Early Morning Seminary Class


Early-morning seminary can be challenging, but we have learned that rising before the sun, spending a few minutes to learn the scriptures each day and feeling the Spirit is worth the effort. 

30 August 2023, First day of Seminary Class

As parents and graduates of Seminary ourselves, we are grateful for this inspired program that provides our children the opportunities to learn and feel the truthfulness of the gospel and associate with others who uplift and encourage them. We have observed that as they come to understand the doctrines and principles, their attitudes and behavior improve. 

We admire this rising generation for their love of learning and for waking up a little earlier to attend their early morning seminary class before they go to school. Having spiritually fed, we know they have an extra layer of protection and guidance as they seize the day 

31 August 2023, Second day of Seminary Class

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond the Perfect Picture

Image
Let's talk about church. Not the polished Instagram version, all smiles and perfectly-behaved kids. Let's talk about the real church – the one filled with messy, complicated, wonderfully imperfect people, just like you and me.   Because honestly? Church is hard.   It's hard for the person creeping in the back, terrified of judgment. It's hard for the bishop's family, carrying the weight of everyone's expectations. It's hard for the prodigal, returning home bruised and battered. It's hard for the teenager pretending to have it all together, while their heart screams for help. It's hard for the couple who just fought the whole way to service. It's hard for the woman watching children play, a silent ache in her heart. It's hard for the widow or widower, sitting alone, wishing someone would just say hello.   The list goes on, doesn't it? Divorce feels like failure. Church songs can be a tidal wave ...
Read more

Elder Alvin F. Meredith III Visits Canada: Inspiring Youth and Sharing BYU-Idaho's Vision

Image
Today, my children and I attended a BYU-hosted Educational Evening. This significant event brought together Canadian youth and their families interested in higher education. Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, President of Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU-Idaho) , and other university representatives made a special visit to Canada.   The evening highlighted BYU-Idaho as a post-secondary option, emphasizing its unique academic programs, strong faith-based foundation, and supportive learning environment designed to foster both academic and spiritual growth.   This multi-stake fireside was more than just an informational meeting; it was an inspiring event that left a lasting impression on all who attended, igniting a passion for learning and planting seeds of hope for the future. For many young people, including our children, it may have been the spark that ignited their dreams of a BYU-Idaho education. President Meredith's message emphasized th...
Read more

Rise and Shine! The Magic of Waking Up Early

Image
Let's be real - life is busy! Between work, family, and all those daily demands, finding a moment of peace can feel like a treasure hunt. But there's this super simple yet powerful secret that can totally change your day – waking up early!   We've been doing this as a family, and let me tell you, it's become a special thing! It might seem challenging at first, but it's worth it!   Here's the thing: Waking up early is like a secret superpower for your mind, body, and soul! It's like you're getting a head start on the day and unlocking this whole new level of awesomeness!   The Gift of Alone Time   You know those first few quiet moments before the world wakes up? That's prime time for you! It's like having a little mini-vacation for your mind. You can think, reflect, plan your day, and just be at peace without all the usual noise and distractions. It's a time to reconnect with yourself and maybe even discover something new about who...
Read more

A Special Visit to Holy Infant Clinic

Image
We recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the Holy Infant Clinic, the place where all our precious children were born! It was a heartwarming experience as we reunited with Dr. Zarate and the midwives who played such a significant role in bringing our little ones into the world.   Meeting them again filled our hearts with gratitude and joy. Their expertise, care, and compassion during those precious moments will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We were truly blessed to have such dedicated professionals by our side, ensuring the safe arrival of our little miracles.   As we walked through the halls of the clinic, memories of each child's birth flooded our minds. The anticipation, the excitement, and the overwhelming love that filled the air were palpable once again. We couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings we have been given.   The opportunity to introduce our children to the doctor and mid...
Read more

100 Sabbath Day Activity Ideas

Image
Due to the developing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, gatherings of church members were temporarily suspended worldwide and leaders asked members to hold Sunday meetings in their homes. We know that the Sabbath is a special day and we want it to be a spiritual day amidst these trying times. We know we will reap blessings of stronger family relationships, kinder communication, spiritual depth, and more family fun. Our family has carefully gathered the following activity ideas after the Sunday service at home: 1. Make a family storybook: Everyone picks a memory, draws their version of it, and writes a short summary about it. Share your memories with each other. 2. Create a family mailbox to keep inside your home that you fill with sweet letters to each other. 3. Make a wall of favorite quotes from the general conference and leave it up for 6 months until the next conference. 4. Book of Mormon Puzzle: Draw your favorite scene or character from th...
Read more

19 Years of Motherhood: A Letter to My Children

Image
To my dearest kids,   Wow, 19 years! Looking back on our journey together, I'm just overflowing with gratitude for the amazing gift of being your mom. You all have brought so much joy, so much love, so much meaning into my life – it's seriously incredible. And because of you, I've become a way better person – stronger, wiser, and definitely more patient!   Being your mom has been the best adventure ever. You've taught me so much about patience (believe me, you've tested that!), kindness, and what unconditional love really means. You're all so selfless, and you inspire me to be the best mom I can be.   I'm so lucky to have you. I cherish every single moment we share, from your silly jokes that make me laugh until my sides hurt, to those cozy hugs that melt all my worries away. Even the tough times – we've tackled them together, and they've made us even closer. You're my best teachers, and you fill my life wit...
Read more

A Beacon of Hope for Child-Survivors

Image
  In the heart of the Philippines, amidst the challenges and shadows of abuse and exploitation, stands Parola Santuwaryo (Lighthouse Sanctuary) - a sanctuary of light and healing for children who have survived the horrors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. This blog post sheds light on the noble mission of Parola Santuwaryo, an organization dedicated to providing a safe haven and professional rehabilitation services to these vulnerable children, empowering them to reintegrate successfully into family life and society.   The Urgent Need for Residential Shelters   In a country where the dark realities of abuse and trafficking cast a long shadow over the lives of children, the need for residential shelters is more pressing than ever. Parola Santuwaryo has emerged as a beacon of hope, filling a crucial gap as the only shelter of its kind in all of Region 1, offering refuge to up to 20 children in need. Another shelter will open up in Tarlac City very soon....
Read more

BYU-I Fall 2021

Image
We are looking forward to starting and completing our chosen course this fall semester. Child Development course is a theoretical, academically oriented course focusing on the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the child from conception through adolescence. As parents ourselves and assisting and giving support to other children, we are excited to learn and  explore the influences of family, peers, and social institutions on the child's development.  We know that connecting the dots between what we learn and what we do takes creativity and even stepping outside our comfort zone.Our most favorite part is searching for daily opportunities at home and at work to apply what we learn.
Read more

Spiritual Stress and Burnout

Image
In the Old Testament, we read that Elijah experienced God’s supernatural strength to do the extraordinary. But at a latter part, we find Elijah fearful, running scared, exhausted, depressed, and wanting to die.  “Enough Lord, let me die” was his cry. The continuous stresses he faced consumed the last of his energy, his ability to go on and to say: "I  have had enough; I would rather die than go on facing this day in and day out”.  Elijah was a man just like us. Stress is all around us, perhaps not as extreme as for Elijah, but it's just around the corner, always consuming spiritual, emotional and physical energy. It can be forced on us by circumstances or induced by the choices we make.  Colin Buckland describes burnout in “Freedom to Lead”: “The exhausting of the inner resource that enables a carer to go on caring. The using up of the essential ‘inner you’, rendering the individual in a serious condition of dysfunctionality. The spending of self on other...
Read more

Our Love Story

Image
Let me share how our paths crossed, how our relationship blossomed over the years, and how our commitment to each other and our shared faith in   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints   have been foundational in our journey together. Anatolin and I were both raised by our goodly parents. I was born in San Jose Del Monte Bulacan on February 21, 1982. When I was two years old, our family moved to Bauang, La Union, where we met Sister Lumacad and Sister Mcnutt, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our family accepted the gospel on June 10, 1984 and was sealed at the Manila Philippines Temple on February 1, 1986, two years after it's dedication.  Anatolin was born in San Jose Agoo, La Union on June 25, 1982. Their whole family was baptized in the church in May 1988.  Anatolin said he first saw me when we were twelve years old at a Regional Conference where an apostle of the Lord, Elder Quentin L. Cook, presided over the San...
Read more