MY TESTIMONY

It's September 4 and it's the first Sunday of the month. First Sunday of the month is the testimony Sunday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Testimony is sharing your uplifting experiences and feelings about the Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel. 

Today, Bishop Bateman conducted the sacrament services. After the partaking of the sacrament, it was announced that the pulpit is already open for testimony sharing. There were few people who stood up, some were "not prepared" or didn't plan to really stand on the pulpit to say their testimonies. When there was blank space, my nephew Kirby nudged me, signalling I stand and bear my testimony. I wasn't prepared neither! But there was none who was anyway! And so when I found courage, I stood up and bore my testimony.

This was what I remember saying:

Back in the Philippines, whenever we go to Church on Sundays, my daughters and I ride a tricycle. A tricycle is a motorcycle with a side car that carries 3-4 passengers. Every time we ride a tricycle, I would instruct the driver to bring us to the true Church. And the driver would ask: "Where is that?", and my answer will always be "Just few meters away, at the Mormon Church". My daughters would often give me a look, or a word "mommy", in the most disgusting manner, or sometimes they just smile or laugh. For the whole time that I was with them, they got used to have me say to the driver on Sundays, "We're going to the True Church". And whenever the driver will ask "Where is that?", my answer will always be "At the Mormon Church!"

When I arrived in Canada, my sister told me that I should never say anything about Church or God to people because they will think I'm weird. One time, we rode a cab and I tried saying "We're going to the true Church!" in my smallest voice. The cab said, "Where?" "To the Mormon Church, 941 Lynn Valley Road", I answered firmly. Tho' the cab driver knew where the Mormon Church is, he never asked anything about the Church.

One time, my client asked me if I go to a certain Church so I said yes, I go to the Mormon Church. Then I shared our belief about the Plan of Salvation. After sharing with her my belief about the premortal life, us when we were spirits, then came to earth for a purpose then when we die, our spirit goes to the spirit world then we can be resurrected. Her reaction? "That's the most ridiculous story I've ever heard!", she said with her eyes rolling. And so I thought that my sister might be right after all! DO NOT TALK ABOUT GOD OR CHURCH BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL THINK YOU'RE WEIRD!"

Last week, after I received the endorsement from the previous shift, the caregiver who's about to leave exclaimed that she's happy having not to work on a Friday and Saturday. I asked why and she said she's going to a church activity. Then she asked if I belong to a church. I said yes, I am a Mormon. Then she asked the difference between her church and mine. I mentioned about the living prophet, of which she said, we have a pope, too. Then I recalled once again  my belief  about the premortal life, our purpose on earth and the life here after, of which she again said, we believe in that, too! And then she incessantly asked, "So what's the difference between your church and mine?" So I said, "Mine is the true church!" And she stopped asking questions!

Yesterday, I received a message from my daughter that she has a good news! I asked what was it but because of slow internet connection in the Philippines, she wasn't able to message back immediately. I was so excited to know what the good news was. I sent her bunch of messages but still, she will not tell me. So I called her on the phone the next day. Then she said that the good news was that she was able to finish reading her Book of Mormon for 17 straight days and that she've gained a stronger testimony of the Gospel and the Atonement. She mentioned that when she read the dedication I've written in the first page of the Book (of Mormon) I gave her as a gift before I left for Canada that her faith will grow stronger when she read the book was true after all. Subsequently, all of the many testimonies I`ve borne to my daughter have paid off. Be it telling the tricycle driver that the Church is true or writing it in the book I gave her, she finally have known to herself that the Church is indeed true.   

Sometimes, the testimonies we bear, no matter how or where we say it can have an impact in other people`s lives. It may not be soon but surely, somehow, there`ll be people who will benefit from it. And today, I bear you my testimony that the Church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I received praises after bearing my testimony. Yet in my heart, I knew that someone down there in that congregation have felt the sincerity of my words. That somehow, they might be inspired that when someone ask which Church we go to, they`ll say with conviction: IT`S IN THE TRUE CHURCH! 

MY TESTIMONY

It's September 4 and it's the first Sunday of the month. First Sunday of the month is the testimony Sunday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Testimony is sharing your uplifting experiences of and feeling about the Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel. 

Today, Bishop conducted the sacrament services. After the partaking of the sacrament, it was announced that the pulpit is already open for testimony sharing. There were few people who stood up, some were "not prepared" or didn't plan to really stand on the pulpit to say their testimonies. When there was blank space, my nephew Kirby nudged at me, signalling I stand and bear my testimony. I was prepared! But there was none who was anyway! And so when I found my courage I stood up and bore my `testimony.

This was what I remember saying:

Back in the Philippines, whenever we go to the Church on Sundays, my daughters and I ride a tricycle. A tricycle is a motorcycle with a side car that carries 3-4 passengers. Every time we ride a tricycle, I would instruct the driver to bring us to the true Church. And the driver would ask: "Where is that?", and my answer will always be "Just few meters away, at the Mormon Church". My daughters would often give me a look, or a word "mommy", in the most disgusting manner, or sometimes they just smile or laugh. For the whole time that I was with them, they got used to have me say to the driver on Sundays, "We're going to the True Church". And whenever the driver will ask "Where is that?", my answer will always be "At the Mormon Church!"

When I arrived in Canada, my sister told me that I should never say anything about Church or God to people because they will think I'm weird. One time, we rode a cab and I tried saying "We're going to the true Church!" in my smallest voice. The cab said, "Where?" "To the Mormon Church, 941 Lynn Valley Road", I answered firmly. Tho' the cab driver knew where the Mormon Church is, he never asked anything about the Church.

One time, my client asked me if I go to a certain Church so I said yes, I go to the Mormon Church. Then I shared our belief about the Plan of Salvation. After sharing with her my belief about the premortal life, us when we were spirits then came to earth for a purpose then when we die, our spirit goes to the spirit world then we can be resurrected. Her reaction? "That's the most ridiculous story I've ever heard!", she said with her eyes rolling. And so I thought that my sister might be right after all! DO NOT TALK ABOUT GOD OR CHURCH BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL THINK YOU'RE WEIRD!"

Last week, after I received the endorsement from the previous shift, the caregiver who's about to leave exclaimed that she's happy having not to work on a Friday and Saturday. I asked why and she said she's going to a church activity. Then she asked if I belong to a church. I said yes, I am a Mormon. Then she asked the difference between her church and mine. I mentioned about the living prophet, of which she said, we have a pope, too. Then I recalled once again  my belief  about the premortal life, our purpose on earth and the life here after, of which she again said, we believe in that, too! And then she incessantly asked, "So what's the difference between your church and mine?" So I said, "Mine is the true church!" And she stopped asking questions!

Yesterday, I received a message from my daughter that she has a good news! I asked what was it but because of slow internet connection in the Philippines, she wasn't able to message back. I was so excited to know what was the good news, I sent her bunch of messages but still she will not tell me. So I called her on the phone the next day. Then she said that her good news was that she was able to finish reading her book of Mormon for 17 straight days and that she've gained a stronger testimony of the Gospel and the Atonement. And as she read the dedication I've written in the Book (of Mormon) I gave her as a gift before I left for Canada, she said that I what I told her that she will be stronger in the faith when she read the book was true after all. All of the many testimonies I`ve borne have paid off. Be it telling the tricycle driver that the Church is true or writing it in the book I gave her, she finally have known the Church is indeed true.   

Sometimes, the testimonies we bear, no matter how we say it can have an impact in other people`s lives. It may not be soon but surely, somehow, there`ll be people who will benefit from it. And today, I bear you my testimony that the Church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I received praises after bearing my testimony. Yet in my heart, I knew that someone down there in that congregation have felt the sincerity of my words. That somehow, they might be inspired that when someone ask which Church we do belong, they`ll say with conviction: IT`S IN THE TRUE CHURCH! 

At CORA'S BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

It was a Saturday, the start of Spring break and my sister's birthday so we traveled almost 4 hours from Vancouver to Victoria to celebrate. Got to Downtown super hungry at lunchtime. Saw this resto and got in, stood there and waited for a table for 3. The menu was quite interesting, purely something for breakfast and lunch but quite healthy. I ordered Egg BenDectine with salmon, fruits and fried potatoes on it. I am very satisfied with my order, salmon was medium cooked just the way I like it. The fruits that came with my order were melon, apple, kiwi, oranges  and strawberry. At cad14.95, I think the price is fair enough. The lady server made sure we had a good time and came checking on us every now and then. Quite a nice experience for the 3 of us! I highly recommend this place esp to my friends who will visit the place someday!

Annabelle's Order

My Egg BenDictine 

All orders come with toasted bread and butter, jam and peanut butter 

They've got variety of drinks, too. 

Finslly, because it'sAnnabelle's birthday, they gave us this complimentary fruit carving! 

The place is conveniently located at 850 Douglas Street Unit 150, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2B6 Canada. 

#Cora'sBreakfastandLunch

#DowntownVictoria

ONE FRIDAY AFTERNOON

We were at Lonsdale Quay mid-afternoon yesterday for lunch and the weather was good, sun was out tho' a bit chilly. We were about to leave the place when we saw this young man playing the violin at the corner. 

It wasn't actually the music that caught my attention but the message that was on the ground that reads: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES at one side. 

And on the other side, it says I PROMISE TO STAY IN SCHOOL that moved me.

The message was so touching that as he played and looked at me in the eye, I can see and feel his sincerity. My client was prompted to shell out $5 dollars from her pocket. She said it was for a good cause. Several other people were dropping coins and bills in his violin case. They, too were mused to see this young man work out to finish his studies and use his talent to finance his needs. It was indeed a sight to cheer on one chilly Friday afternoon. 

He thanked us for the bill we gave but I thanked him for his music and his desire to stay in school. 

This random act of kindness and him doing his best to keep abreast of his schooling is an inspiration.

May this story influence someone out there. That while many of you are playing video games, this young man was out here sharing his talent and has just touched someone else's heart.

 

OF BEING RESILIENT

Psychological resilience is defined as an individual's ability to properly adapt to stress and adversity. Stress and adversity can come in the shape of family or relationship problems, health problems, or workplace and financial worries, among others. Resilience is not a rare ability; in reality, it is found in the average individual and it can be learned and developed by virtually anyone. Resilience should be considered a process, rather than a trait to be had.

A common misapprehension is that resilient people are free from negative emotions or thoughts, remaining optimistic in most or all situations. To the contrary, resilient individuals have, through time, developed coping techniques that allow them to effectively and relatively easily navigate around or through crises. In other words, people who demonstrate resilience are people with optimistic attitude and positive emotionality and are, by practice, able to effectively balance negative emotions with positive ones. (Source: Wikipedia)

4 A's of Resilience: 

- ACCEPT the situation; 

- ADJUST (make healing choices) & let go;

- ASPIRE (dream again) to something new; 

- ACT (do something everyday). 

Life is left to be lived! Go after it! (FROM THE DR.OZ SHOW)

#resilience

LATE LUNCH AT MOMIJI

It was 5 minutes to 3pm and we haven't had a decent lunch yet. Decided on this Japanese Resto for the second time and I always had a good experience with them. 

Entering the place is so cozy because the place is situated just across Bus Stop along Seymour Parkway in the north, few meters away from Parkgate on the west, near the Parkgate library on the south and if you miss out a meal from a grandiose sight seeing from Deep Cove on the East, you can easily drop by Momiji along the way. 

This is what every customer will get to see as they enter the restaurant. A chef and a waitress greeted us as we entered but we have to find our way to our table on our own, which I find it unusual because most restaurants I've been to have someone lead a customer to their table. 

Since it was a wee hour of day, there's only a couple who's dining in at the corner and the rest of the place was empty. 

On the other corner was a chef having a meeting or might be having late lunch, too. Didn't really check closely.

Then came the waitress, a Japanese who speaks softly as she took our orders. She handed us the menu and asked us first what we want to drink. 

I ordered coke for a drink, with "lots of ice" and was delivered to my table after a minute. I call that service quick!

Then checked on the menu but found a good deal for their lunch that is served til 3pm. Chose from A,B,C and you'll have a meal that costs only CAD9.50.

I ordered the 3-piece fried gyoza from A, odun soup from B and California roll from C. 

My ward ordered miso soup from A, Chicken Odun from B and California roll from C and tea for a drink. 

We made additional half order of prawn tempura (4 pieces) which was served first. It was crunchy and perfect. 

We spend an hour there trying to savor every bite while overlooking at the view outside. 

Overall, I am a satisfied customer. My belly was full and most of all, I had a good time. To rate the place, I give their service 9/10, ambiance 9/10, food 9.5/10 and price 9.5/10. I guess, my picture says it all. I am indeed full and well pleased!

So the next time you consider a Japanese food adventure, try Momiji. There's always a story to tell here. And by the way, they've got a patio, too, for those who prefer outside dining. 

The place is located at 3720 Mount Seymour Parkway, North Vancouver and is open from 9:00 am to 10pm on Weekends and from 9:00am to 9:00pm on weekdays.

Or you can contact 604-929-0990 for orders and pick up. 

LAUGH AFTER A DILEMNA

It was almost 7pm on one Saturday evening and everybody were busy having dinner. It was our annual Corn Roast activity in Church and the chapel ground was full of cars parked on every corner, tables covered with brown paper meant for drawing and cover at the same time and chairs set at the front side of the building; children and their parents, Church leaders, missionaries, friends and investigators came to attend. 

Dinner was, of course corn on the cob, bread, rice, salads of different kind, beans, and all kinds of sweets and fruit platters for dessert. My plate was filled up with corn, vegetable salad and red beans with cheese. 

While having my dessert of watermelon and pineapple chunks sprinkled with salt, I found myself left alone with Virginia on our table. Virginia is not the typical white Canadian woman. She looks gypsy-ish with her locks curled with bi-color black and reddish, her face full of make up and a bit odd but was a good conversationalist. She was with her boyfriend earlier and they told me their love story while grinning with joy. I enjoyed listening to her, laughing in between with their funny moments. Their story was sweet and I've felt an instant connection as she went on. Suddenly, I found myself  sharing my own story. I didn't tell the specifics. I simply told her I've once written a blog about the mishap in my marriage and after few years, I got my annulment notice through the mail. She felt sorry for me but I was laughing as I told her my story. She looked at me in the eye and said, "I guess, that's how we should all be dealing with problems- LEARN TO LAUGH IT OFF!". I replied that it took me years before I ended up laughing at those misfortunes. I see things differently now and I thank God for giving me obstacles along the way. I told her that that's what I want my children to see me- a strong woman who never get defeated with the negativities of life. She smiled with affirmation and said, "I wish I could always laugh at my trials. It takes a lot of faith to do that!". 

Indeed!