Morning has broken

It's a glorious day here at the temple lot.
Even with 6 degree temperatures. There is no wind and the light dusting of snow is brilliant in the sun.Last night I heard that JeDunn, a large construction company here in the Metro, has been awarded the construction of the temple. http://www.jedunn.com/

I couldn't help but drive over this morning and see if they've posted a sign yet. Uh no.

Mr. Dunn sir, I would love for you to get all the advertising you can so get yer sign up speedy! And could you be so kind as to post a schedule of construction. Ah yes, I know, you don't do that for all yer clients, but this is special you see. Yer building the House of the Lord, dontcha know??! You'd think they'd be wanting to stick up a sign announcing to all the world..look at us...we're temple builders! Not everyone shares my enthusiasm I s'pose. But, if it were MY company, I'd be purdy darn excited.

So anyway, I also heard...that pre-construction is scheduled to begin in March with groundbreaking to take place in June. Sounds nifty and fine to me. I'd like to see some action over there.

You can start with a SIGN!

Where on earth did I get the accent from this morning?...I think I just like saying JeDunn...that's J-E-Dunn...roll that off your mouth a few times and see if you don't develop an accent for yerself.

Blessings to come our way

I'm so excited for the members in the Draper area. I can't wait until it's our turn.

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/draper-utah-temple-opens-its-doors-to-the-public

If you go to the link, you can see photos of the inside of the temple, a rare opportunity and blessing.
Blessings to all who are waiting for the earth to begin turning at Shoal Creek.

Thrust forth your "scythe"

Last Sunday, Sis. Kraft gave an excellent lesson in Relief Society from the Teachings of the Presidents manual entitled, "How Good and How Pleasant It Is...to Dwell Together in Unity". I would urge anyone who hasn't heard this lesson to read it. It is an interesting parallel of how to be unified as saints with the building of a temple, which in this lesson is specific to the Kirkland and Nauvoo temples.

I felt the Spirit so strong as Sis. Kraft related the experience that Hyrum Smith had when the revelation was made known to the brethren regarding where the temple site would be located. Immediately Hyrum ran to get a scythe to begin clearing the land for construction, exclaiming, "We are to build a house for the Lord, and I am determined to be the first at work." I so related to his enthusiasm. If I thought it would hurry along the building of our temple, I would take a scythe and clear off the temple site myself today....even in -5 temperatures.

I found an amazing artist...Tim Johnson, who has made breathtaking sculptures. One of his sculptures is of Hyrum Smith with his scythe....inspired by this very statement made by Hyrum. I love this piece of art...it inspires me.

"The advancement of the cause of God and the building up of Zion is as much one man's business as another's.

...let every man, woman and child realize the importance of the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion alone." Joseph Smith

"In order to erect the Temple of the Lord, great exertions will be required on the part of the Saints, so that they may build a house which shall be accepted by the Almighty, and in which His power and glory shall be manifested. Therefore let those who can freely make a sacrifice of their time, their talents, and their property, for the prosperity of the kingdom, and for the love they have to the cause of truth,...unite with us in the great work of the last days, and share in the tribulation, that they may ultimately share in the glory and triumph." Joseph Smith

Even though ground has not been broken, we must not let our resolve fail us and continue "building" and preparing for the temple to be in our midst. There is much we can do. Let us thrust forth our scythe and share in the tribulation and glory and triumph.

Desirable

I found an interesting article this morning that talks about the effect temples can have on surrounding real estate where they are built. I know this has been a positive effect in many areas I've visited.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2009/01/08/20090108ldstempleeffects0103.html

One quote in the article, by Steve Brown who lives across the street from a temple, really hit me...
"When I wake up in the morning and look out that window, I have the resolve and determination to live through the day and keep the covenants of being an honest and hardworking person," Steve said.

I know now why church leaders have encouraged us to have images of the temple in our home. Most of us won't have the experience in our lifetimes, of living across the street from one of the Lord's houses. In fact, many will ever only come close by hours of driving. However, the effect of waking up and seeing an image of the temple every day in our home can be just as powerful. I was taught in Young Women's that each young girl should have a temple in her bedroom, to remind her each day as she wakes and prepares for the day, of the goals of attending and making covenants in the temple. I believe that can have a profound impact. We can all have the "resolve and determination" as Steve said, "to live through the day and keep the covenants" and I believe keeping the image of the temple close to us can help. Maybe we could find a desirable piece of real estate in our own homes where we can place or build an image of the temple, that we might see it every day and be edified. Could be a fun FHE....looking for a temple site!

Come and get 'em...

"Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal Gods, and those who reside in their presence."
President George Q. Cannon

Who doesn't want to have blessings called down?

"Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people. So come to the temple—come and claim your blessings. It is a sacred work."
President Boyd K. Packer
Come and get 'em!