Sustainable Societies

Elder Christofferson began his talk with some remarks about “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” adopted by United Nations in 2015.

“What are the fundamentals that sustain in a flourishing society, one that promotes happiness, progress, peace, and well-being among its members? We have scriptural record of at least two such thriving societies. What can we learn from them?”

Sustainable Societies

by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Elder Christofferson's talk remind me of what in Chinese we said 大同. 大同 is an ancient Chinese ideology. It refers to the ideal world that mankind can finally reach, and represents mankind's beautiful vision for the future society.

The basic characteristics are that everyone loves and helps each other, every family lives and works in peace, there is no difference, no war. This state is called "the world of great harmony", and this kind of world is also called "the world of great harmony."

Although 大同 thought is a Chinese ideology, some other concepts such as religions, Western utopias, modern socialism and the global village also have great similarities with 大同.

The concept of 大同 has now joined the global political, economic, technological and cultural integration ideas. It also emphasized the importance of "equal opportunities", such as all people are born equal, etc..

However, he felt more concerned with sustainable societies and mentions his thought on this:

“The societies in these two examples were sustained by the blessings of heaven growing out of their exemplary devotion to the two great commandments: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” and “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself…”

“…Sustainability is not guaranteed, and a thriving society can fail in time if it abandons the cardinal virtues that uphold its peace and prosperity. In this case, yielding to the temptations of the devil, the people “began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ.”

“Reflecting on this and other examples of once flourishing societies that later foundered, I think it safe to say that when people turn from a sense of accountability to God and begin to trust instead in the “arm of flesh,” disaster lurks…”

What can we do for this? It is actually bounds back to the basic unit of the society:

“The institutions of family and religion have been crucial for endowing both individuals and communities with the virtues that sustain an enduring society. These virtues, rooted in scripture, include integrity, responsibility and accountability, compassion, marriage and fidelity in marriage, respect for others and the property of others, service, and the necessity and dignity of work, among others.”

“Nevertheless, when secularization separates personal and civic virtue from a sense of accountability to God, it cuts the plant from its roots. Reliance on culture and tradition alone will not be sufficient to sustain virtue in society. When one has no higher god than himself and seeks no greater good than satisfying his own appetites and preferences, the effects will be manifest in due course.”

“In contrast, our joyous message to our children and to all humanity is that “the truth of God” points a better way, or as Paul said, “a more excellent way,”¹⁸ a way to personal happiness and community well-being now and to everlasting peace and joy hereafter.”

“The truth of God refers to the core truths that underlie His plan of happiness for His children. These truths are that God lives; that He is the Heavenly Father of our spirits; that as a manifestation of His love, He has given us commandments that lead to a fullness of joy with Him; that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Redeemer; that He suffered and died to atone for sins on condition of our repentance; that He rose from the dead, bringing to pass the Resurrection of all humankind; and that we will all stand before Him to be judged, that is, to account for our lives.”

As Elder Christofferson closed his talk, he included a quote which, if applied, will lead us all to more sustainable societies:

“There is much we can do as neighbours and fellow citizens to contribute to the sustainability and success of the societies we live in, and surely our most fundamental and enduring service will be to teach and live by the truths inherent in God’s great plan of redemption…”

“If enough of us and enough of our neighbours strive to make our decisions and guide our lives by the truth of God, the moral virtues needed in every society will abound.”

That would be how a God should be and should feel about His children, and that was the God once I knew! When the missionaries came to our family and talk with us, the feeling that I had is just like the things that they taught had been inside me and in my subconscious mind since the day I was born.

And the missionaries just worked in the Lord’s hand to trigger the button in me and the truth  are all revealed out in me. I am so grateful that I do not need to go to a lot of churches to look for Jesus Christ. It is a blessing to me that I came to the true Church of Jesus Christ!

In conclusion, Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught that, a truly wonderful life (even with all of the trials that come because of the purpose of living a mortal life) can be had by anyone who comes unto Christ and truly tries to live the standards and principles taught by our Saviour. As we spread this message, we can assist in the creation of communities of peace and joy throughout the world.

We Will Prove Them Herewith

“The year 2020 has been marked, in part, by a global pandemic that has proved, examined, and tried us in many ways. I pray that we as individuals and families are learning the valuable lessons that only challenging experiences can teach us. I also hope that all of us will more fully acknowledge the “greatness of God” and the truth that “he shall consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain.”⁴”

“Two basic principles can guide and strengthen us as we face proving and trying circumstances in our lives, whatever they may be:

(1) the principle of preparation and (2) the principle of pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ.”

We Will Prove Them Herewith

by Elder David A. Bednar

These are among of so many things that Elder David A. Bednar had spoken in his talk. It is indeed kind of strike my mind, and it continue to amaze me for what the Lord would want me to know. It had started from the first talk that I was trying to keep up with a study community group.

Started asked me to give a thought on my prayer, then console and comforted me with peace and be still in little trial that I faced. Continued with the assurance that He gave me through the difficulties or the path that I walk on, He able to do unimaginable things.

And, Elder Bednar said in this recent talk,

“Now is the time to prepare and prove ourselves willing and able to do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us.”

From the moment that I decided and determined to start getting my physical goal done, I have started to look into other areas in my life that I need to improve, such as spiritually, socially, intellectually as per what the Children and Youth Program suggested for the children and youth in the Church.

“… One of the Lord’s primary patterns for growth and development. “Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more.”¹¹

I slowly find some small little goals to achieve, such as Pray with Purpose, Get Moving, Get Cooking, and Reading General Conference talks. I can feel some positive changes on me that I am glad. It is to me is just get going and get doing on it! Sounds like the Nike’s slogan ‘Just Do It’!

“I invite each of us to “consider [our] ways”¹² and “examine [ourselves], whether [we] be in the faith; [and] prove [our] own selves.”¹³ What have we learned during these recent months of lifestyle adjustments and restrictions? What do we need to improve in our lives spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually?”

I guess I need to face my trials with a cheerful heart and

“As disciples of the Savior, we are commanded to “prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”⁵

We also are promised that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

“And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless.”⁶

The most important message that I learned is that:

“The process of proving ourselves is a fundamental part of Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness.”

Thus, take it positively every time and learn to embrace it with my own good. I am grateful for what I learned today.

Comfort Dinner @ La Juiceria x Super Saigon Main Place USJ21

Just want to post some really nice food that we had last night for dinner. We went to La Juiceria’s at Main Place USJ1. This special outlet actually is combination of La Juiceria Superfoods and Super Saigon.

La Juiceria with the deliciously healthy food and Super Saigon’s steaming hot Melbourne style Pho, come together under one roof. Here are some of the items that we ordered.

Annabelle ordered a Pesto Pasta. House made pesto sauce made from fresh herbs and pine nuts, sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, seasonal green, Italian spaghetti, parmesan cheese.

Issac ordered a Teriyaki chicken soba. Teriyaki chicken tight, soba, poached omega egg, roasted seasonal veggie, spring onion, sesame seeds, seaweed with shoyu sesame dressing.

I ordered a Special Beef Combination. Slice Aussie beef, beef brisket, beef tendon, beef tripe, beef balls.

Alvin ordered a Marinated BBQ Pulled Beef Banh Mi. Unfortunately I did not manage to take a photo of the banh mi, but it is simply delicious! Vietnamese baguette, chicken liver pate, shredded carrots, cucumber, spring onions,coriander, egg mayonnaise and red chili pepper.

Overall, we had a great meal last night!

Something to Be Grateful For

Today is a day that has a little bit challenge but it is indeed a blessed day!

I was driving to client’s office at Pandan Perdana to pick up a cheque. During on my way back to office, I noticed that the water temperature was up and the air-cond started to blow warm air. I stopped my car at the nearest petrol station to cool the radiator down and pumped the petrol at the same time.

The car was running fine when I started to drive again, until almost reach office, the water temperature heat up again. I was panic and called Alvin, seeking his opinions and advice what to do.

I think he was also driving at that time, then he asked me to send to the nearest car workshop to check the car radiator and see how. Fortunately for me that there is a car workshop just behind the street from my office.

After awhile, the mechanic Vincent WhatsApp voice message about the problem of the car and what need to be done. He listed down what are the items that need to be changed. It seems as I need to change the whole radiator complete with the hoses, thermostat and coolant.

I had forwarded the messages to Alvin and seek for his advise, after which he did get Vincent’s hand phone number from me and he called and talked to him. At last, Alvin managed to negotiate with him till RM650.00 and my car need to be left at the workshop for a night and only can get back the car tomorrow.

To be honest, I am a little bit flattered on Alvin’s response and the way he helped me to handle this issue. I never thought that he will help me to bear the cost of replacement of the car radiator. It is because earlier car accident, that he already voiced out that he would not support me in anything, unless for the children’s sake. Or may be this car is the vehicle that I use for transporting both children for schools and their classes, that is the reason why he helped. I know it is bad for me to think that, but I am grateful and thankful for his kindness in this.

There were so many times recently I felt our marriage, seemed as if everything was falling apart again. It was painful and extremely challenging, as we had tied the knot again from our broken marriage. Eventually it seems as the past still haunted me, and I know that he is struggling to fight too.

How grateful I was and I am now for my testimony of Jesus Christ to give me something to stand out at such a shaky time. I feel as I probably managed better now compare with last time.

I am grateful to Heavenly Father for all that I learned through these chapters in my life. I hope and try my best learn to work really hard on my marriage. I need to learn and gain a much strength of communication and understanding through listen and be more compassionate about one another’s differences.

I am not sure and do not expect of this but I am grateful that Alvin has helped me solve the problem. Both of us are not perfect now, and we are still have rooms for improvement especially in our communication. But I am so grateful for all I gained from this past few weeks.

Recently the week before Thanks Giving, President Russell M. Nelson had extended an invitation to all to flood social media for the following seven days with our own personal gratitude journal using #GiveThanks and join with him and others in thanking God through daily prayer.

President Russell M. Nelson said,

“I have concluded that counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a unique, fast-acting, and long-lasting spiritual prescription. Simply stated, “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).”

Even in our lowest points—especially in our lowest points—I have learned that we should always turn our eyes upward to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I know that if we strive to focus our eyes on Jesus Christ with a grateful heart, we will see daily miracles from God’s hand in our lives, and those things have brought me peace even on my worst days.

There is always something to be grateful for, and I’m grateful for that.

God Will Do Something Unimaginable

I feel as it is the sequence of the General Conference talks which of the October 2020 Study Schedule which I download from Work and Wonder community in their study, has somehow related to me and by study the designated talks strengthen me for that particular days or weeks.

After the ‘Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always’ and ‘Peace, Be Still’, now I feel as it was planned that it is time to reinforce my faith by reading this talk.

God Will Do Something Unimaginable

by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Elder Uchtdorf talked about the early Latter-day Saints had to hide newly built Salk Lake Temple’s foundation from the approaching United States soldiers. The saints must be thinking why their efforts to build God’s kingdom was so frustrated.

Eventually the danger passed, and the temple foundation were excavated and inspected. It was then that the pioneer builders discovered that some of the original sandstones had cracked, making them unsuitable as a foundation.

It was hard work have to change and repair the original sandstones, but it is a blessing to build the Salt Lake Temple to last for generations.

There is something that I can learn here. There are days I feel buried alive, just like past few weeks. I can feel the pressure weighting down on me from all sides. It can form the cracks under those types of pressure.

It is easy to be a good person when I am well rested and calm, but when I am physically and emotionally tired and worn out, the cracks start to show. It is just like my foundation of faith.

I like what Elder Uchtdorf said,

“In a way, we are seeds. And for seeds to reach their potential, they must be buried before they can sprout. It is my witness that though at times we may feel buried by the trials of life or surrounded by emotional darkness, the love of God and the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will bring something unimaginable to spring forth.”

The trial I faced doesn’t have to drive us apart, I can use it to find the weaknesses in the foundations of myself, my family, or even further like our communities or our congregations.

What if this trial is helping me to identify and get rid of what does not work for me and my family so that we can build that foundation that last an eternity?

Now when I start to struggle, I asked myself, “What weaknesses are there in my foundation that this trial has shown me?”

Then I can look for stronger materials to replace my foundation with. With my family, I look for the cracks and search for better ways to do things or ways to heal relationships. At Church, I look at the many changes and the new things we were learning.

I realized that it was like Elder Uchtdorf said, “This is the Lord’s work.He invites us to find His ways of doing it, and they may differ from our past experiences.”

Instead of feeling so weighted down, I feel a level of relief and excitement as I remake my foundation. It is just as when I can hear the Spirit whispered to my ears and mind ‘Peace, Be Still’

It is the perfect example of the Lord’s promise of making weak things become strong. Just as in the Book of Mormon, Ether 12:27

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weaknesses. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and mu grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them”

Blessings Come from Hardship

“What do we learn from these examples—and the hundreds of others in the scriptures?

First, the righteous are not given a free pass that allows them to avoid the valleys of shadow. We all must walk through difficult times, for it is in these times of adversity that we learn principles that fortify our characters and cause us to draw closer to God.

Second, our Heavenly Father knows that we suffer, and because we are His children, He will not abandon us.⁸”

Just as the Jaredite boats were blown towards the Promised Land by the storm,our trials are not without purpose or direction. it is like Elder Uchtdorf said,

“… God will watch over and shepherd you during these times of uncertainty and fear. He knows you. He hears your pleas. He is faithful and dependable. He will fulfil His promises.”

“God has something unimaginable in mind for you personally and the Church collectively—a marvellous work and a wonder.”

Elder Uchtdorf continued,

“Now, this does not mean we won’t experience turbulence in our flight through mortality. It doesn’t mean there won’t be unexpected instrument failures, mechanical malfunctions, or serious weather challenges. In fact, things might get worse before they get better.

As a fighter pilot and airline captain, I learned that while I could not choose the adversity I would encounter during a flight, I could choose how I prepared and how I reacted. What is needed during times of crisis is calm and clear-headed trust.

How do we do this?

We face the facts and return to the fundamentals, to the basic gospel principles, to what matters most. You strengthen your private religious behaviour—like prayer and scripture study and keeping God’s commandments. You make the decisions based on best proven practices.

Focus on the things you can do and not on the things you cannot do.

You muster your faith. And you listen for the guiding word of the Lord and His prophet to lead you to safety.”

It has reminded me that when I face the cracks in my foundation, it is still goes back to the basic and building or repair my foundation again. It might be overwhelming sometimes, but do not feel weary, and focus one thing at a time with a willing and humble heart.

Suddenly I feel as there were so many General Conference good talks this October that speak directly to our times in overall, and speak to me personally.

I am grateful as it has brought so much peace and knowledge to me!

“God has revealed and will continue to reveal His almighty hand. The day will come when we will look back and know that during this time of adversity, God was helping us to find better ways—His ways—to build His kingdom on a firm foundation.”

Write It Down

There are a few of the action plans under my Spiritual Goal : Pray with Purpose. One of them is to take a few minutes before I pray to think about things I need or want to pray for, or things that I am thankful for. Consider writing the things down to help me remember.

The other one is to set a goal to pray morning and night. Create a reminder such as a note or a picture, to help me remember to pray.

Eventually, I have combined this 2 action plans and make a small pocket notebook to remind me of the above 2 little goals of mine.

I noticed and remember that most of the prophets and apostles counsel us to keep to write it down whatever impressions or thoughts that come to us.

The very first time when I came across this counsel was from a talk from Elder Richard G. Scott (1928 – 2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. You will find that as you write down precious impressions, often more will come. Also, the knowledge you gain will available throughout your life.”

“Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit. Express gratitude for the help received and obey it. This practice will reinforce your capacity to learn by the Spirit. It will permit the Lord to guide your life and to enrich the use of every other capacity latent in your being.”

I was touched by Elder Scott’s promise that the Lord will give us more direction when we write down what we receive. I was confused at the same time that I was not sure if I even knew how to receive personal revelation or the promptings of the Spirit.

That was the reason why I did not do anything and seriously find a pocket diary for that. But Elder’s Scott’s words stuck at the back of my mind whenever I was not so busy, and I still do not take action on it.

Ever since I have kicked start my Focus on Fitness Goal and Get Cooking Goal, it gives me more confidence and discipline to start to listen the counsel of the apostle and try on it.

I used a used small pocket notebook from the children that I can get at home, pasted a laminated prayer girl to make it as a cover. So that it would remind me to pray at morning and night at the same time whenever I look at the notebook.

I just started about few days. I jotted down whatever thoughts that came to me; I jotted down the things that happened on that particular day, so that remind me to give thanks to Heavenly Father at night.

Even though I just started for few days. I kind of, feel that, I think, I started to recognize the Spirit’s voice. First helping me feel His love, then testifying of truth whenever as I read the General Conference talks, and finally giving specific direction for me when I was troubled within my mind.

I feel joy even in the midst of my not so good condition, I think I am start learning how to recognize personal revelation. write it down in the small pocket notebook help me to start journal more often as I would have the desire to pen down my experiences.

Whenever I feel discouraged or struggling with my current circumstances, there is a source that I can go back and read about my own specific experiences where I received the divine help.

I feel grateful that at least I have start to take action and kick start this spiritual goal of mine, and it shows a little faith grows.

Mediterranean Pesto Pizza

Today we try out our new type of pizza from ordinary pizza – Mediterranean pesto pizza.

The actual ingredients used are supposed to be naan or Greek pita flatbread, so I just bought from Village Grocers pita bread.

There are some prawns, sausages, bell peppers, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and the overnight roasted chicken.

After the sacrament meeting, we just had a DIY style and did our kinds of pizza. Just top whatever we like onto the pita bread, and just put into oven for 6 to 8 minutes.

We just had our simple lunch then.