Genealogy and Family History Work

At church today, there was a regional broadcast for stake conference. In one of talks, or sermons, there was counsel given concerning doing genealogy and family history work. For me personally I love doing genealogy, because that means I learn something from people who I am directly related to, even for hundreds of years ago, and there is a great love I have for them.
I think when we come to learn of people that we stem from we gain an appreciation of who we are, and even for the things that we have. For instance, I learned a year ago that I go all the way back to Scotland on my father's father's side, and in the middle of that there's Irish; on my father's maternal side we are descendents of French and German immigrants.
There's more of course, but that's just an example. I know on my maternal side I have Swedish ancestors, and ancestors who are from the Southern states, and (probably) fought in the American Civil War for the Confederate Army. I take that position because an ancestor was named after General Robert E. Lee.

Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel

When Joseph Smith 14 years old, he had serious trouble, wondering about the many churches, "If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?" He sought answers from local ministers and preachers of Palmyra, New York. He also sought passage in the Holy Bible. In his own words, he said: "While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." He then expressed the effect that this passage from the Bible had on him: "Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected upon it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible."
Joseph Smith did venture to "ask of God", continuing from his account: "I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally. After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God.
Joseph Smith receive an answer to his prayer, and again, in his own words: "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!"
In answer to Joseph's prayer, he saw both God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This event did occur, and Jesus instructed Joseph to join none of the churches, and that a restoration of His Church would be brought back to the earth.
I know that this account is true, because I have prayed to the Eternal Father about this, and I know it is true by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Learning German and something else.

Thinking about what it is that I should do in my studies at Brigham Young University, I have struggled for a long time in deciding what it is I should do. For a long time, I thought about being a psychologist, maybe take some music lessons, learn a foreign language, and recently, it was brought up to me by my father-in-law about going into Political Science.
Of course, my wife wants me to do for a career what ever I choose to do. She reminded me of a time early in our courtship, that I had expressed a great interest and desire in learning (ancient) foreign languages, and that I would like to travel abroad.
The language that I want to study is German (Deutsch) Ich bin lernen Deutsch. My wife said that she would learn the language with me, and that we can put our children into a German language training program while they are in Elementary School. Recently, since school's been out and I have no job, I have been going through a German Bible (Die Bibel), and the Book of Mormon (Das Buch Mormon). I have started by reading two copies of the Book of Mormon side by side, one in German and one in English, so that I can more easily understand the words that are written in the texts. I have come to see new words in the German that I had difficulty with before; the challenge is being able to retain what I have read and what I am learning.
I was thinking about possibly taking German along with as either a psychology or political science major, but there is still some pondering and praying that I must do on this subject.
I have learned that in German, that Nouns, because all Nouns in German begin with capital letters. The challenges at the moment, as I mentioned before this is retaining what I have read, proper pronunciation, and genders.

Decisions, and trusting the Lord

It's been interesting and difficult these past couple of days. For a very long time, I have been trying to figure out what I should pick as a career. I've always declared to have made a final decision on something or another, but something, or some other thing, calls to me instead.
Since I have returned from my mission however, and after marrying my wife, I am still feel at a stalemate as far as a profession goes. I know that the Lord has given to us talents, and each has a talent of his or her own. I'm still trying to figure mine out I guess. I know some of my talents. For instance, I love art, and I love to teach. I also like to plan things out as well.
In hopes of transferring to Brigham Young University, I want to pursue creative writing, and I have found from a little bit of research recently that there are all sorts of jobs when with creative writing. For instance, I didn't know that "blogging" could help expand a writer's career. It was also suggested to me by my father-in-law to look into being a public administrator. I have done a little research on that too, and am looking at what jobs are available across the United States. I'd like to work in a local community, but I'll go where the Lord wants me to go.
I am also interested in taking classes on the German language, and to become more familiar with the language. My wife suggested that I should pick up Spanish, but I have no interest in it. But she said a follow-up statement afterwards, telling me that German rather suits me more than Spanish. I'm not fluent in any language, save it be my own.
However, the first thing I want to do at Brigham Young University is take a speech/grammar class, including a Basic Writing course to improve my English. I am a man of many weakness, but I know that with the Lord's help, and by having faith in Him, His grace will sufficient to make my weakness to be strength (see Ether 12:27, found in the Book of Mormon).
I will figure out what I want to be, and use my talents and the things that I learn and give them unto the Lord, in establishing His Kingdom here on the earth.
Hosanna!

2 Peter 1-2

2 Peter 1-2

1. Study 2 Peter 1:1-4 and the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:4-8. “What Does It Mean to Be ‘Partakers of the Divine nature’?” (p. 423). Write a statement describing what you can do to more effectively escape “the corruption that is in the world” and partake of divine nature.

I can escape the corruption of the world by first seeking for that which is good and wholesome. We read in the Thirteenth Article of Faith: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. This, by definition, involves disposing of things that represent things that are not virtuous, lovely or of good report. I can escape “the corruption that is in the world” by being selective of personal media that I read, watch and listen to. Any entertainment, dialogues and conversations should not contain any material that is offensive to the Holy Spirit. If we find however, that the Spirit is offended by what we think, say or do, then we need to change our behaviors, and repent of our offense in order to gain the Spirit back into our lives.

2. Read 2 Peter 1:5-7 and compare the attributes of divine nature Peter mentioned with those listed in Doctrine and Covenants 4:5-7. Then describe a particular activity, action, or conduct you could do to further develop each attribute listed from 2 Peter 1:5-7:

·         Faith: activities that I can do to develop faith along with hope, is to study and read the Scriptures on a daily basis, pray frequently throughout the day, as well as attend my church meetings, and perform callings.

·         Virtue: I can have a virtuous conduct by using good language and manners, whether I’m by myself, with my family and friends, and out in public. I can also show virtue in my activities by selecting good music, movies, and books. I can show virtue in my actions by doing good towards others, for instance when I’m out in public I can allow someone to get in front me while driving, hold the door for somebody, etc.

·         Knowledge: I can develop my knowledge by continually “feasting upon the words of Christ”. (2 Ne. 32:3) I can also develop knowledge by seeking “out of the best books words of wisdom” and to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)

·         Temperance: I can develop temperance, or self-control, by developing the self-discipline to wake up at a descent time in the morning, and by going to bed at the appropriate time at night.

·         Patience: I can develop patience over a lifetime of experience. Patience is something you cannot develop overnight.

·         Godliness: I can develop godliness by making sure that I keep the Priesthood Covenants I made at baptism, obtaining the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, and making the New and Everlasting Covenant with my wife in the House of the Lord.

·         Kindness: I can develop kindness in word and deed, by helping those around me, even if they are a total stranger.

·         Charity: I can develop charity, by developing the compassion for those who stand in need of my succor.

3. Read 2 Peter 1:8-12. Several times in these verses Peter used the term “these things.” “These things” are the attributes listed in verse 5-7. Explain in writing what Peter said he would do with “these things.” What did Peter say would happen to those who develop these attributes in abundance?

Peter said he would not be negligent to remind us of these divine attributes. Those who develop these Christ-like attributes will be established in the present truth.

4. Read John 17:3 and 3 Nephi 27:27. Then, write a paragraph describing the relationship between possessing these attributes and knowing the Lord. Why [is it] so important to develop these attributes?

The relationship between developing these Christ-like attributes and knowing the Lord is that as we come to know these attributes we come to understand the faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness and charity of both the Father and the Son. It’s important to develop these attributes because in our mortal journey here on the earth, and as members of the human family, our deepest desire to return to the eternal presence of God, and by developing these traits are what will build character; and they are vital to us preparing to entering godhood.

5. Read 2 Peter 1:10; Mosiah 26:20; Doctrine and Covenants 132:49; and the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:10, “What Is Meant by Having One’s Calling and Election Made Sure?” (p. 423) and “Must an Individual Be Married for eternity to Have His Calling and Election Made Sure?” (p. 423). Describe in writing what Peter exhorts the Saints to seek. What does it mean to make your calling and election sure?

Peter is exhorting the Saints to seek exaltation. We read in the Book of Mormon: “Now is the time for men to prepare to meet God”. In essence with making sure that one’s calling and election is sure is by taking the necessary steps towards exaltation and eternal life. Men must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and be baptized for the remission of sins and receive the great gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see Articles of Faith 1:4). The institute manual teaches that a man or a woman cannot receive eternal life without first receiving marriage in the Temple of God, and having that sealing done by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

6. Read 2 Peter 1:20-21 (note JST footnote a) and the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:21, “How Does One Correctly Interpret Scripture?” (p. 423). Write a paragraph explaining what Peter taught about interpreting the scriptures. How can you ensure that you interpret scriptures correctly? How have the teaching of Church leaders or the guidance of the Spirit helped you understand a particular scripture?

Peter taught that there is no private interpretation to be given by the will and mind of man, but rather is to be dictated by the teachings of the Holy Spirit of God. Prophecy is given by the power of the Spirit and by the will of God, but not by the will of man. I can make sure that I’m interpreting the scriptures correctly by praying for the Holy Ghost to confirm and correct the interpretation. I can also seek the words from church authorities in helping me understand the interpretation of the scriptures.

Works of Righteousness

L06 Share and Report

Choice Three: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

·        1.  How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

We should be hospitable to strangers, and to remember those who are in bonds, which do suffer so in adversity.

·         2. How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is looked upon to be honored.

·         3. What warnings are given about covetousness?

We are warned to not covet those things that do not belong to us, and we should not covet for those things which do not have. Rather, we should “be content with such things as [we] have” (v. 5).

·        4.  What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is eternal and has no end. Therefore, God cannot be changed.

·        5.  How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, and we are to apply His Atonement into our lives.

·         How do we respond to those who rule over us?

6.We are to remember and obey those who have the rule over us; to submit ourselves unto those who watch our souls. This is regarding to obey leaders within the Church.

·         7. Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

Paul asks the people to pray for him and his fellow apostles and mission companions. We likewise should pray for our church leaders, our home and visiting teachers, our families and for our missionaries.