true warmth

There have been a few times in my life, when the Spirit of God has descended upon me, like a huge warm blanket that envelopes the soul. The first time i ever recall feeling that way was when i a child and was reading the bible. The book had illustrations as part of its teaching and it had this picture of Jesus surrounded by the children, the look of love upon his face and his great concern to their welfare came at a time when i was deep under the throes of physical and mental abuse from my step-father. I remember the spirit resting upon me and comforting me, testifying to me that these things were true. that there was a God that loved me and cared for me, i was probably 8 years old. Later, much later, i felt that same spirit when i received the melchezekek priesthood. So much power was manifested that day that all those involved with my ordination, were filled with the spirit of God, all were in tears and i felt my soul swarmed about the with the fires of Heaven. I had such an amazing experience. Then again, i felt the spirit and his power when i went to the temple to take out my endowments. that experience i will not speak of, it is very sacred. should i ever meet you in the temple and you should ask me, if the spirit directs i would share this with you.
Earlier this month, I went with our ward to the bountiful temple for our monthly temple trip. i had not been to the bountiful temple in a number of years, yet, here i was, and only got lost once getting there. but after i parked the car and walked nearer the temple, the spirit again, visited me, and i felt the spirit envelope me again, and fill my heart with such power, i felt i were to be consumed on the spot. I went through a session, a normal session. nothing else happened outside of that, but i remember, I remember how the spirit has on occassion visited me not only to help me, but to testify of certain things, of the power of the priesthood, of the divinity of Jesus christ, of the power of the endowment, and of the wonderful power of the temple. Something special about the bountiful temple, i feel, this place will have some bearing in my future, perhaps where i will marry in the temple, but of a certainty, i believe the holiness of the temple and i find myself renewed in my efforts to keep all the commandments of God and live true and faithful so that i might receive all that the Father has for us as his children.
I know not, why God has seen fit on occassion to bless me so abundantly, when so many around me never receive such experiences. I feel humbled that i might, even for those moments, find grace at his hand that mercy carries me from my present troubles and cares, to a place much closer to his love and protection. I am truly grateful for his friendship.