Starting Over

To say I've had a full year would be an understatement. 

To say I've had a blessed year would also be an understatement. 

I got married, moved to Texas, graduated from college, and have had multiple jobs.

My body decided to act funny and I've been sick more times this year than probably I've been my entire life.

I am now finally beginning to adjust to all of life's newnesses. (probably not a word.)

Don't get me wrong, this year has been fantastic in so many ways, but it has been a different year. More different than I've ever experienced.

After Josh and I got married and things settled down he asked me more about my hobbies and what things I wanted to do with my spare time.

Hobbies? Spare time? What? I've been in school the past 5 years, 2 of those years were year round college and I honestly couldn't think of anything. I lived and breathed school for so long that I lost a little bit of myself.

Who am I ? (said in soft sobs) 

I have realized that it is time to start over. I'm changing all sorts of things about myself. Change can be different but also extremely exciting. I'm looking for things that give me passion and excite me about life.

In a way it's fun, because I'm reinventing myself and viewing life in a different way. I want to try new things but also take bits of my past self with me.

Different stages of life bring different changes and I've been in need of a personal change for so long. When you've been so focused on one thing for so long you can lose yourself, and I think I did. Change is necessary and now it's time to find myself again.

I'm so excited to get back into music and back into working out/meditation. Those are two passions I know I'll take with me. I'm finding inspiration all around me and I'm happy to do some self discovery.

I've also thought about writing down stories from my school life. My Mom always loved to tell everyone that I was a "late bloomer" (thanks Mom?) which is probably pretty accurate even though I'd like to think it's not. (it's definitely true) ...because of that I have some really funny and severely awkward stories that might be fun (read: embarrassing) to share.

College brought a lot of "firsts" for me and I could write a book on all my experiences which I just might do.

Just to give you insight, the first time I held hands was my 2nd semester of school. Yes that's true...and I'm sorry did I say hands? I meant held forearms.  I should definitely write this book...

Exploring life with a new guy by my side has been so fun. I've realized so many different things about myself and about him. I've seen how Heavenly Father prepared him especially for me, in ways I could have never seen before I married him. He knows how to comfort me in ways I didn't even know I needed. He's pretty great like that.

So here's to self-discovery and finding out who I am in my new roles in life. Here's to living life again post-college and discovering life's passions all over again. xoXoo  (kiss, hug, big kiss, hug, hug)

Keep Yourselves from False and Evil Things

Choice 5:2 “John Abide “in the Doctrine of Christ”

1. The false doctrine John warned against was to not believe those who proclaim that Christ taught in appearance only, and that He didn’t really suffer for the sins of man in the garden of Gethsemane but it only appeared that way and that He was never here in the flesh. The evil comes from the very source of Evil. If we were to believe that information as truth, then our whole understanding of eternal life would be shattered, because the resurrection of our bodies would be nonexistent. Our sins would not have been atoned for, therefore no way back to our Father in Heaven. John warned the people of “the many deceivers.”

2. John told us essentially to stay far away from those who preach falsely, and who wish to spread untruth. Don’t associate with them, and don’t allow them into your life.

 Choice 1: Jude. “Keep Yourselves in the Love of God.”

1. We can have mercy, love, and peace multiplied in our lives when we become sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:1) I believe we can earnestly contend for the faith, by living what we know to be true and always living the same way no matter who we are around. We have to proclaim what we believe wherever we are, and never allow ourselves to falter depending upon our situation.

2. -The doctrine referred to the “first estate” refers to our pre-mortal life before we came to earth. Those who kept their first estate by righteousness will receive eternal life, and those who followed satan left their first estate.

-I would explain this disputation as satan trying to gain power over anything he could. Moses has truths in it, even if it was not entered into the Bible.

-At the second coming the Savior will come with ten thousands of his Saints.

3.  We can avoid the evils that come with false teachers by staying on the right side. Glory will be Gods forever whether we choose to be on His side or not. We know who wins the battle in the end, and that is not up for negotiation. If we do what’s right, and live righteously; doing as our Savior would then we will be blessed with strength to avoid evils and stay away from false doctrines. 

Trials

Choice Three—New Testament Hebrews 13

*We should take care of strangers, as we never know who we could be helping. We are to remember those who are in bonds, those who suffer, and those who face adversity.

*Marriage is looked upon as being honourable as long as we are worthy in it.

*We are to be content with what we have, for “he hath said, will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” We should not fear what man can do, but know that God stands at our side.

*Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

*We are sanctified through our Savior.

*We obey those who are over us, and are obedient. They watch over us and will report of us.

*Paul asked them to pray for the Apostles.

I chose this topic, because these are topics that we all needs remembrance and reminding of. I placed this on my blog: alexiesunset.blogspot.com

Choice Four—The Trial of our Faith is more Precious Than Gold

                It is by the trial of our faith that we can gain our salvation. We go through trials and struggles in our life that are for a purpose and for a reason. I saw an image the other day of several pictures. The first one was several people pulling a large cross, and one of the people pulling the cross said, “Lord this is too hard, I’m going to cut this cross to make it smaller.” The man continued to do this until his cross was small and easy to carry. The man walked among others who had large crosses that were hard to carry.

                Now as they all continued to carry their crosses they all came across a huge dip in the road. The rest of people took their large crosses and used them as bridges to get across the large dip in their road. The man who had cut his cross down could not pass. The purpose of this was to show that the cross we bear is for a reason, and only God knows why we bear the cross or bear the trials we do, but they are for a reason. Life is hard and we face trials, but by our faith we will gain salvation in that which we didn’t always understand, but had faith in the purpose and intent of our Father in Heaven.

I chose this talk, because I always love to hear about how we can overcome our different trials. I posted this on my blog: alexiesunset.blogspot.com 

Our Savior

Choice 1

*I feel as if we are being told to get over the small petty things, and humble ourselves. We are supposed to be of one mind and one heart. We are not to dis-ban and turn against one another. The Gospel is about unity and love. We are to lift one another up higher than we could do on our own. I love that thought.

* It’s true that in order to gain your own testimony you have to gradually take yourself off of your parents’ testimony and strength. It takes a lot of action to find your testimony, and I really do believe you have to do it, knowing that it will take work on your part.

*I think that in Philippians 4:13, it describes the solution to this difficult decision. Through Christ we can do all things, even things more difficult then we alone can bear. Christ knows our situations and he knows our hearts. We must do the right thing, and continue to have faith that those we love will have softened hearts.

*This writing is an example of 2 Nephi 32:3, because we will always face difficult decisions and difficult circumstances in our lives. The scriptures will literally answer all questions we face about decisions we need to make, or will bring us the peace we are seeking. “The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” If we read our scriptures, then I know we will be blessed with answers.

Choice 5: Hebrews 1-2. Jesus Christ is greater than Angels.

*Christ is superior to the Angels. It says in the Bible Dictionary under “Analysis of Hebrews” that, “…He has a more excellent name, inheritance, and higher calling. They are servants; He is the Son. If the word of Angels is important, how much more earnest heed we ought to give to the things spoken by the Lord.”

*Hebrews 1; 3 great truths Paul wrote about the Savior:

1. He is better than the angels, because “He has obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:4)

2. Christ is a sceptre of righteousness. (Hebrews 1:8)

3. Christ loved righteousness more than iniquity; therefore was blessed by God above all others.

*Christ tasted death, so that He would know what man would one day suffer. “For in that he himself suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Christ came to earth to experience immortality so that He would know what the children of God would face. He did it for us, so that He could more perfectly understand us and comfort us. We can find grace in time of need, through our Savior who so died for us.

“Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness t unto him this day by going into the water of baptism.  Book of Mormon, (Alma 7:15)

"Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. (Alma 7:14)

Our Savior tells us not to be afraid to repent, because if we don't, His death will have been in vain. 

Grace is what saves us through our Savior

Good Works

“But glory, honour, and peace to every man that worketh good…”

“But the doers of the law shall be justified…”

Faith and Grace

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith…”

“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace…”

“And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own now dead…”

*Paul chose Abraham as a model of faith because he had so much of it! He believed in what he knew, and he did not doubt even considering the circumstances. He could not see how he would be the father of many nations, but he knew it would happen regardless of the situation in which he was in.

*Adam’s fall affected each of us, because Adam died that we would become. He suffered death by sin and that made him know good from evil and that is how we now live our lives with that knowledge.

* We understand Grace, faith, and good works to be the things that will bring us Salvation through Christ. After we do all we can it is Grace that saves us. Grace means a divine means of help, and we receive that help through our Savior by His Infinite Atonement. Without faith and good works we are not trying to be doers of the word, and without it are unbelieving. 

Look up bible dictionary reference of "Grace" and let it sink it. 

www.lds.org    www.mormon.org

Baptism and who do we serve?

*Before baptism can occur we must sin no more. We must proclaim that sin is dead and we should take upon us Christ’s name.

*Events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism by His death. He was buried in the grave in death, but arose again in resurrection. He faced death, but came up and was new again and would never again face death but a newness of everlasting life.

*Baptism could not be done by sprinkling, because you must engulf yourself in the death of sins and come up again whole and renewed having your whole body cleansed.

*We can maintain a newness of life by allowing sin to be dead in our lives. Allowing ourselves to yield righteousness in Christ and commit ourselves and our actions to Him.

·         After studying Romans 6:14-23, I have learned that you serve which master you follow. If you sin you serve the master of sin, if you live righteously you serve the Master of righteousness. With sin you are rewarded death, and with righteousness you are rewarded eternal life. You reap what you sow, and your actions tell which master you serve. The true source of freedom is through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrifice that we can repent of our sins and become clean again. It is by His example that we know whom to follow. His way is the right way, and it is ONLY through Him that we can return again to face our God and Heavenly Father as clean children. 

Be An Example of Good

Choice 4

In the Gospel Paul was a missionary, there to spread the word of the Lord. He adapted himself to empathize with all people. He lived by example; therefore brought others to Him. By bringing himself to understand others and be what they were he helped meet them at their level, without ever letting his standards below what they should be. I believe an influential tool that Paul used was seeing others and meeting with them in likeness. He would have had to be a very nonjudgmental person to get to know and meet with so many others. 

Hating the Sin and not the Sinner

Avoiding Sin

1 Corinthians 5:7-13, Matthew 5:29-30

1. The word fornication did not mean then what it does now. The word fornication means now to for two unmarried people to have intercourse. The term then, meant any extramarital intercourse between two people. I feel as if the moral condition back then mirrors a lot of the moral condition of our day. People give way to their desires and do what feels good to them. We have prostitution as they did then and we also have people who have affairs or relationships outside of marriage.

2. Paul suggested that you “put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” To not allow yourself to trifle with sin. The verses in Matthew apply because we are not to hate the sinner but to hate the sin. We should cast away the sin and not the person. If we know we are doing something wrong then we can repent and change, and cast away that sin. 

The Resurrection: When Christ will return to earth.

Choice 7: 1 Thessalonians 4. The Resurrection.

1. The Saints who are alive will meet with Christ.

2. Those that are on the earth and in their graves shall also be caught up to meet with the Lord. Those also who have yet to hear the Gospel.

3. They will be caught up to the pillar of heaven.

4. The righteous Saints will participate in the second coming by missionary work for those who have not heard the Gospel.

5. Those who have no yet heard about the Gospel and who would be willing to accept it will be resurrected at the second coming.

6. The JST translations help the clarify that those who are alive and righteous at the coming of the Lord will not stand in the way of the righteous who are in their graves who will also be resurrected.

7. Those who are under condemnation will not survive the second coming.

8. They will be resurrected after the reign of the millennium. 

Acts 19, 20

Choice 4-Acts 19-1-12; 20:7-12

Paul laid his hands upon the people and conferred the Holy Ghost upon them, conferred gift of tongues and prophesied, cast out evil Spirits by the Priesthood power, broke bread, and preached unto the disciples.

1. Paul confirmed them members by the laying on of hands and conferred upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost.

2. This shows that only by the right authority are they given the fullness of the Gospel, and that they must be baptized by the proper authority to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to always be with them.

3.  He did it by the laying on of hands through the Priesthood power.

4. It says the broke bread “the first day of the week…” It says that Paul called upon his disciples after the uproar had stopped. 

New Testament Pt. 2

The Book of Acts 1-10, chapters summarized.

1. Peter seems as if He is teaching and preaching to the people a lot and is showing them miracles performed.

*Christ is spoken about much, how He is the Prophet and how through Him salvation comes.

*The Apostles perform miracles as Jesus would have and they keep His legacy alive through their actions.

*The Gospel begins to form on the earth as the people are given new gifts and understandings.

*The Apostles worked hard to establish the church and to establish a meaning and understanding of Christ of His resurrection.

2.  Acts 2: Peter testifies of Jesus’ resurrection and tells the people how to gain salvation. Peter also speaks of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3: Peter along with John heals a lame man. He preaches repentance, speaks about the restoration of the Gospel, and identifies Christ as the Prophet whom Moses spoke about.

Acts 4: Peter is arrested and is brought before a council. He testifies that through Christ salvation comes. The Sadducees try to silence Peter and John, but the Saints rejoice in the testimony of Christ.

Acts 5: Peter is delivered from prison by an Angel. He testifies of Christ.

Acts 8: Peter along with John come to Samaria to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.

Acts 9: Peter heals and raises the dead.

Acts 10: Peter is commanded to take the Gospel to the Gentiles in a dream.

Acts 12: Peter is freed from prison by an angel.

The Holy Ghost

1.     As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:

·         John 14:15–17-If we keep the commandments then we will be blessed with the Holy Ghost who is a comforter.

·         John 14:26–27-The Holy Ghost which is sent to us from our Father in Heaven through the Savior is a comforter, he will teach us all things, and bring all things our Father has taught us to our remembrance. The Holy Ghost gives us peace from the Father.

·         John 15:26–27-The Holy Ghost testifies of truth and testifies to us when we hear truth. He testifies of our Savior.

·         John 16:7–8-Having the Holy Ghost with us is having our Savior with us. The Holy Ghost testifies to us what our Savior would have us know.

·         John 16:13–14-The Holy Ghost shows us of things to come.

2. Add to your list above as you study the following resources:

Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (pg. 168)

Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (pg. 168)

The Holy Ghost testifies to us of truth. He is a personage of Spirit in the likeness of the Father and the Son. He is a special messenger from the Father and Son and carries out their will. He quickens the minds of those who have made covenants with Heavenly Father and makes truths known to us.

Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (pg. 704)

-The Holy Ghost has been manifest in every dispensation of the gospel since the beginning. The gift of the Holy Ghost comes only after proper and authorized baptism, and is conferred by the laying on of hands. The Holy Ghost can come upon you in two forms: in the power and in the gift. You can be given the power of the Holy Ghost before baptism, but you do not have it to be with you always until you are baptized by the proper and authorized authority and confirmed by the laying on of hands. That is when you are given the “gift” of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost knows all things and can lead one to know of future events. Other names for the Holy Ghost are: Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, and Spirit.

3. Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:

Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection.

Without the Holy Ghost the Apostles would not have been ready for their ministry after the death of the Savior. How could they have acted as the Savior without His instruction from the Father through the Holy Ghost? They could not have done it because they would have been acting as man, and not as Apostles of God.

Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you.

 The Holy Ghost has been a huge blessing in my life. I will share a personal story of a time when I was first beginning to drive. I had recently gotten my driver’s license and was very new at the whole driving alone thing. When I would switch lanes I would not use my mirrors but would turn my whole head around to look back to see if I could switch lanes. One day when I was driving I got the impression that what I was doing was really dangerous, because I wasn’t looking at the road for a long period of time. I really recognized this as the Holy Ghost because He made me aware of a danger I had no idea I was doing. It was a clear thought that came to my mind and it was for my safety and for the safety of those who are around me. The Holy Ghost inspires me, because without that inspiration I would make so many mistakes. I would have taken a far different path in life then where I am at now. I was impressed to apply for BYU-Idaho when I had absolutely no plans of attending this school. This is where I was supposed to be all along. That is a huge blessing, because it has changed my life for the better in a million ways. 

New Commandment

According to John 13:34-35 others can know we are Disciples of Christ, by if we show love unto one another.

List some specific ways a disciple of Jesus Christ might respond in the following situations (in accordance with John 13:34–35):

*Someone you know is ridiculed or made fun of because of the way he or she dresses. 

-In this situation I would show love to this person, by sticking up for them. I would refute what the person was saying, and direct the attention elsewhere. I wouldn’t want to put the person making fun of them down because then I am just acting like the person who is being unkind, but I would want to be a support to the person being made fun of. I would very much make it known, that it is not ok to say things like that to someone and would help to change the subject.

*You see a new person at church.

-The way to show love in this situation is really simple. Introduce yourself and invite them to come sit with you.

Ponder the question, “Do people know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by the way I treat them?” Select a family member, coworker, or neighbor and make a short list of things you can do during the coming week to show him or her kind of love the Savior would show. Then follow through with what you wrote down.

-I can choose to show love to my roommates by doing dishes that are not mine, picking up after them, and helping them with little needs I hear them speak about. I know personally when people do this for me it makes a world of difference.

Preparing for the Second Coming of the Lord

These are scriptural references that help us to prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Jesus
Christ. 

Believers can watch for the calamities that have been foretold, they can be prepared by continuing in righteous ways and in prayer, and they can be aware of those that will try to deceive us.

How to prepare for the Second Coming:

Doctrine and Covenants 87:8-Stand in Holy places

Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:32-Desolation and abomination will occur, which will be fulfilling of prophecy from the Prophet Daniel.

Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:37-Those who gained and kept a solid testimony of true Gospel will be gathered together by the Angels of the Savior as His elect people.

Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:46-50-Always be prepared because we do not know the day the Savior will come again. Be prepared and continue to do those things which are right which will bless your family and make the Lord happy with you.

Doctrine and Covenants 33:17- Always be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Be prepared!

Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57-Parable of the Ten Virgins. Always be prepared by doing what is right, that it won’t matter what day the Savior returns again; we will be ready with oil in our lamps. 

The Last Days of Jesus Christ

This is an account of the Last Days of Jesus Christ before His mortal ministry was to end by crucifixion of His own people. This is for my New Testament class and really reminded me of how grateful I am for my Savior and what He endured for me because it was the will of our Father in Heaven who sent Him. He died for you and for me, because He wanted too, and He knew it was what needed to be done in order for us to be able to return to our Father in Heaven. The Atonement covers not only our sins, that we can pray for forgiveness for, but it also covers our Sorrows, struggles, and joys. Our Savior felt everything we feel now whether good or bad and that is why He tells us to come to Him, to let Him help us carry the burdens we carry. We were never asked to get through this life alone. That is why our Heavenly Father sent our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Day 1:

Jesus arrived in Jerusalem. He rode through the city gates on a donkey with a colt to a large crowd of people who knew Him as the “Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” Palm branches were put in His path and He was greeted with a Hosanna shout: “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:9.) He went straight to the temple, recorded what He saw, and retired for the night.

Day 2:

The next day Jesus went straight to the temple again and challenged the religious Jewish leadership by clearing the area of those who were using the temple to trade and make money. By doing this He challenged their leadership. The issue was whether the House of God was to be a place to worship God or get gain. “As he cleared the temple courts, he said, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13.)”

Day 3:

Jesus’ wrath in the temple raised the issue of authority and the priests would not let that go. The next day when Jesus came to the temple, the priests asked Him by what authority did He clear the temples? Jesus responded by giving a series of parables that offended the religious leaders in the temple. The scribes and Pharisees challenged Him again and Jesus openly denounced them and called them hypocrites. After this Jesus taught more in public, but to the Twelve Apostles only. The religious leaders felt that Jesus had the upper hand in the confrontations they had, and were plotting a way to bring about His death. They had to think of a way to arrest Christ without provoking crowd reaction, because Jesus had become very popular with the Jewish people. Something happened that was not expected and one of Jesus’ own disciples offered to betray Him.

Day 4:

Jesus knew of the plot and most likely spent the day in Bethany. The record of the gospel writers was silent on this day.

Day 5:

Jesus commemorated the Passover meal in a private home, where He introduced a new ordinance which was the Sacrament which would represent His atoning sacrifice. Christ prophesied of His death and indicated who would be the one to betray Him. Jesus then after some instructions offered a great intercessory prayer. Judas had left and he took the 11 to Gethsemane with Him. He took Peter, James and John further into the garden with Him, and then left them and went off alone to pray. “There he pled with his Heavenly Father to “let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39.) The cup did not pass and Jesus suffered “the pain of all men” (D&C 18:11), an agony so excruciating that it caused him to bleed at every pore (D&C 19:18).” (LDS institute manual, New Testament pgs. 135-37)

   Later He rejoined His apostles and indicated that His betrayer was at hand. Then Judas came with an armed band to arrest Him. Jesus submitted without resistance and was brought to an illegal trial that same night.

Day 6:

The Jewish leaders didn’t want to just put Jesus to death but wanted to discredit Him before His own people. In order to do this the leaders charged Him with two crimes. Since He said He was the Son of God He was charged with blasphemy, which was a capital offense under Jewish law. This would discredit Jesus but the Jewish leaders knew with that only they could not sentence Him to death because the Roman governor could only do that. So they had to find a political indictment against Him.  They charged Him with sedition against the state (rebellion against government) for saying He was the “King of Jews.” “Though Pilate’s examination found Jesus guiltless of the charge, the Jewish leaders had incited the crowd to “destroy Jesus.” (Matthew 27:20.) Fearing a demonstration, Pilate gave in to the clamor to crucify Jesus, and the death sentence was pronounced.” (LDS institute manual, New Testament pgs. 135-37) Jesus was executed by crucifixion and later that afternoon voluntarily gave up His Spirit. At sundown Passover would begin and the Jewish leaders did not want a man remaining on the cross on the Sabbath especially the paschal Sabbath. Jesus’ body was removed that night and He was buried in a sealed tomb by two revering disciples.

Day 7:

This was the Jewish Sabbath. Jesus’ body stayed in the tomb, but in Spirit Christ administered in the realm of departed spirits.

Day of Resurrection:

“Had the gospel ended with Jesus’ burial, there would be no gospel story, no “good news.” The great message of these testators is that Jesus was risen and was seen again by many witnesses. On the first day of the week, the most memorable Sunday in history, Jesus Christ emerged alive from the tomb, and appeared before Mary. The testimony of these witnesses constitutes the gospel story, the “good news.”

“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31.)”  (LDS institute manual, New Testament pgs. 135-37)

Parables

Luke 16:1-12

1. To me the main principle I learned from this parable is, that since we have knowledge of what is to come in the next life, use this life and what you have to help others and prepare yourself for what is to come in the future. Help others, and live worthy to live eternally.

Luke 16:19-31

2. This parable is really eye opening. We learn that now those who were not able to hear the gospel can hear it and progress. It wasn’t until the Savior visited the spirit world the gulf with bridged and vicarious ordinances can now be performed. The main principle I learned from this was that this life is so temporary and we must take care of the those in need now, because in the next life we want our earthly choices to have been good ones.

Luke 17:11-19

3. The main principle from this parable for me personally is that we must remember to give thanks in all thanks, and we must be obedient to that which we are asked to do even if we do not understand. The Gospel is peace needed to go to all men not just men of certain races. The man who came back to give thanks was a Samaritan and Jesus loved and thanked him and showed His Apostles race did not matter.

Luke 18:1-8

4. The main principle from this parable is to continue to ask the Lord in faith and patience for that which you are seeking. Sometimes we must pray a long time for things, but we must continue to do so in faith believing that we will receive. If we receive something right away we may not be grateful for it, or we may not learn the lesson we need to.

Luke 18:9-14

5. To me this parable was given to remind us that we must pray in humility. We can’t think of ourselves in as such amazing people who are better than our neighbors. We must recognize before Heavenly Father that we are of nothing without Him, and we are not better than others. 

Becoming Like a Child

Read: Matthew 18: 1-14, Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18

We are like little children if we humble ourselves and become converted. We are like little children, because we can’t handle the understanding of all the blessings Heavenly Father has in His hands and prepared for us. Heavenly Father will lead us along the path we should take to obtain the blessings He has prepared for us.

To become like a child we must be submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon us just like a child submits to the will of his Father.  (Mosiah 3:19)

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.