Holding Fast to the Iron Rod

      So, looking back at one of my old posts, I decided to revamp it, and repost it. I have about two or three other posts in the process, so be prepared for me in the relatively near future! Enjoy!




    Let me give a little background first. Lehi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, had a vision. In it, he describes a lot of different stuff, but in essence, there is a path leading to the tree of life, which represents God and His love. Along this path, there is an Iron Rod, which represents God's guidance that He gives to us, through the scriptures, the Spirit, Prophets, and a myriad of other things.  

1 Nephi chapter 8:30
  
     30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

     We read that while many were travelling along the path, there arose a mist of darkness. The mist caused many to lose their way and become lost. And there were also others, who pressed forward through the mists, holding fast to the Iron Rod, and they were able to make it through the mists, and reach the tree.

    So, what does this mean for you and I? I have thought about this a lot and wondered what those mists of darkness could have been. I have come to realize that those mists are the temptations, trials, and adversity that each of us inevitably face throughout our life. Many who commenced, or started, on the path, which is the path that leads us back to God, were lost because they become blinded by the many temptations and trials that came their way. If we allow them, they will blind us as well.

    But, we also read that there were many more who made it through those mists, and were able to make it back to God. The difference was one group of people let go of the iron rod, the Word of God, and the others held fast to it. I love that! It wasn't just a casual touch on the rod, nor was it merely loosely gripping the rod, either; rather, those who made it through did so by HOLDING FAST to the rod. That implies a firm grasp, without letting go, even for a moment.



     In order for all of us to get through the temptations and adversity in such a crazy world, it is imperative that we hold fast to the word of God, through constant prayer, daily scripture study, and weekly church attendance, as well as proactively seeking God's will for our lives and exercising an unwavering resolve to do it. If we allow our grip on the rod to loosen, or completely let go, even for a moment, we risk wandering off and being lost in the world, from which we might never return.

     God loves us, and has provided a way for us to return to Him. Never let go of the Iron Rod; never give up. He loves us and wants all of us to return to Him safely. There is hope, and each and every one of us has the power to make it back.

The Beauty Locked Within

   I love Spring! I am glad that it is finally here!! I looked out of our laundry room window the other day, and looked at the tree that had before been barren and seemingly dead ( as trees usually do during the winter). Far from looking dead though, it now had a million, beautiful, white buds! It was soooo pretty! With Spring underway, and all the trees, and flowers in full bloom, I can't help but ponder life, and the newness of everything all around.

    Although it is a very inspiring topic that I have seen some wonderful blogs about, I am NOT going to be posting about the newness of life. Instead, I am going to take it a completely different direction.

   I actually wanted to focus on the contrast that now exists, between the seemingly dead tree that existed outside our window during the winter months, and the now beautiful tree with millions of white blossoms. For me, those blossoms symbolize life that was locked up inside, waiting for the right moment to be unlocked, and set free.



    We, every one of us, have great potential locked inside. To each is given certain aptitudes, abilities, and accomplishments. Some of those we know of. Many, we do not. In this life, we have a great opportunity and privilege to seek out, to do, and to discover those hidden attributes within all of us.  And we can do so with great help and assistance from our Heavenly Father.
    Going back to the tree, did that tree say, "I am just a dead tree. I don't know if I will ever be beautiful". Nope, not even a little bit. Instead, when the time was right, it stretched out its limbs, and blossomed with all its might, and is now a big, wonderful, leafy tree, that provides shade, protection, and beauty. So, too, we might feel that we are just a dead-looking tree, with little ability or beauty. Not true. Within each of us is the capacity, and ability to do many great, and wonderful things.





  We may look at others, and feel they are much more talented, or more beautiful, or kinder, or more spiritual, or more whatever it may be, than us. Again, did that tree look at a rose bush, and say, "Oh, how I wish I was that rose bush, for how could I ever be half that beautiful?" When that tree blossomed, it rivaled any rose bush I have ever seen. Allow me to add, the greatness of our talents and abilities is not dependent on another's. Rather, it is only dependent on what God thinks, and depndent on if we are living up to, and achieving more of our potential each and every day.

   Each Spring, we get to see the miracle of new life, and new growth all around us. Where once existed a forest of bare limbs, and empty bushes, a vibrant growth of green leaves, and beautiful flowers of all colors flourish around. So too, Christ will help us to discover the beauty that resides within each of us, and as we allow Him, He will unlock the beauty within, and set it free.