Parental Responsibility | 1 Nephi 8:12, 36-38

Lehi is a great example to me of how to be a parent. Once he experienced the joyous fruit of the Atonement, he immediately wanted to share it with his family. He shows how important his parental responsibility is by teaching and exhorting his children with love, tenderness, and firmness.

The Love of God | 1 Nephi 11:13-23

13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?
15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.
16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.
19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!
20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.
21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.
23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

Eternal Happiness | 1 Nephi 8:10-12, 15-16, 19-21

Tree of Life

The tree of life and its fruits bring peace and happiness and overcome the gulf of bitterness prepared by Satan. Christ, the tree of life or fountain of living water, plays the central role in the plan of Heavenly Father. I can find mercy, hope and eternal happiness through the Atonement.

1 Nephi 8:10-12 1 Nephi 11:20-33 John 3:16

Rod of Iron

The rod of iron represents the word of God or the scriptures. The whole purpose of the scriptures is to lead mankind to Christ and His Atonement. I love the imagery of how physically holding on to the rod was the only thing that kept the people going forward towards the Atonement when the mists of darkness came. It is human nature to let go when all is well and the pathway before can be clearly seen but the mists of darkness can come quickly and without warning. Daily preparation through scripture study, meditation, and prayer will help me protect myself against the temptations of the devil.

1 Nephi 8:19 1 Nephi 11:25 1 Nephi 15:23-25

The Modern-day Voice

I can't help but think that the voice of Lehi represents the voice of modern-day prophets and apostles who are calling and beckoning to us to come and partake of the fruit of the tree of the Atonement. Not only the prophets but fathers, mothers, bishops, and teachers.

1 Nephi 8:15-16

Strait and Narrow Path

The strait and narrow path leads to the Savior and the Atonement and then on to eternal life. Baptism is the gateway to the "strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life" and the Holy Ghost is my guide as I endure to the end and follow the doctrine of Christ.

1 Nephi 8:20-21 2 Nephi 31:17-20

Eternal Misery | 1 Nephi 8:13-14, 23-28

River of Filthiness

The river represents the gulf between good and evil, the waters of which represent sin, filthiness and hell—the domain of Satan. Those in Lehi's dream that fall in and are drowned in the depths of the gulf are those that refuse to turn to the Lord and die in their sins and fall under the influence of Satan. Nephi says the line between the righteous and the wicked was also placed by God or the justice of God, "like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God." I have found that the contrast between the river and the tree is one of the main themes of Lehi's vision. I have a choice: happiness versus misery, righteousness versus wickedness, life versus death, salvation versus being cast off. "The final state of the souls of men is to dwell in the kingdom of God, or to be cast out because of that justice of which I have spoken. Wherefore, the wicked are rejected from the righteous, and also from that tree of life, whose fruit is most precious and most desirable above all other fruits; yea, and it is the greatest of all the gifts of God."

	1 Nephi 8:13-14 1 Nephi 12:16 1 Nephi 15:26-36 Helaman 5:23-28
	GULF, noun 1. A recess in the ocean from the general line of the shore into the land, or a tract of water extending from the ocean or a sea into the land, between two points or promontories; a large bay; a gulf and a bay differ only in extent. 2. An abyss; a deep place in the earth. 3. A whirlpool; an absorbing eddy. 4. Anything insatiable. INSA'TIABLE, adjective Incapable of being satisfied or appeased; very greedy; as an insatiable appetite or desire; insatiable thirst.

Mists of Darkness

The only influences Satan has on this side of the justice of God are the mists of darkness or the temptations of the devil "which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost." The Lord provides solutions to all of life's problems—the word of God or scripture fights against the temptations of the devil.

1 Nephi 8:23 1 Nephi 12:17, 19 1 Nephi 15:24

Great and Spacious Building

The building and the people in it represent the world and the pride and wisdom of the world, the "vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men." It is often represented by Egypt, Babylon or Jerusalem.

The group that made it to the tree but afterwards gave heed to the pride and wisdom of the world and became ashamed of Christ were probably saints who outwardly were following Christ but inwardly were still full of pride and care of worldly things. Perhaps, it also represents those that were led to the Atonement but would not allow Christ to take their burdens because of pride, fear or lack of faith.

The remedy for this ailment is faith, hope, patience, meekness, long-suffering, and love unfeigned with an eye single to the glory of God.

1 Nephi 8:24-28 1 Nephi 11:35-36 1 Nephi 12:18

Great Joy | 1 Nephi 8:10-12

The tree of life or fountain of living water (1 Nephi 11:25) is Christ and the fruit of Christ is the Atonement. Heavenly Father loves me so much He gave His only begotten Son. Christ loves me so much that He took upon Himself my sins and afflictions. I can feel that "exceedingly great joy" when I go to Him with my burdens and weaknesses.

Dreary Wasteland | 1 Nephi 8:7-10

As his vision opens up, Lehi finds himself in a dark and dreary wilderness and then later in a dark and dreary waste or wasteland.

I find this symbolic of this life--it is like a dreary wasteland compared with the glory and splendor of the celestial world yet to come. Adam and Eve, when cast out of the garden, were put in the lone and dreary world.

I also find it symbolic of what life is like without Christ and the hope of the Atonement. I can imagine the dread, despair and loneliness that Lehi felt as he traveled for hours in the dark and dreary world of his dream. This hopelessness brought him to his knees where he prayed for mercy. The Lord heard his prayer and brought light and knowledge to him as the vision opened up to include the tree of life off in the distance. I can feel the joy and gladness he must have had as his eyes were drawn to the tree—the hope of salvation. I can follow Lehi's example by praying for mercy and turning to the Atonement when the weight of the world bears down on me.

Lehi's Vision | 1 Nephi 8

I love Lehi's vision of the tree of life. It teaches me so much about the plan of salvation and about this life. It teaches me more about Jesus Christ and His role in the plan of salvation. It leads me to the Atonement and shows me the love of God. It shows me the way to eternal life. It shows me how to make it through this life and how to deal with trials and temptations.

Forgiveness | 1 Nephi 7:21

Nephi is an example of forgiveness. Heavenly Father is the source of true forgiveness. I can follow Nephi's example by being more forgiving to those around me.

FRANK'LY, adv.
1. Openly; freely; ingenuously; without reserve, constraint or disguise; as, to confess one's faults frankly.
2. Liberally; freely; readily. Luke 7.

I use the dictionary to dig deeper into the meaning of words. It helps me better understand and decipher the scriptures. AnnieB will be sharing more on how to do a word study in a future blog.

Plead for God | 1 Nephi 7:19

I can help others soften their hearts and turn towards God when I open my mouth and show the light of Christ through my words and actions.

Strength | 1 Nephi 7:17-18

Nephi didn't pray that his problems would be taken away without any effort, but prayed for strength to break free from them. The Lord loosened his bonds but Nephi still had to remove the bonds and contend with his brothers. I can follow his example by praying for strength and then moving forward with faith.

Personal Interview | 1 Nephi 7:8-12

Nephi asked some very poignant questions of his brothers Laman and Lemuel. These same questions are applicable to me, today. I should be asking these same questions on a daily or weekly basis:

• Am I being hard in my heart? 
• Am I being blind in my mind?
• Am I hearkening unto the word of the Lord?
• Have I forgotten the things I have seen and felt before?
• Have I forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for me?
• Have I forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, if I exercise faith in him? 

I prefer to turn it around to make the personal interview questions more encouraging and uplifting:

• What have I done to soften my heart? Do I desire to know the mysteries of God? Am I praying to God daily with a sincere heart, asking Him to soften my heart?  (1 Nephi 2:16)
• What have I done to see more clearly the Lord's way? Am I learning and studying God's laws so my mind is protected against the teachings of the world and its influences on my thinking and behavior?
• What have I done to hearken unto the word of the Lord? Am I allowing the word of the Lord to move me to action?
• Have I taken time to remember the things I have seen and felt by the power of the Holy Ghost? They say, "Time heals all wounds," but I say time also fades all feelings. Am I immersing myself daily in the Spirit so I can reaffirm those experiences I have had in the past; and am I seeking after new experiences to increase my faith and dedication towards Him?
• Have I taken time to ponder on the great things the Lord has done for me? What have I done to exercise faith in the Lord?  Do I have an attitude of gratitude? Am I writing down the tender mercies I've received from Him?
• Have I exercised faith by leaning on the Lord and His Atonement? Do I have faith and trust in Him? Do I really believe that He will accomplish what He has promised me?

Journey Not Alone | 1 Nephi 7:1

The journey in the wilderness, away from the world, is not meant to be taken alone but as families and friends and people of one heart and one mind. I can help others and allow others to help me through the trials of life.

"And are willing to bear one another’s burdens, [...] and are willing to mourn with those that mourn."  — Mosiah 18:8-9

Nutrition for the Soul | 1 Nephi 6:5-6

I am grateful to Nephi for the personal account of his dealings with God and for the help and guidance that it gives me. It is comforting to know that Heavenly Father knows what I need and will provide direction through the scriptures if I will search them and study them.

Obedience Leads to Wisdom | 1 Nephi 5:20-22

A nation was able to thrive because Lehi and Nephi kept the commandments. If I am willing to keep His commandments then the will of the Lord can be fulfilled through me. I may not always see the wisdom of a choice at the time, but I can trust Heavenly Father that His decisions are for a wise purpose.

Doubt | 1 Nephi 5:2-3, 6

Many of us have our moments of doubt. I should not judge others because of their doubts but be a comfort and strength to them in their time of need.

Binding Oath | 1 Nephi 4:32-33

The phrase "as the Lord liveth, and as I live" seems to be a binding oath among the Jews. How would it be to have such a thing among us today outside of the law—a commitment that could be depended on no matter what? There may not be such an oath among us today but I can personally follow through with promises that I make.

Further Light | 1 Nephi 4:14-16

The Lord had already revealed many truths to Nephi of why the brass plates were necessary but through obedience to His commandments he received further instruction as to why they were necessary. Likewise, I can receive further light and knowledge as I obey His commandments and do His will.

Obedience | 1 Nephi 4:10-13, 18

The Lord may ask hard things of me—things I've never done before that will further His work. Nephi is an example to me of one who has the courage to obey no matter how difficult the task.