On the 3rd.....EARLY ONE MORNING

photos taken on September 3, 2011

"I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God."

I Nephi 11:25

Our family has begun reading the Book of Mormon again in conjunction with my girls going back to school. We have just finished reading about Lehi's dream. We read about Nephi's conversation with an angel on the meaning of his father's dream.  The angel asked, Knowest thou the meaning of the tree?  And Nephi 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."

This tree in Lehi's dream brought forth fruit that was desirable to make one happy. We read that when Lehi partook of the fruit thereof it filled this soul with exceedingly great joy, wherefore, he began to be desirous that his family should partake of it also; for he knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

I learned recently that the word JOY can be defined as "to be as God"... So when we read, "Men are that they might have joy".. is actually saying Men are that they will be as God.

We will go to great lengths to help our loved ones, our brothers...our sisters, our friends to come to the Tree of Life. We would sacrifice all.

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The above photos were taken on a recent hike this past weekend on the 3rd. The number 3 is very significant.

While these above photos are not particularly award winning, they will have a symbolic meaning to a few. Words sometime can't describe things that are spiritual.

We can learn alot from the aspen tree. I hope to eventually go with my dad to see the largest living organism (in mass) on earth.. It might be a suprise to some to know what that is.... it is a fully connected Aspen grove in Utah named Pando. Pando (Latin for "I Spread) . This aspen grove which is located in the Wasatch Mountains is what is techically called a "clonal colony" (which means a group of genetically identical individuals from a single ancestor of a single male Quaking Aspen.)

This particular photo above of this "single" Aspen tree is very unique. The main trunk was severed, broke, or decayed. A new branch grew out of that main trunk, and in a descending then ascending "s" shape, a trunk grew up and sprung forth new life. It is important to note the tree appears hovering in the air from the distance.

The aspen tree grows upright to search and  find the light. All light radiates from Christ. As we all seek it, may we find it.