I Will Prepare the Way before You

While Avril was serving as a missionary, she was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that left her in chronic pain and with no hope of recovery. In this intense period, her paintings became colorful, strong, and full of faith. The painted illusions became a reality when she was miraculously healed. Since then, Avril has devoted her work to testifying of God's power and love. She painted “On my knees I can see forever” to show that so many times the solution to problems are found in a plea to God. The fog and confusion disappear as you let God enter and see the way He has prepared (1 Nephi 17:13). The character in her painting has one hand raised high to give thanks to her Maker, and another inclined ready to humbly receive. Sewing patterns are also found with selected words and markings.

 Avril also shared the above painting that makes her think about Sariah and Lehi's uncertain family journey. She relates:

“My grandfather Evaristo Jorge, always showed strength and courage in defending his ideas. This painting represents my grandfather fleeing the Spanish dictatorship. After having to live for more than a year in hiding, he finally managed to escape from Spain by being smuggled across the border hidden in a truck loaded with oranges. Soon after entering France, which was then under German occupation, he was forced into a refugee work camp. Miraculously, he was able to get out with the help of a french family that was hosting my grandmother and her baby. This family was named the Dussel family. They welcomed my grandparents into their humble home and lived together like one family for over 12 years. My mother, the youngest of three strong daughters, was born in this hospitable home and named France in recognition of the country that had welcomed them. Their adversities and uncertain path have blessed me not only with a new expanded family, but also with a surety that God will always watch over us and make our journey for our own good and send his angels before us. I cherish my history and the story of Sariah and Lehi’s family, as they give me perspective into my own life. If life treats you with “much harshness” remember that “nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power (1 Nephi 18:11).”

Discussion Questions:

• Throughout the initial chapters of the Book of Mormon, Nephi continues to reference that things happened to his father as he "dwelt in a tent" (1 Nephi 2:15; 9:1; 16:6; 18:23). Why do you think this is such an important detail for Nephi to repeatedly reference?

• As the ship traveled on the sea, the wind blew them towards the promised land (1 Nephi 18: 8).  However, when there was contention among the brothers, they lost their way and were blown off course (1 Nephi 18:9-20). How can contention cause us to be distracted and lose our way?  What can we do to get back on course?

• In quoting Jesus from the writings of Isaiah, Nephi records: "For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands..." 1 Nephi 21:15-16).  What does this imagery tell you about Jesus' love for you?  How are you "graven on the palms of [His] hands"?

For Children & Youth

• Nephi tells his brothers that the truth is easy for the righteous to hear but hard for the wicked (1 Nephi 25;1-3).  How is there power in telling the truth?

• Outside of his tent door, Lehi found the Liahona that helped his family know where to go on their journey and where to find food (1 Nephi 16:10, 16, 26-29).  Draw a picture or make a model of what you think the Liahona might have looked like (there is a description of the basics in 1 Nephi 16:10).  What do you have in your family that works like a Liahona and how does it help guide your family?  Maybe you could put your Liahona picture or model in a place in your home that will remind you of this guide in your family.

• When Nephi's brothers made fun of him for trying to build a boat and said that it wouldn't work (I Nephi 17: 17-21), Nephi helped them remember stories from their family history about how the Lord helped their family out of trouble (1 Nephi 17:23-42).  What are the stories of faith from your family history that help give you courage to do hard things?

• When they got to the Promised Land, Nephi made metal plates and started to make a journal about their family story (I Nephi 19:1).  Like Avril Caron shares with her works this week, why is it important to write down or document your family story?  What experiences from your life would you include in your family story?