I went to church today in Makati City, Philippines. It was the week they had scheduled to watch general conference. Since they are so different in time, they do it the next week. So I had planned to go to Sunday morning session since I missed that as I had to fly during that time and had no way to avoid it.
I continue to be impressed with the saints here and their faith. You can just feel it by being with them. As I sat waiting for it to start, you could watch around and see the goodness of the people and the faith that drives their lives.
I loved the session. It was totally amazing. I especially liked Elder Bednar and his thoughts on the atonement and how it can be a part of everyone's life. Good, bad, struggling, anything. And Bishop Stevenson's comparison to the 4 minutes of time was really good to think about. What are we doing with our 4 minutes here on this earth? Are we giving it our best? Are we performing at the level we want. We only have 4 minutes to prove out our time here on earth.
During the session the choir sang A Child's Prayer. As I listened to that hymn a remarkable thing happened. I witnessed the unbridled faith in Christ of these incredible saints as they without restraint quietly sang along. I heard the voices of children and adults. First the sisters, led by a young child right behind me, as they asked "Heavenly Father, are you really there?" Then without prompting I heard the boys and men singing along with the refrain "pray, He is there". Their faith will move me for my life. I witnessed an expression of faith that shows me the path that we should all follow. I could just quietly hear them blended with the actual choir as they could not stop from just singing out what they know to be true.
I liked also Elder Ballard and his thoughts on inviting others, and using Preach My Gospel in our families. I am so glad we have been doing that for so long. It has made some nice family discussions and chances to learn together.
I had invited everyone to go with me, but in the end they all wanted to go shopping. Too bad they don't realize they missed out completely. I cannot force others to know the truth, but I can invite, and keep doing so out of love and genuine kindness.
Given that I don't have a whole lot I can do, I had a long nap, and have been trying to study up for my talk this month. I will be in Kettering ward this time. I couldn't get a bunch done because the internet is being really troublesome. I mostly can't get sites to load.
I am so excited to get back home. I miss mom and everyone. I have a long day tomorrow, from 7:15 AM until midnight or later, and then up at 3 to leave to the airport, but worth it to get home. It has been a worthwhile trip, much accomplished for work, but a long week. We worked until 7 or 8 nearly every night, and until 1:30 on Saturday when we just had to stop to get to the airport. In it all I have been blessed to have grown in the knowledge i have that He is there, is aware of me and my situation, and wants me to continue on the path back. And the desire to do so is increasing always. I see more and more how He is part of my daily life. In work, home, play, anything. Who I am eternally is just a foundation that is underpinning everything I do in this life. It's a great 4 minutes so far!
You would love the food I have at breakfast (usually the only meal I can enjoy as the others are a bit sketchy for my personal tastes). So many choices, any way to prepare it, all different ethnicities. Just choices galore. One of the people I work with is vegetarian so I have been thinking often of Jeff. I don't think I would enjoy that choice, but it is interesting to see closer how the food choices are morphed to fit the vegetarian style. A little more work, but still many options to choose.
Pray hard, it is a great tool. Do it all day every day, come unto Him.
I hope you have a great week leading up to Easter. The most amazing event of mankind occurred over 2000 years ago this coming Sunday. I know it.
Love you,
Dad
3 John 1:4
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