The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also

1. Review Luke 10:1–24. Based on these verses, write a summary of the Lord’s counsel and instructions He gave the seventy.

The Lord instructs the seventy to go in pairs into the cities before him to be missionaries. Be with the people: eat with them and drink with them. He wants them to heal the people. Give peace unto the homes you enter. Preach the gospel and repentance to those you meet.

2. Articles of Faith 1:6 states, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” Using the principles taught from Luke 10:1–2, 8–9, 17–20, write a paragraph that supports this Article of Faith.

The church today still sends missionaries out in pairs to preach the gospel as in Luke 10:1-2. The missionaries still eat with the people and bring peace to their homes. The priesthood is still used today for the healing of sick and afflicted. The Lord’s doctrine is the same.

3. Go to the Church’s scripture website and read the topic of “Seventy” in the Guide to the Scriptures. Describe in one or two sentences how the scriptures show the existence of this office in the priesthood.

The seventy are set apart and apostolic authority without being apostles. They give their full time to do missionary work. 

Walking on Water

1.        Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

The Apostles were troubled and scared. They thought that He was a spirit.

2.        What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

I think that his response showed the faith that Peter had. Peter’s response indicated that he trusted the Savior. He would be willing to go to the Savior if the Savior called him.

3.        According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

Peter began to sink when he became afraid.

4.        What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

Peter cried out “Lord, save me.” The word immediately. Jesus immediately stretched forth His hand.

5.        Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

In this verse the principle given is that if you are focused on doing God’s will we will be filled with knowledge and be able to comprehend all things. This relates to Peter walking on the water because he was focused on obeying the Savior. His body was filled with the light and was able to comprehend how to walk on the water. It wasn’t until he doubted that faith and focus that he fell. This can be applied to my life because if I have the faith in my Savior I will be able to handle the storms. As long as I am focused on doing God’s will I will have his light and be able to work towards comprehending all things.

The Calling of the Twelve Apostles

1.                   Review Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19 and highlight the names of the original Twelve Apostles. Look up the names of three Apostles in the Bible Dictionary and write one sentence describing something you learned about each one you selected.

Bartholomew is an apostle whose name may be Nathanael. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist when he met Jesus and then he introduced his brother Peter to meet Jesus. James the son of Zebedee was one of 3 in Jesus inner circle to be with the Savior on Special Occasions.

2.                   Read Acts 4:33; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23; and the entry for "Apostle" in the Bible Dictionary (p. 612). Then, write a definition for what an Apostle is.

An apostle is one who is called to bear a special witness of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, and resurrection.

3.                   Describe in writing how the Savior's teachings to His Apostles in Matthew 10:5-42 prepared them to be sent out to proclaim the gospel.

Jesus was preparing his apostles for life as a missionary. He wants them to go after the lost sheep. He was teaching them to heal those who are sick and afflicted. He wants them to be generous and to ask for nothing in return.

​4.   Read Luke 5:1-11. Explain in writing what you learn from the responses made by Peter, James, and John to the Savior's call. How could you apply their actions and examples in your own life?

Peter, James, and John immediately forsook their lifestyle and followed Jesus. This applies to my life because Jesus is extending a similar call to me and you. He has his arms stretched forth beckoning us to come follow Him. Following the example of the 3 apostles we should forsake the world and follow the Savior. Go about doing the Lord’s will and living the commandments that we have been given. We should follow their example about being prompt. They could have easily told the Savior that they needed time to get their things in order but instead they promptly followed Him.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) I believe that the Lord has given us a prophet and 12 apostles for this dispensation. The apostles are still there to minister around the world bearing a special witness to the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ's life, mission, and resurrection. We believe that the Lord loves the world so much that He still speaks to a prophet today. The prophet is able to receive and then provide guidance and counsel for the our church and the world. (Amos 3:7) I know that the Prophet is called of God. I know that his counselors and apostles are also called of God. 

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

I am taking a New Testament religion course online through BYU-Idaho this semester. An assignment that I have chosen to do is a blog post of the thing that I am learning this week. One topic of study that I have chosen this week is the baptism of our Savior.

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus? John the baptist was hesitant to baptize Jesus because he knew that Jesus was without sin. He didn't understand the need for the Savior to be baptized. Also, Jesus had higher priesthood authority over John. John didn't feel like he had enough authority to baptize the Savior.
What is taught here about the Holy Ghost? The Holy Ghost descending like a dove is a sign of peace and innocence.
3 Reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized:

1. To be obedient to the Father
2. To set an example for the children of men
3. To fulfill all righteousness

What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16-17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead? Jesus is in the river being baptized. Jesus saw The Holy Ghost "descending like a dove". Heavenly Father's voice is heard saying. "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." 

Our Savior was baptized for us. He did this so that we may follow his example. He knew that being baptized is one of the works that needs to be done in order for us to return to our Father in Heaven. 

If you would like to learn more visit: www.mormon.org

Grateful in Any Circumstance

I'm feeling defeated!

 I'm frustrated. I don't know why nothing is working out for us. All we want is for Brian to get a job so we can support our family. Brian didn't get the job in Bakersfield. I don't understand. We thought for sure that he had this job. We prayed so much. Anytime I thought about it I sent up a little prayer. Brian fasted almost every Sunday. I'm not sure what we are supposed to do more. It kills me to see how Brian is reacting to this. I hate seeing him upset or discouraged. He thinks he is a failure. It breaks my heart to see him like this.

I know that Heavenly Father loves us and cares but it is so easy to feel forgotten. After Brian found out I just crumbled. We were counting on this job. Relying on our savings account isn't going to support us forever. I'm not sure what Heavenly Father wants from us. 

I knew I needed to read my scriptures. I used the search bar to search "trials". This was the first thing that popped up for me.

"I have Heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a trial of their faith." 

Doctrine and Covenants 105:19

That was exactly what I needed to hear. I know that this trial was placed in front of us for a reason. 

I know that Our Heavenly Father loves us and is always there for us. 

As much as I wish that we had a job and a place of our own it is nice that Emery gets to grow up around family. 

I am just taking a deep breath and believing that another job will be placed in front of us. 

I am trying to be grateful for the place we are at in our life.

You can read or watch the rest here: https://www.lds.org/grateful-in-any-circumstances

Medieval Times

Over the summer we went to Medieval Times and it was amazing! Brian had never been before but I had. We got an amazing deal on the tickets through living social. 

 This was Brian's face when I asked him to smile for a picture. 

 Sitting in the King and Queen chairs. 

 We were assigned to the red and yellow knight. He was so awesome! 

 He was so cool that he was on the side of the building.

Our knight won the entire tournament!

The tournament was so awesome! Our knights had to complete a bunch of challenges or obstacles. There were 6 knights in total and our knight kicked their butts! All of the knights ended up fighting each other. Our knight won and then he had to fight against the castle intruder. The fights were actually really intense. 

While the tournament was going on we had diner. Dinner consisted of a roasted chicken, spare ribs, potatoes, bread, and soup. Then you got an apple pastry for dessert. It would have been so much better if I wasn't prego and have a strong aversion to meat. Also, I was suffering from horrible morning sickness. Brian loved it though. It was such a fun night and I am so glad that we went!

Baby Garcia

Brian and I are excited to announce that we are expecting a sweet bundle of joy in April!

I made this little canvas to announce to my grandparents that we are expecting. I can't wait to

start decorating a nursery. 

 Not the greatest picture but it shall do. Please excuse the dirty mirror and messy hair. I'm really not a big fan of the belly pictures. I actually feel quite ridiculous taking them. 

We are having a little girl in April! I am so excited to meet my little girl. I want to know who she is going to look more like. Will she have my hair? Brian's eyes? This waiting game kinda sucks.

Look at her chubby tummy!! :)

We get  to see her again on Monday. I have my 20 week ultrasound and I want to see just how much she has grown.