Another goal...

Those that know me well, know that I have anxiety. I can't tell you why or where it comes from, only that it does. Seriouly, I can be totally logical and reasonable about something in my head, but my body doesn't buy it (crying, sick stomach, and can't breathe deep/normal). Since being on medication for a few years, the anxiety doesn't turn me into a paralyzed hermit, like it once did.

One thing I have struggled with, even on medicine, is going to the temple. I know that it is a safe place. I know that there will be sweet old ladies that will help me. I know that once I am there and involved that I will feel peaceful and calm. However, I have to fight myself EVERY STEP of the way to get there.
Anytime we would plan to go, that day was torture for me. It's sad to say, but I can probably count on 1 hand the times I have been to the temple in the last 6 1/2 years (not including weddings). My sweet mom has offered to come with me anytime; she promised to stay right by me and to help if I forgot things. I have taken her and my dad up on this several times, but not enough.

One of my goals for this new year was to attend the temple once every 2 months. Now, I know that we are encouraged to go once a month. However, this is a big step for me. Anyway, my cute friends called on Friday to ask if we wanted to go to the temple and dinner with them. I agreed, but was a little worried about if I would make it.  I prayed that night and all the next  day that my heart, spirit, and body would be calm. I took an hour off of work, so that I had plenty of time to get dressed and not feel rushed. When we arrived at the temple, my cute friends were waiting in the lobby for me. They waited while I rented a temple dress. We went into change into our temple clothes and they waited for me and helped to make sure everything was as it should be.  We didn't end up doing a session but did sealings instead. None of us had ever done them before, so it was a NEAT experience for everyone!

Now, I can only tell you that Heavenly Father does answer our prayers and he does help us to accomplish our righteous desires. He sent me these two sweet friends to encourage me and to help me overcome my fear. I have never in my life felt so calm and anxiety-free as I did on Friday and entering the temple with my husband and these sweet friends.

I know that I will probably still fight a battle every time I go. However, with lots of prayer, faith, and people to support me and love me,  I can do it! I will be blessed for the righteous desires and efforts of my heart.