Week 2 ~

Share and Report Assignment week 2

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” (pp 740-741) In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

A parable is a form of teaching.  It was most widely used by the Savior.  A parable requires higher understanding and is meant for those that are studying and seeking greater knowledge.  

2.       Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matt 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matt 13:31-33); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (matt 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50) Next to each of the following questions write the name for the parable that best answers that question.

·         What describes the future growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? (Parable of the leaven)

·         Why does the church send out so many missionaries? (Parable of the net)

·         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)

·         Why are some members of the church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the church? ( Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price)

·         Why do some church members choose to leave the church?(Parable of the tares)

3. Write answers to the following questions.

Consider the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price ( see Matt. 13:47)

What sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel and what sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

Since I already have the gospel and have been a member since childhood, I have made living by the commandments part of my routine.  Some of the things I do that others might struggle with are go to church every Sunday for 3 hours, and volunteer my time in a calling.  Time is a big sacrifice.  Another principle I obey is the law of tithing.  As a household we pay a tenth of what we make to the church.  This might seem as a sacrifice to some, but for us it has been a blessing.  Another sacrifice is that of friends and associates.  Because we follow the word of wisdom and don’t drink coffee, smoke or drink alcohol, we have missed out on some social experiences.  However, I don’t feel this is a sacrifice either, because those people that really care about us, chose activities that we can participate in. 

 What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea?

The net represents missionary work, and gathering Christ’s followers. 

 What does it mean to be gathered into the net?  To be gathered means to be baptized and actively participating in the gospel. 

What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (Matt 13:48-50) 

Heavenly Father is a perfect being, and unless we accept the Savior’s atonement and repent we will not be worthy to enter into the kingdom.  The righteous will be gathered and the unrighteous will be cast away.

New Testament Studies Week 1

Unit 2 Topic 1 – Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes

1.       Read the footnote for Matthew 5:3a and the institute student manual points to ponder section: The sermon on the mount is our constitution for perfection.”  Pg 61. Write a definition for the word blessed or blessedness.

The latin: beatus is the basis of the English beatitude, meaning to be fortunate, to be happy or to be blessed, to blessings. 

2.       Read Matthew 5:1-12. Identify or mark all of the “blessed” attributes in these verses.  Also, read the definitions President Harold B. Lee gave for each of these attributes found in the institute studentmanual Points to Ponder section pp. 61-62.  From these verses select three beatitudes and write a paragraph for each describing how living this beatitude has in the past or can in the future can increase your happiness.  

Matthew 5:3. “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit”

Matthew 5:4. “Blessed Are They That Mourn”

Matthew 5:5. “Blessed Are the Meek”

Matthew 5:6. “Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness”

Matthew 5:7. “Blessed Are the Merciful”

Matthew 5:8. “Blessed Are the Pure in Heart”

My three Beatitudes

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit ~ I think we all have been poor in spirit on and off in our own lives.  The key is to recognize when we are at that point and reach out in prayer with faith.  Heavenly Father wants to bless us, we just have to be humble and willing to accept his grace and blessings.  I also believe that we are tools in his hands and need to be always watchful in our own circle of influence to bless the lives of others, by service, a listening ear, financially, and through prayer. 

Blessed are the Meek ~ to be “meek” means to be “God-fearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering.  For me these attributes describe a perfect person.  Because the Savior was the only perfect person to walk the earth, all these attributes are a great goal to want and to work towards.  Personally I know in the past that when I am reading my scriptures daily and striving to be closer to my Father in Heaven these attributes are more attainable.  I mostly struggle with being patient under suffering, which I think most people do.  I have had a few examples of friends in my life lose children, and I have witnessed their patience through these difficult trials. 

Blessed are the Merciful ~ For me this is one of the most important of the beatitudes.  Since everyone makes mistakes, we would be wise to take this counsel and forgive quickly.  I know in my own personal experiences holding a grudge is really just carrying around an extra burden.  If we expect mercy from others we also have to give mercy to others.  Part of our mortal experience is to learn this wonderful trait.   

New Testament Studies Week 1

I am taking an online course studying the New Testament.  I have been asked to blog about my studies.  The best way I know how to share is by posting my assignments.  I might add aditional thoughs as the weeks progress.  The course is accelerated, so I don't get much time to ponder before I move on...but I really want to ponder.  Maybe having my notes here will give me an opportunity to go back and reflect once the class is done.  

Week 1

Share and Report Assignment Week 1

1.    How did you and what did you do to complete the assignment?

 In heaven the Savior had the support and was in the physical presence of our Father in Heaven.  When he came to earth he lost that physical presence, and was also not known and rejected by his own people.  I find his story very tragic.  Had he not been the son of God, I don’t know how he could have found joy in his time on earth.  My daughter and I related this to how she felt when she went away to college for the first time.  It was a difficult and lonely transition for her and often she would drive several hours, just to be home in our presence for a few days.  We talked how the challenges of being away from home were similar to the challenges we face from being away from our heavenly home.  Choices that seem easy at home were harder at college, somewhat like what the Savior experienced being away from his Father in Heaven’s physical presey well.    

1.    Why did you decided to do the assignment you did?

I decided to do this assignment because in the past, as I have studied the scriptures for a class, my family has also been blessed by those insights and teachings.  I want to share what I learn with them. 

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

I like that the reading is short, but important.  I get the most out of the scriptures when I am able to focus on just a few verses and really ponder them.  I don’t see a need for improvement. 

Unit 1 Topic 1– Search John 1:1-14; John 17:1-5) and ponder the doctrinal connect between the two references.  List at least five truths you learn about the premortal Jesus Christ and five truths you learn about his mortal life.

The Premortal Savior

Helped create the world

Is the light of men

Was ordained by God to be the redeemer of the world

Was humble and wanted the glory to go to Heavenly Father

Was known by all

The Mortal Savior

Was not known by the world

Was rejected by his own

Shared his light and power to be resurrected to those who would believe on him

Was born of God

Had a special witness in John the Baptist

2.       Learn more about the following names or titles of the Savior.  Use the Bible Dictionary and the institute student manual commentary for John 1:1, “How is Jesus the Word of God?”(pg 15) and the commentary for “What is the meaning of the titles, “Christ, Messiah, and Jehovah, immanuel, The Word? ( p.18) Write one or two sentences about the meaning of each title. 

2-8) What Is the Meaning of the Titles “Christ,” “Messiah,” and “Jehovah”?

Jesus was the given name of our Savior. As we spell it, the name is of Greek derivation. Its Hebrew equivalent was Yehoshua or Jeshua, or as we render it in English, Joshua. In its original form, the name literally meant “Help of Jehovah,” “Savior-Deliverer,” or “Jehovah Is Salvation.” The name was made known to Joseph by the angel who appeared to him. (SeeMatthew 1:21.)

“Christ is a sacred title, and not an ordinary appellation or common name; it is of Greek derivation, and in meaning is identical with its Hebrew equivalent Messiah or Messias, signifying the Anointed One. Other titles, each possessing a definitive meaning, such as Emmanuel, Savior, Redeemer, Only Begotten Son, Lord, Son of God, Son of Man, and many more, are of scriptural occurrence; the fact of main present importance to us is that these several titles are expressive of our Lord’s divine origin and Godship. As seen, the essential names or titles of Jesus the Christ were made known before His birth, and were revealed to prophets who preceded Him in the mortal state.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, pp. 35–36.)

The name Jehovah means the “Self-Existent One” or “The Eternal.” It is written in our Old Testament as Lord in capital letters. According to ancient Jewish practice, the name Jehovah or I Am (the Self-Existent One) was not to be spoken for fear of incurring divine wrath.

“Jesus, when once assailed with question and criticism from certain Jews who regarded their Abrahamic lineage as an assurance of divine preferment, met their abusive words with the declaration: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.’ The true significance of this saying would be more plainly expressed were the sentence punctuated and pointed as follows: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham, was I Am’; which means the same as had He said—Before Abraham, was I, Jehovah. The captious Jews were so offended at hearing Him use a name which, through an erroneous rendering of an earlier scripture, they held was not to be uttered on pain of death, that they immediately took up stones with the intent of killing Him.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 37.)Who followed ancient Israel in the wilderness? 

Adoption Help!

There is a family who has brought the sweetest boy home with them for a month from China. They are hoping to find him a forever family by the end of July. If you know of anybody let me know. He is the smiliest little boy ever! Here is a link to their blog http://morell-family.blogspot.com/

Midwinter break + Stacation

As part of our midwinter break from school we like to go have lunch with Dad and visit the Microsoft campus. We brought along a few friends this time, and the kids had so much fun. The older boys had Chinese for lunch, Faith and Lucy had noodles, and I had coconut shrimp, Jeff had a burger. All you can drink pop, juice and chocolate milk make this annual tradition one of the kids favorites!

the view from Jeff's office

Founders of Microsoft...we wish!

Girls playing on the new Surface

boys playing with touch screens

All business here at the Microsoft campus

Shake close by!

Your computer is better than my computer!

Skyping each other

painting bunnies

This is fun!

Another cool technology table

She loves her mama!

pink is the only color to paint with!

drawing on the white erase board in Jeff's office.