Lessons From A Tent

1 Nephi 2:15
And my father dwelt in a tent.

One of my companions on my mission would share this verse with a spiritual thought a lot.

He would share how this verse is so simple, and question why the Lord would have this placed here.

He would answer with regard to Lehi's great wealth and possessions in Jerusalem. Leaving it all was a great act of sacrifice before and obedient to the Lord.

Lehi now lived in a tent.

Extending upon his spiritual thought, I add that Lehi's story doesn't end there. Just like John Tanner begging, house to house, was not the end of the story... apparently another companion told me of the irony of John Tanner's descendants owning a bread bakery business.

No matter what tents of our lives we may live in, it is not the end of the story if we are faithful to our covenants with God.

I have felt, many times in life, that I have figuratively lived in a tent. I came to an understanding that God was teaching me lessons of patience, eternal perspective, appreciation of blessings, and sacrifice.

God bless my two companions who taught me great things.

Seeking Him

2 Nephi 18:17

"And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him."

A test of faith, as I would see it. Even as the design of this earthly existence is such that our Heavenly Father sends us here, and we are to seek His face.

Amidst life's trials, it can feel as if He is hidden.

Yesterday, my sister and I were running around the chapel (appropriately), through the corridors and into different rooms. She was sitting on my shoulders, while controlling me by pulling my hair (much like in Ratatouille). At one point I got tired, and put her down. Though, she still wanted to ride on my shoulders, and said that she wouldn't move from her spot until I would return her to her throne (in different words though...).

I left the room we were in, to hide around the corner where she wouldn't see me. While I was in my child-mood that night, I giggled, and kept peeking around the corner to see if she would come.

I think Heavenly Father is like that. He's just around the corner, still keeping an eye on us. He hasn't left us completely. Still, He must leave us to a degree, else this mortal experience could not serve it's purpose of strengthening and teaching us things we could not learn if we had stayed at Home, in His presence.

I, like many of us I think, have experienced those times when we do wonder if God is there, watching, blessing, protecting. Those experiences have taught me the value of His words in Deuteronomy 4:29.

"But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul."

That's a promise from God.

On my mission, I met a woman who "used to be a Mormon" but left because she felt she couldn't find 

God, as so many other people have. She didn't have experiences like others have had.

Through experience I have learnt that it's usually after those times when we are close to giving up, that Heavenly Father is discovered, that He shows His face. After pushing through with encouraging self-talk, such as "He has promised I could find Him," "it's just this situation, I know I can do this!" and "I can do all things through Christ!" that He reveals Himself.

Personally, I went so bad in one of my exams, that I become really down throughout the week, and lacked motivation to give it my best. My scripture study slackened, and my faith weakened. Looking back, I would rather have a relationship with God strong and connected, rather than intelligent mastery of my university courses without God. So I repent.

The thrill of discovering God lives, God's love, and how God's ways work and are the formula for success is an exciting one! And He has promised to all that we can find Him. We can find His strength and power and love in our lives.

I finish this post with a quote.

"We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own 'happily ever after.' ...all you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan."

- President Dieter F Uchtdorf, Your Happily Ever After, April 2010 General Conference.

A Dream for Life

Richard G Scott shares an experience sacred to him, from which I have drawn and learned principles that have strengthened me in life.

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/richard-g-scott_finding-happiness/

"For some time I have known how I wanted to begin this message, yet I have always been very careful not to share sacred experiences without a feeling of authorization to do so. I thought first of merely stating the principles that I learned from one such experience without reference to the specific event. Yet I realized that it would be far more meaningful if I related exactly what occurred. After prayerfully seeking guidance, I feel I can communicate an experience that is sacred to me. It indelibly taught how precious and of inestimable worth is the gospel plan or plan of happiness Heavenly Father has given us. I have seen that plan from a different perspective than ever before in my life, and that has given me greater understanding and appreciation for it. I pray that when we conclude you may feel that same gratitude. May you also resolve to take fuller advantage of the inexpressibly rich opportunities the Lord has given us for true happiness, now and forever. 

"Recently I awoke from a most disturbing dream. I ached physically, was saturated with perspiration, and my heart was pounding. Every sense was sharpened. The transition from sleep to wakefulness was imperceptible. I have come to recognize that as an indication of a significant spiritual experience in a dream. I had been taught lessons that would change my life. Although the actual dream was extensive, the key lessons communicated can be summarized by reference to a few specific experiences in the dream. 

"In it I found myself in a very different and unknown environment. Everything was strange to me. I could not recognize where I was or any of the individuals who surrounded me. I was anxiously seeking my wife, Jeanene. We had been separated, and I wanted very much to find her. Each individual I encountered said that I would not be able to do that. Repeatedly as I sought in different directions to find her, I was emphatically told to forget her for she would not be found. I was frustrated at every turn. One said, “She is no longer the same individual. There isn’t a Jeanene like you knew.” 

"I thought, that is impossible. I know her, and I know she will never change.
"Then I was told, “You are not the same. There is no individual by the name of Richard Scott, and soon all of the memories you’ve had of Jeanene, your children, and other loved ones will be eradicated.” 

"Fear entered my heart, accompanied by a horrifying feeling. Then came the thought: “No, that is impossible. Those relationships are enduring and unchanging. As long as we live righteously, they cannot be eliminated. They are eternally fixed.” 

"As more encounters came I realized that I was surrounded with evil individuals who were completely unhappy, with no purpose save that of frustrating the happiness of others so that they too would become miserable. These wicked ones were striving to manipulate those persons over whom they sought to exercise control. I somehow was conscious that those who believed their lies were being led through treachery and deceit from what they wanted most. They soon began to believe that their individuality, their experience, and their relationships as families and friends were being altered and lost. They became angry, aggressive, and engulfed by feelings of hopelessness. 

"The pressure became more intense to accept as reality that what I had been no longer existed and that my cherished wife was no longer the same. Should I encounter her she wouldn’t recognize me nor want me. I resisted those thoughts with every capacity that I could find. I was determined to find her. I knew that there must be a way and was resolute in searching no matter what the cost in time or effort. 

"It was then that I broke out of that oppressive surrounding and could see that it was an ugly, artificial, contrived environment. So intense were the feelings generated by what I had been told by those bent on destroying my hope to take me captive that I had not realized the forces of opposition that made my efforts appear fruitless could have no power over me unless I yielded through fear or abandonment of my principles. The environment appeared real, yet it had been generated from fear and threat. Although it was simulated, to those who let themselves believe the falsehoods thrust upon them it became reality. 

"I can now understand that because of my faith in the truths of the gospel plan, I could break through Satan’s manipulative, evil environment to see it as it is—not only in the dream, but in real life as well—a confining, controlling, destructive influence that can be overcome by faith in and obedience to truth. Others were disheartened, disoriented, and finally overcome as they lost hope because they either lacked a foundation of truth to engender conviction, courage, and confidence or they let their belief be overcome by the pressure of the moment. 

"As I awoke there flooded over me feelings of love and gratitude for our Heavenly Father and his Beloved Son that I do not have the capacity to express. My heart and mind filled with consuming love for them and inexpressible appreciation for the blessings that are available to every spiritual child of Father in Heaven willing to believe and be obedient to the plan of happiness. I cannot convey the unspeakable joy, the feeling of being wrapped in pure love, the absolute assurance that we will never lose our identity or memory of cherished relationships or the benefits of righteous acts as we continue to resist evil and are obedient to truth."

One can draw many lessons from his dream.

One that stands out for me is one of faith: it struck me that the whole world of his dream was filled to overflowing with evidence that he could not find his wife and children, and that he was not Richard anymore. There would be no eternal family.

Yet, by faith, Elder Scott managed to break out of that world: he said "I resisted those thoughts with every capacity that I could find. I was determined to find her. I knew that there must be a way and was resolute in searching no matter what the cost in time or effort. It was then that I broke out of that oppressive surrounding and could see that it was an ugly, artificial, contrived environment."

By his faith, through determination, belief in true principles, and endurance, he broke out of the evils of the doubt around him, and the lies bombarding him.

Whilst in the temple, several people have told me, "This is reality. Not outside." I have pondered those words. Each person has said it differently, yet I believe they haven't counselled together, saying "you tell Aaron this on this day, and next week I'll say it again in different words when I bump into him..."

In pondering those words, I see why Elder Scott would agree - the world can be filled with fake things - things that don't last forever. It can be filled with lies. People are searching for the truth, but know not where to find it.

But I know. Because I have asked God. I have pondered, studied, and prayed about His answers and His ways. I know His ways are true.

His ways are ways of faith, eternal perspective, and eternal families. Whenever I face a time of trial, doubt, fear, loneliness, confusion, anger, jealousy, pessimism, or any form of evil or worldliness, I can choose to have faith exercised in me as Elder Scott did.

Books

In the Book of Mormon, a man named Lehi was privileged to receive a vision from God! A snippet of his experience is as such:

1 Nephi 1:10-11

10 "And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament.

11 "And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read."

There's something about books that is divine. Heavenly Father loves books - we know that much, for He is a record keeper.

Books can symbolize knowledge, literary insight and experience, and intelligence. The content of books range vastly from narratives to histories, facts and fiction. So, through books one has access to a world of discovery and knowledge, accessed through the mind connecting with symbols on a page.

So imagine the power and influence that can come through a book that God gives you.

Lehi was privileged to read such a book!

The title page of the Book of Mormon reads thus:

"The Book of Mormon An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi

"Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile—Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed—To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof—Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile—The interpretation thereof by the gift of God."

The Book of Mormon is a gift from God! Do we feel as privileged as Lehi did, when He was handed a book by the Lord and Savior? Do we feel the power, the urgency, the love communicated through those sacred pages?

Or do we read the Book of Mormon as another novel, historical document or even as fiction?

Herein read the testimony of the three witnesses to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon:

"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen."

These are the words of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris. They saw the plates from which this book was translated! I could never give enough respect and attention to a book with this much importance and significance! I could never do this book justice!

Of all books of the earth, it is this one that draws men closest to God, more so than any other book. Let us treat it as such. Place ourselves in the shoes of its characters. Imagine ourselves witnessing the events of the book. Feel the emotion of the Lehi's family, as they left their beloved home, or of Captain Moroni fighting for truth and liberty, or of King Benjamin anxiously teaching his people, or even the last Moroni, witnessing the destruction of his people.

We learn lessons of faith and virtue, love and the Spirit as we do so when we read the Book of Mormon.

Pillars

From the Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 1:5-6

   5 "Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people.

   6 "And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much; and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and tremble exceedingly."

A few times in history has a pillar appeared. To the chosen Smith a pillar of light. To Moses and the Israelites a pillar of fire to guide them throughout the night... but why a pillar?

Could it be the characteristics of a pillar? Something that holds up structures with its strength? I know a pillar is only as strong as its own structure.

Lehi is a pillar that held up the coming forth of the Book or Mormon through his obedience. Joseph Smith is a pillar to the Restoration through fulfilling his calling as prophet of the Restoration. Christ was a pillar to the Israelites in the wilderness, and indeed, were the Israelites learning to be pillars for the Lord and His eternal purposes. They required restrengthening and correction if they were to inherit the promised land.

My mother is a pillar in our family. No matter how or why one of us might drop our level of spirituality, she has always been one to stick us through it, and we deem the endurance worth it.

President Monson has been a pillar in my life: particularly through his counsel and example of rescuing those in need - I am praying to learn His ways through President Monson's example. As I have tried following it, I have seen miracles!

Mormon was an example to me of someone who remained faithful throughout being literally and socially alone. He demonstrated to me that no matter the circumstance, Heavenly Father was watching over Him, and was sending His Spirit to protect, guide and accompany him. He was truly not alone.

Might we too be pillars of righteousness, worthiness and obedience, strong and sturdy for the Lord and for those around us, who need someone to lean on.

Koi Fish and the Natural Man

My family have a koi fish pond. So often when we enter the backyard, we see the koi fish surfacing, and looking as if they were swallowing air. Thier indication to us was obvious: they desire sustenance. My mother teaches that the koi fish are always hungry, and that the more you feed them, the more waste they will release into the water, and therefore the more cleaning required out of risk of poisoning the fish.

I'm no expert like my father in caring for fish, but having done some research, apparently (and obviously) overfeeding has the same effect on fish as it does on humans - the approach of obesity. Organs become endangered, and hence their lives.

The natural man is also known to be hungry - so often! It is this hunger of the natural man that causes our overeating and lack of control. It is this hunger that drives the appetite and addiction to pornography. It is this hunger that has us seeking for worldly pleasure, and many times leaving the gospel because the gospel is a lifestyle (amongst other things) of abstenance, discipline and self-control.

Consider these aspects of the gospel: fasting challenges our personal will over personal appetite. Tithing challenges our trust in God's all powerful ability of providence over our greed or need for money. Studying the scriptures each day challenges our faith in where our quality time can be dedicated.

So how do we overcome the natural man? Is there a Way? Is it possible? It's power seems overwhelming, even being the cause of the existence of vengeance, murderers, molestors, betrayals, laziness, etc as a great tool of the adversary to accompliah his evil designs.

The Book of Mormon, as it almost always does, has the solution taught within it's pages. I have learnt to remember thay whenever a prophet speaks of an issue in the world, the solution of God is spoken by the same prophet's lips soon after, at least in close proximity.

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

Let us list the steps/process here:
• Yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit.
• Put off the natural man.
• Becometh a Saint through the Atonement of Christ.
• Become as a child: submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love.

Some personal applications we can take here:

• When you feel that warm, deep, gentle prompting of God, we need to obey.

• "Put off the natural man" has the image in my mind of for example a man trying to hold a woman, but the woman keeps pushing him away. If the man has a reputation of rape and murder, how do you imagine the woman would be reacting? We should push the natural man away likewise.

• The natural man will not be bridled completely - unless we are becoming a saint. A saint is a follower of Christ. Through applying His Atonement in our lives, we can find healing, forgiveness, belonging, hope, faith, strength, ability, love for all (including the seemingly unlovable), true happiness, eternal destiny, and even exaltation and eternal life.

• This is the image we receive of who we will become if we apply the Atonement and bridle the natural man: submissive to the Father's will, meek to accept and face bravely and righteously all the Father places in our path, humble to accept weaknesses and use strengths to bless othersin the Lord's will, patient in awaiting the Lord's timing, full of love knowing all are God's children, whom He lives just as much as anyone else including ourselves.

I close this entry with a quote I was most impressed with upon reading online: Instead of saying "Lord, I don't know how I'm going to do this", we can say, " Lord, I can't wait to see how you do this!"