boring stuff".  Pam and I sat in the back and talked about everything you can imagine.  Such fun.  I'm so comfortable around her.

We went to do baptisms for the dead.  (They will go for their own endowments after John is ordained an Elder in two weeks.)  We both had family names, about 24 all together. 

When we pulled up to the temple, Pam started to take deep breathes and tears filled her eyes.  I could just tell the way she was walking she was so excited.  Her walk said:  "I am at the temple!  I am worthy to be here!  I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ and I love it!" 

We decided to eat in the cafeteria because I just wanted them to walk in the front and feel the Spirit.  We took the back roads down and had a nice meal.  Before we left, Quinn and Patsy Bailey, who have taught them the temple prep class saw them and came up to them and gave them big hugs.  Mooneys loved that. 

They had meat loaf on the menu. I've never seen it there.  It's Johns favorite.

We met the Temple Pres. on the steps.  Steve introduced him to our friends. 

Then we go over to be place of the baptismal font.  The lady checked us in.  We were the first ones there for that day.  We got in our baptismal suits...Pams comment as she was zipping it up..."I had a suit like this once...then I was in jail...only their had pockets."  We both started to laugh.

I felt like I was showing my special friend the greatest thing on earth.  My heart was racing and my hands were cold.  I just felt like I was walking on air, to be able to share this with her...esp because she keep tearing up and grabbing my hand.  (I know John felt the same.  He never stopped smiling!)

Steve baptized us.  First me, so Pam could see how and then Pam, and then John.  Among those I did was Addie and Martin Luther's Hilterbrands children.  It always gives me such a lump when they say that word, "Hilterbrand!'  I'm so proud to be one.

John brought names of both grandmothers and a grandpa and a cousin whose wife murdered him...Randy Mooney.  As Steve was saying the name:  John Calvin Mooney...who JOhn was named after...his voice cracked. I knew what that meant!

After drying off and waiting to be confirmed, I asked Steve...about what he felt.  He looked right at me and said, "Some of these people are here."

John told us that Grandpa Johns wife, when she got too sick to be home, they moved her in a rest home and Grandpa couldn't stand to be alone without her so he moved in there too.

I said, "John, do you think that Grandpa  loves Grandma Ertie?"

"I know he did and does..."

Do you think he cares about all his family and might be anxious to have you all be able to be together forever?"  John nodded.

" Death doesn't change the feelings of love you have for each other.  I'll bet he is looking down on you and thanking you for helping him get out of Spirit Prison. Baptism is a SAVING ordinance!"   

Now he had tears in his eyes.  He said, "Everybody in the town, loved my Grandpa."

We stopped and got a big fat slurpy to sip on the way home.

It was such a wonderful spirital day. All that I hoped for and I'm looking forward to many more, esp when they go to the temple for themselves!   

I wish my kids could arrange to go with us that day.  Mooneys think they are family.

Comments

[Lois Hilterbrand]

Your kids treat them like family. It is so wonderful. I am sure planning to go to the temple when they are sealed.They are sure making something of their life. I love them. Mom

[Arlene]

How great shall be your joy.........

[Sam and Jill]

Wow, what a neat experience for them and you. So glad you are sharing such a sweet story of love and the gospel for all of us. Luv SJAH

[LINZY]

Barb- that is awesome. I would drive up to Logan to be there on their special day...if I am invited. That was quite hillarious about the zipping of the suit!

[Rachel]

Oh Barb, That brings tears to my eyes. You're such a great example of love and friendship. I love when you share about the Mooney's. Not only have you helped them but oh so many. Please share more of these wonderful experiences. It strenghtens my testimony.