Finding Ourselves in Lehi's Dream

I know this is a conference blog - but this article in the Ensign really impressed me. It is taken from a devotional address given at BYU in 2007.

He begins by addressing college age people and how he is speaking to "the one." I however - am sadly very past college age, but, I really gained a lot from this address.

He notes many changes morally from his day to ours and that we are at a time of "Spiritual War."

He asks us to read Lehi's dream,, and read it again.

"If you hold to the rod, you can Feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost, conferred upon you at the time you were confirmed a member of the Church."

He continues to say that the word in the dream that we need to pay attention to is after. It was after the people found the fruit that they headed the words of those in the great and spacious building and fell away. They were ashamed... "And After they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.."

Strength comes to those who do not head the words of the great and spacious building. I liked this next quote:

"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."

He tells of a classmate who was talented and rose to prominence, but after years of trying to please the world and those around him he fell. - he talks about clothing... simple ways we groom or dress to try to be in style can loosen our grasp. I was really surprised by this next quote:

"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."

I really really hope we can chose not to live in it. It is around us - immersing us - but I really believe we can find ways to avoid it. We can look ahead instead of at the magazines in the grocery lines, we can leave the TV off, we can screen our movies before watching them, we can ignore the billboards, we can listen to a church talk in our car instead of the radio, we can read uplifting - enlightening books instead of books that do not draw us closer to the savior... to name a few...

He continues to say that living the gospel by dressing modestly, attending our meetings, paying tithes, taking the sacrament, honoring our calls and leaders, reading our scriptures and praying.. always praying- will hold our hand to the iron rod... but it will not solve all of our problems. "That would be contrary to the purpose of your coming into mortality." "But with the gift of the Holy Ghost, you can Feel your way ahead through life. Grasp the iron rod, and do not let go."

We are warned even after this that secret combinations "are had among all people."

"Atheists and agnostics make nonbelief their religion and today organize in unprecedented ways to attack faith and belief. They are now organized, and they pursue political power. You will be hearing much about them and from them. Much of their attack is indirect in mocking the faithful, in mocking religion."

He continues to say (I must add this makes me sad, though I know it is true) that some of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. (he repeats this for importance) "Be careful that you do not fall into the category of mocking."

Embedded in the dream are these key facts from Nephi's later explanations:

1. A virgin bearing child

2. One who should prepare the way (John the Baptist)

3. The ministry of the Son of God

4.Twelve others following the Messiah

5. The heavens open and angels ministering to the children of men

6. The multitudes blessed and healed

7.The Crucifixion of the Christ

8. The wisdom and pride of the world opposing His work

He tells us that this is what we face now. Nephi adds after explaining the vision: "Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherfore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark."-- "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:4-5)

He continues to express the importance of learning to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost - "it is to be a shield and a protection and a teacher for you."

I think about this vision a lot. I wonder about my part in the dream.. how I am doing with the world yelling at me. I understand and have partaken of this fruit (yes I have.. and I have a testimony of it's sweetness). Sometimes at Tracy's medical conferences, ceremonies, dinners etc - people make comments about us being so young and in a busy profession with 3 children... most of the comments are outwardly said as a conversation piece,, some are not. I have been ridiculed by others for my religion, and sadly at times by friends for my standards. But it is how I let these things effect me that really matter. I am embarrassed to say that often times I am offended.. (which is not really 'heeding them not').. Taking offence I am sure could lead any of us to forbidden paths.

I think that the pressures of this great and spacious building will continue to build. If I do not learn to live independent of it, it can hurt me spiritually. I want so much to have my grasp tight on the iron rod, and to continue to partake of the fruit which is most sweet.

Until Next time... :-)

Unselfish Service

This talk was just so awesome. I love the beginning description of missionaries giving their time and money at a time in life when they could potentially be very focused on self.


He quotes President Monson:
“the matter of spiritual preparation,” including service to others. “An attitude of love characterized the mission of the Master,” President Monson said. “He gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we [face] our Maker, we will not be asked, ‘How many positions did you hold?’ but rather, ‘How many people did you help?’ In reality,” President Monson concluded, “you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people.”4

Here is another great quote I loved:

Mothers suffer pain and loss of personal priorities and comforts to bear and rear each child. Fathers adjust their lives and priorities to support a family. The gap between those who are and those who are not willing to do this is widening in today’s world.

I loved what Covina put on her blog a bit ago about her sacrifice she is willing to give to put a family life above that of a professional one. As a single adult - that is a hard hard choice in a world focused on positions, careers, looks, money, fame ect.... (I love you Covina!)

He follows by reminding us that if we fear men more than God, we do not serve our Savior well.

C. S. Lewis explained this teaching of the Savior: “The moment you have a self at all, there is a possibility of putting yourself first—wanting to be the centre"

A selfish person is more interested in pleasing man—especially himself—than in pleasing God. He looks only to his own needs and desires. He walks “in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world” (D&C 1:16). Such a person becomes disconnected from the covenant promises of God (see D&C 1:15) and from the mortal friendship and assistance we all need in these tumultuous times. In contrast, if we love and serve one another as the Savior taught, we remain connected to our covenants and to our associates.

It is so easy to become caught up with "self". Even in service, we can be selfish. What are the desires of our hearts? What are the Motives behind what we do? Luckily - service has an amazing way of softening our hearts. Even if we begin with the wrong motive, we usually leave with the right one. I love what the Spirit does with me when I serve... sometimes I take dinners to people because I need to serve more than they need to receive it.

Another thought: I think the reason why parenthood is so refining is because it has this effect on us. The nature of being a parent and all that comes with it is centered on unselfish service. I love the change in myself and others I have watched become parents. (I have a long way to go still..) But - I know that changes for the better are happening to me because if the blessing of serving as a wife and mother.



“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24–25; see also Matthew 10:39). - I have a personal testimony of this scripture.

Life's Lessons Learned

Elder Wirthlin gave this conference address in the Priesthood Session in March 31 of 2007. I just randomly grabbed an Ensign when I was trying to get the kids to fall asleep the other night and this is what I opened it to. Oddly enough, it had so much I loved in it.

He tells the story of being terrified in a football game of this massive Giant line backer on the opposing team that he would have to face. He was fairly fast, until one moment when he knew he would be running into this huge guy. When he realized how close he was to his dreaded fear, even though the ball was nearly in his hands, he took his eye off the ball.

I love how he helps us realize that fear can be a distraction from putting what is most important first.

Here is my new favorite quote that I have on my desk: "I urge you to examine your life. Determine where you are and what you need to do to be the kind of person you want to be. Create inspiring, noble and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work consistently towards achieving them. 'If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams,' wrote Henry David Thoreau, 'and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.' In other words, never take your eye off the ball."

He has many other wonderful things in this address.. but I just wanted to focus on this one right now... (also cuz I hear the circus animals getting wild down stairs)

ta ta for now!

Julie Beck: And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit

I used this talk as my VT message last month because I loved everything in it.


She begins by talking about the value of a daughter of God and how much depends on them. "..there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that can be done to help those who are in need."

She continues by talking about the need for personal revelation. It is difficult to meet all of the demands and shun the destructive influences around us without it. "The ability to qualify for, receive and act upon personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life." --- Yes, I whole heartedly agree!





I have read and re-read this next section... it is such a help in my situation right now...
"Revelation can come hour by hour and moment by moment as we do the right things. When women nurture as Christ nurtured, a power and peace can descend to guide when help is needed. For instance, mothers can feel help from the Spirit even when tired, noisy children are clamoring for attention, but they can be distanced from the Spirit if they lose their temper with children. Being in the right places allows us to receive guidance. It requires a conscious effort to diminish distractions, but having the Spirit of revelation makes it possible to prevail over opposition and persist in faith through difficult days and essential routine tasks. Personal revelation gives us the understanding of what to do every day to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek those who need our help. Because personal revelation is a constantly renewable source of strength, it is possible to feel bathed in help even during turbulent times."

Revelation needs to be asked for, prepared for, and acted upon as well.

The last section that most impressed me is the importance of seeking appreciation from the right sources. I thought a lot about just this sentence. Where do I want appreciation?.. sometimes the bathroom scale... or my piano students parents,... or the occasional neighbor that notices the garden?? or do I really seek appreciation from my Heavenly Father - and try to strengthen my relationship with Him?



I will quote directly: "...we are doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey His gospel with exactness. We are doing well when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best. We are doing well when we increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. We know we are successful if we live so that we qualify for, receive, and know how to follow the Spirit. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves."

I just felt this one was an inspired one... really what I needed too. I am grateful for this inspired woman.

Dad Marchant sharing thoughts from the address Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration

I enjoyed reading this talk for a variety of reasons. First it applies to all of us. He talked about Peter the Apostle and how he did some things he is not proud of, but overcame all obstacles and became one of the greatest High Priests of all time. He also talked about four fundamental truths not taught by most of the Christian world. These truths are very powerful and provides each of us with an "iron rod" to hold onto.
First truth is that the Father and the Son are two distinct beings. This gives me great strength knowing I have a loving Heavenly Father and a Brother I can always look up to for help and guidance. Second the Father and the Son have glorifed bodies of fesh and bones. This is something that gives us great happiness and hope, because each of us will someday have glorified bodies of flesh and bones and the pain and suffering of this world will go away. The third truth is that God speaks to man today. I know the heavens are not closed and I know the more obedient we are to the teachings of our Saviour the more we will be guided by the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The fourth truth is that the full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not on the earth and the Lord was preparing the world for the fulness of the Gospel. This truth leads us to the doctrine providing all the ordinances of the gospel to everyone, the living and the dead.
Through Joseph Smith all the powers, keys, teachings, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation have been resored. You cannot go anywhere else in the world and get that, it is not to be found in any other church. I know this is the only true and living church upon th face of the whole earth and I know that God loves us and wants us to have peace and happiness in this world and eternal peace and happiness in the world to come. Love Dad

"Hold On"

I have recently read and re-read Sister Dibb's Conference address and have pondered on its simple and beautiful message. Sister Dibb says "Heavenly Father has not left alone during our mortal probation. He has already given us all the 'safety equipment' we will need to successfully return to him." The safety equipment she is talking about she later explains is "the scriptures, personal prayer, living prophets, and the Holy Ghost."

In her message she invites us to read the full accounts of the inspired vision of the tree of life and to ponder them. I accepted her invitation and did just that. As I read Lehi's account of the tree of life I was impressed several times by his description of the fruit of the tree. Lehi describes the fruit as 'most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted,' 'as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy.' He also describes the fruit as being 'desirable about all other fruit.' He expresses a great desire for his family to partake of the fruit also. I thought about Lehi's description of the fruit of the tree and I was deeply moved by its symbolism of the love God. How incredible his description of the fruit parallels each individuals thoughts and feelings when they experience this indescribable love. God's love is sweeter than any other kind of love. It fills our souls with joy beyond comprehension and when we experience this love we want all others to experience its magnitude and fullness that they too might be filled with joy.

Sister Dibb speaks of how important it is for each of us to use these tools that we have been given that we might be safe guarded against Satan's cunning ways. She explains that we must be diligent, obedient, and persistent in the cause of truth. We must be consistent in prayer, scripture study, following the words of the prophets, and living worthy of the Holy Ghost. Although these things are ever so simple and we speak of them often in casual conversation, we cannot over emphasize their importance in our daily lives. These tools are so important that Satan wants us to underestimate their power and the great influence they have in our lives. Never let him convince of this great lie. He knows what power they have in building individual testimonies and that is exactly why he would have you believe that they are not that important.

I want to share a very real personal experience that illustrates the truthfulness of Sister Dibb's message. I hope that none of you think differently of my after reading this experience that I had, but I felt impressed to share it so I will listen to that impression. Over the last year I have come to learn for myself how critical it is for my own personal testimony and salvation that I do not let a day go by that I do not cling to the rod of iron. Last year was one of the most trying (challenging) years of my life for several reasons that I will not go into detail about, but suffice it to say my testimony has never felt so tested in all of my life:

For several months I did not feel the spirit on a consistent basis and had lost some desire to go to church and to be around people that were on the strait and narrow path. I became annoyed when people close to me gave me spiritual advice and/or counsel about my situation. I felt unworthy to pray at times. I felt discouraged by my personal circumstances (being single, having a low income job, not using my degree, etc.). Months went by and my desire to study the scriptures was fading. I felt lonely and unsettled (anxious) much of the time. After a few months of feeling this way I began pondering why I was not happy and what it was in my life that had changed to make me feel this way. I slowly recognized that my scripture study had taken a back seat to all other priorities in my life and was more of a task on a daily check list than a spiritual feast. When this one thing, this one very critical thing, began to be a priority in my life (change of attitude in my approach to scripture study) and I was praying for the Lord to soften my heart at the same time I was blown away by how my life was changed. The Lord softened my heart through my sincere pleas to help me come unto him and to cling to the rod of iron (word of God) and my life has changed. Although my circumstances have not changed, I am listening to spirit, studying the scriptures with heart, and desiring to make God's will my own, and every part of life has been enhanced. All this changed because the Lord helped me to once again hold tight to the word of God.

I bear testimony that the scriptures are true and they possess all of the answers to any questions you have about life. I know that through holding fast to the word of God our lives can be enhanced and our capacity increased. I love this gospel and I know these things to be true.

Hey everyone! I just wanted to say what an amazing job you are all doing in your posts for our line-upon-line blog. I feel uplifted and inspired by your messages. I think I will be doing the next post... is that right? This is a test to see if I am already an author to the blog. :)

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

I decided to post on a talk that I felt most helped me at this time. I really loved what Elder Bednar taught is this.

I remember hearing President Monson recently quote William Shakespeare when he said, "He hath not loved, that hath not shown love." I believe this is true. Sometime for me I need to just act before I feel. Our culture teaches us that we have to have this grand feeling to show love. I believe that most often it goes the other way around - especially in the home. I took this next section directly from the talk:

President Thomas S. Monson recently counseled: “Often we assume that [the people around us] must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. . . . We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us” (“Finding Joy in the Journey,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 86).

Elder Bednar also suggests that we bear testimony and live that testimony that we bear. I had a friend who when she married her husband was surprised to find that his family bore testimony to each other every night when they did there family scripture study. She told me that the first time she experienced this she felt very uncomfortable. She also said that she felt pressured into acting "Spiritual" at times when she did not necessarily feel like it. But, as she continued, she teared up in humility and acknowledgement of how strong her testimony has grown, and how it has done so in the presence of those who are most important.

I really appreciated what Elder Bednar said about us living the testimony that we share - and that it need not be preachy or extremely eloquent.

The relationship between testimony and appropriate action is emphasized in the Savior’s instruction to the Saints in Kirtland: “That which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do” (D&C 46:7). Our testimony of gospel truth should be reflected both in our words and in our deeds. And our testimonies are proclaimed and lived most powerfully in our own homes. Spouses, parents, and children should strive to overcome any hesitancy, reluctance, or embarrassment about bearing testimony. We should both create and look for opportunities to bear testimony of gospel truths—and live them.

I really feel like this adds a new dimension to spirituality in the home - and protection too. Where a child is confident that their parent's testimony is in the basic principles and doctrines of the Kingdom, and where the parent knows and feels the same about their child's testimony; there is such a feeling of trust and commitment to each other and to the Lord. I really feel that this brings stability to a family in times when things around us are caving.

Elder Bednar continues by asking us as parents to be consistent. I have noticed how sensitive Belen is to my actions.. especially if they are not in harmony with what I teach her to do... OH Yes - she is very aware!!! ha ha But all joking aside... I feel that my words hold no weight if I do not act upon them in consistency. Elder Bednar continues with this:

A public statement of love when the private actions of love are absent at home is hypocrisy—and weakens the foundation of a great work. Publicly declaring testimony when faithfulness and obedience are missing within our own homes is hypocrisy—and undermines the foundation of a great work. The commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16) applies most pointedly to the hypocrite in each of us. We need to be and become more consistent. “But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

I believe that part of my continual "reconstruction" that mom talked about in the last post is centered around these principles. I continue to try, and many times I fail - but I have a testimony that the Savior has been there many times - countless times- to help me to show love, bear testimony in word and action, and to be consistent. I know that when I ask for His help and sincerely repent and try again to do better, I am made stronger and more able to act in this role He has given me as a loving parent.