November 25, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Charisse Paculanang)
I was sick over the weekend and was consequently forced to stay in bed for the most part. I had to drop all appointments, activities, and plans for that beautiful weekend and did nothing. Of course the world didn’t stop without me in it. Life went on as scheduled and I just missed out on part of the fun.
As I lay in bed, I thought of someone very dear to me who is currently bravely fighting an illness that would’ve caused me to sink and sulk. I thought how insignificant my fever was compared to what she has. Yet despite it all, she keeps her spirits high and in turn inspires those around her to keep a positive outlook amidst physical challenges of life.
Each of us will, at one point, succumb to the frailties of this mortal existence. Some will return “home” ahead of the others. But while we are given the chance, let us be wise and not take for granted what we are given. Our physical bodies are gifts from God that we need to take care of and if we do it well enough, we may be instruments in doing a lot of good in this temporal world.
Stay healthy everybody!!! Take your vitamins everyday!!! And why not bring an umbrella just in case it rains?!!
Posted in God's kindness, attitude, health, optimism, perspective, simple truths | Tagged simple truths, attitude, perpective, optimism, health | 4 Comments »
November 19, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Charisse Paculanang)
I was reminded once too often this past week by a few friends about a character flaw that they think I have—the inability to say ‘no.’
But when does one draw the line? Is there such a thing as being a little too kind or giving way too much? Wouldn’t we rather err on the side of generosity—whether of our time, talents, or even of our love and forgiveness?
When people walk all over us, are we being wimps when we don’t retaliate? Would we be hailed as heroes if we got even or inflicted our enemies more pain? I strongly believe that it takes a lot of courage and strength of character to keep quiet and think straight in the midst of such crisis.
I love the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do to you.” And as the Savior puts it: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40).
I still have a great deal to learn for I don’t know much about a lot of other things, but this I know to be true: I get a peaceful feeling when I’m not cross with anybody; or when I serve the best I can; or when I see a person happy because of something simple that I did—notwithstanding their actions or motives.
Have a great weekend everybody!
Posted in God's kindness, attitude, choices, forgiveness, friendship, generosity, patience, self-control, simple truths, unselfishness, wisdom | Tagged attitude, choices, forgiveness, friendship, generosity, God's kindness, patience, self-control, simple truths, unselfishness, wisdom | 12 Comments »
November 10, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Charisse Paculanang)
People have finally moved on in our neighborhood after the flood!!
Broken furniture and appliances have been replaced; backyards have been cleaned; walls have been repainted; clothes and linens have been washed and dried; cars have been fixed; and most lives are almost back to normal!!
And so is mine.
YayYyY!!!
When I first saw the mess that the floods brought to our area, I just couldn’t imagine where people would start cleaning up. To me, it was just total madness! But as people slowly reached out and helped each other rebuild the area, I observed that the most efficient way of doing it was to clean the huge place one small spot at a time. It was simply an aha-moment for me!
And then I realized that in life we can perfect principles the same way!! “Line upon line, precept upon precept” (see 2 Nephi 28:30). No need to get frustrated if we don’t get things right the first time—as long as we keep trying. Some imperfections take longer to resolve; others can be fixed overnight. But the key thing is to be patient as we deal with them. And never give up!
As with the broken pieces of furniture, we may have to throw away some negative traits and replace them with pleasant ones. Some are more difficult to let go but as we do so, life will be lighter and more enjoyable to live.
May we all be blessed as we strive to improve ourselves according to our potentials. May we receive Divine guidance as we try harder to achieve perfection in certain areas of our lives one step at a time.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Posted in attitude, challenges, choices, determination, keeping on, optimism, patience, perseverance, persistence, simple truths | Tagged attitude, challenges, choices, determination, keeping on, optimism, patience, perseverance, persistence, simple truths | 22 Comments »
October 29, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

We cannot lift another unless we’re on higher ground.
As a human being, I sometimes find myself at the bottom of the pit and unable to write uplifting messages for this blog site. But there is one faithful reader among you who just won’t allow me to wallow in my mire of misery for a long time. She consistently asks me why she hasn’t received any updates by midweek if I fail to post my entry by Tuesday—and for that I am most grateful!!! Her reminders give me a reason to pull myself up from whatever puddle I am in and work my issues out so I could get back up and get going. This morning she sent me this note which I’d like to share with the rest you. This may come as a surprise to her but I will keep her identity confidential so as to protect her privacy. She wrote:
“Good mornin’. May the Lord bless you with a bright day today! You know what? When I’m feeling low I kneel down and pray and ask [Father] to help me with all my burdens. And God gives me wisdom. If I’m too stressed because of my household chores, I take a break then eat some sweets. You know what my favorite is? Flat Tops! It only costs 1 peso each. It really works for me plus I do some inhaling and exhaling and think that I am beautiful or any [other] positive things. Oops, I know you’re smilin’, but it’s true and not a joke. And put in your mind that God always wants us to be happy. And because I love you, I want you to be happy just like when I’ve first known you…”
How grateful I am for people around us such as my sweet friend!!! Her words provided the lift that I very much needed today. And perhaps some of you could benefit from her wisdom as well. Kneel down and look up when our burdens become heavy to carry. Keep working hard despite the stresses of life but remember to take chocolate breaks! (Yes!) Think positive thoughts and remember who we are—beautiful sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us and only wants nothing but our happiness. And finally, keep loving and sharing that love with others!!!
Have a great weekend everybody!
Posted in attitude, challenges, choices, friendship, gratitude, happiness, hope, joy, keeping on, love, optimism, perspective, simple truths, trials, wisdom | Tagged attitude, challenges, choices, friendship, gratitude, happiness, hope, joy, keeping on, love, optimism, perspective, simple truths, trials, wisdom | 14 Comments »
October 21, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)
There was a story told of a girl being bitten by a rattlesnake on the ankle and her friends chasing the snake first before remembering to get back to her to extract the poison from her leg. Unfortunately, her friends took too much time to avenge the infliction that the girl’s leg had to be amputated below the knee after a few days of being poisoned. Had the venom been extracted early on, the girl’s leg would’ve been spared.
The price of revenge is too steep in almost all cases. This situation is pretty much similar to holding grudges and resentments in our hearts. It poisons us more than it heals and we should strive hard to rid ourselves of all its stains.
Bishop H. Burke Peterson, who related this story, said: “The longer the poison of resentment and unforgiveness stays in a body, the greater and longer lasting is its destructive effect. … The poison of revenge, or of unforgiving thoughts or attitudes, unless removed, will destroy the soul in which it is harbored.”
How true!! I was almost tempted to keep this kind of poison in my heart, but I couldn’t stand it for more than a couple of days! I was physically getting ill and I thought last night I was going to have a heart attack from the pain. It was literally poisoning me!!! So I decided to let go and I was magically healed instantly!!! YayYyY!!!
How very grateful and ecstatic I am for this beautiful morning—feeling the cool breeze, seeing the sunrise, walking down a grass pavement, and having a wonderful breakfast after being made well by the amazing balm of sweet forgiveness!! Life is good!!!
Have a wonderful week ahead everybody! And let go of all those negative emotions in your heart!! Life is short! Keep it sweet!
Posted in God's kindness, attitude, blessings, challenges, choices, forgiveness, friendship, gratitude, happiness, keeping on, miracles, optimism, patience, perspective, self-control, simple truths | Tagged attitude, blessings, challenges, choices, forgiveness, friendship, God's kindness, gratitude, happiness, keeping on, miracles, optimism, patience, perspective, self-control, simple truths | 10 Comments »
October 13, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Franco Advincula)
When I was a young girl, my mom gave me a gold necklace with a butterfly pendant and a charmed bracelet that gorgeously dangled around my wrist. I was fascinated with their colorful design and liked them so much I wanted to wear them everywhere everyday. My mom warned me not to wear them in school for she said I might lose them during playtime, but I didn’t listen. A few days after she issued that warning, I lost the necklace.
Needless to say, I was in big trouble when she found out. Not only did I get reprimanded, but she also took back the bracelet and told me that I wasn’t ready for such a responsibility yet. My young heart broke, but I was taught a lesson that I carried with me throughout my life—sometimes when what we want conflicts with what is right, it is always in our best interest to stick with what is right and put our personal desires aside. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it always is the best.
As an adult I’ve learned that we are granted blessings based on our obedience to certain commandments that Heavenly Father previously provided. There are times when our wants are inconsistent with the laws that were given, but if we choose to obey and do what is right we would always be blessed.
I haven’t mastered this principle yet. Time and again the defiant little girl in me surfaces. But when my wants conflict with what is right, I am grateful to be reminded of this incident and the sacred trust given by our loving Father in heaven to keep me from going too far astray.
Posted in God's kindness, choices, optimism, self-control, simple truths, wisdom | Tagged choices, God's kindness, optimism, self-control, simple truths, wisdom | 6 Comments »
October 6, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

I witnessed last Sunday how being there for someone in times of need is sometimes all it takes to make them feel better. One does not even have to do anything, but listen.
The efforts to reach out and help those who have been affected by the storm continue. Some homes are still under water, families displaced, and many hearts are left weary. Yet despite the devastating situation surrounding the people in our neighborhood, it was amazing to catch a glimpse of the emotional strength that they exhibited in the midst of this crisis. In spite of their own loss, they went out of their way to offer relief to those who needed it more. In turn, their own burdens were made light and in blessing the lives of others they were comforted.
I must admit that I initially froze at the sight of all the destruction that this typhoon had caused—the number of lives that have been lost and shattered. I was immobilized by thoughts that I might not be on higher ground and wasn’t in a position to lift up another, so I stayed put—snuggled in my own little corner, keeping a safe distance from it all.
But I’ve learned that in giving service to others in dire situations we find our own solace and strength. We don’t even have to hide the fact that we are weak and powerless in certain moments. We just do the best we could. I also realized that it takes a lot of humility to accept help from another and to acknowledge the fact that we need help. Trials such as these can truly be a humbling experience. Finally and most importantly, I’ve learned that one of the most comforting gifts we may receive during a difficult time is the mere presence of those who truly love and care for us—even if they do nothing but listen.
Posted in attitude, challenges, friendship, gratitude, happiness, joy, love, optimism, service, simple truths, trials, unity | Tagged attitude, challenges, friendship, gratitude, happiness, joy, love, optimism, service, simple truths, trials, unity | 20 Comments »
October 1, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

My heart is beating fast as I write this blog entry due to the stress that the storm Ondoy caused a lot of people in our country, including myself and my family. Unfortunately, we were in the middle of it all.
I couldn’t believe it was happening. I got text messages from my friend telling me that water was quickly rising in their home and that they were moving their things upstairs. I looked outside our window and although it was raining hard, the street where we lived on seemed fine with no trace of flooding. I turned to my son who was then watching a DVD movie and told him that my friend needed help and that I didn’t feel right sitting comfortably dry at home while my friend’s family was struggling to save their things. In my heart I knew we had to go and extend whatever help we could give.
So off we went, armed with just our umbrellas and willingness to assist. We decided to leave our car in the parking lot and take public transportation to avoid driving through the flood. To our surprise—after we got off the first leg of the trip—people were already wading through knee-deep water inside the subdivision where my friend lived because no transportation was available. I looked at my son and when I saw the sense of adventure in his 13-year-old eyes, I knew there was no turning back for both of us.
We waded through the flood for a few blocks under the rain until we saw four men riding an inflatable bed who agreed to give us a ride to my friend’s house. I held my umbrella on my right hand while I tried to keep myself on the inflated bed with my left. I think those men were heaven-sent! :) We didn’t have to wade through the flood the entire stretch and we arrived at my friend’s flooded home ala-Cleopatra!
As most people in the world already know, the storm didn’t stop and it poured a record-breaking amount of rainfall that eventually flooded our own village and put our home and car under water. We didn’t get to see it happen in our neighborhood because we got stranded at my friend’s place. We watched from their second floor window how the water went from knee-deep to waist-deep until half of the van parked in front of their house was submerged in water. As electricity was cut-off, we relied on text messages to find out how other friends and strangers went through the ordeal themselves. Many lost their homes, some their lives.
As I contemplated on the things that happened and the effects that this storm had on so many lives, I cannot help but feel blessed that we are now safe. Although we have lost a lot of things, I know that those things can easily be replaced. But what stood out most in my heart was the overwhelming kindness of people as they extended their arms and hands to help their fellowmen in need. How people put aside their own comforts to embrace those that need support in all aspects. How individuals went out of their ways to ease the burdens of another. Human kindness was overflowing and it touched my heart deeply.
I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to those who have extended help to us in any way during this trying time. My heart is filled with gratitude for you. I will not forget the sacrifices you’ve made and the kindness you’ve shown. Thank you so very much from the very bottom of my heart.
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September 15, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot
Posted in attitude, choices, gratitude, happiness, optimism, patience, simple truths | Tagged attitude, choices, gratitude, happiness, optimism, patience, simple truths, smile | 14 Comments »
September 9, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)
It was raining hard yesterday as we drove up to my favorite bridge that shows a view of the temple from its summit. I always take the inner lane of that bridge to give me a bird’s eye view of the Lord’s house when I reach its peak. I was hoping to take a glimpse of the beautiful edifice despite the weather, but it was pouring really hard and we had zero visibility.
In spite of us not seeing the temple from where we were, we knew it was there and if we only endured our unpleasant journey through the stormy weather, we knew we would get there in no time and be blessed with its warmth like no other place on earth.
Life is a very interesting journey. At times it pretty much feels like driving through the storm and even as we strive hard to reach the pinnacle of our faith and look to Him for relief, there are moments when it would seem like He is not there. It is during these times that we must exercise greater faith and know that He IS there; that He is watching over us and protecting us from getting completely harmed by the adversary.
Like any loving parent to their children, I trust that He allows things to happen to us so we may grow. He gives us space to learn from these experiences and if we submit our will to His, we will come out of each situation a better person.
May we all learn to look up to Him and get down on our knees when faced with life’s stormy weather. For He can calm the tempest and provide comfort to us during the worst thunderstorm. May we all develop the faith and trust that He is there for us even when life’s downpour blinds us and we have zero visibility.
Posted in God's kindness, attitude, challenges, choices, courage, faith, gratitude, hope, keeping on, miracles, optimism, perspective, simple truths, wisdom | Tagged attitude, challenges, choices, courage, faith, God's kindness, gratitude, hope, keeping on, miracles, optimism, perspective, simple truths, wisdom | 12 Comments »
September 3, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot
Posted in blessings, challenges, choices, keeping on, optimism, patience, prayers, simple truths, wisdom | Tagged blessings, challenges, choices, God's kindness, keeping on, optimism, patience, prayers, simple truths, wisdom | 28 Comments »
August 24, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot
Posted in God's kindness, attitude, challenges, hope, laughter, optimism, perseverance, persistence, perspective, simple truths, trials | Tagged attitude, challenges, choices, God's kindness, hope, laughter, optimism, patience, perseverance, persistence, perspective, simple truths, trials | 12 Comments »
August 18, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)
They say you really love someone when you still love that person even when the person least deserves it.
There were times in the past when I’ve made mistakes and didn’t deserve to be loved by the people around me. Some of them judged me and walked away, but those who truly cared stayed and with their love and support encouraged me to reach far greater heights than I could possibly imagine. In my heart I will forever be grateful to those people, for I wouldn’t have been where I am now without them.
I remember a good friend once told me how she regretted letting go of an employee whom she thought was an “ugly duckling,” but in the end turned out to be a “beautiful swan.” She felt she gave up on this employee way too soon and didn’t give her enough time to grow and polish her rough edges. A year after she let go of this employee, my friend saw how the employee reached her potential working for another employer. To this day, my friend remembers the lesson she has learned out of this experience—that no one is a “hopeless case” and that we should never give up on anybody.
Another story that comes to mind is the story of a father who was recently baptized into the Church. For 18 long years his wife prayed for the day to come for him to accept the gospel. He was heavily drinking for the most part and not one member of his family thought he would ever change his ways. But he did. The love, faith, and devotion of his wife finally touched his heart allowing him to feel the Spirit when it manifested to him the truthfulness of what he had been taught. It was a glorious day when he came down the waters of baptism a changed man.
There’s one love that surpasses all kinds of love and understanding on this earth. It is the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. He loved us enough for Him to atone for our sins and die for us. I can hardly comprehend that love, but I am grateful for it every single day. I wish that in our dealings with our fellow beings we could practice even an iota of that love; for He has commanded us to love one another, even as He has loved us.
Posted in God's kindness, attitude, blessings, choices, commitment, family, forgiveness, friendship, gratitude, hope, individual worth, love, optimism, perspective, repentance, simple truths | Tagged attitude, blessings, choices, commitment, family, forgiveness, friendship, God's kindness, gratitude, hope, individual worth, love, optimism, perspective, repentance, simple truths | 12 Comments »
August 10, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot

(Photograph by Franco Advincula)
When I was a freshman in college, I met a friend whose good examples and strong testimony influenced me in a way that led me to learn more about what she believed in. She always had a bright smile on her face and a sunny disposition despite what was going on around our little university world. But it wasn’t long until her entire family migrated to the States and we eventually lost touch. I tried searching for her for many years when I lived there, to no avail.
But our fate has completely changed and a couple of weeks ago, after 23 long years of neither seeing each other nor communicating, we finally met up again and I was amazed that we were able to start exactly where we left off! No longer the teenagers who giggled at every little thing, I was proud of what we both have become and was delighted to catch up on how life has treated us throughout the years.
I once received an email from one of our readers saying: “Your circle of friends is a true wealth indeed and are angels sent to you by a loving Heavenly Father.” I couldn’t agree with him more. I think friends are “angels” sent by our Father to make our lives here on earth bearable. We cross each other’s paths, not by chance, but for a reason. Their laughter bring us joy and their shoulders are great for crying on. They remind us who we are when we forget, and cheer us on so we could reach our potential. We can be ourselves when we are with them, while they encourage us to become better persons.
Although at times I dread the thought of being separated again from some of my closest friends just as with this college friend (especially on a full moon
haha!), I know deep in my heart that having true and faithful friends is one of the best things that can happen to us in this life, and I sincerely wish for all of us to keep our most cherished friendships forever!!!
Posted in attitude, blessings, friendship, joy, laughter, love, optimism, perspective, simple truths, wisdom | Tagged attitude, blessings, friendship, joy, laughter, love, optimism, perspective, simple truths, wisdom | 10 Comments »
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