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| Saraijah in One of there School Activities. |
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| Another Picture of Her's facing the Camera |
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| My wife Asuncion, and my daughter Saraijah (Middle obviously) with Elder Cabias (right), with his companion Elder Tiedemann (left), (if I spell that right). |
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| Other set of picture without my daughter. 😉 |
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| Link to this post here - Facebook Post If this cant be viewed, that means this is only limited to friends or Private. |
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| From The American Travail by Mark E. Petersen |
A hammer can never be a hammer if it doesn't serves it's purpose. Likewise a nail can never be a nail if it's not nailed or hammered. A Christian will never be a Christian if they're not acting as one. - Gerardo Terrana (Mabolo Ward, Cebu City Philippines Stake)
'til this day, this reminds me of what I am, and my purpose.
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| Geraldo (Gerry) Terana and his wife |
Thank your for taking time in this article, don't forget to subscribe for more content
From General Conference Message, October 2006, ”And Nothing Shall Offend Them” by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles -
When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean-spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else.
You and I cannot control the intentions or behavior of other people. However, we do determine how we will act. Please remember that you and I are agents endowed with moral agency, and we can choose not to be offended.
He then refer to the Book of Mormon and one of the Story of Captain Moroni asking for assistance from Pahoran as the chief Governor of that time, but haven't heard a response of his request.
During a perilous period of war, an exchange of letters occurred between Moroni, the captain of the Nephite armies, and Pahoran, the chief judge and governor of the land. Moroni, whose army was suffering because of inadequate support from the government, wrote to Pahoran “by the way of condemnation” (Alma 60:2) and harshly accused him of thoughtlessness, slothfulness, and neglect. Pahoran might easily have resented Moroni and his message, but he chose not to take offense. Pahoran responded compassionately and described a rebellion against the government about which Moroni was not aware. And then he responded, “Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul. … And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart” (Alma 61:2, 9).
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| Moroni received a Letter from Pahoran |
Pahoran didn't choose to be offended, though, during those hard times of trouble and life-threatening days, he kept himself calm and humble. Elder Bednar added -
One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, “it mattereth not.”
Thank you for taking time in this article.
Scriptural Reference -
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. - (Matthew 6:19-21, 3 Nephi 13:19-21)
Here's one of the groups that doesn't care which is good and which isn't. Just a reminder to LDS single people who Joined a group with admins who never think of their members.
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| A member of the group that posted daring photos of someone with a link that leads to scam or Maybe to a site that promotes pornography or related to it. |
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| A post that was automatically ban for some roles that does not meat in their criteria. Post was covered for personal reason. |
So, why do you allow that post while my post was declined for no good reason? Well the answers might be, because it wasn't monitored, or the admin doesn't care at all. So, as to those LDS who wanted to join a dating site, be aware of a kind of group that most likely unmonitored by an administrators. You might ended up losing your faith of might also lead to unhealthy discussions.
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| From Youth 2020 Music Festival |
In case you missed, here are some outline of my study for this week's "Come Follow Me" program. I only covered a few so we could share more knowledge this upcoming Sunday School.
The Purpose of Delegation. (Acts 6:1-4)
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
In order to spend more time with youth, wherever they are, including at school events or activities, bishoprics have been counseled to delegate appropriate meetings and counseling time with adults. While bishops can counsel on acute and urgent matters, we recommend that delegation of ongoing counseling with chronic, less urgent matters that do not involve judgments as to worthiness be assigned to members of the elders quorum or Relief Society—usually presidencies or ministering brothers and sisters. The Spirit will guide the leaders to select the right members to undertake this counseling. Those who receive this delegated counseling assignment are entitled to revelation. They, of course, must always maintain strict confidentiality. - "Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock" by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Questions to ponder -
General Handbook 3.4.3.2
Assignment
Presiding Church leaders can delegate authority by assignment. When men and women receive these assignments, they are given authority from God to act. For example:
Authority that is delegated by assignment is limited to the specific responsibilities and duration of the assignment. For more information about assignment through delegation, see 4.2.5. (see below)
General Handbook 4.2.5
Delegate Responsibility and Ensure Accountability
The Savior gave His disciples meaningful assignments and responsibilities (see Luke 10:1). He also gave them an opportunity to account for the work they were given to do (see Luke 9:10).
As a leader, you can help others grow by delegating assignments to them. In this way you will also help them receive the blessings that come from serving. Strive to engage all members in doing God’s work.
Delegating will also make your service more effective. If you try to do too much, you will “surely wear away” (Exodus 18:18). Seek the Spirit’s guidance about what to delegate so you can focus on your highest priorities.
Delegating is more than giving an assignment. It also includes teaching and trusting another person to fulfill the assignment. It usually includes the following elements:
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| Moses and Jethro |
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/stephen-e-robinson/believing-christ-practical-approach-atonement/
As my wife and I talked about her feeling of inadequacy and her feeling that she couldn’t make it, I recalled something that had happened in our family just a couple of months earlier. We call it the parable of the bicycle.
After I had come home one day, I was sitting in a chair reading the newspaper. My daughter Sarah, who was seven years old, came in and said, “Dad, can I have a bike? I’m the only kid on the block who doesn’t have a bike.”
Well, I didn’t think I could afford to buy her a bike, so I tried to stall her by saying, “Sure, Sarah.”She asked, “How? When?”I said, “You save all your pennies, and pretty soon you’ll have enough for a bike.” And she went away.A couple of weeks later as I was sitting in the same chair, I was aware that Sarah was doing something for her mother and getting paid. She went into the other room, and I heard “Clink, clink.” I asked, “Sarah, what are you doing?”She came out and showed me a little jar all cleaned up with a slit cut in the lid and a bunch of pennies in the bottom. She looked at me and said, “You promised me that if I saved all my pennies, pretty soon I’d have enough for a bike. And, Daddy, I’ve saved every single one of them.”My heart was filled with love for her. She was doing everything in her power to follow my instructions. I hadn’t actually lied to her. If she saved all of her pennies, she eventually would have enough for a bike, but by then she would want a car! Her needs weren’t being met. So I said, “Let’s go downtown and look at bikes.”We went to every store in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Finally we found it—the perfect bicycle. She got up on that bike, and she was thrilled. But when she saw how much the bicycle cost, her face fell, and she started to cry. She said, “Oh, Dad, I’ll never have enough for a bicycle.”So I said, “Sarah, how much do you have?”She answered, “Sixty-one cents.”“I’ll tell you what,” I said. “You give me everything you’ve got and a hug and a kiss, and the bike is yours.” She gave me a hug, a kiss—and the sixty-one cents. I paid for the bicycle. Then I had to drive home very slowly because she wouldn’t get off the bike; she rode home on the sidewalk. And as I drove along slowly beside her, it occurred to me that this was a parable for the Atonement of Christ.
- Believing Christ
By Stephen E. Robinson
A Practical Approach to the Atonement
There's a question that pops up in my mind for about a week or month ago that I couldn't help but do research on the church standards and instructions. And here I would like to open up those questions, that perhaps could help us understand what God wants us to do or to establish.
Here are the questions that I think will help us to learn more -
- Does God teach the use of the right hand in performing any ordinances or in sustaining?
- Why do we use the right hand in sustaining and in partaking of the sacrament?
- Was a left hand allowed to do just as the right should do?
The word "Right Hand" was mentioned approximately for about 117 times in the Old Testament, 44 times in the New Testament, about 17 times in the Book of Mormon, 14 times in Doctrine and Covenants, and 3 times in Pearl of Great Price which includes the Joseph Smith - Matthew translation.
And as I had observed most of these lines were actually of different topics, scenarios, contexts, or usage with both left hands. I don't mind actually how the scripture used those words the only thing that bothers me was, does it meant something about orthodox teachings and how it was emphasized in its importance, especially the part as to why they used the term to sit in God's right hand in His kingdom, though some passages say to sit both sides either in the left or in the right hand.
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| Reaching in his Right Hand. Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, |
Sustaining
I'm not sure as to where the church got its common practice of using the right hand in sustaining a leader. Upon further study, it was already instructed for so long as if it was a solemn practice. One particular instruction found in John Taylor's message said this -
“We hold up our right hand when voting in token before God that we will sustain those for whom we vote; and if we cannot feel to sustain them we ought not to hold up our hands, because to do this, would be to act the part of hypocrites. … For when we lift up our hands in this way, it is in token to God that we are sincere in what we do, and that we will sustain the parties we vote for. … If we agree to do a thing and do not do it, we become covenant breakers and violators of our obligations, which are, perhaps, as solemn and binding as anything we can enter into” (Journal of Discourses, 21:207). Quoted by President Gordon B. Hinckley From a conference Message "God Is at the Helm"
It was the right hand as instructed in his message and there everyone follows as a standard in sustaining a leader. And, for me, whatever instructions in general just to have a house of order, then why not follow them?
And what are the General Instructions that we have today?
The Church is a community of love and support. You will not be alone as you strive to serve in your calling. After you accept a calling, members of your congregation will indicate in sacrament meeting that they agree to sustain, or support, you in your calling. Members indicate this support by raising their right hands when invited to do so by a member of the bishopric or branch presidency. ("How Can I Serve in the Church?", From Learning and Serving in the Church)
Sustain: To support others in their callings. Members acknowledge that they will sustain others in their callings by raising their right hand when invited to do so in sacrament meeting. ("List of Terms", From Learning and Serving in the Church)
In ancient times, the Lord instructed Moses to battle against the people of Amalek. Joshua was fighting with the Israelites while Moses receive instructions from God to hold up his hand to prevail over their Enemy. Moses as he left his arm felt that he couldn't take it longer with his strength stricken in years. This means he was not capable of raising his arms long enough while the war was still ongoing, and to survive the battle, there must be a need for assistance, or supports from someone on Moses' side and that's where Aaron and Hur went on lifting Moses Arms so they could win the battle.
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| Moses Lifting his staff with Aaron and Hur supporting his arms. |
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| Joshua with his Men Fighting the Amalekites |
Likewise, in these later times. We also had a lot of instructions received and had a lot of trials to lift while battling our spiritual battle. And there's one solution to win. And, as simple as the people of Israel in Moses' times, so it was in our days. Supporting or sustaining the leaders was the winning factor of this unseen battle. We may have questions such as "How and why is it important?" Or maybe, "Why this instruction seems like a burden in our soul?" yet like Aaron and Hur, never complained why Moses need to do it instead of God doing a battle for them. They did it patiently and humbly hoping the battle will soon end. And so they win.
There are some other references that I couldn't include in this article, actually I not planning to make a long post, but it seems it is then. 😂
Ordinances
Anyways, Here's another one that said not just sustaining but also some other practices that everyone adapted previously -
I will now say a few words with regard to partaking of the sacrament. This ordinance was instituted by our Savior, and his followers were commanded to partake of it in remembrance of Him. Luke 22:19 But how many of us partake of it regardless of Him in commemoration of whose death it is administered! I have seen some of the Saints take the cup very irreverently—blessed and consecrated as it is—and drink to quench their thirst. I do not suppose that such persons think any more about our Lord and Savior than they do when drinking on ordinary occasions. To say the least of such conduct, it is highly improper and irreverent. I have seen brethren and sisters partake of the sacrament with their gloves on, and in a very careless attitude, stretching out the left hand. You should always put forth the right hand when taking either the bread or the cup; and you should take off your hats if you have them on, and partake of the consecrated emblems with reverence, and remember that you do it in commemoration of the death, sufferings, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who will yet rule and reign on this earth, King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev. 19:16 Would I partake of the sacrament with my hat or gloves on? No; I would take them off, and let my soul ascend in prayer and thanksgiving to my heavenly Father that I had been permitted to partake [p. 135a]of the ordinance of the House of God.
This was from the topic titled "Eternal Life—How To Find Out The Truth—The Sacrament—Exhortation to The Young." by President Daniel H. Wells, delivered in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, August 18, 1867, And was reported By: David W. Evans. This was collected in a Journal of Discourses Archive and the Church has no official statement regarding some of the reports as part of Doctrines or perhaps documentary and/or opinion. Yet, about this subject and as I supposed this was also one of the sources of that practice in observing the Sacrament, in a solemn manner and orderly. It's good to have standards to keep in maintaining a reverent environment with humility and respect while partaking the sacrament. But what's the Church standing about it?
Here's what the General Handbook says -
7. Members partake with their right hand when possible. (General Handbook 18.9.4 Instructions)
This means YES, but there's a catch. We were instructed as of General Handbook, August 2022 that we have to use our Right Hand with the word "when possible", which leads us to our last question. Just to make it straight and simple, people with disabilities, or have trouble using their right hand or maybe a common arm condition. Then of course we don't need to judge them.
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| Partaking of the Sacrament. |
For me, I am not an antagonist but perhaps I could be a heretic to what I believe. But for me, God knows the desire of our hearts and he has the right to judge our desire. If I may mistakenly use the wrong hand in sustaining or observing the Sacrament, it is God who looks on me and my heart as he knows it. Of course, just as the title of this Article, it was instructed and we have to observe and obey. Amen.
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Thank you for taking the time in reading this article. I'll be posting some interesting topics whenever I have time. Have a blessed day.
Jerry N. Bustillo