Now, the local government units have lifted off the restrictions. A lot of us were excited to go back to face-to-face gathering at church. Unfortunately, some friends had drifted away that they stopped attending or participating in Sunday worship.

If you are one of those who cease to continue church attendance or a newbie wanting to join, here are reasons why you should come and worship with us.

YOU WILL REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST AND BE MORE LIKE HIM.

There are many reasons why you need to go to church. Most importantly, you need to partake of the Sacrament (or Communion). Jesus Christ said, “Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). The Sacrament is a way of renewing our sacred promises with the Lord and recharging our spirituality.

Your participation during Sunday School class is also essential. It will help you come closer to Jesus Christ. You will recognize that your heart is “knit together in love…”, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ” (Colossians 2:2).

YOU CAN BE STRENGTHENED AND YOUR FAITH WILL INCREASE

In church, you will learn the importance of keeping God’s commandments, how to improve your spirituality and live a better life. You will discover that you are not alone in the struggles you are facing. You will have leaders who can give you comfort and counsel.

As you continue to participate every Sunday, your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will increase. You will feel the Holy Ghost who brings “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, [and] faith” (Galatians 5:22).

YOU GAIN A SENSE OF BELONGING AND SUPPORT

In the church, you will meet different people – young and old. You will feel a sense of belonging as you get to know the people of your respective age group. This helps you build a support network that you can rely on.  

If you feel aloof or shy, the local missionaries will reach out to you. Your age group leaders will be there with you as well. You can ask them if you have questions or concerns.

YOU CAN RECEIVE ANSWERS

Maybe you have doubts, and you need guidance or direction in your life. Or you just want to feel God’s love in your life right now. Come, and worship with us!

As you consistently attend church and study the gospel of Jesus Christ with us, the Holy Ghost will help illuminate your mind with understanding. You will be ready to receive answers to your questions. God wants to communicate with you and the church is a good place to hear His voice.

Whatever challenges along the way, always remember that God will be bless you if you choose to follow His commandments to worship at church. If you feel no one was friendly to you or you feel offended, remember what President Dallin H. Oaks said. “Personal disappointments should never keep us from the doctrine of Christ, who taught us to serve, not to be served.”

Please know that we are imperfect people who are trying to follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ. Just like you, we are also in need of spiritual repair and healing. You can go to church each week with the intent of being active and having a goal of creating a positive difference in your life and other people’s lives.

We welcome all people to worship with us! Church service times vary from each location. If you need help, you can send us a message at philippines@moregoodfoundation.org or PM us on our Facebook page. We’re excited to see you in the church!

The post Why You Should Come And Worship With Us appeared first on morefaith.ph.

You anxiously wait for your prayers to be answered. You thought God would help you through it. But it didn’t happen. You start to feel disappointed. Then, you thought He never listened. You feel He wasn’t there when you needed Him. Then, you begin to doubt if God existed.

Stop right there! Don’t go further away from what you know is true.

God Answers in His Own Time and in His Own Way

God does answer prayers. But you must know that He answers in His own time and in His own way. Sometimes, answers come instantly. Most of the time, you must wait. And yes, it can be painful to know that there will be times that God’s answer is a big fat NO!

It can be very frustrating when you are already expecting that God will grant you all things you desired. You see, it’s not really that God did not answer your prayer. Sometimes He knows better than what we deserved, because He knows us better.

Sometimes, it can be a blessing that your relationship with someone didn’t work out because you were meant to find someone better. You soon will realize that there had been some red flags or unhealthy patterns in the relationship that you had been unwilling to see.

Sometimes, it can be a blessing that you didn’t get your dream job. Multiple interviewers rejected your application even if you have put your best foot forward. And you wonder why you did not qualify even if you have the right credentials or experience. Perhaps taking that dream job could mean a huge chunk of family time to sacrifice. Or perhaps God didn’t want you to experience the kind of environment and culture you will be dealing with in the workplace.

Soon you will thank Him for removing certain people or opportunities from your life because you never knew how toxic they would have been. When you accept the reality and start moving on with your life, you look back to understand that His ways are better than yours.

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “[Our Father in Heaven’s] invitation ‘Ask, and ye shall receive’ (3 Nephi 27:29) does not assure that you will get what you want. It does guarantee that, if worthy, you will get what you need, as judged by a Father that loves you perfectly, who wants your eternal happiness even more than do you.”

No matter what happens, never cease to pray. Remember, He is always listening. He always wants what is best for us even if it doesn’t seem like it.

The post It’s A Blessing God Didn’t Give You What You Prayed For appeared first on morefaith.ph.

At this Easter season, we remember with immense gratitude the sacrifices of our Savior in Gethsemane and on Calvary’s cross. No mere mortal can comprehend the full import of what Christ did for us in Gethsemane. His suffering there caused Him to “tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:18). Following the agony of Gethsemane, the Savior’s wounded body was nailed to a cross on Calvary’s hill. He was mocked and cursed and derided. When merciful death came, His body was gently placed in a borrowed tomb. He had passed beneath all things so that He might save all things.

Three days later, angels declared to the weeping Mary Magdalene: “He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:6). With these words, the most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history was announced — the Savior’s victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary were wiped away. The salvation of mankind was secured. The Fall of Adam was reclaimed.

At this Easter season, we solemnly testify that our Savior was resurrected and that He lives again. As a result, each of God’s children will receive the Savior’s gift of immortality. And those who follow the Savior’s teachings and receive the gospel’s saving ordinances will be blessed with life eternal.

Thomas S. Monson

Henry B. Eyring

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Prince of Peace: Find Lasting Peace through Jesus Christ – Easter Message

Furthermore, members worldwide has joined the Church’s #PRINCEofPEACE campaign that draws each one of us to learn more about the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you watch this 2017 Easter video (in Tagalog language), you may also visit mormon.org for additional resources.

https://www.facebook.com/MormonPH/videos/1148036405308294/

This Easter, will you share with others how Christ brings peace to your life? Don’t forget to add #PrinceOfPeace at the end of your social media posts.

The theme for the #PrinceOfPeace initiative comes from Isaiah 9: 6.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9: 6

In addition, Mormon.org also released some downloadable resources which members can use to invite others to “come unto Christ” in this Easter season.

The Prince of Peace video is available in 33 languages and accompanies other videos that talk about the eight principles of peace: faith, God’s word, compassion, gratitude, prayer, forgiveness, repentance and hope.

The post First Presidency Easter Message 2017 appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Do you half-heartedly say “yes” then along the way, you become like the steam from a bowl of hot rice, slowly vanishing into thin air?

Are you like a bubble that suddenly disappears? Do you shy away or avoid some tasks that may be inconvenient or unpleasant to you?

Or do you willingly give all your time, talent and effort to fulfill the calling the Lord has entrusted to you?

Jesus told a parable of two sons.

“A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.”

“He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.”

“And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.”

“Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first…” (Matthew 21:28)

MAGNIFY

As I put binoculars to my eyes and focus on a certain object from afar, I begin to see things that are way too distant and too small to view normally, in a closer and larger image. When you magnify your vision, you get a better picture on what lies ahead.

As President Gordon B. Hinckley interpreted it, to magnify is “to enlarge, to make more clear, to bring closer, and to strengthen.”

Accepting the call to serve in the church, whether as a ward missionary, Sunday school teacher or auxiliary leader, means that we commit to fulfill the duties and responsibilities that go along with it without any reservation.

HOW TO MAGNIFY YOUR CALLING

 1. Know your calling.

In Doctrine and Covenants 107: 99, it says, “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

Once your bishop has extended you a calling, he then explains or gives you an overview of what your main calling is about.

You may refer to the Church Handbook of Instructions as guide and other online resources to help you know fully your duties and responsibilities.

Moreover, you may seek help from leaders or the person who previously held that calling for some advice on how you can better magnify your calling.

2. Do it.

President Thomas S. Monson asks, “How does one magnify a calling?” He said, “Simply by performing the service that pertains to it.”

It won’t be easy at first. It’s normal to feel that you’re inadequate but never be overshadowed by your inadequacy. Pray for strength to overcome your shortcomings and just do it.

Remember this work is not yours and mine alone. It’s His. President Monson promised, “When we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.”

3. Give your 100% effort.

There will be times when you don’t know what to do or how to do it. And that’s okay! Don’t expect perfection in all things you do. The Lord will send people in your midst to help guide you.

Part of your calling will involve attending your weekly meetings. Strive to be present always in those meetings so you can better prepare, plan and determine ways and means to help others.

You only need to “serve Him with all your heart, might, mind and strength.” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2) Just give your 100% effort and the Lord will add his power to your efforts multiplied by many times.

4. Stay worthy.

Most importantly, stay worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. God has promised that He will send the Holy Ghost as our constant guide.

Elder Henry B. Eyring adds, “The Lord will guide you by revelation just as He called you. You must ask in faith for revelation to know what you are to do.”

BLESSINGS FROM MAGNIFYING YOUR CALL

Since I accepted the call to teach in the Elders Quorum, I have felt blessed. Each time I prepare my lesson, I can always feel the Holy Ghost confirm to me the words I’ve read are true. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is strengthened even more as I apply the principles in my life.

It’s also a blessing to me to see how others have changed their lives and how the Holy Ghost has moved them as I magnify my calling.

Yes it does require a lot of patience, diligence and commitment, but as Latter-Day Saints, our willingness to serve the Lord reflects the love we have for Him. We serve Him by serving others because we love Him.

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Rica’s Concern

Rica said, “…I am an early-released missionary because of a mental disorder. I want to ask how I can be strong in times that I don’t want to fight anymore and feel like giving up.”

Moreover, she expressed, “I would ask why things have been falling apart even if I kept the faith. Why is it hard and it seemed like there’s no end? Am I still loved or am I already forgotten?”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave a talk once in General Conference for those of us who feel this way. His message, “Like a Broken Vessel” (October 2013), provides a comforting message of hope to those who are struggling with mental and emotional health issues.

Trust in God – Hold on in His love

In one of his Facebook posts, Elder Holland said, “Hang on and hope. Never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. Never, ever doubt His love for you. Hold fast to the Atonement. Believe in miracles. When you’ve done all you can do, endure to the end. And remember, hope is never lost.”

https://www.facebook.com/lds.jeffrey.r.holland/videos/913062948802516/

In the conclusion of his talk, Elder Holland expressed his love with this message:

“Whatever your struggle, my brothers and sisters—mental or emotional or physical or otherwise—do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it! Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel we are “like a broken vessel,” as the Psalmist says, we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed.” Also, Elder Holland said, “While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.”

The post Jeffrey R Holland: Trust In God – Hold On In His Love appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Parents play a vital role, particularly mothers who spend more time nourishing and teaching their kids at home, in responding to the child’s sincere, honest and yet out-of-this world questions. (Fathers should also be ready to answer whenever their children raise a question.)

LINE UPON LINE, PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT

Since learning is “line upon line, precept upon precept”, our minds tend to continue to ask more questions and search for answers and the meaning of our life or our existence. Our questions take on a new level as we become teenagers and even into our adult stage in life.

We all have questions and, of course, we all want answers, like Joseph Smith, who asked which of the churches he investigated was true and which of them should he join. His inquiry led him to search the scriptures written in James 1: 5-6.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed”

ASK OF GOD, ASK IN FAITH

This is the 2017 Mutual Theme, encouraging all of us, and the youth in particular, to “Ask of God” and “Ask in Faith”. When we have questions of the soul, questions about spiritual matters or questions about the gospel of Jesus Christ, we should search the scriptures and ask God in faith, nothing wavering. We can go directly to the source of truth and light.

Nowadays, anyone can have their questions answered by the power of Google, at a touch of our own fingertips. However gaining a sure testimony will not be like that.

M. Russell Ballard has said, “And how do you get such a testimony? Well, there’s no new technology for that, nor will there ever be. You cannot do a Google search to gain a testimony. You can’t text message faith.”

He added, “You gain a vibrant, life-changing testimony today the same way it has always been done. The process hasn’t been changed. It comes through desire, study, prayer, obedience, and service. That is why the teachings of prophets and apostles, past and present, are as relevant to your life today as they ever have been.”

May we find answers to our questions as we continue to search the scriptures, ponder the message it contains and pray to the Father, through the name of Jesus Christ. Remember to always ask God in faith, nothing wavering. His promise is that He will listen to every sincere prayer, and give us answers in His own due time. President Henry B. Eyring taught, “James 1:5 seems to me an ideal theme both for the youth in 2017 … Today there are so many ways to find information—some of it true, some of it partially true, and some of completely false. But wisdom, true wisdom, comes from God, and the way to find it hasn’t changed since the day James wrote his epistle or the day Joseph Smith read it.”

Furthermore, on March 4, 2017, there will be a Face to Face event with President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in Palmyra, New York. They will help the youth of the world find answers to some of their questions.

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1. I WILL STUDY MORE DILIGENTLY.

Jesus taught us to: “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118). He also commanded us to “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

A daily study of the scripture is like putting oil to our lamps in order for us to shine our light. Our testimony grows, our faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened and we will be better at making decisions every day of our lives. We receive divine revelations as we carefully read them every day, at least for 30 minutes or so.

As you do your personal study, you may also secure a pen and a study journal to write down some of your thoughts or sudden strokes of impressions. Markers or colored pens will also help highlight your favorite quotes or scripture verses.

Our study to spiritual matters is as essential as learning to secular things. At some point in time, we will find ourselves in the role of a provider in which may require educational attainment or work experience. Resolve to continue furthering your knowledge and expanding your horizons so you can better provide for yourself and for your family. Strive to be self-reliant and not too overly dependent on others.

May we be reminded of the words in 2 Nephi 9: 28-29:

“O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.”

“But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.”

The key here is to find balance in acquiring secular and spiritual learning. Put your best efforts toward studying more effectively the gospel of Jesus Christ and striving to learn more about the world around you.

2. I WILL PRAY MORE EARNESTLY.

The Lord has counseled us to “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” (D&C 10:5)

If you have been praying every day of your life, pray even more. Prayer is a shield from Satan’s fiery darts. As the Lord is hastening His work, Satan is also doubling his strength so he can lure us into his traps and be led away from the path of truth and righteousness.

The words in 2 Nephi 32: 8-9 always ring true:

“… if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.”

“But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.”

Each time we earnestly pray and think of Him, we will have the blessings, guidance, protection, support and comfort we need to face the difficult trials and challenges in life. When we offer our heartfelt gratitude unto Him through prayer, the more we find peace in our hearts and happiness each and every day of our lives. The moment we pray fervently, the more our burdens may become lighter.

3.  I WILL SERVE MORE WILLINGLY.

In Doctrine and Covenants 58: 27, it says:

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness”.

Opportunities to serve are all around you. The question sometimes is, “How?” or “Where should I begin?” Your participation in #LightTheWorld campaign was a good start. By doing small and simple things, you will bring much light to those whom you serve.

Howard W. Hunter taught, “You will be most happy and successful in life whose interests are coupled with giving assistance to others and helping them find the way.”

Little acts of kindness may not be recognized with attention and applause, but they are recognized by the heavens. Simple things will help a lot. A small note of appreciation will do. Saying the magic words “Thank You” and a surprise text or phone call may brighten other people’s day. You may also share some words of inspiration and encouragement to your every one around you. Giving of a little of what we have can mean a lot to others (i.e. a listening ear, time, effort, talents, skills, love, etc.)

King Benjamin also reminds us in Mosiah 2: 17:

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

In this year and all throughout, may we continue to study more diligently, pray more earnestly and serve more willingly. If we do so, we will become better people than we were before. We will become “agents unto ourselves” and we “shall in nowise lose our reward”. We’ll find meaning to our existence and we will be happier than ever.

You keep learning. Always praying. And serving. Even more!

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At some point in our lives we look up to someone who inspires us to live the way we should live. Sometimes we see good in them and try to pattern our lives after theirs. Sometimes we wish we could have a life like that of a promising athlete, a prominent leader, a close friend or a good neighbor. In other words, we all want to have our own role model.

THE SAVIOR IS OUR GREATEST EXEMPLAR

When looking for a life to emulate, however, we can be reminded of a Primary song:

I’m trying to be like Jesus

I’m following in His ways

I’m trying to love as He did

In all that I do and say…

Love one another as Jesus loves you

Try to show kindness in all that you do

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought

For these are the things Jesus taught.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5: 14-16)

The Savior has shown the way. He has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is. Sharing our light is something we can do all of our lives and it’s something we need to begin while we are young.

To share the light with others is to reflect the Savior’s light in our own lives. Paul, in his epistle to Timothy, taught, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (Timothy 4:12)

President Thomas S. Monson said, “It is our duty to live our lives in such a way that we may be examples of righteousness” to others. He added, “We live in a complex world with currents of conflict everywhere to be found. Ours is the task to be fitting examples.”

HOW CAN WE BE EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS?

1. Actions speak louder than words.

President Heber J. Grant declared, “The greatest and the most wonderful preacher among the Latter-day Saints is the man… who lives the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Our lips may tell a thousand sweet tales but our actions never lie a single story.

We can learn from Mosiah who took over for King Benjamin as king. In Mosiah 6: 6-7, we read:

And it came to pass that King Mosiah did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe his judgments and his statutes, and did keep his commandments in all things whatsoever he commanded him.

And King Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might not become burdensome to his people that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years.

Imagine if we all could become like Mosiah, who did as what his father did – and walked in the ways of the Lord and not of man, nor the ways of the world. There would be much peace. All of our hearts will be lifted up and would rejoice.

2. Be thou humble.

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service defines humility as the willingness to submit to the will of the Lord. When you humbly trust Him and acknowledge His power and mercy, you can have the assurance that His commandments are for your good. (see Preach My Gospel, page 120)

Humble people are teachable people. When we are humble or teachable, we just don’t listen. We act upon what is being taught. The moment we act upon what we know, the Spirit of the Lord will make a “mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2)

3. Obedience is the first law in heaven.

Obedience is like putting oil into our lamp. When we want longer lasting light, we need to have more oil in our lamps. Less oil means less light. No oil means no light, only great darkness! But we don’t want that. We always want light so that we can see the way and do more good. Similarly, the more we obey God’s commandments the greater light we possess in us. President Thomas S. Monson said, “If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself.”

As Latter-Day Saints we have covenanted with the Lord to take upon ourselves His name, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and endure to the end. When we take upon us His name, it means that we strive to become like Jesus Christ.

Invitation and Promised Blessings

As the Savior asked His disciples when He visited the American continent, “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?” And then, answering His own question, He said, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am”. (3 Nephi 27:27)

The Lord is inviting all of us to become a true disciple of Christ. Discipleship is all about doing and becoming. “Not just hearers only but doers of the word.” (James 1:22)

In his book Our Search for Happiness, Elder M. Russell Ballard taught,

If we live a Christ-centered life, our actions become more disciplined, our relationships become more righteous; even our language becomes more pure as we live a life that is centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings.

After the Spirit of Christ enters our hearts, and our souls, we can never be the same again. That doesn’t mean we suddenly become perfect. It means that we’re always trying to live up to the responsibility of being a true follower of Christ…

When we become more converted to the gospel and live as good examples, we will have a greater influence, encouraging others to come to the knowledge of Him who created us. As Elder Russell M. Nelson explained, “Your good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes.”

The post BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS appeared first on morefaith.ph.

We live in this world that is constantly changing and we all hope for a future that is better and brighter than the times in which we currently live! We cannot control the actions of others or tell them what they should do to achieve that goal but we can start by doing simple things in our own little ways.

One of the simple things that we can do is taught in a Mormon Children’s song:

I want to be kind to ev’ryone,

For that is right, you see.

So I say to myself, “Remember this:

Kindness begins with me.

When we do something good for others, we feel good about ourselves and we are filled with unexplainable joy. From simple things, great things are realized. We can experience change in our own life or in the lives of others.

Here is a list of small acts of kindness we can share with others:

1. Always wear a smile wherever you go.
2. Say I Love you to your parents and mean it. Or if you’re a parent, tell your kids that you love them.
3. Leave positive comments to 10 of your friends on social media.
4. When your friends talk negatively about someone, say something positive and nice.
5. Give away clothes that you may not use anymore to the less fortunate.
6. Give someone a hug.
7. Offer to do household chores.
8. Never forget to say these magic words: “Please” and “Thank you!”
9. When you’re in a jeepney, bus or train, offer your seat to a disabled, elderly, or pregnant person.
10. Be a courteous driver.
11. Don’t litter. Pick up trash when you go for a walk.
12. Invite someone to wholesome, fun and meaningful activities.
13. Leave an uplifting note on your colleague’s work desk or on the armchair of your seatmate in school.
14. Make some extra food to share with your colleague at work or with a classmate.
15. Comfort someone by listening intently.
16. Drop someone off at home, school or their workplace.
17. Initiate a conversation with someone who is shy, aloof or isolated.
18. Send a text message to 20 contacts in your phonebook and let them know that you love and care for them.
19. Do a load of laundry or cook a good meal for someone who is going through a rough time.
20. Offer to babysit for free.
21. Participate in community service projects.
22. Donate blood.
23. Hang out with a person who just moved in near your place.
24. Put away all distractions (e.g. smartphone, laptop) and spend some quality time with someone.
25. Email, text or leave a Facebook message for a teacher who made a difference in your life.
26. Leave a sticky note with uplifting quotes on the restroom mirrors.
27. Help someone solve a Math problem, teach Basic English or help out with a Science project.
28. Remind yourself to have patience because everyone is fighting their own battles.
29. List some positive traits of a friend and let them know.
30. Plant a tree.
31. Bring an extra umbrella at school or at work and let someone borrow it on their way home.
32. Help someone find a job. If you can’t, at least you can accompany them in securing the requirements.
33. Each night before you retire to bed, think of at least 5 things you’re grateful for.
34. Give a homeless person a snack or meal.
35. Visit an elderly or lonely person.
36. Treat someone with an ice cream or a pizza.
37. Help someone who is struggling with heavy equipment or bags.
38. Give direction to someone who is trying to locate a certain place.
39. Invite others to eat lunch or dinner with you at home.
40. Volunteer your time at a library, school, or community center.

Acts of service need not be expensive and do not necessarily require a massive amount of efforts. When you have the desire to help others every day, you also help to accomplish positive change in this world. By showing deep concern and pure love for others, we develop a close relationship to God and His children.

These simple joys can have a domino effect and you may never know the extent your simple acts have influenced or changed the lives of others. Through selfless and unconditional service, you can make the world a better place.

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Adjustment period can be extremely hard and finding the right balance is never easy. One of the greatest challenges is maintaining the Spirit in your life and remaining true to the faith. Here are few simple things that return missionaries can do to be spiritually worthy:

1. 

   Pray always

The scriptures remind us to, “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” (D&C10:5) There is no better way to receive help from our loving Heavenly Father than when we humble ourselves, get down on our knees and pray.

Pray fervently. Pour out your hearts unto God and he will grant the righteous desires of your heart. He will always listen to you and He will answer in His own timetable.

2. Study the scriptures

The adversary will always tell us, “It’s okay to skip scripture study” or “You’ve been reading the Book of Mormon in your entire mission, take a break!” or “You can always do it tomorrow.”

Nephi taught us to “…feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3) When we continue to seek, study and search the scriptures, we are promised that we will be guided to take the next steps in accomplishing our goals in life.

The four standard works, Church magazines and other online resources such as lds.org are accessible with just a touch of our fingertips. These and all other Church materials are made available for us in order to edify and strengthen our testimony and our faith.

3. Accept a Church calling and magnify it.

Elder David A. Bednar recounted a story of his friend who drove up to the mountainside in his empty truck to find wood. As he tried to steer the truck off the road from deep snow, he got stuck along the way. His friend decided to fill the back of the truck with heavy wood. “As he put the pickup into gear and applied power, he started to inch forward. Slowly the truck moved out of the snow and back onto the road. He finally was free to go home, a happy and humbled man”, he narrated.

Elder Bednar said, “Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness.” As we continue to help build the kingdom of God by accepting Church calling and magnifying it, the Lord will also help us “get unstuck, to get back on the road, to press forward, and to return to His family.”

4. Attend temple regularly

Whether you live near or far from the temple, schedule a regular visit in the house of the Lord. The late, Richard G. Scott offered this advice to, “Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.”

 In the temple, you will be endowed with power from on High, your strength to resist temptation will be increased, sacred covenants will be kept and remembered, and you will find peace in your mind and in your heart.

5. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause.

The Lord has told us that “men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness…” (D&C 58:27) There are many opportunities around us; seek them. Continue to help the full-time missionaries in the ward or branch where you are residing. Participate in ward or stake service opportunities. Continue to find joy in attending Institute classes and mingle with friends of the same standards.

While the missionary badge is now taken off doesn’t mean that you’re done with your missionary duty. Once a missionary, always a missionary! You will never fail as you continue to keep up with these holy habits. As you continue to do those small and simple things, great blessings will be realized.

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