Seminary Graduation.

I am beyond blessed to serve these pretty young women. I had a privilege to teach them in seminary class. I learned a lot from them and I hope they learned from me too. It's not easy to teach, especially when your students are intelligent and awesome. (HAHA) I am new about this job. It's not easy. I say. I personally tell every seminary teacher to give more effort in this kind of job. You're not just helping yourself but your helping the young generation to know more about our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. 

As a teacher, I can say that the hard work and effort is paid off. Seeing the happy faces of my students makes me think that it's all worth it. When they Say "Thank you" and "I love you" it's a fulfillment. Those words give me strength to do more effort for the next school year. I want to say thank you to these four beautiful young women for their constant attendance and effort to learn. Their love of God will surely increasing. They are in the right track and I hope they will endure till the end.

I would like you to meet my students: (from left to right) Majarlika Manaligod, Raya Laine Gamboa, Jonalyn Egam and Famela Bohol. Two of them already graduated and will attend Institute class. I hope you guys will still do your best to learn more from your new teachers! ENJOY and ENDURE everyone! Iloveyouall! :)

Be Meek and Lowly of Heart.

BY ELDER ULISSES SOARES

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

"Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness."

Mormon taught that a man “cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.”¹ He added that without such attributes, “faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.”²

Meekness is the quality of those who are “God fearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering.”³ Those who possess this attribute are willing to follow Jesus Christ, and their temperament is calm, docile, tolerant, and submissive.

The Apostle Paul taught that meekness is a fruit of the Spirit.⁴ Therefore, it can most easily be attained if we “live in the Spirit.”⁵ And to live in the Spirit, our lifestyle must reflect righteousness before the Lord.

As we take Christ’s name upon us, it is expected that we strive to emulate His attributes and change our character to become more like Him each day. The Savior, admonishing His disciples, said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”⁶ If we “come unto Christ, … deny [ourselves] of all ungodliness; … and love God,” then through Christ’s grace the day will come when we may be perfect in Him.⁷

“Christlike attributes are gifts from God. [These attributes] come as [we] use [our] agency righteously. …With a desire to please God, [we have to] recognize [our] weaknesses and be willing and anxious to improve.”⁸

Meekness is vital for us to become more Christlike. Without it we won’t be able to develop other important virtues. Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control.

Meekness was one of the most abundant attributes in the Savior’s life. He Himself taught His disciples, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.”⁹

We are blessed to be born with the seed of meekness in our hearts. We need to understand that it is not possible to grow and develop that seed in the twinkling of an eye but rather through the process of time. Christ asks us to “take up [our] cross daily,”¹⁰ meaning that it must be a constant focus and desire.

President Lorenzo Snow, the fifth prophet of our dispensation, taught, “It is our duty to try to be perfect, … to improve each day, and look upon our course last week and do things better this week; do things better today than we did them yesterday.”¹¹ So the first step to becoming meek is to improve day by day. Each day we need to try to be better than the previous as we move forward through this process.

President Snow added:

“We have our little follies and our weaknesses; we should try to overcome them as fast as possible, and … should [instill] this feeling in the hearts of our children … that they may learn to [behave] properly before Him under all circumstances.

“If the husband can live with his wife one day without quarrelling or without treating anyone unkindly or without grieving the Spirit of God … he is so far perfect. Then let him try to be the same the next day. But supposing he should fail in this his next day’s attempt, that is no reason why he should not succeed in doing so the third day.”¹²

Upon acknowledging our dedication and perseverance, the Lord will give us that which we are not able to attain due to our imperfections and human weaknesses.

Another important step to becoming meek is learning how to control our temper. Because the natural man dwells within each one of us and because we live in a world full of pressure, controlling our temper may become one of the challenges in our lives. Think for a few seconds how you react when someone does not comply with your desires the moment you want them to. What about when people disagree with your ideas, even though you are absolutely sure that they represent the proper solution to a problem? What is your response when someone offends you, critiques your efforts, or is simply unkind because he or she is in a bad mood? At these moments and in other difficult situations, we must learn to control our temper and convey our feelings with patience and gentle persuasion. This is most important within our homes and within our relationships with our eternal companions. During the 31 years I’ve been married to my sweetheart, she has often given me gentle reminders of this as we have faced life’s unsettling challenges.

Among instructions found in his Second Epistle to Timothy, the Apostle Paul said:

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

“And that they may recover themselves.”¹³

By controlling our reactions, being calm and temperate, and avoiding contention, we will begin to qualify for the gift of meekness. President Henry B. Eyring once said, “When we with faith control our tempers and subdue our pride, the Holy Ghost gives His approval, and sacred promises and covenants become sure.”¹⁴

Another step to attain meekness is to become humble. The Lord instructed Thomas B. Marsh through the Prophet Joseph Smith, saying, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.”¹⁵

I believe, brothers and sisters, that only those who are humble are able to acknowledge and understand the Lord’s answers to their prayers. The humble are teachable, recognizing how dependent they are on God and desiring to be subject to His will. The humble are meek and have the ability to influence others to be the same. God’s promise to the humble is that He will lead them by the hand. I truly believe that we will avoid detours and sadness in our lives as long as we walk hand in hand with the Lord.

One of the most beautiful modern-day examples of meekness that I am aware of is that of Brother Moses Mahlangu. His conversion began in 1964, when he received a copy of the Book of Mormon. He was fascinated as he read this book, but it was not until the early ’70s that he saw an LDS Church sign on a building in Johannesburg, South Africa, as he was walking down a street. Brother Mahlangu was intrigued and entered the building to learn more about the Church. He was kindly told that he could not attend the services or be baptized because the country’s laws did not allow it at that time.

Brother Mahlangu accepted that decision with meekness, humility, and without resentment, but he continued to have a strong desire to learn more about the Church. He asked the Church leaders if they could leave one of the meetinghouse windows open during the Sunday meetings so he could sit outside and listen to the services. For several years, Brother Mahlangu’s family and friends attended church regularly “through the window.” One day in 1980 they were told that they could attend church and also be baptized. What a glorious day it was for Brother Mahlangu.

Later the Church organized a branch in his neighborhood in Soweto. This was possible only because of the determination, courage, and faithfulness of people like Brother Mahlangu who remained faithful for so many years under difficult circumstances.

One of Brother Mahlangu’s friends, who had joined the Church at the same time, recounted this story to me when I visited the Soweto stake. At the end of our conversation, he gave me a hug. At that moment, brothers and sisters, I felt as if I was encircled in the Savior’s loving arms. Meekness emanated from this good brother’s eyes. With a heart full of goodness and deep gratitude, he asked if I could just tell President Thomas S. Monsonhow grateful and blessed he and many others were for having the true gospel in their lives. Brother Mahlangu and his friend’s example of meekness truly influenced many lives for good—especially mine.

Brothers and sisters, I believe the Savior Jesus Christ is the supreme example of meekness. Even during the last moments of His mortal life, being unfairly accused and condemned, painfully carrying His cross up to Golgotha, being mocked and cursed by His enemies, being abandoned by many who knew Him and had witnessed His miracles, He was nailed on the cross.

Even after the most intense physical suffering, the Lord turned to His Father and spoke from the bottom of His meek and humble heart: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”¹⁶ Christ faced extreme physical and spiritual suffering, giving us the opportunity to change our spiritual character and become meek like Him.

I bear my witness that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I testify to you that, thanks to His love, it is possible to change. It is possible to leave our weaknesses behind. It is possible to reject the evil influences in our lives, control our anger, become meek, and develop the attributes of our Savior. He showed us the way. He gave us the perfect example and commanded each one of us to become as He is. His invitation to us is to follow Him, follow His example, and become like Him. Of these truths I bear testimony in His sacred name, even Jesus Christ, amen.

worth pondering...

source: https://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/11/saturday-morning-session/be-meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng

Just Like the Scriptures!

BY RENAE WEIGHT MACKLEY

Based on a true story

We thought the hike was going great, until we saw the trail marker.

“I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders” (Mosiah 24:14).

Ten-year-olds are pretty smart. We like to figure things out on our own.

My dad always tells me to liken the scriptures to myself. Liken means that you try to use what you learn from the scriptures in your life. So, when we’re reading together as a family, I sometimes blurt out something before Dad can explain it to us. Like, “I know, Dad, we’re supposed to fast and pray, like it says in the scriptures.”

He smiles because I always get the right message.

But one time, I found out that the scriptures really can be a lot like my life! It all happened when we went on a family reunion backpack trip.

I carried my own big backpack and sleeping bag, and I didn’t complain. After all, it was only supposed to be four miles (6.5 km) to the lake. I could make it, no problem.

The hike wasn’t too hard, but I was glad to stop for a rest after two miles (3 km). Then we saw the first trailhead sign. It said that the lake was still six miles (9.5 km) away. My dad didn’t have to tell me that the trail was really twice as long as we first thought. I already figured that out. He didneed to remind us to make our water last longer.

My dad’s advice was important but hard to follow. The afternoon sun felt hot, and we hardly had any shade on the trail. It seemed like we were never going to reach the lake.

The grown-ups stayed in the back with the youngest kids, and the older cousins went on ahead. I stayed with three cousins my age, and we ended up somewhere in between.

When we couldn’t see anyone ahead or behind us anymore, we started to get nervous. Our backpacks felt heavy, and our water bottles were empty. How much farther did we have to go?

Finally, we got so worried and tired that we decided to stop and pray.

After the prayer, we picked up our backpacks and trudged on.

Just a little while later we heard hoofbeats coming up the trail. We waited and saw a man on a horse riding toward us.

He stopped and gave us some water. He explained that our older cousins had hurried to the lake with a water filter to start pumping water to bring back to us. The man heard about how we needed water and had agreed to help. “Do any of you need help with your backpacks?” he asked.

I looked at my cousins, and they smiled back at me. We actually felt pretty good!

“You better go on and help the others,” we said to the man. “We’re fine.”

And it was true! The rest of the way to the lake it felt like angels were lifting our packs and pushing us along. When I told my parents about it later, Dad beamed and Mom got tears in her eyes.

A week later my family read Mosiah 24. My eyes opened wide when we read these words: “And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs” (verse 14).

“That’s what happened on the trail,” I blurted out. I didn’t have to think about how to use this scripture in my life—this scripture already described my life! It was amazing! I could hardly wait to find other scriptures that were like my life.

And that’s how I learned I could liken the scriptures to me, and I could also liken me to the scriptures!

“Let us commit to reading the scriptures … with more purpose and more focus.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Your Potential, Your Privilege,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 59.

source: https://www.lds.org/liahona/2014/01/children/just-like-the-scriptures?lang=eng

On the Job Training...

At last I'm done with my internship at Standard Insurance Co., Inc. My professor said that experience is a perfect learning tool because for us students, on the- job training give us a taste of the real world a glimpse of what lies ahead after we graduate. I learned a lot about what it is like to work in the corporate world and what to expect after graduation. This training made me a well-rounded individual and enables me      to have an advantage in the job market. One must be hardworking and should practice self-  discipline. Sacrifice is important, too. I learned to sacrifice a lot of things; I hardly have time for anything else. I learned through experience how to interact and communicate with   people. It will be so exciting in the ‘real’ world, being independent and figuring things out on your own. This also means having to deal with different people more often, so it is really good to know what you’re doing, and to love it.

 All we can do as students is to learn whatever we can in school, be inspired, love the path we take, and finally do our best in everything we do, with a positive outlook in mind. The whole experience I had during my training is so memorable. I was able to made renewal notice of the client, encoded release of claim of the client, encoded referral slip, searched OR and endorsement, answered phone calls, and also photocopied the necessary document of the client, entertain clients, print files, deposit an account to BPI and specially dealing with the staff. This experience gave me a lot of improvement to learn more and develop myself. No words can describe how grateful I am, for those precious ideas they have shared me throughout my job training. There are many situation that I can bear in mind forever. I enjoyed staying there for almost four months.

Life is never be boring!

I love my life. Yes I really do. I love my family, my friends, my church mates, my classmates, my relatives, my boyfriend, my teachers, my enemies, and all the people, things, nature and everything. I love everything I have. I love to be in this earth, I love to be in Dumaguete, I love to be part of this wonderful church. I am so grateful to be part of God's plan. I chose HIM in the spirit world. I chose my parents and siblings. I chose everything I have right now, and I'm happy with my decisions. There's no second to think that I hate this life, NO! that will never happen, I love my life here on earth, but I will surely love the next life with our Heavenly parents, Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ. It will all happen if I am OBEDIENT! I know its easy to say  but it's the most hard commandment to follow. Everyone is subject to sin, but if we obey the rules/commandments with EXACTNESS its easy for us to do every good thing, remember every GOOD works are recorded in God's book of life, so let us all do our part here on earth and love it. If we did not take a single step to pursue and reach our goal we cannot see ourselves as happy as we are right now.  So Love life and learning. 😍

Elder Gamboa: Our First Missionary

Elder Rye Lester Gamboa is now serving the people of Philippines Butuan Mission for two years. He left last December 6, 2013 and trained 12 days in Manila, Philippines Missionary Training Center. After that he will fly to his area (Butuan). He is now assigned in San Francisco, Surigao City to be exact. he is now enjoying his work and starting to love the people of Surigao.

We able to contact him last Christmas via Skype and call. It is our first Christmas that our family is not complete. He told us how happy he is serving the Lord, in fact I cried a lot because I miss him so much. I am a proud sister, a very proud sister. I never thought he will serve his mission, but now, he prove to everyone that he is now a changed man. He sent us his email and I wanna share it with you. Awhile reading this powerful message from our missionary, this made me cry and mama too. Here's his E-mail:

my message sa inyo lahat:

im here at surigao san francisco my first area, the people here are nice and they have a different language but i know this is easy. my first sunday was great. i talked to a lot of people and i introduce myself to them in the pulpit with a surprise talk good thing i have markings on my BOM. i love the place this is very cool place,the members function very well and it surprise me. being an elder feels like a hero, its true they treat us like that and they love us. now i know how it really feels like. its very good to be a missionary. you will feel god's love more here. sorry to say to those who havent gone to mission will never know how we felt. my companion is very good i love him we get along very well. i will ask those who want to go on a mission prepare first before going here and have a real testimony. this is not a game, this is not fun, this is not easy, but there is joy in it and the satisfaction is very great that you will cherish is the rest of your lives. learn to love the people and read the scripture. you need to testify here because they need that witness. you cant testify the things which you don't know. for mommy you dont need to worry sa akin because i treasure up your wisdom I am always reminded by that. Take care of yourself mom dont think about me because I am in the lords errand there would never go wrong. pls TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. PLS PROMISE ME THAT. when you have good health you will be in good thinking, you will have happy life. im always praying for you guys so be worthy to receive it, i have made covenants with heavenly father and he is very ready to give the blessing to you i promise that do your thing. sa mga ka KOSA ko jan minimize away you cant love other people if you dont love you brothers and sisters, i know madali lang yan pero d ko kayang gawin! joke! kaya nako na maong kaya nyo rin. i love you mga ka kosa so prepare before going on a mission PLS help mom as much as possible kaya nyo mag work sa bahay mag tulungan kayo sa bahay para konti nlang ang stress ni mama. sa mga babae jan help mama pa rin malaki kayong tulong kung hindi mag aaway at mag ttrabaho nalang. nigga your so black that i dont have much message for you. so take care of my family and be a good dog. guard the house very well and SIT! i love you all mom.

Endowed na! :)

Before he left to MTC.

Selfie2,

Batch mates and Mission mates

MTC teacher

My District in MTC

My sis and mom

MTC Companion

The Moments I Live For!

One week vacation before second semester starts. It's very memorable to be with your family in the temple. So far, as we started living in Dumaguete, this is our first family temple trip. A very unexplainable feeling I experienced during our stay in Lahug Cebu Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Before we went to Cebu, trials come along our way. We don't have enough money to go there. My savings is still small for all of us. So I used my power to find ways. (charrlonngss) I don't need to tell every detail, to make the long story short, I find ways to gain enough money for all of us. My mom also do the same thing and my siblings and I save enough money for our fare. Last August we decided to save 5.00 a day and mom doesn't know about this. Actually we did save for my mom's surprise birthday party. My mom never waste time, she spends most of it inside the Temple and perform ordinances. I and my siblings also do the same thing but only baptism for the dead. We brought with us many names of our ancestors who are dead already, it is a great opportunity for them to receive the truth. I with my family is very thankful for all the blessings we received every minute of our lives. 

We also celebrated mom's birthday in the patron house. We surprised her early in the morning. We bought cake, card and gifts. I think this is the first time we surprised mama on her birthday! Because in the past years, we tried to surprise her but she always caught us in the act! Hahaha but now, mom is really busy doing the ordinances and we had the chance to decorate a banner and buy a cake for her. As her daughter, it's really good to see your mother happy. She molded us and teach us everything that is good for us. She never leaves us even though we really see in her eyes that she's tired of raising us alone. I know how grateful we are to have a wonderful mother in the earth. We chose her in the Pre-existence and we never regret of choosing her. We love our mama so much! Nothing can ever  do  such sacrifice and unconditional love she gives to us, no one but mama Gemma Bordaje Gamboa!  😊 

In line with the celebration of mom's birthday, we went to SM to have a dinner. We also rode bump cars and played in world of fun and Bibo. I enjoyed a lot! How much more the birthday celebrant? Hehe I know she was! After we stayed at the patron house we also checked in the toros apartelle with a very cheap price. One of our closest friend helped us in paying our bills! What a blessing! 

Through thick and thin, mama never leaves us. I appreciate every little things she did for us. I and my siblings will never become as what we are right now if mama left us. I am a proud daughter, she taught us to live the gospel, influence us in good ways, loves us unconditionally, take good care of us and most specially mold us as a good daughters and sons of god. 

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