The Kansas City Temple Chaser: The Journalings of the Building of the Kansas City Temple

Now Serving; The Temple

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was a cold, dreary morning last Saturday, the 21st, when several wards of volunteers met at the temple to give the service of collecting and removing debris.

Despite wind chills well below 25º F, these brave souls scoured over 50 acres of temple property to pick up trash, remnants of construction and other old objects to give the grounds a clean-face lift.

Ages 14 and older were invited to participate but so many couldn't come due to the extreme cold weather.

Photographed are all the 35+ folks who served and their names were recorded for their efforts.

Of course, there were snacks, impromptu sword fights with sticks and a lot of love and warmth going around.

These photos contain the first shots taken by Valerie Anderson without having to be behind a security fence.

Bless these good souls for their service to the Temple. I bet Moroni loved the company and appreciates the clean view.
Now Serving; A Temple Near You!

Temples Are A Beacon

2012-01-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

New video about temples on the Mormon Channel...

An "indescrible and joyful experience" will be coming to the saints in Missouri very soon.

"In this sacred sanctuary, we will find peace."
President Thomas S. Monson

"X" Marks the Spot

2012-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

Go here to view the article about the Kansas City Temple Open House in the Kansas City Star.

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/19/3382694/new-mormon-temple-in-kansas-city.html

And it will all happen here very soon!

Announcement!

2012-01-19T11:31:00.002-08:00

Get your tickets when you can! The official ride is about to begin! http://newsroom.lds.org/article/open-house-dates-announced-kansas-city-missouri-temple

I can't tell you how happy this Temple Chaser is.

Renewal awaits

2012-01-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

"As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace we will be renewed and fortified."
President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, April 2011

Visitors from Dixie

2012-01-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Roy Stephens and his wife Carol recently visited the Kansas City Temple on New Year's Day. They were visiting the Midwest over the holidays.

This lovely couple resides in my ward here in St. George...The Bloomington 7th Ward. Bro. Stephens is a member of the Bishopric.

They were impressed with the similarity of this temple to the St. George Temple, in size and shape.

Thank you for sharing your photos with us! I love the connection between my homes.

Perspective

2012-01-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Each of these photos is taken from a different perspective. Depending on what your focus is...determines what you actually see clearly.

For me, going to the temple has given me the ability to see things as they truly are and what is most important. Those things of value are: My covenants, my eternal family, and the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement. Going to the temple often, is like looking through glasses that are cleaned regularly, keeping my vision and purpose clear. In contrast, when I don't attend the temple regularly, the film and grime of the outside world cloud my vision, altering my perspective.

"The eternal perspective we receive in the temple gives us strength to endure the trials of life

An eternal perspective helps us maintain complete fidelity to the covenants we make. President Packer emphasized that “ordinances and covenants become our credentials for admission into [God’s] presence. To worthily receive them is the quest of a lifetime; to keep them thereafter is the challenge of mortality.”²⁶

Ordinances of the temple relate not only to our eternal glory but also to that of our departed ancestors. “For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, … they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.”²⁷Service in their behalf provides an opportunity for our continuing temple worship, selflessly rendered as a vicarious work patterned after that of the Lord as He wrought the Atonement to bless all who would ever live.

One day we will surely meet our Maker and stand before Him at the bar of judgment. Scripture teaches us that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.”²⁸The Lord Himself will determine whether we have been true to the covenants we made with Him in the temple and thus merit the glorious blessings He has promised those who keep their covenants.

This perspective gives us strength to endure the trials of life. President Packer stated, “The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father.”²⁹

Each temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a stepping-stone to eternal glory for us and our family. I pray that each member of the Church will prepare for the marvelous blessings of the temple."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple, Ensign, October 2010

Be prepared and keep your eternal perspective fellow Temple Chasers! The day is fast approaching when the completed temple will be in your very midst. And then your ability to attend more often will be realized. What a blessing. A crystal clear blessing.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

This will be the year when the Kansas City Temple is dedicated!

Happy 2012 Temple Chasers!

2011-12-25T08:07:00.001-08:00

Time and All Eternity

2011-12-24T06:32:00.000-08:00

"I took this picture for Tim's (her husband) Dad the day before he passed. He loved this temple. He would visit it quite often just to sit in it's presence and ponder as he watched the progress being made. In his final week as his health was failing he yearned to go see the temple, but being not possible, I took this picture to hang on his wall.
Our family cannot wait for this temple to be finished as we know this will always be a very special place where we not only can feel close to the presence of our Father in Heaven but our loved one passed as well. So grateful to have an eternal family."

~Jeanene Morris of the New Mark Ward, Platte City Stake Missouri
This photo was taken and edited by Jeanene in August prior to the passing of her Father-in-law.

Information regarding temple

2011-11-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

We have received the following information in a letter from Elder Donald D. Deshler, of the Seventy, regarding the formation of a Committee to plan the Kansas City Temple Open House and related events. Elder Deshler will serve as the Coordinator for the Kansas City Missouri New Temple Committee. Note the rough outline for dates and an estimated dedication time frame:

“The completion of construction of the temple is anticipated to be by around the first of March. Following that, the contractor will turn the temple over to the Church for its review and approval, cleaning, official photographs of each of the rooms, etc. This process can take anywhere between 3-6 weeks. Once that process is complete, a date will be set for the open house, cultural celebration, and dedication. Establishing the date will be influenced by the following factors: (1) the Prophet’s availability, and (2) the availability of a venue for holding the cultural celebration. Of course, consideration will be given to anticipated weather, school events (e.g., graduation, etc.), etc. It is estimated that the dedication will take place by mid-summer."

You are encouraged to share this information with all members. Please do what you can to discourage speculation on anything beyond what is written here. We will keep you updated as these exciting events continue to move forward.

With warmest regards,

Jeremiah Morgan

Sean Foley

Rodney Ames

Presidency, Liberty Missouri Stake

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

2011-11-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

Come, ye thankful people, come;
Raise the song of harvest home.

All is safely gathered in
Ere the winter storms begin.

God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied.

Come to God's own temple, come;
Raise the song of harvest home.

Hymn 94, LDS Hymnal

Happy Thanksgiving Temple Chasers.

Dear Moroni, A Stake Meetinghouse will keep you company

2011-11-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Brother Angel Moroni:

Well, my friend, your days of hanging out alone have come to an end.

No longer will you be seeing just the faces of the workers and me.

Our rarely uninterrupted visits of the last seven months have been terrific.

We have had some good times. Sunsets, sunshine, sunrises, lightening, rainy storm clouds, tornado clouds, humidity, scorching heat and freezing cold.

I think I have looked at you more than my own children some days. And for sure, I know that you have been seen by lots of locals and folks passing through.

There have been Temple Chasers, folks who have wondered why there is a Angel “Macaroni” on the big church building, and bystanders who have no idea what you or the building are.

There are folks who happen to jog by, bike by, drive by on their way to work and come by for curiosity. There were almost 2,000 who ran by that one Saturday morning in April.

And now, there are the dedicated and loyal Saints who will be coming to the new Liberty Stake Center building every week. Sundays, Tuesday nights, and Wednesday nights. For starters.

There will be Boy Scouts, young ladies, old folks and babies.

There will be Christmas parties, Halloween trunk or treats, wedding receptions, Pine Wood Derby races, and special evenings with spiritual messages.

There will be music (you will love that…no more just the sound of heavy construction equipment and silence). Lots and lots of music.

There will be baptisms. Folks who are living good, often great lives who want to live better. One of my favorite quotes is from a kindly LDS President, Gordon B. Hinckley: “The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to make bad men good and good men better.” I don’t imagine a lot of “bad men” are baptized, but if they are, even better.

And someday soon, in the not too distant future, there will be weddings, sealings, and people who will come to the temple to make promises to their God to do and be more.

And you, Brother Angel Moroni, will get to see it all. A front row seat to these cherished family moments and intimate personal eternal decisions.

You are a man of few words, but by your sheer presence alone I have children run around the lot with huge smiles on their faces. I have had more gospel conversations with people who long to know more than I can remember, and I have even seen a dying man come out of his death bed to see you one more time with his children.

Speaking of that, in one of my own darkest hours of my life, after Tom passed away in June, all I wanted to do was come and be with you.

You represent the stability of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Strong, consistent, and immovable.

The new church building has been readied and the dedication is going on as I write this. Time for “game on” my brother.

If you would like to see the pictures of the church building, go here:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150439150880042.412197.532120041&type=1&l=b46913caf4

It has been an honor to welcome you to Kansas City. Enjoy this new chapter in your life.

Love, Val

We Love Thy House, O God

2011-10-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

We love thy house, O God,

Where-in thine honor dwells.

The joy of thine abode

All earthly joy excels.

It is the house of prayer,

Where-in thy servants meet,

And thou, O Lord art there,

Thy chosen flock to greet.

We love the word of life,

The word that tells of peace,

Of comfort in the strife,

Of joys that never cease.

Text brought to you today from: William Bullock, LDS Hymnal, Photos by Valerie Anderson and

progress on the House of the Lord and joy found there-in by our Father in Heaven.

We love thy house, O God.

Hope, Smiling Brightly

2011-10-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

When dark clouds of trouble hang o're us,
and threaten our peace to destroy.
There is hope smiling brightly before us,
and we know that deliverance is nigh.

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet, LDS Hymnal

Keep focused on the temple. It is the hope smiling brightly before us.

Progress

2011-10-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Fencing is almost complete.

Landscaping is being planted.

Stained glass windows are in.

Sheet rock is going up.

New exterior lighting is lit.

It's progressing!!!

Photos by Valerie Anderson

How Far Is Heaven?

2011-10-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

"How far is heaven?
It's not very far.
In temples of God,
It's right where we are.

How far is heaven? I testify that in the holy temples it is not far at all--for it is in these sacred places that heaven and earth meet and our Heavenly Father gives His children His greatest blessings.

As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation."

President Thomas S. Monson, Blessings of the Temple, Liahona, Oct. 2010

Temple Chasers....how far is heaven? Soon to be found in Kansas City.

2011-10-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Open House for the new Stake Center will be November 4th.

November 5 & 6 Stake Conference and Dedication of the building.

Beginning November 13, 2011, the New Mark Ward will attend church in the new Liberty Stake Center across from the Kansas City Temple. Sacrament begins at 11:00 am until the end of the year. The building will be shared with the Shoal Creek Valley and North Kansas City wards from the Liberty Stake and will be the only ward from the Platte City Stake attending the new building.

This is such wonderful and blessed news for those who have had to travel up to a half hour each way to church in Platte City for many years. It's almost done!

Drop by Drop

2011-09-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Look what Valerie captured in this tiny, spectacular droplet of water last week.

Look closer.

"Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures--each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity--these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps."

President Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, 256

I'm grateful for the perspective of seeing temple attendance in a different way. Each time we go, we are blessed and spiritually filled, drop by drop.

Drops of obedience every day, prepares us to attend the temple.

The time is quickly coming when the Kansas City Temple will be open. Are we ready? Let us fill our vessels by following the counsel of our prophets.

Families Can Be Together Forever

2011-09-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have a family here on earth.
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them
Through all eternity.

Fam'lies Can Be Together Forever,
through Heavenly Father's plan.

I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord, has shown me how I can.

While I am in my early years,
I'll prepare most carefully.

So I can marry in God's temple

for eternity.

Fam'lies Can Be Together Forever

Through Heavenly Father's plan.

I always want to be with my own family.
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord, has shown me how I can.

The Lord has shown us how we can be with our families forever, in his Holy House.
The Kansas City Temple will bless the lives of generations.

Photos of the Curtis and Campbell families, taken by Valerie Anderson at the Kansas City Temple.
Families Can Be Together Forever, Text: Ruth M. Gardner, Music: Vanja Y. Watkins, LDS Hymnal, pg. 300

2011-09-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

The construction gate was open when Val went to photograph the temple a couple of days ago.

At the dedication of the Manti Temple, President Lorenzo Snow said,
"May this holy temple be to them as one of the gates of heaven, opening into the straight and narrow path that leads to endless lives and eternal dominion."
(Manti Temple dedication, 21 May 1888)

Go here to read an address given by President Thomas S. Monson on January 14, 2001 to the students at BYU-I about the three gates that only we can open. "History swings on small hinges-and so will your life."

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Matt. 7:12-14

In these pictures, storm clouds are brewing in the distance. With all of the distractions and temptations of the world swirling around us, may we be extra vigilant to stay the course and have our goal be to enter in the gates of the holy temples.

Prepare now, to enter in the narrow gate of worthiness to be allowed in the Kansas City Temple when the doors are open. Let's not be among the "few there be that find it".

Rise, Ye Saints, and Temples Enter

2011-09-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Rise, Ye Saints, and Temples Enter
Text: Jean L. Kaberry (1918-1997; LDS)
Music: Robert P. Manookin (1918-1997); LDS)
Tune name: Marie (to honor the composer's daughter)

Rise ye Saints, and temples enter;
Seek the path that leads ahead.

Seal in ever lasting circles
All our loved ones, quick and dead.

Learn the plan of exaltation;
With His sacred laws comply

Live to earn in binding cov'nant
Blessings of our God most high.

Elohim thou great designer,
Wilt thou heaven's powr's bestow,

As thy faithful sons and daughters
Serve in temples here below.

"The New Zealand Temple was the 'temple home' of the author and composer of this hymn at the time it was written. Robert Manookin said: "While my wife and I were serving a mission in the New Zealand Temple, the temple president, William Roberts, organized a special sacrament meeting program among the temple missionaries to try to spur understanding and interest in temple work among the members of the Church. He asked that I write music for the occasion. I then approached Sister Jean L. Kaberry, a typist and secretary in the temple, to write a poem that could be set to music. 'Rise, Ye Saints, and Temples Enter' was the result. The temple missionaries were then organized into a small choir that sang the hymn for the sacrament meeting program."
Our Latter-Day Hymns, The Stories and the Messages, by Karen Lynn Davidson

Let's heed the admonition to Rise, Ye Saints and Temples Enter where we seal our loved ones, learn the plan of exaltation, enter into sacred covenants and receive blessings.

All photos taken by Valerie Anderson August 26 & 28, 2011.

Fenced In

2011-08-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

Permanent fencing is going up around the temple.

"It is said that a fence-sitter eventually has to come down on one side or the other. If we are sitting on the top of life's fences, now is the time to muster the courage to stand tall on the side of righteousness and shun the shackles of sin." ~ Bishop H. David Burton, Ensign, Standing Tall, Jan. 2002

Go here to read remarks given by Elder James E. Faust, Stand Up and Be Counted in 1979.

Let's not be fence sitters.....go to the Temple!!

Won't you be...their neighbors?

2011-08-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

The beautiful home being built for the Temple President is moving along nicely.

And now, the surrounding lots are available to purchase as well.

Build to suit....across from the temple and next door to the temple president. Wouldn't you like to be their neighbors?

Temple Lot

2011-08-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Looks like you are witnessing the building of the Temple President's home at the Kansas City Temple...see last post.

Dear Moroni, Val's Back

2011-08-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Brother Angel Moroni, Kansas City:

It has been a long time friend.

You were a sight for sore eyes when I stopped to see you a couple of days ago. There you were...standing strong and shiny as always. Like some things have not changed.
But I noticed some things, of course, have. But I will get to that in a minute.

You know I am true-blue to you, but I will admit, I did see another Brother Angel Moroni when I traveled this last month.

His name was Brother Angel Moroni, Anchorage, Alaska.

He looked like your brother. The resemblance was uncanny. :)

Brother Angel Moroni, Anchorage was atop one of the first mini-temples built for the Church. The second one to be exact. I took his picture for you.

He looks thinner and he is holding a scroll in his hand. I liked that.

The Anchorage Temple announcement was such a wonderful day for us Alaskans.

We were living in Salt Lake City at the time of the announcement in 1997 and I remembered I cried. I don't have to live in Alaska to still feel like an Alaskan.

When the temple building was dedicated, it was so important to our family that we returned home that school break in January 1999 for the event.

Yep, I was there.

President Hinckley performed the dedication. I remember that he said "good people come from Soldotna" (our hometown of about 3,500 people). I will never forget thinking, "maybe the Prophet is talking about me." It was a proud moment for the Soldotna congregation.

The other thing I will never forget as long as I live on this earth was the singing.

I know there is recorded throughout LDS Church history, occasions where members of the Church will swear they heard angels singing when there was something spiritually special going on.

I am one of those members.

There was the special temple dedication choir that sang in the temple, and we as dedication session attendees sang along with them. But there was such a power in the sound. An unseen force that physically caused the hair on your arms to stand on end.

People looked around at each other while we sang. "Do you hear it?", our eyes were asking each other. "You hear it too?", our eyes would answer each other.

It was truly divine.

As divine as that moment at the dedication at the temple was, the big picture is that it isn't really about the dedication or construction of the temple at all.

It is about family. Eternal family.

This last month, while we visited the temple in Anchorage, it was the first time that my husband, his mother and our children have all worshipped in the temple together. Three generations. It was such a nice moment for us. It was the first time she (Grandma) had ever been to the temple with any of her biological grandchildren. It was tender.

The grounds are so different from the Kansas City grounds. Still lovely and sweet. Lots of trees.

It was peaceful and actually soothing for me as we heal our saddened hearts at the loss of our friend, Tom, who passed away in June. I think you remember him...he came to see you many times before he died.

While I feel as though I have been a part of the Anchorage Temple and it's history, I still could not help but feeling that my temple heart belongs to you here in Kansas City.

Speaking of Kansas City, your construction friends have been busy while I was gone.

Imagine my surprise when I drove up to see you, and there is a house being built right across the street!

Rumor is that it is a Distribution Center. Other rumor is that it is a house for the Temple President.

I don't know the answers, but what I do know is that you are getting some company! And a fence.

Hang in there, Brother Moroni. Don't let the hottest day in 25 years in Kansas City yesterday (107º plus heat index) dissuade you from doing your work. :)

As the scriptures say, "This (heat) too shall pass."

Love,

Sister Val

A "Model" Image

2011-07-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

These Model images of the Kansas City Temple were created and sent to me by Jonathan Elliott.

Go here to see the temple's 3D and Google Earth images. Browse around at his other LDS Temples and meetinghouses.

Thanks Jonathan!

By Day and By Night

2011-07-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

He leads me, He leads me.....along.

The Lord Is My Light, LDS Hymnal pg.89

2011-07-03T17:20:00.001-07:00

Kansas City Temple President Called

2011-06-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Go here for the official announcement and bio.

John White Hardy, 70, Rock Canyon Ward, Provo Utah Edgemont Stake, called as president of the new Kansas City Missouri Temple. President Hardy's wife, Nancy Hatch Savage Hardy, will serve as temple matron. He serves as a ward mission leader and as an ordinance worker in the Provo Utah Temple. He previously served as president of the Canada Toronto Mission, and as a stake president's counselor, bishop, and in a Missionary Training Center branch presidency. A professor emeritus of accounting atBrigham Young University and former chief financial officer of U.S. Synthetic Corporation, he was born in Pocatello, Idaho, to Wallace Laird and Erma White Hardy.
Sister Hardy serves as a temple preparation teacher. She previously served with her husband as he presided over the Canada Toronto Mission. She has also served as a Young Women General Board member, stake and ward Relief Society president, and ward Young Women president. She was born in National City, California, to Henry Carlyle and Marjorie Hatch Savage.

Weeds

2011-06-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Moroni,

I'm writing on behalf of our friend, the photographer, Val. You may not know that she is really missing her friend and fellow Temple Chaser, Tom.

I'm sure you have noticed the lovely weeds that are in bloom right now all around you. These buds and flowers have brought color and light to Val's world lately.

Even though weeds are considered a nuisance to most, these blossoms have demonstrated the blessed assurance of re-birth, new growth and life that continues .

I consider myself a weed. Imperfect, with my thorns and unsightly leaves. But with some Sun...or the Son and basking in His light, I blossom and grow too, to something more beautiful.

Our friend Val sure appreciates her sojourns to the Temple and the opportunity to photograph you. She feels real peace when she is there.

I hope you are enjoying the display of nature's color around you.

I ask that you keep an eye on our friend for me. Keep shining as her beacon of hope. Please continue to make her feel welcome as you do all your guests.

We know a loving Heavenly Father sends us these gentle reminders that our friends and family who pass away are with Him...blooming and continually growing. And we are thankful for those reminders. But sometimes it's still hard missing them here on earth. Thank goodness we know we will see them again.

Thank you for who you are and what you stand for, Moroni. And thank you for watching over our Valerie.

Your friend,

Cheryl

Hard Hat tour of the Stake Meetinghouse

2011-06-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

Valerie was invited on a hard-hat tour of the Stake Meetinghouse being constructed next to the Temple with a Troop of Boy Scouts. Photo taking was limited but she did get some unique pictures and facts.

The building is 20,000 square feet.

5 architects are assigned to this "prototype" building.

There is an outdoor reception atrium in the center of the building.

You can see the Temple from the large windows in the chapel, facing the north.

Construction is behind schedule and they are working quickly to complete the meetinghouse to be used as overflow and staging for the Temple open house.

They got to wear "cool" hard hats.

My three favorite features....the spire, the atrium, and those vintage-looking-temple-view windows.

Be the Link

2011-06-13T08:00:00.001-07:00

I participated in the Bloomington Stake Trek last week as a Ma.

For those of you who are not acquainted with what a Trek is....here's some enlightenment.

Because it is such a huge endeavor, Treks are usually only held once every 4 years or so. In this case, it meant planning food, route, accommodations, provisions, health care, and logistics for over 300 people. Quite an endeavor.

A Stake, or congregation of several or more wards together, will plan and execute a pioneer trail reenactment. Youth ages 14-18 and adult leaders will push or pull handcarts, with provisions along a pre-determined trail for several days. The youth will be divided into "families" of 5-10, depending on the number participating. And a Ma and Pa will be assigned to each family. I was a Ma. We dress and act the part. We wear pioneer clothing and sleep under the stars. Rain or shine, snow or heat...we live like a pioneer.

As the early pioneers became low on funds to make their exodus to Utah and couldn't afford wagons and teams of oxen, they invented handcarts that could be manually pushed or pulled with limited weight capabilities. It was a physically arduous trip, as one could imagine. Only, truthfully we really can't imagine nor comprehend it. We trekked 4 days...they trekked 4 months. Many starved, froze and lost their lives.

The youth are encouraged to "Trek" in memory of the pioneer ancestors who sacrificed much to bring about their religious freedoms, as well as to teach them that they are pioneers in the world today....blazing their own trails through life. These Treks also teach them that they too, as the pioneers of old...can do hard things and how to apply that in their life today.

One of the questions we were asked to think about as we embarked on the steep mountainous terrain, 20 mile trail was, "What link will you be?"

As we are linked to our past heritage and legacy left for us, what legacy or pioneer heritage will we leave behind?

These pioneers built a foundation for us and we continue building upon that foundation. That makes us pioneers in our own day and age.

When I see the progress of the Kansas City Temple construction, I am reminded of the reason for building these Holy Houses to the Lord. Therein lies our ability to link generations. That is how we become a link to those who came before and those who will come after. We become the link in a chain that goes on forever.

"Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."

"Those links, welded through sacred ordinances, lead to the exaltation of our families."

~Elder Russell M. Nelson

Families can be forever. We are blessed to have temples built so close so that we can be the links in our eternal families.

I am forever grateful for those pioneers, some of whom were my own ancestors, who became the link that made it possible for me to love, appreciate and worship in my religion today. I want to leave that kind of legacy for those who come after me.

What link will you be?

The Silver Lining

2011-06-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Fellow Temple Chaser, Tom Allison, returned to live with his Father in Heaven on Monday, June 6th. Valerie went to the temple that evening and witnessed a beautiful sunset and unique "silver lining" aglow on the temple. She has been there for countless sunsets and has always managed to capture stunning lighting, however, this instance was special.

The temple IS the silver lining. It is the place of refuge. It is the big picture. It houses the eternal life saving ordinances that bring us back to our Father...forever.

Thank you Tom, for the reminder.

Weathering the Storms

2011-05-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

While storms have ravaged the Midwest this last week, even the skies over the Kansas City Temple were tinged at times with ominous clouds.

Members of the Church in Joplin, MO are recovering from the loss of loved ones, their homes and their Stake Meetinghouse.

I appreciated this passage from Michael Otterson's post from the "On Faith",Washington Post National Blog, entitled, "Where is God (and the Mormon church) in a natural disaster?":

"What exactly does Mormon welfare and humanitarian response look like? First and foremost, it’s preparing for hard times before they hit. Mormon families generally follow a storage plan for food and essential commodities in their own homes so they are not dependent on others. Countless families have used those stores to cushion times of financial hardship without having to look to government or other help.

In infrastructure terms, Mormon humanitarian aid is warehouses and trucks, tents and chain saws, hygiene kits and canned food, generators and sleeping bags, flashlights and bottled water. The warehouses, which we call bishops’ storehouses, dot the country. Their more normal focus is on helping church members who are suffering from temporary food and commodity needs, but in a disaster they take on a much broader role, often serving as staging areas for relief efforts. Even before a hurricane makes landfall, trucks are loaded with relief aid at these regional depots and head to the expected disaster areas, where their contents will be needed and used by victims, Mormon or not.

The human side of the equation is the scores of Mormon work crews who typically converge on a disaster area from neighboring states to clean up, remove debris, repair homes and provide comfort. They are well coordinated with other relief services. They are self-motivated and self-managed, arriving with their own self-sustaining supplies in tow. Mormons who are not normally inclined to break their Sabbath day conventions by mowing their own lawns or visiting a supermarket on the Sabbath feel no hesitation in wielding a chainsaw to clear fallen branches from a hurricane victim’s damaged roof, Sunday or not. Service is every bit as much a part of their religious identity as sitting in a pew."

You can find more of this article here.

Our prayers and support go out to those who are suffering and weathering the effects of catastrophic devastation from these storms.

Press On

2011-05-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

These images brought to you by Val capture the temple in all its glory, standing true and faithful amidst the storms as well as in days of sun and prosperity.

And I've taken some verses from the song, "Though Deepening Trials", from the LDS Hymnbook, pg. 122 to accompany photos illustrating this.

Though Deep'ning trials throng your way,

Press on, press on, ye Saints of God!

Ere long the resurrection day

Will spread its life and truth abroad.

Life up your hearts in praise to God;

Let your rejoicings never cease.

Though tribulations rage abroad,

Christ says, "In me ye shall have peace."

This work is moving on apace,

And great events are rolling forth;

The kingdom of the latter-days,

The "little stone," must fill the earth.

All glory to his holy name

Who sends his faithful servants forth

To prove the nations, to proclaim

Salvation's tidings through the earth.

Temples are truly an Ensign to the nations, beacons of truth, light and testimony.

And the Kansas City Temple, this "little stone" among stones is extraordinary...in my opinion.

From Beginning...to Now

2011-05-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Valerie put together a video of photos that she and I have taken up to this point in the construction process of the Kansas City Temple.

Enjoy.

2011-05-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

al.pen.glow

Definition of ALPENGLOW
: a reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains.
(Merriam-Webster)

Does the Alpenglow on the Mountain of the Lord count?

This Alpenglow moment brought to you by Valerie Anderson, live from the Kansas City Temple this week.

"He Spoke to Me in the Temple"

2011-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful post about a woman who has had her own sacred experience in the temple that she would like to share. She wishes to remain anonymous.

"The date was Saturday, February 14, 2009 - the day that mankind has designated to express our love. I like to think that the Lord chose this day to reach out and express to me His love. But more likely, it was probably me that had a softened mindset on this day and allowed myself to feel of His love. Either way, the actual calendar date was about the furthest thing from my mind. At that point in my life I was measuring time in one of two ways: the number of days since my miscarriage (315), or even worse, the number of days since my husband and I had felt inspired to start our family (444).

The location was the endowment room of the Winter Quarter's Temple. In each of the preceding months I had dedicated my monthly temple attendance to a time of prayer and pleading that the Lord would bless my bowels, that they would be fruitful. It was almost as though I naively believed that I could choose the blessings I received for my temple attendance. But something, I'm still not sure what, made this temple visit different. My thoughts weren't consumed with thoughts of infertility. I was genuinely allowing myself to enjoy the spirit of the temple.

Seemingly out of nowhere a voice came to me. It was a male voice, spoken in actual words, phrased in a complete and coherent sentence. He called me by name and said, "__________, it is going to be a while, but it is going to be alright."

I was immediately overcome with a literal feeling of warmth. I realized that I had spent so much time pleading for a pregnancy that I never took the time to listen to what the Lord had to tell me. This was my answer. It obviously wasn't the answer I was seeking, but it was my answer nevertheless. Those simple 14 words assured me that the Lord had heard my prayers, He understood my pains and my desires, He had a specific plan for me, His plan had a timeline, and His plan would bring me much joy and happiness. This feeling of comfort and faith empowered me with the strength I needed to face a life where friends and family and coworkers all seemed to be having babies, and I seemed to be getting left out.

It has now been over two years since February 14, 2009, and the strength I originally gleaned from His words is starting to wear thin. Yet I cannot deny that He did in fact speak to me. So whenever I find myself looking only at the Lord's promise that "it is going to be awhile", I remind myself that the Lord spoke an even greater promise to me that day. He promised that, "it is going to be alright.""

Thank you for sharing your sweet experience with us.

The blessings of the temple await us all.

Groundbreaking Rocks

2011-05-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the one year anniversary of the Groundbreaking of the Kansas City Temple!

Go here for last year's post.

In one year the construction has gone from this...

To this...

The blessings of heaven invoked that day, have poured out upon this holy land.

The morning of the Groundbreaking, I picked up three stones, used to create a path to the top of the hill. I thought it would be a good idea to save these as mementoes of this sacred event for my three daughters, who were not able to attend.

They remind me that the Lord, is my Rock and that the temple is my "high tower and my refuge".

2 Samuel 22:2-3

It's been since the fall of 2008, that the building of the Kansas City Temple has been chronicled and shared on this humble blog. Today is a blessed day of reflection on the wondrous gifts given to us, especially the privilege and gift of having one of His Holy Houses being built in our midst.

Happy Groundbreaking Anniversary Temple Chasers!

"When we act in obedience and always remember Him, we are built on the rock of His gospel. We are blessed as we live His commandments."

Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Remembering the Savior's Atonement," Ensign, Apri. 1988, 9.

May we all keep chasing and building upon His Rock.

Strength Beyond My Own

2011-05-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Strength Beyond My Own
Arr. by Greg Hansen
Written by Steven Kapp Perry

Heaven's light flows through the windows, warming even walls of stone.
In the refuge of the temple,
I find strength beyond my own.

Filled with purpose, filled with power, granted gifts to lift the world.
In God's house and in his presence,
I am filled with strength to serve.

Chorus
I can feel the pow'r of Heaven as I stand on holy ground,
and the Spirit whispers what I long to learn.

Eyes are touched with understanding, I can see beyond this world.
It's the place I reach for Heaven, and it reaches in return.

It's the place I reach for Heaven, and it reaches in return.

Photos by Valerie Anderson, taken 5/4/11. Music can be found at www.lds.org, from the Seminary Doctrine & Covenants & Church History Music

KC Temple Run...it's all in the details

2011-05-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Shawna Tree of the Liberty Stake, who organized the Temple Run, sent this email:

The Committee:
Jeremiah Morgan - Stake President & Event Founder
Shawna Tree - Event Organizer & Director
Cindy McDavitt - Public Affairs & "In As Much Ministries" donation coordinator
Kate Shannon - Equipment
Isaac Freestone - Course Director
Chris Rasmussen - Award Stand & Clean up
Shirley Murdock - Food
Connie Plemons - Parking
Rachel Marble - Kids Run
Stephen Marble - Database
Lori Garcia - Web design & Photographer

Originally started as a simple Stake Activity, the Run quickly turned into a very large event. We invited all 11 stakes in the Kansas/Missouri area as well as the community. The news about the event spread by word of mouth and social media and we had over 1,700 participants by the first of April. We had to close registration early due to the overwhelming response (due to our limited parking during the construction phase of the temple building). This was a free run for everyone and also included donations for "In As Much Ministries", a local charity. We had 149 volunteers which included 60 of our missionaries. We had professional timing chips for the runners as well as commemorative medals for the top 3 finishers in the different age categories. There were also two kids' runs, a one-mile run and a 100 yard dash.

We were truly blessed with beautiful weather.

This event was an opportunity for families to be at the temple site during the construction phase of the temple. Families drove from all over the area to participate; Kansas, St. Louis, Iowa and Texas.

The run was fun, exciting and most importantly...inspirational. I know when runners were approaching the last mile, which was challenging for most, the temple came into view and was breathtaking.

I had the privilege to organize the 1st Annual Kansas City Temple Run 2011. I've never organized anything of this magnitude. I spent about 45-60 hours a week for the last five months making sure everything was planned and progressing on schedule. These were some long days but one thing which kept me motivated was the phone calls from the participants. They would share stories about why they were coming to this event, or it was their first 5k run, or how thrilled they were to finally have a temple here in Kansas City. The excitement I heard in their voices was uplifting and touched me personally. I'm very grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to the 2nd Annual Kansas City Temple Run...

Shawna Tree

Thank you Shawna and to your committee, from the bottom of all of our hearts, as well as all who participated, volunteered and worked their magic to create a memorable, worthy, inspiring event. I know all who were able to be there are grateful and left with their testimonies strengthened.

If anyone has a story or photos of the KC Temple Run that they would like to share, please let us know!

We can't wait until next year!
(photos by Valerie Anderson)

Run Chasers Run!

2011-05-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Temple Run was held yesterday, April 30th. Valerie Anderson was there to catch the runners and the spirit of the day in action.

She shares her experience in a letter to Moroni:

It seems as though you are pretty busy sounding your trump (although a primary boy in my ward says he thinks you are shooting a big gun...) and educating folks on how to pronounce your name - "No, it is Mo-ron-i...not Macaroni" - that you might no have gotten the information about the big 1st Annual Kansas city Temple Run that was held this morning. It is hard to get info since you don't have time or skills to surf the Internet, so I figured you would like a little back history.

As you know, LDS folks are a happy bunch. They like to have just as much fun as the next fella, and one way is to throw a party. So, you can consider the temple run a sort of "Welcome to Missouri" party for you and the temple. It is a fun way that folks could come out to the temple. See friends. Take some pictures. Sweat a little.

Since you were facing East (we understand you were not trying to be rude with your back to us the whole time) while we were all there and the action was west of you on the closed-off streets, I thought I could give you a recount of the event.

We got up to some mostly perfect weather this morning. It has been raining for days and days (why am I telling you? You live outside) so I am sure there is more than one member of some planning committee from the Liberty Stake that prayed for a little break in the weather this week. The spotty clouds made a nice picture or two of the temple. There fortunately were plenty of folks there with cameras so between all of us, there will be some great pics floating around now.

Since I am not on the planning committee (or even a member of that stake), I don't have all the details. Hopefully someone can fill in the blanks here. From rumor, I hear that the registrations had to be closed a while ago at 1,500 participants. That there were 149 volunteers - at least - to help out. And that about a billion oranges were cut up for snacks after the race for the runners.

There were dark blue shirts everywhere! Everyone looked great in that shade of blue.

I arrived at 8:30 am, an hour before the racing lining up began and there were already a ton of folks there. From an event stand point, it was extremely well-organized and well-run. I was highly impressed. The Liberty Stake President welcomed everyone and I think I heard the stake president from Independence gave the opening prayer.

Being the humanitarian that you are, we knew that you would appreciate that a service project went along with the run today. People donated household goods to the "In As Much Ministries." It won't be very often I am guessing that you see folks walking around the temple with packs of toilet paper in their arms (are you allowed to use toilet paper and temple in the same sentence?).

The thing that stuck out to me the most was all the families. Did you see them too? Grandmas. Dads. Little girls. Babies. It was fun to see all these various shapes, sizes, ages, and colors mingling together. Some brought everyone in the family and some came alone. Many ran in the race, and many watched for fun and to cheer along. It made me think that the heavens were happy to see so many gathered in. Just having fun.

I don't know who won the race (...man, he was speedy!). But here is his picture...

And there were missionaries. Lots of missionaries.

There were missionaries in church dress directing parking. Singing hymns while they did it.

There were missionaries "giving five" to the racers for encouragement.

There were missionaries who gave out bottled water for the thirsty...much like the spiritual "water" they give to those who spiritually "thirst". I liked how they were waiting for the finishers.

There is something that you missed from your perch that I caught while I stood at the finish line taking some pictures. It would be a great analogy for some sacrament talk some time, so if you ever want to use it, feel free.

As the runners came towards the finish line, one of two things generally happened. Runners would either 1) push harder, finish faster, or pick up their sprint or 2) they were giving everything they had left to just finish.

Do you know what I learned from those finishers (drum roll please...or trump sounding as it were)?

They finished.

There are some who had others waiting for them at the end, cheering them on. There were some who ran with someone to help them both finish. There were some who came across the line alone. There were some who skipped, some who leapt, some who held their arms up in delight, and there was even one who cart-wheeled through the finish line.

But it all comes back to the fundamental idea that they finished.

As I drove home, I was thinking about the temple and its purpose. It really does in some ways boil down to the finish. As we carry on through this life, it is very much like that race. Some of us have runner bodies...some of us don't. But with the temple, we all have equal opportunity to finish the race right. Some will be sweatier than others. Some will have someone running with them to encourage them. Some will not. But at the end of each of our own personal race, there will be The One who will be waiting for us with His Living Water to refresh us. He will quench our thirst. He will sustain us. He will be there when we finish, regardless of how worn out we look when we cross the line.

He will be there to love us and tell us, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Brother Moroni, it was a great day. If you ever find yourself with some free time and some internet waaaaay up there on top of the temple, you can see all the pictures from our outing at this location:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150233700020042.361209.532120041&l=dd21d3769a

Yours,
Sister Val

As I was typing this post from Sister Val, the song, "Lord Accept Our True Devotion", from the LDS Hymnal on page 107, kept going through my head.

"Lord, accept our true devotion.
Let thy Spirit whisper peace.
Swell our hearts with fond emotion,
And our joy in thee increase.

Never leave us, never leave us,
Help us Lord, to win the race.
Never leave us, never leave us,
Help us Lord, to win the race!"

Keep running to the Temple Chasers!

Eternal Families Under Construction

2011-04-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

This post brought to you today by the New Mark Ward, Platte City Stake, Family History Consultants:

"Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness."
President George Q. Cannon

Temple construction is progressing well...Are we keeping the pace?

Building Your Eternal Home
Getting Started:

1. Envision your dream home. In (our) Father's house are many mansions prepared for all the ancestors and descendants waiting to be party of your eternal family.

2. Hire the right architect. Elijah was sent to seal the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children. Let him change your heart.

3. Get financing. It takes much sacrifice to build an eternal family. Begin by paying a full tithe, and invest your time in something of such eternal significance.

4. Acquire a building permit. Qualify for, secure, and use a current temple recommend.

5. Get the right builder. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it...Psalms 127:1

6. Gather your materials. Gather the names of your ancestors and prepare them for temple ordinances.

7. Lay a firm foundation. "Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel that you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don't have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those who can't help themselves. ~ Elder Richard G. Scott

Get ready Temple Chasers....it's coming...

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

"No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:5–6).

With this pronouncement, those who have lived and died, those who now live and one day will die, and those yet to be born and yet to die had just been rescued.

As the result of Christ’s victory over the grave, we shall all be resurrected. This is the redemption of the soul. Paul wrote:

“There are … celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

“There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

“So also is the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:40–42).

It is the celestial glory that we seek. It is in the presence of God that we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership.

Of Him who delivered each of us from endless death, I testify He is a teacher of truth—but He is more than a teacher. He is the exemplar of the perfect life—but He is more than an exemplar. He is the great physician—but He is more than a physician. He is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord, who declared, “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:4).

“Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!’”²

Of this I testify."

~ President Thomas S. Monson

With a Full Heart

2011-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sunrise April 18, 2011 by Valerie Anderson

News comes to me often of how people have come to find the Temple Chasers.

One sister says they print pictures from the blog to adorn their Relief Society Room.

Some families have used some of the ideas on this website as part of their Family Home Evenings.

Missionary opportunities can be found and heard about at the temple, EVERY DAY.

Sweet letters, photos and experiences have been found in my inbox. Those are blessed mornings.

Temple Chaser cards have been mailed and delivered into the hands of those who want to know more.

My testimony has been edified and lifted by you. I don't think you can comprehend the impact you are making.

Thank you Temple Chasers, from the bottom of my heart.

"Chasing the Light"

2011-04-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

Words and photos by Valerie Anderson

"Outdoor Photography magazine has an interesting article this month about the value of "chasing the light" by Ian Plant.

He says that it isn't really about photographic technique.

It is about a way of life.

A state of being.

And I quote: "It is about chasing those rare magical moments...it fuels our passion...and becomes our raison d'etre..essential philosophies and techniques that guide (our workd)...a light chaser's manifesto, if you will. Master these tips and you just won't be chasing the light--you will be capturing magical moments that inspire and amaze" (Plant OP page 70, May 2011).

As a photographer of the new Kansas City Temple, I feel like I am enjoying the best of both worlds.

I love photography. I remember the first camera I owned. I was 12 and I was traveling out of state with a group of girls my age. My parents gave it to me. It was a Kodak 110 and it was everything a girl my age could love. It took pictures. MY pictures. They were my stories. My history. It was simple and easy. The best for my age and where I was experience-wise.

The temple is a lot like that first Kodak 110 for youth in the Church. They can attend the temple for the first time when they are 12. They begin to have their own temple stories. Establishing their histories. Usually they have been prepared by their parents and they can go with other kids their age. The worship and service that they give there is best for their age and their life experiences.

Many years have past since I owned that first Kodak 110 camera and I have had a camera in my life ever since. As my skills have developed, as I have studied and read, my talents have improved. But it takes time, dedication and practice.

Temple attendance is very much the same. As I converted to Mormonism 23 years ago this week, I have lived with its teachings since. As my doctrinal understanding has developed, as I have studied and read, my talents to live the gospel of Jesus Christ as best as I can are improving. I am learning how to adapt to superior knowledge the temple has to offer. But it takes time, devotion and practice as well.

There were some other tidbits of advice that were spot on. Not only when talking photography, but the temple and some purposes for our lives.

Shoot Into The Light:

Great advice when working with light is to find balance. Too much light in a photograph can cause a flare, which distracts the viewer from the original reason you shot the picture. Too much light can actually erase any other feature in a photograph and take it to a point that it doesn't hold any value at all. Balance is the key. Many modern-day prophets and apostles agree.

Learn To Love Bad Weather:

"The magic happens when the weather turns nasty." If you think about most landscape photographs, it is when the clouds are flared up, the light is dodgy, or there is something going on that isn't a perfectly-blue-sky-day that makes the picture interesting. Some of my best photos have been in imperfect weather. Life is like that for me as well. I have known adversity. Imperfection. At the end of the day, I think adversity makes me more empathetic and kinder. A more interesting photograph of me, if you will. Perhaps revealing an image that is more like the Savior.

Reflect:

The stiller, the deeper, and the clearer the water is, the better you can capture a reflection. Reflection is a unique way to represent an image. Reflection of our life is no different. Still, deep and clear meditative reflection helps to ground us, bring insight to our minds and clarity to our decisions. I love going to the temple because of the reflective time available to me. I feel like "still water" when I am there, a feeling I have not consistently found anywhere else.

Unite Land And Sky:

Pay close attention to both the land and sky. I know some folks when they shoot photographs, they only see the image at hand right in front of them. I tend to look up. A lot. The sky to me is just as important as the main image everyone else may see. It really is about seeing the "big picture". All the small pieces that work together to make up the whole story.

The temple is like that. It is so many details that make up the main story.

I remember a man who once share an analogy. He held up a drinking straw to his eye, looking through the entirety of the straw. "This is what I see", he said. Just a small sort of tunnel vision. Then he pulled the straw away from his eye and turned his wrist. He could see the entire length of the straw then. "This is what God sees." He was right. The temple is designed to have us learn to think like Christ and our Heavenly Father. Think in "big picture" terms.

Master The Moment:

Henri Cartier-Bresson described photography as "capturing the 'decisive moment' in which one is able to record an essential interaction of subjects as its peak...ideally, revealing something about the character...when power is at it's fullest, filled with energy and possibility." Attending the temple does just that. Revealing the true character of who we are as sons and daughters of God. Full of energy. Possibility. Power. It is about that "decisive moment" that we truly see eternity and daily decide the degree of our discipleship.

Did you know that raison d'etre is a French phrase meaning, "reason for existence"? Temples are here on Earth as expressions of love from our God, our Father, to us. They are gifts given to provide the opportunity for us to learn our raison d'etre...our reason for existence. I sincerely believe this to be true.

May the completion of the Kansas City Temple do just that...fuel your passion to find out your reasons. I know there are surely many."

Valerie always gets it. She gets the 'good shots' and she gets the gospel. She gets Temple Chasing.

Do you get Temple Chasing too? It's catching. Email me if you would like to share your thoughts about the Kansas City Temple.

Brandon is a Temple Chaser Too!

2011-04-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

I received an email and photos from another Temple Chaser the other day...

His name is Brandon Lovesee. He is a student at BYU-Idaho (can I tell you how much I love Rexburg & and my old Alma Mater...Ricks College!!!), and he is from Kansas. He has been following the progress of the construction of the temple and had an opportunity to come home and see it for himself over his spring break from college. He took some photos and sent them to me to share as well as his testimony of the Kansas City Temple.

"I was on my mission when they announced the Kansas City Temple in conference. The other Elders I was with did not understand why I was so excited. They were all from Utah so they didn't understand the 4 hour drive (one way) to St. Louis, only being able to go to the temple once every few months, or anything like that. I was so excited. I thought about how I would be able to go much more regularly. I thought about being able to go with some of my friends from high school to the open house and helping them feel the Spirit (of course, being a missionary I pictured them all getting baptized too!) Hopefully, I'll be in the area during that time. I was one of only a few members in my high school, so I have many friends to share with.

The Kansas City Temple also reminds me of the sacrifice of the early Saints in this area. Though it is not being built at THE temple site in Independence, it is still in an area full of church history. These Saints gave so much so that we could have the Gospel today.

I know that the Church is true and that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that at the temple, we can be sealed into forever families to return to live with Father someday. I know that Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet on the Earth today."

~Brandon Lovesee

Pictures and words shared with permission by Brandon Lovesee

Thank you Brandon for sharing your testimony and example with us. "Hello" also to the rest of you BYU-I'ers, who I adore. Life is good there. Love your time there. Go to the Rexburg Temple often. It is spectacular and I wish it had been there when I was there.

A photo I snapped on my phone of the Rexburg Temple last summer in the dawning hours of a storm.

Wouldn't you like to be a Chaser too? Email me.

Ground-breaking

2011-04-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Looks like ground-breaking for tree planting has commenced.

The Temple testifies of Christ. So does the beauty that surrounds His Holy House.

"Things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me."
Moses 6:63

Alma taught, "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."
Alma 30:44

I love the symbolism of using the testifying beauty of creation to enhance and landscape these sacred grounds, which will draw many to this Holy edifice.

Dear "K"

2011-04-11T05:45:00.001-07:00

An open letter to our new friend K:

K, we met this evening at the Kansas City Temple site at sunset. Hopefully you will see this post.

I was there taking photographs with my daughter, who sat patiently in the little green truck sometimes for over an hour, in the still of the evening, listening to the birds chirp and the stillness of the temple site. I know on the outside she looked like a typical teenager texting her friends, but on the inside, I know she was feeling the peace the being on the temple grounds.

That is why she tags along sometimes.

K, I waited over an hour for the sunset. The clouds were wonderful. They had all the promise of fiery oranges. The kind you can create on some Photoshop program but it just doesn’t have the feel of real. I was excited.

Although, now I realize I didn’t come to the temple tonight to see just the clouds.

I had a feeling. As this afternoon moved into evening tonight, I said to my family, “I have to go.” It was such a strong feeling that I knew I should be there. Especially tonight.

The clouds were poised, and the “sunset show” was about to begin.

Then the wind came.

That darn wind showed up and blew my potentially fiery orange accent clouds away. I was so disappointed.

I thought to myself, “Self, should I go home? The clouds are gone, and there is nothing left here to photograph.” But something inside me said “stay.”

Then you and your husband pulled up.

Your camera is smaller than mine, and you couldn’t get anything but dark for your images. You asked about mine…where were they going to end up? Perhaps on the internet? “My friend and I do a blog…here is our card (with the site address)” I replied.

We started to visit and we figured out that we are neighbors. Our homes are only a few streets apart. I asked you what ward you were in. You aren’t. You are not a member of our church.

I have met several people at the temple grounds who come for different reasons. Many of them are walking, enjoying the peaceful stroll. Most are LDS, but some are not.

You had a “something special” about you. Happy. Bright. Cheery.

You said something that my daughter and I will never forget. That is why I am writing this letter to you.

You said you were at home this evening. And that God spoke to you and said “go to the temple right now.” And you did. And you found us.

As we closed our visit, I told you that the clouds I waited for had been blown away, but perhaps we had stayed for you. You replied that we had done as God had wanted….for us to meet.

K, we both did our part this evening. I went to the temple to shoot pictures for the blog. Those photographs are my way of sharing the power and wonder of God, His creations and His plan that I know to be true. You heard God speak to you that you should come to the temple. And you did as He asked. What devotion and dedication on your part. Trust. I admire that.

I think that we could have talked for a good long while and shared our feelings about many things. I did not get the chance to tell you that I know that there is happiness that can be found on this Earth at this time. I know that the temple being built so close to our homes is not just for the LDS people, but for all people who choose to partake of its peace. A gift to all the people of this area. Why wouldn’t it be? We are all God’s children.

K, thank you for coming to join us at the temple this evening.

God be with you until we meet again.

Your new temple-chasing friends, Valerie and Aubrey

From our Prophet...

2011-04-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Words from our dear Prophet from General Conference last weekend to accompany stunning new photos just sent to me from Val Anderson, taken this evening....

"I express my undying gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the temple now being built in Rome and for all of our temples, wherever they are. Each one stands as a beacon to the world, an expression of our testimony that God, our Eternal Father, lives, that He desires to bless us and, indeed, to bless His sons and daughters of all generations. Each of our temples is an expression of our testimony that life beyond the grave is as real and as certain as is our life here on earth."

President Thomas S. Monson

Address stone...

I was inspired by the message given by the Prophet of our Church. I am motivated and my desire to attend the temple as often as possible has increased. I do hope and pray that my fervor and zeal toward the Kansas City Temple translates to better temple attendance in general.

After all, as with our hearts and intents, what happens on the inside is more important. I am grateful for this beacon to the world, for the message that it testifies of.

Find a temple near you...and go...be a Chaser.

What the temple means to Emily Burneson

2011-04-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

April 6

"I remember an experience that I once had in a department store. I had two children at the time, an infant and a toddler. One moment my 3-year-old was by my side, and the next moment he was gone. I couldn't find him anywhere. My panic sent me frantically searching up and down the aisles. I thought I had lost him. Soon, with the help of other women in the store, Daniel was found hiding inside a circular rack of clothing. Words cannot describe the complete despair that I felt when I thought that Daniel was gone; nor can I explain fully the joy that I felt when we were reunited.

The work done in temples reunites loved ones and allows them be together as part of an eternal family. My husband and I have been sealed in the temple through the Holy Spirit of Promise, and our children have been added to our family as part of the covenant we made there. If we remain faithful to those covenants, our children will not be lost. They will be ours forever. I could not imagine spending eternity without every member of my family. The sealing power of the temple binds us together and allows us to achieve the highest degree of Celestial glory.

It is also in the temple that Heaven and Earth meet. We are able to symbolically cross through the veil and enter a peaceful place that reminds me of home. In the Celestial room of the temple, I feel close to my Father in Heaven. I am able to pour out my soul in prayer and supplication and, with clarity, receive guidance and love from the Lord. The troubles of the world are left outside. In the temple, my sights are turned to the path back home to Heavenly Father and my life is better aligned with matters of eternity.

My love for the temple began at a young age. I remember singing about the temple as a little girl and anxiously awaiting the day that I would enter the House of the Lord. I remember my first temple trip to the Chicago, Illinois Temple. The closeness that I felt to deceased loved ones penetrated my heart. The most joyous moment of my life took place in the St. Louis Temple, where I was joined with my spouse for time and all eternity. I want all the members of my family, my ancestry and my posterity alike, to have all the blessings of the temple."

(Photo credit to www.rockitimagery.com)

Thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony of what the temple means to you.

I would love to hear from more Temple Chasers. Please send me your; What the Kansas City Temple means to me!

I'm waiting....

So is everyone else.

Long live Temple Chasing!

Happy Organization Day!

2011-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

A glorious sunrise on the morning of the organization birthday of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Meeting in the Peter Whitmer home on 6 April 1830, a small group of believers formally organized the Church that had begun to grow based on the truths revealed to a young prophet."
Elder John K. Carmack

And look where we are today.....
A temple in Kansas City....

President Monson's-The Holy Temple; A Beacon To The World

2011-04-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

"Each of our temples is an expression of our testimony that life beyond the grave is as real and as certain as our life here."

President Thomas S. Monson

The perfect address for this Easter Season.

Temple Chaser at the House!

2011-04-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

It was a joy to be here today.

I am completely overcome with the beauty of this, the Lord's House.

I am grateful to those who were able to join us this morning. What a glorious experience to share with fellow Temple Chasers.

More pictures to come soon...I promise! We had photographers packing serious heat and I look forward to the photos from them to share.

Don't forget, get your submissions in to me. I asked the question, "What does having a temple in Kansas City, mean to me?"

I LOVE to see the TEMPLE!

Statue tops spire of Mormon temple - KansasCity.com

2011-03-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Statue tops spire of Mormon temple - KansasCity.com

Workers used a construction crane last week to hoist a statue of an angel to its spot atop the new Mormon temple in the Northland.

About the statue

•It represents the Angel Moroni, an important figure in the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

•Perched 153 feet above the ground, atop the temple’s eastern spire, it’s 12 feet tall and 1,200 pounds, with a fiberglass body and a skin of gold leaf.

•It’s modeled after the statue atop the Salt Lake City Temple in Utah. That statue was designed in the late 1800s by Cyrus E. Dallin, the sculptor who also created The Scout in Kansas City’s Penn Valley Park.

About the temple

•Exterior work on the 32,000-square-foot temple near Searcy Creek Parkway and Pleasant Valley Road is largely completed. Inside, though, it’s “virtually a shell,” Jeremiah Morgan, president of the church’s Liberty Stake, said Thursday. “They will now turn their attention to the inside.”

Work is to be completed in 2012.

•The temple will serve church members in the greater Kansas City area as well as Springfield, Joplin, Topeka, Warrensburg and surrounding areas.

“The temple is not a regular meeting house that we use every Sunday for worship services and for activities during the week,” Morgan said. “But it’s a place we reserve for sacred instruction and things like baptism and marriages.”

•The Kansas City Missouri Temple, as it is officially known to church members, is one of 23 temples either announced or under construction by the church. A total of 134 are currently in operation.

A Temple Chaser at the House

2011-03-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

For anyone who is interested...I will be at the Temple this Saturday at 9:00 am. I would love to take some pictures of fellow Chasers for the blog.

Also, I'm looking for your thoughts as well.

Will you answer this question for me?

What does having a temple in Kansas City mean to me?

You can either type up your answer and bring it to me on Saturday or you may email it to me at
ckanenwisher@hotmail.com

Also, don't forget to watch or listen to as much of General Conference as you can this weekend! I look forward to hearing the words of our Prophet. I will be listening for things pertaining to Temples, in particular. What will you be listening for?

Until Saturday....

I'll be right here....

Letter to Moroni

2011-03-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

Photographer extraordinaire and fellow Temple Chaser has written a letter to the newest occupant of the east spire of the Kansas City Temple....Mr. Moroni.

Go here to read it!

I will be in Kansas City on March 31st - April 4th. I would be happy to meet any fellow Chasers at the temple so I can take your picture and collect your experiences. Please let me know if you are interested in setting up a time.

I'll be seeing you...and Moroni soon!

Who Shall Ascend?

2011-03-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Watch Moroni's ascension through beautiful photographs taken and edited by the talented duo of, Aubre and Eran Barnhart.

You can find more of their work at
www.rockitimagery.com
www.aubrebphotography.com

Thanks to the Barnharts for sharing their talents with us!

Angel Moroni now atop new Mormon temple in KC, North - KansasCity.com

2011-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Angel Moroni now atop new Mormon temple in KC, North - KansasCity.com

Local newspaper article link.

Wish I could have been there to hear the crowd cheer.

Fellow Moroni Witness Account

2011-03-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Words and photos from Emily Burneson, member of the Platte City Stake, Platte City, Missouri...

"I woke the boys at 6:30 am this morning. They slowly and reluctantly poured out of bed, wondering why I would insist that they get up and dressed so early. "Today is the day we get our angel!", I proclaimed. Daniel jumped out of bed and hurried to get dressed. Darren heard the noise and was ready to join the action. Dallin took his time."

"We were off just after 7am, headed for the Kansas City LDS Temple site. Today they would place the statue of the angel Moroni on top of the East spire. By 7:30 am I was parked at a little alcove on the East side of the temple. Accompanied by both close and new friends, we watched the green tarp come off the statue."

"We had at least an hour in the van with little or no action around Moroni. I decided we'd make the most of this time together and pull out our scriptures. We recently finished the Doctrine and Covenants and began reading the Pearl of Great Price at Daniel's request. This morning as we awaited the rising of an angel, we poured over the second chapter of Moses. What a fantastic thing to read at the temple! This was the story of the creation of Earth and the heaven around it. The boys seemed more interested than usual as we spoke of the lights in the firmament, the beasts, and the fouls. We found ourselves really studying the verses, not just reading them. It was a gigantically spiritual experience. I am thankful that they were reverent enough to allow that all to happen."

"The sides of the crate were soon lowered. It was at this point that we took a stroll to get a closer look of that beautiful statue."

"The statue stood still on it's side until 25 minutes after 10 am when the beautiful golden image of Moroni was lifted vertically into it's place atop the Eastern spire. It was a cloudy day with a cold breeze. The slightest bit of sunlight peeked through as the statue was lifted, lighting it just enough to make it really stand out from the gloomy backdrop. I was surprised how perfectly shiny and golden it was. It was such a brilliant thing to behold."

"Watching it rise was a more powerful experience than I expected. I kept reminding my boys that this was history in the making. I reminded each of them what age they were the day Moroni topped the Kansas City Temple. I think I will keep reminding them so that they'll always have this special experience in their minds. My video recording is shaky thanks to the wind, the zoom, and the little one on my hip who was really done being cold. Yet, I did manage to get some pretty great stills of the event. There was a good-sized crowd in attendance and a joyous roar was heard among them as the statue met its final place atop the spire. I'm so glad to have been a part of it."

"My love for this temple runs far and deep. I have a passion for the temple because of the sacred ordinances that are performed therein. I am grateful for the blessings of the temple that seal my family to me for eternity. This temple makes my heart especially full as I think of the opportunity that the open house will bring. As Mormon temples are closed to the public after dedication, many dear friends and family members have never set food inside such a beautiful house of the Lord. When a new temple is built, an Open House welcomes the public to tour the building and learn about what takes place within these walls. My children who are not yet old enough to participate in temple ordinances will be able to enter the Kansas City Temple for the open house. We will be able to show them first hand the kind of altar we kneel at, the dual mirrors that offer the image of eternity, and the Celestial room which offers an atmosphere of heaven. I can't wait to share it!"

"I am pleased to learn that construction is ahead of schedule and that the temple may be completed as early as the end of the year. The day will not come soon enough."

Thank you Emily for sharing your experience of the great occasion of the lifting of Moroni with us!

Temple Chasing blesses us all!

Goodnight Moroni

2011-03-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

As Moroni was tucked in twilight for his first evening on the Kansas City Temple, I took a moment to reflect on the events of the day.

What a day.

Goodnight Moroni.

And as this glorious, momentous day comes to a close this is also the time to clean up and prepare for the events that lie ahead.

I have been asked, from several different sources, to please ask the Temple Chasers to be courteous, considerate and respectful to the temple lot and building site. As far as I know there have been no problems other than exuberant chasers wanting a close shot of this beloved House of the Lord. There have been a couple of instances where visitors have inappropriately parked their car on the streets inside the temple lot which has created some difficulty of obstruction for the contractors. They are asking us to be careful and observe a fair amount of distance from the lot itself. Be careful that we do not trespass through secure areas and bear in mind that this is a contract site, with dangers and liabilities.

The Temple Chaser in me wants us all to have and take every opportunity that we can as individuals and families, to witness the building of the Kansas City Temple. In my excitement, I hope that I do not convey that it is appropriate to hinder or disrupt the construction process. I would also never wish for any Chaser to do anything inappropriate or illegal. Please allow for a wide berth around the temple lot and be cautious as you park your cars on the busy streets in the surrounding areas. I would be devastated if there were any injuries reported on account of Temple Stalking!

Although I can hardly contain myself, I must acknowledge that we should be wise and prudent in our Temple Chasing. May I remind you, that there are plenty of photos online for you to enjoy, should you feel apprehension at approaching the temple site. However, please partake of the spirit of this project when and if you can. Perhaps, just not every day.

Also, we are all very excited and looking forward to the Temple Run being held on April 30th. I understand that there are t-shirts available for purchase. These will make an excellent souvenir of the occasion. I am told that there may or may not be an opportunity to purchase t-shirts the day of the race. Because of that, I encourage you to purchase a t-shirt immediately, while it is still a for sure possibility. Now, that being said, there is a small possibility that they will be available that day but you would definitely not have the choices in sizes as you would by ordering directly. If you were planning on waiting until race day, I would say that would not be a safe idea.

You may order t-shirts here.

I am anxious to hear about your experiences of chasing the Kansas City Temple. I enjoy reading your thoughts and testimonies. They are powerful and can serve as a testifying witness to us all of the importance of attending and being worthy to attend temples. As we are all preparing for the day when this temple's doors will be open to us, we should all align our lives with the principles that keep us pure to enter in. Your stories and instances of feeling the Spirit bolsters my testimony as well as many others. Please feel free to email me your thoughts. And if you have accompanying photos, we would love those too. Use this occasion as a teaching opportunity for your families and children and then report your successes back to us all. That way we can all be edified.
There will be miracles. I have already seen some of them. I am watching for more.

Thank you to those who have contributed photographs, stories and ideas. There can't be only one Chaser and I am grateful for the eyes, ears and hands that have been lent to this undertaking. With thousands of eyes all over the world watching through you, it is truly a blessing.

Good night Temple Chasers and good night again, Moroni. I will be seeing you in a week.

Moroni's Arrival

2011-03-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

Awaiting his ride to the top...

The spire being prepared to receive Moroni..

Stunning Moroni...on his way...

Love the line of fellow Temple Chasers!!

Up...

And up...

"Whoso believeth in God might with surety of hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
~Moroni

Go here for an excellent article about the Prophet Moroni.

"You and I can not only survive but prevail, as did Moroni, in our efforts to stand for truth in perilous times."
~Susan W. Tanner

He is remarkable, this is a wonder and a blessing....a great day to be remembered and to be a Temple Chaser.

I look forward to hearing about your experience this day.

Thank you Valerie Anderson for these photos!

Last Look

2011-03-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a last look at the temple appearing as it was yesterday. As of today, a new adornment will reshape it's outline.

Hopefully, all will go well.
Hopefully as many Chasers as would like to be there, will be.

Be sure to read the notice found here.

And keep a prayer in your heart that the winds will be favorable and that your photos will be clear!

I wish I could be there to feel the spirit of this great event. But I will be, through your experiences, videos and photos. Please share them with me!

Notice

2011-03-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

This from Rick Satterfield of ldschurchtemples.com
We have been asked to pass along this information....

"Please consider carefully your attendance at the Moroni raising for the
Kansas City Missouri Temple. I have a received an e-mail from a concerned
organizer of the event who has provided some cautions: (1) the event is not
to be publicized due to logistics and traffic concerns and (2) streets near
the temple will be blocked off, making observation of the proceedings
difficult."

All photos were taken today by Val Anderson, showing west spire complete with finial

Good luck Chasers!

In'Spiring' Perspective

2011-03-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

Words and photographic progression of the 2nd spire on the temple, from fellow Temple Chaser....Jolin Mahoney

"My husband had been to the temple just the morning before; neither of the spires had been placed on the temple. We read on "Temple Chasers" of the spire being delivered along with the Angel Moroni. This morning we had an appointment, since we were already going by the temple we knew we had to stop and try to catch a glimpse of the spires. As we neared the temple we saw the crane...which was nothing new but what was new was that it was attached to the final spire...we got closer and realized beyond belief that we had happened upon a truly momentous occasion. The last of the twin spires was transcending to it's prized spot on top of our beautiful temple. I could not get out of the van fast enough. Camera in hand I ran to catch the moment, to capture on film the breathtaking even-taking place. I had prayed for this chance to photograph something remarkable, to be there with my camera so the Lord could take the picture. I am forever grateful for this answer to prayer. What a precious opportunity to forever hold in my hand and heart the day the last temple spire transcended toward heaven."

Jolin

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Jolin!

It is my understanding that an important event may or may not occur between 1-3 at the temple lot today. I am there in spirit.

Happy Temple Chasing!

In"Spiring"

2011-03-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Temple spires are up!

The first one was set in place yesterday, the 21st.

And the second spire went up early this morning, the 22nd.

And what comes next...on the second spire...facing east?

The spires are IN!!! In"spiring"!!

Work

2011-03-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Even as the second spire has been placed on the temple this morning, I am so impressed with how quickly the building has progressed. It won't be long before Moroni, with trumpet in hand, will be raised and set on his east facing perch.

I am grateful for those workers who show up every day. I am guessing that no matter what their belief or faith is, they too are grateful for the work.

By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires.”

Reflections on a Consecrated LifeD. Todd Christofferson

The 1st and 2nd spires are now on the temple. I am working on getting those pictures on here. This life of work is such a blessing.

Under Wraps

2011-03-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Imagine what some fellow Temple Chaser's witnessed last night as they ventured over on one of their frequent excursions to the lot.

The truck carrying Moroni and it's spire arrived.

And imagine how the trucker felt when he approached the lot with his hushed load on what he thought would be a quiet and unassuming mission...

You just can't keep a good Chaser away from this kind of good news.

It's all under wraps of course, but it's there!!!

What a blessed thing to happen to a great bunch of people.

An incredible sunset to finish off the event, is not so bad either.

This great work is rolling forth Chasers! I'm excited for those who are able to witness this work in process.

As always, if anyone has any photos or stories they would like to share, please let me know!

"The Night Sky"

2011-03-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

The jeweler

Holds out the black velvet cloth,

And thousands of diamonds

of every size,

Glitter and gleam and hold my eyes.

Then I see

The jeweler's careful clockwork,

As the celestial bodies circle

Their appointed paths

With unfailing precision and unending beauty.

There are some

Who say there is no God,

But I know there is

a Heavenly Jeweler

For I have seen His gems.

by Jana Powell, "The Night Sky", New Era, June 1984, 51

Closer

2011-03-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

“I think there is no place in the world where I feel closer to the Lord than in one of His holy temples.”

President Thomas S. Monson

Tall & Straight

2011-03-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

The walls of the Temple are now all enclosed.

"Let's make the walls stand strong and straight...

beckoning to the world...

Let's let the windows radiate...

the glorious truths unfurled!

Let's build a temple...

Let's make the spire shine...

Let's build a temple....

save every dollar and dime.

Let's build a temple...

a house divine!"

From "Let's Build a Temple" by Janeen Brady

Remember the days when we all worked and chipped in to build the temples close to us? Our family was involved during the building of the Seattle Temple, which is when this song was written, I believe.

Now we build temples in a different way. But I believe as we chase the Temple...we are builders ourselves. Builders of the kingdom of God.