Who Shall Ascend?

"As we recall the commandment to stand in holy places, we should remember that beyond the temple, the most sacred and holy places in all the world should be our own dwelling places. Our homes should be committed and dedicated only to holy purposes. In our homes all of the security, the strengthening love, and the sympathetic understanding that we all so desperately need should be found.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Ps. 24:3–4). For “holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever” (Ps. 93:5)."

President James E. Faust

I may not be able to be in His Holy house in Kansas City yet, but I can prepare now by making my home a Holy place. We need to rededicate our lives to Him for 2009.

Speaking of ascending...

If you go sit in the green chair, you'll be looking right at the temple lot. Best view in the house.

Peace

Because of a recent sealing and a family member's endowment session, I have had the privilege of being in the Salt Lake City Temple twice within the last 7 days, on two separate trips. More than ever, I look forward to the blessing of having a temple in our own city. I testify, that the temple IS in fact, the House of the Lord, wherein we may find the peace and priesthood ordinances that save. This tender mercy of knowledge has buoyed me through difficult times recently, and I thank my Father in Heaven for His Holy Temples.

"The blessings of the temple become most meaningful when our loved ones are taken in death from our family circles. To know that our period of separation is but temporary provides peace that passes ordinary understanding. 29 President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) wrote, “Through the power of this priesthood which Elijah bestowed, husband and wife may be sealed, or married for eternity; children may be sealed to their parents for eternity; thus the family is made eternal, and death does not separate the members.” 30 Blessed with eternal sealings, we can face death as a necessary component of God’s great plan of happiness."

Elder Russell M. Nelson

Because of this promise, Noah will be sealed for all Eternity and I will in fact be reunited with my grandparents and so will Megan to her dear parents. What comfort this gives....the blessings of the Temple.

In Preparation

Being that our ward boundaries are within a couple of miles of the temple lot, anytime I hear a talk given in Sacrament or Stake Conference, I am particularily drawn to speakers who share information or talks regarding temples. And because of that, I specifically went to the adult session of Stake Conference last night in Platte City in hopes that I would be edified and strengthened in my testimony of temples. I was not discouraged. Bro. Rand Smith of the High Council gave an excellent talk on Preparing to Attend the Temple. I hope he won't mind me sharing some of the points that really touched me and reaffirmed my belief that we need to be prepared for our new temple.
He listed 5 things we need to be doing to prepare.
1. Prepare Spiritually.
2. Prepare by being clean. Begin meeting with ecclesiastical leaders now to prepare to attend the temple. Be worthy to receive a recommend and apply the repentance process in our lives.
3. Prepare Physically. Carefully plan time for temple service. Also, we need to prepare physically in our dress. We should attend our interviews with priesthood holders, properly dressed.
4. Prepare mentally. We should fast and prepare to ponder and pray in the temple that we might be aware of symbolism and instruction the Savior gives.
5. Prepare for opposition. This may increase as the temple progresses in it's building. This point was intriguing to me as I have recently been called as the ward Public Affairs representative. How scary for me! Me...who may be called upon at some point to defend what I know to be true. It's overwhelming to me and yet I feel comfort that my Father in Heaven knows me and loves me. If we/I prepare and do all these things...he will help us/me know what to say when the time comes.
"Let's begin now to prepare diligently to maximize our temple service." Rand Smith
I still feel the electrical bolt shoot through me every time I think of or hear of the temple here. I feel more than ever....now is the time to Prepare.

Acting on a tip..

A little birdie told me that the people at the Shoal Creek Living History Museum have been notified to be prepared for the temple groundbreaking dedication to be held toward the end of April. There may be a ceremony to take place at their amphitheater and a walk from there to the temple site. You can view information about Shoal Creek by clicking on the tabs in my side-bar.
I wish I could say I knew more.
There has been action out at the lot this past week. I've seen trucks from several different types of contractors. It's getting exciting!

Mormon Tab Choir

For more info about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir visit to Kansas City see...
http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/events/#383
More info on tickets coming soon....

The Chair had it right

I ventured out this morning before church to see the temple lot dressed in white. The first dusting of snow has fallen and while it's not much, it does make it look a little different.With the news of the temple lot being to the south of the originally thought location, I figured I needed to go check it out. Personally to me, this lot is not nearly as scenic but with landscaping I'm sure it will be beautiful. Because of the closeness to the freeway, the temple should be visible for miles in many directions.

And actually, the chair had it right. All along during the last couple of months since the temple's announcement and since it was discovered dropped there, the green Naugahyde recliner has been facing south, directly at the temple lot. Today went I went to take photos, there it was reclined and posed...ready for action.

It's looking a bit forlorn and lonely, but it's still keeping it's vigil.

Also, for anyone who is interested...the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is coming to the Sprint Center here in Kansas City for a concert in June. Tickets will be available for sale in local wards within the next couple of weeks. They will make awesome Christmas presents for family, friends and those we wish to share the gospel with. I would be happy to assist anyone who is interested in getting tickets and will provide more info soon.

Let the bidding begin

I've heard from several different sources now that bidding has begun on subcontract work for the temple. Whether that is the case or not...it is very exciting. Wish I knew how to plumb.
Gentlemen and ladies...let the bidding begin!!
And...according to this new aerial photo...the temple site is actually located across the street from the original photo posted on ldschurchtemples.com
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/kansascity/aerial/
I will be there shortly.

Patience is a Virtue...

...catch it while you can, my Mom used to say.

Of course, there is still nothing new going on at the temple lot unless you count the removal of the orange cones blocking the road or entrance off of the round-about. Which is fairly good news of course, because now I won't be blocking traffic and be a hazard when I pull over to take pictures!

But, I'm just anxious to see some action. Until then, I will practice patience.

Joseph Smith stated, “Patience is heavenly".

Elder Neal A. Maxwell linked patience and faith together when he taught: “Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His”.

I for one don't want to be guilty of asserting that I believe I know better than Him!

I love this next quote by Paul in Corinthians 9:10..."For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope..."

Interesting and a little ironic that this field, where a temple will be built must be plowed in hope. It is my "hope" that it will be "plowed" soon, until then I will try to be "patient" in my Chase.

Temple Chaser Blinkie

If you are interested in following the Temple Chase...please post a comment and I will give you the link to add as a html gadget. If your email address is not listed in your profile, please leave it with your comment or email it to me. My email is on my profile.

Be Prepared

"As temples are prepared for our members, our members need to prepare for the temple."
Elder Russell M. Nelson

New Season

I still venture over to the temple site on an almost daily basis and there is still nothing new to tell.

Except...we have entered into a new season. Since the announcement of the temple, the leaves have changed color and most have fallen. We've settled into a soft, warm brown landscape currently accompanied with the clearest of blue skies and dry breezes.

I suppose this is normal....the wait. I will feel so relieved when ground is broken and dedicated. In the back of my mind I can still hardly believe that we are getting a temple so close, and sometimes I even worry that maybe perhaps there will be a change and a move to another location. It almost just seems to good to be true.

I still wait for the announcement...

Warning

If you decide you want to check out the temple site, you might want to heed the sign...Several times I've ignored this sign and crossed over onto the "private property", for investigational purposes of course, and every time I do, I wonder when the police will stop by to cuff me and haul me off. Well today's payment for exploration was being scared have to death by a fuzzy bunny and a Blue Racer SNAKE...yes snake. I can't believe I've been more concerned about the cops than the wildlife! Tip of the day: Do not ignore posted warning signs and lurk about forbidden fields in flip flops.

Also, I'm working on a top secret temple chaser project for my seminary class.

My Reservation

As part of my daily trip to the temple site, yes I already know I'm crazy, the other day I noticed someone dropped off their well used, 70's era, Naugahyde, lounge chair right next to the temple site. It's not unusual to find applicances and furniture dropped off in random areas here in the midwest, but I did think it was a bit funny to find this chair poised to have a front row seat to witnessing the rising of the temple. When it was still there today, I figured maybe that seat should be reserved. So...I reserved it. My temple spotter buddies brought me back to have my picture taken, to ensure my reservation.

All kidding aside, it is very beautiful here right now. You should come, you really should.

7 minutes

Is what it takes for me to get from my garage to the temple site. And...that's even obeying the speed limit.

Exactness

The weekend was a buzz with info on the new temple. I kept getting emails like crazy! Liberty Stake (the stake the temple will be in) had their stake conference this past weekend so there was more detail given and lots more excitement!
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/kansascity/aerial/
The entrance to this piece of property is in my last photo with the lightpost.

Will the temple look like...

this?I heard somewhere that the temple may look like the Twin Fall's temple and approx. 33,000 square feet. We'll see...

99.9% sure

After verifying some facts with people who are "in the know" and observing some things...I'm pretty sure I've found where the temple will be. It's not where I originally thought it would be nor will it be to many people. But when you see it, you will know why. It's perfect. I guess we'll just have to wait and see now.

Sighting?

No...the temple location has not been announced...and I'm sure it's not best to speculate. Hey...I'm not speculating...I'm actually out here trying to find the temple!

A storm chaser uses data, information, sightings, maps and all kinds of resources to capture that one opportunity that leads them to new discovery about the nature of storms, how to protect people and property, dramatic footage and new collections of useful data.

Acting on a "tip" (for investigational purposes, of course) last night, I ventured out today in beautiful fall weather to explore another area of the Shoal Creek Development that I had not previously seen...to chase the new temple. I went to the most southern tip, nestled in the corner between I435 and Shoal Creek Parkway. There is the most amazing piece of land, known in the development maps as the "commons". It has easy access to both I435 and Hwy 152 and it is in this corner that the first of the proposed "gates" have begun to be built with it's accompanying round-about. There is a bridge that runs over the Shoal Creek and the land is open and high enough to be seen for miles around.

Who knows...well, besides the First Presidency and the Lord, where the temple will end up being? Eventually my "chase" to find the temple lot will be over. I've been asked if that's all I want to know is... where the temple is? When you find the temple, will you give up chasing? Nope. I believe we should all be chasing the temple...always. Attending the temple should be one of our goals and we should never give up in the chase and search to find time to go, to keep our recommends current, to be prepared for whatever privileges and blessings we may be able to enjoy in one of the Lord's sacred Houses. I have been warned that there might not be a ground-breaking until spring which could very well mean we won't know where the temple will be located until then. It doesn't matter to me...I'm a Temple Chaser...and always will be.

Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Announced

On Saturday Oct. 4th at approx. 11:20 am, I heard the prophet as he announced 5 new temples to be built. As he read through the list I held my breath, almost knowing what he would say...a temple to be built in the "Greater Kansas City area". I erupted. I screamed for my family and I've been shaking ever since.
http://http//newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-continues-temple-building-throughout-the-world
Like many people in this area, I felt like my prayers have been answered. I have since felt a deep desire to be involved and have been praying that I might know what I could do show how grateful I am and how I could involve others. Yesterday we read on the church website, where the temple is to be built.

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/temple-announced-for-greater-kansas-city-area

Without giving specifics, the area known as Shoal Creek is a development about 3-5 miles east of my home.

"For the temple serving the greater Kansas City area, the site will be in Clay County, Missouri, on residential land within the Kansas City limits that is already being developed by the Church. The development is known as Shoal Creek."

As for now, we do not know the exact location and we will continue to wait patiently to see where it will be built and what it will look like. In no way, am I claiming to know the exact location yet and I will eagerly wait to know.

I decided to create this blog as a way for me to track, watch and share the progress of the temple. Since the announcement just a few days ago, it has become apparent that I would use the up the available memory of my personal blog rapidly and I came to the idea that my temple posts deserved their own forum.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This blog in no way is affiliated with the Church itself and I do not claim to be an official spokesperson for the Church either. I am not a president nor am I the boss...applesauce. I am a lowly early morning seminary teacher who is just passionate, enthusiastic and grateful that we will soon have a temple so close to home and want to share this experience for my own historical purposes as well as with my friends, family and anyone who else is interested. I needed an outlet for this overwhelming feeling and desire to be involved in the process of documenting the progress of this temple being built. I am by no means a computer genius, nor do I profess to know all about the world of blogging. I can assure you that I will make mistakes and begin apologizing now for my grammar and spelling. I am by no means, a literary genius. I'm sure there are many who are more qualified and could certainly do more justice to the journey I'm about to take. I will update as frequently as possible and will undoubtedly make changes to this blog as I learn more and progress with my mad blogging skills. My ultimate dream would be to assist in decorating the interior of a temple. I will be satisfied with being able to take my amateur photos and post them for my future posterity. Please feel free to leave comments. I realize this may open myself up for hostilities and will adjust the security of the blog as I feel needed.

I have always been drawn to the Shoal Creek area and frequently take drives there during the day to be inspired by great architecture and scenery. Since yesterday, I've been there twice and have taken many photos of portions of the development and it's surrounding areas. I've also researched online and found many useful maps and articles that will assist others in becoming familiar with this soon to be busy, busy area.

http://www.shoalcreekvalley.info/local.htm

http://www.shoalcreekvalleydev.com/commercial/

http://www.ingramsonline.com/November_2001/Feature4_Shoal%20creek/feat4_ShoalCreek.htm

What I can tell you, is what I know. The Shoal Creek Valley Development is beautiful and currently under construction in many areas. It is everything you would imagine a location of a temple to be. There are some residential subdivisions with beautiful homes, there is convenient shopping and yet still wide open spaces. Much of the land is covered in large bales of hay or grazing cattle.

There is even in fact, a hill where from the top you can see the skyline of downtown Kansas City as well as the far surrounding areas, including the RLDS or Community of Christ temple in Independence. It is truly a breathtaking view and unique to Kansas City where there aren't many high vistas from which to see far around. In this area of the world, we have people who actually monitor storms and tornadoes. They are called "storm chasers". I have dubbed myself a "temple chaser".