“How Firm a Foundation” Hymn 85

            My metaphor has become a part of the way I see things and learn things. I often listen to the teachers or read articles and ask myself what is the principle being taught? And which of doctrines do I believe it supports? My Metaphor has changed since the first time I heard the Pattern. Originally I liked the Idea of Having a musical instrument for my metaphor, specifically an acoustic guitar. I thought that it was personal, it was me. It functioned as a metaphor, but too often the pattern of doctrines principles and tools felt forced into this metaphor. When using a guitar as a metaphor I often felt that rather than helping to explain the pattern of Doctrines principles and tools, it would make it less understandable. It didn’t help me to find doctrines, principles and tools around me. As I have come to understand this pattern more, I have come up with a new metaphor.

            There is actually a story that illustrates why and how I changed my metaphor and what it has changed to. I was attempting to explain the pattern of doctrines principles and tools work to a friend and I was telling him about my guitar metaphor. He continued to stare at me with a blank face, confused. I carefully defined what doctrines, principles, and tools were according to Elder Bednar in his book “Increase in Learning.” He looked at me with one eye brow raised and began to shake his head almost ready to give up. I paused for a moment and thought how I could help him understand. As I thought a new metaphor came to my mind; A house, It was simple. I explained to him that the foundation must be strong, steadfast and immoveable; as Doctrines are eternal and unchanging they form a firm foundation for our pattern. The main structure of the home is what is most visible, the principles are what we see and they are built upon our foundational doctrine. A tool then is everything that goes into a home. Some are large and fundamental in homes, some are very small, obsolete and used only upon occasion when needed. This metaphor has become a way I can explain the pattern to anyone. As I explain this to my friend, it clicked and he began to give his own examples of doctrines principles and tools immediately.

            How Firm a Foundation ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your rest in his excellent word. (Hymn 85) Through study, prayer, and pondering, I have found what doctrines I find to be Foundational in my life. This is my foundation, The doctrines of the Gospel; this is what I pattern my life after. This is the foundation of my home, this is where my principle and tools stem from. This is what defines my belief.

         In following weeks I will take time to explain About each of my doctrines, Living, Loving and Learning are all closely related to doctrine. I will also do my best to further explain the pattern of Doctrines, Principles and Tools. Comment Post Just say what you think. No judging here, only loving and learning.