After sharing his dream with his family, Lehi spoke to his sons "with all the feeling of a tender parent." We can likewise uplift and support those we love by encouraging, sharing, teaching, and inviting.
Seed
After studying the brass plates, Lehi's thoughts turned to his "seed." His invitation to Ishmael and his tree of life dream were both related to this focus. Like Lehi, we can think about the impact of our current decisions on future generations.
Stay by the Tree
When Lehi tasted the fruit of the tree in his dream, he invited his family to come taste it too. We can't force anyone to feel the love of God, but we can show them how that love brings us joy and invite them to feel it too.
Letters to the Seven Churches
John wrote letters to seven congregations of the church. In those letters, he described the Savior, gave feedback, and listed some blessings of exaltation. Taken together, the letters can motivate us to repent and receive the blessings God offers us.
The First Great Truth
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained that while the first great commandment is to love God, the first great truth is that He loves us. John wrote, "We love him, because he first loved us." His love motivates us to love Him and to love other people.
Sculpture of Lehi’s Dream
Three characters in my Uncle Paul's sculpture of Lehi's dream are particularly striking: the man on the left looking up with determination, the individual running toward the mocking crowd, and the woman lending a helping hand to a person in need.
“Come and See”
Jesus and Philip both answered questions with an invitation: "Come and see." Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has suggested two similar invitations: "come and help," and "come and belong." Like Lehi, we can help other people learn and grow by inviting them to act.
Family Revelation
Raising children is too hard to do alone and requires more knowledge than any parents have. Like Joseph and Mary or Lehi and Sariah, we can receive revelation from God about how to lead our families "in love and righteousness."
The Tree
It's Christmastime, and there is a large tree in my house covered with lights. I'm sure many of you have one of those as well. As I've observed our tree, I've thought about the symbolism of trees in the scriptures, particularly in the Book of Mormon. Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, a... Continue Reading →
Dreams and Visions
The prophet Joel foretold a time when people of all ages and economic statuses would receive revelation in abundance: I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my... Continue Reading →