Family Matters: For Time and All Eternity

Our visit to the Philippines Missionary Training Center was a profound experience filled with moments of inspiration and gratitude.   Our tour guides, Elder Cruz and Elder Manglicmot , graciously led us through the center, providing us with a glimpse into the training and preparation of missionaries for their service.   The reverent surroundings and peaceful atmosphere set the tone for our visit. Elder Cruz guided us through the activity center, laundry facilities, cafeteria, study areas, district rooms, MTC Store, indoor and outdoor exercise facilities, and other functional areas. It was fascinating to witness the dedication and commitment of the missionaries as they prepared for their service.   In the training center, missionaries are engaged in language study, gospel teachings, and devotionals. It was inspiring to see the passion and enthusiasm with which the missionaries approached their training, eager to share their faith and serve others....

Raising grateful children can be a challenging but crucial task for parents in today's world, where materialism and instant gratification is the norm. The concept of entitlement is pervasive, with children often expecting things to be handed to them without understanding the value of hard work or appreciation for what they have. As parents, it is essential to instill a sense of gratitude in our children to help them become empathetic, humble, and appreciative individuals. Here are some approaches to raising grateful children in a world where entitlement is prevalent: Lead by Example   Children learn by observing the behavior of their parents and caregivers. Show gratitude in your daily life by saying "thank you," expressing appreciation for the little things, and demonstrating acts of kindness. Your actions will serve as a powerful model for your children to emulate.   Practice Mindfulness   Encourage your children to be present in the moment and appreciate th...

Having recently moved to a new neighborhood and community closer to the Urdaneta Temple, we started the week on a positive note with a morning devotional. As a family, we studied Elder Gary E. Stevenson's conference talk years ago, entitled " Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples ." In his address, he emphasizes the importance of creating sacred spaces within our homes and the significance of temples in our lives. From his message, we can derive valuable lessons on the sanctity of our homes and the role of temples in our spiritual journey. Lesson 1: Creating Sacred Spaces   Our homes can be sacred spaces where we invite the Spirit and nurture our relationships together.    Just as temples are dedicated to the Lord and are places of worship and revelation, our homes can also be sanctuaries where we invite the Spirit to dwell. By creating an environment of love, respect, and harmony within our homes, we can make them sacred spaces where we feel the presence of God and s...