A while back I used to take my daughters to the temple every Sunday night to feel of the Spirit. I loved taking both of them. Cort was in Logan at the time so she kind of missed out in our tradition. I remember, walking arm in arm, Ash saying she couldn't wait to go inside. I think she wished and hoped so much that she had so many expectations of what to expect. Well, last Friday Ashley went to the temple for the first time. It was amazing. It was a completely different reaction than when Cortney went through. Cort was so wrapped up with getting married and those few days leading up to that event. Ashley was there for a whole different reason.
Ashley had questions from the beginning and then was excited the whole time! Afterwards, we talked and she said so many of her questions were answered. Her testimony was so much stronger and she couldn't wait to go back again! If I had let her she would have talked well into the night over the whole experience.
Lucky for us it is Stake Temple Day on Friday and we are planning on spending the whole day there!
It took me awhile to get on board with this mission thing but watching her grow in such a short time has been amazing! There are so many other things that she can be doing right now in her life but she is sacrificing these things to serve our Heavenly Father and whatever awaits her after will be glorious!
She just left a few minutes ago to do splits with our missionaries and the look on her face as she walked with those ladies reminded me of walking around the temple. There was so much joy and anticipation of what is to come. Yes, the spirit of God is shining in her face! To sacrifice is hard but ultimately it will be so worth it!
Oh, and funny story. There was a young man going through as well and his father wanted to introduce her to his son so he could look her up when he gets home! lol