Health is Wealth

(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?!!

Strength or Flaw?

(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!

One Step at a Time

 

(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!

 

Lifting Burdens

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!

The Healing Balm of Forgiveness

(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!

Sacred Trust

(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.

The Gift of Presence

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.

After the Storm…

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.

Thank YOU!

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

I was taken aback the other day when a lovely young lady came up to me and said, “Thank you for your smile.” I paused and gave her a puzzled look. I was speechless. I didn’t remember smiling at her that morning. Sensing the confusion on my face she explained: “I just want to thank you for always having a bright smile on your face.” I think I might’ve said thank you, but now I’m not very sure.

I thought that experience was pretty unusual for me—in a good way—and I definitely wrote it down in my journal yesterday morning!!! I thought her smile was even brighter and more beautiful than mine, but it reminded me that oftentimes we influence other people more than we know, and we sometimes do it in unexpected ways!

In my mind I thought, “If she only knew what I had been through the past day.” But it didn’t matter. She thought my smile was worth mentioning and those simple remarks of hers made my day! Her comment reminded me that life is beautiful despite all the trials we face and that a lot of things are certainly worth smiling about! I’ve also learned that our positive outlook might touch other people’s lives in ways that we cannot even imagine! I definitely think that this young lady’s kind remarks inspired me more than my crooked smile inspired her. And I vowed to strive and maintain a bright attitude no matter what challenges life throws my way.

May we follow this young lady’s fine example of candidly and generously expressing our gratitude to people who touched our lives for good—be it about great things that changed our lives significantly, or simple things that made our everyday lives happier!

On this note I’d like to thank all of you for your support and some of you for being my very good friends beyond the pages of this blog site!! Thank YOU very much from the bottom of my heart!!!

Zero Visibility

(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.

Reason Enough! :)

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

A motorcycle rider lost control of his bike and skidded in front of our car as we drove along the highway last night. I stepped on the brakes just in time to avoid running over him, but that essential act—that he later claimed saved his life—caused the car behind us to hit us and the next car to consequently hit the car behind us.

Part of the motorcycle went under our car. The biker said he felt the impact when the car behind us crashed into our vehicle, but by some divine miracle he left the scene unscathed. I pulled the hand brake after we were hit the first time so when the car behind us was hit, our car absorbed most of the collision shock and the biker was spared.

I said a prayer in my heart before I got out of the car and was relieved to find out that the biker wasn’t hurt. It was almost traumatic for me to see his image fall in front of us and go under the hood of the car, but it was amazing how peaceful and calm I felt throughout the whole ordeal despite it being my first time to go through such an accident after all these years of driving. Needless to say, it must have also been an equally traumatic experience for all those who were involved—car passengers and drivers alike.

As we tried to shrug off the jitters of the previous night’s accident, we discussed this morning all the positive things that came out of that unwanted incident. How we were reminded that life is fragile and can be taken away in a snap of a finger. That prayer is the best way to help us handle highly stressful situations. That people will respond to us better if we treat them respectfully and kindly. And that there is always a purpose under the heavens why all things happen the way they do—even if they are most inconvenient!

So for us, the accident gave us a reason to celebrate life and friendship even more! And to have a big breakfast at McDonald’s on this beautiful morning that we would’ve otherwise skipped if it had only been a normal day!

Take care everybody! Drive safe!! And have a great week ahead!!!

Refiner’s Fire

(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)

We had a great laugh this morning in the car on the way to work while talking about complicated situations in life that test our long-suffering and patience. “I want to develop patience NOW!!!” I jokingly said. Nyahaha!

Although I was trying to make our conversation light by kidding around, I know that there are times when we are presented with circumstances that look like crises and we have to explicitly choose to see them as opportunities for growth despite the difficulty. Some days may be easier than others, but the goal is to never give up trying.

I was touched by an article I read last week about the metamorphosis of a boring little caterpillar into a beautifully colored butterfly. I realized that most of us are like caterpillars that are striving to reach our potentials and become the butterflies that we really are.

As we go through life’s temporal and spiritual battles, it is important to keep in mind that these adversities and afflictions shall be but a small moment, and if we endure them well we shall be exalted (see D&C 121), for these challenges are made for our experience and shall be for our good (see D&C 122).

Love Unfeigned

(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.

The Blessings of Friendship

(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!!!

Curtain Call

(Photograph by Eunice Ruth Barilea)

What a difference one person can make in the lives of many!! A former Philippine president passed away over the weekend and she will always be remembered in the pages of our history as an “Icon of Democracy.” Leaving behind a life well-spent, she told her family during her last moments that she was ready to meet her Maker.

As I watched people lined up the streets of a business district to pay tribute to her, I wished I would be as ready as her when my time is up! And that I would also be surrounded by my family and friends when my turn to pass through the veil comes.

At a workshop I attended last month, a video was shown of a Carnegie Mellon teacher fighting pancreatic cancer who said in his lecture: “We don’t beat the reaper by living longer, but by living well, and living fully—for the reaper will come for all of us.”

How true. Nobody knows when that call will come, but it will come. May we be able to live a life that makes a difference—a life that touches those whom we come in contact with in a positive way. May we be remembered for the good things that we strive to do everyday, and may our name be honored by those we will leave behind.

It is true that we cannot please everybody, but in the end I think that the ultimate Being to please is really our Creator and the Father of our souls.

Have a good week everybody!