Little sweet surprises


I was waiting for Anatolin for our next scheduled appointment and was so occupied working on my phone when he surprised me with a flower he picked from our front yard he planted himself months ago. 

It's a beautiful thing to be blessed with a loving husband who always knows to find a way to cheer me up by randomly giving me flowers for no reason. I deeply appreciate this simple gesture to let me know he cares. 

To the husbands, I believe that when you courted your wife, you thought about it, you planned it — you strategized how to win her. There was nothing you wouldn't do, no small touch you wouldn't add and no effort you wouldn't make. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

More Than Just a Dad: What It Really Takes

Image
Okay, let's get real. Anyone can have kids, right? But being a dad? That's a whole different ballgame. As a mom, I've seen firsthand what it takes to be a great father, and let me tell you, it's so much more than just biology. It's Not Just About the Genes   Making a baby is just the starting point. Being a father starts when you step up and take responsibility.  It's about:   - Being Present : Like, really present. Not just physically, but emotionally too. Putting down the phone, turning off the game, and actually engaging with your kids. It's about being there for the good, the bad, and the messy. - Keeping Them Safe : Making sure they're okay, both in their bodies and in their heads. Teaching them how to navigate the world and protecting them when they can't. It's about being their rock. - Providing the Basics : Food, clothes, a roof over their heads. But also, giving them opportunities to learn and grow. It...
Read more

Bringing Light and Love: The Power of Sharing Important Messages with Loved Ones in Everyday Life

Image
Can you imagine if you had the chance to share your final thoughts with your loved ones before leaving this mortal existence? Well, that's exactly what the prophet Lehi did when he sensed that his life was coming to an end. He gathered his family for one last heart-to-heart. In our early morning Seminary class, we learned about Lehi and his final moments with his loved ones. It's truly touching how he gathered his family together to share the incredible messages that Heavenly Father had revealed to him. It must have been a deeply meaningful and heartfelt experience for everyone involved. It's amazing that Lehi not only shared his personal testimony of the Messiah but also delved into important topics like liberty, obedience, the Fall of Adam and Eve, and the redemption through Jesus Christ. These are such profound and essential teachings that can bring so much understanding and joy into our lives. Here's the thing, though. Lehi's children had the freedom...
Read more

A Higher Joy

Image
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk "A Higher Joy" resonated deeply with me during our recent Relief Society lesson at Riverbend Ward, Bow River Stake. The talk's message about actively seeking joy, even amidst challenges, was already powerful. But our teacher, Pam Merrell, took the lesson to a whole new level with a simple but profound activity.   She asked us to write down the name of the first person who came to mind. Then, she asked us to write down the words we wanted to tell that person, reminding us to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost as we wrote. As I sat there, the thought of reaching out to someone, expressing my feelings, filled me with excitement. As I began to write, a sense of peace settled over me. The words flowed effortlessly, guided by a gentle, inner voice.   It was a simple exercise, but it carried a weight that I'm still processing. That activity, combined with Elder Uchtdorf's message, was a powerful reminder for me. Her...
Read more

Stop Counting the Minutes, Start Cherishing the Moments: A Parent's Guide

Image
We've all been there – juggling work, household chores, social commitments, and the ever-present demands of modern life. In the midst of this chaos, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of time our children seem to require. "I just need a break!" we sometimes think, or even say. But what if the very thing we perceive as a burden is actually the greatest gift we'll ever receive?   I recently came across a quote that struck me to my core: " You will never look back on life and think, 'I've spent too much time with my kids.'" Let that sink in for a moment.   The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short   It's a cliché because it's true. The days with young children can feel incredibly long. The constant needs, the endless questions, the sheer exhaustion – it can all feel like a never-ending marathon. But as any parent of older children will tell you, those years fly by in the blink of an eye. One minute you're...
Read more

Temple Ordinance Work

Image
On April 25th this year, we were set apart as ordinance workers with Sister Melanie and Brother Micheal King. We are grateful for the privilege to glimpse celestial joy every time we serve.  Every 4th Tuesday of the month, Anatolin and I travel at 2AM to the Manila Philippines Temple with the Kings. The temple opens at 5AM for ordinance workers. We have prayer meeting at 6 and work until 2 in the afternoon.   Serving as temple workers makes the ordinances and blessings even more special to us as it increases our understanding of the everlasting gospel. Coming closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, they become our focus and have peace in our hearts no matter what challenges we face. For the next months before the dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, we will continue working in the Manila Philippines Temple.  
Read more

A Time of Renewal and Hope

This sacred time of year, celebrated by millions around the globe, is not only a time to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ but also an opportunity to reflect on the abundant blessings that Easter brings into our lives. It brings with it a profound sense of renewal, hope, and joy.   The Blessing of Renewal Easter symbolizes a new beginning, a fresh start. Just as spring breathes new life into the world around us, Easter offers us a chance to renew our faith, rekindle our hope, and refresh our spirits. It's a time to let go of past mistakes, to forgive, and to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The Blessing of Hope The resurrection of Jesus Christ, which lies at the heart of Easter, is a powerful testament to the triumph of hope over despair, life over death, and love over fear. This message of hope encourages us to remain steadfast during trials, knowing that brighter days lie ahead. The Blessing of Love Easter is a celebration of the ultimate act o...
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

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

Family History Fair

Image
Family history is more than just names and dates on a family tree; it is a tapestry of stories, traditions, and memories that connect us to our past and shape our future. The Family History Fair at Urdaneta Stake Center, hosted by the missionaries, was a celebration of these connections, a gathering of individuals and families dedicated to preserving the legacy of generations. Our family had the opportunity to explore our roots, discover unknown family stories, and connect with others who share a passion for genealogy. We enjoyed a variety of activities that helped us on our journey of uncovering our family history.   The Family History Fair provided something for everyone, regardless of their level of experience.   We express our gratitude to the missionaries for their hard work and dedication in preparing for the Family History Fair and for sharing their talents and creativity to showcase the rich tapestry of family history, c...
Read more

Welcome to the Money Matters Community!

Image
  Congratulations! You've just finished reading   Money Matters: A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Planning for Couples , and we're thrilled you're here! This means you're ready to take control of your financial future as a couple, and we're excited to be a part of your journey. Why Join Our Community? Connect with like-minded couples:  Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs in managing your finances as a team. Get expert advice:  Ask questions and receive personalized guidance from financial experts and fellow community members. Access exclusive resources:  Find valuable tools, templates, and additional resources to help you implement the strategies outlined in the book. Stay informed:  Get updates on the latest financial trends and tips relevant to married couples. Build a supportive network:  Find encouragement and motivation from others who are also navigating the world of financial planning. We're glad you're here!  Let's start bu...
Read more