The Twelve Apostles

Simon Peter: Chosen and called of Jesus to be one of the original twelve apostles. Denied Christ 3 times, as was prophesied, spent the rest of his life preaching until his own crucifixion.

Thomas: Chosen and Called of Jesus to be one of the original twelve apostles. Thomas means twin.

Judas Iscariot: Chosen and Called of Jesus to be one of the original twelve apostles. Jesus told Judas, who did not believe Him, that he would betray him. He betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver then hung himself.

Apostle: Meaning literally “one who is sent forth”. Those called of God to be His disciples on Earth during and after His ministry. Special witnesses of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The representation on earth of the Father in Heaven.

First Jesus told His apostles not to go to those who already had faith in him, “There is no need for a doctor for the healthy.”. He commanded them to go to the ‘Lost Sheep of Israel’, Those who no longer or who never knew the truth. He taught them to heal the sick and perform miracle sin the name of the Father so that people would believe on Jesus name. Jesus also taught them patience in dealing with the men of the world. He taught that there would be those who would reject them and despise them, but having faith in Him and charity towards all would demonstrate the most good. Service in the face of adversity is loved and admired of God and Jesus taught this to His disciples. Overall He taught them to be like Him, having charity and love towards all men.

When Jesus called the apostles Peter, James, and John they dropped everything that they were doing and followed him. There is nothing more simple than that very important action. What is stopping us in our lives from following our Savior? There should be nothing in our way, but constantly we find ourselves hesitating and second guessing. Our purpose in this life is to Follow Him, to become more like Him and to return to Him. We should use the example of Peter, James and John in our lives, Drop EVERYTHING and Follow Jesus Christ. Only through Him can we be saved and given eternal life.

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

The baptism of Christ was one of the most important things He could have done here on earth. I am amazed every time i read about His willingness and want to be baptized. When He approached John the Baptist and asked to be baptized John was Amazed, said he, "i have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" John felt that he was ill prepared and unworthy to baptize the Savior, the most perfect person in this planet. After John's willingness to serve the eyes of his understanding were opened and he saw the great importance of the baptism of the Savior. He also witnessed the Father proclaim, "THis is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." What great joy and complete peace must have filled John the Baptist upon hearing those sacred words. JOhn also witnessed the all too important fact that the Father , Son and the Holy Ghost are 3 separate beings, with 3 separate callings to fulfill.

The Holy Ghost then, "descended on Him like a dove...". This act was significant of the spirit and power of the Holy GHost that is given to each of us after baptism. I find it very symbolic that here in this scripture all members of the godhead were present to witness this sacred act. The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. It, in a way, completed the 'act' of His baptism and proved its importance in our lives.

There are FOur main reasons that Jesus was Baptized. First, to fulfill all righteousness. Second to prove the importance of obedience to the Father in all things. third to set the ultimate example for us to follow and fourth to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

John the Baptist

Many people overlook the important role that John the Baptist played in the life of the Savior and in our own lives. Sine before his birth John the Baptist was known as an elect child of God. In Luke 1:14 it was told to Zacharias, "And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.’ His birth and ministry was announced to his father Zacharias by the angel Gabriel. Zacharias knew that many people would herald the birth of his son, and that his son would bring much happiness to the children of men through his righteousness and faith in the Lord. His mother, the cousin of Mary mother of Jesus, was said to be barren though thru the mercies of God she begat John at about the same time the Mary Begat Jesus. John grew up unto God and at age 8 was given the GIft of the Holy Ghost and the power to know when the Holy Ghost would descend upon Jesus Christ. He was given the power to baptize and thus Baptized many people and then the Savior Himself. John was the first to see the Holy Ghost fall upon the Savior after baptism and was always a witness of the truthfulness of The Saviors Life. The bible dictionary states that, "...he was the last of the prophets under the law of Moses, He was the first of the New Testament prophets, and he brought the Aaronic Preisthood to the dispensation of the fulness of times." JOhn the Baptist was the way by which Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry recieved the Aaronic priesthood, and therefore opened the Last Dispensation for the Fulness of TImes. HE is the way by which baptism was brought to this dispensation and his ministry filled his life to the very end. Therefor he fulfilled all the reasons why people would rejoice of his coming to this earth. he did so much for the Savior and for members of His true church.

day 1:vegan diet!

ok...so today was day 1 of my vegan diet...and it didnt start out too great but it ended with a bang. basically i went into work at kneaders and of course they had a new deelish bread...pumpkin bread. kill me now! i tried some because they said i had to sample it and then i realized that it was totally against my diet. so then when i came home i totally ate nothing but salad corna dn olives...i am determined to lose the weight i need to! look out world.! im gonna have a hot body and you cant stop me, nor you pumpkin bread, or you crzy deelish cinnamon rolls....i will not be tamed!!!