(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!
Hi Chers,
It’s always uplifting to read your messages. And I agree with your words about patience in tribulations, letting go of negative traits to make life lighter, and the need for continuous improvement to reach our potentials. The message is great, and the Holy Ghost carrieth it to my heart, and definitely to all the readers.
Thank you for your testimony that strengthens mine.
Miss you.
Vanj
Hi Vanj! I miss you too! Your examples throughout our years of friendship have been a source of inspiration to me as well. Thank YOU! Love ya!
There are many lessons we can learn, even in the midst of a calamity. I love the way you appreciated the principles learned in the recent floods. It was indeed inspiring.
(HOPE VANGIE CAPTURES THIS SMALL NOTE)
Vanj,
I just learned that you already left. Hope you find the best there!!
I’ll make sure Vanj gets the message, President Santillan. Thanks!
Thank you for this article. Those people with negative attitudes usually find every situation very difficult to resolve. Same thing as how you eat an elephant, one bite at a time.
I think there are certain situations in life when we sometimes get ourselves overwhelmed and seem unable to figure out what to do. We are human beings and are prone to these types of weaknesses, including having episodes of possessing some negative attitudes in our system. But as mentioned, it’s best to remind ourselves that there is always room for improvement and that we should never give up trying to be our very best. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you very much for this inspirfing message…that really inspires me…to motivate me…to go on with the help of our
Divine Redeemer…I apprfeciate every words of inspirations you sent me…This will serves as aguiding tools whenever I feel deppressed…Thank you…Miss you…and hlope to hear more from you and to see you again…
Luv
Call me when you need me, Fely. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks. Appreciate it very much. God Bless
Thanks, likewise!
Hi che,
What an inspiring message! I’m glad that you finally moved on. I know you gain your strength from the LORD, the church and your kids. Hope to meet you again in the temple and have a session together. Kindly give the address of joenell to the bishop assigned in his area.
Here’s his address:
**edited for security purposes**. It’s inside St. Joseph Subd. Infront of Ever Ortigas.
Take care and give my regards to Jessica and Justin.
Thanks, Vivian!
Hi, Ate Che!
Thanks for the great message! It added and renewed my strength. I do believe that God uses people to answer our prayers. And you served that to me through your messages. Really appreciate it! Ingat po lagi.
Meldy
Thanks, Meldy.
thanks
Thanks, Elizabeth.
Hi, Cherry it is always good to read your message for the truth is in it , I feel relieve for some things I can’t do right now , attending temple sessions first it is cold and I am with two kids today , but I know that God bless me with 2 kids to care for , and He only requires my heart and mind to always think of Him through prayer and I know that when I pray He listens to me as well as those who felt that devastating flood . Thanks again Mommy Marci
Thanks, Mommy Marci. Love you.
Cherry,
Thank you for your beautiful, inspiring message. This is also a very appropriate tribute to the wonderful, resilient Filipino people!
Love,
Ralph & Edy Howes
Thank you Bro. Howes! Much appreciated.
Fantastic story, I did not thought it would be so great when I read the title.
Vielen dank, Mark!