Understanding Lehi's Dream

In 2007 something kind of awesome happened.  There were 3  Devotional/Fireside talks  given back to back one month after another....on Lehi's Dream.  Coincidental??  I think not!

• Lehi's Dream and You - President Boyd K. Packer, BYU Devotional given January 16, 2007
• Reservoir of Living Water-Elder David A. Bednar CES Fireside, given February 4, 2007
• Hold Fast to the Words of the Prophets - Elder Neil L.Anderson CES Fireside given March 4 2007

Interesting don't you think that all three randomly inspired, chose to speak on the same topic?  Here is what Elder Anderson said prior to giving his CES Fireside talk.

"I want to tell you of the Lord’s guiding hand in our meeting tonight. During the early days of January I worked to organize and outline what I would present to you. Knowing that Elder David A. Bednar was scheduled to speak to you in February, I asked him if he had finalized the subject he would address.

I was taken aback when he responded that his talk was about holding fast to the iron rod. It was the exact title I had chosen for my talk. The choir was already practicing this beautiful number that they have just shared with us.

As Elder Bednar and I discussed the messages we had prepared, it was evident that we had approached the subject differently. Elder Bednar thought for a moment and said: “The Lord loves the young adults of the Church. There is purpose in this. This is a message the Lord wants delivered.” I determined to proceed.

Then, just a week later and before Elder Bednar’s talk, President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave a BYU devotional address he entitled Lehi’s Dream and You.  He too included in his talk what it means to hold fast to the iron rod.

My brothers and sisters, this is a subject the Lord wants you to think about."-Elder Anderson
 

That was six years ago, and I can't stop thinking about these talks.  Here are some significant highlights :

"You may think that Lehi’s dream or vision has no special meaning for you, but it does. You are in it; all of us are in it." -President Packer

 

"At your baptism and confirmation, you took hold of the iron rod.  But you are never safe. It is after you have partaken of that fruit that your test will come. " -President Packer

(Lehi's dream refers to members of the Church)

 

"The mist of darkness will cover you at times so much that you will not be able to see your way even a short distance ahead. You will not be able to see clearly. But you can feel your way. With the gift of the Holy Ghost, you can feel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, you can feel your way through life"-President Packer

 

"Largely because of television, instead of looking over into that spacious building, we are, in effect, living inside of it. That is your fate in this generation. You are living in that great and spacious building." -President Packer

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• "Father Lehi saw several groups of people pressing forward along the strait and narrow path, seeking to obtain the tree and its fruit.
• The members of each group had entered onto the path through the gate of repentance and baptism by water and had received the gift of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Nephi 31:17–20)
•  The tree of life is the central feature in the dream and is identified in 1 Nephi 11 as a representation of Jesus Christ.
• The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement.

 Interestingly, the major theme of the Book of Mormon, inviting all to come unto Christ, is central in Lehi’s vision. Of particular interest is the rod of iron that led to the tree (see 1 Nephi 8:19). The rod of iron is the word of God.

• Group 1: Baptized members of the Church, as soon as the "mists of darkness" came they were gone.  No mention of the rod of iron. 1 Nephi 8:21-23

"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. "-Elder Bednar

• Group 2: "Clingers" This group pressed 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. When they were mocked by the members of the great and spacious building, 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. 1 Nephi 8: 24-28

"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." -Elder Bednar

• Group 3 "Held Fast":  Members of the Church who "held fast" to the rod of iron continually pressing forward until they reached the tree.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. 1 Nephi 8: 30 No mention of them wandering off or getting lost.

 "Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the words of Christ. Perhaps it was the constant flow of living water that saved the third group from perishing. This is the group you and I should strive to join." -Elder Bednar

 

• Group 4 :  Probably not members of the Church-people who did not even come to the path but went straight for the great and spacious building

"Are you and I daily reading, studying, and searching the scriptures in a way that enables us to hold fast to the rod of iron—or are you and I merely clinging? Are you and I pressing forward toward the fountain of living waters—relying upon the word of God? These are important questions for each of us to ponder prayerfully."

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"The iron rod is the word of God. I like to think of it in this way:

 

The word of God contains three very strong elements that intertwine and sustain one another to form an immovable rod.

 

These three elements include, first, the scriptures, or the words of the ancient prophets."

The second element of the word of God is the personal revelation and inspiration that comes to us through the Holy Ghost

 

... the third element, a critical addition intertwining with the other two...the words of the living prophets. We must also hold fast to the word of God as delivered by the living prophets."  -Elder Anderson

 

 

 

These are all must read talks that I will include in my LDS Talks tab for quick reference.  These are significant talks given by living prophets and apostles, each inspired to teach in a three month period..back to back on the principles of Lehi's Dream.  Just as President Packer taught, it applies to you and me.

 

 Next post will be a more in-depth study of the groups spoken of by Elder Bednar. Stay tuned!!

POWER in the Word

I want to add my witness that scriptures have power to change lives.

"Prophets and apostles have assured us that as we face the trials of mortality, we can find strength, comfort, and peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, said, “I testify as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ … that the gospel is true, and that it offers the answers to all personal and collective challenges the children of God have on this earth today.”¹

Our individual circumstances may vary, but we can each turn to a divine source of power—the scriptures. ” (2 Nephi 31:20)."  (Ensign August 2012, Finding Power in the Scriptures)

 

Many years ago, I  was a young mother with 4 children under 4.  Two were toddlers, and two were newborn twins.  There is really only one word to describe my life back then...overwhelming! After all of my help left, (aka, my mom) getting through each day was a hard challenge. When I wasn't feeding or changing a newborn baby, I was taking care of my oldest two daughters who were 3 and 2. 

Can you imagine how busy and crazy that was!  I look back now, with fond memories, yet wonder how I did it? The answer is, I didn't do it alone.  None of us do and the scriptures had everything to do with how I successfully managed motherhood then and now.

 Without  a regular pattern of prayer and scripture study  in my life, I wouldn't have the power, strength, and guidance to magnify the most important calling in my life:  Motherhood.

 I learned very quickly, that reading my scriptures and saying personal prayers wasn't something I could opt out of as a mother.  I needed  the power that comes from daily prayer and scripture study.  

The very day I opened up my scriptures, the Lord immediately blessed me .  {See Mosiah 2: 24}

How have the scriptures changed your life?

Must Read Talks on the power of scriptures:

The Power of Scripture- Elder Richard G. Scott, November 2011 Ensign

Finding Power in the Scriptures- August 2012 Ensign, pg 54

Putting on the Whole Armor of God/FHE

This was a family home evening lesson we did when we had grade school age children and teenagers. It was a great visual that worked on both age groups on teaching about putting on the armor of God.

Lesson: 

What is going to happen when we put these oranges into the water?

 Are they going to sink or are they going to float?

[the younger kids will probably answer SINK, because an orange looks heavy enough to sink in water]

But, instead....the oranges FLOAT because they have their ARMOR on

What happens when you peel the oranges?

Without their ARMOR on, they sink! We can compare these oranges to us and how important it is to put on our full armor everyday.

Here is on oldie but goodie seminary video from the 80's: 

 "Putting on the Armor of God" and symbolically what can happen if we take off our armor even for a minute.

Scripture: Ephesians 6: 11-17

11 Put on the whole ^aarmour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we ^awrestle not ^bagainst ^cflesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the ^drulers of the ^edarkness of this world, against spiritual ^fwickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins ^agirt about with ^btruth, and having on the ^cbreastplate of ^drighteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of ^apeace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of ^afaith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery ^bdarts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of ^asalvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

We identified and discussed

• What each part of the armor represented spiritually
• The fiery darts around us
• What we can each do to put on our armor of God
• How to be and stay prepared

We especially like the symbolism of the sword representing the Spirit and how the spirit and the sword both can pierce our souls.  One of the Seminary students remembered talking about this in seminary last week and she looked up this scripture:

Alma 31:5

5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

Family Proclamation Application:

"the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life."

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them..."

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." 

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 extra reading.....Putting on the Armor of God, Ensign January 2001--here are a few thoughts from this article:

“Each of us, no matter who we are, no matter where we serve, must arise and make the most of each opportunity that comes. We must follow the counsel given by the Lord and His servants and make our homes houses of prayer and havens of security and safety. We can and must deepen our faith by increasing our obedience and sacrifice” (“Rejoice, Daughters of Zion,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 94).

Sometimes it may seem difficult to rise above the world to that level of righteousness. But as we strive to “take unto [ourselves] the whole armour of God,” we will “be able to withstand in the evil day” (Eph. 6:13).

How to Put on the Armor of God

President N. Eldon Tanner (1898–1982), First Counselor in the First Presidency, observed that “those who are clothed in such armor, which means keeping all the commandments of God, are able to withstand the adversary.”

He continued: “Are we studying the scriptures so that we can increase our knowledge and faith and testimony regarding the gospel? … Are we honest and truthful in our dealings? Do we keep the Sabbath day holy? Do we observe the Word of Wisdom? Do we pay an honest tithing? … Are we virtuous and clean and pure in heart and mind and deed?

“Do we fight against the evils around us … ? Do we have the courage to stand up for our convictions? Can we truly say we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Do we live peaceably with our neighbors and avoid gossip and backbiting and spreading unfounded rumors? Do we truly love our neighbors as ourselves?

“If we can answer yes to these questions, then we will have on the whole armor of God, which will protect us from harm and preserve us from our enemies” (“‘Put on the Whole Armor of God,’” Ensign, May 1979, 44, 46).

Daily Spiritual Renewal

"Lucile Johnson of the Timpanogos Park First Ward, Orem Utah North Stake, now in her 80s, learned early in life to don her spiritual “armor” at the beginning of each day. She remembers “arising early in the morning, before my husband and children were up. I found that kneeling in the stillness of my living room, I could begin pleading with our Father for my needs for that day. This brought me great peace, and I learned that He was my helper and protector. Then I would open my scriptures and partake of their inspiration and guidance. Each morning, before I began whatever I had to do—alone, with little children or teenagers, or with my husband in the military and off to war—I knew I would be equal to it."

“That is why I believe in taking the time in the quiet of the early morning hours to study and pray. You will begin your day with a renewing of your spirit. Then you will be truly ready for whatever might come that day.”

Family Scripture Study & Following the Prophet

Our family scripture study this past year has been PATHETIC

My only consolation is that I knew that our teenager group was reading on their own every night-because of Seminary (ya for Seminary!)

When our children were younger (non teenager-ish), family scripture study went pretty well.  We let everyone know what time it would be, and they obediently came and participated. 

 We started family scripture reading when our oldest, Amber, who is now 20, was just barely learning to read. She would read the easy words like: was, if, and it came to pass, etc.  We would help her say the bigger words like: nevertheless, stiffneckedness, and exceedingly. Reading scriptures was kind of a reading practice time.  For even the younger ones, we would tell them what to say and they would repeat us.

We then progressed to the point that everyone could read a little bit on their own without help...and we would try to explain what was going on in those verses.  Richard had to leave for work by 6:30, so we had family scripture study at 6:15 AM. 

 We decided that we needed to get everyone their very own Book of Mormon that was just for family scripture time. 

 

 We went and bought one Book of Mormon for everyone in our family. They were $3 a piece.

We then found a basket (the top picture) that fit them all in nicely and that became kind of our "thing" for family scripture study.

And as a family we were blessed for following the prophet...

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WELL....lately our family scripture hasn't been so shiny and so good.

My husband teaches early morning seminary and has to leave the house at 6:00 AM every morning.

Our older girls have part-time jobs, and are involved with high school sports where they are getting home very late some nights.  We have 2 college daughters living at home who work and have busy lives and  ask "do I still have to get up for family scriptures?"

We really struggled with our schedule and fitting family scriptures in.  A lot of the time it was me reading with the kids after Dad was already gone.  That was better than nothing...but not much better.

Even at that it was very hit and miss...and without the priesthood, our Dad, there...it really didn't feel the same.

We tried reading at night...I think we did it one time.  That didn't work for us because so many people were gone. It wasn't our normal tradition, and we kept forgetting.  (did I mention that it was pathetic?)

Without the consistency and power from daily family scripture study I noticed a lessening of the Spirit in our home.  I still felt it, but not as strong. 

We also felt that the shield around our family was becoming thinner. (that is a scary thought)

We all seemed more susceptible to temptations and the negative influences around us.

We have been counseled on the importance of having family scripture study.  We know the promises {See Gospel Outcomes},  and we know what we need to do!

We had to stop and ask ourselves a few personal questions:

       What is the most important thing in our lives?

  Are we putting God first?

What sacrifices are we willing to make[or need to make] to follow the Prophet?

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So we are starting over with reading the Book of Mormon as a family...with our Dad.
We are waking up at the bright and early hour of 5:45 AM to do that. 

We had a few grumpy attitudes this morning.  Surprisingly not from the teenager crowd, but our two youngest.  So before we started, we knelt down and had our family prayer.  Everyone grumbled about leaving their soft place on the couch and their blanket that they were half asleep in. After prayer, Richard went around the room and had everyone s-m-i-l-e.  That seemed to wake everyone up.

This morning in our family scripture study.... we bumped into this:

2 Nephi 2:11-12

11 Now this he spake because of the ^astiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did ^bmurmur in many things against their ^cfather, because he was a ^dvisionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart.

12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their ^afather. And they did ^bmurmur because they ^cknew not the dealings of that God who had ^dcreated them.

Richard asked the girls:  What are you willing to do to follow the prophet?  Would you move if we were asked to?  Would you give up your precious things if that was required of you? Would you wake up at 5:45 AM to read the scriptures if that is what we needed to do?

I loved that insight and application into our personal situation.

What are we willing to do to follow the prophet?

Packets of Light: YW Lesson

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high."  [Elder Richard G. Scott, The Power of Scripture,] photo found {here}

Young Women lesson

The Power of Scripture

[Elder Richard G. Scott, October 2011 General Conference)

Ask the YW to describe the qualities of a best friend.  Here are some possible answers they may come up with:

1. They help me with my problems
2. I can trust them, they tell me the truth
3. They make me happy
4. I am better when I am around them
5. They are "always there for me"
6. We have a lot in common
7. The listen to me

 "Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has inspired select men and women to find, through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, solutions to life’s most perplexing problems. He has inspired those authorized servants to record those solutions as a type of handbook for those of His children who have faith in His plan of happiness and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We have ready access to this guidance through the treasure we call the standard works—that is, the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price."

  1. The scriptures help me with my problems

"Because scriptures are generated from inspired communication through the Holy Ghost, they are pure truth. We need not be concerned about the validity of concepts contained in the standard works since the Holy Ghost has been the instrument which has motivated and inspired those individuals who have recorded the scriptures."

2. Because the scriptures are written by the power of the Holy Ghost (whose role is to testify of truth) through the Lord's chosen prophets, you can trust them. Scriptures tell the truth.

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ."

3. Like "packets of light", the scriptures inspire us to be better and are like instant messages from the Lord.  I asked a YW to tell the story of the Brother of Jared. We then discussed how the stones the Jaredites used to the promised land can be compared to the scriptures illuminating our mind on our journey back to our Heavenly Father.

"The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly.

4. The scriptures strengthen us when we read them

"They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. "

5. The scriptures can be our truest friend and are "always there for us"

Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world."

6. Having many favorite scriptures is like having a lot of [instead of just one] best friends

"Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change."

"Pondering a scripture like that gives great direction to life. The scriptures can form a foundation of support. They can provide an incredibly large resource of willing friends who can help us. A memorized scripture becomes an enduring friend that is not weakened with the passage of time.

Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost."

Lesson Application

Then, separating into small groups, we had each group memorize a small and simple scripture, ponder its meaning, using the footnotes if needed. 

We emphasized that EVERYONE in the group memorizes.  They all know how to memorize.  They have MANY song lyrics and movie lines memorized.  They all know how. This took away any one saying I can't do it!

 We gave them about 15 minutes to do this.  At the end of class each group came up and quoted their memorized scripture and told us what it meant to them.  They seemed to have fun doing this and it was interesting to see each groups method of memorizing.  Some came up with hand gestures and chants, and others just did it line by line.  Bottom line, they applied Richard G. Scott's talk into their own life.