He lives...

This was my Relief Society Lesson in Easter Sunday of 2011. It must have been the best I gave in all my time as a Teacher. It was also the last lesson I gave as the Ward Relief Society President. I was released soon after from the calling of 3 years.

I commend the one who took this screenshot photos 4 years ago, unfortunately I cannot trace it by now even though I tried looking for it on the net. Thank you for sharing.

I also would like to encourage everyone to continue to study about our Saviour and His sacrifice for us. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. I know that He lives and loves us. He knows us, our individual names and what we are going through. Because of His atonement, we are not alone.

The lesson was concluded with a video clip from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's conference message. There was not a dry eye in the class. It still touch me to this day.

This Easter Season, please fill your heart with the message of Atonement. And bask some more on the love and sacrifice that saves us all.

I truly, truly stand all amazed.

 

 AN EASTER SUNDAY LESSON

Biblical references along with screen shots depicted throughout this beautiful declaration, helps us to understand its relevance. The scriptures is our guide to know more of His life. Let us remember once again the sacrifice of our Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the true meaning of Easter, that He died for all our sins so we can go back to Heavenly Father again one day.

 

HE WAS BETRAYED

Mathew 26

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

 

 

DENIED

 

 

Luke 22

54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.

55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilæan.

60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

 

ACCUSED

Mark 15
3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

 

BOUND AND REJECTED

Mark 15
1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

Luke 9

22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

John 19
1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

MOCKED.  REVILED.  SPIT ON.

Matthew 27
29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a breed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Matthew 27
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

Mark 15

19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

 

CRUCIFIED

John 19
17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.

 

FORSAKEN

Matthew 27

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

 

 

HE DID HIS FATHER'S WILL

Mark 14
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

 

HE ATONED

Luke 22
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: band his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 

 

HE HEALED

Luke 22
50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

 

HELD HIS PEACE

Mark 14
61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

 

FORGAVE

Luke 23
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

 

HE GAVE HIS LIFE

John 19
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

 

HE IS RISEN

Mathew 28
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 

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My favourite thought of this season is this. That no matter how deeply we thought we might be in sin, we can always be forgiven if we repent and forsake the sins. We can be renewed - once scarlet can be pure as the driven snow. That is the beauty of the Atonement - that we can be cleansed.

 

Mission Nostalgia

June 12, 2012

I came across this line that makes sense especially it's almost winter. Melbourne's weather is known to chill hearts and cause them to be blue.

What makes me happy are mostly moments not things.

Serving a mission for my church made me the happiest. 18 months of 1993-1995. Lessons of life are learned from being Christ-like, kind, compassionate, cheerful, patient and strong. To be budget-savvy, alert and resourceful. I even learned tolerance when much divine attributes proved hard to practice.

I deserve a medal because if those circumstances happened now, toleration would be the last in my mind. That is why Ecclesiastes was right. There is the right time and place for everything. I cannot serve a mission now. Not only am I older but Patience and unconditional love no longer hold a big place in my heart. I am still patient but I have them for a chosen few. My family, special friends and kids at my work. Just them. That is why they are chosen.

But those short 18 months in the Visayas area of the Philippines was the happiest and most worthwhile time of my life. It was great.

Today, I was browsing my large mission journal and the faces that jumped out of the pages made me stop and smile. I didn't even know that I have missed them this much! I wonder how they are now.

I developed special bond with my first companion (trainer) Sister Rose. She is a stunning, gorgeous young lady that literally made all the cars, trucks, tricycles, bikes, carabaos stop when we walk together along the streets of Bohol. If she is beautiful in the outside she is even more so inside. She helped me develop more Christ-like attributes. One thing that made it even more special is she is not boring at all. She was fun and we were happy.

I will tell you how it started.

When I finished my training at the MTC in Manila, we were flown in to CEBU. I had a late night meeting with my Mission President. The wonderful Lawrence Haines in Mission Home Office.

I have this habit that I developed years ago. I like to scan the rooms I am in without being too obvious. Though I don't have 20/20 vision and needs contacts/glasses - my peripheral vision is fantastic.

President Haines as a wall of photos in his office of the missionaries serving in his care. Side by side with their companions.

That's when I saw my photo next to a sister assigned to Capitol. I said to myself okay then this lady is going to be my Trainer. I'll be assigned in the CBD. Cool. Then I glanced at another photo. She looks happier and mestiza.

It was a lovely interview. President Haines and I started our friendship then. Until now we are in touch and have visited their home in Utah, USA with Rich a couple of years ago.


In that interview, President Haines felt the prompting to send me to Bohol. A small island just off Cebu. He's sending me off to another Trainer. Early the next morning his assistants (AP) took me and other missionaries to the airport. One handed me a ticket.

Being a lawyer's daughter and vocal whinger I said: "You gave me a wrong ticket. My name is not M. Buhay." The tall elder was surprised to hear a greenie complain out loud. I think he was a bit embarrassed but it was pre-9/11 so he just ignored me, proceeded to instruct all of us to be on the plane in a few minutes and have fun with our missions.

I dragged my overweight hand carry luggage of books and sat on the smallest plane ever invented in the planet. I counted less than 20 people on it. I was a bit nervous but I know God won't take down this plane of valiant servants.♥☀☺

I arrived in Tagbilaran, Bohol Airport that balmy day of August 1993. Someone came to drape me a lei. I said: ”Please don’t. I have allergies.” Her smile became a straight line. Not a good first impression Sister T. I told myself. But all good, she turned out to be one of the best stake missionaries of my mission life.


Then I met Sister Rose. She looked like the mestiza in the Mission Home Board. She smiled and gave me a hug. (Mestiza is commonly used to women of mixed heritage, like half-Filipino, half-American.)

She was everything you’d ask for a trainer. She made the first few months of my mission bearable and fantastic. We did really well on that companionship. I am glad President Haines felt and acted upon the promptings of the Spirit. That I am to be sent to Bohol to be with Sister Rose. Not in Capitol with another sister. It turned out Sister Rose needed me at that time too. She was getting frustrated and almost giving up. When she met me she and I clicked like castanets and we rocked!

Unfortunately a short few weeks later I learned that the sister who's ticket I used was not able to endure the hardships of her mission in Capitol and decided to go home early.

The 18 months serving 24/7 made me appreciate more the truthfulness of the gospel message we are sharing to the people. In that short time I have gained eternal friendships, too. I love the people we taught and led to the waters of baptism. I love my companions and also those who serve along side us in Districts and Zones. I have my favourites and we are in touch.

I wish one day we can meet up again. They’ve made me happy I wish I can relive the feeling and do it over and over again.

One day I will thank April Rose again in person. I hope to see her again even just one more time. Thank you Apes! I’ll catch ya in Salt Lake!

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More about my other mission adventures in coming blog entries...

Why I am a Mormon

"Mormon" is a word borrowed from "The Book of Mormon." It is most often used to refer to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This blog entry came about after I saw a book ad by famous LDS on why they are Mormons. Although we much prefer to use 'Latter-day Saints', we are known more by this nickname.

Why am I one? Why am I a latter-day Saint? Why am I a Mormon?

My being a Mormon did not start when my parents joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1975.

My being a Mormon did not begin when I was baptized on Feb. 12, 1977 at age 8. It did not start when I fully read the Book of Mormon as a teenager and felt its truthfulness. 

Not even when I served a full-time Mission 1993-1995 in Cebu, Philippines for 18 months.

It starts every day of my life as I wake up in the morning. Like faith, love and loyalty, being a Mormon is a decision.

I believe in my Saviour Jesus Christ. His atonement is real for me. He died that we may live again.

It is my decision to take upon myself the name of God, and always remember Him, keep His commandments and endure to the end. That is my Faith.

Like Love, it is a decision to stay in love amidst the hardships and joys of being married. I chose him, he chose me. We love each other.We are sealed through time and eternity. Together we decide which way to take, what goals to make. Love is a decision to keep with you at all times, a source of refuge when times gets harder to bear. Like Love, being a Mormon is key to my survival.

Loyalty. I decide to stay true and firm amidst the turmoils of life. To keep my faith, to abide in the teachings of the gospel and to stay in the side of truth. I used to be bothered by all the negativity hurled to my beloved faith. Now I don't give them my time. I am fiercely loyal and I will protect when the need arises.

Just this morning I nursed a nervous feeling again. This is when I let confusion set in a bit too long. I did my normal routine of reading the news when I stopped and thought: "why not see what the Prophet has to say for me". I have faith that I will be enlightened.

Lo and behold:

There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember—David did win!
      - Pres. Thomas S. Monson  for me on January 13, 2012  9:14 am

Being a Mormon, enables me to read, hear and feel the Saviour’s words through His chosen servants the Prophets. My being a Mormon is comforting for me. Like warm blanket on a wintry night.

Indeed why am I a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Why am I a Mormon?

God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are real. I wouldn’t have a close personal relationship with them if I have not accepted the gospel and live it in my life.

I have a strong testimony of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. He was a true Prophet. I hold the Book of Mormon close to my heart. I read it and the Bible together with the other Latter-day Saint Scriptures. I am a Mormon because of the beauty and sacredness it has brought to my own life. I specially hold the biggest soft spot of my heart for the Temple. The closest to being in heaven is inside these sacred walls. There I can feel that indeed the promise of me having an everlasting life with my family rings true.

I attend my church services and visit the temple because I want to keep my faith. I believe that keeping it strong and steady will enable me to find my way to the eternities with my loved ones. My Mormon faith tells me my Family is indeed forever. Comforting thought for me and my siblings who have recently lost both our parents and eldest brother.

My being a Mormon is a personal revelation. I have recognized the voice of the Holy Spirit and hearkened to its words: I am a Child of God. That I am loved, that help and guidance are within my reach when needed. That everyone is there to cheer me up. The same ones who will mourn, weep and sit with me when the going gets tougher. And though at times I may think and feel so, I know I am never alone.

As a Mormon, I get to be the answer to others’ prayers. I get to give, teach, serve and share my talents with promised blessings in return. I get to develop them as I selflessly share. Being a Mormon is a BLESSING.

Being a Mormon is not a decision I take lightly. It is a conscious, constant decision to live a latter-day Saint full of peculiarity life. But this is my decision and I stood firm on this choice.

Being a Mormon, I draw strength in my testimony and I am always at peace.

My being a Mormon continues and flows. Sometimes smoothly sometimes a bit bumpy. When my prayers for blessings like food, safety and good weather comes, when aches and pains are relieved with Priesthood blessings, when fears and sorrows melt away as I pray and cry myself to sleep, when families are reunited here and at the temple, when long-lost friends says hello, when I hear love ones laugh, when the hymns sang on Sundays are just the message I needed to hear, when after a heavy heart I am able brush away hurtful words and feelings, when I partake of the sacrament and know that I am forgiven and made whole again. The feeling of peace after reading a scripture, same feeling when we visit old friends and share simple meals like soup, when I hold hands with my honey in the temple and he smiles at me, when I hear the peaceful sweet, still, small voice telling me this is true. These are just some of the reasons as to why I am.

I am a Mormon because this is where I belong. The decision was made long before I came to earth.

I was a Mormon before. I am a Mormon now. I will forever be.

It might not be easy, but for me - it is worth it.

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