1Ne 11: The Tree of Life...

Nephi believed his fathers words, but had a deep desire to see these visions for himself and find an understanding of what it all meant. So, he finds a private and quiet spot to pray to his Heavenly Father for understanding. Nephi received a vision as a result of his righteous desires and willingness to be obedient. As we each align our own desires and actions with the will of the Lord like Nephi, we too can receive personal revelation “by the power of the Holy Ghost”

What Nephi sees:

Interpretations of his Father's Dream

Tree of Life  = The Love of God, which is also known as the fountain of living waters –-->Nephi sees the city of Nazareth and a virgin, who was the mother of the Son of God; He then sees her bearing a child in her arms who was the Lamb of God.

• “The Spirit made explicit that the Tree of Life and its precious fruit are symbols of Christ’s redemption” Jeffery R. Holland
• "Partaking of the love of God means partaking of the blessings of the Atonement." Elder Neal A. Maxwell 

THE TREE OF LIFE = THE LOVE OF GOD = The Condescension of God, which is the life, ministry, & sacrifice of the Savior.---> chapter 11 Nephi sees John the Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way before the Savior, baptize Jesus Christ (vs27). He sees him ministering among the people (vs28), healing the sick & afflicted (vs31) and 12 others following him (vs29). Then the people of the world took him and judged him & lifted him upon the cross for the sins of the world (vs32-33).

Rod of Iron  = The Word of God, which led to the tree of Life --->He sees the son of God going forth among the children of men and many who fell down at his feet to worship him.

Large & Spacious Building = the pride & vain imaginations of the world ---> many gathered to fight the 12 apostles; the building tumbles to the ground just as the destruction of all those who fight against the 12 , against Gods words (vs35-36)

River of Filthy Water = depths of hell ---> into which the wicked fall

Mist of Darkness = The temptations of the devil ---> which blind people so they lose their way and cannot find the tree 

All of these "symbols" can easily relate to todays world. There is so much evil out there to tempt us and lead us astray. Filthy things that entice us to do wrong, including drugs, media & entertainment, language, dress styles, and so much more. It breaks my heart to see how quickly my little brother went down hill when we first moved to Utah. He was 12 when we moved, and he found himself in the wrong group of friends; sometimes, that is all it takes. Friends can be such an influence on what we do and the path we find ourselves on. He has been through a lot but luckily is beginning to turn around. Despite his bad decision & habits, the family still loves him to pieces and we enjoy having him around to keep us laughing. He has such a sweet heart and works hard to keep his life moving forward. He has been successful in starting his own mobil detail business and is dating an adorable girl (who has been really good for him!) He is such a great uncle and an amazing little brother. We have had our moments, but all siblings do, right? We all pray that he will see for himself the important things in life and have a desire to want the true happiness, the kind that never ends. We pray that at some point, he will be touched in such a way that I wants the spirit of peace and guidance in his life. For now, all we can do his show our love and concern for him and let him know how much we care! I couldn't' imagine life without him.

In this world today, we need to do everything we can to hold onto the rod, with confidence and not doubting what we know is right. We must read our scriptures, pray to our Heavenly Father, humble ourselves, offer service, and only allow things into our life that won't push away the spirit. I strive to be a better person every day. No, I am not perfect, far from it actually, but I am trying my hardest and that is all that matters. We all make mistakes, that is part of life. That is why the atonement is such a vital part of our  existence, our eternal existence. He suffered, so we didn't have to. He died, so we could live again. He has given us tools to guide us and to help us stay close to the rod, on our journey back into his presence.
-Sarah

1Ne 11: My Dad

Nephi shows so much faith and persistence. He had so much strength and did all in his power to build his testimony by living righteously & continually having faith.

Nephi believed the words of his father, Lehi; he trusted him and knew through the spirit that he wasn’t crazy like others may have believed.

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.”(1Ne 2:16)

“Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father.“(1 Ne 11:5)

He loved his father and knew he was speaking the truth. As I thought about this, I reflected back on my life and how often my own dad gives me advice. He has helped me become part of who I am today. I find when I ignore his advice; I later regret it…

 My dad is the greatest. I have seen his testimony continue to grow throughout my own life and I am so grateful he holds the priesthood and is there for me whenever I am in need of a blessing. He has given me many blessings including, fathers blessing before every school year and just at times I need strength and courage. He has given me many blessings with anointment for the sick and afflicted. He gave me my very first blessing, my baby blessing, to give me a name & promised blessings. He was there to baptize me and helped me find the way along the straight and narrow. My dad has taught me a great deal through his example. He has helped me with homework and buying cars (though I should’ve listened to his advice with my first car, Bumble, because things have just gone downhill from there). He has taught me what I know about cars, plus more that I am sure I have forgotten :/ - I can put gas in my car and check & fill the air pressure in my tires as well as re-fill my washer fluidJ I know I have a turbo diesel fuel engine and that it is fast. He taught me how to drive stick shift, even after he came home with me in tears on more than one occasion. He has taught me how boys should respect me and how special I am, that I deserve only the best.  

He has warned me of the bad creeps that could be out there, like one I found online. Long story - short, after talking over the phone, we were going to go out, but I suggested we meet somewhere in a group setting (I was trying to be careful…you never know). My dad told me to be careful and to not do anything ‘stupid’; Duh Dad, I am not going to meet him in some dark alley… I just kinda ignored his comment and knew I was already being smart about it. When we decided to meet at a bowling alley with friends, he got really funny and persisted we meet somewhere beforehand to get to know each other. He wanted to know exactly what friends of mine were coming and other weird random info. Long story short, I finally told him I no longer wanted to meet and to leave me alone. That night, I told my dad what happened and he informed me that he hadn’t felt right about me going & was happy to know that I too listened to the promptings of the spirit. My dad was only trying to protect me by reminding me to be safe and not do anything ‘stupid’. Not sure what would’ve happened that night, but I feel that I did the right thing in backing off and de-friending him on Facebook.

Thanks to my dad I enjoy listening to Pink Floyd, Journey, America, The Eagles, & other oldies I can’t think of right now. He has shown me how to tie a tie, but don’t ask me to do it because it isn’t something I do every day. He has taught me how to be silly and make a hard situation more fun. He has taught me NEVER to park in HIS parking spot…lol…I had to throw that one in;) He has taught me how to camp and love the outdoors. He recently gave me pointers on skiing this last week and coached me down the mountain on the steep, scary spots after I tweaked my knee. He has taught me how to have courage and to stand up for what I believe. He has taught me the gospel and how to take a step closer every day to live a righteous & happy life. I love my dad and I trust his decisions. I am grateful I can turn to him when I need help, when I need answers. I love my dad, to the moon and back and a million more times…

Recently I watched a movie with my family called, Courageous. Despite the cheesiness of the movie,  it was really inspiring and had good meaning behind it. In the movie, a group of men (mostly cops with a few friends) write up a Declaration:

THE RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. 

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home. 

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me. 

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength. 

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly. 

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy. 

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. 

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. 

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. 

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God. 

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will. 

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory. 

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ---Joshua 24:15

I loved this! What a great thing to stand by. Fathers should be there to protect, to teach, to live worthily and be an example. This is something I would like my own future husband to abide by and follow.  According the movie, the whole thing was found within the scriptures. I like it. It is bold and has such great meaning.

Nephi had prayed from the beginning to know that his fathers’ words were true. Then, after that, he didn’t question! We should also try to be more diligent in listening & following the guidance of our own father. This is true to our Heavenly Father and his guidance as well. He knows all things and loves us so much. He has great power and is always there for us, guiding us along our journey.  We must build our trust with him so that we can be lead back into his arms to stay.

-Sarah M

1Ne 8: Lehi's Dream

Lehi shares another vision with his sons; another message he received from God the Eternal Father.

 

 Picture yourself in a scene that is completely pitch black and full of gloom and discouragement. You wonder helplessly in the dark for hours, confused and lost. Then, you decide to fall to your knees and pray to the Lord for direction and plead for His tender mercies. As you look up, you get a glimpse of the entire world in front of you. Within this world, you see many things. Your attention quickly sets on a bright, white object - a large, beautiful tree. More beautiful and powerful then you have ever experienced. It fills your heart with love and compassion. You run up to it, blinded by its brightness, re-focus and reach for the fruit hanging from its limbs. Your mouth begins to water and you take a bite. Oh, it is so sweet and delicious! You are filled with joy and happiness beyond anything you have ever felt, you can't help but to grin. Then, you peer out into the darkness and see a running river with an iron rod following alongside it, leading by way of a straight and narrow path, up to the tree. Off in the dark distance, you see an enormous building filled with people dressed in expensive clothing & flashy jewelry, drunk and mocking those who clung to the iron rod, making their way to the tree ahead and laughing at those who were eating its delicious fruit. You want all your family to join you and find the same happiness you have, but there are some who have wondered and become lost. They have chosen other paths and it saddens your heart to see their choices and where it has lead them. You think, What does this all mean? 

Many symbols can be found throughout Lehi's dream that give us great guidance and direction.

In a recent Ensign article: Lehi's Dream -Holding Fast to the Rod (Oct2011), Elder David A. Bednar, explains Lehi's dream in a way I had never thought of before. I just love it. First he explains the symbolism of certain pieces of the dream. 

"The central feature in Lehi’s dream is the tree of life—a representation of the Love of God (1Ne 11:21-22). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Thus, the birth, life, and atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ are the greatest manifestations of God’s love for His children."

"The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Atonement. Partaking of the fruit of the tree represents the receiving of ordinances and covenants whereby the Atonement can become fully efficacious in our lives. The fruit is described as “desirable to make one happy” (1Ne 8:10) and produces great joy and the desire to share that joy with others."

 "Significantly, the overarching theme of the Book of Mormon—inviting all to come unto Christ—is paramount in Lehi’s vision. Of particular interest is the rod of iron that led to the tree (1Ne 8:19). The rod of iron is the word of God."

This next part of Elder Bednar's talk I love..

"Father Lehi saw four groups of people in his dream. Three of the groups were pressing forward along the strait and narrow path seeking to obtain the tree and its fruit. A fourth group did not seek after the tree, desiring instead the great and spacious building as their ultimate destination (1Ne 8:31-33). 

In 1Ne 8:21-23 we learn about the first group of people who pressed forward and commenced in the path that led to the tree of life. However, as the people encountered the mist of darkness, which represents “the temptations of the devil” (1Ne 12:17), they lost their way, wandered off, and were lost.
 
Notice that no mention is made in these verses of the rod of iron. Those who ignore or treat lightly the word of God do not have access to that divine compass which points the way to the Savior. Consider that this group obtained the path and pressed forward, exhibiting a measure of faith in Christ and spiritual conviction, but they were diverted by the temptations of the devil and were lost.

In 1Ne 8:24-28 we read about a second group of people who obtained the strait and narrow path that led to the tree of life. This group "did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree". However, as the finely dressed occupants of the great and spacious building mocked this second group of people, “they were ashamed” and “fell away into forbidden paths and were lost". Please notice that this group is described as “clinging to the rod of iron”.

It is significant that the second group pressed forward with faith and commitment. They also had the added blessing of the rod of iron, and they were clinging to it! However, as they were confronted with persecution and adversity, they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Even with faith, commitment, and the word of God, this group eventually was lost—perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me only occasional “bursts” of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion in the word of God.

In verse 30 we read about a third group of people who pressed forward “continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” The key phrase in this verse is continually holding fast to the rod of iron.

The third group also pressed forward with faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off, fell into forbidden paths, or were lost. Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the scriptures. Perhaps it was diligence and devotion to a seemingly “small and simple [thing]” (Alma 37:6) that saved the third group from perishing. Perhaps it was “the knowledge of the Lord” and “the knowledge of the truth” (Alma 23:5,6) obtained through faithful study of the scriptures that yielded the spiritual gift of humility—such that this group of people “fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree” (1Ne 8:30). Perhaps it was the spiritual nourishment and strength provided by continually “feasting upon the word of Christ” (2Ne 31:20) that enabled this group to heed not the scorning and mocking of the people in the great and spacious building (see 1Ne 8:33). This is the group you and I should strive to join."

This is a whole new way of looking at this story. Elder Bednar goes beyond the obvious symbols and digs deeper. He pulls out more meaning and understanding of how we, as latter day saints, should live our life. I try to continually do those things that will lead me to the tree of life, back to my Heavenly Father. At times it can be hard. Especially in the world we live in with so much evil, so many temptations. But I find that as I make time for the little things that are important - reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, going to church - it makes it easier to withstand temptations and I am more in tune with the spirit of God.

 
"May we all have eyes to see and ears to hear additional lessons from Lehi’s vision that will help us to “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2Ne 31:20)".  

 -Sarah M.

1 Ne 7: Rays of Sunshine

Lehi is told that he should not take his family into the wilderness alone, but that his sons should return to Jerusalem again to bring Ishmael and his family with them. This way, the sons could marry Ishmael's daughters, allowing the family to grow as they make their journey to the Land of Promise. On their way back, they begin arguing amongst one another; Laman, Lemuel, & part of Ishmael's children wish to return to the city and be done with such madness. But, Nephi, reminds them of the good things that have occurred. He explains:

"How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?
"Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?

"Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.

"And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise..." (1Ne 7:10-13)

This only makes them more angry and they tie Nephi up, planning to leave him behind as bate in the wilderness. Nephi, without hesitation and with amazing courage, prays to his Father in Heaven;

"O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound." (1Ne 7:17)

Because of his great faith, he is freed. Again, they were mad and went to tie him up again. Thanks to a daughter and son of Ishmael, as well as his wife, they soften their hearts through their words of pleading. They begged for forgiveness of Nephi, their younger brother and Nephi "frankly" forgave them. 

I always thought I would be at a completely different point in my life then I am now, @ 25 yrs. I thought I would be married and beginning my family. I thought I would be done with school and graduated with a degree and had experience competing gymnastics nationally. I thought I would have the greatest happiness in the world and that life would just be dandy, living happily in Texas. I didn't doubt I would have trials - that is what this life is about, right? It is a test and we are all going to have our own trials and we are all going to take them differently. But I never imagined I would be fighting the trials I am now and I thought I would have a loving husband to help me along the way. 
Well, God had a different plan for me.  I am single. I am not currently dating anyone. I am a former gymnast, forced to quit far before I was ready. I am still working towards my degree. I am living at home in Utah. I have multiple health issues. This is not the life I dreamed of living. 
The last couple of weeks have been tough. I have found myself deep inside a black hole I can't seem to escape. I am depressed and I hate feeling this way. There I admitted it. I want to have fun and enjoy life. As I read this chapter, I realized I am not being anything like my hero, Nephi. Instead I am complaining as Laman and Lemuel, wishing things could be like they used to. Wishing to go home to where I grew up and not willing to move forward with faith. 
Ok, so now what? Now that I know my attitude needs to change and I want to be more like Nephi, what is the next step? Well, as I read Nephi's reminder of all the good things that have taken place, I decided to think of the good things in my life. The rays of sunshine that brighten each day and bring true happiness to my everyday life. 
1. My Family - I am so blessed with the unconditional love of my family and the good times we share
2. My Heavenly Father, His son Jesus Christ, and the Companionship of the Holy Ghost -  I am NEVER alone. Though at times it may seem, He is always there to comfort and to love no matter what!
3. Friends - I have great friends that bring me such amazing support and happiness, friends that make me want to be a better me
4. Knowledge of the Gospel - I am so blessed with the knowledge of the gospel and the principles that are there for us to follow; for the Prophet of this church and the leaders who are here to guide us along the path of righteousness in a world of such wickedness; for the scriptures and their continual guidance in my life. 
5. America the Beautiful & my Rights and Freedoms - I am so blessed to be an American, to live in safety and live according to my desires with great resources.
6. Education - I have learned so much in this life and though I have not earned my college degree yet, I am still learning everyday and working towards it. I am blessed with the opportunity to learn and succeed. The thing I love about learning, there is always more to learn :)
7. My Hobbies - Fitness & Health, Sports & Recreation (gymnastics), Scrapbooking, Writing, Photography, Playing the Piano, Outdoors Adventure...

My Heavenly Father has blessed me with so much! I shouldn't have any reason to be unhappy or disappointed in who I am and where my life is right now. I have so many blessings, so many great rays of sunshine beaming down on my life! And with every trial, I am strengthened, I am more prepared for what may come next! 
Don't lose hope. Don't give up. Know that Heavenly Father loves you and has a plan for you. He wants you to succeed and grow with every footstep. 


"Quit thinking about where you want to be in life & focus on where you are in life!" -me


Have a happy day and let the sun shine down on you!!!
-Sarah M.