Stuck in the Truck

Emma was locked in the truck for over an hour today.  Emma managed to push the lock button while she was in there by herself.  After AAA failed us we ended up calling 911.  Two sheriffs pulled in to help.  Between Scott and I, Bart and Kellie with the boys, and the two sheriffs we were able to unlock the door using a wire.  Emma took it very well.  Most of the time she thought it was hilarious.  Although there was a pen that almost poked her in the eye, eating rocks found on the floor, and getting a little warm she made it out okay!  We are so grateful for family and the two sheriffs for helping us!   More pics to come later!

    

Student Choice Assignment

Choice 1: Micah; Nahum. “The Lord Shall Reign”

(a)  Read Micah 1:1–9; 2:1–11. Write a brief statement describing what Micah prophesied would happen to Israel and Samaria. Read Micah 3:4–12 and list the reasons why these things happened to them. Read Micah 4:1–3 and the institute student manual commentary for Micah 4:1–2, “What Special Meaning Do These Verses Have for Latter-day Saints?” (pg. 121). Then make a second list of Israel’s future reasons for hope.

All their idols and graven images would be destroyed.  Israel and Samaria will be destroyed. 

They hid from God

They will not be led my prophets of God

Micah 4:1-3 says the people will flow into the gospel.  We are blessed with the constitution of the United States.  We are blessed under this constitution to have freedom of religion.  We should not only be good but be willing to bring forth his work and establish Zion. 

(b)  What additional insights does Doctrine and Covenants 45:66–71 reveal about Micah 4:6–8?

The righteous will gather to Zion.  The wicked will not go up and fight those in Zion.  It is a place that is a refuge from the wicked.  It is where the righteous will flee to escape the wicked. 

(c)   In your own words summarize the teachings in Micah 4:12; Isaiah 55:8–9.

When we choose to not follow the Lord our thoughts do not align.  We are not following the ways of God.  God’s thoughts and ways are always higher than ours if we choose wickedness.    

(d)  Read Micah 5:1–5 and the institute student manual commentary for Micah 5:1-4, “But Thou, Bethlehem, ... out of Thee Shall He Come ... That Is to Be Ruler in Israel,” (pg. 122). Then list what Micah said about the first and second coming of the Lord.

This scripture is a prophecy of Jesus Christ being born in Ephratah Bethlehem.  The righteous will gather together and find strength through the Lord.    

(e)  Read the messages of Micah 7:7–9, 18–19; Nahum 1:1–7 and the institute student manual commentary for Nahum 1:2–10, “The Second Coming” (pgs. 219–20). Then write an outline for a three-minute talk on the topic of “The Last Days and the Second Coming.”

The Lord will be our light.  He is the God of our salvation and he will hear us.  The Lord will have compassion on us.  He is very merciful.  The Lord is slow to anger.  He knows all those who put trust in Him.  The wicked will be burned to stubble in the second coming.  If we are on the Lord’s side we will be okay at His second coming.  The wicked will be destroyed by fire.  The Lord is very merciful to those who go to Him.  You don’t need to be perfect just a willing to follow the Lord.  

Choice 1: Jeremiah 34–52. Prophecies Fulfilled, Jerusalem Destroyed

(a) Read 1 Nephi 1:4; Jeremiah 34:1–3 and refer to the Bible Dictionary chronology chart (pg. 639). Then answer the following questions:

• In what year of Zedekiah’s reign did Nephi begin his record?

The first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah. 

• What did Nephi state was happening at this time in Jerusalem?

There were many prophets prophesying to the people that they must repent or the great city of Jerusalem will be destroyed. 

a.   What was Jeremiah commanded to declare unto Zedekiah?

That the Lord will give the city to the King of Babylon and will be burned with fire and that Zedekiah would be captured and brought to the King of Babylon.   

(c) Read Jeremiah 52:1–13 and the institute student manual commentary for Jeremiah 37–39, “A Prophet’s ‘Reward’” (pgs. 248–49). Describe in writing what took place. After reading Jeremiah 38:14–28; Jeremiah 39:1–7, write a description of the dialogue between Zedekiah and Jeremiah and the outcome that followed. What advice would you give Zedekiah?

Zedekiah became King after his wicked nephew.   Zedekiah wanted to destroy the Babylonian’s.  The Babylonians came against Jerusalem.  King Nebuchadnezzar pulled the Babylonians away for a time but they soon came back to fight Jerusalem.  Jeremiah’s enemies seized the opportunity to accuse him of joining the Chaldeans.  They asked for his life, but Zedekiah secretly let him go.  Zedekiah was met with a terrible fate.  Jeremiah was released and lived in Jerusalem as a free man. 

Zedekiah would not hearken to Jeremiah’s warnings.  Zedekiah wanted to keep these warnings a secret.  He did not want Jeremiah telling his people.  Jeremiah went to prison.  Zedekiah should of listened to Jeremiah’s warnings and in turn the Lord would have given him strength.    

Choice 5: Isaiah 63–65. The Second Coming and Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ

(a) Read Isaiah 63; 64:1–4; Doctrine and Covenants 133:45–53 and find answers to the following questions:

·         What did Isaiah see the Lord wearing? Red Garments

·         According to these scriptures, why will the Lord be attired in this way?  To represent the atonement; those who need to wash their sins away. 

·         What do we learn from these verses about the Atonement and Second Coming?  Christ is coming to save those who are righteous and to judge those who have sinned. 

·         What will the redeemed say when He comes?  D&C 133:52 says “And now the year of my redeemed is come; and they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them according to his goodness, and according to his loving kindness, forever and ever.”

·         What do these scriptures teach about the wicked during this period of time?  Judgment will come to them and they will be trampled in His fury (D&C 133:51)

(b) List what you learn about the Millennium from Isaiah 65:17–25 (making note of the Joseph Smith Translation change in Isaiah 65:20) and from Doctrine and Covenants 101:30–31. From what you listed, what would you most like to experience if you were to live during the Millennium? Why?

Everyone will live to be as old as a tree; which I think is a hundred years.  No one will labor in vain.  There will be no sickness or evil.  There will be peace upon the changed earth.  The former world will be forgotten.  Christ will be quick to answer their prayers.  There will be no more killing.  The wolf will lie with the lamb.  Everyone will live with peace for a time before final judgment. 

Choice 2: Isaiah 1–4. Isaiah’s Teachings about the Last Days

(a)  Read Isaiah 1:2–14, 21–23, 30–31. List the images or symbols Isaiah used to describe the people of Judah and their sins. Read Isaiah 1:16–20 and explain in writing what Isaiah charged them to do to be forgiven of their sins. What does Isaiah 3:9–11 teach concerning the consequences of sin?

The children have rebelled.  Israel does not know or does not consider God.  They are a sinful nation.  They are a people laden with iniquity and a people of evildoers.  They are corrupt and have forsaken the Lord.  God is angry with them.  The country is desolate and taken over by others.  They worshipped graven images.  Israel is destroyed and scattered.  Israel will be gathered and blessed temporally and spiritually when the Lord comes.  The wicked will be destroyed.  The Lord will defend and preserve his people.  The children of Israel need to make themselves clean by putting away the evil doings, learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow, be willing and obedient.  The wicked will get the reward of his hands. 

(b)  Read Isaiah 2:1–5; institute student manual commentary for Isaiah 2:1–5, “In the Last Days ... the Mountain of the Lord’s House Shall Be Established” (pg. 138); commentary for Isaiah 2:3, “Out of Zion Shall Go Forth the Law ... the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (pgs. 138–39). Briefly summarize the significance of these verses as they deal with the Restoration and the last days.

The mountain of the Lord refers to the last dispensation when the church was restored.  The establishment of the Church headquarters in Salt Lake City was a fulfillment of the declaration in Isaiah 2:3.   In verse three it suggests that eventually other world centers will also be established.  The founding fathers were blessed by God in creating the Constitution of the United States.  We are blessed to have the freedom that the Constitution gives to us.  Now it is up to us to spread the law to all nations. 

(c) Read Isaiah 2:6–9 and answer the following questions:

·         What is the divine invitation to the family of Jacob?  Humble themselves   

·         Note or list the wickedness that interferes with the divine invitation  Idol Worship

·         What word in 2 Nephi 12:9 is added to Isaiah 2:9 to bring more clarity to the verse? Boweth

(c)   After reading Isaiah 2:6–22, select words or phrases that indicate among the people.

 

Idol Worship

Humble

Soothsayers

Please Themselves

 

(d)  Read Isaiah 4:5–6 and the first paragraph in the Bible Dictionary for “Temple” (pg. 780–81). After you study these verses and the footnotes, explain in writing what Isaiah taught about the potential of our homes. What do you feel a family must do to receive these promises?

The temple should be a place of refuge.  Only our homes can compare with the temple in sacredness.  We need to act in righteousness so that our homes can also be a place of refuge. 

Choice 2: Ecclesiastes. Seeing Life Clearly

(a) Read the Bible Dictionary for “Ecclesiastes,” (pg. 659), and complete the following statements:

·    The book of Ecclesiastes consists of _ reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer.

·    The author describes himself as “son of David, king in Jerusalem”.

·    Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view of the world.

·    Ecclesiastes should not be construed as theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather, they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.”.

(b) Read Ecclesiastes 1–2 and list five ways the author sought happiness but couldn’t find it. After each item on your list, write the reference of the verse where you found it.

Built houses and vineyards (Ecclesiastes 2: 4)

Planted gardens and orchards (Ecclesiastes 2: 5)

He made pools of water (Ecclesiastes 2:  6)

He got servants and maidens (Ecclesiastes 2: 7)

He had great possessions (Ecclesiastes 2: 7)

He gathered riches (Ecclesiastes 2: 8)

He had singers and musicians (Ecclesiastes 2: 8)

He got everything that his eyes desired (Ecclesiastes 2: 10).

(c) Read Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 and compare it with the principles that are taught in Mosiah 4:27; Doctrine and Covenants 10:4; 111:11; Luke 10:38–42. Write a paragraph describing why the timing and order of our activities are so important. Note some examples of how major events of life when done at the wrong time or out of order could seriously hurt an individual’s eternal progress. What do you think the Lord wants you to accomplish during this “time and season” of your life?

Everything that happens comes at a certain time in wisdom and order so that we have the strength to bare it.  Trials come at a time when we are able to bare them and will be for our own good. 

(d) As you read Ecclesiastes 4–5, choose two principles to incorporate into your life. Write about them.

It is better to me like a poor and wide child than a foolish king who is not teachable.  (Ecclesiastes 4: 13)  I love this principle because it shows how amazing little children are.  We need to be as a child and be teachable.  To become like God we need to be teachable. 

We should not make promises to God that we cannot keep. (Ecclesiastes 5: 4-5) This reminded me of the repentance process.  During the repentance process it may be hard to stop doing the sin.  We should keep working through the repentance process but make no promises to stop until we know that we can keep our promises. 

(e) Read Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14 and answer the following questions:

·         What happens to us when we die?  Return to God.    

·         What is “the whole duty of man”?  Fear God and keep his commandments. 

·         Why is this a good description of man’s purpose?  Because this is the only way we can receive exaltation. 

Queen Vashti did not want to parade her beauty around a bunch of drunk people.  She refused to obey a direct summon from the king.  Women at that time were expected to obey men.  (Esther 1: 1-12)  The men at the banquet did not want their women rising up against them so they had the King get rid of queen Vashti. They didn’t want anyone disobeying the King.  (Esther 1:19)

Mordecai was Esther’s uncle.  After Esther’s parents died, Mordecai raised her.  (Esther 2:5-8)  Mordecai reported an assassination plot against the King to Esther.  (Esther 2:21-23)  Mordecai did not bow to Haman.  He did not break the first commandment which is idolatry.  (Esther 3:1-6)      

Esther was a courageous woman.  Esther beauty was a gift from God.  She was put into a position where she could gain favor with the King and save her people.  She knew her life was on the line (Esther 4:11-16) There is no doubt that God had his hand in this situation.  Esther, through fasting, faith, and courage, had saved a nation. 

All three of these people showed great courage in doing what is right.  I want to have courage to stand for truth and righteousness.  Through Heavenly Father I can face whatever comes my way.  I don’t have to be afraid to follow in righteousness because I will be protected by God.  Those that are wicked are the ones who need to be afraid.  These three showed that they followed God in righteousness.  They all three did not fall into the devils temptation.  I hope that through my life I can act as these three did.          

Our New Family Member!

This is Sadie!  We went down on January 20th to Salt Lake to pick her up from the airport.  We love her so much!  She is such a great puppy.  Emma is very interested in her and Sadie is interested in Emma as well.  Welcome to the Family Sadie!  

Choice 2: 1 Kings 3–4. “A Wise and an Understanding Heart” 

·         How and what did you do to complete the assignment?  I chose to post to my blog. 

·         Why did you decide to do the assignment you did?  I thought it was the most interesting out of the choices. 

·         What do you think is the best thing about your assignment, and how could you improve it for next time?  I loved what I learned.  I related what I learned to my life.  I hope that I can continue to apply what I learned in my life.  There is nothing I could improve on. 

(a) In 1 Kings 3, Solomon had a sacred experience seeing the Lord. Read 1 Kings 3:9–28; 4:29–31.

(b) Answer the following questions:

·         Why do you think Solomon asked for an understanding heart? Why do you think his choice was pleasing to the Lord? What would more worldly people have asked for?

Solomon loved the people he ruled over.  He asked for an understanding heart because he wanted to discern between good and bad so that he could better judge his people.  His choice was pleasing to the Lord because Solomon was not thinking of himself but instead thinking about his people he ruled.  More worldly people would have asked for riches and honor.    

·         How did Solomon demonstrate that he had received this spiritual gift at the beginning of his reign? 

Solomon demonstrated that he received this spiritual gift when two women came to him arguing over a baby.  Solomon was able to figure out who the real mother was.  After this happened the people knew that God was with Solomon and they feared him. 

·         How could this spiritual gift help you in your life? What do 1 Corinthians 12:31 and Doctrine and Covenants 46:8, 28, 30 explain about how you could develop more gifts of the Spirit

If we can ask in righteousness God will give.  We should always cherish our gifts and give thanks to God.  We should not take our gifts for granted. 

·         How do 1 Kings 4:1–25 and 1 Samuel 11–20 relate to each other?

These scriptures relate because it shows what a King should and should not do.  It shows how the King prospers when they are righteous.  When they fall from God the people suffer and become wicked.