Family Matters: For Time and All Eternity

Our 2-day Family Camp and Retreat with the staff of CLEVERKIDS School headed by Dra. Emeliza B. Mones and with other families on 18-19 December 2023 was such a unique and healing experience as we had  the opportunity not only to have a Family Day but to appreciate living and learning in an ecological way. We stayed at Haven for Ecological and Alternative Living (HEAL).  HEAL was created back in 2006 by the Medical Mission Sisters. Its main goal is to address the healing needs of not just humans, but the whole community of life. They want to be like a shining light of hope, transforming the interconnected web of life and standing up against anything that threatens it. The activity commenced with an orientation followed by an eco-walk.  We all learned something really important - the connection between the Earth's well-being and the health of us humans. We're all in this together, striving for the abundant life that God wants for all of ...

Nurturing a marriage and cultivating emotional intimacy are essential for creating a lifetime of cherished memories.  Here are some practical tools and suggestions to help you strengthen your relationship. First up, we've got effective communication . Now, this is the bedrock of a healthy relationship, friends. It's crucial to set aside some time to actively listen to your spouse and express your thoughts and emotions openly and honestly. By practicing active listening, empathy, and understanding, you can cultivate a deeper emotional bond. Next on the list is quality time . You've got to prioritize spending some good ol' quality time together. Whether it's date nights, shared hobbies, or simply enjoying each other's company - make it a priority! Oh, and here's a pro tip: put those phones and TVs away, and give each other your full attention. Trust us, it makes a world of difference. Now, let's talk emotional support . You've gotta be ther...

So, guys, guess what? I receive this monthly on my email but I just can't help everytime but be amazed by the awesome power of Google! Seriously, it's like this total game-changer when it comes to looking up and digging into all this cool stuff about my timeline and travels. 

So a lot of y'all have been asking if we also ever had issues in our marriage. Well, we gotta say, it ain't all rainbows and butterflies.  In our 18 years together, we have learned that marriage has seasons or phases. Let us share one of them: the AUTUMN season within the context of a MARRIAGE.  Just like how it is in nature, autumn represents a transitional period between the abundant summer and the dormant winter. In a marriage, autumn is a time of change and transformation. It is a period when couples go through personal and relational changes. It's a perfect time for self-reflection, personal growth, and deep thinking.  Similar to how leaves change colors in autumn, individuals in a marriage go through a metamorphosis that affects the dynamics of their relationship. The autumn season may bring some uncertainties, but it's also a chance for couples to strengthen their bond. When change comes knocking, it's important for partners to adapt and embrace i...

8 October 2023, Recreating moments 25 years ago, while Anatolin was visiting me at home at the age of 15, my father asked to go out with him to buy "ulam" (viand or dish). While walking, it was in this same spot at Callejon St., our old home in Bauang, La Union where my father advised him to go on a mission first. He then served in the Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission at 19 for 2 years. In October 2003, one month after his mission, we got engaged and eventually married in the Manila Philippines Temple in 2005. Fast forward 2023, our children love listening to that moment of their dad with their grandfather and revisiting this memorable spot.  Talking about the story, our 17-year old daughter Cerah, then asked her dad, "What would you do if someone visits me at home?" It was a long conversation but on the qualities Anatolin is looking for in our daughters’ suitors or boyfriends, he said the top on the list is being Christlike. Our children o...

On the way home from church today, we saw a group of teenagers aimlessly loitering around. Some obviously in romantic relationship showing their affection in public. My husband, Anatolin wondered if their parents even knew where their children were and what they were doing that very hour. I thought about his question for a second and responded, maybe their parents are busy working or might be busy hanging out with their friends too.  Talking about "barkadas" (group of friends), our son Amulek said that without the light and the gospel of Jesus Christ in his life, he would also be one of the boys his age loitering with friends. Then our older son, Ammon said, barkadas nowadays bring more bad influence than good. Listening to them, I realized how all our children prefer spending their free time at home with our family and how our boys look up to their dad and consider him as their barkada. Just earlier, on the way to church, Ammon shared that he would want to be lik...

Thinking back when I was teen helps me to relate to teens today especially to my own teenage children. In my youth, there were many things I enjoyed being a part of. I loved youth conferences and camps. I enjoyed playing chess and table tennis. I learned to play the flute, piano and guitar. I had fun chatting with adults visiting our home. We never used internet as we did not have it. I studied from textbooks and only went to the library when we had assignments. I used encyclopedia.    Looking back, I can say that my knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ made me unique. It enabled me to endure and overcome the difficulties of growing up. While other teens were busy with the trends at that time, I loved going to my seminary classes. I participated in projects and programs that helped develop my talents. I learned to avoid risky behaviors and had a positive attitude about the future. My understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness h...

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. 

You are invited to join us on Wednesdays at 6PM as we answer your questions and talk about family challenges and making the most out of our family time.  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 

[Excerpts from our Talk during the Adult Session of Urdaneta Stake Conference, 13 August 2023] Elder Padilla and I are so delighted to be with you here at the conference today. It is a privilege to speak as Senior Service Missionaries for the Welfare and Self-Reliance Services and talk about a very important topic both temporally and spiritually.  At 15 years old, 25 years ago, Elder Padilla and I met in a Seminary Stake Class. We actively attended youth conferences and other church activities, he went on a mission at 19, and we were married in the temple. As young newlyweds, and with a husband who hasn't finished college at that time, we had no money. But we had each other, we had our love, and we had the gospel. We learned that we didn't need a lot of money to be happy, and didn't need a lot of money or to wait for retirement to serve. In the early stage of our marriage about 18 years ago, while I was pregnant with our first child and struggling to make ends...

EnglishConnect is a program provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help individuals around the world increase self-reliance, expand opportunities for education, employment, service, and friendship while developing English proficiency in an environment of fellowship and faith. First meeting of EnglishConnect Urdaneta Stake group, 10 September 2023 

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.  

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

Original Post at Family Matters Facebook Page, 26 August 2023 Found all these lei while organizing and decluttering. Thought it would be nice to preserve them to keep the memories from the events, conferences and workshops we attended this year.  This year, we were invited and asked to speak with around 20 different groups so far and a few more in our schedule until December. Exciting!  To all the individuals and organizations who invited us to be a part of your events and celebrations, with or without lei, thank you so much. May we all continue to move forward to the next level of our development. More good finds from decluttering: precious souvenirs from previous years that make us reflect back on accomplishments.