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To all my LDS friends

2011-07-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Liahona Magazine Reader,

My name is Victor Cave. I work alongside the staff of the Church magazines in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of our good editors, Melissa Merrill, works for the Liahona Magazine.

She is writing an article, for the adult members of the Church, about strengthening young men and young women ages 12¬- 18, by helping them have their own spiritual experiences.

For this article, she would be pleased to receive stories from parents, readers of youth, and youth themselves about times when they felt the Spirit, gained their own testimony, found a solution in the scriptures, received an answer to prayer, etc.

Melissa is very interested in receiving practical ideas about things leaders and parents can do to foster an environment where youth can discover and build their own testimonies. In other words, what can a parent or leader do not to force a young person to obtain a testimony but to guide the youth and facilitate a testimony-building experience? Are there things they can do at home? In classes on Sunday? At youth activities?

Please feel free to use as many or as few words as you need to tell your story. It can be written in any language, and sent directly to Melissa Merrill by e-mail at melissa@ldschurch.org by August 1, 2011.

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa directly.

Thank you so very much for your help.
Victor Cave
Curriculum Department

P.S. You may also forward this e-mail message to other parents or leaders of youth, inviting them to participate in the same way.

Bonding with former classmates after 25 years

2011-01-19T21:59:00.000-08:00

Sulit.com.ph and Trajet Tours and Travel promote tourism in the Philippines and abroad. Find great travel deals at Sulit.com.ph , the leading online classified ads website in the Philippines.

Last January 1, 2011 , twenty five of us (my classmates in high school and some kids) travelled to the province of Albay to visit our former classmate. We’ve been planning to visit her and we thought that it was the most opportune time for us, after hosting our high school home coming last Dec 30, 2010 to enjoy , relax and have fun after all the stress and hard work we did during the planning, preparation and hosting of our homecoming.

Leaving our alma mater at around 2 pm, our bus headed to Albay despite of the cloudy skies and slight shower in Pili, Cam.Sur. Inside the bus, we were so happy chatting with each other about our former school days and present lives.

Since most people in the group haven’t seen the historic 16th century old Cagsawa church buried by the Mayon volcano’s eruption in 1814 , our batch president asked the driver for a short stop to see the ruins. I could not refrain from feeling sad upon seeing the place, yet could not ignore the beauty and serenity of the surrounding. The belfry, serving as a memoriam of the 1,200 people buried inside the church still stood strong. It has become a notable landmark of the province of Albay and one of the most frequently visited tourist spots in the country.

At the background one could only see the foot of Mount Mayon. If not for the cloudy weather condition, our camera would have captured the majestic view of the volcano, which is another major tourist attraction in the Philippines and notable in the world.

Sitting silently at the bus on the way to our friend’s resort at Sto. Domingo, Albay, I was humbled at the realization that the forces of nature can be very destructive and when they strike man is totally helpless that’s why we ought to take care of them and pray for safety to the one in whom our life depends and who created and controls everything that is happening in this world.

A memorable sidetrip (Touching the walls of the Cagsawa ruins)

2011-01-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

Sulit.com.ph and Trajet Tours and Travel promote tourism in the Philippines and abroad. Find great travel deals at Sulit.com.ph , the leading online classified ads website in the Philippines.

It was on a rainy afternoon of Jan 1, 2011 when our high school class ‘85 travelled to Albay to visit one of our classmates. After several months of tiresome preparation for hosting our school homecoming activity last December 30, 2010, we’ve decided that as a way to relax and reward ourselves for the job well done, most if not all of us 50 alumni visit our friend’s resort.

Despite of the cloudy weather and heavy downpour in most parts of the province of Albay, our group decided to pursue the trip to Sto. Domingo to take advantage of our long Christmas holiday vacation.

Since most of us, especially the kids, wanted to see the historical tourist spot of the Cagsawa ruins, we've decided to take a short stop.A friendly photographer offered to take our photos. We had fun and was amazed at the camera tricks the local guys showed us there. The guides were friendly and polite too.

After offering a short prayer for the souls of the people who had been buried alive on the spot where I stood, I suggested to our group leader to go on with our trip. We only stayed there for about 30-45 minutes and moved ahead to our destination for fear that after raining for days in Albay , we might get caught in a landslide in that low lying part of the area.

Although our stay was brief because of the seemingly bad weather, we had fun especially with our photo shoots and I was grateful for having the chance to see the place for the first time with my friends.

Sulit has just solved my pressing problem

2010-10-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

I was wondering where to post my ad for the book entitled “Passage to Redemption” made by the crew. Fortunately one of the members of that crew is me. It was agreed upon that upon completion of the writing project, revenue from sales will be divided from among us, the eleven authors

Because I am really in dire need of money to pay for my loans and I wanted to buy some gifts for my loved ones this Christmas season, I felt really determined to help in the book’s marketing process.

It was at this time that I thought of trying the services of www.sulit.com.ph. I found out that being a sulitizen, I could post advertisements for free. Not knowing how to proceed and which category to choose in doing my ad post, I immediately contacted the site’s customer support service.

Within 24 hours, I received a reply from the company . Not only they did confirm that I could post my ad for free but also gave me the step by step process how to advertise our product. Thanks for the nice service and timely support www.sulit.com.ph gave me.

A shoe story

2010-02-18T02:36:00.000-08:00

While working as a missionary at Santiago Isabela, an unforgettable
shoe story experience happened to me.

Part of our job is to find people to teach and in order to do this
required travel, and most of the time walking from house to house.

One day, I decided to wear the preloved low heeled, comfortable,
leatherette brown sandals given by my sister. Because one of our teaching
appointments was cancelled, we decided to visit Ada, one of our golden contacts
who had been sick. Her house was located in the middle of a rice farm several
meters from the highway. We had to walk through rice paddies in order to reach
their house.

I was told by my companion to just go straight ahead and focus on my steps.
I was talking while walking, and somehow engrossed at the beauty of the scenery.
Inadvertently stepping on a protruding bamboo, I lost my balance halfway before
Ada’s house. The second thing I knew , my right foot already landed on the ricefield.
Good that my friend held me in the arm so I did not fall all the way. I struggled
to pull my sandals out of the sticky muddy riceland, but to no avail.
'What an unlucky day, I just said to myself'. As I tried pulling my sandals again,
a kind hearted farmer who saw us offered help by helping me get out of the mud.

With my foot and sandal covered with mud, we decided to move on. This time both
of us barefoot, towards our contact's house.

As I washed my sandal in the nearby irrigation canal , I discovered that its straps
were torn.
“Oh my, I will go home barefoot!” I exclaimed to my companion.
“Don’t worry, I’ll carry you at my back,” she said jokingly.
And we both laughed .

As we reached our contact, I felt so awkward and embarrassed of my clumsiness.
Good that our contact was solicitous enough not to allow me to go home barefoot
or with just one shoe. I went home grateful that day on a borrowed shoes, half
inch bigger than my size.

My writing journey

2009-09-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of the year, I have been trying to find a place to write so that I can hone my writing skill. I have found that finding a place to write is not as easy as it sounds!

I have also come to understand the life and struggles of being a writer and of finding their own places to write. I’ve come to realize the reasons why some writers retreat to cabins in the mountains: it isn't just the peace and quiet they need, it's also the atmosphere. A writer needs to be in a place that inspires ideas and creativity; a place that gets the writer's blood flowing. Such a place might be different from writer to writer: it might be an individual thing. It might depend on the genre and subject matter that the writer broaches. Would it be best to retreat to an environment similar to the locale of the story or the book? If one is writing about the sea, one wouldn't want to be in the mountains but on a beach. The waves and the sand would inspire the creative flow. If a story or book's locale
was set in a forest or a jungle, one wouldn't want to be writing in a tent in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Yes, I can see there might be benefit to retreating to a homogenous locale.

Yet I have familial responsibilities and I am not financially well-off enough to escape to my own cabin (particularly since I don't own a cabin and I don't have money to rent one). Such is life, cay sara sara, as Doris Day might sing - what will be will be. Which basically means that I have to settle for what is available.

I am a daily wage earner trying to find a writing job to augment my income. What is available? Newspapers. Job forums. Word of mouth. I used all three and with persistence, and probably a little luck, I finally found the place I was looking for.

Several weeks after submitting my essay test at EPH, I became a member of the gray team. Writing blogs is something I’ve never done before.
Thus, being new to the blogging industry, I have found myself committing "lessons to be learned." Errors in other words. (From errors we learn lessons.) Some of these lessons to be learned were my incorrect uploading and naming of files, and uploading the Winzip, *smile*. Oh how grateful I was that there were kind hearted people around me (the staff and my fellow writers)! At the initial stage of my being a writer, they were there to answer all the questions of a newbie writer.

Aside from not having my own internet connection at home, I am also a slow writer. These limitations of mine had caused me to be reluctant in getting an assignment. My doubt was transformed into self confidence when I found a friend from the red team who shared with me her writing experience with EPH and gave me tips on how to make my job easier. My newfound friend would often gave me an advice that “If others can make it, why shouldn’t I? Besides, how can you increase your pace if you won’t try?" “Lakas ng loob lang yan,” she would often insist.

With this new friend's support, I finally gained the courage to get an assignment.
Nonetheless, there was still a yellow streak down my back and I felt the need to back myself up a little. I requested a grace period, just in case the assignment proved more difficult than anticipated.

Armed with this new confidence, I proceeded doing my first assignment. Upon completing it, I was amazed at how drained I felt! Hemingway said that writing 300 words a day is hard work. I of course am no Hemingway, but I did gain a little insight into what he meant. The focus, planning and revision of intense writing was indeed hard work!

As they say, all work and no play makes a person dull ... No. That does not apply here. I love to write! Yes, it was hard! But it was never dull or uninteresting. It was invigorating. Stimulating. Totally worthwhile. It's what I want to do! Yet the heaviness of mind and even fatigue of body, nonetheless, helped me to remember. I immediately bought myself an ice cream. The cold milky chocolate on my tongue rewarded me nicely for my accomplishment.

I found my second assignment easier than the first. It wasn't as mentally fatiguing. The third was easier yet, and by my fourth submission, I must have been doing something right because they promoted me to the red team.

In retrospect, I have to say that an on-the-job friend is indeed a comrade. A comrade, a mentor, is what every new recruit needs.
She helped me as I struggled along the way, and prodded me when I was about to give up because of lack of time and self confidence. With the experience and training I acquired at EPH, what seemed to be a grueling writing activity, now has become a totally enjoyable experience that fulfills me.

On making decisions

2009-06-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

On making decisions

At the late part of May 2009, I've made one very important decision in my life.
I've been praying for the heavens to show me some signs for a long time as to what I should do but I hadn't receive any conclusive answer.

I was wondering why I didn't receive any hint or guidance in my prayers despite of my being a nice and prayerful person. I had been waiting for months and months without any results.

I wanna let go of a thing in my life, but was afraid that it might have bad effects on me or I might make the wrong choice. I was afraid to get out of my comfort zone although I was no longer happy with it. Until such time that I could not take anymore what was happening to me and I decided to take the matter in my hands.

As I looked back, the reason why God withheld things or knowledge from me was for the main reason that he wanted me to grow and learn by using my free agency. I better understood now that it is contrary to the designs of a wise God to do something that he knows we can do for ourselves.

When I finally decided, I consulted with him again. Alas this time, I heard him as if saying , "whatever you do, you can count on my support."

My friends, at the crossroads of life, it is inevitable not to make decisions. Most often, we always think more of security, good results or outcome. If the future is somewhat uncertain, we may feel hesitant, awkward, not willing to decide or move out of the present situation we may be at the moment.

Let me give you some tips to better decide
1. Study the matter first in your mind and the alternatives ( maybe even make a SWOT analysis)
2. See what others have done ( Are they successful or not?)
3. Assess your readiness for the consequences of your acts? (coping ability)
4. Ask for a second or third opinion from wise or successful people (preferably someone you trust , someone who cares for you)
5. Ask God

If the thought keeps pressing on your mind, even following you in your sleep, cause your bosom to burn or gives you a feeling of peace…. then it's a decision worth pursuing.

Being a single parent , the decision for me to shift from being employed to self employed or freelancer is somewhat an idea for others to raise brows, considering the security of having a regular employer. But as I weighed down my options, advise of friends and past experiences of others, I said "I could not know if I wouldn't try." The good thing was, before I left the office, I haven't burned bridges, so if anything runs amiss, I can always come back.

But considering the effort I am putting now in my writing career, I think, this is what I like doing best. I am treating it as a business (working eight hours or more per day), and I believe that with a little more effort, a little more networking, and a lot of prayers, I'll be able to land the dream job I want - and that is a work-at-home mom or WAHM.

“If we don’t chase after our dream, it will never come to us
If we don’t act – the answer is always no
If we don’t push our way forward, we’ll always be at the same situation.”

Thank you for reading. “May we always choose the right.”

On receiving counsel from the mouth of babes...

2009-06-02T02:24:00.000-07:00

One day, feeling grumpy about my life in general, I came home sad from the office and found my son Van waiting for me.

After I asked him regarding his activities for the day, I went inside my room while he continued watching television.

As I sat on the bed feeling dejected, he entered the room and saw me in a pensive mood.

Embracing me, he asked, "what's the matter mama? Office problem again?"

I didn't answer but only stared at him. Young as he was, barely eleven years old, he spoke to me with all the faith and assurance as reflected in his eyes and the inflection of his voice, the words,

"Don't worry mama, just be patient...time will change for the better you'll see."

His words made me smile. I remembered that it was one of the quotations he submitted in his school assignments and he used it to me at that moment. Very timely and impressive indeed.

Of a truth, I really wished that my present work condition would improve, but I just didn't know when and how. And I felt depressed by merely thinking about it.

What he told me that day was like an antidote for my sinking self esteem and wounded soul.

Yes, children may be housed in their small bodies, innocent, defenseless, and fragile, but some of them have superior wisdom and understanding...that would sometimes cause us adults to marvel or shrink in shame…

Though lacking in perspective, worldly experience and the ability for self expression , they can utter or mumble words that are angelic in nature, comforting and also logical -maybe even the exact ideas we need to provide solutions to the various problems we encounter.

That's why we need to spend sometime to talk to our kids. They have innate goodness, optimism and faith in them that can arm us or help us find the cheer and consolation we need.

So by the time you might need some simple tips, simple solutions to life's complex problems - why not talk to your kids...listen to the way they view things ... then you'll see my point. Lastly, don't forget to give them treats for being of help.

Thank you for reading and have a nice day.

Nothing will be done unless we move…

2009-06-02T02:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing will be done unless we move…

Because of a writing assignment, I decided to be absent from work in order to submit my task on time. I spent three hours of reading/researching for some ideas to incorporate in my writing.

After offering a short prayer, I commenced on writing a portion of a novel chapter. The feeling was awkward at first, but as I became focused and completely immersed with what I was doing, words began to flow with much ease.

I felt happy for seeing the blank monitor began to be filled with words, sentences and then several paragraphs, and although I had to go back once in a while to change something, I was nevertheless thrilled because the words and ideas just kept flowing freely…

After checking for cohesion and logic, tightening of ideas, word selecting, tense and spelling correction, I finally finished the thing I was writing in five hour time.

"Nothing will be done unless we move" is really a true principle. After having done some reading, gathering of ideas, or thinking as part of my preparation, next thing I did was to trust in my creative powers to assist me in forming, fashioning, and creating the ideas for my writing.

I've seen the truthfulness of this saying so many times in my life that whenever I am consumed with laziness or self doubt, I just commence working and trust in my creativity and that of the higher power's help to guide me.

No accomplishment whether great or small will be done without action. Even if we may go wrong at times, it is still best to do something. We can change anyway the course we are heading as we move along or review our work later.

If we wanna accomplish something, let us eliminate the causes of inaction which are:
self doubt, ignorance, fear of failure or the unknown especially if its our very first time to do something, laziness, fear of not being appreciated, even fear of trying due to low self esteem.

Let is realize that action is very important. Words may be powerful and pleasing to the ear and to the senses, but without action everything that we say will be in vain.

How can we overcome inaction then?
· have a goal in mind or a plan and don't forget to write it down - this will impel us to do something no matter what. There is a saying that if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. (and don't forget to set a deadline)
· have the self discipline to stick to your task, no matter how vague or disorganized it might be in the beginning
· remember the ants - one of the most industrious animals
· precondition yourself …refuel or recharge yourself first before getting into action
· accept imminent failure , neither be afraid of it. It is your passport to success...remember that things may be difficult but they can be possible or attainable with continued action.

The value of friends

2009-05-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

The value of friends

Being a rather shy type of person, I find it hard at times to make friends with people. But when I reached out and put the extra effort to become one, I found several of them, from various stations in life, who have become the buffer, and anchor of my life.

Friends which come in various sizes, stations, and orientations in life are valuable for the following reasons;

1. Friends can give you the self confidence you need

There was a point that because of a flaw in one of the major decisions in life, I felt my life was shattered and I couldn’t see through the glass clearly. I began to be skeptic, at times belittleling my capabilities and potentials. It was through my friends’ help that I understood enough
myself, my errors, my good points as well as the opportunities and chances that still lie ahead of me. They reminded me of the unnumbered blessings that outweigh the negatives in my life.
The good thing was, though my life was a shame, they’ve never stopped loving me.

2. They can make you develop into a better person
There is saying that friends can make or break you. Fortunately for me, a friend helped me to curb the habit of talking down on people I don’t like very well or might have offended me. She told me to just keep the nasty things to myself and think a lot of times before passing on negative comments. I took her advice that in order to better live and be happy, I needed to let go, forgive offense, practice tolerance, be a little kinder and more understanding and let God and live.

3. Friends warn you of impending dangers
Working eight hours a day, five days a week and at the same time trying to hone my writing skills after office hours, required me to sleep at around twelve in the evening. I was only having five hours of sleep then.
A friend after having known of my lifestyle, cautioned me to get proper rest and adequate sleep in order to be healthy. She admitted that she was a cancer survivor and one of the causes of her malady was due to not following the law of health. She had allowed herself to become workaholic thus depriving herself of getting the necessary amount of sleep and rest
required to having a healthy body.

4. Friends lend support to make your dream/s come true
Knowing that it is my dream to become a writer, a friend gave me the web addresses of possible markets for my skill. I have one who edited my work (short story) for submission to a literary contest. They can also give you a the pat on the back, kind words and advice in order to reach your goals.

If you can find friends like the ones I have then you must be lucky. It is for these reasons and perhaps even more that we need to treasure our friends and keep on developing more if we can. One secret I believe to making or keeping friends, is for us to become one ourselves. For whatever we plant, we reap.

Allowing our kids to sometimes commit minor mistakes

2009-05-21T21:38:00.001-07:00

Allowing our kids to sometimes commit minor mistakes

As parents it is our responsibility to mold our kids into better adults someday. But sometimes it will do no harm if we allow them to choose for themselves the wrong way, for them to personally learn and feel the consequences of their actions.

There was a time that with his persistence and other reasons such as he was a bit tired and experiencing body ache, I had allowed my eleven year old child Van to be absent from church one Sunday. I knew all along that he would spend the morning watching TV. I left him at the care of my mom.

When I went home, I told him I felt sad coz I missed him at church, then I enquired of his activities. He sheepishly smiled. I then again asked him how did it feel to spend TV watching that morning , again he looked at me grinning shyly.

“What would you think Jesus might have felt?...” I asked
“Sad of course, when we don’t obey him,” he replied
“Are you happy with what you’ve done? , again I queried.
“No,” he answered.

When our kids are young, it is expected that we make decisions for them, but there has to be a point wherein we need to give them the chance to make decisions for themselves, thereby allowing them to make use of the gift of free agency that is inherent in every human being.

It is only through this way that we can make them independent, yet responsible and accountable individuals. The learning and growth process will be more impactful as we allow them to learn from their experiences or mistakes early on in life.

Of course this would not apply to every child, for kids are uniquely different and parenting styles vary too, as well as the situations we have in our homes, and the degree of potential danger or harm a particular choice will have on a child. We can be autocratic or democratic in dealing with our little ones.

After that experience, I had no more trouble inviting him or waking him up early for church or for his school appointments, for he knew that not only these are all the duties he must attend to, but doing so will make him happy, and the rest of his loved ones.

When hope is gone...

2009-05-12T20:29:00.001-07:00

When hope is gone...

Last May 5, 2009 my friend Sonnie, aged 54, an army officer was buried. He committed suicide by hanging himself inside their store. The night he died, he had a drinking spree with several relatives. When they left, he kissed his wife goodbye and said 'Tomorrow, just get some money in the pocket of my pants.'

To be short, the main reason for the suicide was because he was heavily indebted which had caused a rift or tension in his family relationship.

Maybe at the moment of despair, the only easy solution he thought of was to end his life, leaving behind a wife and eight kids the youngest being nine months old.

What a shortsightedness of vision! He could just have made a loan out of his salary to pay for his debts.

But then again who am I to comment when I wasn’t there to witness his agony and pain. I didn’t know the circumstances that led to his untimely death nor how he was treated by people around him. [his friends, colleagues, wife and children] I am not a prophetess to know everything, nor it is my business to pry in other people’s affairs.

There’s only one thing I’m sure of. That at the very moment of his deepest despair, he forgot to pray...he had lost hope thereby not allowing the heavens to help in his predicament.

With the many murders, killings and suicides that are prevalent these days, what the world needs badly is hope…hope for the future, hope for the best, hope that times and people will change.

When hope is gone, the heavens grieve and the adversary rejoices. It is at this time that clouds of darkness can debilitate even the stable minds. Vision is dimmed, understanding shortened, and the conscience is stifled.

The creator of the universe is pained when hope leave a man’s heart. This only means he’s not allowing God to interfere in his life, not wanting to witness how God’s matchless power can operate in the lives and affairs of his creations.

So sad that he ended his life just like that…
If only he had imagined the faces of his kids…
If only he did not drink that night…
If only his wife or one of his kids were watching him…
If only he looked at the brighter side…
If only a friend was there to listen and give advice
If only he prayed…
He could have been alive.

How to achieve your dreams

2009-05-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

How to achieve your dreams

Most people are dreamers. Beginning from the early years of life, whether spoken or not, every child in his mind dreams of small and big things… such as having a nice toy or a cool shirt, to go to school like his peers, to go to beautiful places and see more beautiful things.

As the years go by, and with the changing needs of a person, most likely his ambition will change too. Dreams that are of lesser value are forgotten and the most dominant ones are the ones retained in the mind.

There seems to be no stopping to the making of dreams. The accomplishment of one goal, leads to the creation of another. For instance, the fulfillment of wanting to buy a camera, leads one to want to study photography to make better use of the device he acquired and to develop his artistic talent.

And this is ok. For life has to go on and there must be continuous improvement and accomplishment of worthy pursuits.

The following are just some steps to do in order to accomplish our goals, no matter how small or grand and whether they are short , intermediate or long range in duration.

Write it down
Writing down goals give it more clarity and power. It is a proof of the product of your imagination. Given the proper action, it can come alive at some distant future.

2. Allow it to stay in your mind or subconscious
You may opt not take it seriously to avoid getting frustrated in case of a failure, but allow it to pop in your mind once in a while. This is like drawing the goal into your favor.

Include it in your prayers
Never never underestimate what prayer can do, especially the fervent and heartfelt ones, in
making the aspirations of our hearts and minds a reality.

Set a target date to realize it
Say to yourself tomorrow, next month, or next year or June 28, 2009 whatsoever. We need to reckon the time and seasons to be at our side. This is the essence of giving our goals a time to come into fruition.

Allow for some flexibility
If a goal turns out not the way you want it to be e.g. you wanted to go to college, but because of lack of means ended up at a vocational school, don’t despair for it’s not the end of the journey. Don’t frown too, if you don’t accomplish your goal at the time you want. If we have timetables, so are our goals. They'll not come unless the recipient is ready and have paid the price for them, and sometimes the price is high.

6. Share it to people you trust
People you trust will support you. People who have same goals as yours may at some point help you. Remember that it is usually through other people that we obtain the help we need.
They can be our angels if we allow them to.

Enlist the help of others
Even if you are rejected, it’s worth trying to ask for people’s help. No man is an island. There are people who can help you to reach your destination faster than you imagine it to be. Don’t hold grudge if for any reason you don’t receive the favors you ask from others.

7. To thine own self be true

There are generic goals that are available or could apply to all, like becoming healthy, happy and strong. In life you can’t be everything you want your life to be. Find your strengths and focus on them. Create that balance in your life. Though we are all created equal, we have different abilities and unique personalities. Continue dreaming having your feet on the ground.

To dream is free and there’s nothing wrong with it. Coupled with faith and action, they can come to you. May all your righteous dreams come true!

The blessings of attending church

2009-05-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

The blessings of attending church

One Sunday morning, I felt sad and lazy to attend church. My mind seemed to rationalize not coming being an active member all my life anyway. 'There would be no harm in being absent once in a while,' I told myself.

The things that dissipated my energy were the problems that beset me. I just felt a little discouraged at the turn out of events in my life - unmet expectations, unanswered prayers, bills to pay, office problems and so many more.

Because of guilty feeling brought about by knowing something right, but not doing it, I went to church despite having a heavy heart.

I saw our former bishop standing outside of the chapel. From the main road about fifteen meters away from where he stood, I could see him smiling and waiting for me already.

As I walked towards him, he was still beaming with joy. And I thought, 'What's wrong with this guy? Doesn't he get tired of smiling? Is there any reason to rejoice, considering the many problems on the earth today?'

When I shook his hands and our eyes met, I didn't know what happened within me but I uttered the words , 'I'm glad to be here.'

Unmindful of my fears and troubles, I've already forgotten how I felt earlier that morning. My gloom was transformed into lightheartedness, made possible by the manifestation of a brother's love and joy to me.

As I analyzed it later, I found out that the newfound source of my strength and joy for that day came out of my obedience in keeping the sabbath day holy. Had I not come, I would have felt more miserable.

True indeed that the Lord instituted the Sabbath for men for our advantage and called it a delight, for the reasons that the partaking of the sacrament itself as well as the association with other people, and hearing his words will provide us the necessary strength we need to face the trials of mortality.

Out of that experience, I've learned a lesson that no matter how strong or hard the trials of life may become, I needed to come unto Christ's direction by attending church or doing his will, not away from the one who would rescue and help me solve my problems. I also learned that happiness is a good thing and is contagious, so we all need to cultivate the habit of being of good cheer.

The importance of choosing the right things...

2009-05-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

The importance of choosing the right things...

One day a friend came to our office and offered fiction and non-fiction books for rent. Out of my desire to increase my vocabulary and learn the techniques on how to write a novel, which I need in my collaborative book (novel) writing project, I decided to rent one book.

I finished reading the book in three days time and when she came again at the last working day of the week, I found myself renting again. The author's name though it might have been a pseudonym was familiar and must have come from notable breed of writers. After browsing a part of the book's synopsis and being told by my friend that the story was ok , I proceeded renting it for a week.

I set a certain time each day to read it, with a goal of finishing the book in five days. When I covered almost one third of the book, I discovered that there were dialogues and scenes that were not uplifting .

Instead of being inspired or enligthened, by the way I felt after my reading, my spirituality and virtue weakened.

That very same night, I asked for God's forgivenes for not being wise in the selection of reading materials. I also promised to myself to read from good books and other literature. That experience made me realize that books are indeed very powerful and can have defining effects in our lives.

It was only lately in my meditation that I discovered that some of the stories in the scriptures can be considered as novels themselves, with the elements of plot, twist, dialogues etc. Reading them will not only aid me in my aim of becoming a novelist someday but most importantly, draw me nearer to the true source of knowledge and wisdom who will give me the inspiration I need in my writing.

The scriptures as my guide...

2009-05-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

The scriptures as my guide…

It was Sunday and because of the stormy weather it was not safe or convenient to go out of the house. There was heavy shower and strong wind. It was announced over the radio that our area was under storm signal number 1. Typhoon Senyang’s strength was estimated to reach at 120 kph.

Fearing that the condition would worsen, I felt hesitant to come to church. While contemplating whether to be absent from church or not, I sat on the dining table and reached for the scriptures.

As I thumbed through the book, its page turned to the words "Assemble yourselves ; hold a meeting, rejoice together; and offer a sacrament unto the most high". Turning to the other page, I saw the word 'assemble' once again.

It was as if the scriptures talked to me that moment and gave me the very thing that I needed - a boost, a push or a reminder as we might call it. Reaching for my plastic shoes and jacket, I hurriedly got dressed and walked at the muddy pathway to the main road. I arrived just a few minutes before the Sunday service started.

Despite the storm, thirty five people attended . As we sang the opening hymn, I couldn't hear the congregation because of the sound of the torrential rain coupled with thunderstorm.
Before the last speaker was introduced, the rain abated and I was able to hear his talk with clarity.

His message was beautiful and he expressed gratitude for the faith of the people present that day and discussed on doctrinal points that deepen the faith, hope and commitment of the members to be true to their covenants despite oppositions . Even though we were only few, I really felt the spirit during the entire meeting

At the close of the Sunday service, I expressed a silent gratitude for the scriptures for helping me do the right thing. If I did not attend, I would have missed that wonderful talk and the faith-filled lessons of devoted teachers on that Sabbath morning. What added more to my joy was the news that the Lord of the Sabbath saved us by causing the storm to change its direction.

how to bring out the best in you

2009-05-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

How to bring out the best in you

People have varied goals or ambitions in life. Almost everyone would like to become successful in thier roles or jobs whether as a teacher, student, business person,parent, employee, freelancer, baker, banker etc. or any combination of these roles.

The aim to do good or excel in every facets of life or in every endeavor is at the heart of almost every person.

The following are just some of the steps in bringing about the best in every individual;

1.Belief in oneself

Believe that you have power to do something and the potential to become someone you’ve been dreaming of. Belief in yourself will help you propel to your destination and surmount the oppositions or problems of life.

2.Know thyself

'To thine own self l be true.' To reach your highest potential as a person, it is important to know the things or skills you’re good at. Do you like sports, cars, talking to people, travelling, writing?

After knowing your capabilities, harness your talents and capitalize on them. Also know your limitations and find ways to overcome them.

3. Have faith in God

In this world filled with uncertainties, trusting in the arm of flesh or our own intelligence is not enough. There is a supreme being that oversees the operations of the universe and the turn out of events. Recognize that there is someone higher than us that can enlarge our abilities to equal our challenges and provide us with opportunites that are beyond our expectations.

4. Enlist the help of others

It is no shame to ask help or advice from others. Other people like our friends, and relatives can see our potentials and flaws better than the way we view them. Oftentimes, it is through other people that we obtain the help we need. Lend a helping hand too if an opportunity is presented to you.

5. Don’t be afraid to fail

Failure is a natural part of life but remember that it is not permanent. Realize that through time, it can lead to success. Remember also that there's no overnight accomplished writer,teacher or singer. It requires time, patience , practice and perseverance to attain success.

6. Never give up

The tough just don't quit. They may be baffled and at other times stop to think, regain strength, or momentum but not quit. Just remember the forest king.
It will never become a forest king unless he pressed his way up to get his share of the sunbeam.

7. Always seek for continuous improvement.

Almost everything in life is in constant motion. Change is seen in the way technology, approaches or application of things are evolving.
Try to be abreast with the time and the seasons. Add something new to your skill in order not to be left behind. Irregardless of age, make learning a continuing process. As the saying goes, 'there's always a need and a room for improvement.'

8. Be happy

Love what you do and enjoy doing your job. With happiness comes better execution of work. You can be more productive and a content person as you do things with joy.

happiness1

2009-04-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

How to be simply happy

Happiness is the state of being at peace with self and with those around us. It is a thing to be found by exerting, by doing some things, for no human being can truly be happy by doing nothing.
There are actually many sources of happiness or joy depending on what value we place on things, events or people. Some people find joy in having plenty of money, clothes or the bounty of life. Some relish having surrounded with friends. There are those who delight in adventure or travel while others prefer to stay at home.
Whatever it is that makes us happy, there are guidelines that can bring anyone lasting happiness. It is to accept who we are , whoever we are and delight in the simple little things that are happening or coming into our lives.
Unhappiness comes when we feel self doubt or when we compare ourselves to others. Of course it is never wrong to have an ambition such as finishing a degree or acquiring something, for as long as we keep our feet on the ground and our goals are realistic and attainable enough.
Keep it simple, keep it simple is the key. This can be applied to every facets of our lives whether a dream or ambition, an activity , an endeavor or a pursuit in life. Complications or imbalance in the way we spend our lives cause unhappiness too.
We need to have a positive outlook in mind. Even in the midst of a bad day, in the presence of an obnoxious client, decide to be happy by enhancing or accentuating the good things rather than the bad.
People who are self-centered or who always focused on the "me, mine… attitude seldom attain true peace and happiness, but rather those whose hearts and minds are for the good or benefit of "us, we, ours, they and them."
People say that happiness is elusive, but we can always choose how to respond to circumstances in our lives. We can learn to decide to capture it by choosing to be happy - the object and the design of our existence.