Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

 This week in my New Testament class, we read about the final week of Jesus Christ. We read about the betrayal of Judas and the strength it took for Jesus Christ to get through what He knew was coming. 

In one of my discussions one person posted about the principle found in Mark 14:43-50. She says "Even when we fall into the hands of those that betray us, we can stand confidently knowing that we stand with Christ." She then goes on to say, "I can't imagine the feeling of knowing that I am going to be betrayed by someone close to me and letting it happen anyway." (Kara Otterstrom) It's true though, could you imagine this happening to you and letting it just, happen?  It would be so difficult! But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Jesus had to do it. That is the reason he came down to earth anyway, right? How incredibly difficult that would be, knowing that this is going to happen. However, Jesus also knew that He would sacrifice Himself and would save all of His brothers and sisters. That is the peace I'm assuming He felt while going through this difficult time. 

While Judas betraying Jesus is hurtful, I can't help but think that I am thankful that Judas did just that. Without that happening, we wouldn't be able to be resurrected ourselves. We wouldn't be able to return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again. We wouldn't have the Atonement and be able to repent while on the earth. I am so thankful for the love that Jesus has for us. We can do all things through Christ. He has suffered in Gethsemane for us. He has felt every pain we feel, every sorrow we experience, and every battle we go through. He loves us so much. I am so thankful that I can kneel in prayer and thank Him for this opportunity I have to prove myself to Him and Heavenly Father. I can go to Him when I am low because I know He knows what I am feeling. He has the power to help me through it. I love Them so much and I am thankful for the love that They both have for me. 

How Can I Help You?

This week in my entrepreneur class we talked about being a leader and following your big dreams. I really enjoyed reading some of the talks regarding becoming a leader. For example, BYUI had a president in 2007 named Kim B. Clark. He spoke in December to the graduating class about being a leader with a small "L". I remember reading this talk a while ago in another business class I took. It's so uplifting. It's so profound that I took a lot of things he said to heart, and have worked on them since I read his words. If you would like to read this talk, you can find it here. 

                                                                                 

He listed a few principles to live by when becoming a leader. 

1. Lead by Example
2. Lead with Vision
3. Lead with Love

He goes on to give examples of each of these three. The amount of knowledge and self-help that I have learned throughout this journey in my life has been so amazing. I have grown so much from going to college. Because of these three principles, I have become a better mother, a better wife, and a better person overall. 

One of the videos I watched this week talked about building trust. One thing he said that stood out to me was, "How can I help this person?" Instead of thinking about ourselves, we should be open and willing to help those around us. I've always felt that if we want to become a better person, then serve others first. 

I read this book called Good to Great (by Jim Collins, found here) a while back (again in a different business class) and enjoyed learning from it. His first chapter talks about how Good is the enemy to Great. Don't get comfortable being good. Do better. There are many people out there that are good people. But, we should strive to be great! We can be better than good! 

Another video I watched talked about the License to Pursue Dreams. The concept this lady shared had me floored at first. Apparently, every Friday this company allowed their employees to work on whatever they want. Now, here's the cool part. Out of the "work" that they were doing, fifty percent of what they worked on ended up being part of that company! No wonder the company allowed them to do what they wanted every Friday. Half of their fun time became income from them! Can you imagine working in a place like that? So much fun. 

All throughout this semester, in both of my classes, the importance of knowing who you are and becoming who you are meant to be has been a big deal. Here's the thing, I didn't know who I was for sure. I had lost the person I truly was and became like a robot. Living each day just to get to the next. It was difficult. I forgot who I was. Taking these two classes has helped me figure out what it is that makes me, well, me. It first started with making my 50 item bucket list. Then to my "becoming" project. And then, figuring out what I want to be when I "grow up". Not necessarily grow up in age, but when my mind decides to live for me. Let's do what is best for Nini. So, here I am, about to graduate and I know who I want to be. 

                                             

I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without Him, I don't know where I would be. All because of Him, I can do the things that I want to do. I can overcome any challenge that comes my way. I mean, so far I have overcome 100% of the challenges already! All because I have Him in my life. I am blessed. 

"Behold, I Send You Forth As Lambs Among Wolves" Luke 10:3

     This week while reading through the New Testament, I was searching for any flag phrases. I have quite a list of phrases that were mentioned in the small amount of scriptures I read. Since I am reading about the stories, I am reading some from different books at the same time. This week I read Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, Luke 10-18, and John 11. 

When looking for flag phrases, you focus on certain words that will make it easier to find. Words like, yea, behold, even, and it came to pass are some things I looked for. Others to look for are, Thus we see, therefore, wherefore, and nevertheless. Sometimes there are similes that you can find in the scriptures as well. Look for the words as and like to spot them. 

There are several stories in these chapters that I read. However, I focused more on just the flag phrases. What I liked about singling out these phrases is that I was able to use it for my gain. I can take this advice and know that Heavenly Father is speaking to me and trying to help me become the person I want to be. In one of my other classes I had watched this video of one of my favorite apostles from our church, Jeffrey R. Holland. His talks always help uplift me. He is such an amazing speaker. Some day I wish to be able to listen to him in person. I just love his soul. Please enjoy this video as he speaks about good things coming.

The scripture found in Luke 10:27 reminded me of this video. It says, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." How truly helpful this neighbor was as he helped this young father. 

As I work towards finishing my degree, I am also working on Becoming Like Christ. Right now I am focusing on my prayers. It has been such a blessing to work towards being like Him. I am thankful for this opportunity to grow so I can become the person Heavenly Father wants me to be.