Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that when the foundation for the temple was laid, there was great rejoicing among the people, praising and giving thanks to God. When new temples are announced and built, how apt are we to give thanks and praise to God? Shouldn't we likewise show our graditude, rather than just take all these new temples for granted? Ezra 3: 10-11 "And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid."

In the D&C I read some oft quoted verses that remind us that our adversities and afflictions are but a small moment and if we endure they well, we'll be exalted on high. Think of what Job endured--our problems seem small in comparison. D&C 121: 7-10 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands. Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."

Some verses with a thought booklet remind us that there is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season. When spring brings forth its beautiful flowers and autumn brings forth its red, orange and yellow leaves, we can enjoy the wonder of the beautiful world the Lord has created. But we need to appreciate these things because they don't last long as the next season rolls along. We need to take time to savor each season as it comes. So it is with the seasons of our lives. We need to enjoy and appreciate whatever season our lives are in and be grateful for all the Lord has given us. Eccl. 3: 1-8 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."



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