Thrust forth your "scythe"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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