Walking on the Sea

Choice 3: Matthew 14:22–33. Walking on the Sea

1. Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

-The Apostles were afraid of the Savior because they could not see who He was.

2. What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

-I think that Peter was happy to see the Savior and wanted to come to Him.

3. According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

-Peter became frightened because of the elements around Him. He feared them more than he had faith in the power of the Savior in that moment.

4. What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

-Peter cried out for help from the Savior. Christ stretched forth His hand immediately. I think this is a reminder that our Savior is always there for us, we just need to ask.

5. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

I think that when Peter first saw Christ walking on water He had the utmost faith and love for Him. Peter wanted to come unto the Savior. I think the principle that I can take from this verse is that when we turn our lives to Christ we are filled with light, and we will not sink in tribulations. Peter struggled once on the water, and I think we struggle with trials in our own lives. I think what I’ve learned from this is that when we seek the help of our Savior and truly believe He can help us, He always does. We have to do our part and come to Him and He will always have his hand reached out to us.

• How and what did you do to complete the assignment?

-I read the assigned verses and thought about its meaning.

• Why did you decide to do the assignment you did?

-I love this story about Peter and our Savior. I think much can be learned about      seeking our Savior’s help and how He is always there.

• What do you think is the best thing about your assignment, and how do you think it could it be improved?

-I loved analyzing Peter because we are the Peter in this story. I don’t see any improvements for this week. 

Homework? No Thanks.

Every time I have a huge load of homework to do, I think to myself..hey I haven't updated my blog in forever. I am currently sitting in my room starving. I just ran/walked 3 miles and I'm starving. But nooooooooo I can't eat. Cassie's getting married so I have to look semi-descent in a dress. Anyways life back in Rexburg is interesting. Something always seems to happen to me at the beginning of the semester that makes me want to cry and go home. I swear...almost every single time. I'm trying not to let the actions of others make me into a person who has trust issues and turns me into a bitter person. I don't ever want to be bitter, but life experiences can make you feel that way. The biggest life lesson I've learned these last few years is that words are nothing without action. People can talk all day long, but without action behind those words they mean nothing. I'm trying to apply this to my life as well. School is crazy and I have less than 2 weeks to pass 2 major math exams so I can register for my last semester starting in the Fall. I don't even know where the time went, I've felt so distracted and in my head lately. Life can be hard, but it always comes down to the fact that I have an amazing family who always helps me keep perspective about life. I won't always be in Rexburg, and I won't forever be in school. Sometimes I feel like it's groundhog day and I wonder when the heck I'm going to get out of this place! Most of my friends have already graduated or are graduating this semester. I'm ready to go too, I'll miss the memories so much but it's time for me to move on. Life is in the bubble is getting old, and I'm tired of competing with 19 year old girls who are way more fun than me. (haaaahaaa). Being 23 in Rexburg is the equivalent of 33. After you turn 20 you can go ahead and tack on another 10 years and that's how people will view you. I shouldn't complain because I do love lots of things here. I've had some of my best times in Rexburg, but like with anything in life there is a season and my season for Rexburg is coming to a close. I've been learning guitar and it's been such a huge stress reliever for me. Music really is one of the wonders of the world. It takes you to this place where no one can hurt you. I love it. I went to Utah last weekend and it felt so amazing to get out and spend time with other people and old friends. I miss my old friends. I hate that everyone is scattered in all different places, but that's okay because I love to travel. (: Life is good and crazy!

Parables of Christ

Choice 2: Matthew 13: 24-48. The Lord Often Taught with Parables

1. In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pgs. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

A parable to me means a story in which those who are familiar with the scriptures and in tune with the spirit are able to have an understanding greater than what may at first seem to be. A parable can teach deep doctrine and points about life if you are able to spiritually discern its message.

 

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Parable of the leaven.

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? Parable of the Tares.

o       How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier? Parable of the mustard seed.

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church? Pearl of Great Price

·         Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church? Parable of the Net.

·      How and what did you do to complete the assignment?

I read the scriptures as given and also looked in the institute manual to gain further insight because the parables can be hard to understand.

·      Why did you decide to do the assignment you did?

I love reading the parables and I think it makes you think harder and dig deeper into the doctrine.

·      What do you think is the best thing about your assignment, and how do you think it could it be improved?

The best part of the assignment was being given the different parables to read about. This can be improved upon by giving us different resources to go to in order to better understand the meanings of the parables.

The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12

1. Blessed: To be happy and have blessings come upon you.

Blessedness: To have joy come upon you, or good things.

2. Beatitude 1: The Merciful

                Being merciful is such an important part of life. I know that when I show mercy on others it always helps them in life and brightens their outlook. There are enough rough people in this life who take what they think they deserve and help no one around them. I believe being merciful creates a love for others and helps others create a love for you. I know that when others are merciful to me I really appreciate them not being judging of my flaws and helping me get through life.

Beatitude 2: Pure in Heart

                Being pure in heart is one of the greatest characteristics you can create within yourself and seek in others. Being pure in heart creates happiness because people who are pure in heart have no other intentions behind what it is they are doing. They seek after what is right and do it for the right reason. This creates happiness because they inspire you to be pure in heart, and help you to better yourself. It also creates amazing people in your life who are solid friends.

Beatitude 3: Poor in Spirit

                When you are poor in spirit you are humble. It is not easy to obtain humility especially when there are so many things you can be prideful about. I believe that being poor in spirit creates happiness because you acknowledge the hand of God in your lives. You know where you came from, where you’re going, and where you’ll end up. Being humble draws others to you and it really helps people to connect and relate to you in all aspects of life. 

Matthew 3:13–17. The Baptism of Jesus Christ

On this discussion I am learning about why Jesus needed to be baptized if he were already perfect.

Review Matthew 3:13–17 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 3:16, “What Is the Significance of the Holy Ghost Descending ‘like a Dove’?” (pg. 28–29). Then write answers to the following questions:

Greater Information on Baptism: http://www.lds.org/topics/baptism?lang=eng

• Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?

A: I believe John was hesitant to baptize Jesus because he knew Christ was the Son of God and wondered why He needed to baptize Jesus if He were perfect. I also think John could have felt unworthy of such a task.

• What is taught here about the Holy Ghost? 

A: The Holy Ghost represents death of your sins (immersion) and then the coming up out of the water represents a rebirth of your spiritual life.

• Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6–11).

A: To show unto the Father that Christ is obedient unto all commandments, for Him to set the example of how the path is strait and the gate is narrow, so the Father can tell us to be baptized like His perfect Son was, and to receive the Holy Ghost.

• What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16–17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?

A: In these verses we have Christ in the water just being baptized, we have the Holy Ghost descending upon Him in the form of a dove, and we have Heavenly Father speaking from Heaven showing that they are three distinct separate personages.