Blog Post #9 : 2/13/17

1. Each of the Apostles went through tremendous amounts of suffering. When they were each trying to teach the word of the Lord, they were hated, unaccepted, attacked, captured, and rejected. I was surprised that they were each so disliked when all they were trying to do is preach. I thought that at least some of their followers would stand up for them and save them when they suffered.
2. My favorite Act of the Apostles was the story about the Storm. I thought it was really inspiring because it reminded me to never give up faith in something and that it all turns out in the end. In the story, the Apostles were on a boat in the storm and thought they wouldn't survive so they anchored their boat and prepared to give up. They then were spoke to by Jesus who told them not to give up and that they will make it.
3. I have experienced many challenges from school, friends, family, and volleyball. School is always challenging but I have gotten pretty good at managing it. I balance my time and finish everything I can in class so that I don't have so much homework. Friends and family always bring me challenges as well. I handle these by always staying grounded and being nice to everyone even when they aren't necessarily nice to me. Volleyball is also challenging, not only physically but emotionally as well. I deal with those challenges by not letting anyone get to my head and just playing my game.
4. The people I turn to in times of need are my closest friends, and family. The person I turn to most often is my best friend. She always makes things better and has great advice. My parents are sometimes good to talk to also because they are full of wisdom and experience. My older sister is also someone I turn to because she has gone through the same challenges as me and can help get me through them as well.

Blog Post #8 : 1/30/17

1. I learned a lot about each of the disciples. I learned that most of the disciples were fishermen or farmers and that is where they were called by Jesus. A lot of the disciples were also said to be related to Jesus, mostly brothers of him. The majority of the disciples were also martyred or crucified, having a violent death, except for John who died a peaceful death of old age. A lot of the disciples are buried in Basilicas.
2. I found John the most interesting out of all the disciples. It is really interesting to me that he was the only one who died a peaceful death. It intrigues me to know more about why he was the only one and what he did to not be killed. He was said to be a cousin of Jesus and a fisherman. While he was fishing, Jesus called him to be a disciple.
3. 
   Based on the information I have learned from the disciple projects, people who follow Christ are all very passionate and loyal about their faith and religion. They love to learn about the teachings of Jesus, enough to teach others about them all over the world. They are each strong leaders as well as stubborn. The disciples use these characteristics to stand up for what they believe in.
4. One characteristic that I resemble with the disciples is my stubbornness. I am extremely stubborn and always stick to what I believe in. It takes a lot for me to change my mind about something. The disciples also had this trait because they must always stay strong with their beliefs because of all the nonbelievers that will fight against their teachings.

Blog Post #7 : 11/28/16

1. I learned about the Beatitudes that they all start with "Blessed are..." and they tell you things that you should do. They are ways to live by and rules to follow in order to be a good person.

2. The Beatitude that resonates with me the most is "Blessed are those that are pure of heart, for they should see God." This relates to me not because I should see God, but because every day I try my best to have a pure heart. I have my head screwed on straight and I have good intentions so I believe it is very important to have a pure heart.

3. I learned that I should have mercy for those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness more often. It needs to be a more present issue in my life so that I am more aware of what some people go through for what they believe is right.

4. I can display the Beatitudes a little more in my life by becoming completely selfless. I want my focus to be more about others' happiness instead of mine and make sure everyone is loved and for those who need their spirits lifted, I should help lift them.

Blog Post #6 : 11/21/16

1. I learned about God the Father that he will always love everyone equally and will always be there for you. I learned that God as the Father is just like a dad for all of the world. 

2. I learned about God as the Son that he is in the body of Jesus. He is the Son because he is a teacher in human form and he is just like all of us. He never sins because he is the Son of the Lord and he has no flaws.

3. I learned about God as the Holy Spirit that he represents a dove. The dove symbolizes purity and greatness and justice. God as the Holy Spirit means that God is within us even if sometime we can't see him.

4. I have not personally experienced the Holy Ghost but I know an example of where someone has. An example would be when someone is feeling sad or lost and doesn't know what to do, they feel a sense of love still and guidance when making their decision.

Blog Post #5 : 11/8/16

1. One thing I learned from my group's parable is to always be nice and humble even when no one is watching. Karma will come around eventually and doing good deeds will pay off. I learned that no matter how rich or poor someone is, it's what is inside that really counts.
   https://tvaraj2inspirations.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/lazarus-01.jpg
2. One thing I learned from the parable about the two brothers is that God is always forgiving. I must not dwell on the past or how I have sinned, but to let Him forgive me and do my best to not sin again. One thing I learned from the parable about the landlord was that God loves everyone equally and that in the end he is fair to all.
3. The moral that impacted me the most was the parable, The Rich Man and the Lazarus. The moral of this parable was that your actions will reflect on you as you live your life. You will receive what you put out and be treated how you treated other because God has a plan. If I am nice and aware of others feeling, I will be rewarded in heaven, but if I am selfish and mean I will end up in hell.
4. If Jesus were in society today, he would be an activist and leader helping everyone in the world. He would be nice to everyone and understanding, and a friend to all. He would speak up about the world and how to keep everybody happy and he would have many followers who look up to him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0eluU0uDZA 

Blog Post #4 : 10/27/16

Adoration - Amazing God, I adore you because you listen to my prayers and give me opportunity after opportunity to be the best I can be. You believe in me

and help me achieve my goals.

Contrition - I'm sorry for taking things for granted and complaining about my life. I'm sorry that I don't always appreciate everything you do for me.

Thanksgiving - Thank you for the life you have given me and for forgiving me for my sins. Thank you for reminding me to be thankful for everything I have.

Supplication - I want to pray for everyone in my life in that they become grateful too. I pray that my family stays healthy and happy, especially.

Blog Post #3 : 10/14/16

1. I learned a lot about each books of the Gospel from the presentations. I learned when each books were written, what language, and where they were each written. The book of Matthew was written in 50 AD in Greek. The book of Mark was written in 100 AD in Greek. The book of Luke was written in 60-100 AD in Greek. Lastly, the book of John was written in 180 AD in Greek.
2. Even though they are all basically the same story, the Gospels all have some differences. Each Gospel books are worded differently and written by different people. The Book of Matthew was written like it was just stating facts and events that happened. The book of Mark was written with many quotes like people were talking and the reader is actually there. The book of Luke is written more like a story with a plot or like a real book. The book of John was written in more detail and with more description.
   
3. The Gospels are all very similar, though. They are all writing pretty much the same story, just in a different way. They all write about the crucifixion, the death, and the burial of Jesus. They speak of the same events and who did what.
4. Jesus is portrayed, for the most part, the same in each Gospel. Since they are written from different people with different viewpoints the views of Jesus are bound to be somewhat different. In the book of Matthew Jesus is portrayed as the son of God. In the book of Mark he was viewed as The Lord. In the book of Luke and John he is referred to as the King of the Jews. In each Gospel Jesus is talked out being crucified and buried and the reader sees him as weak and they feel bad for him.