Mallory was asked to write her experience and testimony of the temple to be read to young people taking the missionary prep class. She sent her writing to her mom and dad who in turn forwarded it on to me. I know that my blog is private and not read by anyone so I felt strongly that I should record her testimony for those who may read the blog. As Lynda Ann stated to me, this testimony could be given after any General Authority talk. Mallory is a true follower of her Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be her grandmother and have her in my life.
Mallory's testimony:
"When preparing for my mission, I was very focused just on becoming a missionary, but my Bishop intentionally emphasized that the temple was not just a check list item before serving a mission. He taught that the temple matters because of the sacred covenants, saving ordinances, and its eternal significance independent of missionary service.
This shaped how I viewed the temple from the beginning. Instead of seeing it as "something you do before a mission," I saw it as spiritually important on its own. This changed my preparation. Preparing for the temple became meaningful, not procedural.
Throughout my mission, this foundation continued influencing how I thought about the temple. After returning home, the temple remained central in my life, which was vital in my transition from missionary life back to regular life.
Going often to the temple has become something I genuinely love, not something done out of obligation.
People often frame the temple as overwhelming, mysterious, intimidating, or even difficult to understand. I never felt this way about it. While I didn't understand everything perfectly the first time I went to the temple, and I still don't , it felt comfortable, peaceful, natural, like the clear next covenant step.
It felt that way to me because the temple clearly teaches God's plan, how the purpose is returning to Heavenly Father and that this happens literally through Jesus Christ.
This reframing makes the temple feel less like "so much to learn all at once" and more like an ongoing experience of learning over time through repeated attendance.
You don't need to understand everything immediately; understanding grows as you continue serving in the temple.
A big theme I hear about temple attendance is that people feel uncomfortable to go alone. But attending the temple by yourself doesn't have to feel like going alone.
I never really viewed temple attendance as being alone. First, you are in the Savior's and Heavenly Father's house. They are there, which means you are not alone.
Second, you're attending with others spiritually. When you bring gamily names, you're going on behalf of real people. Even when receiving a temple name, you are serving someone specific, and they are there with you
You are never truly alone because you are with god, surrounded by spiritual purpose, and serving people beyond the veil.
Temple attendance is both for you and for others. Going to the temple isn't just about personal blessings, it is also about serving others. This has made temple attendance feel relational instead of solitary for me.
Because of that the focus shifts away from "I have to do this by myself: toward "I get to help others draw closer to God while I am drawing closer to god."
The way we frame the temple matters. When it is presented only as a requirement, something intimidating, or something to endure alone, it can feel overwhelming. but when it is understood as a place of covenant, connection, learning, and service - a place where we come closer to Jesus Christ and help others turn to God - it becomes deeply comforting and meaningful."
