Some of the many principles often used to achieve goals would be:

• The acronym SMART, and its different variations:
  • S – specific, significant, stretching
  • M – measurable, meaningful, motivational
  • A – agreed upon, attainable, achievable, acceptable, action-oriented
  • R – realistic, relevant, reasonable, rewarding, results-oriented
  • T – time-based, time-bound, timely, tangible, trackable
• First, we set goals, then we make plans
• Have a vision
• “The dullest pencil is better than the sharpest memory”
  • This quote explains why we need to write our vision, goals, and plans and post them where we can see them

Although we already know these principles, why does it seem like we are not achieving our goals? Or… are we really not?

Quentin L. Cook, a Mormon ecclesiastical leader shared the rules he learned from his father:

1. We needed to have worthwhile goals.
2. We could change our goals at any time.
3. We had to diligently work towards whatever goal we chose.

Looking back on the past year and the goals you had set, ask yourself the following questions: Are my goals worthwhile? Am I realistic with my goals and do I adjust them when necessary? Did I work diligently to reach them? If most of your answers are yes and still you feel like you have not achieved your goal, then the following principles can help you work on your goals for this year.

Achieving Your Goals

A for Accountability and Adjustment

When we are accountable, we are responsible for our actions and our decisions. Part of accountability is evaluating our progress in achieving our goals. Are we able to do them? If yes, how often? Or how much improvement did we achieve? If we are not able to accomplish them, think of the challenges we have had.
You can create your own indicator of measurement. This indicator depends on the type of goals you have set and how long it will take to reach them. For instance, it could be a self-report of a yes/no answer for whether the goals are achieved or not. It could also be a numerical figure such as the amount of money saved or pounds lost. You can customize your own evaluation. You can do it weekly, monthly or yearly. It depends on the time-table of your desired goals and plans. It is also highly encouraged to have a person to whom you can report your progress: your spouse, your parents, your friends, or whoever you feel comfortable sharing your goals with.

And, finally adjusting your goals and plans. After evaluating your goals be honest with yourself and ask if it is realistic. If you feel like you need to make some adjustments with frequency or with time, do so. On the other hand, if you feel like your goal is too easy, adjust it so you will be able to stretch yourself. The goals we set help us become who we want to be so it is very important to allow us to succeed.

B for Becoming Aware of Distractions

Working towards a goal is challenging yet it still should be fun. Achieving our goals should help us be happy with ourselves and not yet achieving them should motivate us more instead of discouraging us. Quentin L. Cook shared three distractions that keep us from becoming happy.

1. Distractions which keep us from doing what we ought to do
2. The magnification of small imperfections
3. Unfavorable comparisons with others

Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to modify behavior. As your efforts produce favorable results, it will encourage you to continue towards your goal. Sometimes our measurement of our success is founded on the acknowledgment we get from other people or worse our comparison of ourselves to them. This is not wrong but make sure that you know how to positively reward and commend yourself for your efforts. The principle out of small things, great things are accomplished, should be your gauge in knowing if you are achieving your goals.

C for Consistency and Commitment

Ultimately, feeling successful comes through consistency. Patience indeed is a virtue. We need to work hard even when we do not see an obvious result of our efforts and patiently wait for the outcome. For a habit to be developed, it should be done for at least 18-21 days, but may take longer depending on the goal you wish to achieve. When you are committed to your goals you will do everything to achieve them, even when oppositions come your way.

So this year, we hope that your new year’s resolution would not be a mere yearly repetition of goals and plans that are never achieved and accomplished. It is only the beginning of the year… We still have a long way to go!  Remember the ABCs to achieving your goals. Your success will be determined by your vision of yourself and your positive attitude in life.

Try and try until we succeed!

References:

SMART Goals
Quentin L. Cook’s article “Rejoice!”

The post The ABCs to Achieving Your Goals appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Ayon sa artikulong “Thoughtful Gifts”, masasabi mong the best ang regalo mo kung ito ay mayroong tatlong katangian:

1. Praktikal na kagamitan (practical utility)

Sa pagbibigay natin ng regalo sa iba, isipin natin kung magagamit ba nila ito o makakabuti ba ito sa kanila? May mga pagkakataon din na kailangan nating timbangin ang gusto nila sa kailangan nila. Bukod sa kasiyahang mararamdaman nila, paano ito makakatulong sa kanila?

Mga simpleng halimbawa: planner- para sa mga taong mahilig mag-organize; gamit sa kusina- para sa mahilig magluto o gustong matutong magluto; mask- para sa sakitin; office/school supplies para sa mga estudyante

2. Personal na halaga (personal value)

Mahalaga ba ang ibibigay ko sa kanya? Magugustuhan ba niya ito? Kagaya ng naunang katangian, ang best gift ay may personal na kahalagahan sa taong pagbibigyan mo. Hindi masasayang at makakatulong sa buhay nila. Tanungin natin ang ating sarili, binibili ko ba ito para sa kanya o para sa akin? Sa pagpili natin ng regalo, ang taong pagbibigyan ang i-pokus natin.

3. Makahulugan (symbolic meaning)

Naranasan mo na ba na may nakita kang bagay at may taong pumasok sa isipan mo? Sa katangiang ito ng pagreregalo, dito papasok ang creativity mo. Ano ang sinisimbulo ng iyong gift? Bakit iyan ang naisip mong ibigay sa kanya?

Ang mga katangiang nabanggit ay gabay lamang sa pagpili ng ireregalo ngayong pasko. Tandaan na ang best gift na pwede mong ibigay sa iba ay hindi nasusukat sa presyo kundi sa kung gaano ito nagmula sa iyong puso!

Merry Christmas!!!

Ano ang best gift na natanggap mo ngayong pasko? I-share ang favorite gift mo sa amin

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“Ahem, ahem…” clearing his throat, Juan noticed that there was something wrong with his voice. He thought it was just a simple sore throat. He started using lozenges, but a week later he noticed that he was having chest pain and that his cough was getting worse. He then started home remedies like drinking more fluids, drinking calamansi (lemon) with honey, eating more fruits and vegetables and resting well. After a couple of days, his weight had dropped significantly and he had started to sweat at night and have chills. He went to the clinic in his office and the nurse had said that he might have the flu and gave him an antibiotic to take for a week. He felt relieved that it was something so minor.

However, one day, he was worried to discover that he was coughing up blood. Looking in the mirror, he noticed that he was paler and his weight had dropped. One of his friends told him it might be tuberculosis, but he did not believe it because he had gotten vaccinated already, so he continued trying to treat it with antibiotics and home remedies.

One day he woke up and was shocked. He was not in his room. Only half awake all he could see were people in white walking around… busy. “Where am I?” he asked.  A lady in white answered, “Sir, you are at the hospital.” “Why?” he asked her again. “You are under observation and we need to do some tests.”  He was so scared and thought he might be dying or have cancer. He waited almost 24 hours for the real diagnosis. He later exclaimed that this was the longest time of his life. Finally the doctor came and said, “Sir, you have TB”…

The story above is a classic example of our reaction to sicknesses. Filipinos in general always resort in self-medication. Most do not have the means to go to a doctor, buy medicine or even be confined to a hospital. TB is still one of the deadliest treatable diseases in the Philippines.

If this is curable, then why are there still so many who die from this disease? In 2014, Dr. Anthony Leachon, the President of the Philippine College of Physicians, explained that “When patients come to us to seek medical advice, they are very sick already. This should not be the case. This is failure of health literacy”. He further added that prevention is cheaper than treatment.

How often do we delay coming to a physician in order to be healed? How often do we neglect the symptoms we feel that prompts us to get medical aid? How often do we disregard the reminder to prevent getting sick and be free of the agony of long, expensive treatment?

Does not this story, too often, parallel our physical, emotional, and even spiritual lives? Think what are the “sicknesses” and “diseases” you are facing nowadays.

 How Can We Be Healed?

We all need to be healed whether it be physical, spiritual, emotional or any other type of healing.  There is not much difference between our physical and spiritual well-being. We will be healed if (1) We understand what it means to be healed; (2) We recognize the need to be healed; and (3) We know who our real physician is.

1. What does it mean to be healed?

According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This profound description of health helps us evaluate whether we need to be healed or not. No one is perfect and so we always need constant aid in order to fully function at our best.

Like the man in the story, we sometimes notice symptoms of sickness and yet we choose not to visit a doctor or have a check-up. Sometimes we notice that there is something wrong or that we are starting to have problems and concerns, yet we fail to ask for help. We usually resort to our own “self-medication”.

2. Recognizing the need to be healed.

Before we even get really sick, there are physical symptoms that we can watch for, but there are other conditions that do not have obvious symptoms. When we feel that we are not at our best or we feel like we are not functioning normally, we may start thinking that something might be wrong.

Like Juan, we sometimes tend to ignore signs that prompt us that not everything is well. We feel like it is okay and everything will be alright after sometime. Our bodies have its own way of determining whether we are healthy or not. We just need to listen and pay attention to it.

3. Knowing who the real physician is.

Jesus Christ invites all of us to come to him and be healed:

Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy. (3 Nephi 17:7)

When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He sacrificed not only for our sins but also for our pains, problems, and any negative feelings that we have. He understands us perfectly because He went through everything that we went through, everything that we are going through and everything that we will go through.

The Greatest Physician

Carole M. Stephens, a leader of the women’s organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints emphasized the power and ability of Jesus Christ to heal us. She enumerated:

First, the Savior, the Master Healer, has the power to change our hearts and give us permanent relief from the sorrow caused by our own sin.

Second, the Master Healer can comfort and strengthen us when we experience pain because of the unrighteous actions of others.

Third, the Master Healer can comfort and sustain us as we experience painful “realities of mortality,”such as disaster, mental illness, disease, chronic pain, and death.

Our lives have ups and downs, imperfections and unfairness but we can be healed through the greatest physician—Jesus Christ. He has the ability to heal us spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. He knows us perfectly and wants to help us. God has given us many ways to know and feel when and how to be healed. He has given us all the resources we need in this life so we can succeed. We should not wait for us to be severely sick to come to the Master Healer, the eternal physician who can mend our bodies and our souls perfectly.

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Mula sa libu-libong views, likes at shares ng invitation para sa Hey Joe Show, dumating na rin ang pinaka-aabangang araw ng mga pinoy fans. Noong August 24, nag-celebrate ang Mormon Newsroom Philippines ng kanilang anibersaryo. Tampok sa nasabing event ang mga proyekto ng The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Nagpakitang-gilas din ang iba’t ibang indibidwal at grupo ng mga kabataang Mormons ng kanilang mga talento sa Pre-show ng event na ito. Isa sa mga layunin ng Newsroom ay i-feature ang buhay ng mga karaniwang tao, ang kanilang mga pinagdadaanan sa buhay, pagpapahalaga sa pamilya, humanitarian service at mga faith-promoting experiences. Ang #MyStory ang social media campaign na sinimulan nila noong August 5 na nagcha-challenge sa mga fans na magpost ng kanilang pictures at mag-share ng kanilang inspiring stories.

LDS Humanitarian Service

Bukod sa kasiyahang naramdaman ng mga fans, naantig din ang kanilang damdamin sa mga videos tungkol sa pagsisilbi sa iba. Ilan sa mga proyekto na itinampok sa mga videos ay ang pagbibigay ng school kits sa mga kabataang Lumad at ang pagbangong muli ng mga nasalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Isa sa mga tanong sa audience ay “Bakit importante na tumulong sa iba?” Ibinahagi ni Kenneth ang kanyang paniniwala na lahat tayo ay magkakapatid kaya mahalaga na tumulong tayo sa isa’t isa at ito ay isa sa paraan upang sundin natin ang kautusan ni Jesucristo. Ipinaliwanag din niya na ang pagtulong sa iba kahit sa simpleng paraan ay malaking bagay rin. Sinabi naman ni Kaye na “it gives me the happiness na hindi ko nakukuha sa ibang materyal na bagay… Kapag tumutulong ako, may fulfillment. It just makes me happy…”

Pre-show Talents

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORwaxHzk2xg

Sa isang interview kay Enos tungkol sa kanyang nararamdaman bilang host sa nasabing event, ipinahayag niya na ang pinaka-point nito ay ang pagsheshare ng kanilang mga talents na ibinigay ng Diyos sa kanila. Hindi man nakasama ni Enos ang kanyang asawa sa event, inspired na inspired pa rin siya dahil naalala niya ang kanyang asawa na nagsabing gawin ito para sa kanya. Sinabi rin niya na “It is a privilege and an honor and a great blessing to be part of this event.” Ganito rin ang nararamdaman ni Gerry na isa sa mga vocalist ng Proselytes. Sinabi niya na gusto niyang ibahagi sa iba ang talento na meron siya mula sa Panginoon upang mainspire din ang iba sa faith na meron siya bilang isang Mormon.

Hey Joe Show

At sa wakas! Dumating rin ang pinakaaabangan ng mga fans… Ang Hey Joe Show!!! Napuno ng sigawan at palakpakan ang Eastwood Central Plaza nang dumating ang limang naggagwapuhan, kinakikiligan at talented na mga Kano. Hanggang-hanga ang mga fans dahil sa kanilang bisaya/tagalog entertainment. May mga ilan na napadaan lang at napatigil nang marinig at makita ang performance ng Hey Joe Show. Sinabi ni Clamaine na nacurious siya dahil foreigner sila. Isa sa mga nakausap namin ay taga-Taiwan, si Linda, first time niyang mapanuod sila at sinabi niyang “I feel like this is a good quality… even the host is very good!” Idinagdag ni Zaldy na pumunta siya para suportahan ang Hey Joe Show dahil churchmate niya sila. Meron ding mga fans na pumunta dahil sa ibang kadahilanan gaya ni Miren, “Meron akong hidden agenda kasi ung isa sa kanila si Tylan, asawa niya ung isa sa members ng favorite band ko yung Gardiner Sisters, so gumawa ako ng letter at ipapaabot ko sa kanya kasi sobrang fan nila ako.” Syempre hindi magtatapos ang gabi kung hindi makakapagpa-selfie at groupie ang mga fans kasama ang Hey Joe Show.

Behind the Scenes

Salamat Mormon Newsroom Philippines at sa lahat ng tumulong at nagsikap upang maging successful ang event na ito! Karamihan sa mga staff dito ay volunteers. Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!

The post Oy! May Kano… Hey Joe Show!!! appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Pasukan na naman… Karamihan sa mga schools at universities ay nagsimula nitong Hunyo at may ilan na magsisimula sa darating na Agosto. Ilan sa mga estudyante ay nagsisimula nang matambakan ng mga gawain sa eskwela. May ilan na habang maaga pa ay sinisimulan na ito at may ilan na naghihintay pa bago ang mismong deadline. Usong-uso sa mga studyante ang stratehiya na tinatawag na “cramming”. Bukod dito, may mga ilang klase na pakiramdam natin na hindi tayo natututo o para sa atin ay boring. Paano nga ba tayo mas mag-eenjoy sa klase, maiwasan ang mabore at mapalawak ang pagkatuto sa bawat lecture ng teachers natin?

Mahalaga na maunawaan natin ang responsibilidad natin bilang estudyante. Ang pagiging epektibo ng pag-aaral ay nakasalalay sa ating paghahanda bago pumasok, pagiging alerto at attentive sa klase at ang regular na pagre-review ng mga notes natin.

Narito ang mga tips na makakatulong na maging epektibo ang pag-aaral habang nasa klase tayo:

Tip #1: Maghanda Bago Pumasok

Ang pagiging epektibo ng ating pag-aaral ay nakasalalay sa ating paghahanda bago pumasok sa eskwela. Kapag handa tayong makinig at matuto, mas magiging makabuluhan ang bawat oras natin sa klase. Ang mga sumusunod na suggestions ay makakatulong sa inyong paghahanda:

• Kumain ng masustansiyang pagkain– Maraming mga pag-aaral ang nagsasabi na may negatibong epekto sa pag-aaral ang kakulangan sa nutrisyon. Kailangan ng isipan natin ang “glucose” o ang tinatawag na “brain food” upang maging mabisa ang ating isip. Nakukuha ito sa mga kinakain natin. Ayon sa mga pagsusuri, nakakatulong sa kaisipan ang pagkain ng gulay at prutas. Kailangan din ng katawan natin ng carbohydrates mula sa tinapay, kanin, kamote, etc.  Kailangan din ng katawan natin ang protein upang mapanatili ang ating lakas. Naranasan niyo na ba na magutom pagkatapos ng mahabang pag-aaral or pag-eexam? Ito ang isang ebidensiya na kailangan natin ang sapat na nutrisyon upang mas maging malinaw at gumana ang ating isipan.

• Mag-exercise– Sa mga flag ceremony, kalimitan ay kasama ang exercise. Nakakatulong ito upang maging alerto ang ating isipan at katawan sa buong maghapon. Nakagaganda din ng daloy ng dugo ang ehersisyo. Ang dugo ang nagdadala ng nutrisyon at mga kemikal na kailangan ng ating katawan at isipan. Kahit simpleng stretching lang sa umaga ay makakatulong din.

• Ihanda ang mga gamit na kailangan– Kagaya ng paghahanda na ginagawa bago magsimula ang pasukan, ugaliing ihanda ang mga gamit na kailangan sa school (hal. Notebook, books, ballpen, pencil, pad paper, typewriting, etc.).

• Magbasa ng textbook/readings at tapusin ang mga assignments – Kadalasang dahilan ng pagkabore sa klase ay dahil hindi tayo makapag-participate. Isa sa mga dahilan ay dahil hindi tayo handa sa klase. Makakatulong na pag-aralan ng advance o i-review ang mga nakaraang notes upang malaman ang topic na ididiscuss ng teacher sa araw na yon. I-note din ang mga tanong na naisip mo habang nag-aaral ka. Makakatulong ang note-taking upang makapagbahagi ka sa klase o makapagtanong sa teacher kung may topic na naguguluhan ka.

Tip #2: Maging Active Learner sa Klase

Isa sa challenge ng mga estudyante ay ang pakikinig o pagiging alerto sa klase. Minsan mabilis na tumatakbo ang ating isipan at nadidistract tayo sa klase. Minsan kapag gutom tayo, naiisip natin ano na ang kakainin natin sa break? Minsan, excited tayong mag-uwian at iniisip na saan tayo gagala kasama ang mga kaibigan. Ang iba naman ay iniimagine ang kanilang crush o mga bf at gf. Ilan lang ito sa mga distractions sa klase. Maaari itong maiwasan kung kayo ay aktibo sa pakikilahok sa lecture ng teacher ninyo.

Ano ba ang active learner? Kapag ikaw ay active learner, hindi ka nakaasa sa teacher mo para sa iyong pagkatuto. Nakikinig ka at pinupulot mo ang mga bagay na kailangan mong matutunan. Isang propesor sa isang International University ang nagsabi na ang pagkatuto ay parang panganganak. Malalaman mo na natuto ka kapag ito ay nagbunga ng bagong ideya o mga realizations. Ibig niyang sabihin, hindi sapat na may nalaman lang tayong bagong impormasyon, kundi may bago tayong naisip mula sa mga impormasyon na natutunan natin.

Mga maaring gawin upang maging active learner:

• Magsulat ng notes– Magsulat ng notes ng main points ng sinasabi ng guro. Bukod dito, mas mabisa na isulat ang mga bagong natutunan mula sa discussion at lecture sa klase. Maaari ding magsulat ng mga tanong habang nagdidiscuss ang teacher.

• Magtaas ng kamay at sumagot sa klase– Kung tayo ay handa, hindi tayo matatakot na magtaas ng kamay at sumagot sa klase. Bukod sa grade sa recitation, nakakatulong ang pagtaas ng kamay at pagtayo para maging alive at alert ang ating katawan.

Tip #3: Magreview Pagkatapos ng Klase

Hindi natatapos ang pag-aaral pagkalabas ng classroom. Ang tunay na pagkatuto ay nagaganap sa labas ng apat na sulok ng silid-aralan. Ilan sa mga pwedeng gawin pagkatapos ng klase:

• Magreview ng notes– Ayon sa mga pag-aaral, nakabubuti na i-review ang notes pagkatapos ng isang araw. Nakakatulong ito upang ma-process ng ating isip ang napag-aralan natin. At kapag nagreview tayo ng notes, makakatulong ito na ma-retain sa ating isipan. Hindi lang ito mapupunta sa short-term memory na kalimitang nangyayari kapag nagkacram tayo, ngunit mas magiging long-term ang pagkatuto natin kung regular ang pagre-review natin ng notes.

• Magbahagi sa iba– Isa sa mga paraan para malaman natin na talagang naintindihan natin ang isang concept ay kung kaya natin itong ituro sa iba. Kapag kaya nating ipaliwanag ito sa ating sariling salita at matulungan ang iba na maintindihan din nila ito, sigurado tayong na-gets natin ang natutunan natin. Isa pa, habang binabahagi mo ito sa iba, habang tumatatak ito sa iyong isipan.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga tips na maaari nating gawin upang ma-maximize ang learning natin habang nasa klase tayo. Tandaan na ang pagkatuto ay iyong desisyon din at pinaglalaanan ng effort.

[box] Ano ang effective study habits mo? Paki-share sa amin. Pwede mong i-comment o i-message ang study tips mo sa Mormons.ph.

Abangan ang mga susunod pang tips sa pag-aaral.[/box]

The post Mga Tips sa Pag-aaral: Effective Learning sa Klase appeared first on morefaith.ph.

In this mortal world, sometimes we fall subject to natural disasters, economic downfall, poverty, wars, death, crimes, or other challenges. With all these challenges, how can we find peace and joy?

The song in the video entitled “The Prayer” and composed by David Foster contains two important principles on how we can find peace and joy in this life.

First Principle: Seek God’s Guidance

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

Let this be our prayer
When we lose our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe.

I pray we’ll find your light
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night
Remind us where you are.

Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.

The first and second verses of this song focus on asking help from a divine source. In times of troubles and difficulties, God can lead us to a safer, more peaceful ground. He can help us find comfort and will inspire us on how we can deal with life’s challenges. If we pray and ask for His help, He will listen and answer our prayers. He will help us find the light even during the darkest moments of our lives.

God’s greatest gift to each one of us is His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the light and the life of the world (Doctrine & Covenants 11:28). Through His example, we will know how to be truly happy in this life. His message teaches us what to do in order to find happiness in our mortal journey. Through His sacrifice, we are able to feel relief from our burdens. Jesus Christ suffered not only our sins but also our “pains, afflictions and temptations” so He could understand how to help us base on our experiences (Alma 7:11-12). When we sincerely believe that Jesus Christ can support us, we will feel His love and His hands comforting, protecting and guiding us.

Our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ are not physically present here with us but this does not mean that we cannot feel their presence. We can feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s love and presence through the Holy Ghost. Before Jesus Christ returned to Heaven, He promised His disciples that the Father will give the Holy Ghost to guide them (John 14:26). The Holy Ghost is given to us to guide us in this life. We can know that we are feeling the Holy Spirit when we have feelings of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

Second Principle: Love and Serve Others

A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that’s broken will be mended
And we’ll remember we are all God’s children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky.

We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love.

The last verses of the song remind us that we are all brothers and sisters. God is our Father and we are His children. He loves each one of us equally. We are God’s hands on the earth. One way God answers our prayers is through other people. When we love one another, we will have genuine peace.

Jesus Christ taught us to love one another. He taught this principle both in Jerusalem and in Ancient America, and the results were wonderful.

“And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land (4 Nephi 1:15-18).”

Just like in Ancient America, it is also possible to have peace and joy today when we apply the teachings of Jesus Christ and love one another. One way of showing love to our brothers and sisters is through service. A great leader from the same continent named King Benjamin exhibited this. When he was serving as the King, his greatest desire and motivation was to serve God. Because of this desire, serving other people became natural. He encouraged the people to help each other whether their need was emotional, spiritual or physical.

Now, a few years after the tragic incident in Tacloban, many families are starting to rebuild their lives. Service offered by other people has given them hope to start again. All forms of service whether it was as simple as praying for them, giving donations or building homes for them made them feel loved and comforted.

Our society can have continual joy and peace if we follow God’s commandments to love and serve one another. Through helping each other, our pains and sorrows can be ended. Christ-like love can heal a broken heart, strengthen a person and give light and hope to an uncertain future.

Our lives are full of challenges in different forms. Some challenges come from natural calamities while others from other’s choices. Whatever our troubles may be, there is a way to be happy and have peace in our lives. God will not give us anything that we cannot handle. If we trust Him, we will overcome whatever trials may come our way.

For more information about Tacloban after the typhoon, please see the links below:

2 Years After  Typhoon Yolanda
Tacloban One Year After Typhoon Haiyan
Remebering Yolanda
Shelters Built and Carpenters Certified
Cebu After Typhoon Yolanda

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What is Sin?

Our loving Heavenly Father gave us commandments so we can be happy in this life and in the life after. Sin is the consequence of not following Heavenly Father’s commandments. We also sin when we know what we should do and neglect to do them (James 4:17). For example, we know that we should be baptized, pray, read the scriptures, forgive, serve others, to name a few, and then fail to do them, we sin.

God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His commandments do not change but people do. Our moral laws may change over time but God and His commandments stay constant.  Knowing what the commandments are can help us avoid sin.

How Can We Avoid Sin?

1. Learn the commandments of God

God gives us the scriptures, living prophets and the Holy Ghost to guide us in this life. The scriptures contain laws that we need to obey. God will judge us according to these laws written in the scriptures (2 Nephi 29:11). God inspires prophets to record His words and God continuously speaks to us through the prophets. God reveals truth to the prophets through the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead and is a testifier of truth. He works in perfect unity with the Father and Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is given to us to guide us in this life. He will tell us what is right and will warn us so we can avoid temptation and sin.

2. Seek and follow the will of God

God desires the best for each one of us. He created a perfect plan for us. In order for us to know His will, we need to constantly communicate with Him through sincere prayer. When we pray, God’s desire for us becomes clearer. Knowing God’s will helps us choose the right and follow His commandments. Prayer helps us avoid temptation and sins. Jesus Christ taught:

“Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (3 Nephi 18:18).

3. Focus Our Lives on Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is our best example of a Son who obediently follows God’s will. He is the light that guides us in our lives. When we focus our thoughts on Him, we will always be filled with good thoughts and our desire to do the right will increase. When our foundation is strongly fixed in Jesus Christ, we will be able to avoid sin even when Satan does everything to tempt us (Helaman 5:12).

One way of remembering Jesus Christ is by attending church. During sacrament meeting, as we eat the bread and drink the water, we remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us. When we take the sacrament, we show Heavenly Father that we are willing to follow Jesus Christ (3 Nephi 18:7,10). We are reminded of our promise during our baptism. We reflect on what happened during the past week, repent of what we did and promise to avoid sinning again. Also at church we talk about how we can improve our lives as well as others (Moroni 6:5-6). At church we are inspired through the lessons prepared by our teachers and experiences shared by others.

Becoming Clean through Forgiveness

“… though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

“Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” Doctrine and Covenants 58:42

We are all children of our Heavenly Father and we have the potential to be like Him. On the other hand, Satan will do everything to prevent us from reaching this potential. He wants us to become miserable like him. We are not perfect however, we are responsible for all our choices and our actions. Sin draws us away from God while repentance moves us closer to Him.

When we fall short, we can rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He suffered for us both in Gethsemane and on the cross so we can be forgiven (Isa. 53:3–12; Mosiah 3:5–11; Alma 7:10–13). And when we repent sincerely, God will not remember our sins anymore (Isaiah 1:18, D&C 58:42). Although we can be forgiven, the process of repentance is not easy. However, the pain of previous sin and guilt can be overcome by the joy and peace that repentance brings. (Alma 36:12, 18-21). Sometimes sin can result in physical consequences and we must take responsibility for our actions, so although we can be forgiven, it is wiser to avoid sin if possible.

God gave us the ability to choose for ourselves. If we choose now to avoid sin, we will not have second thoughts when temptations of the devil come. And when temptations come, we should do everything to stay away from it (James 1:12-15). Temptations are all around us but it is possible for us to avoid sin and to have real joy and happiness in this life.

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Thou know’st ’tis common; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity.

William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, scene 2, line 72

Mortal life is too short. We know that each one of us, regardless of our cultural background, educational attainment or even economic status will face this inevitable event called death. We also have had experience of losing someone—either a family or a very close friend. We know how it feels to long for the presence of a loved one who already passed away. Some of us suffered even just the thought of departing this life and leaving loved ones behind. We try to be the best we can and do everything we can in order to live life to the fullest. But, does our existence only last until death?  Here is what the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe (often called Mormons) about the afterlife.

Our Spirits Are Eternal

Mormons believe that we are all spirit sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father (Psalm 82:6; Acts 17:29). We existed and lived with Him even before we were born on this earth. Being born in this mortal life gave us an opportunity to have a physical body. A living person both have spirit and body combined. Life on earth is not perfect nor our physical bodies, therefore death is inevitable. During death, the spirit and the body are separated. Then, our physical body becomes dust again while our spirit continues to live. So, what happens to our spirits when we die?

Our physical bodies will be buried in the earth while our spirits go to a place called the Spirit World. This is where our spirits wait, prepare and learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ until. Jesus Christ taught in the parable of the “Rich Man and Lazarus” the importance of living our lives righteously in order to have peace in the spirit world (Luke 16:19-31). In the Spirit World, our state will either be a state of happiness—Paradise or a state of misery—Prison or sometimes called Hell. The prophet Alma from the Book of Mormon clearly explained these two states:

The spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good… there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.

Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection (Alma 40:12-14).

Opportunities for Continuous Learning in the Afterlife

God is just and merciful. He knows that not everyone has the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ on earth. Therefore, He made it possible for those who died before hearing the Gospel to have an opportunity to learn in the Spirit World before the resurrection.

When Jesus Christ died, His body rests in the tomb and His spirit went to the Spirit World. When He was on the Spirit World, He organized and taught His gospel to the spirits there. He also caused His gospel to be preached to the spirits in prison (John 5:25-29; 1 Peter 4:6). If the spirits there accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ and repent of their sins, they can be forgiven and can have peace and joy. To fully receive happiness in the spirit world, ordinances should be done in behalf of the deceased in the temples on earth.

The only way to have peace and joy in the Spirit World is to accept and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we strive to follow the commandments of God while in this life, we will have eternal joy when we live again.

Our Spirit and Body Will be United and Immortal

Many accounts from the scriptures testifies that Jesus Christ and lived again (Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18; see also 3 Nephi 11:1-17). Jesus Christ overcame death through His atoning sacrifice for us. Through Him, life after death is possible for us. Each one of us will have the opportunity to live again whether we are good or bad (1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Alma 11:44). We will all be resurrected, which means that our bodies and our spirits will be reunited again to its perfect form and will never be separated again, thus becoming immortal. As a loving parent, Heavenly Father wants to give the best for us and to inherit all that He has. The only way to be with our Him is to have a perfect body, meaning a body that will never be subject to death.

Death as part of God’s plan is just the beginning of our never-ending life. Death is similar to transferring to a new home where we can learn and prepare to be with our Heavenly Father so we can live with Him again in a state of unending joy, peace and progression.

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