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 10: Straight & Narrow Path

As I look back at my life, I see the many trials I have overcome. It is because of life's hard moments, I have become a stronger individual and have gained a greater knowledge of things that have helped me through lives many challenges. I try to set goals throughout my life, major goals, with smaller goals that will build up to my ultimate destination and desire. Just as I did as a gymnast; I planned and dreamed of competing nationally and as a US Olympic team member. Then, when everything seemed to come to an end, I questioned, why did He have me go in this direction if I couldn't finish through to the end? But the Lord knew what he was doing. I just had to come to the understanding that His plan never changed. Many times, he will place opportunities, or trials, in our path to prepare us for the future. The Lord knows the way and it may end up different from what we expected. So, when we are told to follow the straight and narrow path, this doesn't mean it will be easy. We will still have trials and hardships that will jump before us, which we must have faith and courage to overcome.


"For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round." (1Ne 10:18-19)

I try my hardest to be in tune to the spirit so that I can receive the inspiration I need to make the right choices and head down the right path. When making decisions in life, faith typically plays a big role. Whether it be faith that I am doing the right thing when I don't get an answer right away or faith in Heavenly Father that He will not lead me astray. We must hold tight to the rod and follow His path back to his presence. I love the following story from Elder Joseph B Wirthlin,

"While traveling along a mountainous road one evening through a driving rainstorm punctuated with frequent claps of thunder and flashes of lightning, Sister Wirthlin and I could barely see the road, either in front of us or to the right and the left. I watched the white lines on that road more intently than ever before. Staying within the lines kept us from going onto the shoulder and into the deep canyon on one side and helped us avoid a head-on collision on the other. To wander over either line could have been very dangerous. Then I thought, “Would a right-thinking person deviate to the left or the right of a traffic lane if he knew the result would be fatal? If he valued his mortal life, certainly he would stay between these lines.”
That experience traveling on this mountain road is so like life. If we stay within the lines that God has marked, he will protect us, and we can arrive safely at our destination." ("The straight and narrow way" - Oct '90 Conference)

“For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.” (D&C 3:2.)

He will guide us. We just have to be willing to change our direction in life if it is not in line with the Lords.

"Let the Lord be your light. Let Him prepare the way before you to your promised land. “There [is] … no life so dark [that] he cannot light” (Sam Cardon and Steven K. Jones, “Come unto Him,” New Era, Apr. 1995, 10). You don’t have to be a prophet like Lehi or the brother of Jared. Just be you—with a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Trust Him. Keep your eyes riveted on your goal across the field and walk in the straight and narrow path of the Son—the Son of God. I testify of the light and the Spirit that comes from Jesus Christ." (Sis. Sharon G Larson: "Your Light in the Wilderness" - Ensign 1999)

So, what is the best way to follow the straight and narrow path?

Elder Wirthlin said the following:

"Good physical and spiritual health can help us to stay on the straight and narrow way. The Lord gave his code of health in the Word of Wisdom, a “principle with promise” that modern medical science continues to substantiate. (D&C 89:3.) All of God’s commandments, including the Word of Wisdom, are spiritual. (See D&C 29:34–35.) We need to nourish ourselves spiritually even more than physically. Are we giving adequate emphasis to our spiritual health?"


Sister Sharon G. Larson gives another suggestion:

"You know, don’t you, that prayer turns on the light? When you make prayer a regular part of your life, you begin walking in the light, in the straight and narrow way." (Sis. Larson)


"Through divine personal revelation, the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi and his son Nephi were each shown a vision of our mortal probationary state and its accompanying dangers. Lehi says, “And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost” (1Ne 8:23). Yet “he [also] saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to [that] rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree,” meaning the tree of life (1Ne 8:30)." (Sister Ann M. Dibb)


Ask yourself, are you following the straight and narrow path? 
I am trying my very hardest to keep his commandments and doing everything I can to keep the spirit with me. I try to listen closely so that I know the direction I need to go next. I am trying. And this is all he asks of us. 


“Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience. As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father’s love. We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.” (Elder James B. Martino, “All Things Work Together for Good,” Ensign, May 2010)


-Sarah M.

1Ne 9: The Lord Knoweth All Things

"Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.

But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen." (1Ne 9:5-6)

These two verses really hit me. We may not know where life is taking us, but as long as we listen to the spirit and follow the direction of our Heavenly Father, things will work out in the end. I feel like sometimes I am directed along one path and just as I get settled and think things are going well, I am told to go a different way. Often, I pray for guidance and direction in my busy life, and when I receive an answer, I quickly respond with action. The Lord told me to do this, so I do.  But, too often, I plan everything out from that single decision and think I know exactly where he is leading me. This is not always the case. For example,

I grew up spending multiple hours in the gym, training to be the World's BEST gymnast...or so I thought. I spent many hours (as many as 32 hrs/wk) working harder then I ever thought possible; enduring bloody rips, pulled muscles, screaming coaches, dripping sweat and working to perfection, trying to reach my dreams, goals, and greatest potential. My closest friends were from the gym, it was my home away from home. And, believe it or not, I wouldn't take any of it back. Yes, there were hard times; times I wanted to quit and walk away. But I had worked too long and too hard to just give up. I prayed to know that is where my Heavenly Father wanted me and as an answer to my prayers, I knew I was meant to be right there in the gym. 

When my dad lost his job, my parents set up a meeting with Jim, the owner, to explain our situation and to tell him they were going to have to pull me out. The cost of training, competition, & everything else that goes along with being a competitive gymnast, was too much, and my parents could no longer afford to keep me in. An answer to my prayers was found in his reply, "No, we can't have that. She has too much talent and great potential, we will take care of everything." Wow! They believed in me; they saw my strength and determination. I pushed even harder, determined to work my way up the ladder - regionals, then to nationals, and then working towards becoming an Olympic Gymnast. I competed in Region 3, held in Kansas, in 2002. I was a proud Texas gymnast, who took 8th all around. After season, I spent the summer training level 9 & 10 skills. 

Then, in August of 2002, my family moved to Utah, where the Lord directed us to go. I was leaving my friends, my team, & my coaches who believed in me. My dad had found a job, but it wasn't enough to afford gymnastics training. I prayed to know where to go from there.  We went into Missy Marlow's Gymnastics, and sure enough, they were willing to help out. They put me on scholarship and let me train with their team. The Lord was there and knew my desires. Though it just wasn't the same, competition was nothing compared to TeXas and I became very ill losing much of my strength. I prayed. I pleaded with the Lord to help me find a way to continue doing what I loved most. After another season of level 8, I found a great coach, who believed in me more then any of my other coaches, Brandy. She trained me and got me ready for level 9. I decided last minute to compete a mini meet before season. First event: Beam...I performed beautifully. It felt great to be up there again, and I stuck it, that is until I hit the dismount mat where I landed wrong, tearing my ACL, medial & lateral ligaments. My season was over. Again, I became discouraged, questioning why this had to be happening. Things were going great, I had made a great comeback after being so sick, and then this. Since then, I have tried on and off to get back in the gym. I miss it so much. I never went on to compete in nationals, I never competed against girls around the world. I felt like everything I had worked towards had been shattered. Why would the Lord tell me to go one direction and then it end so quickly and so differently then I expected? But then, I look back at all I did accomplish. I have 98 medals which I proudly earned; I am a perfectionist, determined to get things done right; I persevere and never give up; I give 100% of my efforts to find success; I am respectful of those around me; I did my very best and because of that, I gained skills that have helped me become who I am today. Skills that will forever be a part of me in life and help me in my passion for health and fitness. And, I have had many opportunities to share the gospel with those around me and to be an example of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know my Heavenly Father does have a plan for me and despite how badly I wanted to go all the way in gymnastics, I know he has something greater in store. 

We must be willing to go whichever way the Lord would have us go; just as Lehi and his family, who were told to make their journey into the wilderness and then commanded multiple times to return to Jerusalem (for the Gold Plates & again Ishmael's family). It would've been more convenient and much easier to accomplish those tasks before they left their home land in the first place, but the Lord knew what he was doing. He was testing them and only giving them the opportunity to strengthen their faith. Life isn't always going to be easy and we may question why the Lord leads us one way and then quickly another. This life is the test and our purpose is to strive to be like Him and be worthy to return to His presence. I learned so much as a gymnast, I have had opportunity to share the gospel, and I have great memories to look back on. I can see how far I have come when I look back on hard times. Don't give up and remember, the Lord knows the way!

The Lord taught Lehi and his family:
“I will … be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if … ye shall keep my commandments; … ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led” (1Ne 17:13).

"You all must have promised lands that you would like to go to, and you can have your own light in that wilderness that challenges young people today. This light comes all wrapped up in love, the Lord’s love for every one of His children...The Lord knows that you face challenges and temptations, and He provides the light that brightens your hearts, your minds, and your spirits. He has said that His word is truth and truth is light and light is the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Sister Sharon G. Larson: "Your Light in the Wilderness" - Ensign May 1999)

"I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round" (1Ne 10:17, 19)

We may not know the reasoning for the ways he may direct our paths, but we must trust in him, have faith in him, and know that He will lead us back to his presence. I know that he has a plan for me, and every time I am directed in a new direction, I adjust my goals and desires to follow that path. As I look back at the many things I have experienced and all that I have endured, I realize how far I have come and how much of a stronger person I am because of everything I have been through. I thank my Heavenly Father for trials and for those moments where I may not have a full understanding at the moment, but they have strengthened me in my life and helped me become who I am today. Press forward with faith!

-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.