(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).
Refiner’s Fire
August 24, 2009 by Cherry Baluyot
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Cherrs,
Thanks again for the wonderful insights. These are not new but reading them again brings light and hope. I always feel inspired after reading your every entry.
Want to share also a quote recently read:
Happy moments, praise God;
Difficult moments, seek God;
Quiet moments, worship God;
Painful moments, trust God;
Every moment, thank God.
Miss you.
Thank you, Vanj!
And thanks for sharing with us the quote. I miss you more! 
Now is actually the only time you can have anything…. you can’t have it before because its too late and you can’t have it later because you haven’t got there yet… its either now or never… so your demand was not unreasonable… perhaps a bit pushy and definitely not spontaneous… but somewhat reasonable… do you have it NOW… how about NOW… maybe…hmmmm… perhaps… NOW… okay how about…. NOW!… don’t think and give the moment a chance to capture patience…. see… it could happen… hope you are having a very patient day… Peace
p.s….. I am not being serious
I know… you’re never serious, Rich.
Yep, I got patience now…bought it from the store. Haha! Just kidding! Love ya! 
Yup!!! I agree! I need to have patience now too because my kids are growing fast and they will leave for college and missions or marriage and all I have are memories of what???? Yelling at them!!! Patience is indeed a virtue and I have not yelled at them since I came back from the Philippines! That’s a progress! Kids need all the understanding they can have and love from their parents because it is the critical time of their life! Thanks for the reminder cherry! Love ya!
I’m so glad to hear that, Ysai! That’s most definitely a great progress!
Love ya, too! 
Ate Cherry,
Tears welled out from my eyes as I read your entry as I am reminded again to be strong and keep on moving on. Sometimes, I feel like giving up but I know this is not what the Lord wants me to do.
If you happen to go in the temple, please write my name in the prayer roll. I really need it most.
Thanks po!
God bless and more power!
Meldy
I most definitely will. Hang in there, Meldy!
Never give up! Just keep on keeping on. Take care.
You are exactly right as stated by Elder Maxwell that everything we experience in life shall give Thee experience , He has a book about that . Mommy Marcy
Yes, I read that book, mommy marci!
Hi Cherry,
Let me approach your inspiring message in this manner.
* Principle of Reversal
There is an opposition in all things. This fact is true as almost everything has an opposite. Good or bad, right or wrong, rich or poor, high or low, light or darkness, strong or weak, hot or cold, better or worst etc. The crucial thing here is whether we fall on this contrasts in life. If we maintain our standing before God as his worthy servant despite the travails we encountered, then we surpassed the test of faith and deemed patient enough to face reality and eternity.
One strategy is to reverse the retarding impact of an opposition with a positive outlook and reaction knowing that all is well for us.
* Principle of transformation
From being a child to become a man and later like our Deity above. From being a pupil then a teacher to be a master.
This process of growth would involve continuity of companionship of the Holy Ghost, and steadfastness of our faith as a child of God.
* Principle of endurance
Many people have suffered prolong agony like those that are in prison, captives, tormented slaves, or others with lingering illness, and some afflicted with full disability. Nevertheless, their unfortunate ordeal won’t be forever. They must strive to endure and trust our merciful God to provide relief in every situation.
Numbness from pain followed when it reaches maximum farenheight. Extreme pain may cause also unconsciuosness resulting to no feeling at all.
I could still remember our neighbor suffering pain from her diabetic complication every night howling like a dying person calling her gone mother. But later she stops when visited by her father and attended to her needs to give her caress. It seems to be that physical pain had been alleviated by the emotional comfort attending to one’s needs. So much so with spirituality that can rejuvenate our entire being.
Our days are counted though for a brief moment. As our mortal bodies degrade by the passing of time our inner self remains the same as ever.
Regards,
Dan
Thanks, Bro. Mendoza.