Teaching

2 Peter 2:1-19 teaches us to be aware of false teachers and how we can identify them.

Characteristics of False Teachers:

Teach Heresies Deny the Lord Speak feigned words Make their teaching a business Walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness

Despise the government Presumptuous Selfwilled Not afraid to speak evil of dignities Find rioting as a pleasure

Adulterous Sinful Unstable Speak alluring words of vanity Promise liberty when bondage results Covetousness

How this list helps me recognize false teachers today:

If I hear people with these characteristics or teaching things with these characteristics, I can know to be weary and that these people are most likely false teachers.  Because the scriptures share this information, I will know what to be aware of and what false teachers are like.

Dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world:”

2 Peter 2:20-22 teaches us that it’s worse to know righteousness and to turn back to the “pollutions of the world.”  Doctrine & Covenants 82:3 teaches us that “to much is given, much is required.”  When we are given light and truth, we are accountable for the knowledge we have and how we choose to use it.  Verse 7 of the same chapter teaches us that when a person repents, but goes back to their old ways, their old sins will return to them.  If we want to be forgiven of our sins, we must always strive to live the gospel and keep the commandments.

Use the Spirit to Come to the Lord

2 Corinthians 3:6 teaches us that “the Spirit giveth life.”  Conversely, Romans 6:23 teaches us that "the wages of sin is death."  It is essential that we do our best to invite the Spirit into our lives, to avoid sin as much as possible, and to repent when we fall short.

2 Corinthians is full of information and teachings of the Spirit and how we can become closer to God.

2 Corinthians 4:6-10 - We must be hopeful as we face life by always having Christ in our hearts and minds.  God is our strength and will help us overcome everything.  

2 Corinthians 4:14-18 - Gratitude will strengthen us and bring us closer to God.

2 Corinthians 5:7-10 - We must walk by faith rather than sight.  This means putting our trust in God.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - We must be ambassadors of Christ, bear testimony and witness of Him.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - We must strengthen each other, help each other, and be united in faith.

2 Corinthians 7:1, 9-10 - We must cleanse ourselves through sincere repentance and strive to always to better.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - We can face difficulties and trials with strength as we rely on Christ.

I know that as we strive to live with Christ's Spirit in our lives, we will be strengthened in our daily lives and feel the presence of God with us.  We are so blessed to have a God who loves and cares about us and will help us when we need Him.

Del Norte County, California
Photography by my mom :)

Paul's Counsel for Members

Paul shares wonderful counsel and advice for believers of Christ in 1 Thessalonians. 3:12-13, 4:1-12, 5:1-22, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11

There is a very lengthy list of things that he counseled the members to work on, which are all things that we can improve and work on today!  I chose 3 attributes that he shared that I want to improve on.  They are:

Love One Another

This is one of Christ’s great commandments – to love God and to love your neighbor.  I want to work on loving those around me by seeing them as children of God – my brothers and sisters.  I can do this at work, church, and at home by looking for ways to serve those around me and express my love for them in simple, meaningful ways.  I know that even a smile, or a friendly “hello” can make a difference and life someone’s day.

Comfort & Edify One Another

This one goes along with love one another, but I want to work on this as well.  I want to look for ways to edify others and one thing I want to do is to just share simple, conversational testimony.  Sharing my blessings with others, acknowledging God’s hand in my life.  I can also be attentive and give comfort or encouragement to others.  I can do this by sharing my testimony and telling of all the blessings I receive from God each day, which will help them think of their own many blessings and feel better.

Pray Without Ceasing

It’s easy for me to get into a prayer routine, but the Bible encourages us to pray always.  To pray without ceasing.  I can and should pray about anything and everything.  So this is something I will work on – I want to pray about my daily situations, give thanks for daily blessings, and just have my mind and heart centered on Jesus Christ.

I know that I can improve on these things as I turn to the Lord for help.  I know that I will be blessed for my efforts as I strive to follow the counsels of His servants.

The Institution Of The Sacrament

All too often we forget that the last supper is really two events rather than just one.  On that night the Savior preformed a traditional Passover feast in the tradition of Moses, but then at the end added a new element, the bread and wine which were specifically given to the apostles as an ordinance to “do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

It is important to remember that Passover was instituted not only as a commemoration for the temporal salvation of Israel in the time of Moses,  but also as a sign pointing forward to the future total salvation of all humanity from Spiritual and Temporal death through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, as the Passover pointed forward, the Sacrament of the Lords Supper points backwards to the fundamental event of existence. Both the Passover and the Sacrament place stress on the obligation and covenant to remember, something that is fundamental to accepting and applying the atonement of the Savior in our lives.

I think that the covenant of Remembrance makes the Sacrament a unique ordinance in the church. All of the other Ordinances of the Priesthood are divided into two categories – Temporal ordinances (such as naming and blessing children, blessing the sick, setting apart to a calling, etc.) and Ordinances of Salvation (Baptism, Confirmation, Temple Ordinances, etc.). The easiest way to differentiate between the two is that the first category does not involve covenants and many can be received several times in a lifetime, while the second category all involve covenants and almost always are only received once for ones self. However, only the Sacrament blurs the line between the two, it is the only ordinance involving a covenant that we receive multiple times in our life. Perhaps the reason for this is that we are covenanting to remember, something that we must do frequently as we live here on earth.

But the sacrament is more than just a replacement for or reiteration of the Passover, it is a reminder that the Lord no longer requires a physical sacrifice of an animal, but rather a sacrifice of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Ne 9:19-20). While the breaking of bread may be more palatable to our modern sensibilities than torn animal flesh, we should always remember that it represents the broken body of our Lord, and that we should be grateful for the suffering he endured for our sake.

Preparing For The Savior's Second Coming

Mark 13 is a great chapter that addresses the Savior's Second Coming.  Christ states that if we take heed, we won't be deceived.  The words "take heed" and "watch" appear many times in this chapter.  This is a good way for us to know what we  can do to be prepared.  There are numerous things that are listed that we can watch for.  Some of them include:

False Christs

Wars & Rumors of Wars

The Gospel of Christ will be shared in all nations


Other References To The Second Coming:
Doc & Cov 87:8 directs us to stand in holy placed and be not moved.
Joseph Smith - Matthew has some great resources as well!  As we treasure up the word of God, we will not be deceived.  We need to continually do God's work and will.
As long as we are faithful and praying always, we can be prepared for His coming. (Doc & Cov 33:17)
We need to receive the truth and have the Holy Spirit as our guide.  (Doc & Cov 45:56-57)

I know that as we strive to follow Christ and live as He would have us live, we'll be prepared for His Second Coming and won't be deceived.  I'm grateful for the guidance that the scriptures provide, as well as the Holy Spirit.  The gospel is our source of truth and peace.

The Widow's Mites

Mark 12:41-44 tells the account of a widow who donated all that she had – two mites.  This account contains a powerful example for all of us.  Earlier in the same chapter, Christ says that the first commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:28-30)  This widow’s love was apparent in her sacrifice of two mites.

While others gave much more than two mites, her offering had more value because it was all she had.  When it comes to giving of ourselves to the Lord, it’s quality that counts.  If we give a lot, but hold back even more, that means even less than the two mites that the lady gave.  2 Nephi 25:23 states the importance of doing all we can throughout our life for God, and after that are we saved by His grace.  This widow did just that – she did everything she could, gave everything she had, and for that she was certainly blessed.

Giving to the Lord is more than just donating money.  It includes giving of our time, talents, friendship and love.  We can magnify our church assignments and callings.  We can be kind to others.  We can strive to obey God’s commandments and follow Christ’s teachings.  As we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and fully give of ourselves, we will be richly blessed throughout our lives.

Parables & Accounts That Teach Eternal Truths

Parable of the Unjust Steward

Luke 16:1-12

This unjust steward knew he would soon lose his position as steward, and went about making preparations for his future life.  The message here is that we, knowing that we’ll return to God one day, must do all we can to prepare for our future of eternal life.

Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31

There are two different states or conditions of our postmortal lives – paradise and prison.  Jesus Christ bridged the gap of these two states and the gospel is preached within all parts of the spirit world.

The Ten Lepers

Luke 17:11-19

The faith of these lepers was tested when Christ asked them to show themselves to the priest, and they were healed along the way.  Only one, a Samaritan, of the ten returned to give thanks to Jesus.  Not only is our faith important in receiving blessings and miracles, but giving thanks is important as well.

The Ten Lepers

Parable of the Unjust Judge

Luke 18:1-8

This parable shows that even an unjust judge who doesn’t care about God or others will eventually respond to the pleas of others.  This assures us that God, who is merciful and just, will definitely hear our pleas and readily answer.

Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican

Luke 18:9-14

This parable demonstrates the importance of humility.  Self-righteousness, pride, and self-exaltation will only lead to a decline.  Humility will lead to true exaltation.

Being A Disciple Of Jesus Christ

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

• Listening to the Lord, even when you’re busy
• Praying to God, thanking Him for blessings and asking for help
• Recognizing that God knows what’s best for you and being patient when asking for His help
• Not seeking worldly treasure, but building up spiritual treasure
• Not being so concerned with yourself, but having faith in the Lord to direct your life
• Striving to follow the Lord
• Being committed to the Lord and following Him is your priority
• Not being selfish, but helping others
• Trusting God to answer your prayers in the best way possible

One of these things I want to work on in my own life is helping others.  Christ served all who were around Him.  By following that example, I can become more like a disciple of Christ.  It’s important to take opportunities to serve those around us.  I know from my own experiences that as I take the time to help others, I am so full of peace and joy because I know I did the right thing.  I am happier when I serve others.  I tend to feel busy and trying to look for ways to help others is definitely something I can work on.  But I know that if I do this, I will see blessings in my life and will feel good about taking the time to serve.

Ultimately, what is required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is entirely dedicating oneself to God and realizing all we have are blessings from Him.  As we strive to align our will with God’s, we can all become disciples of Christ and enjoy the peace and happiness that comes from doing so.

Faith To Be Healed

There is an account of a boy who was in need of healing (Matthew 17:14-21).  He was brought to Christ’s disciples first, but they could not heal him.  The boy was then brought to Christ, who healed him, leaving the disciples to ask why they were unable to heal him themselves.  Christ answered and told them of three important things they must have and do:

1. Faith
2. Prayer
3. Fasting

Here are some additional scriptures about blessings from God:

• 3 Nephi 18:20 – If what we ask for is right, God will give it. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 50:29 – If we are clean from sin, we can ask God for blessings and we will receive them. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 42:48 – We must have faith to be healed in order to be healed. 

Blessings are a special gift from God.  I’ve received blessings when I’ve been sick and have recovered quickly because of them.  It’s always important to remember that we are healed according to our faith, just as the scriptures indicate.  I’m grateful to have these blessings available to us.

Walking On The Sea

I love the account of Jesus walking on water. (Matthew 14:22-33)  When the Apostles initially saw Christ walking towards them on the water, they were troubled and feared that it was a spirit.  But Jesus called out to them and told them it was Him and to be not afraid.  Peter responded by asking if he could walk out to Him on the water, and he did so for a little bit.  But there was boisterous wind and the sea was tossed with waves, and Peter became afraid, causing him to start sinking.  He cried out saying, “Lord, save me,” and Christ immediately reached out to him.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:67 says:  “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.”

This scripture relates well with Peter walking on the sea.  President Howard W Hunter that said:

Peter sprang over the vessel’s side and into the troubled waves, and while his eyes were fixed upon the Lord, the wind might toss his hair and the spray might drench his robes, but all was well. Only when with wavering faith he removed his glance from the Master to look at the furious waves and the black gulf beneath him, only then did he begin to sink. Again, like most of us, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Nor did Jesus fail him. He stretched out his hand and grasped the drowning disciple with the gentle rebuke, “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

“It is my firm belief that if as individual people, as families, communities, and nations, we could, like Peter, fix our eyes on Jesus, we too might walk triumphantly over the swelling waves of disbelief and remain unterrified amid the rising winds of doubt. But if we turn away our eyes from him in whom we must believe, as it is so easy to do and the world is so much tempted to do, if we look to the power and fury of those terrible and destructive elements around us rather than to him who can help and save us, then we shall inevitably sink in a sea of conflict and sorrow and despair.

“At such times when we feel the floods are threatening to drown us and the deep is going to swallow up the tossed vessel of our faith, I pray we may always hear amid the storm and the darkness that sweet utterance of the Savior of the world: ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid’(Matt. 14:27)” (Ensign, Nov. 1992).

As we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, we will be able to endure waves and storms in our own lives.  I’m grateful for the Savior and the strength He gives me.  I hope that I can keep my eye single to God.  I know that as I strive to do so, I will be blessed.

The Beatitudes

I love the Beatitudes – they are one of my very favorite parts of the New Testament.  Matthew 5:1-12 contains the beautiful Sermon of the Mount that Jesus Christ delivered.  This Sermon is the greatest sermon ever given.  It contains blessings known as the Beatitudes.

The word Beatitude comes from the Latin word beatus.  The word beatus is defined as “to be fortunate,” “to be happy,” or “to be blessed.”  I think this word is very fitting, due to the truth of each Beatitude and the blessing accompanying each one. 

In the Beatitudes, you will find a lot of “blessed” and “blessedness” going on.  According to the LDS Guide tothe Scriptures, blessed and blessedness is explained “to confer divine favor upon someone. Anything contributing to true happiness, well-being, or prosperity is a blessing.”  This stands true for the Beatitudes.  They definitely are a divine favor to each of us and they definitely contribute to true happiness, well-being, and prosperity.

The Beatitudes

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Blessed Are They That Mourn

Blessed Are the Meek

Blessed Are They That Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Blessed Are the Merciful

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted

That is obviously a very basic list of them.  I want to focus on three of them and share more about them.

1. "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

This is a blessing that is present in anyone’s lives.  And we all can receive comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ.  He knows exactly how we feel as we face difficulties or challenges and He knows exactly how to help us.  As we turn to Him and rely on him for strength and help, we will be comforted through the Holy Ghost.  I know that because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, I will never be alone or helpless.  Jesus Christ will always be there for me and I can receive peace and comfort from the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

 2. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” – Matthew 5:6 

As we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will be lead down the path of Christ.  As we seek out to study, pray, take the Sacrament and attend the Temple, our spirits will be filled.  I’ve seen this to be true in my own life – as I make a continued effort to pray daily, study God’s words in the scriptures,  go to church and the Temple, I have an increased desire to follow Christ and to come closer to Him.  I also feel closer to Him and feel the Spirit more strongly in my life.

3. “Blessed are peacemakers: for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.  It is through following Jesus Christ and His example that we can return to God.  As we strive to be peacemakers in our own lives, we will be blessed with peace and the happiness that comes from following Christ’s example.  When I’ve had the opportunity to be a peacemaker at home, work, ,or school, I have benefitted from the peace of mind and heart that follows.  I know that I can be a good influence and make a difference in the lives of others, as well as my own.

I love the teachings and principles that Christ taught and I know that following them will bring us happiness and peace.

We Must Be Born Again

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”  - John 3:3

What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?

First of all, you can see a place without actually entering it.  For example – Temples.  Many people visit temple grounds and see the beautiful Houses of the Lord.  They even feel His spirit there, but it takes more than just seeing the temple to receive the numberless blessings it provides in our lives.  We must do more – we must be doing all we can to follow Christ’s teachings.  We must obtain temple recommends through proper authority that signifies our person worthiness and efforts in living the gospel.  We must be willing to make promises to follow God.  And as we make these addition steps, not only will we see the temples, but we will enter the temple.  I think the same holds true for the kingdom of God.  It’s one thing to see it, but it takes more to enter.

What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must to do enter the kingdom of God?

• Jesus taught that we must be born again.  He said we must be born of water and of the Spirit.  Mosiah 5:7 sheds some addition light concerning being “born again.”  It says that as we make covenants (promises) with God, we become His children, sons and daughters, and our hearts change and we are born of Him.  So as we change and improve our lives and make promises with God to follow Him, we can be “born of God.” 

What does it mean to be “born of water?”

• Being “ born of water” indicates baptism.  Jesus Christ gave us the perfect example of the necessity of all to be baptized.  As we make the promise to follow God as we are baptized, it is a symbolic rebirth, as we are immersed into the water and come up fresh and new.

• Moses 6:59 demonstrates a ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth by discussing how transgression brings the fall (death).  Being cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ is the way for us to live again.  Just as we come to earth, we must be cleansed and born again through water (baptism) and live again with God.

• Romans 6:4 exemplifies baptism as symbol of death by describing “we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”  I like this illustration of newness that comes from baptism.  We go into the water, symbolizing death, and we are raised out of the water as a new being.

What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit?”

• Being born of the Spirit indicates the gift of the Holy Ghost.  That is the next step after baptism, or being born of water.  We receive this gift by the laying on of hands by those with authority to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  As we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we will have the blessing of guidance, direction, comfort, and knowledge in our lives.

• God compares the Spirit to the wind in John 3:8.  The wind blows where it will.  We can hear the wind, but do we know where it comes from or where it’s going?  This is a good comparison because we can hear the promptings of the Spirit and feel its presence in our lives, although it is subtle like the wind.  But also like the wind, it comes from something greater, and is going on to do great things.

To end, there are a couple of meaningful passages in John 3.  Verses 14-17 and 35-36 show of God’s great love for the world and all His children.  He loves us so much that he gave his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  He gave His Son that we can be saved and return to Him.  He loves His Son as well, and He trusted Him to do His will.  And if we accept and follow and believe in Him, God promises everlasting life and salvation.  This is a beautiful promise and I’m grateful for this knowledge that I have.  I know that we are children of God, that He loves each of us, and if we follow Him, we can return to Him through the Atonement and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Names and Titles of Jesus Christ

• Christ:  This is a sacred title and was not an everyday name.  It is Greek for “the anointed” and corresponds with the Hebrew names “Messiah” or “Messias,” which also mean “the anointed.”  It shows the Lords divine origin.

•  Messiah:  Messiah is the Aramaic word meaning “The anointed.”  This name is essentially interchangeable with “Christ” in definition.  It exemplifies the fact of Christ’s preordination.

•  Jehovah:   The Bible Dictionary defines this name as “Unchangeable One” and “The eternal I AM.”  The Institute Manual says it means “Self-Existent One” or “The Eternal.”  “I Am” denotes “Self Existent One”, so it’s neat to see how these names all intertwine and help us to understand the significance of this title.

•  Immanuel:  This name means “God with us.”  It’s a name-title given in Isaiah as a sign of God’s deliverance.

•  The Word:  Because Jesus is the Son of God and does the will of God, He essentially becomes a proxy of the Word of God.  Talmage wrote “…the Father operated in the work of creation through the Son, who thus became the executive through whom the will, commandment, or word of the Father was put into effect. It is with incisive appropriateness therefore, that the Son, Jesus Christ, is designated by the apostle John as the Word…” (Jesus the Christ, 33).

Alexis and Michael's Wedding

Alexis and Michael got married on 26 May 2011 at the Bountiful Utah Temple!

More photos can be found here.

Mission Call!!!

I received my mission call this morning!!!

To the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission!!!!!!

Words cannot describe how excited I am! I wish I could go NOW!

But, I leave for the MTC on 18 February 2009! Hurrah!