Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Former Buddhist Monk Solid in His LDS Testimony

Mani Seangsuwan

Seangsuwan walked right up to the missionaries to hear more.

"I think I scared him," he writes. "Can you image how you would feel if a Buddhist monk in the orange robe came up to you, knowing that what you were doing was contradictory to Thai culture?"

(To read the entire article, click here)

The Blessing of Scripture

The Scriptures Enlarge Our Memory

The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally. None of us was present to see the Red Sea part and cross with Moses between walls of water to the other side. We were not there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, to see Lazarus raised from the dead, to see the suffering Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross, and we did not, with Mary, hear the two angels testify at the empty tomb that Jesus was risen from the dead. You and I did not go forward one by one with the multitude in the land Bountiful at the resurrected Savior’s invitation to feel the prints of the nails and bathe His feet with our tears. We did not kneel beside Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove and gaze there upon the Father and the Son. Yet we know all these things and much, much more because we have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory, to teach us what we did not know. And as these things penetrate our minds and hearts, our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root.

The Scriptures Are the Standard for Distinguishing Truth and Error

God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential. The scriptures, for example, discredit an ancient philosophy that has come back into vogue in our day—the philosophy of Korihor that there are no absolute moral standards, that “every man prosper[s] according to his genius, and that every man conquer[s] according to his strength; and whatsoever a man [does is] no crime” and “that when a man [is] dead, that [is] the end thereof” (Alma 30:17–18). Alma, who had dealt with Korihor, did not leave his own son Corianton in doubt about the reality and substance of a divine moral code. Corianton had been guilty of sexual sin, and his father spoke to him in love but plainly: “Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39:5).

The Scriptures Bring Us to Christ, Our Redeemer

In the end, the central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ—faith that They exist; faith in the Father’s plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent” (John 17:3).

(To read the entire talk, click here)

The Prophet on the Side of the Road

(Sisters, this was a forwarded e-mail that I received from Sister Claire. I don't know who the original writer of this e-mail is but I was very moved reading about President Monson. I hope you will enjoy it too.)

President Monson, President Eyring, Elder Holland, and others were in the Gila Valley this last weekend to dedicate the Gila Valley Temple. The Gila Valley is where I grew up. This is my cousin’s story about meeting the Prophet on the side of the road.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet!

Seeing the prophet’s jet heading towards the Safford airport caused great excitement! It's the little white line at the top of the mountain. Kristen and Amy had made signs to welcome the prophet. Justin got construction barricades for the signs to be put on. We heard the news that the prophet would be landing around 2:00 so we decided to wait at the end of my in-laws drive way so we could wave to him as he drove by. We had no idea that we were in for the treat of a lifetime!

Here comes his slew of cars.... Notice the construction barricades that had signs on them for The Prophet!

The prophet instructed his driver to pull over. It did almost cause the cars behind his to rear end each other. After they got out of their cars Elder Henry B.Eyring said.... We need to have some signal for those of us behind you President so we know when your stopping. This could have just made the church news. You can imagine our AWE when the cars pulled over. I had been told to take lots of good pictures so I ran closer thinking they might get out and wave to us then get back in their cars. The rest of the story is like a heavenly dream...

I am behind the camera so you can imagine my excitement seeing the prophet walking towards us. He was telling us to stay there and he would come to us, he didn't want us in the road. By great chance I happened to be the first person to greet President Monson. I shook his hand and gave him a gentle hug. I told him how happy we were to meet him. He said "it's good to be here and this looks like a good looking group!" As he walked away from me towards the group of friends and family it was an amazing moment for me. I got the chills.......the good kind, and I started to get emotional while trying to take in what was happening. I have always had a testimony that President Monson is a true prophet of God. But what a testimony building experience it was to have the spirit testify to me while shaking the prophet's hand that This Is The Lord's Prophet On The Earth Today! I felt the spirit so strong as I watched him walk towards the children and crowd. I am not normally a emotional person, but I got choked up and had tears of joy. I will forever be grateful for this experience.

It was great fun to see all his security people. I think they weren't too happy about the prophet being on the side of the road. I could not believe I was about to shake hands with the Prophet! What a humbling experience.

The prophet took Kendall’s hat and tried it on. Who would have ever thought the prophet would be wearing a bird finger hat. He was a little taken back when he read what the cap said. Stacy was so embarrassed. But that's the name of their bird hunting company so what can you do.....it is catchy. The prophet has a instantly great sense of humor! He is so quick witted!

I have tried several times to help my kids understand what a rare and amazing opportunity they had to meet the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and two apostles, Elder Henry B. Eyring and Elder Jeffery R. Holland. They also got to see a member of the Seventy, Elder William R. Walker. They not only had the chance to shake their hands they spoke like we were old friends. They asked the kids questions and listen to their responses.

In this picture the prophet took Kendall by the face and told him and all the other kids’ right there to watch his ears. He proceeded to wiggle his ears! It was the cutest thing! The kids got quite a kick out of that. I was glad Kiersten, Hunter and Logan got to be right there to see that. It was amazing to personally witness his profound love for the children! The prophet and General Authorities were all so genuine and personable.

The prophet told the boys, "Looks like a bunch of future missionaries to me. Now you boys make sure to go on a mission." In the picture is Kaely, Jordon, Kiersten, Cambry, Kaden, Kendall Hunter, President Thomas S. Monson, Stacy, Branton...........Logan, Doyle and Brinner are on the other side in front of the prophet.

This is the prophet putting his hand on Hunter's head......what a memory!

All the boys, Hunter, Kendall, Kaden, Logan and Brinner giving the prophet a hug. Kiersten was a little shy but that's OK..........she got her turn later.

This would be Logan hugging or better yet attached to the prophets leg. He told the prophet, "I Love You!" I was afraid Logan was going to knock the prophet down.

I realized being the photographer isn't always the best. So I asked Stacy to take a picture of me by the prophet. I realized I wouldn't have any proof that I was actually there being the one behind the camera. In this picture, Logan is pointing to the prophet saying, "Mom that's the prophet and we follow him." I love Logan 's little smile and him pointing to the prophet. Elder Walker is to the side of President Monson. Later on while driving back to Pima Logan said, "Tank you mom for letting us see the prophet!" He said it with such enthusiasm it was cute. Logan , being four, was oh so confused about the prophet getting here........he asked, "Mom the prophet came here in a airplane right from heaven?" He then asked me, "Did he bring Jesus with him?"

The prophet shaking Kaley's hand. I didn't get a shot of it but he shook Kiersten's hand right after this. And yes that is Logan attached to the prophets leg.

I wanted to get a picture of my kids together with the prophet but this was as good as we got. They all individually had opportunities to hug, shake hands, smile, laugh and enjoy the presence of the prophet. The prophet in the background still makes a terrific picture!

The prophet’s security was on top of things. There were so many men in suits to ensure the safety of the prophet.

Kendall, Logan and Kaden talking with Elder Jeffery R. Holland. I love Logan looking up to him. I have to say Elder Holland and Elder Eyring would be at the top of my most favored apostles..........before this experience I mean.......and of course now after getting to meet them.

Elder Holland said, "these boys must all be brothers?"

We explained to him who were brothers........Hunter and Logan..........Kendall, Kaden and Brinner.

Elder Holland then said, "well they have to be cousins cause they all look alike!"

Hunter replied, "yes we are cousins!" even though we aren't........the kids think they are. What an experience to not just meet but actually visit with an apostle of Jesus Christ.

I just couldn't take enough pictures to capture the intense feeling of joy, excitement and love that we felt.

Christi, David and President Monson.

Mom told President Monson about when she was just 12, she had to speak in a stake conference and he was one of the other speakers. I believe she said he had just be put into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the time. After the conference he told her if she ever got kicked out of her house there would be a place for her at the Monson house!

Without missing a beat he replied........"well, are you ready!"

Kaely and Jacob are right there to witness the prophet laughing and sharing.

I can't fully express the experience to do it justice. To say it was a treat, a thrill, a treasure, exciting, amazing... would be an huge understatement.

Logan, Me, President Monson, Cambry, Kaely, Tif (holding Brynlee) Doyle and Brian. I so wish Justin would have been there. Obviously he would have come had he thought the prophet would actually stop. He was busy working on the fence out back that he didn't want to stop to just see their cars drive by........and we weren't even sure we'd get to see them drive by. When I called Justin and once I got home and visited with him about the experience he said both times he got the chills. He was thrilled and at awe that we had that opportunity, but so wished he had been there as well. Mr. Grant was a bit fussy with teething so I had left him at home with my mom. I now wish I would have made her come wait with us. At one point Hunter and Brinner were sitting in the two red lawn chairs and the prophet walked over to them and patted Hunter on the head saying, "We need to get you two buddies out of the sun!"

This picture might not mean a whole lot by itself but what happened right before I took it will forever be a treasured moment for Kiersten............and me. Kiersten was holding her cousin Jordon and patting him on the bum. President Monson patted Kiersten's head and said, "I can tell you are going to be a great mother........you already know just how to pat that babies bottom." Kiersten and I talked about this experience on the way home. I could see in her eyes the joy that she felt having the prophet pat her on the head and say that to her. When we got home Kiersten, without being asked, made a bottle for Mr. Grant, rocked him to sleep, washed all the bottles, filled the bottles, emptied the dish washer..........and as Justin and I were leaving to go to dinner before the Temple Cultural Celebration......Kiersten said, "Have a good time Mom!'There is no doubt that Kiersten WILL be a great mother!Wish I could have had a list of things for the prophet to tell Kiersten and the boys........if it would have such results as this comment did:)

Elder Henry B. Eyring is my absolute favorite church speaker. I have never heard a talk of his that didn't touch me, regardless of the topic. He is so genuine and sincere. He thanked my father-in-law and Brian for the road and cement work that they did at the temple. I never dreamed I would have had the chance to shake his hand, especially right here in The Gila Valley.

This is Brent Beals (I love the Beals family!) visiting with Elder Walker, President Monson and Elder Eyring. It was like four old friends chatting together.

I love this picture.......Brent and the Prophet!

This picture is a bit blurry but I couldn't erase it. Shawn Beals, Brent Beals, Elder Eyring, President Monson and Dad sharing a laugh together. Life doesn't get any better than this! I love the joy you can see and feel in this picture pouring from the prophet!

Several times the prophet was being directed it was time to leave, he finally said, "Hey I thought I was the one in charge." His humor is unmatched. As he was leaving the crowd we sang, "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet." I video taped a minute of it but can't figure out how to post it. The prophet joined in with the singing. I got the chills again while our group, probably 40 people or so were singing with the prophet.

As he was walking to his car his security men were holding onto his arms to sort of aid him walking to the car. President Monson pushed them away and I said, "I can do it." He then held out his arms and walked the yellow line one foot in front of the other. He said, "See I still got it!"

We got to follow up this treasured experience by attending the Temple Cultural Celebration.

A Day To Remember............ Forever!

The Atonement

• The Atonement Is Necessary for Our Salvation

Jesus Christ “came into the world … to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through him all might be saved” (D&C 76:41–42). The great sacrifice He made to pay for our sins and overcome death is called the Atonement. It is the most important event that has ever occurred in the history of mankind: “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; … yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement” (Alma 34:9).

• Jesus Christ Was the Only One Who Could Atone for Our Sins

Jesus also qualified to be our Savior because He is the only person who has ever lived on the earth who did not sin. This made Him a worthy sacrifice to pay for the sins of others.

• Christ Suffered and Died to Atone for Our Sins

How Jesus loves us, to suffer such spiritual and physical agony for our sake! How great the love of Heavenly Father that He would send His Only Begotten Son to suffer and die for the rest of His children. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

• The Atonement and Resurrection Bring Resurrection to All

Christ thus overcame physical death. Because of His Atonement, everyone born on this earth will be resurrected (see 1 Corinthians 15:21–22). Just as Jesus was resurrected, our spirits will be reunited with our bodies, “that they can die no more … , never to be divided” (Alma 11:45). This condition is called immortality. All people who have ever lived will be resurrected, “both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous” (Alma 11:44).

• The Atonement Makes It Possible for Those Who Have Faith in Christ to Be Saved from Their Sins

The Savior’s Atonement makes it possible for us to overcome spiritual death. Although all people will be resurrected, only those who accept the Atonement will be saved from spiritual death (see Articles of Faith 1:3).

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Until We Meet Again

The Life of Christ

• The Life of Christ Was Predicted Long before His Birth

Every person who comes to earth depends on Jesus Christ to fulfill the promise He made in heaven to be our Savior. Without Him, the plan of salvation would have failed. Because His mission was necessary, all of the prophets from Adam to Christ testified that He would come (see Acts 10:43). All of the prophets since Christ have testified that He did come. All of us need to study the life of the Savior and follow Him faithfully throughout our lives.

• He Was the Only Begotten of the Father

Jesus is the only person on earth to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. That is why He is called the Only Begotten Son. He inherited divine powers from His Father. From His mother He inherited mortality and was subject to hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, and death. No one could take the Savior’s life from Him unless He willed it. He had power to lay it down and power to take up His body again after dying. (See John 10:17–18.)

• He Led a Perfect Life

Soon after Jesus was baptized, He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights to be with God. After that, Satan came to tempt Him. Jesus firmly resisted all of Satan’s temptations and then commanded Satan to leave. (See Matthew 4:1–11; see also Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1, 5–6, 8–9, 11.) Jesus Christ remained sinless, the one perfect being to ever walk the earth (see Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:21–22).

• He Taught Us How to Love and Serve One Another

Jesus loved others with all His heart. Often His heart was so full of compassion that He wept. He loved little children, the elderly, and the humble, simple people who had faith in Him. He loved those who had sinned, and with great compassion He taught them to repent and be baptized. He taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

• He Organized the Only True Church

Jesus wanted His gospel taught to people all over the earth, so He chose twelve Apostles to testify of Him. They were the original leaders of His Church. They received the authority to act in His name and do the works they had seen Him do. Those who received authority from them were also able to teach, baptize, and perform other ordinances in His name. After His death, they continued to do His work until the people became so wicked that they killed the Apostles.

• He Redeemed Us from Our Sins and Saved Us from Death

The night before His Crucifixion, Jesus went to a garden called Gethsemane. Soon He was weighed down by deep sorrow and wept as He prayed. Latter-day Apostle Orson F. Whitney was permitted to see the Savior’s suffering in a vision. Seeing the Savior weep, he said: “I was so moved at the sight that I also wept, out of pure sympathy. My whole heart went out to Him; I loved Him with all my soul, and longed to be with Him as I longed for nothing else” (“The Divinity of Jesus Christ,” Improvement Era, Jan. 1926, 224–25; see also Ensign, Dec. 2003, 10). Jesus “went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

• His Sacrifice Showed His Love for His Father and for Us

“For the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do. …

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Quote - Service

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, “You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven’t time to be concerned for others.” Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord."

--Thomas S. Monson,, "Finding Peace", Ensign, Mar. 2004, 3

E-mail from Sister Annalee Little

How are you guys?! Malaysia feels like a dream...that it was so long ago, but it really wasn't. We miss you all and that little branch. Such a loving group of people. What's the update of folks? Game night at the McKinley's? The missionaries? I'm sure a lot has changed. I saw that Elder Maddox is home now. He is posting stuff on facebook every day, so I assume he's home :)

All is well here. We are now in Texas, believe it or not. I seriously never thought I would travel so many places...and definitely not in my first year of marriage. We're just finishing up this training for Jeremy's work. I'm taking leave from my work. We'll return late June and be there for one month. I'll finally finish working at my job and we'll take off for Vienna on July 19th. We'll be there for a month. Hopefully, by that time, Jeremy will have a new job and we will be able to settle down in one place for a season. The pressure is on though. We're trying to find work for him and feel a little stressed about getting one and being ok financially. Everything always works out though. It's just a little different when you're married. More people involved.

We're headed to Utah today for Jeremy's brother's wedding tomorrow. It's his last sibling to get married - the oldest of 7. He's 31 and we're really happy for him. I'll stay an extra week with my parents and siblings. I'm really excited to be with them.

Much love,

Annalee

Cebu City Philippines Temple

Exterior

Exterior At Dawn

Spire With Angel Moroni

Entryway

Waiting Area

Baptistry

Sealing Room

Location: Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines

The temple’s exterior is faced with mountain grey granite from China. Interior stone is from Italy and Greece. The spire rises 140 feet and is crowned with a gilded statue of the angel Moroni, who is significant to members of the Church for his role in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The interior features beautifully grained sapele mahogany from Africa. Several native flowers are used in patterns of fabric and the decorative art painting. The most widely featured motif is the pearl, harvested throughout the Philippines and reflective of scriptural references to pearls and their symbolic value. Two large paintings were commissioned for the temple by Philippine artist Adler Llagas. Most of the furniture was also produced locally from Philippine mahogany.

Best Ever Banana Bread

For an intense banana flavor, use bananas that have speckled dark peels. For a milder flavor, use ripe bananas whose peels are still yellow.

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 to 3 medium)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, bananas, oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Fold in nuts. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 325* for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack.

Yield: 1 loaf

-Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Note: Sister Tobi also sprinkles chocolate chips on the top.