Student Choice Assignment #12

The Savior's instructions about the Holy Ghost

1. 1)What the Holy Ghost does    2) What we must do to receive the Holy Ghost

John 14:15-17 - 1) Dwells within us; Comforts

                          2) We need to keep the commandments

John 14:26-27 - 1) Teaches; Brings things to remembrance 

                          2) We need to not be troubled or afraid

John 15:26-27 - 1) Testifies of the Lord

                          2) We need to bear witness of the Lord

John 16:7-8 - 1) Reprove the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement

                      2) Listen to Him

John 16:13-14 - 1) Guide us in all truth; Won't speak of Himself, but will speak of things that He hears                           and things to come; Will glorify the Lord

                          2) Listen

2. "The Holy Ghost brings man to fullest potential"

          1) Purifies passions; inspires righteous feelings; brings joy to the heart

          2) Create an atmosphere that would welcome Him in

     "As a messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost teaches faithful members"

          1) Instructs and enlightens minds; bears witness of the truth; carries out the Lord's will

          2) Be faithful and obey the Lord's commandments

     Holy Ghost

          1) Sanctifies a person; speaks the truth

          2) Be baptized

3. The Holy Ghost helped the apostles after the Savior's death and resurrection by comforting them and reminding them that this was what the Savior was meant to do. 

A time in my life when the Holy Ghost was there was when I was deciding whether I should marry my (now husband). I didn't date a lot in high school and so when I started getting serious in my relationship with him, I worried that I was just jumping into something. I prayed and went to the temple a lot, and asked my friends and family how they felt about it during this time. They all reassured me that they thought he was a real gem and I felt nothing but comfort in the temple. I believe it was the Holy Ghost who was speaking through all of those people to me. 

Student Choice Assignment #11

A New Commandment

1. According to John 13:34-35, the way we can show that we are disciples of the Lord is to love one another. When Jesus was on the earth, all He did was show love for the children of God. That was His example, and if we follow it humbly, we will represent Him and people will know that we are His disciples.

2. Two examples:
     - If someone is being made fun of for the way that they dress, I would tell them that I think they look great and that if they like it, that's all that matters. That would show them that I care about how they feel.
     - If I saw a new person at church, I would go sit by them during the meetings and get to know them. Who knows, they might become my best friend. This would make them feel like they are accepted into the new place that they're in, and wrapped in the arms of the Lord's love.

3. I've thought about if I treat people like a disciple of Christ would, and I think I could greatly improve in this area. I have chosen my husband to work on this with. I plan to make Garret feel the love of the Lord by asking the Lord to bless him in all of my prayers, rubbing his feet without being asked (they get pretty sore from walking all day), and saying motivational things to him everyday so that his confidence in selling will stay high. I want to do this because I love him and want to show the Lord that I love Him too and will be a disciple unto Him.

Student Choice Assignment #10

Preparing for the Savior's second coming

1. The Savior points out multiple things that we could 'watch' or 'take heed' for, but here are three:
     - "Take heed lest any man deceive you" Look out for those who are trying to lead you astray
     - "Watch and pray" Be faithful in your prayers and stay close to your Father in Heaven always
     - "Take heed: behold, I have foretold you all things" He has given us everything that we need to be                
safe, we just have to listen to those things now

2. Truths taught in other scriptures...
     - D&C 87:8 teaches that we need to "stand in holy places" like church meetings, mutual activities, temple, seminary, etc.
     - JSM 1:32 teaches that we need to accept that the "abomination of desolation" is going to and has to happen for us to know when the time has come.
     - JSM 1:37 teaches us to "treasureth up [His] word" and make it the number one priority in our life. When we do this, we will understand what is really important and why the family is central to the plan.
     - JSM 1:46-50 teaches us to be faithful and live the gospel always because no one knows the day the Lord will come, and we have to be prepared for that day as if it was tomorrow.
     - D&C 33:17 teaches that we need to keep strengthening our testimonies and be ready to humbly stand at the Savior's feet.
     - D&C 45:56-57 teaches that if we follow the Holy Ghost in all that we do, the second coming will be a great day for us.

Student Choice Assignment #9

The Widow's Mites

1. The widow, who tossed all that she had into the well, truly lived what the Savior taught because she put Him before herself. She gave Him everything that she had because she knew it was important and she loved the Lord. She followed every one of His commandments to their fullest, which is what the Savior asked. "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

2. Even though what she gave was less money than others gave, it was everything she had to give. This is a perfect example of an acceptable offering unto the Lord. It shows that she truly loved the Lord because she gave everything to Him. She knew that the Lord blessed her with everything she had and in return, she gave Him everything she had. When we love the Lord more than anything, this will be easier than we think. No priority will be above Him, and we will know what we need to do. 2 Nephi 25:23 relates to this story when it talks about "by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." This means that according to how much we put in to serving the Lord determines our grace. Then, depending on how great or poor our grace is, determines if we will be saved or not. All in all, we need to keep the story of the widow's mite in our hearts so that we can live after her example and be saved by the Lord.

3. I could better follow the widow's example by giving all my effort into the church. I am usually the one in the back of sunday school who never says anything. I figure that most everyone in there knows all that there is to know, but I know that a shared testimony can always be an insight to someone, even if it's just one person.

Student Choice Assignment # 8

Parables and accounts that teach eternal truths

1. The unjust steward - I think the major principle in this parable is that one unrighteous thing leads to another, but also one righteous thing leads to another. This means that we need to be honest and true in all of our dealings so that throughout our lives, we can continue to be that way with all that we do.

2. The rich man and Lazareth - The major principle I found in this parable is that we are determined worthy or unworthy by our hearts. We have to truly be humble and not think that we are better than anyone. Everyone is equal and should be treated with love and respect.

3. The ten lepers - This parable's principle is that God blesses us so much and we need to say thank you to Him; Just like you would say thank you to someone who held the door open for you. He knows each of us individually and when He helps us, He knows who He is helping. A simple thank you is the least we can do.

4. The unjust judge - I think this parable is teaching that we should not hesitate to help someone. If we can help lighten someone's burdens in any way, we should do it right away. Just like God speedily helps comfort us when we come to Him.

5. The Pharisee and the publican - The major principle in this one is that we should not compare ourselves to others by saying that we are better than them because of this sin they committed or something. We are not to judge them, just like they are not to judge us. Only God will judge His children because His opinion is the only one that matters.

Student Choice Assignment #7

Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

- Being a disciple of Christ means that you follow the Lord's will no matter what, be willing to give all that you have to serve others, build their soul around those things that are pleasing unto the Lord, aim for the strait gate to heaven, and that you reach out to those who need the help.

The Savior talks about counting the costs in following Him and explains how that means that we need to consider the trials and temptations we may face by following him, and remember them and how they will affect us in the long run to eternal life; To realize the worth it will have.

- One of these things that I could more effectively apply into my life is aiming for the strait gate to heaven. I try to do the things I can to serve others, but I am not very good at improving at it. I do a couple things and think I am good for a while. I know that's a horrible outlook and that's why I am choosing to apply it more in my life. I could do this by never accepting completion of service. My services are not complete until the day I die and can't do it anymore. This would make such a huge difference in my life because it would make me happier. I love helping people and seeing them benefit from it, I just need to do it more. It would make so many people's lives greater and mine.

- Ultimately, to be a disciple of Christ, you have to offer our whole soul and everything that we have to Him. We have to give ourselves completely to Him.

Student Choice Assignment #6

Become as little children

1. We are a lot like little children because we do not fully understand the great blessings that God has prepared for us, and we cannot bear all things now. Just like a little kid who doesn't understand the blessing of going to school and gaining a knowledge, but obviously that will bless them more than they know.
However, the Lord says that he will be there for us and help us along the path to the blessings that have been prepared for us in the eternities.

2. In order to become like a little child, we need to make these adjustments in our lives. We need to yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit by listening and obeying the advice He give us. We need to put off the natural man, and act like sons and daughters of God. We need to use the atonement and become a saint that has repented and is ready to strive to do that which is pleasing unto the Lord. When we work on these things, we see that we become more submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, and willing to obey all the Lord's commandments.

This was a really good insight for me because I love little kids and wish I was a little kid again all the time. I love the humility that surrounds them and the innocence of the bad things of the world that we all wish we still had. I love this parable.

Student Choice Assignment #5

Walking on the Sea

1. When the apostles first saw the Savior walking on the water, their thoughts were not full of faith. They assumed it was a spirit and it frightened them.

2. Peter responded by wanting proof and asking if he could come unto Him on the water. The Lord granted him to do so and he started walking on the water. This indicates that Peter is kind of a visual believer. He likes to have the proof.

3. Then there was a wind that came and spooked Peter. He began to loose faith that he could actually be standing on water and so he started sinking.

4. As he began to sink, he asked the Lord to save him so he wouldn't drown, and the Lord "immediately" did. I think this shows the personality of Peter pretty clearly. He has a lot of trust in the Lord, but falls down every once in while like the rest of us. However, the important part is that he went to the Lord for help. He probably could have just swam back to the boat, but he knew the Lord was there for him and would help him.

5. In D&C 88:67 it states, "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." The principle I got from this was that when you put all of your sights toward the Lord, He will fill you with his love and comfort. You will not feel alone, and will understand the big picture here on earth. I think this relates to the story with Peter because he trusted that the Lord would be able to help him and He did. Peter was comforted in a time that seemed stressful to him and trusted the Lord and His plan for the world. This can even help us today. We go through multiple trials where we need the Lord, and if we trust Him and feel that love and comfort that comes when He willingly gives us a helping hand, we will understand. As we continue to do this, our testimony of this gospel will be strengthened and we will be able to have the comfort to know the truth.

Student Choice Assignment #4

Parables

1. From reading the section on parables in the bible dictionary, I conclude that parables are not for everyone. They are for people who can understand principles and see them being used in stories. People who are looking for ways to better their lives and learn new principles.

2. Question - parable that relates to it

- What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Gospel net; The more missionaries we get out there, there will be an increase in the number of people being touched by the gospel and being able to join the Church.
- Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? Gospel net; Same as above.
- How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most religions and started small in the American Frontier? Mustard seed; When something is new, as long as it is taken care of and nurtured, it will grow exceedingly.
- Why are some of the 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; When people see how great the blessings of the church are and how much better they feel when they are doing things that are pleasing unto the Lord, they want it. They like the way it makes them feel and want to continue in it and keep it close to them.
- Why do some Church members choose to leave the church? Tares; Sometimes people don't want to mend themselves and be healed by the Lord due to embarrassment or shame.


3. 1) Some sacrifices that I am willing to make for the gospel are immodest clothing, tea, coffee, and all of the things that we are commanded not to do. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for this gospel. It is the basis of my life and the only way that I will be with my wonderful husband forever :)
Some things that I have seen people give up for the gospel is alchohol, smoking, and just common lifestyle habits like that to be able to be baptized. I have a Grandma who is a perfect example of this.

2) In Matthew 13:47, I think the net represents the gospel. To be gathered into the net means that a missionary has contacted them, a relative is trying to tell them about it, or in some way, their life is being touched by the gospel. When they talk about gathering the good and casting out the bad, I think it means that they are trying to find those who want it and will accept the gospel. They want to help those who seek.

Student Choice Assignment #3

1. Three apostles that I learned about in these chapters were Bartholomew, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Bartholomew was also known as Nathanael, and had a really strong friendship with Phillip (another apostle). Simon was also called Peter, and he was like a brother to Jesus. Judas Iscariot was the only apostle who was not a Galilean.

2. Apostles are witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. They are the ones chosen and sent forth by Him to be an example to the people when He is back in Heaven. They represent the Father in Heaven.

3. The Savior's teachings in Matthew 10 definitely prepared His twelve apostles for the times ahead. He told them exactly what was going to happen to them and that it was going to be hard, but that they could do it and how they could do it. He gave them every instance that people would try to pull and if that was accepted by Him  or not.

4. In Luke 5, it talks about how Peter, James, and John answered the Lord's call. They were in distress with their fishing and the Savior asked them to fish for men instead of fish. They gave up everything right then to do as the Savior had asked. They 'forsook all and followed Him.' That would take so much faith to do that. That was probably the only job they had and you need a job to live. However, there was another, more important job for them that the Savior led them too. The Lord knows what He is doing and would never lead us astray. It may not be the way we intend, but it is the way that will bless us most if we follow it. I can apply this in my life because I have no idea what I am going to do for my career. I thought I had it all planned out, but something made me turn away from it. I don't really know where I'm going now, but I know as long as I'm being faithful and trusting the Lord always that everything will work out.

Student Choice Assignment #2

The Baptism of Jesus Christ - Matthew 3:13-17

In this account, Jesus came to John to be baptized. Though John was confused, he proceeded to baptize Jesus and right after the Holy Ghost descended down like a dove. This is significant because a dove is a symbol of truth and innocence. It showed John that this really was supposed to happen and that Jesus really knew what He was talking about.

- John was hesitant to baptize Jesus for a couple reasons. One was that he felt unqualified to do such a deed, as would any of us today. He was imperfect and Jesus was perfect, so he didn't understand why he would be chosen. Two, I think he maybe wondered why Jesus needed to be baptized. If he was perfect, there would be nothing to make clean.

- This passage teaches that the Holy Ghost is pure truth. As mentioned above, it said He came down like a dove, which is a symbol of truth. God knew that analogies and symbols were a big part of that time period and wanted them to fully trust the Spirit and His son Jesus.

- It says in the scriptures that Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. A few reasons how it did this are as follows:
1) He did this to set an example for the children of men to humble themselves before the Father and obey Him.
2) He showed the straightness of the path and narrowness of the gate by which they should enter.
3) He gave His own witness to the Father that He would be obedient unto Him and keep His commandments.

- In these verses, it shows that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are three separate personages because Jesus was on earth in the water with John, while the Spirit was descending down like a dove, and God was in Heaven speaking through the clouds. This displays them all in different places at the same time, which could only be done if they were three different personages.

Student Choice Assignment # 1

1. Matthew 1-2 is about the relationship of Mary and Joseph, the birth of Christ, and the journey they have together.

- Before Joseph had come unto his new wife Mary, she was already pregnant. He wasn't really okay with this so he wanted to quietly divorce her so nobody would know.
- After an angel appeared to Joseph and told him of the baby he put his feelings aside and obeyed what the angel had said. This shows that he is very obedient to what God would have him do. He did not even question what the angel had said, and that would take a lot of faith in God to just do that. He demonstrated a good example of a true disciple. He let his faith guide him because he trusts God and knows that He knows what he's doing.
- Joseph must have have been a humble man because an angel appeared to him 3 times throughout these chapters. Not only did the angels come to him, but he was looking after our Savior. Not just anyone would be given that tremendous responsibility. He was definitely a trustworthy person.
- Obviously, Joseph was not Christ's biological father, but he did fill the father role here on earth. I found a couple things that I can take out of this to help me as a parent someday. One, when God says it time to be a parent, I need to be one. I am not planning on having children for a couple years, but in case that I got pregnant tomorrow, I would look to Joseph's example and fill the role. Two, Joseph protected Jesus by being obedient to God. God knows all things and if I put my trust in Him, my children will be protected from the world just like Jesus was in these chapters. I want more than anything for my children to be able to be protected and also live a happy life. I know that if I obey God by teaching my children to live with the gospel as the center of their lives, it will bring them the most happiness a person can have on this earth. I am thankful for Joseph's example.

2. Mary in Luke 1:18 is described as 'highly favored' and blessed among women, and in most of Luke 1 it talks about her and the qualities that she possessed. She was very obedient woman. She obeyed the law of chastity because she had not married and was still a virgin. She was humble when the angel came and told her that she was going to have the Son of god because she gladly accepted the task. She didn't even think twice about it. Then, instead of boasting to the whole city, she went to her close friend, Elizabeth, and told her of how she is so excited and feels so blessed to have this opportunity. Mary is a really good example of how we need to accept God's callings for us. She didn't know exactly what the future held, but because God commanded her, she trusted him and knew it would work out.

- One of Mary's qualities that I would like to develop is to trust the Lord with everything. I am a worry wart sometimes and overanalyze pretty much everything so this is definitely something I need to work on. This would make my life so much easier. I would be able to just listen and do, not listen, think, think, think, then do. An example in my life where I eventually trusted the Lord and everything worked out was when I decided to marry my husband. I loved this guy. I felt like he helped make me the type of person that God would like me to be, and that I could spend the rest of my life like this. I wasn't worried about him, but I was worrying if it was the right time, if I was ready for that, and if that was what I was supposed to do. I was a mess, but one day I went to the temple with some of my roommates and prayed about the decision and got an, "Everything's going to be okay, Lex." I didn't know what the future held, but I knew it was with him. And here we are 6 months later just as happy as can be. So it worked out, but it would have been a lot smoother if I would have just listened to the spirit telling me he was the right one. I admire Mary and her immediate obedience.

3. In Matthew and Luke, it give two different parts of Christ's geneology. One is the seed He came from and the other is the impact He had. I think this is significant because it's important to know where He came from and how others were affected by Him. It helps strengthen our testimonies of Him to know those because the more you know about Him, the more you can grow to trust Him.

4. It was important that Jesus had an immortal father and mortal mother so that he could experience pains and afflictions, but with the power that God has. This way he could take on all of our pains and afflictions. Also, I think this helped him be able to choose. He still had free agency just like everyone else. He knew the power he had and what he could do with it, but still chose to accomplish the task.

5. Questions that are important details of the Savior's birth

1. From Nazareth, what 3 cites did Joseph go through to get his wife in a safe place that they could have their baby? (Galilee, Judaea, and David or Bethlehem)
2. Why was the baby born in a little manger? (the inns were full)
3. What did Mary wrap baby Jesus in right after he was born? (swaddling clothes; not fancy ones)
4. What did the angel of the Lord say to them in the manger? ("Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people"; basically, it didn't matter where he was born, they were just happy he was born)
5. After, what did he say to God? ("Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"; they delighted in the success of the baby)
6. Who were the first to see the baby, besides Mary, Joseph, and the angel? (The Shepherds)

- Good titles for a talk around Christmas time could be:
"And the glory of the Lord shown round about them"
"Glory to God in the highest"
"Good will towards men"
"Let us now go even unto Bethlehem"
"The babe lying in a manger"