His name

   Lehi's dream would seem very strange to someone who just opened The Book of Mormon and started reading. Nonetheless we could still discuss all the different meanings of each item in the dream, and likely come up with different ideas. Luckily, the dream of Lehi is given a much deeper meaning due to Nephi's vision. First, however it is important to understand why Nephi such clarification for the dream of his father. In 1 Nephi 11:1 it reads: "For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord". Nephi had a desire to know the meaning and he sat and pondered about it. Whenever we read or listen to scripture, whether through general conference, devotionals or the scriptures themselves it is important that we don't merely go through the motions. In order to truly understand and be enlightened one must also let the information marinate in their brain. This is when the real revelation is received, just as in the case of Nephi. 

   Lehi's dream has a lot of symbolism from the rod of iron to the great and spacious building. Rather than re-stating the explanations that Nephi received I think its important to touch the subject of the tree of life. The tree of life represents Christ himself. Nephi even had the opportunity to see the birth of Christ some six-hundred years before it actually happened. Interestingly enough Christ is the ultimate symbolism throughout scriptures, church, talks, etc. In the old testament we also find countless references to the Savior. In the end everything points to Him, although in some cases His name is not used exclusively, we can still find the correlation. 

   The great part about scriptures is finding that symbolism and finding the application of it in our life. In order for that to happen we must have a desire and ponder, just as Nephi did. Through such pondering we will come to know that Christ died for our sins and that He lives to comfort us. Furthermore as we continue to study and ponder we will also find Him and His influence in every aspect of our life.

The Journey vs the Destination

   Wednesday evening I was pondering what to do for my scripture study I began by reviewing my various notes from different topics and sources. Upon doing so I realized that I still hadn't finished reading all the talks from October's general conference. I began where I left off with Elder Schmutz's talk "God Shall Wipe Away All Tears." In Elder Schmutz's talk he quotes 1 Peter 3:14 "But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye." Righteous or wicked we all receive trials, the big difference is that if we are righteous we will suffer trials with happiness. The reason why is because of eternal perspective and understanding the purpose of trials. A new perspective is given to all of us as we realize that there is no point of returning to heaven if we haven't  learned nor progressed in this life through trials. Often times we are so focused on the final destination that we forget to enjoy the journey to our destination.
   This talk tied in perfectly with a topic we went over in class. Just how Lehi and his family did not fully realize what their journey to the promise land entailed nor the purpose of their travails in the wilderness. Nor could they have fathomed spending almost ten years in the wilderness and on the open sea. Once again we can understand why they went through so much when we take an eternal perspective. They had a lot to learn before they could be ready for the promise land and the responsibility that it held. Nephi, for example, grew tremendously during those years as a leader but more importantly as a faithful and obedient servant of God. Ultimately the journey is a key part in preparing us for the moment when we reach our final destination.

   Our ultimate destination in this life is to return to God's presence. However it is more than just returning, our purpose is to learn throughout this life and become more like Jesus Christ. Once again an excellent scripture relating to this can be found in 2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Here, afflictions are described as "light" and "but for a moment" this can be applicable to each of us as we don't merely go through trials but grow through trials. When I look at trial with the right eternal perspective it wont only seem lighter but it will also help me focus on what I need to learn. Then, trials will be an exceeding benefit to me and will carry eternal weight of glory as I learn how to be more Christlike. So, as I continue to focus on the purpose of the journey and not just the final destination l will learn and grow during trials. However whats more is I will also feel happiness as I suffer for righteous sake.

Being Born-Again!

Baptism and the Sacrament-Being Born-Again!

   During my mission in Cordoba, Argentina I learned a lot about the gospel. The most important part, however, was not learning but gaining testimony of specific doctrines or just remembering the testimonies I already received. One of the most studied gospel topics as a missionary is baptism. Big surprise! But this week during my studies I came to understand even more about baptism and its connection to to the sacrament.
   While reading in October 2016 General Conference I came across the following quote which enlightened me:  "The ordinances of baptism and the sacrament symbolize both the end result and process of being born again. In baptism, we bury the old man of flesh and come forth to a newness of life. In the sacrament, we lean that this change is a step-by-step process [where] little by little, week by week, we are transformed as we repent, covenant, and through increased endowments of the Sprit [become like the Savior]." - Douglas D. Holmes, First Counselor in the Young Men Presidency
  The quote from Brother Holmes really made me stop and think about baptism and the sacrament. I knew that when someone is baptized they are cleansed of their sins. Unfortunately they do not stay clean for long, as they, just like the rest of us sin in one way or another. I also knew that the sacrament renewed those baptismal covenants. What I learned from this quote is that baptism, and confirmation of course, gives us a glimpse into the future, it allows us to know what it feels to be completely pure of sin. Yet, we do not and cannot change completely over night. We are in a constant uphill battle. That is where the sacrament comes in! President Hinckley said "the most important word is: remember!" The sacrament helps us to remember our baptismal covenants and as we partake of the sacrament every week and keep our half of the baptismal and sacramental promise then we will gradually reach that end goal of becoming more Christlike. Even if we fall back a little on that uphill battle its okay as long as we continue to progress and we don't fall back even further than where we started we'll be alright. So keep pushing forward put in the good fight and don't be discouraged, pick yourself up and remember your potential!