Learning to Love Like the Savior

After declining an invitation to date, someone once wrote this for me, “love may be the most difficult for you to comprehend or understand”. I then thought love shouldn’t be that hard. It should be as easy as breathing air. But as I matured, I learned how love can be a challenging principle indeed. If it is so easy, it wouldn’t be a commandment.

                     

In my attempt to meet people, I realized that earth life has its trials and tribulations that can lead others to find love difficult. In the scriptures, we learn that in our days, people will harden their hearts and they will be contentious towards one another. Death, separation, disappointment, and heartaches will tend to make people believe that being past feeling and cold can define strength. Yet, the scripture teaches us that real strength is in the capacity to love like the Savior.

But how do we love like the Savior? I may never with my limited wisdom comprehend the extent of His capacity to love, but here are some examples of his love where we may learn more about him. My hope is that in learning we can exemplify the Savior and thus help us learn to love like Him.

His love sees beyond our faults. In John chapter 8 we learn of an adulterous woman whom the Lord forgave. When people only saw her mistakes, the Lord acted as if He heard nothing. He ignored what the crowd was saying. He even verbalized his compassion by saying that He does not condemn her. He told her instead to sin no more.

He loves us first. In 1 John Chapter 4, we learn that he loves us first. His love does not have any fear of us not loving him back. He simply decided to love us and atone for our sins regardless of whether we followed him or not. He gave us a love that is unconditional and without guile. Pure and free of fear from us choosing to go the other way.

His love is kind and full of understanding – In Luke Chapter 7, the Lord acknowledges a woman who showed devotion towards her. She said that with her faith, her sins which are many, are forgiven. He also said that for them whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. He understands our sins is kind enough to let us repent and draw close unto him. He knows that if he accepts us and forgives us for our mistakes, we will love him more as we repent.

His love is full of hope – Most of the stories in the scriptures end with the Lord asking to “go and sin no more” or “go thy way”. He asks everyone to continue and “go”. He is showing trust. He is trusting of our capacity to be faithful and serve him throughout our mortal journey. Such trust despite our imperfection shows how much He loves us and believes in our capacity to follow and become like him.

Loving like the Savior can not only help us love others but love ourselves as well. His love is transformative that once we feel it, we are inspired to love others too.

In my search for a companion, the love that the Savior has for me has been my guide. Knowing that a person can love me like the Savior loves me gives me a feeling of security that hope and happiness can be found in our married life.

If you struggle to love – remember the Savior and His examples. Then, it wouldn’t be so difficult once you feel his atoning love for you. His grace is enough to restore our hearts and heal our heartaches. We can love better than we had ever done before. If we draw closer to the Lord, we will know how much He loves us - then loving others wouldn’t be so difficult. 

New Year, New Goals

“The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment.”

- Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94).

Goals help us see the direction and set the course of our lives. These goals can be daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and even eternally. Knowing how to set proper goals will help us achieve them, and thus give us fulfillment and joy. To help you start with your goal setting, here are steps and ideas on how to create worthwhile goals. 

1. Find a time to seriously reflect and pray

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “First, think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often ‘withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed"  (Luke 5:16).

Carefully considering the path you want to take, the life you want to have will help you set the course of actions you want to take. Prayer will help identifying the best path and the correct set of actions to take. 

2. Write down your specific goals for every area of your life

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Each week when we partake of the sacrament we commit ourselves to the goals of taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, of always remembering him and keeping his commandments. Of Jesus’ preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he ‘increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. ‘Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?’ asked the Master, and he answered, ‘Verily I say unto you, even as I am.’ (3 Ne. 27:27.) Now, there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure”

Goals vary in focus and duration. In our lifetime, we will have short-term and long-term goals. Regardless of the time you have set for your specific goal, it should always point toward the Savior, Jesus Christ. Doing so will ensure happiness and satisfaction along the way. 

3. Work out your goals and manage your time

Time is a valuable resource and work is honorable. These two principles work hand in hand in accomplishing our goals. Effective time management if accompanied by diligent work will help us ensure success in the life we choose. 

President Thomas S. Monson said, “Our house is to be a house of order. … Let us provide time for family, time for work, time for study, time for service, time for recreation, time for self—but above all, time for Christ". 

In Mosiah 4:27 we are also reminded to “see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”

Reference: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/the-gospel-and-the-productive-life-student-manual-2018/chapter-3?lang=eng&id=p57#p57 

KAMALAYAN: You cannot give what you don't have.

There is a cost to care for others and it's not just time or money. Often, it is a part of our own selves - our soul, spirit, sanity. Sometimes, the cost of caring is too high, and we may feel stressed or burned out. During these times we need to ask: Am I still okay? Kamusta na ba ako? Kamusta na ba TALAGA ako? 

Being mindful or practicing mindfulness ("kamalayan") helps us evaluate our own well-being. Am I full? Am I empty? Am I ready to give? Awareness of our OWN PRESENT STATE, not thinking of the past, or worrying about the future, helps us notice and accept what's going on with our feelings, body, and surroundings - without passing judgment or labels. 

It is but normal to get tired, feel stressed, or burned out. It is all part of our life experience. And if you do feel that things around you are just too much to handle, here are some things that you can do:

•  Detach - (Psychological Detachment)
  
  Reclaim your personal space. Get out of the battle zone. Retreat but not surrender. You can simply get a minute break and breath. Mentally disconnect from your stressor in whatever way you can for at least a few minutes or hours. Take your time and breath deep. 
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Relax - Take some time off
  
  Everyone needs time off. A time where you can stop and smell the roses. Sleep if you want, take a vacation if you must, just rest and relax. Get a hot cocoa, a long warm bath, pick up your favorite snack and go watch that new K-drama. Do whatever you can to help your mind stop worrying or depressing over things you cannot change. Treat yourself. Often, you do deserve it. 
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Prioritize - What is most important?
  
  Identify your priorities. What are your goals? Are you concerned about something that you really should be involved with? Identify if your actions are aligned with your goals.  Is it really something important to you, or are you better without these matters you are holding on to? You might find that you might even be spending your efforts over something that doesn't really serve you or your purpose.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Practice Mastery - Get a new hobby or a skill, and master it.
  
  You either grow or you die. Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and one cannot stagnate. So get that new hobby, learn that new skill, enroll in that new class. Divert your focus on a healthy subject you personally chose, and do it for fun. You need to grow, develop, and enjoy life. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Seek Spiritual Replenishment from the Lord
  
  And above everything, you must pray. Seek strength from the source of it all - God. The Lord Jesus Christ said that he is the true vine. He is the fountain of living waters and you will not go dry if you seek out strength and replenishment from him. Learn of Him, hear Him, keep your relationship with Him strong. He will direct you and bless you with the light, strength, and grace you need to make it through. 
  
  
  
  
  
  

"In today's rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much" - Eckhart Tolle. We all have something and someone we need to give ourselves to. We will run out dry if we aren't mindful. That's why: "Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow - you cannot pour from an empty vessel" - Teacher Yumi Wada



Resources:
Identifying Burnout, and Practicing Self Care - Karina Mayumi Wada 
(youandmetalks / teacheryumi@gmail.com)

General Conference for Homes with Children

One great blessing of the pandemic is the church's General Conference being watched at home. We are free to plan and create activities for our family to endure and enjoy the 2 days (up to 10 hours) of conference sessions. To help parents plan for this conference, here are some tools and ideas to help us make the most out of the General Conference Sessions for families with children:

• Print some coloring materials to make toddlers and younger kids focused and busy. You can use the General Conference Squares for this. Here is a sample:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Help the children identify and recognize the General Authority so they know who is talking. They will appreciate it more if they know who the speaker is. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Give everyone a General Conference Notebook that they can use in recording thoughts and inspirations during the conference. You can use these templates or also make your own.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Go paperless and help your children to the Kid's Gospel App. Click on these links where you can download with your Apple Device or Android. 
  
  
  
  

There are a lot of materials you can choose from to make it enjoyable, comfortable, and fun for everyone in your family. I personally make sure that there are some snacks for everyone 👌😅.  

I pray that you get inspired as you prepare your family to receive special blessings and personal revelations. 

References:

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-conference-activities-for-children-and-youth

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/global-leadership-of-the-church?lang=eng

https://oneshetwoshe.com/general-conference-activities/

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2021/09/05_general-conference-notebook?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/primary-images

HOW TO CREATE A PRIMARY SACRAMENT MEETING PRESENTATION (2021)

It's the last quarter of the year again. For primary leaders, this is the time to prepare for the Annual Primary Sacrament Presentation. Here's a short guide on how to do it step by step ;) 

1. PLAN - 

The Ward Primary Presidency and The Music Leader will meet with the Bishopric assigned to the Primary to plan for the presentation.

2. CREATE THE PROGRAM FLOW / SCRIPT -

The Ward Primary Leaders and Music Leader create the flow of the presentation considering these guidelines:

• "should allow the children to present what they and their families have learned about THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS at home and in Primary, including the Primary songs they have sung during the year"
• Our Stake Primary Leaders encourage to compile one video for the Sacrament Presentation and present it in one Virtual Sacrament Meeting.
• The video should be around 25 - 35 minutes only
• Ward Leaders may assign children and their families to record a verse, testimony, or song.

3. GET APPROVAL-

The bishopric assigned to the Primary should approve the presentation.

4. START PRACTICE AND/OR RECORDING:
Once approved, primary children and their families can start practicing and recording. Please note that:

• Practices should not take unnecessary time away from Primary classes or families.
• There are visuals, costumes, and media presentations that are not appropriate for sacrament meetings.
• Prepare for any technical types of equipment and resources needed for the actual presentation.

5. END WITH A BISHOPRIC REMARK-

A member of the bishopric will conclude the presentation with a short remark.

FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDES:

See Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 11.5.3, ChurchofJesusChrist.org. : https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../gen.../12-primary...

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https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../instru.../singing...

#PrimaryPresentation #WardPrimarySacramentPresetation #2021PrimaryPresentation