#happycircumstance

[happycircumstance]

pablo was his name

yesterday was a great day! we had so much in our relief society indexing activity. there were only a few participants but who cares, right? we start small and we show to other people that we can! *cue in electric by katy perry hehe*

anyway, so before i headed to the chapel, i had to rain check everything para maging maayos yung activity. as i opened my familysearch account, i saw a notification about a relative in my family tree na may link to another record. so i checked it and found out na through my grandma's record, na-link yung genealogy ng lolo ko na si enrique lao tapos may nag index ng death certificate niya! at doon, nakita yung father niya! he was pablo lao at even though "unknown" yung mother, i know some day mayroon din details na mahahanap about her. one generation at a time! i'm so grateful sa mga tao na nag index ng mga records na yun dahil, finally, may pangalan na yung great grandfather ko! at really hoping na unti-unti ma-unfold yung history nila...

i know that our ancestors are essential for our salvation. i'm grateful sa marvelous work na ito that allows us to turn our hearts to our fathers! our present is credited to our past and our future depends on it.

that is why i encourage the sisters in the ward, and you, to do the necessary works aka saving ordinances for you and your loved ones para magkatotoo yung hinahangad natin na someday we will be with them.. for all eternity.

sarap pakinggang noh? sarap pangarapin pero mahirap gawin. kaya kahit paunti-unti simulan na natin yung genealogy natin.

check it familysearch.org para sa ibang information. open ito para sa lahat kahit non-members ng church (churchofjesuschrist.org) :)

[happycircumstance]

“all things unto me are spiritual”

this is this week’s ‘come, follow me’ lesson found in doctrine and covenants 29. habang binabasa ko ito, naisip ko bigla yung kamakailan lang na nangyari sa akin. bale, yung nilalaman ng mga panalangin ko ay puro paghingi ko ng temporal na mga bagay kagaya ng malakas at malusog na pangangatawan, lalo na yung pera. kasi diba, marami kaming kailangan bayaran, may mga gamot pa na kailangan inumin sila mama at dadi (maintenance), tapos kakasimula ko pa lang sa trabaho at ang balita sa amin na mga bago ay sa buwan ng mayo pa kami makakatanggap ng sweldo. syempre, naintindihan ko naman yun kasi nga bago pa lang kami. tapos may sarili din akong maintenance na kailangan bilhin at magpapa-check up pa sa may. so alam mo yun, sunod-sunod talaga yung mga problema hehe.

kaya kagabi, dininig ni heavenly father yung panalangin ko. i mean, dinidinig niya naman talaga especially sa health namin pamilya. pero instead of material things, yung binigay niya sa akin ay calling. ayos diba? ang galing talaga. tumawag si bishop sa akin kagabi para interviewhin ako tsaka nag extend na din ng calling as 1st coouncilor ng relief society. hindi na ako nagulat kasi hiningi ko na din naman na sana magkaroon na ako ng calling since malapit na maexpire yung temple recommend ko. kaya tinanggap ko kaagad dahil alam ko na galing kay heavenly father yung calling na yun. 

bagong experience na naman ito sa akin kasi yung mga callings ko dati, himdi talaga sa core leadership ng ward. kaya hindi ko alam kung ano ieexpect ko pero ang alam ko lang, tutulungan ako ni heavenly father. atsaka, teacher din ako tuwing ika-apat na linggo ng buwan. so at least comfort zone ko pa rin.

alam ko na kapag ginawa ko yung part ko, mahalin yung mga sisters ng rs, tulungan si bishop at yung ward sa mga gawain, at magtiwala kay jesucristo bilang siya ang ating manunubos, yung mga temporal na panalangin ay susunod niyang ibigay sa amin. :) syempre, kasama na dun yung pinagdarasal kong eternal companion.

so anong plans ko? wala pa naman hehe! pero naeexcite ako kasi parang pwede siyang ipattern sa mission life. well, so far pinapattern ko naman talaga sa buhay ko sa mission. 

speaking of pattern, kanina binasa ko yung article sa church news sa sinabi ni elder bednar tungkol sa pamamaraan kung paano tayo maghanda para sa nalalapit na general conference. “doctrine taught, invitation to act, promised blessings” ito daw yung pattern natin to make the most out of the conference. syempre, pinaghandaan yun ng mga speakers ng anim na buwan! kaya kailangan natin sulitin yung mga mensahe na nakapaloob sa bawat topic.

kaya ngayon, kahit gipit kami sa pera (actually less than 1k na lang yung pera ko at pera nila mama) alam ko darating din yung biyaya na makakasurvive kami bawat araw. one day at a time. :) 

so lahat talaga ng nangyayari sa atin ay may epekto sa spiritual natin na kalagayan. at bawat utos na diyos ay para tayo lumago spiritually. i am forever grateful dahil sa gospel truths na ito, gumagaan yung pagsubok sa buhay. mas malinaw yung pag-asa. mas masarap mabuhay ng walang pangamba sa kinabukasan. hindi ko sinasabi na hindi na tayo kailangan maghanda, kailangan lang natin wag mangamba kasi alam ng diyos yung pangangailangan natin. kaya wag tayo huminto sa pagdasal at pagpuri sa diyos dahil siya lamang yung makakatulong sa atin sa lahat ng bagay. if we have the eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, the lord will prepare the way before us. trust the process. :)

[happycircumstance]

Wisdom For The Twenty Year Old Me

This is you-- young, happy, energetic, naïve, shy, indecisive. The list could go on. You are experiencing something dramatic in the family that will crush your soul and break your heart. Don't worry dear, it gets tougher as you grow older. The journey ahead isn't smooth and full of detours. You will take shortcuts and experience set backs, but hey, you'll be fine. Here's what I want you to know now and remember as you live life year after year until you reach me today-- in ten years.

Lets start with your health. You are actually in your best shape now. Trust me, you'll add more to the scales when you start working so be confident in your body! Wear appropriate clothes that will make you look decent and presentable. Listen to your mama when she disapproves what you wear, you will thank her later. Start wrapping your head around the fact that the food you are eating is not always good for your body so choose what you put inside your gut and practice discipline. Your health will be the number one priority as you try to balance it from school, work, and church activities. So, be careful and maybe experiment on what type of exercise is best for your body. Sleep early. I promise you the best sunrise is when you've had good sleep the night before. So, listen to your body. If you love it, it will love you back and show up for you better than anything else.

Next is your family relations. Oh, the drama. You love it when you're young and full of anger against people who are against what you think you believe. Dear, let people be. Everyone has their own opinions about who you are and what their role is in your life. They will always choose what's best for them so you gotta be a little selfish and leave something for yourself, okay? You'll see that "family" won't always mean people who are related to you by blood, but that's anyone who'll extend their hand and heart to you especially when you think you have failed. They are the best ones, so keep them warm and close.

Forgive. It's the greatest sacrifice you can give because you don't easily forget. You love and care so deep that when you feel like your trust is being betrayed, you shut people out. Like stain, it never goes away for you. Remember your own imperfections and would that sit right with Jesus? Nah, I don't think so.

Oh, to be young and in love. What a terrible combination. Don't let love fool you. Enjoy every moment you have with that special someone but don't take every heartbreak too seriously. There's literally so much in store for you than when you allow that one argument ruin your life forever. The boy who broke your heart is also one of the many reasons why you smile when you think about the past. College is exciting and fun! Study harder, meet new people, talk to the nerds, be polite to your professors, come to class on time, learn from other peoples' experiences, and take that risk--audition for the university choir. You'll grow as you go.

Your first paycheck isn't much but it's worth something. Your first purchase from that hard-earned cash is a decent looking, cheap watch but you gotta keep an eye on her because you will lose her on one of your train ride to work. Save up some cash for emergency and always leave some for tithing. You know what I learned from mama about survival? Is that you have to take away that ten percent first before you spend everything else on bills and whatnot. Trust me, this is your insurance from heaven. And about health insurance, take that seriously too and study which insurance company is best for you and your money. Start investing while you're young. You won't regret sacrificing that extra scoop of ice cream because that too is saving you from diabetes and extra pound on the scale. Everyone wins.

Rescue a cat and love him/her. Period.

See places. They say travelling helps you gain a better perspective on life and culture. True, it will also help you heal a broken heart. Trust me and trust the Spirit that will lead you there. If some time you lose yourself in travelling, don't be afraid to go back because that's where you will find yourself again.

One priority at a time. You don't need to juggle everything just to prove something. The holy writ says you must not run faster that you have strength so don't act wiser than the scriptures. There will be missed opportunities but I need you to know that these could also mean a blessing in disguise. The Lord is not obligated to explain every setback to you--that's not His job. But it's your job to ask Him for help and guidance. It's your job to act on spiritual promptings so that those setbacks will hopefully make sense. It's your job to keep yourself in tune with the spirit. You will eventually learn how to identify it so be patient. Be very patient.

Pray like tomorrow depends on it. I cannot imagine what life would be like without this solemn communication with the Lord. When you feel like everyone is against you and that your problems are too heavy to bear, when you feel like you're fighting your battles alone, pray. Strengthen those knees and bend them before the Lord. It's the best therapy I assure you. Your problems or trials or whatever you want to call them are the ones that will lead you closer to God. So embrace those problems and thank them. As long as you are breathing, they will stick around so live with them anyway and come out stronger every time.

But, you know, you're not perfect. You'll mess up and make mistakes. You will consider giving up just because of the petty things around you. You'll lose friends. You'll find yourself counting your tears. You'll end up on the wrong road. Several times. But I want you to know that even if you don't do these things, you will still survive. That's because you will learn deeper about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You will learn about the Plan of Salvation. You will repent and turn your life around. You will see that light at the end of your tunnel. And I promise you as you see that light, the pain will be gone and it won't hurt anymore. The countless tears that came from your broken heart? He counts them all. So take His hand. Don't be shy to be on the receiving end. Allow people to take care of you because that is how He is mindful of you and your needs. And always, be grateful.

I wish you peace and happiness. As I move forward and upward, I can't help but sincerely thank you for your strength and courage. For taking all the pain and hurt so that we can be who we're supposed to be.

Love,

Thirty Year Old You

[happycircumstance]

june 08, 2021

yoga for flexible mind and body

i tried my best to show up for today -- i'm too tired now i need to sleep

went to visit sister tolo for her husband's wake

such a long day i hope you enjoyed yours

[happycircumstance]

june 07, 2021

laundry day! still feels like p-day in the mission haha! i hope they keep this once a work week day off (❁´◡`❁)

1 hour yoga today!!! yeah!!! i feel strong and i feel great! haha!

got my work pass today yihiiii at least hindi na ako kakabahan every time na papasok ako sa work hehehe

blessing from God that my sister was able to lend us money enough to sustain us for the week

paid my CGMC today!

find joy in music: sing, play, dance, listen or share (janet jackson's all for you has been on my mind so i played it from my spotify)

grateful for coconut!!!!!

[happycircumstance]

june 6, 2021

no yoga today because it's His day 🤍

home sacrament after a few months of attending church service.. it's mecq again in butuan city so we gotta do what we gotta do

cooked meals for today because my mama is not feeling well... hope she recovers fast

watched hope works at home from the church's youtube channel and this one's my favorite so far -- appreciate the lonely moments because that is when Jesus is closer to you if you lean in closer to Him too 💗

[happycircumstance]

june 05, 2021

i did two yoga sessions today -- yoga for creating space & third chakra yoga because i skipped one video last tuesday -- so now i feel great!!!

alma 12 -- i realize my admiration for ancient prophets especially alma her because he dedicated his life in teaching and preaching the word of god. i love how bold he was and you can really feel the spirit testifying even if you're just reading the book of mormon. it's also a big win for me today because i did practice teaching again (i haven't really focused on missionary lessons since i came back from the field) and it really feels good to be doing something i enjoyed in the mission. even though i was alone and just trying to teach L2P8 particularly about judgment i felt the spirit as i was talking to the wall. i am a firm believer that the spirit world is just within reach--we just don't have the ability to see them but they're just here with us. so anyway, that felt really good inside and i wanna do more of it.. i'll try to include my mom as a pretend investigator..or maybe...someday maybe....he'll be teaching with me. who knows? :)

3 things i am grateful for -- the gospel of Jesus Christ (without it, we are nothing); the gift of family (every family is unique and each has their own challenges so mine happens to be imperfect too and chaotic at times but i sure am glad to have one than to have none); wisdom (because it teaches a man humility and consistency)

got to clean my room! arranged some things and threw away some old stuff that doesn't serve useful anymore, also i plan to decorate the walls hihihi one fancy dream at a time)

tonight's my first time to join BTP's Connection Speaker Series and i'm just o happy to see Sister Hughes! and everyone else who participated. yay!

[happycircumstance]

june 04, 2021

alma 11 ~ i find it very interesting that Zeezrom had a moment of shock when Amulek was able to answer his questions. Amulek knew what he was teaching and he taught with power and authority and the Spirit of the Lord was with him. it was probably Zeez's first time to be taught that way in a bold and clear manner. hands down to Amulek!!

yoga for connection felt gooood

take a photo of something that brings you joy and share it

we've had a tough week and circumstances just seem to get worse day by day, but earlier today i had this strange feeling that everything is going to be alright. why strange? because we're broke! haha and we still have a week til money comes in so yeah that's strange right? but i know that God is with us and he will help us get through all of these problems. after all my family has been through.. i think it's safe to say we've experienced the worst! eons ago.. wow.. time flies so fast you just accumulate all these experiences and just thank God for the tutor. what a life changer. so here's to the odds that are actually IN our favor.. :)

[happycircumstance]

june 03, 2021

college of law prospectus!

pranayama potion (breaaaathingggg)

re-frame a worry and try to find a helpful way to think about it (turn your worries into hopes; look for miracles everyday; serve people)

truly grateful for our trial right now... i know this will propel us higher!

dark history podcast! i <3 bailey

[happycircumstance]

june 02, 2021

say positive things in your conversations with others

yoga for creating space

helped a co-worker with his task (recording)

got my last 500 from bank

money miracle! pawned my earrings so we can buy food! yay!

[happycircumstance]

june 01, 2021

scholarship call from vianne

sl because of the storm but quality me time

decide to look for what's good every day this month :)

[happycircumstance]

If you give God your heart, He will give it back to you times two.

happycircumstance