Family Matters: For Time and All Eternity

First Seminary Class of the year 2024 In our early morning Seminary class today, we learned the importance of receiving and following God’s prophet. Prophets do not always share messages that are popular with the world, but their teachings and warnings demonstrate the Lord’s love for His people. Lehi was called by God to preach repentance to the people of Jerusalem. Despite his pleas and warnings, they rejected his words and sought to kill him.  One truth we can learn from Lehi’s example is that God calls prophets to warn of consequences of sin and to testify of Jesus Christ. Here are some guidance on how to ponder and apply counsel from prophets:   1.  Create a Study Journal : Start by setting up a study journal where you can record your thoughts, impressions, and insights from your study of the prophets' warnings. This journal will serve as a valuable resource for reflection and growth. 2.  Seek Guidance from Heavenly Father : Begin your study and refle...

In our family devotional and scripture study from The Book of Mormon this Monday morning, we talked about the family of Lehi, a real family who lived way back 600 BC who also went through the ups and downs of life and there's a lot about their experiences that we can relate to today. This family lived in a world full of wickedness. But the Lord promised them that if they would follow Him, He would lead them to safety. It wasn't easy for them. They had some seriously rough times, but they also had their fair share of blessings and miracles along the way. It wasn't all rainbows and butterflies for this family. They had their fair share of arguments and fights. And get this, it's captured in such detail in the scriptures! We're talking about parents trying their best to inspire faith in their kids while worrying about their safety. Then you have these kids who have to decide for themselves if they're going to believe their parents or not. And don't...

As we are about to wrap up 2023 and reflecting on how the year went for me, it's so timely that I found the following questions from the Come, Follow Me as I study Revelation 20:12–15 this morning: Suppose an author offered to write a book about your life. What details or experiences would you want included?  If you knew that your future actions would also be recorded, how would you approach your life differently? What do you hope will be written about you in the book of life?  How would you describe the Savior’s role in your book of life?  In your opinion, why is it significant that it is called “the Lamb’s book of life”? REFLECTION: If an author were to write a book about my life, there are a few details and experiences that I would want to be included:   1.  Personal growth and self-discovery: I would want the book to capture my journey of self-improvement, the challenges I've faced, and how I've grown as an individual. 2.  Relationships and...

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Here are some popular websites that you can explore when searching for job openings in the Philippines:   1. JobStreet (www.jobstreet.com.ph): JobStreet is one of the largest job portals in the Philippines. It offers a wide range of job opportunities across various industries and allows you to search by location, industry, or job title. 2. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that also provides job listings. You can search for jobs, connect with professionals, and showcase your skills and experience on your profile. 3. Indeed (www.indeed.com.ph): Indeed is a global job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources. It allows you to search for jobs by location, job title, or company and provides options to upload your resume and set up job alerts. 4. Kalibrr (www.kalibrr.com): Kalibrr is a local job portal in the Philippines that focuses on connecting job seekers with companies. It offers a user-friendly interface ...

My experience as a digital nomad over the past 15 years transitioning from being an Online ESL Teacher to a Virtual Support Professional helped me gain valuable knowledge and expertise in the virtual world. As a Virtual Support Professional, my role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. I am equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to navigate the ever-changing world of e-commerce. From coordinating and overseeing virtual teams to ensuring smooth and efficient communication amongst stakeholders, my aim is to optimize business processes and facilitate growth. Through my expertise and dedication, I am able to provide businesses with the necessary guidance and assistance to thrive in the digital world.  Here are some of my nifty TIPS to help you stay productive and keep that work-life balance in check: 1. Find your own work nook : Create a special spot at home where you can work comfortably. Having a dedicated workspace helps you focus and minimizes dist...

The holiday season can often become overwhelming with the pressure to fulfill expectations and create picture-perfect moments. But it's important to remember the true meaning of Christmas and prioritize what truly matters. Our loved ones don't need a mountain of new toys or extravagant gifts. What they truly need is our presence, love, and attention. Taking the time to rest, reflect, and spend quality moments together is what creates lasting memories and strengthens our relationships.   Finding solace in the message of love and hope that Christmas brings is truly special. It's a time to appreciate the blessings we have, express gratitude, and look forward to the future with hope and anticipation.  Slowing down, saying no to unimportant things, and embracing the serenity of Christmas can bring a sense of peace and joy to our hearts.   Our family is looking forward to exploring the deeper meaning of Christmas, going beyond the traditional narratives and delving ...

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.