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...