As most of you already know, I'm am moving to Carriage Cove in two weeks. Now that I know which apt. I'll be in (#224), I thought it would be a good idea to start attended the new ward so that the ward members who are staying will have a chance to get to know me before the rush of new people come.
It was Fast and Testimony meeting today--and we all know that there's no better way for people to get to know me that to bear your testimony! BTW, I thought up a new "testimony opener" on the spot:
Gospel Principles and Elders Quorum were a lot slower than my current ward, but that wasn't anything a little creative participation couldn't fix. Here are a few insights that I shared during those two hours:
1. The Great and Spacious Building-- A foundation -less structure. It represents the "world and the wisdom thereof". By definition, a building without a foundation cannot be a building at all. It's fall is imminent. It seems silly to me that everyone is so worried and concerned over it that it effects their choices to follow the iron rod to the tree, when in reality, it has no power over us. There are no armies waiting to charge out of its gates--BECAUSE THERE ARE NO GATES! It's just some scary, powerless thing.
2. The Iron Rod could be likened unto the BOM as a safeguard to apostasy or falling away from the path. While reading about the "strait and narrow", my mind thought upon hiking on VERY narrow mountain trails; trails so narrow that when you come across an intersecting deer trail or water run-off you become confused as to which path to follow. The trail you are on is the Bible. It is strait and narrow, yet can easily be confused with other worldly influences. We need the BOM [or maybe a map] to keep us on the real trail [correct doctrine]. The Holy Ghost could be a sign of human traffic a few steps further down the correct path. The Prophet could be, the best thing of all, a trail guide to give us up to date direction, and correction when needed. I'll have to remember that analogy when I'm a young mens' leader...
3. This next comment is very secular. 1 Nephi 8:24 references "others" which are also the antagonists of the popular TV show LOST, which I have finally caught up all the way on. That connection got me thinking about what other similarities Lehi's Dream has with LOST:
-The "Others" live in a nice compound on the island and harass the travelers.
-There are "Mists of Darkness" all over the island which creates fear in the hearts and mind of the island's inhabitants.
-The Tree of Life represents the ultimate goal of being rescued.
-Those travelers who wander from the true path and into the mists are searching for some other "destiny" than that of being rescued.
-The Iron Rod, itself, is knowledge about the islands mysteries. If they simply understood how the island worked [or the gospel] they wouldn't need to wander around the island and be afraid all the time.
-The Fountain of Water is represented by the island's mysteries which are sometimes lethal.
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Listening to: Phil Collins - Invisible Touch
It was Fast and Testimony meeting today--and we all know that there's no better way for people to get to know me that to bear your testimony! BTW, I thought up a new "testimony opener" on the spot:
I walked up to the pulpit. I wasn't very nervous until the moment I opened my mouth. Suddenly, my heart began to pound so furiously I thought it would penetrate my intercostals. I was so startled by this burst of emotion that I began to speak my mind. I reflected, aloud, on the last time my heart throbbed like that and it was earlier last week at 24-Hour Fitness. "It took me a whole 15 minutes to get my blood pumping this fast. Maybe if I share my testimony with the person running next to me before my work out I could accelerate the process."
Gospel Principles and Elders Quorum were a lot slower than my current ward, but that wasn't anything a little creative participation couldn't fix. Here are a few insights that I shared during those two hours:
1. The Great and Spacious Building-- A foundation -less structure. It represents the "world and the wisdom thereof". By definition, a building without a foundation cannot be a building at all. It's fall is imminent. It seems silly to me that everyone is so worried and concerned over it that it effects their choices to follow the iron rod to the tree, when in reality, it has no power over us. There are no armies waiting to charge out of its gates--BECAUSE THERE ARE NO GATES! It's just some scary, powerless thing.
2. The Iron Rod could be likened unto the BOM as a safeguard to apostasy or falling away from the path. While reading about the "strait and narrow", my mind thought upon hiking on VERY narrow mountain trails; trails so narrow that when you come across an intersecting deer trail or water run-off you become confused as to which path to follow. The trail you are on is the Bible. It is strait and narrow, yet can easily be confused with other worldly influences. We need the BOM [or maybe a map] to keep us on the real trail [correct doctrine]. The Holy Ghost could be a sign of human traffic a few steps further down the correct path. The Prophet could be, the best thing of all, a trail guide to give us up to date direction, and correction when needed. I'll have to remember that analogy when I'm a young mens' leader...3. This next comment is very secular. 1 Nephi 8:24 references "others" which are also the antagonists of the popular TV show LOST, which I have finally caught up all the way on. That connection got me thinking about what other similarities Lehi's Dream has with LOST:
-The "Others" live in a nice compound on the island and harass the travelers.
-There are "Mists of Darkness" all over the island which creates fear in the hearts and mind of the island's inhabitants.
-The Tree of Life represents the ultimate goal of being rescued.
-Those travelers who wander from the true path and into the mists are searching for some other "destiny" than that of being rescued.
-The Iron Rod, itself, is knowledge about the islands mysteries. If they simply understood how the island worked [or the gospel] they wouldn't need to wander around the island and be afraid all the time.
-The Fountain of Water is represented by the island's mysteries which are sometimes lethal.
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Listening to: Phil Collins - Invisible Touch
Nice connections to Lehi's dream. I hope you like your new ward!!
ReplyDeleteCool! So did you meet any of your future roommates or any fun friends?
ReplyDelete