Making Connections in the House of the Lord

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the expectations I set for myself at times feel immense. My to-do list grows longer and longer, and I sometimes feel as though I’m missing the mark.

All too often in my life, the temple falls to the bottom of that list. I forget to plan ahead, set aside the time, find a babysitter, and so on. It can seem like a daunting task.

But the reality is that attending the temple can actually lighten our load, not add to it. In the house of the Lord, we have the opportunity to draw closer to Christ, and through Him to family members who have passed. In that connection, there’s peace and solace.

"In the temple, we receive protection…. We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance! We feel peace and spiritual reassurance, in contrast to the turbulence of the world."

Russell M. Nelson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again," Ensign or Liahona, November 2024, 121

Some amazing people have shared their personal experiences in the temple. Their stories show just some of the ways the temple brings us closer to Christ and our loved ones.

Eternal Gifts

“Your covenant relationship with God and Jesus Christ is a relationship of love and trust in which you have access to a greater measure of Their grace—Their divine assistance, endowment of strength, and enabling power."

Bradley R. Wilcox, "O Youth of the Noble Birthright," Ensign or Liahona, October 2024, 95

Nikki Kelly

My husband joined the Church when he was 19, just a freshman in college. His decision to embrace faith was influenced by many, but most profoundly by his grandmother, Stevie. She was not of our faith, yet she embodied the essence of a devout, God-fearing woman. Through her words and actions, Stevie instilled in my husband values of love, resilience, and trust in God.

A few years ago, I had the honor of performing her temple work. While completing her initiatory, I experienced something extraordinary. I felt her presence so strongly—an overwhelming sense of her joy and approval. At that time, I was struggling deeply with postpartum emotions, battling loneliness and despair. But during that sacred ordinance, it was as though she were right there beside me.

Her presence gave me a profound sense of peace and reassurance. She seemed to be telling me that I could find strength in the temple, in my faith, and in myself. That experience inspired me to continue returning to the temple, even on the hardest days. Her love and example are eternal gifts, bridging generations and strengthening our spiritual journey.

You Are Not Alone

"All who worship in the temple will have the power of God and angels having ‘charge over them.’ How much does it increase your confidence to know that … you do not have to face life alone? What courage does it give you to know that angels really will help you?"

Russell M. Nelson, "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys," Ensign or Liahona, May 2024, 121

Marco Gosewinkel

For many years, I’ve been using FamilySearch to discover my ancestors. I knew it was associated with the Church of Jesus Christ. However, I was never interested in the Church itself or its teachings.

In time, I began to wonder why members of the Church of Jesus Christ search for their ancestors. I wondered if there was anything about genealogy in the Book of Mormon, so I ordered one online. A day later, the missionaries contacted me, and we started meeting regularly. I didn’t find any help for my genealogy in the Book of Mormon, but I did find truths and answers.

Before my baptism, I met with the mission president. He asked me why I do genealogy. I had no answer to that question, but he did: "Because your ancestors want to be found."

Four months later, I had the opportunity to go to the Frankfurt Temple for the first time and be baptized on behalf of my 4 great-grandfathers. I was nervous because I didn't know exactly what to expect. 

I still remember sitting in the baptistry and saying a prayer. Suddenly, I felt a warmth in my heart, and I could strongly feel the Holy Ghost. I could sense that my ancestors were present with me at that moment. I will never forget that experience. 

Stephanie W.

I was sealed in the temple 20 years ago. As the only member in my family, I felt a little alone when I walked into the sealing room. No one from my family was there with me.

I spent many months prior finding and preparing many family names so I could serve as proxy to have their temple ordinances performed. On the day of my sealing, I could feel them there with me as I looked around the room. I couldn't actually see them, but I knew they were there. I could feel their happiness and love for me.

After our sealing, everyone there hugged and congratulated us. My sister-in-law hugged me close and said, “I feel them here too! They love you so much.” She was a second witness to me. The power of that testimony has always stuck with me as I continue to find my people on the other side.

Growing Closer in the Temple

"Serving regularly in the house of the Lord and striving to keep the sacred covenants we make there will increase both our desire and our ability to experience the change of heart, might, mind, and soul necessary for us to become more like our Savior."

Jorge M. Alvarado, "Embrace the Lord's Gift of Repentance," Ensign or Liahona, October 2024, 69

R. Peterson

Any time a holiday comes around, I think of the temple. For years now, my family has had the goal to go to the temple together when we have a break from our other responsibilities. 

Before we started the tradition, the temple closest to us required appointments that were booked months out. When we finally had the opportunity to go, we realized that we would be out of town and miss the temple again.

The city we were visiting had a temple. The baptistry there didn’t require appointments months in advance, so my parents took my brother to do baptisms there instead. The year after, my brother joined, and the year after that, it became a tradition.

While these temple trips were originally created out of convenience, it quickly developed into a genuine love for the temple and for our ancestors. Whenever we go somewhere as a family, even for a long weekend, we look up the closest temple and set aside time to go.

While we might have otherwise counted temple attendance as one of the “responsibilities” to take a break from on our vacations, making the temple a priority changed our family. After each trip, there was a noticeable difference in the way we spoke and acted. We were kinder to each other, more patient, and more understanding. 

Spending vacations with family members doesn’t automatically make you grow closer together. Spending time in the temple with our eternal family—both living and deceased—always does. 

Finding Names

If you want to bring family names to the temple but don’t know how, FamilySearch has many resources to make finding names accessible. These links can help:

• Ordinances Ready 
• Preparing Names
• Preparing Yourself 
• Schedule a Temple Appointment 
• Finding Ancestors in Need of Temple Work in the Family Tree