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....