Tight Like Unto A Dish

Ether 2:17
And they were built after a manner that they were exceedingly tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof were tight like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish.

"Tight like unto a dish" is a powerful phrase, especially if we follow Nephi’s counsel and “…liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Ne 19:23). If we liken the barges to two homes; our bodies, which house our spirits and our physical homes which protect us from the world, and the sea to the influences and temptations of the world, then this scripture is very powerful.
Notice that the top, bottom, sides and even the door of the barges were “tight like unto a dish” against the fierce, unrelenting sea into which they would be placed.
In order to survive, they were instructed to only open the door to get air when they were not underwater. We as well, should not open our doors to any evil or worldly influences. Many times, once that door is opened, it is very, very difficult to close.
Water has the ability to find its way into any opening no matter how small. We are literally like the barges in the sea. At times we are buried in the depths of the sea and it seems that we will perish, but we see that the Lord will be with us always.

Ether 6:6-7
6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

Trusting in the mercy, grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father we will be able to overcome the evils of the “sea”. We must do the things asked of us, which include: prayer, sincere scripture study, Family Home Evening, and being grateful for all we have and will receive, especially during difficult times. We must also actively fight against evil, no matter what form it has and where it arises, and do all in our power to keep it out of our bodies and homes.
These simple things keep us, and our homes “tight like unto a dish” against evil.
On a side note, their journey upon the sea lasted almost a year, but the Lord never abandoned them.

The Art of Trials

They looked like random pencil lines
Each one alone, they took no form.
How could this be a work of art
It was so far outside the norm.

The lines were twisted as if in pain
It made no sense to me at all.
I wished it all to just make sense
So I would not feel so very small.

Years went by to no avail
To figure out what it all meant.
My finite mind, it could not see
The message that, to me, He sent.

One day a knock came at my door
My closest friend was now with me.
Where is that masterpiece of art
The random one you got for free?

I had not thought of it for years
My life had taken many a turn.
I must go search and hope I find
The art for which I now did yearn.

I found it buried deep beneath
The things I thought that mattered most.
I pulled it from its dusty home
It looked so old, just like a ghost.

I gave it to my dearest friend
Ashamed that It had been misplaced.
He took it from its aged frame
One by one it's lines He traced.

These lines, my son, are trials faced
I was beside you with each one.
Never were you left alone
That lonely task fell to my son.

Now hold that masterpiece up high
Against the grand celestial light.
I now beheld what I could not see
The lines now formed a glorious sight.

The image that I gazed upon.
Was me all dressed in radiant white
The image only could be seen
Because of God's pure holy light.

Choose The Right!!

The choices that we choose to make
Remove or add the weight of sin.
When we were young and full of strength
The added weight seemed very thin.

I can make it on my own
I am strong, don’t need God’s hand.
What has he really done for me?
I really do not understand.

Time and years move very fast
Our heavy soul cries out from pain.
The weight we carried for so long
Has now become a prison chain.

One will tell you all is lost
The other says “Come unto me.”
He has the power to break the chains
Remove your pain and set you free.

Believe and follow all God’s words
That is the only path to take.
The first steps back seem oh so slow
Our God will never us forsake.

One step becomes a million
Each one easier than the one before.
With our eyes set on HIS glory
God will provide us so much more.

As we walk along the path
We must hold fast to the iron rod.
That will ensure we eat the fruit
The everlasting love of God.