(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

While I was waiting for my turn at the lounge of a doctor’s office this morning, I decided to read the newspaper to pass the time. It was overwhelming to see page after page after page of economic woes being reported all over the news. If newspapers were the only source of finding out how things are going in this world, one would most definitely be discouraged and disappointed. It is comforting to know that there are other sources of stories that report more optimistic news that encourage one’s growth and development in this life. J

Yesterday at the Relief Society class, it was uplifting to listen to women discuss how important it is to know one’s priorities in life. That we are counseled to “Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you” (Alma 39:14). We were also reminded to “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin,” yet our Father takes care of them. “Shall he not much more clothe” us (Matthew 6:28-30)?

There are times when prosperity draws people away from the Lord. We should strive to achieve a good balance of all aspects in our lives for us to feel the joy and happiness that we are meant to experience in this journey called earthly life.

I love the talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf the other week about happiness being our heritage (http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,285-1-54-31,00.html). He mentioned that, “As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves… As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”

I have a deep sense of admiration and respect for people who go out of their way to reach out and bless other people’s lives. For visiting teachers who make us feel welcome in our new neighborhood. For a very good friend who takes time to make a phone call to catch things up. For people who serve and seek the kingdom in exchange for nothing in return. Those who keep their focus on the eternal weight of things rather than material. These little things may not merit any international news coverage, but they mean most in the eternal perspective of things.  

In our troubled times, let us keep an eternal perspective and remember what truly matters. Let us trust in the love of our Heavenly Father who promised to take care of us and all our needs, if we put Him first and seek His kingdom (Matthew 6: 33). J

Tuesday morning I was driving to my bible study down a two-lane road.  The speed limit had been recently changed from 45 to 35 mph because they are widening the road.  I was talking on my phone, looking for a CD, not paying attention, and as I looked up, I saw a police officer standing at the side of the road motioning for me to pull over!  I felt horrible.  I hate getting pulled over, that fear of man thing.  I feel like I've really done something wrong, like I've been really bad! :) 

I was talking to my husband just before I got pulled over, and when I saw the cop, I told my husband, "I've got to go now, I'm getting pulled over!"  He's said, "What?"  And I hung up!  The officer walked up to my car and told me I was going 47.  He took my driver’s license and insurance card.  While I was waiting for the him to write down all the information, I realized that I knew the speed limit had been reduced.  In fact, my husband had warned me about it previously, which I promptly blew off!  And now I was going to get a ticket.  I had not gotten one in years and was not looking forward to paying the fine or having my insurance rates raised when our finances are already so tight.

I am a very sensitive person and pretty much have always cried in the past if some intimidating authority figure, like a cop, pulls me over!  But I didn’t this time.  And I had another glimpse of how God has been changing me, taking control of my emotions, making me more confident in Him, making me more concerned about His opinion than man’s.   Its is really neat to have a situation presented to you and then to realize that you are now different, to see the evidence of God's work show up!

I timidly asked God, “Could I please just get a warning?” knowing I really didn’t deserve it.  The officer came back.  He was a kind-looking, black man with a round face.  He says with a smile on his face, “This is just a courtesy warning, ma’am.  This won’t go on your record or anything.”  He didn’t even give me a stern warning not to go so fast.  So I thanked Him profusely!  Then I thanked God profusely.

After I pulled away, now doing the speed limit, I called my husband back.  He said he was praying for me the whole time to just get a warning.  Do you think it was a coincidence that I had just called my husband before I had gotten pulled over, and then he could pray for me?  I am so thankful that I only got a warning, that God dealt with me gently through this kind police officer, and that I was given a glimpse of the results of the changes He has been making in me.  And I also knew this as God’s gentle warning to tell me to stop going so fast on that road!

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

It was an interesting week last week, wasn’t it? While half the world lost sleep over the most recent global economic hullabaloo, half the world was counting their blessings and rejoicing over small—yet very significant—events in their lives! J

I have a friend who, after waiting for many years to find the right man, wrote and expressed gratitude for marrying a very good husband whom she can confidently rely on during these times. She also learned through volunteering service how “beautiful it is to lend out your hand to help out someone in these trying times rather than to wallow in depression by yourself.” J

I was glad as well to read a CNN article that was written about the positive effect of the economic melt down. It reported that more and more people are going back to homemade cooking to trim their budget and consequently spending more time with their families around the table!! YayYyY!! J  

Then, there’s this faithful soldier serving in Baghdad, Iraq who shared a touching story on how humbling it is to witness the sacrament being solemnly administered and passed by a priesthood holder “with [an] M4 rifle slung across his back or [an] M9 9mm pistol strapped to his hip.” He said that their “testimony meetings are powerful and often [poignant].” I was deeply touched when he said that they were truly blessed by being there because their testimonies were strengthened as the Lord uplifted and supported them through their trials.

Isn’t it amazing??! J Either we look at the bright side of living in this world and be grateful for the many blessings that we have, or we let the dark side swallow us up into feeling miserable and despondent. Well, let us choose looking at the bright side and be grateful!!! J  

There was death in our extended family last week, but it was a time of outpouring of support and love from family members and friends. I also had a flat tire the same week, but miraculously made it to the examination center without knowing it, and was blessed to pass the exam I’d been preparing for all this time! J My son had a difficult time adjusting to the new graded school system he is in, but made it to top 9 in his class! J  Ah, my heart is brimming with gratitude for all these blessings and so much more! J

How ‘bout you? Isn't it time you count your blessings, too? J

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

“What’s your favorite household chore?” I asked my teenage daughter as she helped me wash the dishes after dinner.

“Is there such a thing?” she replied with a puzzled look.

“Why of course!! Washing the dishes has always been my favorite chore since I was a kid. I like the sound that the water makes and how the soap and water clean up all the dirt afterwards,” I explained at length.

“So c’mon, tell me, what's your favorite chore?”

“Well…” she paused for awhile and deeply thought about the question.

“Hmmm…” she thought a bit more.

“Are you SURE there is such a thing, Mom?!” J

We laughed hard and decided to change the topic. J

I saw an article last week about an Olympic medallist who, as a child, was abused continually for two years by a neighbor. The case was brought to a grand jury but no formal charges were made due to lack of evidence. The Olympian was devastated.

I felt compassion for her and remember thinking that one day she will get a fair trial before the judgment bar of God. Nobody gets away with anything in the end. It’s either we face and settle our issues here in this mortal probation, or they rise with us in the resurrection and we pay for them there. I would very much prefer the first no matter how difficult the consequences may turn out to be.  

I believe that with proper repentance, all of us may be made clean of all our sins, through the redeeming love of the Savior and the power of His Atonement—much like clear water cleans up all the grime and filth of the pile of dishes in our kitchen and makes them all gleaming spotless again. J

He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.  Ps. 23:3

There has been so much chaos going on lately, mostly good things.  God is showing me new ways He wants me to serve Him and stretching me beyond my comfort zone.  It is exciting to follow Him, but also sometimes tiring and overwhelming.  But when God gives me things to do, He also provides what I need to accomplish it, including rest.

Yesterday afternoon, I was feeling worn out, and I also began to feel a headache coming on.  It wasn’t quite time for my prayer time yet, but I was so tired, and my headache was threatening to become worse, that I had to rest right then. 

So I crawled into bed and snuggled into God’s arms, speaking to Him a little.  Actually my mind was still going over all the crazy things that have been happening lately.  But despite my distraction, He held me and calmed my heart anyway.  I finally drifted off to sleep in His presence, feeling surrounded by Him and bathed in His love. 

A while later, I woke up when my younger child got home from school.  My headache felt better, and I felt rested spiritually and physically.  I felt loved and tenderly cared for.  Now I have such a sweet memory of how He cared for me when I was worn out.  And He provided me just what I needed, when I needed it.

 Before we move on in our understanding of God's grace, there are some  things I want to point out to you. Many people misunderstand the  meaning of grace. As they begin to get free in their soul they  mistakenly think there is no longer a place for instruction,  correction or rebuke in their lives. Don't make this mistake! Keep in  mind that the same apostle Paul who wrote the book of Romans and the  epistle to the Galatians, both of which are filled with the gospel of  grace, also wrote the epistles to the Corinthians (and others) which  are filled with instruction, correction and rebuke. The gospel of  grace is such good news that the apostle Paul had to keep reminding  people it is not a green light from God to go ahead and sin. (See  Romans 6:2 and 6:15)

 The beauty and power of grace is in knowing that God's love for us  does not fluctuate based on our performance at any given time. Grace  allows us the opportunity to grow spiritually without condemnation  when we stumble. God loves us regardless of our behavior. He is not  waiting to punish us when we sin. Bad things can and do occur when we  sin but it is because we are giving the devil opportunity to take  advantage of us. Sin opens the door for very unfortunate results! But,  if and when bad things happen, it's not God who is inflicting the  punishment. Instead, when we do sin He sees to it that there is plenty  of grace available to get us back on our feet without condemnation.

 Remember this scripture: "The thief (devil) comes to kill, steal and  destroy (your life), but I (Jesus) come that you may have (enjoy) life  and have (enjoy) it MORE ABUNDANTLY." John 10:10 (emphasis mine)

 Romans 5:20 states, "But where sin abounds, GRACE does MUCH MORE  abound." That my friend is "good news!" I don't care how rotten you've  been, God's grace is there to pick you up and set you back on your  feet! Quit whining and beating yourself for acting like an idiot. I  went through a period after my church closed where I really let myself  have it. I judged myself so harshly that I could hardly look at myself  in the mirror. I was sure that everything that went wrong was "my  fault." God watched as I beat myself to a pulp, but He wouldn't join  in on the melee. After it got to the point to where He couldn't  stomach any more of my self-deprecating behavior, He said in essence:

 "Knock it off. It's not all about you. Quit focusing on yourself.

 Sure, you made mistakes, but I can't find anybody who hasn't. No one  who works with Me is qualified based on their own efforts. My GRACE IS  SUFFICIENT for you. Now get up and get back in the war. We've got work  to do."

 Both Paul and Peter told us that it is the grace of God that enables  us to stand and continue on in our Christian journey. (Romans 5:2 and

 1 Peter 5:12) They both understood first hand the restorative power of  God's grace. Paul, before his conversion, was dead set in making a  career out of killing Christians. And Peter, as we all know, said,  "Jesus who?" three times! He denied even knowing who Jesus was! Are  you kidding me? And yet Jesus chose these two to be apostles? Pillars  of the church? Major contributors to the writing of the new testament?

 YES! But how could this be? GRACE. Are we communicating here?

 "Let us therefore come BOLDLY unto the THRONE OF GRACE, that we may  obtain MERCY, and FIND GRACE to HELP in time of need." Hebrews 4:16  KJV (emphasis mine)

 When do we need help the most? When we've messed up. Instead of  running AWAY from the throne, we need to learn to run TOWARD the  throne. GOD DOES NOT GET MAD AT US. He loves us and fully understands  it's only a matter of time before we screw up (again). Trust me, our  sin does not take God by surprise. As a matter of fact, He saw it  coming and made eternal provision for us...JESUS!

 As you continue to hear the gospel (good news) your joy level will  rise. Your confidence in God's willingness to heal you, work through  you and love on you will increase. As your soul (mind, will and

 emotions) is being cleansed with the truth, your strength and resolve  will become a force for the kingdom of God! Are we having fun yet?

 Paul wrote the epistle to the Galatians because they were being  influenced to mix their own works of righteousness in with the grace  of God. They were told by some religious zealots  they needed to do  this to secure their salvation. Paul freaked out. You can sense the  righteous anger in his words. Look at what he said in Galatians 3:3:

 "Have you lost your senses? (Are you nuts?) After starting your  Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become  perfect by your own human effort?" NLT (emphasis mine)

 How adamant was the apostle Paul about grace? Look at how he starts  his letter: "I can't believe how fast your theology got screwed up.

 Who caused you to be moved away from the grace of Christ into a hybrid  faith? There is no other "good news" than grace. Someone over there in  your fellowship is perverting the truth!" (Galatians 1:6-7, my

 paraphrase)

 Then in verses 8 and 9 he goes on to say: "If ANYONE preaches to you  any other 'gospel' than what I've told you, let him be accursed! In  case you misunderstood me let me say it again. If anyone preaches to  you that God's grace is not enough for your salvation, and that you  must add your own works to it, let him be accursed!" (my paraphrase)

 I shouldn't have to tell you what Paul was saying in today's language,  but it wasn't pretty. Man, he was hot. What a way to start a letter to  somebody, huh? Before his conversion to Christ, Paul was as religious  as you could get. He knew firsthand the dangers of trying to earn your  salvation and he came against it full force. He knew he had to. This  was no laughing matter to him. He went on to say in chapter 3 that  they were "fools" and were under demonic influence. Yikes! Now there  is an example of grace and rebuke all in one letter. He loved them  enough to confront the religious spirit that was trying to pervert  their faith. Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient enough to remove any and  all sin from your life. There is nothing you have to do to complete  the work. It may sound noble, but it is in effect an insult to the  work of the cross to think that what Jesus suffered for you wasn't  enough.

 I'll close with Second Corinthians 6:1-2: "As God's partners, we beg  you not to reject this marvelous message of God's kindness. For God  says, 'At just the right time. I heard you. On the day of salvation. I  helped you.' Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the  day of salvation."  (New Living Testament)

 As the King James version puts it, "Receive not the grace of God in vain."

 Isn't Jesus wonderful? Until next time...

 Godspeed!

 Rich Glenn

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

We’ve installed a mirror against a blank wall in our home last week. I am delighted to see the reflection it makes of the opposite side of the room making the place appear twice as big as it actually is. Yet I believe that the most significant image that the mirror reflects is not the content of the room, but the image of the person looking through it.

They say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” How important this truth is in terms of looking at our own individual worth. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to lift one’s self when memories of our wrong choices and decisions harrow up our souls.

A very good friend once reprimanded me for beating myself up over some things I’ve done which I was not very proud of. She would have none of my (what she calls) “self-mutilation,” and reminded me that we were “friends without conditions, ifs or buts, period.” I was humbled by how she viewed me and how she helped me magnify my strengths instead of my weaknesses and shortcomings. 

There is One who sees us more than we could ever possibly see ourselves. He knew us even before we came here on earth and knows exactly what we are capable of becoming. He loves us beyond what our human minds can comprehend, so perfectly that He bought our fallen souls with His precious blood.

At times when looking through a mirror reflects images of self-doubt and worthlessness, we can find relief and certainty from His perfect love for we are of divine worth. He offers peace that “passeth all understanding.” How comforting it is to know that we can come to Him for healing and rest from the weariness of this world. He is indeed our Savior, our friend, our all.  

Yesterday afternoon I didn’t feel like spending time with God at my usual time.  I had bible study earlier that morning, my blog to write, and e-mails to answer.  Then I needed to make dinner.  I was resisting doing my quiet time because I had so many other things to do.

But I finally did it anyway.  I was distracted, thinking about other things, impatient to finish so I could continue with my plans.  But as I lie on my bed, asking God to help me, He showed up.  I could feel Him there with me, loving me, awing me with His presence.

By the time my quiet time was over, I was amazed that I now felt such a desire and hunger for God.  I went from being disinterested to wanting more!  And then I felt guilty, so undeserving of His kind affection.  This is when I realized that His kind affection was the very thing that corrected my behavior, and made me want what I should want, even though I didn’t deserve it.  He disciplined me with kindness.  I was astounded at how He works in me, to make me what I should be, through kindness.

Thank You Jesus for loving me even when I don’t deserve it, for Your love lavished on me, to create in me what You desire me to be.  I love You. ♥

I would not drive you with a whip, nor bridle you with rein and bit to prevent you from plunging into error; but only let Me look into your eyes, and I will guide you in love and gentleness.  (Roberts, 225)

It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God’s warriors than standing still. There are hours of perplexity when the most willing spirit, anxiously desirous to serve the Lord, knows not what part to take. Then what shall it do? Vex itself by despair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rush forward in presumption? No, but simply wait. Wait in prayer, however. Call upon God, and spread the case before him; tell him your difficulty, and plead his promise of aid. In dilemmas between one duty and another, it is sweet to be humble as a child, and wait with simplicity of soul upon the Lord. It is sure to be well with us when we feel and know our own folly, and are heartily willing to be guided by the will of God. But wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in him; for unfaithful, untrusting waiting, is but an insult to the Lord. Believe that if he keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet he will come at the right time; the vision shall come and shall not tarry. Wait in quiet patience, not rebelling because you are under the affliction, but blessing your God for it. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses; never wish you could go back to the world again, but accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self-will, into the hand of your covenant God, saying, “Now, Lord, not my will, but thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities, but I will wait until thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. I will wait, if thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon thee alone, O God, and my spirit waiteth for thee in the full conviction that thou wilt yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower.”

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed.”
Jeremiah 17:14

“I have seen his ways, and will heal him.”
Isaiah 57:18

It is the sole prerogative of God to remove spiritual disease. Natural disease may be instrumentally healed by men, but even then the honor is to be given to God who giveth virtue unto medicine, and bestoweth power unto the human frame to cast off disease. As for spiritual sicknesses, these remain with the great Physician alone; he claims it as his prerogative, “I kill and I make alive, I wound and I heal;” and one of the Lord’s choice titles is Jehovah-Rophi, the Lord that healeth thee. “I will heal thee of thy wounds,” is a promise which could not come from the lip of man, but only from the mouth of the eternal God. On this account the psalmist cried unto the Lord, “O Lord, heal me, for my bones are sore vexed,” and again, “Heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee.” For this, also, the godly praise the name of the Lord, saying, “He healeth all our diseases.” He who made man can restore man; he who was at first the creator of our nature can new create it. What a transcendent comfort it is that in the person of Jesus “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily!” My soul, whatever thy disease may be, this great Physician can heal thee. If he be God, there can be no limit to his power. Come then with the blind eye of darkened understanding, come with the limping foot of wasted energy, come with the maimed hand of weak faith, the fever of an angry temper, or the ague of shivering despondency, come just as thou art, for he who is God can certainly restore thee of thy plague. None shall restrain the healing virtue which proceeds from Jesus our Lord. Legions of devils have been made to own the power of the beloved Physician, and never once has he been baffled. All his patients have been cured in the past and shall be in the future, and thou shalt be one among them, my friend, if thou wilt but rest thyself in him this night.

from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening (August 30th)

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

During our weekly get-together at our dad’s place yesterday, my sister and I found each other reminiscing many things that happened to us while we were younger. Some were so silly and ridiculous that it made our jaws hurt from laughing incessantly; while some were poignant, such as when we discussed about our beloved late grandmother.

My sister expressed how amazed she was that even after 14 years have already gone by since our grandma passed away, we still talk about her like she’s still around. We remember her as if the last time we saw her was just yesterday. We still feel of her love, guidance, and remarkable influence in our lives. We still carry a deep love for her in our hearts and are looking forward to seeing her again someday.        

All of us have, at one point, lost someone we loved and cherished. Because of this, it is comforting to know and contemplate the doctrines of eternal life. That Resurrection is available to each of us through the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. That this mortal body will be raised to an immortal body someday.  That life is eternal and that what we do here on earth will matter in the next life. We must cling to that hope and not let our world get shattered by the temporary separation we experience from those we love.   

How grateful I am for this simple truth. And I look forward to that day when all will rise up triumphantly from the grave as spoken of by the prophets. Wouldn’t that be such a wonderful and exciting reunion? J

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

We were quietly driving on our way home from visiting my sister-in-law who just gave birth to a baby girl in the hospital when my 17-year-old daughter blurted out with enthusiasm in her voice:

“I love our family, Mom! Everybody’s just crazy!” J

“Uhm… er… I’d take that as a compliment, sweetie, but what do you mean?” my baffled reply came.

She then told me how hilarious she thought it was when my brother put his eye next to the camera’s LCD monitor instead of zooming it electronically when I told him to look at the baby’s photo closer. And how funny she found it that her Opa insisted that the baby looked more like him because they have similar thinning hair! J

Having a newborn in the family is a refreshing reminder of the divinity within us. Staring at my infant niece while she quietly slept reminded me of who I am, where I came from, and what my potentials are.

There are times in life when we are very hard on ourselves and we completely forget what we are capable of becoming. When we focus more on things that are not working, instead of exploring things that would help us reach our divine destiny.  

In times like these, it takes a leap of faith to act suitably and keep hopeful of the promises awaiting those who would take the high road and live up to our Father’s expectations. There is an embryo of godhood within each of us and I am grateful to be reminded not to “undermine” this precious royalty within me from time to time.

(Photo by Edwin Redrino)

The Beijing Olympics is over. Being a person who doesn’t watch TV that much, I only watched the news and video clips on the internet about certain events and updates that I was particularly interested in. One thing that always amazed me was the cheering of the crowd and how it affected the adrenalin rush of the athletes.

While living in Germany in high school, my younger brother and I used to watch the Borussia Mönchengladbach football games in the stadium with my best friend and her brother. I must admit that at first I thought the game itself was a bit boring, but the excitement that the energetic audience brought to my spines and the thought of supporting our home team’s spirits while battling the opponent kept me coming back. I rejoiced with them as if I were part of the team whenever they won, and felt sad for them whenever they lost. L

Whether through the recent Olympics or a local football event in high school, I realized that people are the same everywhere. We have more similarities than differences. We have an innate characteristic to be supportive of other people in their battles in sports—and in life.

We don’t have to be athletes to be part of this kind of battle. Everyday we go through an invisible battle for the soul that started way before we even came here on earth. In our time and age when “even the very elect will be deceived,” I am most grateful for family and true friends who cheer us on as we fight for the good and resist the evil.

Like the Olympians during the games, may we also display grace under pressure when faced with the challenges of life, until the day will come that this world will achieve its paradisiacal glory. J

Our family and some friends took advantage of the long weekend to frolic and spend a day in one of the Hundred Islands of the Philippines.  As soon as our boat docked on shore, we made preparations to grill our food using natural resources while basking at the soothing beauty of nature displayed in front of us.

Being the only people on the island, we swam with reckless abandon in the clear, cool water alongside schools of fish that were probably terrified at our presence. I marvelled at the magnificence of the islands and the serene, tranquil feeling of being in the middle of it all. It was a fascinating experience.

While travelling back from the trip, we decided to hold our Family Home Evening while inside the vehicle because it was a Monday night. I was moved by the impromptu lesson given by our friend about a boy who, because of tradition and customs in his country, was left by his father blindfolded overnight in the forest to prove his manhood. In spite of the different jungle sounds that he heard and fearing that his life was in danger, he left the blindfold on until the sun was up—the appointed time that he was allowed to take the blindfold off.

When the boy felt the warmth of the sunlight on his skin, he took the blindfold off and was surprised at the first thing he saw—it was his father sitting right across from him. His father was always there throughout the night and never really left him.

Just as I’m ecstatic to see those hundred islands next to each other and those schools of fish swimming as a team, I am most grateful that like that little boy blindfolded in the forest we are never really ever alone. That although we don’t see Him, our Heavenly Father is always there watching over us and is only a prayer away. Hence, as human nature truly dictates: “No man is an island!” J

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

While sitting on the pew behind them, I watched how a loving, young mother tried to gently keep her toddler from fussing during one reverent sacrament meeting. After attempting several different techniques that worked only a few minutes, she reached into her bag to offer her daughter a lollipop. It seemed to work instantly as the charming little girl climbed up to her and placed her head on her mother’s shoulder while enjoying her candy.

A little boy sitting right next to them watched intently as the girl relished her sweet treat. He gazed at her without flinching for about five minutes. When the little girl noticed his stare, she took the lollipop from her mouth and without any hesitation offered it to him. The little boy paused, looked at the lollipop, and then gladly took it. They both smiled and kept silent for the rest of the meeting.

I sat there in awe after what I witnessed. Adults surely will think it’s an unhygienic practice but it was the principle behind that blew my mind away. What a pure example of selflessness!!! I didn’t sense any regret from the little girl when she offered the one thing that she enjoyed most to someone that she thought would enjoy it more.

How light and wonderful life would be if adults could practice that principle as well—unselfishness. Let us keep in mind that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Life is too short to keep it all to ourselves. We have not enough time to hoard it all. Be it our time, our talents, our affection, our resources, let us choose a better way.   

 (Photograph courtesy of Edwin Redrino)

The rain was pouring hard last night on our way home from visiting my dad’s place. Under normal circumstances I would’ve enjoyed the ride, but the downpour was so heavy that I couldn’t see clearly through my windshield anymore and the road that we were on was already flooded.

Afraid of getting stranded while we were driving along one dark, flooded street, I said a silent prayer in my heart and prodded my son to offer another one in our behalf:

“Justin, would you please say a prayer to ask Heavenly Father to help us safely get home?” He nodded, closed his eyes and said a quiet prayer.

After a little while, when the rain settled down and we could already hear the hymn from our car stereo, I asked him again to say a prayer of thanksgiving. When he opened his eyes, I said:

“Did you thank Heavenly Father?”

“Uh-huh,” he replied.

“What did He say?”

He looked at me and shrugged his shoulders.

Prayer is our means of communication with our Father in Heaven. It is a divine instrument that we can use anywhere, anytime. We don’t need any power lines, batteries, or gadgets in order to connect. Just as I am excited to hear from my children about their daily activities, our Heavenly Father loves to hear from us on how our day goes, what our plans are, what challenges we are facing. He is never too busy or too tired for anyone. We are literally His sons and daughters and it would please Him to hear from us each day.

And just as I love talking to my children, our Father would also love to speak with us—if we would but let Him. His voice may not come as a boisterous thunder or with a strike of lightning, but it will oftentimes come as a still, small voice accompanied by a warm, peaceful feeling inside our chest.

How grateful I am for this means of reaching out to Him whose presence I may not be worthy to withstand. When the world is busy and no one else is available for me to talk to, I am grateful to know that I could always get down on my knees and pour out my heart to Him who listens anytime, anywhere, and to anybody—saints and sinners alike.    

I find that one of the surest signs of getting old is being forgetful. I’ve never been good at memorization and now that I’m back to school, it didn’t surprise me that it’s still at the very bottom of my list of favorite things to do. J

My 12-year-old son expressed his amazement upon learning one day that the human being is the greatest computer ever created. And I agree with him. I think it’s good that we have this characteristic in the human brain—that we can forget things that should be buried in oblivion and remember things that could help us progress into becoming who we were meant to be.

Once I was sifting through my things and saw a very old journal. I sat down and read the pages and was reminded of how I was able to go through life’s ups and downs during those years. I read how my hopes and dreams became realities; that some of the things I feared were baseless and never really happened; that faith saw me through all of the most difficult trials I encountered then.  

For someone as scatterbrained as I am, it pays to keep a record of life here on earth so that someday, in one of my senior moments, I will remember… how beautiful and kind this life has been to me… how I’ve been blessed with so much despite my being me… and how a loving Father has guided me and lifted my load every single day of my existence—and that, I will never forget.

(Photograph courtesy of Edwin Redrino)

I took a leisure walk in the rain with childish glee the other day. I loved the cool breeze that gently touched my face and the sound of the raindrops that trickled down the pavement. It was one very refreshing experience.

There are a few things that give my heart that warm, fuzzy feeling. Watching the sunrise as I drive to work… my children’s laughter… a new leaf from a growing plant… a long, tight hug from my little nephew… catching the sunset on my way home… These are some of the simple pleasures in life that provide such immense happiness that cannot be measured in terms of what the world considers wealth. And the joy they provide linger.

There are moments when circumstances surrounding us get us down and we forget just how beautiful earth life is. During these times, it helps to remind ourselves that we are here to learn and grow from our painful experiences, yet at the same time discover the true meaning of joy and happiness!! Isn’t it such an interesting and exciting journey??!! J

It’s good to remember that true happiness doesn’t come from things that we can buy in a department store, or the amount of whatever currency we have in our stock portfolio. But most often, happiness comes from intangible things that we sometimes call simple pleasures! J

The north pole and the south pole.

They are anti-thesis to each other.

We fear to the extent that we lack faith.

The God of the universe works by faith while the adversary makes us fear. And when that emotion takes over, we make the mistakes that we would never do when we look forward with hope in spite of the odds.

I realize I have been fearful most of my life. At 34 years old, I hate the dark. A caregiver's careless stories about monsters and vampires to make me fall asleep have terrorized me until this day. I am afraid of not being accepted. Teenage life was not kind to someone as poor, as small and as ugly as I was. Of getting too fat. Of falling out of love. Of my child liking someone else's mom more than me. I try to look cool on the surface, but my fears can paralyze at times.

Once I was caught in a lonely little corner with only my paralyzing fear to accompany me. Only the direct knowledge that even a little "mustard seed" of faith can dispel all the fears saved me. How amazing that a Heavenly Father so kind and merciful can work with such a little offering and magnify it to save me from my own monsters.

I'm still trying to work on it, but next time I meet fear, I hope that I have healthy supply of faith.

I was inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center when it was hit by a terrorist plane on September 11, 2001. I thought it was a good day for me to die… but my life was spared.

A lot of people thought of that tragic incident as a curse. Yet for so many people, including myself, that historic event proved to be a great blessing.  

Countless positive things came out of that seemingly negative situation. People softened their hearts and reached out to strangers in need. There were no barriers in economic status, race, or age—everyone united to achieve a common goal: to uplift the heavy hearts and heal the wounded spirits. Human kindness was overflowing.

But unlike that defining event in world history, there are quiet moments in life where no amount of aid from any human being will suffice… where only Divinity can appease the human soul.

In our daily struggles to be on the right path to get back to our real “home,” we acknowledge that we cannot make it on our own. Miracles happen and just when we think we are cursed, He blesses us. When we reach a crossroad and we think it’s as far as we can go, He bridges the gap and just won’t let go. Still every time we fall, He picks us up and saves us from further hurting ourselves.

I am deeply grateful that my life was saved that September morning. And I am eternally grateful for the amazing love of our Savior who would always rather give a blessing… instead of a curse.

Shopping breaks boredom, helps women bond, and replaces therapists. Of course, it has been known to wipe out savings from time to time, so the next best thing is to only buy items that are on the rack at bargain basement prices.

However, I have noticed that when people shop for something really special -- say a wedding or a big company event or some such thing -- then it's time for stores that splurge on quality and that put a special oomph into everything they sell. When the event is that special, people take out every little bit of savings to buy that special moment of happiness.

The one big difference between Heavenly Father and the adversary is this: Father makes us feel that we are never fire-sale material. That He will roll the red carpet for us every time we want to come to Him. That He will buy us with the best that He has: His Only Begotten Son. That He will make even the sun smile and the wind wave its arms when we need reassurance of His love.

The adversary, on the other hand, makes us feel like we're good only when we are at a 70% discount. He will make us feel tattered and worn, dated and either too big or too small with seams showing in the most unlikely of places. He will make us feel that nobody likes us anyway.

It doesn't even take another person to make us feel this way. We do this to ourselves all the time when we listen to his goading. We allow ourselves to forget where and how we were made and that we are meant for an eternity of happiness. That we are the literal sons and daughters of a Being so much more magnificent and awesome than anything we have ever physically seen.

As a writer in the public eye, I have received my share of sharp criticisms -- I wasn't good enough, my work wasn't good enough, I was nothing. Just like that, more often in the entire length of one line, I have been written off and relegated to the "fire-sale bin".

It hurts. The one thing that helps me to bounce back is the whisper of the soft air around me that Heavenly Father IS my Father, and He will give me as many tries as I need, as long as I do my best all the time. And that's not just for spiritual matters, but in matters of the heart, of the pocketbook, in my work. He is in every detail of my life.

That's love. I'm good enough for posh shopping. I even come with extra thread and buttons. I'm not fire-sale material. And so are you.

My 2-year old son, sponge-like in his intensity yet seemingly indifferent to everything around him, came home one day singing something under his breath.

“It’s tu leet t’pologize. Tu leet!” he sings. My heart crumbles. He sings like a little big man, y’know? Amazing how young minds can literally suck in and process everything that go on around them.

Hours later, his voice is still in my head. It’s a big song for a two-year old, and my mind turns to the rest of the lyrics.

I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothin new
I loved you with a fire red-
Now it's turning blue, and you say...
"Sorry" like the angel heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

Singable, danceable, swingable. The song humbled me.

We are given an entire lifetime to “apologize” to Heavenly Father for all the stupid things that we do. You ever felt that most of the time, you took too long to do it? I do.

Quick repentance turns a lot of possible heartaches into proud moments. It’s the equivalent of a quick-response system after a big storm. When we use it quickly -- the moment we realize the mistake not the next day or the next week -- it helps us bounce back immediately. It stops us from sliding into the dark abyss.

My biggest regret is that I have never been good at figuring out how to quickly use this stopper.

But I know this is so. In my not-so-proud moments, only repentance and the image of Gethsemane saved me. Holding on to hope that it’s not “too late to apologize” to a loving Heavenly Father, who is ever-ready to extend loving arms to the one with broken heart and a contrite spirit.

I was driving to a friend’s house early Saturday morning and had a lot of things swirling around my head. I’ve been to her place a number of times before and was confident that I knew my way without needing to ask for directions. It caught me by surprise when I suddenly realized that I was driving down an unfamiliar road.

Sensing that I still haven’t gone that far away from the right direction, I looked for the nearest U-turn slot along the road and turned back. But because the road was wide and new to me, I didn’t have time to swerve away from the bus lanes that I ended up taking when I made the turn. From a distance, I saw silhouettes of two traffic officers holding their hands up in the air bidding me to make a full stop. I knew I was in trouble.

I stopped the car and rolled down my window to explain that I didn’t mean to take the forbidden lane and that I had lost my way and was trying to find the right path again. The officer asked where I was going. He probably noticed that I was trying to be brave and was holding back my tears from falling. He softly gave me directions and in a jovial way told me to drive carefully—without giving me any tickets.

I took the road he pointed me to but driving further along I found that it was blocked. It was the only way I knew how to get to my friend’s place. I stopped in the middle of the road and not being able to hide my frustration, I let the tears flow. I summoned another traffic officer for directions and after asking where I was going, he pointed me to the right path until I was able to find my friend’s home.

Life is full of twists and turns. We sometimes find ourselves on roads that we never meant to tread… or in very dark tunnels where it’s cold and confusing. But I’m very grateful for U-turns in life and for officers who try to help us find our way again. As long as we know where we are going, we can keep our focus and try to get back on track. The important thing is not that we got lost, but that we found our way again. There’s always a warm and welcoming light at the end of the tunnel—no matter how long and dreadful it may seem.

I was driving to a friend’s house early Saturday morning and had a lot of things swirling around my head. I’ve been to her place a number of times before and was confident that I knew my way without needing to ask for directions. It caught me by surprise when I suddenly realized that I was driving down an unfamiliar road.

Sensing that I still haven’t gone that far away from the right direction, I looked for the nearest U-turn slot along the road and turned back. But because the road was wide and new to me, I didn’t have time to swerve away from the bus lanes that I ended up taking when I made the turn. From a distance, I saw silhouettes of two traffic officers holding their hands up in the air bidding me to make a full stop. I knew I was in trouble.

I stopped the car and rolled down my window to explain that I didn’t mean to take the forbidden lane and that I had lost my way and was trying to find the right path again. The officer asked where I was going. He probably noticed that I was trying to be brave and was holding back my tears from falling. He softly gave me directions and in a jovial way told me to drive carefully—without giving me any tickets.

I took the road he pointed me to but driving further along I found that it was blocked. It was the only way I knew how to get to my friend’s place. I stopped in the middle of the road and not being able to hide my frustration, I let the tears flow. I summoned another traffic officer for directions and after asking where I was going, he pointed me to the right path until I was able to find my friend’s home.

Life is full of twists and turns. We sometimes find ourselves on roads that we never meant to tread… or in very dark tunnels where it’s cold and confusing. But I’m very grateful for U-turns in life and for officers who try to help us find our way again. As long as we know where we are going, we can keep our focus and try to get back on track. The important thing is not that we got lost, but that we found our way again. There’s always a warm and welcoming light at the end of the tunnel—no matter how long and dreadful it may seem.  

While at church, it suddenly occurred to me how easily -- even casually -- I call the God of the universe as my "Heavenly Father," and sleepily mumble a conversation to Him that shouldn't really pass off as prayer. I even recall when as a child, blessing food felt like a mad race to the finish line so that I could dig into steaming rice!

I felt mortified when that defining moment revealed in my mind's eye that my Father is a Being so magnificent, so powerful, and yet so tender and loving towards all His children. That every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is God, when finally He shows Himself to the world. How can I forget that He made the sun, moon and stars and the smallest flowers; that he moved islands and shaped mountain ranges. That while He is in the mighty wind, He is also in the soft whisperings of each tiny brook.

...and He calls me His daughter!

For some time, I doubted His existence. I recall how confused I was and how dark it felt to be full of doubt. My loved ones proved to me that I was wrong, and last Sunday, He added another aspect to that ongoing conversation and brought home His latest point. I am His daughter! The thought blows me away. Here's hoping I will NEVER take Him for granted. EVER again.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of seeing some things that I’ve never seen before. I was sent, together with a colleague, to a sleepy town called Talisay to cover a story on 40 baptisms that will occur that Saturday. That baptismal number is huge, even for a country like the Philippines where baptisms in double digits are not unheard of.  
                                                    
I was astonished at the mere thought of it. I imagined how it would be like to see them get baptized and wondered what made them accept the gospel as they did.  
                                             
As we drove down the countryside, the one-way winding dirt road that had the ocean on the right hand-side and the lush mountains on the left-hand side made me and my colleague look forward to whatever else laid ahead. Little did I expect that I would be in for one of the greatest lessons of my life.

Having the ocean in their front yard and the mountains in the backyard, the people in Talisay live simply. It’s a common thing to see people walking, sometimes barefoot, for kilometers to get to where they are going. They are void of the modern technology that I thought I couldn’t live without back home. Some of them don’t even have electricity in their homes. They live in nipa huts and their main source of living comes from small-boat fishing and their little rice fields.  
                                                 
In my eyes and in the eyes of the world, these people might appear poor, but I’ve learned first hand that they have the riches of eternity. They are humble and teachable people. Free from the aspirations of the outside world that make some people forget who they really are. They are not puffed up or obsessed with worldly success and wealth. They acknowledge that their Maker provides for their needs and that they are nothing without Him. When they first heard of the message of the gospel, they acknowledged the sweet whisperings of the Spirit and like little children recognized that this message is something they’ve heard of before—only in a place beyond this earthly existence. Hence, it was easy for them to accept the gospel and decide to get baptized.  

As we boarded the plane that would take us back home, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the experience that we’ve had. We had more appreciation of the blessings that were given to us, an increased desire to extend love and selfless service to our fellowmen, a keen realization that these things that we have in this world are just that—temporary—and that the more important things are those that we can bring with us beyond the veil.   
                      
It was a great learning experience. One that I am hoping not to ever forget in my entire life.