From Annabelle to Elder Yu: Day 2 of FSY Asia Conference

Well starting during this week was the question "Why be a disciple of Christ?", and we had to contemplate our answers to it during the whole FSY. What better way than having morning devotionals and gospel studies with the company?

Feast upon the Words of Christ

I learnt that the Lord will assist us through what He called us to do. 2 Nephi 32:3 is a great example of application to Nephi's life and actions when he feasted on the words of Christ. When we feast upon the words of Christ, we can know what we should do. I feel that helps us through callings we have during our mortal journey. Church callings or personal ones, we are bound to face hardships. I know that as we turn towards Him, He will help. Have you ever heard the phrase:

" If you want to talk to or ask God, pray to Him. If you want God to talk to you, read the scriptures."

Plus, it's His word, and as I echo what your trainer said to you: "God doesn't bet all that He has to a single missionary." Nor to a striving covenant path follower, He sent people we loved to strengthen each other. And as long as we have faith in Him and be meek and humble, we can be given the power to do "whatsoever thing is expedient in [Him]" ( Moroni 7:33). That because He had called us to do His work, doesn't mean He leaves it all to us. It's His work and it is our pleasure to serve Him. So we can have faith in our fun.

Words Matter

The next was a devotional with the session-directing couple, the Maitlands. He's Scottish!!! But I learnt that Words Matter! Not only to those we love and minister, the people we aren't so sure with, but also to us, ourselves! To treat ourselves and our neighbours kindly. Also! About the power of the words of Christ. No matter what time, mood or struggles you feel, the scriptures answer most of them because the verses are Living, Powerful and the Truth! They are quick and simple, but they still give power to us, if we but heed them.

Then Classes! 

First, was a couple by the Bell naps? Sister Cheryl and Elder Boyd. They taught us about the importance of our names by playing an icebreaker. We did so by taking one shoe and placing it on the table. People came up and chose a random shoe and asked whose it was, asking their name and its meaning. Then we learnt about taking upon the name of Christ and His different titles as we are baptised. We make and keep our covenants to remember Him and what He has done for us. However, as we're taking upon His name, does that mean we should just stop there? Nay! We must take action. So if we want to be a friend to others, we can't just sit and wait. This was beautifully illustrated by a song using actions and an American hat with three corners. Then slowly, the keywords would slowly disappear, but we still motioned the words. Even without the words, you could still tell what it meant. Then, we ended the class with a list of things we can do to be His disciples and take upon His name more effectively.

Second was "Boringness" or "Choose Your Adventure".  Brother Dustin. He started it off by saying that he had moved a lot during his childhood and that he was saddened at the fact he didn't feel at home. But he had the experience and comfort of the Holy Ghost that: No matter where you go, where you are right now and how far you are, you can always feel at home with the power of the Holy Ghost. Which leads to us relying on the Holy Ghost more often and our Spiritual Strength through our trials. Then, we can more fully rely and be more converted unto Him, GIVING THE APPLICATION OF:

"Because I know..., I will..."

We did this activity by writing our answer in the blank and crumpling the paper, throwing it to another person. This is what I got:

I like what this person wrote, it displaces my dread with joy because I know walking on the covenant path is hard, but it's not impossible. Which brings me to my topic:

Sometimes the Lord pushes us past our limits- more than what we had been practising for. Brother Dustin recounted his story of attempting a triathlon. He had thought it was a one-round race with 3 different activities. However! As it turns out, it was a 3-lap race with those 3 different activities. Of course, he was tired after everything but he recounted that sometimes we can be pushed above our limits - even tiring our physical capacity- but that's where we use our spiritual strength. To me, spirituality sounds like the motivation in your head that, hey you can do it because the Lord is with you. We still have to put in effort and consistent work to make a STEADY AND TRANQUIL DEDICATION OF A LIFETIME. Whether that be physical goals or our testimonies. Because we often have a powerful miracle but always let it be short-lived.

That's 2 classes, there are still 2 more but this is starting to get wordy and long. So I'll update you later. Because after the 2 classes, it was lunch! Hope you find peace today and have fun.

Sincerely,
Annabelle

From Annabelle to Elder Yu: Day 1 of FSY Asia Conference

HELLO ELDER YU!!! I'M BACK FROM MY FSY IN BANGKOK!!! AND MANY ARE THE THINGS I'D LIKE TO TELL YOU!

First of all, going there. The KL youths were gathered at the airport and shot off to Bangkok with the guidance of the chaperones, Janeelyn's grandparents. Throughout the whole journey, I was a nervous wreck. Like, I knew I would at least improve my socialising with people I never knew, even if it's just a bit, but I was still fumbling and quiet as I circled on what to say. Because the thing is, Cherrie and I had planned a little project or a little secret combination. HAHAHA

No nut really cause we recalled being shy on our first FSY and wanted first-timers to feel at ease, especially with people they want to know during it all, But even so, how do you bring this up to a person? Like it sounds easy but it was definitely out of my comfort zone. Even so, we did call Janeelyn and Annabelle for help. Despite it being her first time, Annabelle was the most excited about it. So yeah, really nervous but I felt a little at ease when a kid in the front row in the plane started playing with me, the chopstick game ( remember him cause he's important).

Arriving at FSY, I was taken aback by the clapping and cheers of joy at what I would then learn from the coordinators. If I were to describe the feeling, it'd be like how Kingson described our church - being welcomed back home- cause they were so excited and so loud too! Not a complaint but shocking. I then collected the 4 cotton T-shirts ( so happy they are not nylon or polyester, my body cannot take another electrostatic), an ID which tells you which group you are and a drawstring bag with a flask, 2 bands, coloured pencils, a participant handbook and 2 pens. All with the youth's theme, quote, logo and scripture verse. Like I'm saying they're going big!!! Especially after I entered a room of youths dancing to THE OFFICIAL FSY PB&J DANCE! And when I say it's like nothing of my first FSY, I MEAN IT! It was loud, crazy BUT FUN! Of course, I felt like I lost some of my hearing with people beside me screaming cause it was part of the dance Anyway, that was just the start of orientation.

We are introduced to a simple and humble college student who loves us and wants us to be safe, named Ty and his co-ordinator Tizzy! They are the ones who usually conduct. They are so cool and SO HYPER! Especially Ty. We are introduced to the theme, safety rules and the consequences of not following and yada yada

  BUT!!! WAIT! WANNA KNOW SOMETHING CRAZY?? My company is dark blue and we have 2 counsellors, but something about the counsellors is that: *drum roll*

I HAVE THE SAME COUNSELLOR FROM MY LAST FSY!!!

Her name is Liney!!! I love her and she's soooo cool!!!!♥️✨ And under is my other counsellor, a returned missionary called Isaac! ( it's weird to keep calling your name honestly HAHA)

So yeah, they're cool and we met up with our company and had a little Home Evening and games in the night, plus reflect and review

Company's Name

You're probably wondering why I'm creating a section for something small as a company's name but it will make sense as I write to you more in the next letters. However, I created this to keep track of my feelings about how I felt on that first day about the name. I'll give you a hint. It's in Moses 7:18. At first, I thought the name wasn't much, I felt that unity of being with other youths of the same beliefs before, so, of course, the word 'Zion' didn't stand out to me as much as it does now. So, Zion (one heart, one mind) was our company's name. Our company commitment - the company's goal - followed the theme a little with us wanting to be known as the most service-ful company during the week.

Well by then, you'll just have to wait for the other letters cause I want to keep every memory of the FSY detailed because I believe that these little details build up to my experience of FSY, which made it the most spiritual event I have experienced surrounded by youths- of whom I have no idea then, but love them so dearly now. So till we write again

Sincerely,
Annabelle Yu

Real Don Restaurant USJ21 7 Dec 2024

December always brings a different feeling. As Christmas approaches, the decorations, festive atmosphere, and little touches of the season remind me to slow down and appreciate the people around me. Today I had a meal with my daughter, Annabelle, at Real Don Restaurant in USJ 21. We had grilled chicken chop, and the restaurant's Christmas decorations added a lovely festive touch to our dining experience.

It was a simple meal, but sometimes the simplest moments become meaningful memories. Sitting down with Annabelle and enjoying our food gave us a little time together away from our usual routines. As a mother, I treasure these moments with my children. They are growing up and building their own lives, and I know that the time we spend together will look different as the years go by.

The Christmas decorations made the restaurant feel more festive. I enjoy seeing how restaurants dress up for the season, bringing a little Christmas cheer into an ordinary day. There is something comforting about this time of year. It reminds me of family, love, giving, and the importance of making time for the people who matter most.

Our grilled chicken chop was the main part of the meal, but what made the outing special to me was having Annabelle there. We did not need a grand celebration or an elaborate plan. Just sharing a meal with my daughter was enough to make the occasion worth remembering.

As a mother, I sometimes think about how quickly children grow up. When they are young, we spend so much time caring for them, preparing their meals, and making decisions for them. Before we realise it, they become young adults with their own thoughts, interests, and plans. I am learning to appreciate the little opportunities we have to connect, even when they come in the form of an ordinary lunch or dinner.

Looking back at this visit, I am reminded that family memories do not always come from holidays, expensive gifts, or special events. Sometimes, they begin with a simple meal, a festive restaurant, and the company of someone we love.

This Christmas season, I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with Annabelle. My hope is that, even as our lives become busier and our paths continue to develop, we will keep making time for one another and creating these small but precious memories.

After all, the heart of Christmas is not just in the decorations or celebrations. It is in the love we share and the time we give to the people who make our lives meaningful.

From Annabelle to Elder Yu: Seminary Is Worth It!

Hello brother in physical and in spirit,

How've you been? I recently caught up with your emails and have seen the banned privilege of the car, which was a shock on a Sunday morning when mom mentioned it Either way, I'm still impressed and really grateful that you still found positivity in situations that seems difficult. You really are a great example for me as a brother. Also, thanks for the advice to be obedient, I'm gonna need to be more careful with what I do on my missions. Speaking of preparations, I have a story or two from last week. Let's start shall we?

Graduation Lunch, Dinner and Trips???

So it was during this week I was notified that I would be having a: lunch with Teacher Chi Wei, which was happening this Saturday, dinner with the teachers and the graduating class (us!), and my friends are planning on a trip next year?! Pretty crazy stuff, but given it's close to the end of the year it's pretty normal huh? But even my feelings were in trouble because of transportations and how much responsibility I should be having as a freshly 17-18, especially on the personal girls' trip next year. But safe to say, the lunch was safe and dinner might be saved. It was an interesting situation, though I look forward to handling cases like these with information and learning my boundaries.

Last Year and Days in Seminary✨✨

Other than the physical matters, it's time to turn to the more sentimental and spiritual thoughts! Honestly, I don't think any premonition or warning of my last seminary was going to prepare me for last Saturday; my last seminary assessment. That day was so bittersweet and just felt so sentimental! My post on Instagram was the most sentimental I've had and to be honest, I'm actually going to miss seminary. I remember my days in seminary, always dreading the 8am classes on a Saturday. Yet, I always found home and welcomed from those inspiring youths. Sometimes filled with racist jokes and roastings, or just plain nagging from me to carry them ( online) to seminary classes, I still found a great uplifting spirit!✨✨ But I know that I won't need to miss the feeling of preparation of the gospel and the Second Coming, or my friends for that matter because:

1. The Restoration is still an ongoing process

2, I know my friends are also preparing for it, like me

And together we can uplift each other, as comical or spiritual reliefs.

✨✨✨Group photos with POOKIESS???✨✨✨  

✨✨✨Contents of Lauren✨✨✨   

The first is one of our seminary teacher and the second is their oldest son (13)

Preparation

Though you wanna know what's funny? Let me backtrack a bit, I was late 45min to that same seminary assessment! Funny enough, I was the only one late as mom had to do her test, and I'm not blaming her!!! Because, truthfully, that day was the busiest the road could get!!! There was a traffic jam all the way to the Paradiso's house ( our seminary teachers). And it was more late right after as the Youth Broadcast was right after seminary!!! Okay, we didn't reach late but we started late, cause I was waiting for more people to come while I edited the slides in front of their faces. On the shared screen. Unbeknownst to me, with full attendance!!! I have never felt more embarrassed for a split second but I remained calm and carried on. The Youth Broadcast was a mild success, people said it was good, I thought I messed up badly. In the end though, I was able to lead and introduce the broadcast and gathered the many things the youth learned of Jesus Christ that year. It was a nice activity, though all the ice breakers and game we planned were untouched as youths, predicted by Miguel, were busy with ice cream and chatting away. I'm still garam about that day, not because of the untouched activity or the kinda ruined plan of that day, but because I had priod and couldn't risk eating the ice cream, Which popped up during the assessment and at the broadcast But stick to your words, I have to be healthy, though  on the first day I accidentally ate one Magnum Sorry...

After

I tell you the sky was so pretty after that!!! It was like the kind for Second Coming? For a 5-6pm

The day that followed was Sunday and other than the attempted lesson I lead, it was good! I liked the lesson and really need to improve on my confidence in socializing Though I did see a rare...

L LORRY!!!

And that's about it! Many things happened during last weekend and more to come during District Conference and other events! There's so many things that I recorded on testimonies and it's been amazing!!! I really want to improve but for today, one step at a time. You're amazing man, I look up to you ♥️

Thine Dawg from the same mother,
Annabelle

Letter to My Children

Today is a national holiday – Nuzul al-Quran. We had a good sleep throughout and woke up at about 9 a.m. Issac wanted to go to the nearest Puchong Prima photo studio to take his U.S. visa photo. Then we went for our lunch at Kopitiam near our home.

We decided to go to Main Place USJ21 to have some ‘lepak’ time in Starbucks as now Starbucks has every day during Ramadan month has RM5 on a second handcrafted beverage with any handcrafted beverage purchased. We got ourselves a chocolate cream chip and a peach passion blossom cream Frappuccino.

We had a good time spending time together doing our interest. We went to Popular for a while and we had our early dinner at Ayam Penyet Best Station. I am glad we had a good time together this afternoon.

This reminds me of the letter that I wrote to my children in my Institute assignment: list five or more promises that will help me “rear [my] children in love and righteousness, provide for [my children’s] physical and spiritual needs, and teach [my children] to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizen wherever they live” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,”) After each of the promises, I need to write to my children why I think it is so important that I, as their parents, fulfill that promises. And need to refer specifically to the sixth and seventh paragraphs of the family proclamation for ideas. Here is what I wrote:

Dear Children,

I promise to pray with you every day. I know it is important that you have a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. I know He is there, and He will hear and answer your prayer. You can pray to Him anytime and anywhere.

I promise to study the scripture with you. I know you will find peace and strength to resist temptations when you study scriptures daily because scriptures are the words of God. You will invite the Holy Ghost into your life.

I promise to teach you by example how to budget time and resources. Teach you about self-reliance and the importance of preparing for your future. It encourages you to independent learning to unlock your potential and grow to be passionate and capable contributors to the work of salvation.

I promise to spend individual time with you, letting you choose the activities and the subject of conversation, and eliminating distractions by putting away electronic devices. I promise to help you create happy memories by building our family traditions, meaningful vacations, and wholesome activities.

I promise to be there and listen to you if you approach me with a problem, see issues from your point of view, and resist the urge to give you a solution. Instead, ask questions for clarification and arrive at a solution together. I want you to know it is ok if you make a mistake, and making a mistake does not affect my love for you.

Love,

Mother

Tender Mercies by Annie Henrie Nader. Image via AltusFineArt.com

This is a painting of a mother with her two children, and an angel supporting her. It is a sacred moment of sacrifice, endurance, and great love. This painting is also a tribute to the many tender mercies in our lives – the sweetness found in motherhood, and also the angels who come to our rescue in the form of friends and family. By seeing these tender mercies we come to know God’s great love for His children.

A Nostalgia Saturday

Annabelle started to take her IGCSE exam this year. She will take her first 2 subjects, Chinese as a Second Language and O Level English.

Today she is going to take her Chinese Oral exam at Sri Emas International School at 1.30 pm, and she needs to be there at noon.

Issac initially wanted to attend the Institute and he left home early thinking of using LRT to go to church at PJ. He called us while we were on our way out from home for our breakfast at Hoong Foong Dim Sum at USJ 21.

Then I told Issac to use the LRT back to USJ21 station to meet us at Hoong Foong Dim Sum. The timing was just right and we had a scrumpalicious and fulfilling breakfast!

After which we dropped Annabelle at Sri Emas, Issac and I headed to Citta Mall to chill at the Starbucks while waiting for her oral session to end. I was writing my journal on what happened over the past 2 weeks. We got a great deal at Starbucks where we got 2 drinks at only RM25.00++!

Both of us almost forgot that Issac needs to go to Jane Yap Atelier to take his artwork photo, while I need to reload and top-up my Touch n Go card at Citta Mall! We managed to get it done before we fetched Annabelle.

We fetched Annabelle at about 2.00 pm and we headed to IOI Mall Puchong to get some books for both at the Popular Book Store. I was gazing at the bookshelf and something caught my eye. It is an interactive journal which I think is interesting. I just told Issac that I am kind of lost after got to know his dad’s thing. I need something to focus back as I have sort of lost my direction in life.

Issac shared with me that he experienced the same as when he got to know about Alvin. He is now trying to do what he can to the Lord’s will – to help others and be Christlike. I was sharing with him that, apart from that he must be taking care of himself first before he could help others. I know what is my final destination in life, but it seems as if I need to take a step back and reassess my priorities, to reconnect with what I truly want in my life. Of course, I have a job or just started my career after hibernating for so long to take care of the children. Then three of us managed to buy the books we wanted, and we were happy about that.

We decided to have our dinner at the mall before we headed back home. This was our dinner at the Noodle King House. A restaurant specializing in noodles, especially in its Signature Fried Fish Head Noodles with its superior soup base.

While we were heading home, Issac said that today it seemed nostalgic to him, as he remembered days when the three of us used to go out together during weekends. My heart was broken when I heard that. Yes, these were the feelings where we used to have every weekend during they were much younger – three of us had each other to rely on and depend on…

Humility?

After I had completed the Attribute Activity, obviously I am lacking in every one of the Christlike Attributes and still, I do not know which attribute to focus and work on.

I was discussing with Issac this Christlike Attributes Journal that I need to work on in the car during we went out to buy our dinner yesterday. There was something that happened after Alvin came back home. He was furious about we did not clean enough the home, I did not iron his working shirts, and angry that what were we doing the whole day. All in all, it was not a good day even though it was a Saturday.

I was so upset, during dinner Alvin talked about that he does not yet have a proper meal from morning till late evening. And when he came back and he saw all the things he needs to do in the house, then he was so pissed off. Alvin just looked into Issac’s eyes and said that even his girlfriend also would message him if he had already taken his lunch.

I poured out my frustration to both children after Alvin finished his dinner and went back to the bedroom, leaving the three of us at the dining table. I was eventually able to cool off and calm down my emotion when Annabelle said something about Heavenly Father in her teary eyes. I was sort of amazed that I was able to hear she was using the word ‘Heavenly Father’ from her mouth to console me!

After both children and I had our dinner and competed for our household chores of washing dishes, vacuuming, and wiping the floor, I asked Issac a question about what Christlike Attribute that I should choose to develop further in my Institute project.

Issac suggested I go for ‘Humility’.

I was like, “Why? Why Humility? Am I not humble enough? Especially in front of your dad? I am so ‘small’ and ‘tiny’ and I consider myself being a humble person for my whole life! And now want me to learn ‘Humility’?”

Issac replied, “No, I do not mean that you do not have it but I think you can learn more to be better in it. If you are more humble, humility will help you to be obedient, work more diligently, and be more charitable.”

I was quiet and think about what my son had told me about this. May be there is true and reasons why Issac asked me to do so. I reflect back. I indeed seldom pray and do reflections on my wrong doings nowadays.

Issac is growing to be more mature and glowing. I feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have groom Issac to be my light amid frustrations and sadness, to guide me spiritually. I love my priesthood holder, even though he is only an Aaronic priesthood holder. I know that God sends him to me to make me a better version of myself!

The Gospel Media credit to https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org.

Relief Society Sisters Christmas Buffet Lunch Gathering

Today some of the Relief Society sisters Christmas Buffett Lunch Gathering organized by the church sisters that invite whoever sisters would like to go together as the Christmas Buffet Gathering.

Sister Oyoki, Sister Yong Yong, and Sister Saffron were trying their best to source the best value steamboat and BBQ restaurant. Finally, Sister Yong Yong managed to find one Korean restaurant – Gogigo Korean BBQ & Steamboat Buffet located at Bandar Puteri Puchong.

We met around 11.00 am as the restaurant just opened at that time. After we paid for our portion, we just walked in, settled down our handbags or kinds of stuff, and began to walk towards the buffet counters, which served a lot of food and beverages.

The restaurant serves BBQ and hotpot together. In addition to the hot and spicy Korean BBQ, there is also a hot pot with two soups in one pot! It is simply very worthwhile and valuable for money. It is all you can eat except for canned drinks and alcohol that need to pay separately.

The restaurant serves unlimited pork, chicken meat, and pork belly with many all kinds of vegetables, marinated meat, seafood, meatballs, instant noodles, and more. There are authentic Korean side dishes, such as kimchi, spicy fried rice cakes, sushi, fried rice, egg rolls, and more. And unlimited ice cream and drinks too!

All the sisters were busy eating, and all of us are enjoying each other companionship. All the sisters were chit-chatting and got to know each other latest living.

Annabelle had brought the Young Women My150 project bookmarks out and gave them to all the sisters who were there to spread the love of young women to the Relief Society sisters. She took a lot of photos with the sisters.

One more exciting thing that happened is that we have the Christmas presents exchanges among the sisters. Everyone brings along Christmas presents which cost below RM15.00 and interact with each other. Finally, we took a group photo before we leave to memorize this enjoyable gathering.

Here are Issac’s and Annabelle’s, as both of them also participated in the gifts exchange.