1 John 1–3. That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God

Read 1 John 1:1–4. Describe in writing John’s desire for those he wrote to. Study the following scripture references and then list what these verses teach about how we can come to know God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:

o       1 John 1:8–10

                * Once given is a conference report was a statement that said "That feeling of guilt is to the spirit what pain is to the physical body however guilt can be harder to bear than physical pain." We all have the ability to repents ans be forgiven of our sins. 

o       1 John 2:3–6

                 * When we claim that we know God, it bears great responsibility, and an apostle has given us information to check our knowledge of God. We show God that we love him by following his commandments. 

o       1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19

                 * Always strive to do good to all those around you. Show your love to everyone in a way that God shows love to you. 

o       1 John 2:15–17

                 * We should not seek after the things of the world. We should also not give into temptations of the world or from the world. Live within our means. 

o       1 John 2:20–21, 27

                 * Others will not be able to lie to us due to the fact that we know the truths of all things and believe them. 

o       1 John 3:4–6

                * We are shown forgiveness and love by our Father in heaven and he will never leave us. 

2.    Choose one of the ways to have greater joy and fellowship with God as you described it above, and write a paragraph explaining how you can better implement those principles in your life.

              * I know that for me showing love to others when they have offended you in one way or another is a very hard thing to do. I try to forgive however I am not one to forget easily. I know that I must rely on the Lord and go to him in time of need when I am having a hard time being nice or forgiving to those who have offended me. 

Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only

James 1

1.    Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:

       What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?

* If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God

* Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath

* Be doers of the word, and not hearers only

      How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?

* To ask in faith without ever wavering. When you are leaning on the Lord for answers, this is the time that you will need your own faith to be strong.  

      How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?

* We believe in one God and he is always there for us. We can not believe one thing and then follow a different lifestyle. We must follow what we know to be true and make the better of two choices when faced with them. 

      From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

* We can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ by being a doer and not just a listener. We need to remember in times of trial and frustrations to be a good listen and to not speak to quickly. We should not react to things just based on emotions. We need to really think about them and then think before we speak. 

      Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.

* My daughters primary teacher sends a review of the lesson in the mail to each child that misses class on Sunday every single week. 

* My visiting teacher who comes into my home to uplift me and see how my life is going. 

2.    Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.

* We can relate to Joseph Smith in our search for truth

* We must all gain wisdom from God to stay on the straight and narrow

* If we lack wisdom and need the help of the heavens that they are there

Works of Righteousness

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

• How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

We are told to treat them kindly and have compassion on them. We should talk to them and listen carefully with our hearts. We should treat them as if it was our-self. 

• How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is held in high regards to the Lord. We should be honorable as it is our ultimate goal in this life. 

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

We need to be happy with what we have and enjoy the blessings in our own lives. 

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

Our Savior is. He does not ever waiver. He is the same today and he was yesterday or will be tomorrow. 

• How are we sanctified?

Through the atonement, we are all sanctified. 

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

We are told to obey those who rule over us. Grief is not profitable to us so we must have joy. 

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

Paul asked for prayers for himself and the other leaders and missionaries that were trying to share the gospel with the people around them. In doing this, it shows that he knew that prayer can go a long ways in the eyes of the Lord and those around him. 

Epistle to the Hebrews

1.    Refer to “Epistle to the Hebrews” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 746–47). Read the first paragraph and the “Analysis of Hebrews,” number 1–5. Make a list of what Jesus Christ is superior to.

* Jesus Christ is superior to angels 
* He is greater than Moses
* Inheritance of the world

2.    Read Hebrews 1. Make a list of three truths Paul taught about the Savior Jesus Christ.

* Jesus Christ created all the worlds around us
* Jesus Christ suffered for our sins
* Jesus Christ is great than angels
 
3.    Read Hebrews 2:7–18; 4:13–16; Alma 7:11–15; Doctrine and Covenants 122:8. In writing describe how these scriptures explain reasons the Son of God came to earth to experience mortality.

* Christ came to the earth so that he could suffer the sins of the world for us. We have the atonement in place for us to be able to return to him because he did suffer for us. Christ has lived on the earth and knows what we are going through and he also knows our hearts. He is always there for us if we allow him to be. He had to come here and suffer for us so that we would have a way back to him again.


 

Philippians

Choice 1: Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

For each of the following common challenges, write the counsel from Philippians that you would use to resolve it:

• People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).
• Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).
• An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).
• How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? 

1.The lord really likes people with a positive attitude and who can keep their emotions in check. We need to remember to always look at each other as equals. We are all Christ’s children and accepted the plan before being sent to earth. As the primary song states, “Jesus says love everyone!”

2. We must remember to gain our own testimony and not rely on the actions of others to gain it. We need to gain and feed our testimonies through things that we discover on our own. We were put on this earth to be tried and tested so that we could discover on our own the strength and faith that we have. The Lord will not give us more than we can handle.

3. Paul tells us that "all good can be found in Christ." The Lord will not let a convert join the church and then have a miserable life. If we follow Christ then we will be blessed and be able to lead a life in the right direction. 

4. The Holy Ghost speaks to us and we have the power to either accept that or deny it. The scriptures help to remind us about how our Father in heaven wants us to live. As long as we listen to the prophet and follow the commandments, life will be great. 

Living as saints should live

Choice 1: Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live

1.    Review Romans 13:11 and look for what is “nearer.” Read Ezekiel 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

             Keeping the commandments of God and enduring to the end will help us to have everlasting life. In Ezekiel it explains that we need to walk in righteousness so that when we run into temptation, it won't hurt us. 

2.    In Romans 12-13 Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. Read each of the following verses and list what Paul taught would help lead to salvation:

  Romans 12:1-- Present our bodies a living sacrifice acceptable by God                

  Romans 12:2-- Transform your mind and be renewed

  Romans 12:9-- Adhor that which is evil and clean to that which is good

  Romans 12:13-- Give to others in times of need

  Romans 12:16-- Don't think you are better than others

  Romans 12:21-- Overcome the evil things with good

  Romans 13:1-- Be obedient unto Christ

  Romans 13:3-- Make sure you are always doing your best and not judging 

                        others of their mistakes.

  Romans 13:8-- Love one another

  Romans 13:9-- Follow the commandments of God

3.    Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

o       What cautions did Paul give about judging?

                He cautioned us against unrighteous judgement against one another. We don't know the struggles of others around us and if we judge them unrighteously then we can be a burden to them. 

o       People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember?

                That we are all saints and we need to love each other always

o       What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27?

          We all come from the same God and it is not our place to judge others around us. We are to leave that up to our maker and do the best we can on this earth to help others around us. 

4.    Review Romans 15:25-26, 31; 16:2, 15. Write the term Paul frequently used to refer to members of the Church in his day.

               The Saints

Baptism

Review Romans 6:1–13 and answer the following questions in writing: 

o       What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?

                 We must repent of our sin and prepare ourselves. We need to also remind ourselves to never commit the sin again and be obedient. 

o       What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism?

                  Jesus dying on the cross and being risen from the dead are symbols of baptism. We will be resurrected and able to rise again free from sin. 

o       Considering this symbolism, why couldn't someone be baptized by sprinkling?

                     A person needs to be fully submerged in water showing that we are submerging ourselves into living a Christ like life. 

o       What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the “newness of life”?

                     Through baptism and receiving the gift of the holy ghost, we are given a second chance to live as we should to be able to return to live with Him again. 

o       According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism?

                     The natural man would ideally die at baptism.

2.    Study Romans 6:14–23. Write a paragraph that describes how we know whose servant we are. Then write a statement identifying the true source of freedom.

            Jesus freed us from our natural man. It is through our choices we make as to he we are servant to. If we are always choosing bad then we are Satan's servant however if we choose the right and follow Christ then we are servants of his. We can know that we are following Christ through the spirit and by the choices we make. 

There is no freedom like the freedom from choosing the right and following the gospel standards. 

Forgiveness

2 Corinthians 2: 1-11
Matthew 6: 14-15
D&C 64: 9-10

What were the people of Corinth commanded to do "if any caused grief"?

What blessings do we see if we forgive?

What is the danger in failing to forgive?


The people of Corinth were commanded to forgive. They were also commanded to love one another. We are told to not only forgive but also ask for forgiveness. We also should give love and comfort to those we have caused pain or troubles to.

God will forgive us if we forgive others of their trespasses. It will also help us to have a fulfilling life and peace of mind if we do not hold grudges.

We are told that if we do not forgive others than God will not forgive us. We also must live with the burden of it until we can forgive. It causes a hard and heavy heart. It is worse in the eyes of our Father to not forgive someone than it is to be the trespasser 


Here is a great Mormon message on the power of forgiveness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7zwQ_7q-fU

How Christ helps us overcome sin

Corinthians 10:1-14 and Alma 13:28
       
        How is Jesus Christ like a rock?


** When we follow Christ, we have a firm foundation and know that Christ is the corner stone to the gospel in which we live today. 

**All the challenges that he has given us, are helping us to learn and grow by choosing to follow HIm. 

**If we pray and think of Christ and do all those good things constantly, there is NOTHING that can overpower us and bring us down.

** Rocks that are heavy (with pure knowledge) can not be easily moved

**Christ never waivers from what he believes and neither should we.

**This reminds me of one of my children's favorite primary songs, The wise man and the foolish man. We must think and act like the wise man in order to stand strong. If we waiver and fall away, we will be "washed away"

Proper Authority & Ministering to the People

Acts 19 & 20

5 Priesthood ordinances that Paul performed
          * Healing the sick
          * Baptism
          * Laying on of hands for the girt of the Holy Ghost
          * The Sacrament
          * Miracles

---What did Paul do for the Corinthian saints because it hadn't been done right the first time?
                   * He baptized them the correct way. They had been baptized but never received the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

---How does this help answer the question many nonmembers have about the need of being baptized when they have already been baptized?
                   * When a person is baptized they are done so in the ordinances of that particular church. We are baptized in the name of Christ in our church and so new members need to baptized with the proper authority by someone who is worthy. 

---In what way did Paul bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost?
                   *Just as Christ did with his apostles and disciples, the laying on of hands with the proper Preisthood power.

---On what day of the week did the saints meet to break the bread? What evidence  is there in John 20:1, 19 for why the Sabbath day was changed?
                   *The first day of the week which is Sunday. It is the day that Christ was resurrected and we remember Him on that day. 

Paul's 2nd mission

Acts 16 & 18

            1. Trace Paul’s second missionary journey from Bible Map 13. List the names of four cities he visited, to whom he later wrote epistles. Read Acts 16:6–10; 18:9–11. Write a paragraph explaining the different ways the Holy Ghost directed Paul and his companions during their journey. Write a second paragraph describing how the Spirit has directed your missionary efforts, and one way you could be more directed by the Spirit in your life.
                 *Macedoni
                 *Philippi
                 *Athens
                 *Galatia

The Holy Ghost directed Paul in his companions by omitting himself from their presence. Paul was directed by the spirit to not go and preach the gospel in Asia. He was also told where to go to do the most good. A vision came to Paul of a man praying for them to come to Macedonia and they immediately went there.  Both times in a vision Paul was led and told where to go to preach and where not to go.

For me personally I try my best to ask those to join me in church. I remember growing up I babysat for a lady that lived next to us. I brought her kids to church with me every Sunday to be an example to her. She never did join the church and neither did either of her two boys. Even though they did not, I feel as though I left an impression in their hearts. Sometimes being a missionary is hard and you will not always find those who are willing to accept the gospel. I remember many times getting letters from my brother who did or who are currently serving missions and the heartache that comes when someone chooses not to join. I try to be an example to my husband and children as well. I invite others to come to church with me.  

2.   Review Acts 16:9–33. Make a list of the reasons Paul was able to preach the gospel so effectively. 

                      *Paul follows promptings immediately

                      *Searched for those that were ready for the Gospel & talked to those around        

                        him

                      * He withstood trial and rejection on more than one occasion

                      *Paul didn't lose faith and hope and he testified with power of Christ

      **In what ways did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities?

                 When Paul could have escaped from the jail after the earthquake he didn't  he set his own life aside in order to preach the gospel. It would have been so easy for him to just go however he knew that he had the opportunity to teach and he did not pass that up. 

     **What can you learn from Paul’s missionary experiences?

                  I can learn to never give up hope. I can try to better understand the scriptures so that I can teach others. I should not be afraid to teach those around me or those that may ask questions. He taught me that I need to be a better missionary in my home and teach my young children that they can be missionaries right now. 

Herod and Peter

New Testament, Acts 12


         Herod tried to take all the glory and all the power for himself,  he was very prideful and he died in his pride. Peter knew that God is in control of all things and he believed the angel was showing him a vision of his release. Then he realized it was real and he was free. He went to another place to rejoice and to preach the good news. I am sure that his testimony was even deeper because of his experience in prison where everything about his life was out of his control and he could only depend on his faith in Christ. Herod dealt with others by using his power and having them killed or sent to prison. Peter was very caring and loving towards others and always gave them the benefit of the doubt. 




*It would seem that Peter was in a situation where escape would be impossible. He was in chains, and guards were everywhere. But with God all things are possible. You may be in a situation where escape seems impossible. Pray to God about it. Ask him to give you wisdom and show you the way of escape. 

*Find an adult that you can trust and seek counsel from that person. It may be someone very close to you in your family. It may be a teacher, a minister, a school nurse, or a counselor. 

Challenges with a blended family

Husband and wife need to have boundaries and counsels of clear ways to communicate with the children. My husband comes from a blended family and he was an only child for 9 years until the first half sibling came along. I see ways in which they struggle and other ways that they don't. His dad has since divorced his step mom and is living with someone else. This is very hard and frustrating to watch.

National Data from census: 62% of children end up spending time with people other than their biological parents. this statistic is sad for me to see. I would never want my own children to think that I don't care for them or that someone else is mom or dad.

Treating the remarried family (Book)
     *It takes 2 years to adjust to each other
     *birth parents need to handle the discipline
     *step parent/adoptive parent need to be a really good aunt/uncle to the children
     *The parents need to have counsels and discussions about the children
I think these are all very important things that we need to remember. I hope that I never find myself in a situation where I am having to do this.

*If you slow down the process of a divorce, less divorces happen!

Becoming a parent

Prepare and protect our children to survive and thrive in the world they are going to live in! This statement really stuck out to me this week because I lay awake some nights wondering if I am teaching my kids everything they need to know in order to do this. As a mom it scares me to death to think of things they will deal with as children that I never had to face until I was an adult.

Purpose of parenting
   -refine parents
   -become more like God
   -closer to divinity

Children need:
   *courage
   *responsibility
   *respect
   *cooperation
Choices and consequences!!

We must not use natural consequences with our children. They are too dangerous, too far in the future and they affect other people. We need to teach our children to work through their problems on their own unless it breaks a family rule.

*Teach our children by example
       *How were you taught respect?
              -example, family prayer, respecting our Heavenly Father and by watching other disrespect other and never wanting to be like them. You can never get enough of what you don't need because what you need can't satisfy you.

Family crisis & power/conflict in marriage

What is a crisis?
     not prepared for, problems, urgent and important. Danger and an opportunity

We can let a crisis define us or we can let it refine us. We learn to think from our own parents. Our brain follows our thoughts. If you can find the lies in your thoughts and fill them with truths, life will be better.

ABCX Model

A- Actual Stressor Event
B- Both resources and responses
C- Congnition (thoughts)
X- eXperience

When you are stressing or blaming someone for something.....YOU
    *need something to blame
    *wanting control over the situation
    *trying to solve the problem
    *need someone to blame

Boundaries can change in your family to allow growth. Always keep your communication open and honest with your spouse. You can both have the same "stressor" going on in your life yet you will handle it differently from one another. The best way we can make decisions is with each other.

$tre$$---value what is important.
D&C 93--truth and light

Sexual Intamacy and Family Life

Wow this was a fun topic in class :)

The most important sex organ is the BRAIN.

Brain
   *Seratonin- the feel good chemical
   *Dopamine- neurotransmitter, naturally occurring, excitement
   *Oxytocin- emotional attachments (bonding)

Challenges                                Opportunities
outside decisions                     showing spouse you care
backgrounds                           chance to get away
previous bonds                        bonding will last longer
timing                                      sacrifice for one another
female response                      sacrifice with one another
communication

Be comfortable talking about intimacy in your marriage. You need to have a good sex life so that one doesn't stray. The best love making is done when you give your intent to your spouse. President Kimball said that he never worked with a couple where sex was not an issue.
 

Transitions in marriage

Factors of why some people don't marry
   1. opportunity doesn't arise
   2. perspective
   3. Must have resources first

Early marital adjustments can be some of the hardest ones in a marriage. You are discovering things about each other you may not have known during the dating phase. You need to learn to share your budget and time equally. You learn to share a bed. You have to learn to make decisions together instead of independently. You need to accept flaws and always be aware of the other person. Another big adjustment early on in marriage can be adding kids into the mix. You need to keep your marriage on top during this phase. If not you could grow apart.
Some reasons why you can grow apart are:
     *birth order
     *sharing resources
     *children are demanding
     *draining of time, money and finances
     *parenting styles are not the same
     *hormones and emotions changing
     *men "think" their wife loves the child more now
     *men think women are not happy with them anymore

Don't make your kids your CHORE kids!!

Preparing for marriage

This week was a great week in class because I am married so it is easy to see where I went wrong or things I didn't do when preparing. I have a great marriage though so even though I didn't follow the "steps" needed, I think I still did alright.

R.A.M.
   Relationship Attachment Model

know-trust-rely-commit-touch
     All of these things need to go at the same pace. You can't have more of one or else it throws things off. In order to develop all aspects of a good relation ship, we must have all things at the same level. Relationships are destiny to fail if one develops much faster then others. In order to have a successful relationship that will lead to a life long marriage, we must follow these and keep them all at the same level.

We also talked about the 3 P's of dating
  *Planned/preside
  *Paid for/provide
  *Paired off/protect


Brother Williams put up a great power point for Take back the date!!
     *I-date buttons
          -I date my wife
          -I date my mom
          -Date me
          -Date me, Please
          -Date me, now
This was funny yet put out a really great point. We get focused on what we are looking for rather than focusing on your own qualities. The more we learn, the more we realize what our Heavenly father has in store for us.

Gender and Family Life

The first question that we were asked in class this week was How does gender influence your family? Next we were asked Why should women and men work primarily together in society vs. men and men or women and women?
There was a quote used by Gloria Steinham and it stated, "We badly need to raise our boys to be more like our girls" Why do you think this is?
                   *assumptions
                             -girls are raised better
                             -all nature (born that way)
                             -girls are better
                             -equality= same or fair
As females we tend to be more expressive, verbal, we use our emotions and landmarks and we are relationship oriented. Men are aggressive, suppression, spatial oriented and task oriented. As men and women is this life, we have different personalities and goals. We fill in each others gaps where needed. Could you imagine if we were all the same?

Social Class and Cultural Diversity

Culture, we tried to describe this during class. The word "culture " is used so often however I am not sure all people understand what it really means. In class we came up with these ideas for how to explain it.

*A way of life
*tradition (inherited, not created)
*values and principles
*norms and behaviors
*social practices

Some of the things that define are culture are:
* Possessions
*appearance
*actions
*education
*jobs
*associates
*activities
*money

It's not the income that makes us rich, its the way you utilize your money. We must work as a couple to get the lifestyle that we want to live.

Family Systems

When we create family rules, we must keep them to 9 or less. Each family system has individual parts and everything we do or say can affect other around us. During class it was explained to us that each family member is like a piece of a zipper and when we make those little connections, we are all one part of the family. In the cycle of the family systems there is what's called circular causality. It's the idea that everything comes with a background. If you break the circular cycle, it can be for the good or for the bad. When one person tries to change, others around you may seem to try and keep you in the cycle. For example adults may resort back to childhood behaviors. My husband was raised in a not so nice childhood. Sometimes when he gets angry at our children I can see his childhood come out in him. He changed his family system for the most part and for that I am proud.

If you know it's a problem, FIX IT before it becomes worse.

Theories

This week we learned about different theories in the family. All of the theories are driven rules.

conflict theory (inequality)
     *mom, dad and the kids get their way
     *one person always gives in
symbolic theory (interactions with others)
     *We learn most of our rules through our symbols
     *What your parents do, you expect from others
exchange theory (you owe me)
     *doesn't always mean selfish
     *suggesting behaviors by explanations
Family systems (intimate group, rules, everyone affects each other)
     *not just one person
     *affects others around you

I learned that my relationships are driven by my feelings of satisfaction and pleasure. Sometimes I have to wonder if I am giving as much as I am getting. The more I learn about family relations, the more I understand my parents and my own parenting.    

Family Trends

This week we had a discussion on Family Trends. It is so easy for me to zone out when talking about this subject because a lot of the discussion tends to be bias opinions and I have a hard time with that. Some of the trends that we talked about were:
          1. Unmarried births
          2. Birth Rates
          3. Delay in having Children
          4. Delayed marriage
          5. Employed moms\
          6. Cohabitation
These are some from the list and to be honest I fall into a few of them. I don't care to explain at this time however a few that I fall into are Cohabitation, Unmarried birth, Delayed marriage and being an employed mom. I know I come from a family that loves me and my siblings no matter the mistakes we make in life and for that I am grateful.   

Family Relations

I am excited to start this blog for the purpose of not only learning but growing from others in my Family Relations class. I will make weekly posts of things that have stood out to me, inspired me or just some information I received from class that I feel I want to share with others around me. I look forward to and welcome all comments.