The Savior's Instructions About the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a marvelous gift that our Heavenly Father has allowed for us to have. The Holy Ghost does so many things in our benefit. Christ called the him “The Comforter” and promised the disciples (which includes the rest of us) that the Holy Ghost would abide with them, would bring them peace and dwell within them, and teach them all things and bring remembrance and testify of the truthfulness of Christ.  All these things and even more and all the disciples were asked to do, in order to receive and keep this gift, was to keep the commandments.

I think the thing that shows to me what the Holy Ghost can do for a person, is how Christ Apostles seemed to change after Christ’s death. Especially in The Acts. When Christ was with them, they were learning and growing but there were many aspects that they did not understand. They were, in many cases, still naïve and young in regards to the gospel. However, once they received the Gift of the Holy Ghost there is a strength that you find within the Apostles. They have unshakable testimonies and have a greater knowledge of the Gospel. It really shows to me what the Holy Ghost can do for us if we live the commandments and strive to learn more.

I can think of many instances in my life where the Holy Ghost has changed me, but I have to say that the really big moment in my life was in 2010. It was at this point in my life that I started to really read the scriptures. I didn’t just read them either, but I sat down with a notebook and recorded all my feelings and thoughts as I read. I would even read General conference talks and I really tried to listen to what my feelings were telling me. I also began saying my prayers with more of a conversational intent rather than just talking. It was around this time that my life began to change. The biggest change was getting the strong impression I needed to move home for schooling (which I had been praying about) even though there was nothing back home that would really contribute to it. However, upon going on I was able to get into the Pathway Program that kick started my education. I met people that I made long lasting connections with, I developed a better relationship with my parents and with one of my sisters with whom I was out of touch with. While I didn’t make perfect decisions all the time, I noticed a huge change in my life. I was happier; I had a stronger testimony in my Savior and in the gospel. I had more love for those around me. I still have my ups and downs now and then, but I have such a strong testimony because I strived to listen to the Holy Ghost, and because I wanted to learn more, he was able to teach me. The Holy Ghost does amazing things for people but more often than not, people don’t know that because they truly do not listen for his counsel or they are so far off the course that He simply can not reach them.

I have such a strong testimony in the power of the Holy Ghost. There is no doubt in my mind that He gives me guidance and strength directly from the Heavenly Father. 

The Savior Anointed

In Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26: 6-13 there is a woman, who anoints the Savior with very expensive oil. She is originally judged harshly by those witnessing. They claimed that the oil was wasted, and that she could have sold it for lots of money and then distributed it to the poor as good works. The savior, however, rebukes them. This woman, it would seems, may have had a greater understanding of what the savior would be going through soon than the rest of them that were present. For it seems that she knew that Christ would no longer be with them and the Savior says “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (Mark 14:8)

The savior praised this woman, claiming that she had “wrought a good work” and that her deed’s would “be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:6,9)

So what did this woman do that make her act so great that she was praised by the savior and makes her worthy of our remembrance? I’d like to think that the woman was so in tune with the spirit and probably very well read in the scriptures that she was aware of what was going to happen to the Savior. She knew that he would no longer be with them and she was reverencing him. He was worth more to her than the money the oil could have brought. To me she symbolizing putting Christ first and remembering what he did for us. She was willing to give up the precious materials in her life and give them to the savior. She was respectful and knew that the work he would do would be for all mankind.

What I take from this woman is that I need to remember to put Christ first. I need to follow the gospel before I worry about the other things in my life.  This woman also reminds me of the sacrament and how we should reverence it and remember why we take it. We should always be grateful to our Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ, who made it possible that we could even return to their presence. 

The Savior Taught About Future Events

	Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem  (JS-M 1:5-20	The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (JS-M 1:21-55)
Events to Occur	·         People claiming to be Christ (v.6) ·         They will afflict you, and you will be hated of all nations (v. 7) ·         People will be offended and hate one another (v. 8) ·         False prophets will deceive many (v. 9) ·         Love shall wax cold (v. 10) ·         Tribulation of the Jews (v. 18)	·         People claiming to be Christ, false prophets shall deceive many (v 21-22) ·         Wars and rumors of wars (v 23 & 28) ·         Nation will rise against nation, famines and earthquakes in diverse places (v 29) ·         Love of men will wax cold (v 30) ·         “The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light and the stars from heaven and the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (v 33)
Promises to the Righteous	·         “He that remain steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved (v. 11) ·         The elect shall be saved (v. 20)	·         “Whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived” (v 37) ·         The elect will know when He is near (v 39)

I know that many people, including myself, may get nervous or worried about the Second coming. It seems like a very scary part of life and I guess that is understandable. However, Christ promises that the righteous, those who are striving hard to live the gospel and keep their covenants and stay close to God, will be okay. The second coming does not have to be a scary situation, especially if we are doing what is right to the best of OUR ability. 

Paying Tribute to Caesar and to God

Throughout Jesus’ ministry the Jewish leaders attempted to “entangle” or trick the savior in some way. In Matthew 22:15-22 (same stories found in Mark 12:13-17 and Luke 20:20-26) the Pharisees attempted to sway Jesus with the Herodians there as well, they attempted to trick him by asking him the question “We know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thour regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” I think the purpose of asking him this question was to see what side he would stand with. If he said that all should only pay tribute to God, they would have cause to put him in jail as he would be “treasonous” towards the Romans, but if he paid tribute to Caesar he would be denying God, and therefore the Jews would have reason to turn from him.

However, Christ answers them without falling prey to either of their traps.  After having them show him and tell him whose picture was on the penny (Matthew 22:20-21) Christ then basically tells them that in his temporal world, give to Ceasar the things which are his (the coin, laws of the land, etc) but at the same time, in your heart, give all that belong to God. (Matthew 22:21).

Not only did Christ answer their question, but he made very specific instructions. That we should follow the laws of the land and remain good citizens (I’m sure while the country is being righteous in it’s dealings with men) and yet that we must give our hearts and actions towards God and keep his commandments. We are made in the image of God, and therefore we can pay tribute to God by being like him and by acting in ways that he would deem worthy. As we strive to live the commandments and love our neighbors and our God with all that we can, we will be have the opportunity to gain more understanding and remain close to him.

In this world, many people try to sway us or trick us into saying things or incriminating ourselves. I know that sometimes people have been better at talking than I have and have attempted to make me look foolish. Sometimes they have succeeded. But I know through all these experiences that if I remain faithful to my Heavenly Father and strive to remain righteous, that he will give me understanding, and that I will learn and grow from these experiences, even if I’m never able to eloquently defend myself against those who can out-talk me. 

Parables Teach us Eternal Truths

In Luke Chapters 16-18 there are these parables found:

The Parable of the Unjust Steward

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

The Parable of the Unjust Judge

And The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

This particular topic was hard for me because for some reason I struggled (and am still struggling) to fully understand what these parables were saying. However, while reading these parables I was struck the idea that the common theme that I personally was receiving was how and why it is important that we follow the gospel and the commands of God. It is so important in life that we learn to be like Christ. Christ gave all for us, even his own life, and he judged no one any less than another. He forgave and loved all and he taught that we should as well.  I think we forget that all too often when we get lost in our daily lives. I also understood that we should never assume that we are always right. I think that was meant for me because I don’t like to think I’m doing anything wrong (who does?). However, it is important to just assume you can always do better, because you can. No one perfect but we can learn more and more how to be if we trust in the Lord and let him teach us and guide us. 

The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also

The Seventy of the church are meant to be witnesses of Christ and to serve and teach. In Luke 10:1-24 Jesus gives instructions to his seventy to do these things. He tells them not to worry about their needs that they will be taken care of, and not to put man above God. He teaches that they should first and foremost teach others about Christ and Heavenly Father and the gospel.  He teaches that they should be courteous to those who receive them, and that those who receive them receive Christ.

Article of Faith 6 states that “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” In Luke 10 there are instances that reflect this. Not only do we have a Quorum of the Seventy but as followers of the gospel (as well as the responsibility of the Seventy) we also strive to labor and share the message of the gospel. The seventy specifically are specially protected in Luke 10:19 it says “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  Our Seventy today follows and are blessed by the same blessings Christ gave his seventy at the beginning of the organization of the gospel.

Although given apostolic authority, The Seventy are not ordained Apostles; they devote their time fully to ministry and to teaching of Christ (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/seventy?lang=eng)

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I am so grateful for the reorganization of the church in these latter days. It is another testament to me that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to see us return to him. He has provided a way for this to happen especially through the reorganization of the Church. I am so grateful for the Quorum of the Seventy and their obedience to serve and teach of Christ and of our Heavenly Father.

Healing a Man Born Blind

In John Chapter 9 there is a story of a blind man who was healed by Christ. It is an interesting story because you can see the spiritual growth of some, while others growth is halted because of their own spiritual blindness. The Pharisees had the hardest time believing and even had to call in the previously blind man’s parents to verify his story.  Some claimed that Christ was a sinner because he wasn't keeping the Sabbath, while others claimed that a sinner wouldn't be able to work such miracles. The parents of the blind man, when asked about how their son received his sight, were fearful to answer because if anyone openly admitted Jesus was the Christ they were to be thrown out of the synagogues so they pretty much opted out to answering by using the excuse that their son was old enough and they should ask him what happened.  The blind man’s spiritual growth is actually really neat to watch throughout this chapter. You can tell by how he answers the questions of who healed him. The man refers to Christ in three separate ways. First he calls him a man (vs 11), then he says that he is a prophet (vs 17), he then claims that Christ is “of God” (vs 33), and even calls him “Lord” (vs. 36) when he sees Christ again. In the end when Jesus tells him he is the Christ, the man falls down and worships him and believes.

I think the man’s faith and how he got to that point where he did believe in Christ is interesting. When I am reading that chapter I almost can put myself in his shoes. In my mind it seems that he was getting frustrated with everyone around him not believing that such a marvelous miracle had occurred. He knew something special had happened and as time went on I think he recognized that and also recognized that the people were spiritually blind to what had really happened. In the end his testimony in Christ has grown and he is ready to believe when Jesus tells him who he is. I wonder if he would have believed if Christ told him at the very beginning.

It kind of reminds me of the trials we sometimes go through. The blind man may not have had a strong testimony in Christ in the beginning, but I believe that while people were arguing around him, he was pondering the things that had happened to him and he was paying attention to what everyone was saying. In the end his faith grew and he had a stronger testimony in Christ.

Physical blindness is considered a handicap in someone’s life, however spiritual blindness can handicap someone as well. The Pharisees and even to some extent the blind man’s parents, were so concerned with specifics and were so afraid of the world that they were not able to recognize the miracle right in front of them. In some cases they almost couldn't accept that it even happened. It makes me wonder in my own life what I choose to believe and what not to believe. What hinders my spiritual growth? I need to make an effort to look past my obstacles. Just as the blind man shared his story and testimony and grew each time he shared it, I too can grow and learn when I share what I believe.  

The "Bread of Life" Sermon

In John 6:1-14 Christ feeds the multitudes with the 5 loves and 2 fishes so it was no doubt that awhile later the people came seeking him again. As Christ said it wasn't because of the miracles he performed but “because we did eat of the loaves, and were filled (John 6:26).” They completely glazed over the miracle that he had performed and thought only of their physical needs.

This instance makes me ponder on reasons I reach out to the Lord. I think most of us have a basic instinct to ask God to take care of our physical needs. I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing, but it becomes a hurdle to our spiritual growth if we allow it. We need to instead ask for spiritual guidance and growth.
The Savior taught this to the multitude that came seeking him. In response to them seeking him out because of their desire to be physically fed, he tells them that he will spiritually feed them. He does this by using the analogy of the “Bread of Life”.  He says that “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst (John 6:25).”

In Matthew 6:19-21 Christ says that we must not rely on the treasures of the earth but on the treasures of heaven. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” While physical health is important that is not the point of the savior’s sermon. What he is teaching is that we must not put all our heart into the things of the earth because we cannot find true happiness there. We find true happiness, comfort, peace, and salvation through the spirit and through the gospel of Christ.

This sermon of the bread of life was hard for many to understand. Many of Christ’s disciples (not the twelve apostles, mind you, but simple followers of Christ) left because of it (maybe because they didn't understand it?) and many murmured at his teaching.

However his apostles had stronger faith than that. It is demonstrated by Peter who said “…Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou are that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:68-69)”

This makes me think about instances that I know of where people reacted like Peter to something that was “hard” for them to deal with. There are many things today that people do not understand fully but still follow Christ. They trust in his teachings and follow him knowing that he knows what is right. Sometimes we just don’t understand something but we must rely on our faith and trust in the Lord. He will eventually reveal the answer to us. I personally believe that sometimes it is okay to go by faith and not have the answers to everything. I’m okay with trusting the Lord even if there are things I don’t quite understand. I know many people who trust in the Lord even though there are aspects of the gospel that they don’t necessarily agree with.

Sometimes people don’t understand why I believe in God or follow Christ, especially because the gospel seems to be so against popular beliefs. I know what brings me joy in life and if I stopped living the gospel I would be spiritually miserable and I wouldn't enjoy who I was. I struggle with many things and the gospel helps me get through them all. I recognize that the gospel is the “living bread” and it feeds me and gives me comfort and peace.

The Lord Often Taught with Parables

     Throughout his ministry Christ told many parables. Parables are stories that are told that have a deeper meaning to them. Christ taught in parables in order to hid the actual meaning allowing those who truly wanted to learn more about Christ and the gospel to seek and find the answers within the parables while those who did not wish to learn more about the gospel simple saw the parable as a neat story. It also allowed those to get their personal revelation that they needed. It makes me think of how everyone reads the scriptures but each gets something out of them that applies directly to their life. The Holy Ghost speaks to us through the scriptures and the parables that Jesus taught and those who are diligently searching the scriptures for gospel knowledge will find it and those who are simply just reading will find a story.

     Christ told many parables and this week we focused on Matthew chapter 13 and the parables told within that chapter. They teach of the future of the world, the church, and the followers of Christ:

The parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30): when Christ comes again, he will separate those who are striving to follow Christ and live righteously from those who have rejected him and chose to live unrighteous.  

The parable of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33): The Kingdom of Heaven on the earth would start out small and then become greater at time went on.

The parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50): tares in the sense that God will send missionaries (the net) to teach the gospel and in the last days the Lord will separate the righteous from the unrighteous according to his righteous judgment.

The parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46): Someone who finds the gospel and knows of its worth and truth is willing to give up everything and make sacrifices in order to have it in their life.

The gospel is a wonderful thing and we need to make sure we are strengthening our testimonies and sharing the joy that we find in the gospel. The net represented missionaries in the world which in truth can represent anyone that is sharing their testimony whether through word of mouth or simply by the way they live their life. We should stay strong in the gospel and help people learn of Christ and what he really stands for. We can find joy in the gospel and through Christ. As he teaches us through the scriptures and through the Holy Ghost we can come to understand for the truthfulness of the gospel and what we can do to help others. 

The Calling of the Twelve Apostles

I was looking up the original Twelve Apostles in the bible dictionary and very unfortunately there is not a whole lot of information of many of them. Especially the ones that I was really interested in such as Andrew, Philip and some of the other lesser known ones, However, here are some things I learned:

• Peter means “rock” and it makes it that much more interesting when the Lord says “…Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18)
  
• It is most likely that Bartholomew also goes by Nathanael and they are the same person. There is also obviously a close friendship between him and Philip as they are always associated together.
  
• I also didn’t know that Andrew and Peter were brothers, so that is a little embarrassing. Haha!

So what is an Apostle?

An Apostle literally means “one sent forth”. In regards to the Twelve Apostles they were to be special witnesses of Christ and to testify of his divinity and specifically his bodily resurrection from the dead.
Christ taught his Apostles what they needed to do in order to prepare them to proclaim the gospel and to be his special witnesses. He his teachings and guidance to them can be found in Matthew 10:5-42 and in these versus he teaches them to search and heal those who are sick and to minister to them. He teaches them that there are going to be people who will not listen or who will “scourge” them “in their synagogues”. I think the scripture that stood out the most while I was reading was this:

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:

 be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”

–Matthew 10:16

While Christ mostly required them to stay within the bounds of the House of Israel  he was first and foremost teaching them to find his “lost sheep” and to recover those who were looking for the Savior. He says:

“He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that

 receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”

-Matthew 10:39

Christ is teaching his disciples to search out those who are looking for the gospel and giving them guidance as to how to do this.  He is helping them to know and recognize who truly is looking.
I think we can all learn from the Savior’s teachings. All the things that he taught his apostles can be used to teach us. We need to make sure we are doing what he would want us to do and we need to be as Peter, James and John in a moment’s notice gave up everything and follow Christ. It is interesting in Luke 5:1-11 that Peter, although unsure, followed Christ’s command to let the nets down again, even though they had caught nothing all day. Despite his uncertainty Peter did it anyways and in doing so received a witness of the Savior. Once he had received this witness (along with James and John) they “…forsook all, and followed him.” (Luke 5:11)

Likewise we must be as Peter.  Even in times of uncertainty we must trust the Lord and follow his commandments. He knows more than we possibly could. In doing this, we will receive a testimony of our own and we must continue to strengthen it and nourish it by following Christ.

The Samaritan Woman at the Well

It shouldn't be a shock that the Samaritan woman was surprised to see Jesus was talking to her.  At the time, Samaritans were highly disliked by the Jews, who of which held Samaritans in a lower standard than the Gentiles. For Jesus, a Jew, to be speaking to the Samaritan woman was extremely rare and probably a very peculiar situation, especially for the woman.

Many times it is said that God is no respecter of persons. This means he doesn't hold one person higher than another for any reason. He judges people on their hearts, not as the world judges them. As most Jews would take the long way around Samaria when traveling to Galilee, Jesus purposely went through Samaria. Not only did he not care for the status the world has set but I’m sure he also wanted to share the gospel and teach those around him.

Jesus Christ leads by example. By showing his disciples how he treated others he was mentally preparing them for how they should treat others as well. Eventually this kindness towards others would coincide with doctrine later in the scriptures that they should preach to all the nations; Jew and Gentile. Jesus was slowly teaching them what kind of people they should be and that all men should be treated as equals.

Throughout John chapter 4 the Samaritan woman’s attitude gradually changed the longer she conversed with Jesus.  To me there are small evidences. When Jesus firsts addresses her she replies with what seems to be not only confusions but maybe also a little contempt and wary. She doesn't seem sure about the situation at hand. A little while on she starts to address Christ as “Sir” and starts to ask him questions and accept him. Later on after Christ shares details about her life that he could have known she says “I perceive that thou art a prophet” and eventually after Christ confesses that he is the Christ, she tells people back home who he is and they follow her to meet him.  This woman went from skepticism to belief within a short conversation with Christ.

Over the years I have felt a little like this Samaritan woman. Although I grew up in the church there was a moment in my life where I was skeptic of the gospel and just didn't understand it. But eventually I hit a point in my life where I made an effort to get to know my Heavenly Father and through doing so I have been able to hold a great relationship with him. I have seen his influence in my life and he has been able to provide me with insight that I could not have foreseen.  Because of what I now know about the gospel I have a greater responsibility to make good decisions and to choose the right and it is something that I strive to do every day.

Eventually this woman’s testimony and he sharing of what Christ told and taught her, helped change the hearts of the people in her community who eventually believed themselves after they had met Christ. There is a particular scripture (John 4:42) that reminds me of the fact that we hear other people’s testimonies, but we do not gain a true testimony unless we personally search out Christ and learn from him.

The Lord often talks about the “Living water” and at the time, like this Samaritan woman, it took a while before they understood what he meant by “living water”. Christ said 

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give 

him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give

 him shall be in him a well of water springing

 up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14) 

This scripture speaks of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that when we drink of it, our spirits will never thirst for the truth because we will have it. Many people in this world do not wish to know the truth. As it says in Jeremiah 2:13:

 “They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and

 hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns,

 that can hold no water.”

This world is full of people that do not want to hear the truth. They do not want to drink of the living water, and their reasoning’s we may never know or understand. However Christ’s “living water”, his gospel, is what will bring our spirits comfort, peace, and help us to never thirst for truth again. We must be as the Samaritan woman. We must listen, with maybe a little wariness at first, for many people teach of Christ but few teach correctly. If we listen and learn we will know in our hearts if what we are being taught is correct. Then after we have our own testimonies we can help others find their way back to Christ and help them drink of the living waters that they may never thirst again. 

The Holy Ghost

Mark 1:12

12. “And immediately the Spirit

 took Him into the wilderness”

Principle: Go where the Holy Ghost directs you

 I really liked this particular scripture. It says that the Spirit took Him (Christ) into the wilderness. Not only did Christ listen to the Spirit and immediately go where it directed him, but it was, of all places, the wilderness. Sometimes the Holy Ghosts directs us to areas that may seem unpleasant or to places we just don’t want to go. Sometimes that is simply to visit someone who we may not get along with, moving to a place that you don’t want to go, or taking a career path that is the least desirable. However, the Savior went where the Spirit directed him, and likewise we must do the same. The Lord knows what is best for us and if we stay in tune with the Spirit, and follow his guiding path, we will eventually be stronger in our testimony and foundation in the gospel. It might not always be fun (the Savior had the privilege of being tempted by Satan) but in the end it is for our spiritual benefit, growth, and overall wellbeing. We must always listen to the Holy Ghost.

The Childhood of Jesus Christ

Hi everyone! 
This week I have started another religion class and this semester I am studying the First half of the New Testament (The four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).

This week we read mostly about Christ's birth as well as John the Baptist's birth and learned a little about his childhood. The Share and Report section of class requires (as before) that I share something I've learned or share what I am studying. I decided to focus on learning about Christ's childhood because it is so rarely talked about and I find the subject to be fascinating. Written below is what I've learned from my readings.


The Childhood of Jesus Christ

The focus we get on Jesus Christ is often of his birth and of his ministry, but so often we forget how he got from one place to another. By reading specifically about his childhood there are many things that I have been able to learn. 

First off, the most recognized phrase about Christ's childhood (for me) is in Luke chapter 2:

52." And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, 

and in favor with God and man." 

Something this tells me (along with other scriptures which I will share) is that Christ wasn't just born with all the knowledge needed for his ministry, he learned as he grew. In the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of Matthew 3:24-26 it says “…and he spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him.” In Doctrine and Covenants 93: 12-14 John the Baptist gives revalation to Joseph Smith saying:

12. “And I, John saw that he [Jesus] received not of the 

fullness at the first, but received grace for grace;

13. And he received not of the fullness at first, but continued from 

grace to grace until he received a fullness:

14. And thus he was called the Son of God, because

 he received not of the fullness at the first.”

There was a reason his ministry was later in life. It was when he was ready. While the world did not teach Christ, his Heavenly Father did. Little by little, as Christ was ready, Heavenly Father would teach him what he needed to know.  That shows to me that it is important to take my challenges and my spiritual learning one step at a time. That it is okay to learn little by little and focus on what I’ve learned and perfect that before I bury myself in knowledge that I’m just not ready for. 

I also noticed that throughout each of the scriptures and insight read, that Christ shows small instances here and there where he followed certain commandments. While we know that he always followed the commandments it was just interesting insight to me. For example, in the JST of Matthew 3:25 it says “And he served under his father.” It is safe to assume that since father is not capitalized that it is referring to Joseph. To me this is interesting simply because even as a child, know as much as he did, Jesus still respected and honored his earthly father.  I think we can all learn from that seeing as we are not perfect. Even if we think we know more than our parent’s do (which being imperfect, sometimes we just don’t) it is important to honor them and respect them. 

      Likewise in the first scripture I shared above in Luke it says that he grew in stature with not only God but with man. This tells me that people liked him because he was kind and willing to help and was there for others. 

Christ learned little by little and kept the commandments of God. While we are not perfect we can learn from Christ and take from it how we ourselves can learn the gospel and remain close to our Heavenly Father. 

♥

Principles I Have Learned

     For our Final Assessment in Class we were required to write a short essay on the top three principles we learned while studying this semester and how they have affected us.
Below is what I wrote. I was originally not going to share it, but I want to now so ...here it is!

    Over the course of this semester there are many things that I have learned. Many different principles spoke to be as I read and taught me what I needed to hear at that point in my life. As I went back and reflected on the principles that I was learning I noticed that there were many that were repeated albeit in different forms. I recognized that these principles were not only the ones that stood out to me the most, but also were the ones that I needed to hear the most. Some of them even inspired me to challenge myself in good ways so that I could become better than I was.

     The principle that stood out to me the most was one that probably stood out to most people, and since we are reading the scriptures it makes sense that I would recognize it. However, I know it is also something that I constantly struggle to work with. This principle is to Love everyone, and show them kindness, charity, and patience. 

     Now I like to consider myself a pretty nice person. However, there is one part of me that tends to be unkind towards others and, dare I say, a little mean. This unfortunate part of me is my mind. I easily tend to get annoyed with people and although I do not like to be outwardly mean because I know it is unkind, I find that in my head I have no reservations. This is something that I actually noticed midway through the semester and I made a goal to change it. My goal was to let things go that didn’t matter when I was driving (I get terrible road rage) and to not complain to my husband over the smallest things that people did (because when something made me angry I would go home and vent to my husband forever about the subject.).

     At first it was really really difficult, and I noticed that Satan was really working on me. That first weekend I was so grumpy and mean to everyone, even to my husband even though he really did nothing wrong. I cannot even explain into words how angry I was at everyone and everything and my unkindness did not just remain in my mind but started to be more prevalent in my actions and conversation. As the emotions came to a close I felt awful and vowed to never get that angry again. Although it is still hard for me to push mean thoughts aside, I have found that I have been better at recognizing when I was being too grumpy in my head and for the most part I was able to push those thoughts away. I have found that I have more compassion on people and I am more willing to help and show love. I don’t nearly complain to my husband as often and I can’t remember the last time I got angry on the road. As I continued to read the scriptures for class I was constantly being reminded and uplifted that my goals were righteous and even though it was hard that I was doing a great job and needed to continue my efforts. I’m still working on it, but I have noticed a very positive change in myself.

     The second principle that stood out the most to me was that I needed to have faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and in the Gospel.  A lot of the scriptures that popped out at me were ones that taught me that I needed to trust in God more. My biggest struggle is being so frustrated with the world and at how many things that are going on that do not fall into sync with the gospel or God’s plan. I worry that when I have children I am going to lose them to the world around me because everything will look more fun or enticing to them. I fear for my friends who are struggling and I would just get so angry with people who were not living the gospel who I knew, knew better.

     As I read more and more in the New Testament, I had A LOT of scriptures that spoke to my heart. Many of them comforted me that things were going to be alright, but I needed to trust my Heavenly Father, and turn to him. That if I put my faith in him and stayed close to the Gospel that I would be okay. I have tried my best to remain close to him and through doing so I have also learned that it is okay if I don’t have all the answers, but that if I study hard and have faith that God knows the reasons why that I will not only be okay, but that one day I will have the answers to everything. I know that if I remain righteous that things will be okay in the end.

     The last principle that spoke to me probably ties a lot with the first. It was that I needed to not judge those around me. Even those who I think know better. The fact is, is that I just don’t know what is going on in their hearts. I don’t know what they are going through and I can’t possible begin to imagine. However, it is something I struggle with. I get so judgmental that I become angry and then I am not happy. I lose my ability to love and be kind. However, as I focused on my goals that I mentioned with the first principle, I noticed that I was less judgmental as well.

     All of these principles are continuing to help me as I strive to remain close to my Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ. I know that as I work on these principles I will become a better person and I will be able to become the person my Heavenly Father wants me to become. 

Thursday I finished my classes for this semester. I have to say that throughout the semester I found a lot of joy in sharing what I was learning on my blog. I'm not sure how many people were reading but the truth is that regardless, I loved sharing.

      I am taking another class this next semester but this time I am studying the first half of the New Testament. I think I will continue this blog whether or not there is a requirement for it. I hope that I will provide understanding and insight to others who read this as I learn new principles for myself. For now though, I will be taking a break from my blog for the next week. 

General Conference

I am currently watching general conference. General conference is when we listen to the prophet and his apostles and disciples. They teach us what the Lord would have us know. They speak twice a year. Feel free to join me. Sorry this post is so late. You can view past talks and current talks here:
http://www.lds.org/?lang=eng

Come listen to a prophet's voice!

Multiply Your Love

Jude 1:2 

“Mercy unto you, and peace, and love be multiplied”

Principle: Take righteous acts, qualities and thoughts and act on them even more than you normally would.

       I do not know if this is a principle that is suppose to represent what the scripture means, but to me this is the principle that I got out of it. I feel that in order to grow and become more like our Savior, we need to take the qualities we have (or do not have) and make them greater! We need to cultivate our love and mercy, our peace and comfort, and make it greater and find more peace in Christ and in helping others. If we have a little patience, make it a lot of patience, and so forth. I think it is important and that our Heavenly Father wants to see our emotions and feelings towards others become better and kinder and more willing to love. This is what I want to be able to do in my life, take the emotions I have and turn them into something the Lord would be proud of. To take my talents and my good thoughts and feelings and make them grow until I am able to match it with his love and kindness. 

Teaching

1.    Read 2 Peter 2:1–19. Record the characteristics of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps you recognize false teachers today.

•  Denying the Lord
• “The way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (people will speak evil of the gospel)
•  “through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (I’m not really sure what that mean, maybe that make you want to buy things and covet worldly items?)
•  “walk after the flesh in lust”
•  “Despise government”
•   Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities”
• “speak evil of the things they understand not”
•  “They count it pleasure to riot in the daytime” (I think this means live a riotous life and party all the time, the scriptures notes say “rioting and reveling”)
•  “Having eyes full of adultery”
•  “beguiling unstable souls” (pulling those who do not have a strong testimony foundation from God)
•  “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of flesh through much wantonness”
•  “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”

         When I read this list I definitely feel like I can pin point people who do these things. Not necessarily because they are absolutely evil, but mostly my heart tells me it is because they do not know any better. It tells me things because they were taught by someone else, who was taught by someone else, and really it is just a cycle. It helps me recognize when I might find myself in the presence of a false teacher, but it also helps me understand why people think this way and think it is okay when it really isn't  It also makes me want to strengthen my testimony and my foundation in Christ so I don’t become easily deceived.

2.    Read 2 Peter 2:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, 7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world.”

            To me it means that when someone has an understanding of the gospel and turn away from it regardless of that understanding, then their situation is worse that if they were to not have any knowledge. I think this is because when we know something is right and we still reject it we will, in the end, bring sorrow to ourselves. I think that God wants us to understand that when we leave the gospel on this earth and live unrighteous lifestyles we will not be truly happy in the end. People who recognize the gospel and still turn away put damnation upon themselves (All damnation really means is that they halt their spiritual growth). When the second coming comes those who knew the gospel and still turned away from it will have a stronger understanding of what they turned away from and therein is their sorrow and torment. This torment will be worse for them than for someone who had no understanding in the first place.  The stronger your testimony is and the more you understand, the worse your torment will be when you fall away. 

Living Our Religion

1.    Read James 1:19; 3:1–13; 4:11; and the institute student manual commentary for James 3:8, “The Importance of Taming the Tongue” (p. 410). Using these resources, make two lists:

Things We Say That Are Offensive to God	Things We Say That Are Pleasing to God.
Speaking evil of those around us Curse men Boasting	Thank and bless God Bless those around us Speak with meekness of wisdom

2.    Referring to the following chart, read James 4:1–4 and identify four symptoms of people who are friends of the world. Read James 4:7–12 and write a prescription that would help people overcome the “world.” Write your responses in the appropriate column:

Symptoms of Being in the World (James 4:1-4)	Prescription for Being out of the World (James 4:7-12
Lust Killings Ask amiss Waste	Submissive Purify your hearts Humble yourselves Speak no evil one to another

My Thoughts:

While studying this week, I found this quote.

We have careful thought for the stranger,
And smiles for the sometime guest,
But oft for our own the bitter tone,
Though we love our own the best.
-Margaret E. Sangster

I LOVE this quote, it really speaks the truth to my heart. Lately I've been reading a blog called The Orange Rhino (www.theorangerhino.com). It is a blog written by a young mother and its her goal to not yell at her kids for 365 days. I believe she has passed her goal but mostly I was inspired by her and her determination. she talks a lot about what the quote above says. So often we'd be horrified if someone knew about our terrible behaviors, however when we are around those we are most comfortable with, whom we love the most, we are more likely to be mean, say hurtful things, or yell. She talks about how backwards this is. We should be treating those we love the most with even more respect and love. We need to determine to be kind and live good lives for ourselves and those we love. We need to be good examples. This lady encourages all who read her blog to try to improve themselves in some way. It's really inspirational.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

1.    In Hebrews 11, Paul recounted the faith of many ancient men and women. Read Hebrews 11 and fill in the chart below listing eight other people and how each person demonstrated his or her faith and what blessings the Lord gave each of them.

Name	Verse	How They Demonstrated Faith	Blessings They Received
Abel	4	Offered a “more excellent sacrifice”	A witness from God that he was righteous
Enoch	5	He had a strong testimony and he “pleased God”	He was translated “that he should not see death”
Noah	7	His “house” (or Family) was saved from the flood. “became an heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”	Prepared the Ark
Abraham	8	Followed the Lord’s commandments without knowing what would happen	“sojourned in the land of promise…dwelling in tabernacles”
Sara	11	Believed strongly that God would keep his promises	Had a child in her old age.
Abraham	17	Was willing to sacrifice his son	Was blessed with the Abrahamic covenant to continue through Isaac.
Moses’s Parents	23	Hid Their song from Pharaoh for 3 months	They were not afraid of the King’s commandments.
Moses	24	“Refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter” and rather he suffered affliction with the people of God.	Was able to save the children of Israel from their bondage
Rahab	31	Received the spies with peace	Did not perish with the rest of the city.

2.    Give at least three examples of other individuals found in scriptures or whom you know who could be included in this chapter.

Ammon (and his brothers) followed the spirit to teach the Lamanites and they were protected and were able to convert because of it.
Alma the Elder had continuous faith in the Lord and prayed often (along with other saints) and his Son was eventually converted and changed.
The Sons of Helaman had faith that if they did not doubt God would deliver them, and they were all protected from death.
3.    Read Hebrews 12:1–2 and write what Paul encouraged the Saints to do to show their faith.
To Trust in the Lord, to be patient and to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us”.
 
4.    Read the institute student manual Points to Ponder sections, “Developing Faith Is Active Belief, Which Is More than Just Belief” (p. 400) and “Fully Developed Faith Is Power” (pp. 400–401). Describe in writing how faith is different than belief.
Belief is passive. Faith however is more active. When someone has Faith it is implied that they will do something about that Faith. However faith is not just an action, it is also a power. In “Fully developed Faith is Power” faith is said to be “the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things” Faith may start out as a belief, but once it is acted upon and exercised it becomes stronger and more of a conviction. It has more power and meaning. Through faith things have happened and lives have been changed. Through belief however things remain the same. 

"And I Will Not Fear"

Hebrews 13:6 

"So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear 

what man shall do unto me"

Principle: If you are righteous then the Lord is there to help you, and you should not fear what man can do or say.

             I LOVE this scripture. I don't know why but it really stood out to me this week. I know for me personally, I find that I am scared to share my opinions, thoughts, or feelings on the gospel. My testimony is something that I never really want to see get attacked and so I usually shy away from conversation starters in that topic area. However, recently (and especially from starting the Blog for this class) I have slowly felt more confident in sharing my testimony. It is important to remember that if you are doing what is right, you will have the guidance and inspiration from the spirit to know what to say to those who are mocking you. However, it is important to note that if you do not have the right attitude (such as you are not using the knowledge or inspiration you’ve received to teach or share joy but instead are using it to demean the other person and make them feel stupid) then your words will not have a positive affect or be filled with the spirit. The spirit is the only one who can truly touch someone’s heart, and if you chase it away with your desire to be “better than the other person” then you cannot help or teach them. 
                In the end, it is important to remember that we need to be righteous and not worry about what the people around us think. I know that is hard, and it is still hard for me. However, I feel happiness when I live my life the way the Lord would have me. We shouldn't worry about the people around us. We should simply be filled with love and service to everyone regardless of how they live or what their circumstances are. Worry about yourself and how to make yourself better.