I told myself that I would be very careful in choosing someone when I got married. I was so afraid I would make a mistake in choosing someone to trust and later on have my marriage fail. My mother always told me that choosing the right person to marry is the most important and critical decision you will ever make in your life.

Most people believe in a soulmate. They believe that there is someone who is really destined for you.  I thought it was true too, but as I’ve grown up, I have come to understand that it is I who will decide. It is I who will make that certain man the right one and perfect for me.

Dondi and I were really good friends before we fell in love with each other and got married. I have come to know some of his strength and weaknesses. I got to know what he likes and what he doesn’t. We both knew that we were not perfect individuals before we got married.

Marrying him is the most beautiful thing and the right decision I ever made in my life. But just like older people say, marriage is not like a bed of roses. Along your journey as husband and wife, there are trials and challenges that will come. Your love and loyalty to each other will be put to the test and your commitment to each other will be measured. There will be times when you might ask yourself if you married the right person.

I am grateful for the restored gospel. It guides us in our everyday lives. It brings us hope that families are forever. It reminds me of who I am and helps me understand my role in the Lord’s great plan. Every time I felt like I am already pushing my limit, my Father in Heaven helps me remember that I have a husband who will always help me with my weakness and imperfections.

I remember asking the Lord many times if he was the one for me, and I know Heavenly Father has helped me know that he was the right man to marry. My husband shared with me once his great secret to remaining strong. He said, “You know what, Mama? Since we got married whenever I am having a hard time at work or problem, I always go back to the feeling that I had inside the temple on our wedding day. That feeling comforts me that the Lord gave us His blessing in our marriage. I know that He is guiding us.”

After hearing that from my husband I know for sure that it is true. There may be times when our trials will make us weak, will show our differences from one another, but I hope that you never forget the reason why you chose that person to be your husband or your wife.

None of us are perfect, but if you can accept your spouse’s weaknesses, if you are willing to help that person be at his/her best every day, while they help you in turn, then you absolutely married the right person.

The post Did I Marry the Right Person? appeared first on morefaith.ph.

If there was a new set of commandments given for single adults, “Go on a date” would be the first one! May kakilala ako sabi nya, sa dinami dami ng naghahanap ng kadate, bakit kaya hindi sila magkita kita? Made sense diba? So now, what’s with dating? How can going on a date be one way of following Him?

Balik tayo sa purpose, “We are here on earth in a type of adventure. We left our Heavenly Father to obtain bodies, to be tested, to make covenants or promises with God, to gain knowledge and experience, and to hopefully return to live with Him. But we do not always remember these purposes. Many who do not have the gospel have forgotten these purposes because of the veil. We often get weighed down by the daily monotony of school, church, family, and work and forget about our aspirations—aspirations that our Heavenly Father wants us to have. We often even get distracted and waylaid by ‘good’ things.” Emphasizing the importance of making covenants, the highest covenant we can achieve here on earth is being married in the temple. And the prerequisite to marriage is active dating. Hindi naman ibig sabihin ng ‘dating’ ay you will date every sister in the ward. Going on active dates requires critical planning and often communication with God. Since dating can lead to marriage, this is something we should really pray for and think of. Finding an eternal companion is not an easy thing to do. It requires a lot of patience and faith to endure the quest. Mahirap, nakakainip sabi nga nila pero ang tanong, may ginagawa ka ba?

President Thomas S. Monson, a latter-day prophet leader,  said: “Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is [our] goal. Such a goal is not achieved in one glorious attempt but rather is the result of a lifetime of righteousness, an accumulation of wise choices, even a constancy of purpose.” Sabi nila “happiness is a choice” as is dating. In dating you don’t just choose, you choose and and you commit to your purpose and goal. You are not just hanging out to enjoy the moment, you are doing your part to be back with Him someday.

“Building a strong premarital friendship requires spending sufficient time with each other and finding opportunities for interaction. I know of couples who spent almost their entire engagement separated because of work or school. Similarly, some couples count a partner’s years on a mission as courtship time. Although time apart can provide valuable perspective, long-distance romances can’t replace face-to-face interaction even if a couple spends a fortune on postage. Relationships and individuals change too quickly and too subtly to be monitored and influenced from afar.”  Minsan parang O.A. na, going on a date is the only way to find true potential to bring to the temple, pero that’s really a major part in fulfilling the commandment of God – marriage.

The post The Eternal Purpose of Dating appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Value of a Kiss

Our actions speak volumes about our thoughts and our feelings. With this being said, John  Bytheway, an LDS member who has been a missionary in the Philippines, posed a few questions in an LDS magazine in October 2004.

“Suppose you are on a date, and you put your arm around your date’s shoulder. This is a common gesture of affection, but what does it communicate?

How about, “I like you”?

What if you hold hands with your date? That’s perhaps a stronger message, isn’t it? Maybe that’s like saying “I really like you.”

Finally, what if you kiss your date? Then what are you saying? What do kisses mean, anyway?”

Kisses could mean ‘I care for you,’ ‘I hold you dear,’ ‘You are special to me.’ However, it could also mean otherwise. It could mean that kisses are given for pleasure and satisfaction. With the latter being true in some instances, John Bytheway counseled us to “involve the principle of honesty” when we kiss someone.

A word of caution was also shared by Elder Bruce C. Hafen, one of the leaders of the LDS Church in the quorum of the Seventy, he says, “During the time of courtship, please be emotionally honest in the expression of affection. Sometimes you are not as careful as you might be about when, how, and to whom you express your feelings of affection. You must realize that the desire to express affection can be motivated by other things than true love. When any of you—men or women—are given entrance to the heart of a trusting young friend, you stand on holy ground. In such a place you must be honest with yourself—and with your friend—about love and the expression of its symbols.”

It is important to note that Elder Hafen used the words “holy ground” when he described the heart of a trusting friend. We could think of a few other places that we consider holy ground, such as the temple. Like how we act and feel in the temple, we must have a heart with pure intent when we express our affections because the person to whom we express our affections to is also a temple according to Paul in the New Testament.

In order for us to share the same level of commitment, we must talk about our expectations and goals. It is important to have a clear understanding of what actions such as holding hands and kissing will mean. Doing this will prevent disappointments and heartaches from happening.

President Thomas S. Monson, the current Latter-day prophet, cautioned, “Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears.” As much as this is an absolute truth with a calming assurance for women, I am sure it is safe to say that this caution also applies to women and not solely to men. Women, for whatever reason, might also cause a man to weep. God is a just God and there is no mistaking that He also counts men’s tears because they are His children too.

To prevent tears from being shed, it is our responsibility to act honestly when we express our feelings and affections. John Bytheway counseled that men and women “have an equal obligation to keep affection within appropriate bounds.” May we not take this responsibility so lightly.

Save Your Kisses

There is no commandment pertaining to giving kisses to people. However, young single adults are always cautioned to not involve ourselves in passionate kissing that may lead to transgression. To reiterate the value of saving kisses, John Bytheway shared, “Remember, before you are married, you will be more respected and more attractive for the affection you withhold than for the affection you give.”

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), the twelfth prophet of the LDS Church, taught: “Kissing has … degenerated to develop and express lust instead of affection, honor, and admiration. To kiss in casual dating is asking for trouble. What do kisses mean when given out like pretzels and robbed of sacredness?”

Can We Talk?

Affection is not only conveyed through actions. It can also be very well conveyed through words. Getting to know the person we are dating spiritually, mentally and emotionally can be done when we talk to each other. When kissing begins to be the core expression of our thoughts, we might fail to notice that there is nothing more we have in common than our love for kissing. It is important to TALK.

Brother Lowell Bennion, an LDS author, has written: “Once a couple begins to share affection in a physical way, this activity tends to become the focus of interest. Often such a couple ceases to explore the other significant dimensions of personality: mind, character, maturity, religious faith, moral values, and goals.”

He further continues, “Affection should grow out of genuine friendship and brotherly love, not precede them, if one wishes to be sure of having real and lasting love in marriage. Kissing for the sake of kissing invites more affection, and many fine young people become more deeply involved than they actually wish to be.” Kissing is an act of love and love requires honest hearts. May we ever be careful when to use this act.

Suffice to say that kisses have a wide array of meanings. They can be valued like Chanel or a free taste pretzel at a candy store. The choice is yours.

The post For Single Adults Only: Value of a Kiss appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Knowing my then-suitor, who is now my husband, was not an easy process but every decision that lead to finding Mr. Right was worth it. Here are five personal guidelines I applied in finding Mr. Right.

1. Develop Your Personal Qualities First

Doctrine and Covenants 88:40, one of the scriptures that directs the Mormon Church, says “For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light…” Finding Mr. Right is at par in importance with finding Ms. Right in you. The Lord will aid you in finding the right person to match the qualities you have nurtured in you to bring a harmonious relationship in the future.

2. Determine Mr. Right’s Characteristics

My diary entries when I was 15 years old make me laugh hard on how I perceived my Mr. Right. My youth listed down physical descriptions of my right kind of man more than anything else. Few of these descriptions were a man with glasses, loves wearing a watch, tall, and with cute Eastern Asian eyes. As time passed, finding Mr. Right brought me to the disposition that inner qualities are more important than physical qualities. I started rewriting the qualities I listed from before on a long-term perspective – Mr. Right being my potential husband. Setting my standard on this righteous perspective has allowed me to date men who are amazing beyond words. They may not have been ‘the one’ for me, but they made me realize the qualities I want in a man which led to finding Mr. Right.

A disclaimer, however, should also be included in our list of qualities. Mr. Right is not Mr. Perfect. Perfection is a lifelong goal. This is an effort together in a marriage. Focus on the important qualities and from there, together, strengthen weaknesses. Remember, “None of us marry perfection, we marry potential” by Robert D. Hales.

3. Study the Examples of Great Men

Whenever I read the biographies of leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I always cruise to knowing their admirable experiences of youth and love. Their stories on courtships of their then young loves, who eventually became their future wives, would always make me giddy and excited for my turn. Studying the examples of these great men in your life can personify the standards you set for your own Mr. Right. The qualities of these ‘great men’ can also be from your father, your friend’s father, your uncle, or a remarkable man in the community. I am blessed to have my father and grandfather who were (and still are) my inspirations in finding Mr. Right. These men did not settle for anything less in their relationships. They work hard and fight hard in giving the best for their families and their marriages.

4. Go out and Date

Finding Mr. Right is an action. It is not just a list on your diary or a dream waiting to be erased from the priorities of reality. Finding Mr. Right is a hard earned reward from the challenges of multiple broken expectations. Many, if not all, can testify that it is not an easy effort. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, one of the current Mormon apostles, said, in an advice on reaching our goals, “Patience was far more than simply waiting for something to happen—patience required actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results didn’t appear instantly or without effort.” Finding Mr. Right begins with your effort to date and meeting men with potentials. Be their friends. If they asked you on a date, give them a chance. It might be surprising to you but going on dates help you know yourself and your standards more.

5. Pray: Heavenly Father Knows WHO

I developed great confidence in the Lord and His plans for me since I was young. He knows me and the best person for me to be with. I am His daughter and I know He will not lead me to broken if I will listen to Him throughout this process. In finding Mr. Right, I made it a habit to include the men I dated in my prayer to Him. He knew the desire of each man who asked me out. He knew their plans for me and our future.

My happiness right now comes from that time when I offered my whole heart in asking him about my future with my then fiancé. Because of continuous prayer, I confidently knew that time, when my husband Jared proposed to me that he was the right person for me.

Elder Richard G. Scott, another modern leader of the Mormon Church, advised young single adults on finding Mr. Right. He used many of his life’s experiences with his wife, late Jeanene Watkins, to give direction to young adults’ decisions. He said:

[Be] someone who is developing the essential attributes that bring happiness: a deep love of the Lord and of His commandments, a determination to live them, one that is kindly understanding, forgiving of others, and willing to give of self, with the desire to have a family crowned with beautiful children and a commitment to teach them the principles of truth in the home.

Choosing who to marry is one of the most important decisions in life. Making a choice involves spiritual, emotional, and mental maturity and preparedness. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a previous apostle of God, offered this advice: “We make our own choices, and then we present the matter to the Lord and get his approving, ratifying seal.” We have to have our own plans first before we expect the Lord’s enlightenment. The Lord wants us to exercise our agency to choose for us to experience the fruits of our choices and the joy from righteous decisions.

The post Finding Mr. Right appeared first on morefaith.ph.

I remember one conversation I had with a close friend of mine who is single. In our conversation, the subject of marriage came up, and my friend told me that I am very blessed because I already found the love of my life. I nodded my head in agreement but eventually added a small confession. I told her “If there is one thing I could change, I wish I did not spend a lot of my time moping around complaining about my single life; I wish I were more optimistic.”

Don’t get me wrong; married life is a beautiful thing, and although there are more challenges compared to when I was commitment-free, it still feels like a fairytale. However, not many beautiful adjectives can be found associated with the word “singleness.” Honestly, who hasn’t had moments of frustration, anxiety, or disappointment whenever they think about their single life? It’s true, being single isn’t always a happy place to be but has it ever occurred to you to look at your life right now as a subtle tender mercy from the Lord?

I consider myself a big fan of two women who spent much of their prime years single. These two women are Wendy Nelson and Kristen Oaks, respectively, the wives of Elder Russel M. Nelson and Dallin H. Oaks, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These two wonderful women, although married later in life, are stalwart examples of living one’s single phase with faith, optimism, service, and action. Both women are successful in their individual fields and the things they have learned while they were single prepared them to become the wives of two great men. Of course, they had their fair share of challenges as they were pursuing a happy single life. Sister Oaks once shared this story with a group of young adults:

“On one occasion, full of worry and frustration about my single situation and my advancing years, I went to a priesthood leader for a blessing to strengthen me. The words spoken in that blessing stay with me to this day and ring truer to me as time passes. I can still quote them: ‘If you cannot bear the difficulties and challenges of single life, you will never be able to bear the difficulties and challenges of married life.’ I sat a bit stunned. Those words were a call to action for me to make my life wonderful regardless of any situation or difficulty I faced. If I made a happy single life for myself, it would determine the happiness I would have as a married woman, and I wanted a happy future.”

Having a happy single life is a personal decision. It is the ability to see beyond the loneliness and the emptiness and focus on the blessings that come with being single. Being happy is always a decision.

So, how can you find happiness in single life?

In the Book of Mormon, a particular verse offers great advice on how to live a happy single life. 2 Nephi 32:20 says “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.”

1. Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ

Sometimes, feelings of frustrations and sadness can come to your life because of not knowing what the future holds for you. But, there is someone who knows the bright future ahead of you. The Lord loves you, and He wants you to be happy. Trust in Him and trust that He has prepared great things for you in the future. It is true you can only see the now, but you can make the most out of it. Rely on the Lord and trust in His plan.

While waiting for love to come, pursue other righteous goals that will prepare you for a relationship. Learn a new language, improve your skills of self-reliance, seek further education, do the things that make you passionate. Press forward!

2. Having a Perfect Brightness of Hope

You may not have a perfect love story now, but there are still little everyday moments that, if noticed, can bring joy. Joy comes when we learn to appreciate the things and the moments that we have rather than be sad for what we don’t. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said it beautifully:

“Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.”

3. Love of God and Love of all Men

You may be single now, but that does not mean you can’t share your love. Serving others is a great anti-depressant, and it is backed by science. In “Volunteering — 7 Big Reasons Why Serving Others Serves Us” published on huffingtonpost.com, Kathy Gottberg writes:

“According to Stephen G. Post, professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University in New York and author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping, a part of our brain lights up when we help others. That part of our brain then doles out feel-good chemicals like dopamine, and possibly serotonin. According to Post, “These chemicals help us feel joy and delight — helper’s high.” A common reaction is that “some people feel more tranquil, peaceful, serene; others, warmer and more trusting.” When we volunteer we often give ourselves deeper purpose and meaning and that nearly always leads to greater happiness.”

When you learn to forget yourself and serve God through serving others, you feel joy. The emptiness and loneliness that comes with being single are replaced by a new sense of love, happiness, and fulfillment. So, if you sometimes feel a little glum, look for a service opportunity!

Conclusion

In closing her speech to the single adults of the LDS Church, Sister Oaks shared a powerful testimony:

“The Lord is aware of us. He knows each one of us individually. He not only hears our prayers, He knows our anguish, our fears, our trials, our triumphs—He is beside us. We need only call on Him, and He will be with us. Having faith doesn’t mean you will be filled with joy and conviction every moment. Having faith means you keep persisting and believing that the blessing and comfort lie ahead—, and I testify to you they do. The Lord desires that we draw near to Him, and in His own time and His own way He will draw near to us.”

Being single isn’t easy, and there may be more challenges ahead. However, remembering to trust in God, find joy in present life, and serving others will not only help you find joy in single life but also leave you better prepared when your time to love comes. Don’t forget to keep trying and believing. Your blessings will come.

The post Finding Joy in Single Life appeared first on morefaith.ph.

I have yearned to have the blessing of getting married in the temple as early as 21. I have dated wonderful faithful young men of good moral character. We did activities together and had fun. However, dating is but one step of finding the person you will be with for eternity. Dating these young men did not reach the courtship stage. There was a moment that the light of hope in my heart was failing me as I saw almost all my friends engaged and married. I once asked the question, “What am I doing wrong?” Through this moment, the words of Isaiah gave me a resounding assurance,

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I learned time and time again that we need not question the Lord’s timing. This righteous yearning in my heart has taught me to use my agency to wait upon the Lord and increase my faith. I chose to not have my time wasted on self-pity and doubt. Rather, I found myself desiring more to be in the service of God. I sought and prayed for callings in the Church and I have been dedicating my time in magnifying them. I spend time with my parents more as they are growing old. I spend my time writing articles to help spread basic doctrine of the Church. I read bible stories to my nieces, write poems, play my guitar, take pictures, have adventures with friends, and attend Church activities especially those that are intended for young single adults. Waiting upon the Lord means being “anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of [our] own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.” (D&C 58:27) I recently turned 23 and I’m still single and it is okay. I trust in the Lord’s timing. I know his promises will not fail.

May all those young adults who are still single find courage and faith to wait upon the Lord and say “Thy will be done.” May we be not weary in seeking righteousness. May we always be welcoming in terms of dating faithful young adults. May we not doubt as we wait upon the Lord for our time to enter the holy covenant of matrimony.

The post Still Single at 23 and I’m Okay appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Some may say that this pursuit is mostly leaning towards men and this is a shared responsibility and pursuit. The question is, “are we putting our best efforts on the relevant things that will help us thrive in this pursuit?” Or have we overlooked the fact that men think differently? I know that many of us, in one way or another, wished to read what’s going through a man’s head on this matter. Well, consider this read as a wish coming true. Here are nuggets of wisdom from faithful single adult men for all of us single adult women.

Mark Henry Thomas

• Don’t take rejections personally. When someone isn’t feeling it and they tell you they aren’t interested in pursuing a relationship, it’s not your fault. You are good enough. You are beautiful enough. Rejection is about fit and circumstance. We don’t all fit and sometimes life circumstances simply prevent someone’s heart from being open.
• Be honest. Men are not good at guessing. We struggle with subtle cues. Sometimes you need to take courage and say what’s on your mind and in your heart. We’ll listen and we’ll understand.
• Most men think pornography is disgusting, just like you do. Even if a man is struggling with it, he likely wants to stop. Be brave and discuss this with him. If it’s your issue, be even braver and discuss it. Porn kills love. Secrecy breeds even darker problems. Be open. Talk about it. It’s going to be a constant threat in dating so face it head on together.

Ephraim Driz

• Scatter sunshine.
• Don’t downplay your influence because oftentimes we draw inspiration from you.
• We are observant of what you do kahit hindi mo pansin.

Daniel Bullock

• Be modest, dress modestly for your date. It will keep you both in the right mindset, help prevent temptation and build a relationship that you can take to the temple.
• Remember that you are not perfect, nor will the men you date be perfect. We are dating for potential not perfection, this applies to yourself as well don’t be too critical of others or of yourself. Talk about goals, dreams and difficulties in your lives to gain a better understanding what you both want and expect in life.
• Make service a habit in dating. Plan dates and activities where you can serve together side by side. It’s easy to talk and get to know each other and see how their attitude towards service and their work ethic. It’s good to know who you might be yoked with in life and how they are when the yoke gets heavy.

Fotu Misa Jr.

• Don’t always say “no” sa mga single adult men who ask you out on a date. Ang date ay hindi nangangahulugang kailangang mong mainlove sa lalaki at hindi rin ibig saihin na inlove na ang lalaki sayo. Say yes. Forget what your friends think and just do it. Kilalanin mo siya at kung hindi ka interesado na makipagrelasyon then politely say no so you can both move on.
• Please ladies—super gusto naming makitang modest kayo. Wag niyong ibaba ang standards niyo para magaya niyo ang mga artista because most of them dress up for the world. Your audience in mind when you dress up must be God and His priesthood holders.
• We love your smile. Smile lagi. Kahit wala kang reason para magsmile, smile pa rin. Mas may chance ka to be asked out on a date. Hence it goes a long way!

Peder McOmber

• I want to know that your testimony is strong. And that you are comfortable enough with me to talk about serious gospel topics so that if one of us struggles with our testimonies we can help each other.
• Wow me with your actions not just your words. I want to see how you’ll act every day and how you’ll keep the relationship progressing not just as a girlfriend but as a wife, or mother. I want to see how you handle adversity and screw ups. If you have a past that has some bumps does it negatively affect you now? Do you know how to forgive others and yourself and move on? Do you understand the atonement enough?
• Have fun! Don’t worry or stress. You are gorgeous every one. So enjoy life and don’t let the stupid little things bring you down.

Along with these wonderful words, I want to add Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s powerful remarks, “In a dating and courtship relationship, I would not have you spend five minutes with someone who belittles you, who is constantly critical of you, who is cruel at your expense and may even call it humor.” (“How Do I Love Thee?” New Era, Oct. 2003)

There is much more wisdom that I know most single adult men want to tell single sisters. Seek this wisdom from them and I know they would be most happy to share what they think. We may not agree to all of them and it is okay. However, may we agree firmly on a common ground on modesty, chastity and moral purity because these principles will help us have wholesome dating experiences. May we always have the courage to stand for what we know is right and may our thoughts in whatever circumstance we are front, point heavenward.

The post 3 Things Single Adult Men Want to Tell Women appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Take it from the expert! Hahaha! Hindi dahil sanay ako maging single sa araw ng mga puso pero dahil I know how to make myself happy. First thing to do is count your blessings in life. Be grateful. I know it’s hard sometimes to appreciate things lalo na yung mga maliliit na bagay pero I assure you you’ll feel better. I remember my companion who helped me when I was very confused and was going through a challenging time sa mission (shout out to Madelyne Frame). She gave me an index card and she said, “Today we will write things which we think are evidence that Heavenly Father loves us.” At the end of the day, during evaluation, she showed me her index card and one thing that made me confused was that she had written down “yellow butterfly in the rice field.” So I asked her, “Why is that so?” then she answered, “Cause I know Heavenly Father knows how I love butterflies, so during our hard times walking in 40°C on the rice field every afternoon, I always see butterflies! And today it was yellow and I know Heavenly Father sent that because I love butterflies and you love yellow.”

Another thing is know yourself. What makes you happy? Oo alam ko gusto mo ng date, gusto mo kadate mo yung crush mo pero we don’t have control over those things. Except kung mag-eeffort ka or gagawa ka ng way talaga. Take it from the expert again, hindi solusyon ang may kadate sa Valentine’s Day para maging masaya ka. Go out with your friends, if may mga kadate ang iba mong friends find ways or activities na you can make this day special even if you are single. Plan a date kasama ang parents mo. Cook something new, go to the temple and have a date with Heavenly Father (the best). Movie marathon alone (I’ve tried it and it’s life changing.Hahaha!) Malay mo, last Valentine’s Day mo nang single!

Aside from all these things, be calm and have faith. Sabi nga sa Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Lahat may “tamang panahon” pero this time ay ang tamang panahon para maging happy alone. Heavenly Father loves you. He will not leave you comfortless. Have faith. Keep walking, keep trying, there’s happiness ahead!

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://faith.ph/files/2015/12/12387909_1013235232033072_383603014_n.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]A person with varied interest, personality built in by courage and joy. A woman who’s living in the reality of her own imagination and who strongly believes that she is a daughter of a King – Lyza Marie Suaybaguio [/author_info]

[/author]

The post Paano Hindi Maging Bitter sa Araw ng mga Puso? appeared first on morefaith.ph.

“The quality of experience you’ll have with others is often determined by what happens before a date begins. Showing up on your date’s doorstep with no plan is a recipe for an awkward experience. Nobody likes playing the ‘What do you want to do?’ game.” So una, kailangan may purpose. Ano yung goal ng date na ito? Hindi naman mandatory pero you can set goals before you go on a date. For example, pwede kayo mag goal na for this date you will get to know each other in a deeper level. With that goal, pwede kayo mag-isip ng place and activities na pwede niyo gawin. Kung ang goal niyo is to get to know each other ,syempre hindi kayo manunuod ng movie. Instead, pwede kayo pumunta sa isang amusement park where you can see each other’s different sides and personalities.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once explained that most athletic contests have “lines drawn on the floor or the field within which every participant must stay in order to compete.” Success depends on how well a competitor knows and stays within the set boundaries. Likewise, it’s important to know the “dating lines” or the purposes and standards of dating as taught by Church leaders.” The best dates I had always started with an OPENING PRAYER. Both parties should know and set boundaries. If possible, read church standards on dating. Ito ang dapat tandaan: YOU ARE BOTH RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH OTHER. Protect your date both physically and spiritually.

“Dates don’t always have to cost money. With a little planning, ordinary activities can become dates, such as going for walks or playing games. When two people enjoy each other’s company, then even simple activities can become fun and allow you to get to know each other better.” Alam niyo ba na the best dates are those that cost less? You can go on a temple session together, pasyal sa mga free amusement parks, kwek kwek sa kanto (seryoso), lakad-lakad, usap-usap. Date should be fun pero hindi mahal. Tandaan, hindi nabibili ang pinakamasasayang dates. It should be memorable for both of you. Yung pagkatapos masasabi niyo ulit yung, “next time ulit ha?”

Syempre, kelangan happy ending ang date ninyo. Separate with a smile. “Express gratitude. Be sincere and to the point. If there was something you especially liked, tell your date what it was.” Ito yung favorite kong part, yung ihahatid, yung babalikan kung ano yung mga nakakatawang nangyari, parang evaluation lang. I like this part kasi dito niyo malalaman kung naachieve ba yung goal ninyo.

With all of these tips and to-do stuff, the most important tip you should know about dating is the standard the church had set. “Plan dating activities that are positive and inexpensive and that will help you get to know each other. Do things that will help you and your companions maintain your self-respect and remain close to the Spirit of the Lord.”

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://faith.ph/files/2015/12/12387909_1013235232033072_383603014_n.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]A person with varied interest, personality built in by courage and joy. A woman who’s living in the reality of her own imagination and who strongly believes that she is a daughter of a King – Lyza Marie Suaybaguio [/author_info]

[/author]

The post Simpleng Date Para sa Simpleng Tao appeared first on morefaith.ph.

I remember Elder Robert D. Hales talk from a general conference “The track that leads to marriage passes through the terrain called dating!” Yes dating is the key to success, i mean key to be married. I know your dilemmas about dating. Dating sometimes makes us single adults tend to be pressured which hindi talaga dapat. Dito sa Pinas pag sinabing date e kasal agad ang next. One thing I’ve learned sa class ko sa institute na Dating, Courtship and Marriage is dating happens first before courtship. This is a common misconception dito sa bansa natin ng mga young single adults- ligaw muna bago date. Sa Strength for the Youth manual sinabi dun na dating can help you learn and practice social skills, develop friendships, have wholesome fun, and eventually find an eternal companion. It means no pressure. Friendship muna. I found this wonderful talk about dating sa lds.org, “Dating: A Time to Become Best Friends” by Jonn Claybaugh. All brothers that I’ve dated after mission became one of my closest friends. I remember my first ever real date after mission, i had so much fun. We set goals that our dates should be fun and smooth. That’s how a date supposed to be. If it is fun, you tend to be your real self. Dating is not just about getting to know each other, it is also a process of getting to know of yourself. You will know what kind of person you really want and you’re going to marry.

Yup! I know again your next dilemma, “wala nga nag aask ng date sakin?” at 99.99% mga sisters ang nagsasabi nito. Next question would be “are you doing your part?” Yes, as sisters we should do our part too. Our part is to engage ourselves to the activities where our dear brothers will see our potentials. The church creates so many activities for us to have more acquaintances and have more friends that will best lead to dates and marriages.

One more reason I commonly hear is “busy ako e. walang time” Well here is Elder Donald L Hallstrom’s answer for you. “Leading a balanced life is difficult for many,” he said. “There is not an exact pattern for everyone, and even our own blueprint may change during different phases of our life. However, seeking balance—giving adequate time and effort to each of those things that really matter—is vital to our success in mortal probation. There are certain fundamental responsibilities we cannot neglect without serious consequence.” Go back to our Heavenly Father’s plan and remember your purpose in this life.

Being single is a fun thing. Imagine, you can go on dates as much as you want where you’ll be able to meet people and new friends. But always remember, your goal in dating is to look for a potential eternal companion and not just to hang out. Hanging out with someone is different from dating. Fulfill Heavenly Father’s plan. Regalo mo na ngayong pasko sa sarili mo ang humanap ng date and set goal to marry in the temple. Heavenly Father will definitely help you with this righteous desire. He gave His only Begotten Son for us to be happy and our only way to find happiness in this life is to have a family here on earth through the gospel.

The post Dating Develops Lasting Friendship, Find Eternal Companion appeared first on morefaith.ph.