18th Week for Christmas Season

哈喽哈喽，这是余长老。Recently we just had our transfers and I am staying in Ogden with my Golden area. But more than that I got a new companion. Elder Tang got tag out, but Elder Dubreuil is now in the ring ✨️‍♂️DING! 

And this week has really been interesting.

Transfers

While transfers were happening, one of the most scariest and frightening thing I've found out was managing and planning everything on the spot is insanely hard. Like just managing and finding the right people to help, as well as keeping in mind the situation of other missionaries and their plans to create my own one is soo chaotic. And it is soo difficult which even got me to feel overwhelmed and scared with all these changes. Getting new companion, being placed as the senior companion and just leading in area. Everything happening all at one's, or what I thought it felt like.

But I learned that things are being unfolded one step at a time. And I found out with more time and a better experience of planning. The task which I faced seemed more and more easier. But I have just gotten a few experiences. So it's still gonna be tuff.

I loved the challenges that the mission gives, it's hard but never impossible.  Just as the Lord plans it out for each and everyone of us.

Senior Companion

That is a tuff role, like just leading the area out of the blue is something I think you guys understand too. It's somewhat hard but never impossible.  But not having another companion to turn to for guidance it is scary, like feeling somewhat lonely in heart, mind always flooded with so many ideas, flushing and clashing with one another. And it feels like a storm in my thoughts. Not knowing where to start nor when to end. Yet time is going and never waits, which causes the soul to feel inadequate as well as rushing to get one task accomplished even though it's a terrible job too in the plans and ideas.

Learning that the Savior is there to help us connect back to my Father in Heaven has always been comforting me in my life. To know that I can always turn to Him and increasing my companionship with my eternal companion….

The Holy Ghost! Oops did I scare you but with the Holy Ghost, it helps to guide me in the thoughts that comes to me, gives the courage I need to act on it and helps me to accomplish with whatever I could think of. In the Lord's way. Even in His work. We do it his way.

Christ-Mas

We met with a Sister who decorated a tree which looked so beautiful! and she made it so pretty and upon looking at it. It has the whitest and purest leaves with a warm summer coat and radiating a sunset light. Brilliant in colour and accompanied with several white ornaments as well as lines of red beads hanging and coming out as if from the tree and staying on its leaf. It was amazing, being crowded with so many ornaments even with names such as Prince of Peace, Wonderful, Counsellor and etc. It was a tree which represented the Savior being made for this Christmas season. And it's amazing how she expressed her Savior through her artistic creation. The pain, loneliness, hope, peace, Joy and Love the tree Radiates.

And I am grateful to be able to see hat tree that night as it taught me how much the Savior loves us.

It was lovely to see that tree it was awestrucking, breath taking and just peaceful quite and softening to view.

Kate's Baptism

We got a new Bappy too and it's for Kate a person which I rarely teach but is really elect an has been waiting to be baptised for 6 months. She had to go through many interviews and came a long way to enter into the covenant to have the Lord's presence ever more in her life✨️ She had the toughest time to in the past and it was amazing to see how much she has changes as well as the love and radiance that beams out from her after her baptism.

She is soo awesome and it just reminded me of her love and peace that covenants brings into our lives. To have the Lord's presence ever more and ever universal in our lives. And it's awesome!

With our Mission President Tooo

Holy Ghost 3.0 

Well this is my 3rd time I think talking about the Holy Ghost and it is Awesome. Something I realised is how things are brought to me by small and simple ways in my life. As we were assigned to give a talk yesterday, me and Elder Dubreuil were prepping with what we would like to share. The many beautiful and wonderful messages and experiences we wanted to give to the members in the ward.

As I pondered I realised I had nothing coming in. As I tried to write on a Wednesday, I had to restart on Friday to write it again and even just lost at how I wanted to convey my message to the members. But as the day passes by, I realised whenever I thought of the talk, a small thought came in. Which I noticed it at first, but didn't really hold on to it. Not yet, till the second and a third time. I started to record it and added it in to my talk. Gradually I saw how the message seems more and more clearer and even during the meeting thoughts still came into my mind.

From scripture verses to quotes and even songs it all slowly came. It was interesting. And on Sunday as the sacrament meet went on. I found that an Elderly member was giving an awesome talk, but it was too long To which we still had a hymn and my companions talk and finally me.

Being placed on the spot with 5 mins left to give a talk. I too felt the guidance on which part of the talks I wanted to share and eventually everything was brought to my Remembrance. Keeping the message short, sweet and simple and end it off there. And I am grateful to listen and heed on the thought and the still small voice throughout the week.

Spiritual Thoughts.

Well recently I am studying the Christmas Plan found in the gospel Library and something that stood out to me was Mary and Elisabeth experiences with the knowledge of their children's identity and purpose. But ultimately in Luke 1: 39-66 it was really awesome to see how Mary supported her cousin Elisabeth during her time of hardship (pregnancy) and I was comforting to see that as Mary received her testimony and conversion to the Lord, she shared it to others, that others may be lifted up in their struggles. To testify of the knowledge of their Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ.

Luke 22:32: 

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

And I know that as we so all that we can to share out testimony as well as live to others. They can be strengthened and supported in their hardships. And I say all this things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Best cowboy in the South East Asia

Bangkok Thailand Temple Trip

December 8, 2024

Bangkok Thailand Temple Trip

Dear Elder Yu,

I know it is a little bit late as I only can sit down and write about my feelings or the things I went through about the temple trip.

Honestly, I think I am not prepared myself enough to enter the House of the Lord. I was keeping myself busy with work, school, home, and not all the important things that I should be preparing myself for going in.

I told your Daddy after you texted me in irregular hours because not a P-Day. His response was, “Is this trip funded by the Church or do you pay for yourself?” I told him that I paid for myself and the air tickets were around RM700.00++. I felt as if he had started calculating what is his gained and lost from me. He even asked me the same questions when fetched me at the airport on the day I returned.

I guess the timing is just nice as on the 28^th of November morning, we went to Mecaje earlier had breakfast with Annabelle, and drove back home to wait for Uncle Felix’s Grab car. On the way to KLIA 1, Uncle Felix shared that he is glad and happy to see both you and Annabelle growing in the church and he sees how both transform into a fine young man and a young woman, especially Annabelle! Haha!

He remembered Annabelle used to be so grumpy and hot-tempered, now she becomes an example to her fellow young women in her class! Uncle Felix said he was enjoying your class while you were still here teaching the Sunday School. Both Auntie Joyce and he are very proud of both of you.

There was joy, and comfort in me. I felt as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were there with me and reassured me that I was and I am doing the right in keep on bringing both of you to the Church despite what happened in my marriage all these years.

It indeed felt like home when I stepped into the temple. The prayers I offered the night before were to plead to the Lord to give me all the strength, courage, and wisdom I need to conclude and move forward from my dying marriage. The other so-called homework I did was reading about your first endowment experience email again and again. Haha! I know that it is funny and crazy but I want to feel that long lost feeling again. Your testimony about the temple covenant is humongous! (=v=)

When I changed into the temple clothing and walked into the waiting room, a temple worker asked if I would like to do the proxy initiatory ordinances while I was waiting for the endowment session. I just nodded my head. When I sat on the round cushion stool, I was overwhelmed and my tears filled my eyes. I was so touched when hearing the initiatory prayers or blessings – the washing and anointing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would want us to have. My tears could not stop. I am glad that this trip I was able to do for my great grandmother which on my mother's side.

I have to relearn everything as I have forgotten so much about all the covenants, signs, tokens, marks, etc that I covenanted with the Lord in His House. I relearn about the Creation, the Garden of Eden, the Telestial World, the Terrestrial World, and the Veil.

I love how Eve exercised her agency to invite Adam and explain or counsel him after she had eaten the fruits of the knowledge of good and evil, she still remembered the Lord’s commandments for them to replenish this earth with their posterity.

I wish I was as wise as Eve when dealing with my husband before, but I am not a wise woman, and there is no medicine of regrets and the things that happened could not re-take in our lives.

Well, the most unforgettable moment for me was when I stepped into the Celestial Room, I bowed my head, prayed, and asked what the Lord would want me to do at this moment in my marriage. I heard nothing, and there wasn’t any answer.

I think I should have expected this to happen because He wants me to use my agency to choose for myself. I cried so hard inside the Celestial Room. I was crying like a baby except I wept quietly. Even the temple worker lady came up to me twice and handed me tissues.

I know that there is no more room for me to be in denial anymore about how your Daddy feels about me, there isn’t any love left for me except complaints and blaming. I know that I should not be in denial and have to learn to accept the fact and that is the reason why God did not answer my prayer.

Or actually, as Sister Peggy shared today at the Puchong Branch Conference, “When you feel that God did not answer your prayer, He already did. The feeling you feel inside your heart…” God wants me to learn to accept the outcomes because He loves me so much that He knows what is the best for me, and something awaiting me on my path ahead.

My mind was blank at that moment and my heart pleaded to the Lord to bless me with all the courage, strength, wisdom, and knowledge I need to move on despite I do not know what would happen in front of me.

Honestly, these past weeks some thoughts came into my mind and reminded me how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ blessed me especially when I exercised my agency to decide to resign and look for a better-paying job last year.

When I had the desire to choose to have a better-paying job to sustain my monthly commitment, the opportunity came through the persons I know who contacted me, and eventually I got a better-paying job. I resigned from Auntie Jessie’s company – Floorphase Projects Sdn Bhd, and joined back my ex-boss’s company – Virtuals Space Sdn Bhd (a.k.a. SUA Interiors). From RM3,500.00 in December 2022 to RM5,500.00 in January 2023 monthly salary.

And, it did not happen once, but twice. I felt stressed out at the company in the Q.S. cum Procurement Manager position, as I feel I am more into project management which can give me more flexibility and not just sitting in the office. And, looking at my age which is growing older, eventually, my current company’s boss – Emily who we knew each other since we were in our twenties called me and asked if there was any project person who could lead her project team. I called her after a few months and asked her if she had found someone for the job. I said I was interested, and you know the rest of the story. I resigned and started as a Project Manager in my current company – Zenith Projects Sdn Bhd in September 2023 with an RM7,000.00 monthly salary and was given a company car for the work.

Of course, the increased salary also comes with more job responsibilities and load, but all these are just like what you said, “I came to see how much desire and eagerness He wants to be with us, that love He wants to be next to us. Like really next to you standing there and wanting to talk to you, asking you how mortality was and if you had fun with life?”

I can feel that the Lord eagerly wants to bless me, the only thing that I need to do is to have a righteous desire and decide what I want, and He will or is always there to support and bless me in whatever I decide. He is waiting there for me to make a decision. It is just like how I can see His hand in my career path.

It is the same I feel the Lord wants me to trust in Him when it is time for me to decide my marriage. I have been ignored too long and I think I have been given multiple opportunities or I missed out on the best timings to patch back the broken vessels. My mind, soul, and strength have been drained out much because of my worries about my husband. He could not become a better man, neither am I to become a better version of myself.

It is time to make a change, change for the better. I know that I need a very big courage to cut this marriage ties because I love him so much. I need to walk out from there. As Elder Jefferey R. Holland taught, “Such dwelling on past lives, including past mistakes, is just not right! It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ… In these cases of marriage and family and wards and apartments and neighborhoods, we can end up destroying so many, many others.” I hope I am not destroying your and Annabelle’s goals or dreams of building your eternal marriage and family.

Well, besides all these things I have gone through during my Bangkok Temple Trip, all is well. I went through 3 endowment sessions and 1 sealing session during this 3 days and 2 nights stay at the temple. I think it is normal to see the temple attendance, sisters are more than the brethren. I never attended a sealing session before except for my sealing with your Daddy, Annabelle, and you while we were in Cebu City Temple.

It was a brand new experience when attending as a proxy to seal for others. It was kind of funny when I was in the sealing room. There were Thai Priesthood holders as the sealers, brethren and sisters from Cambodia, and India, and of course Sister E Chin and me as Malaysians. You imagine that: the sealer sitting in his seat; the Indian priesthood was sitting at his side to help him pronounce the names given, while the Cambodian brethren knelt at the sacred altar to be sealed. It felt funny at first when I heard the names pronounced, but it felt warmth and joy in my heart seeing all of us were doing the Lord’s work here.

On the 29^th November, 2024 Sister E Chin brought me to the Platinum Mall which is a fashion wholesale hub in Bangkok, all the clothing there is considered cheap even compared with here. I did buy a few for myself and am thinking of sharing some with Annabelle.

I could see vendors or hawkers selling street foods along the roadsides while strolling the streets. This brought me so many memories of our family vacation trips many years back – Cebu City, Bali, Saigon, Hatyai, Phattalong, etc. I could not describe my feelings at that very moment. It was sadness. I thought this temple trip should be something different, or spiritual but it turned out to be a lot of mixed feelings in it – my past and present feelings and where I go from here. I feel I should stay for more days to settle my tangled emotions.

As I sit in front of the laptop, and proofread whatever I wrote what‘s in my mind, I know that the length of my stay is nothing compared to what I know – God wants to reveal to me. I am still not completely OK, but I am ready to learn to let go and to be healed. I know that I could not do it alone, but “I can do all things through the Atonement of Jesus Christ”

Elder Yu, please do not worry about me and home. You know that we are in God’s good hands. Know that you are loved! A lot and lots from us, and God too!

Love,
Mommy

The Bangkok Temple. It is considered very convenient because we are using MAS Airline where the flight stopped at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Using the Airport Rail Link Line, it is only 6 stops reached Makkasan Station, and reached the temple only in walking distance. 

Brother Juno and Sister Jully were on their first temple endowment session where Juno was escorted by President Lim and Jully was escorted by her mum, Michelle.

We met returned sisters missionaries here because all the returned brothers and sisters missionaries were having a Conference here in Bangkok. I met Elder Teh as well, the second counselor of the Asia Area Presidency. I think he is attending the return missionaries conference here.

Me in front of Christ. I am really fat and look fat! OMG!

Night view in front of the temple. Of course, the picture got edited to lighten the background of the temple.

Met with Sister Poh Peng and Sister Man Ling. Sister Poh Peng said that initially she planned for a solo temple trip, but it turned out to meet so many familiar faces here! Haha!

Receive Divine Help for Life’s Battles

Dear Elder Yu,

My job has been busy and having a project handover deadline and a tight schedule to catch up lately. It was always physically exhausting and drained brain come back home from work. I am really glad that have Annabelle who takes care of the daily house chores and with Ally’s stuffs.

It feels like I have to go through a mini daily battle every day to tackle things that pop up suddenly in the projects, trying to solve them one by one at a time. I feel blessed that I can feel the Lord watching over me every moment of my daily life because I can see how some ad-hoc things in projects turn out to be just fine at the end of the day. And I am grateful for that!

It is so co-incident that I read this article last Sunday which I wanted to write to you but did not manage to. It coincides with the previous week’s Come, Follow Me focus on the Book of Mormon Alma chapter 43 – 52. And I hope this sharing might help you when you go through a little storm in your days trying to be a good missionary of the Lord.

It is natural to wonder why Mormon included the war stories between the Nephites and the Lamanites when he had limited space on the plates. We indeed have our share of wars in the latter days, but Mormon’s remarks are still valuable for more than just explaining the tactics and the tragedy of warfare. His teachings also equip us to fight the war that “we are all enlisted”, which is the battle that we wage every day against the forces of evil. This is a real war, and the result will have an impact on our eternal lives.

Elder Dale G. Renlund shared 3 principles that we able to be like Moroni in battling our adversaries in our daily lives:

1. Understand Our Purpose

We must never lose sight of the larger picture of our divine nature, everlasting destiny, and the evil forces that oppose us. Correctly comprehending Heavenly Father's plan will inspire us to continue battling for our eternal salvation and release from spiritual bonds.

2. Strategize for Success

We can employ the same methods Moroni used to cope with spiritual adversaries. We might begin by realizing what Satan is trying to do in our lives. He tries to derail us from our mission. When confronted with temptation, we must ask ourselves:

• How does this action on my part stack up against the revealed word of God?
• What are the consequences of taking this action?
• Will this action help me fulfill my purpose on earth?

We should also comprehend the consequences of succumbing to even little temptations. As we succumb to temptation, we swallow "poison by degrees" (Alma 47:18), a highly successful method employed by the powers of evil that can result in spiritually disastrous consequences.

I think that is how adversaries always make us feel as if we are not enough, and never enough! Just remember the Savior when this kind of thought comes into your mind.

We can fortify ourselves against Satan's temptations by following the guidance of our latter-day prophet. This helps us maintain an everlasting viewpoint from which to judge our deeds. Strategizing how we will deal with temptations in all aspects of our lives will help us make better decisions at the moment. Preplanned methods and techniques will assist us in avoiding diversions from our everlasting mission.

3. Prepare for Metaphorical Battles

Spiritually, we prepare individually by keeping the commandments of God. We make and keep covenants with God that draw the power of Jesus Christ into our lives. We can better prepare by strengthening our families. We can collectively gain strength and prepare for our spiritual battles as we join in communities of Saints.

I am indeed grateful for your companion by your side to uplift, encourage, share, and guide you along the way. Please tell Elder Fleshman that I am thanking him and grateful for being such a good companion to you!

Like Captain Moroni, we can receive divine help and power from the Lord for the battles we face in life. It is just like what you have been facing as a missionary, and myself as a wife, mother, and employee. Moroni demonstrated concepts that we can use to meet the challenges of our modern existence. As we exercise our faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, He will shower us with His strength.

After reading your email, I just felt as if I needed to tell Elder Stratfold and Elder Paewai about your thoughts on both of them and how grateful you are for them to teach our family the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am reaching out to both on Messenger. Elder Stratfold was so happy to read my message and he is happy to know that you are already on your mission to serve the Lord. And, here is his message:

“Of course, I remember you and your family! It was the happiest time of my mission. Thank you so much for your message, it has made my week.

I am so happy to hear that Isaac is on His mission, it makes me feel very old as I remember him as a 9-year-old. It was such a pleasure teaching all of you, thank you so much for being so patient and receptive.

My Wife and I now have 3 kids, we had twins born in January last year so life has been very busy. We are planning on coming for the dedication of the Singapore temple and driving from Singapore and then up through Malaysia so we would love to see you all then, that will be a few years away of course.

Give my Love to the rest of the family, especially Isaac as he is serving the Lord, I am so proud of Him, Love you guys How are the rest of the family?”

Lastly, Heavenly Father believes you can be successful. Strive to see the value in yourself as He does! Even though this quote Elder Holland addressed to all the mothers, I want you to know that his counsel applies to you too, “Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are.” Remember your purpose and the value you bring to everyone around you. You can do this!

Love,

Mommy

Grateful for Gaining Strength from Your Testimony

Dear Elder Yu,

I do not know how to describe to you the joy I felt when I read your email. You have learned and gained so much knowledge that the Lord wants you to know during your first living endowment! I love how you came to understand the simple truths and the knowledge of how much Heavenly Father loves His children.

I could not comprehend the things that I learned in my endowment during our 1^st temple trip at Cebu Philippines Temple. It took me some time, even my second trip to the temple – Hong Kong Temple, only to realize the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for me and my small family.

This brings my memories back then to our family Hong Kong temple trip in 2019. During our family temple trip: Annabelle and you went missing in the busy streets of Hong Kong; your Daddy lost his job; your Daddy’s car broke down on the highway on his way back to Kulai after he came back from temple, and many more.

I realized that Heavenly Father blessed us with so much more after the Hong Kong temple trip. Annabelle and you gained your testimonies: both of you know that Heavenly Father hears and answers your prayers; You all have the testimony of the Holy Ghost that guided you to find your way back to the group safely and went back to the temple patron house.

I knew that it was not a coincidence that your Daddy lost his job while we were in Hong Kong. I know that Heavenly Father wants him to come back, He wants him to stay nearer to us, closer to the family, rather than having a woman outside in JB.

Everything happened for my sake and our family's good. I am so touched that I know that all these happened because Heavenly Father knows that I am trying my best to be faithful, striving to keep my covenant with Him. I can feel Heavenly Father’s love for me and my family.

I love how you mentioned that you can feel the Lord’s presence standing beside you while you are in the Celestial Room, checking on you how’s life being on earth? Is life treating you well and did you have fun? You are so hilarious on this!

My first thought was that it was not fun at all! Maybe it is because I have been too hard on myself facing all these challenges and feeling alone. Too many frustrations, upsets, and disappointments blurred my mind and hardened my heart to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit!

Your first invitation to me to write and share with you has somehow lessened the burden on my shoulders as if the Savior is yoking with me together. I can feel as if I am gaining the strength I need, the Holy Spirit flooded me with the memories and the testimonies that I had to me, the comforting words from Annabelle whenever I was feeling down. I know that the Lord is working on me through Elder Yu and Annabelle.

Like you said, “He will never abandon us but rather wants to help us. And we can get a of His divine help and guidance, when we do our very best, to obey our covenants with Him. Unless Heavenly Father breaks the promise, we are always in a covenant with Him. No matter what.”

I love your parable about an orange. It reminds me of “becoming”. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about the continuous active process of becoming. This is something that I learned in this week’s Come, Follow Me when reading Alma Chapters 36 – 38. It was the counsel that Alma the Younger gave to both his sons, Helaman and Siblon. Alma testifies to Helaman of his conversion after seeing an angel of God. Alma is the perfect example of “a becoming”. We might not as Alma as a singular event, but rather every small and simple means that makes up the process of becoming. It is ok if we are not perfect, but we are striving. That is the idea of becoming.

I feel as if everything is so coinciding when receiving your email and it is healing to write my thoughts and shares with you. I gained so many insights from you, Elder Yu, and my beloved daughter Annabelle Yu. Both of you indeed strengthened me and gave me the courage and strength I needed to go through the path before me.

Seeing you standing in front of the temple, made me want to go back to the temple and feel His presence. I know that Heavenly Father wants me to return to the temple because there is something He wants to reveal to me. It is stated in my patriarchal blessings that I will receive revelations about my personal lives, I will receive revelations of the lives of my family and I will receive revelations from Heavenly Father that His love for me is pure and exquisite.

Frankly, I have a feeling, and not sure if this time, the relationship between your Daddy and I could work or fix back anymore. But I just got calm and assured feelings in my heart that everything would work out for good for me. So, please do not worry and I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are watching over us!

Love,

Mommy

P.S. About the temple work, let me sort my family tree out then will give you the information. I actually have a name, my great grandfather but I only have his surname, I do not have his first name, as I have tried to search for some time. However, the FamilySearch system showed that his name is ready for temple ordinances even only has a surname. I wish I could have his first name and I know how to address him… if not, I can only call him 陈先生 or 陈太公 …hmmm…

Grateful for Your Questions

Dear Elder Yu,

Time flies, and this is your third week in the MTC. I hope you are well adjusting to your new life in Utah. We could see your bright smile and joy for the past 2 weeks when you video-called us during your P-Day! We love our missionary son so much!

Things happened between your dad and me since you left for Utah for your mission. I know I shouldn’t tell you all these things and burden you with all these things. It should have been resolved between myself and your dad, but it was so hard...

Your Dad kept emphasizing, that Alvin and Yi Peng can't be husband and wife any longer. He wants to be just a friend, not a couple in a relationship. Last Sunday, I saw his video posted on his TikTok account, he was having breakfast with a girl whom he called his lover in the video. I was very upset and called him immediately. I asked him why he treated me like this. I stopped the call, and your dad texted me a long message later in the evening. I did not talk to your dad since last Sunday as he only called Annabelle. I do not know how am I going to live through the past week.

Until last week after your P-Day call, and I asked you about the conversation you talked about, you posted questions to me, which reminds me that I should put my focus on Jesus Christ instead of dwelling on the sadness, frustrations, disappointments, and anger, which I cannot control. I felt something in my mind and heart as your questions directed my attention back to the Savior.

You asked me: “What made you want to be baptized and enter the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? And what was/is your testimony when you entered that covenant with the Lord? Cause making that decision is a very hard yet sacred choice that you have made. So I wanted to understand why you choose to follow the Lord ever since that moment when the missionary invited you to be baptized.”

Well, to answer your first question, “What made you want to be baptized and enter the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?”

I think I shared this a long time ago. time ago with you and Annabelle, that I always believed and knew that, there is a Creator even when I was much younger as a primary child. I am grateful that I have a mother who gave me no restrictions when I wanted to seek learning, even a long-distance correspondence of religion studies to learn about Buddhism and God.

I think the main reason why I want to be baptized and enter the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is because I prayed to Heavenly Father in Jesus’s name to seek His help to gather our family as a whole again after your Daddy and Mummy went through our first divorce. I promised Jesus Christ that I would someday go into His Church as a family and in my heart, I was wondering which church I should go to. When our family walked into the baptism fond, I knew that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on earth and led by the Savior because of the little promise I made at that moment, only Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and myself know about it. And He made it happen, bringing a broken family back together again!

“What was/is your testimony when you entered that covenant with the Lord?”

When I entered the covenant with the Lord, I think I had the testimony that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and my family so much, that He sent His only Begotten Son Jesus Christ to die and live again for me; I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that family can be together for all time and eternity; I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always with me because I can see Their hands in every single aspect of my life, from helping me to get our current home, how the Lord paved the path in front of me after divorce, reunite with your Daddy, registered of marriage again, and how the Lord directs our family towards His Church. All these are the testimonies that I had. All these small pieces and bits strengthen me to keep the Word of Wisdom, the Law of Tithing, and make myself worthy to enter my baptismal covenant with the Lord. I further walked into the temple and made temple covenants with the Lord, even though I only went to the temple twice.

Writing here, I find that it is funny, as I will still be able to write all these things calmly because I thought it was supposed to be the opposite. Anyway, it is a healing that I can change my focus to the more important matters now. I am grateful to the Lord for getting me to where I am now. The Holy Ghost has brought back my sacred spiritual memories reminding me to remember the Savior. I am thankful to Elder Yu, for posting these questions to me because I know you are guided and instructed by the Lord.

I am grateful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, who gave me the precious opportunity to become a mother to His divine son and daughter, Issac and Annabelle. After you go on with your mission, Annabelle helps a lot in the home. She takes care of her Mummy like her big brother. I feel blessed that I have 2 not so little guardian angels anymore to teach, share, encourage, uplift, love, and care for me! I love both of you so much!

Elder Yu, I hope I can learn and grow spiritually together with you over the coming 2 years. So, please do not worry about what happened in the home and focus on your two years to serve the Lord—"invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.”

Love,

Mommy

Image via https://latterdaysaintmag.com/hand-in-hand-with-angels/#google_vignette

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.

One Piggy, Two Pesos USJ Taipan

Today all 3 of us were busy with church activities. In the morning, Annabelle got her online seminary, after which Issac and I fetched her to the Asia Jaya LRT station as she had a girls’ outing with her friends to meet at Pasar Seni.

Issac came with me to church for the Puchong Branch Primary Service Project to clean the Church. After which he stayed at the Church for his YSA Devotional. I just drove back home, did some household chores, and had a nap. I must be so tired that I slept from noon to almost 4 pm.

While Annabelle was on LRT, she called and said that the sister missionaries would like her to join to teach a lesson to the new investigators at The Carpenter’s Daughter Artisan Bakery & Café. Issac was back at home from his YSA activity. We just waited for Belle to come home and went out together.

Both Issac and I dropped Belle at the café at USJ 9, and then we just drove around and searched for our dinner. After we discussed and made a few comparisons, we decided to go to Two Pesos. Two Pesos is well-known as a hot pot specialist.

Issac chose the Tajine Seafood Pot 一品海鲜塔吉锅, originating from South Moroccan classic cuisine.

It uses the notion of heat circulation in a tower to retain the water content in food materials while extracting the inherent moisture and taste of components—a truly natural seafood relish.

I just chose the Sesame Chicken Pot 酒香麻油鸡锅. It is an authentic Taiwanese way to savor delicious chicken.

In a dedicated pot, stir-fry finely sliced ginger in premium sesame oil before adding aromatic rice wine and distinctive soup broth. The best method to enjoy nourishing chicken soup.

We were almost finished when Annabelle called to say that her appointment with the sisters missionary was finishing and she had yet to have her dinner. Then, I just picked her up at the café, and she ordered Milky Seafood Pot 牛奶海鮮锅 when she reached Two Pesos.

It is derived from their top chef's secret recipe, the smooth, rich, and nutritious French-style milky soup is designed with the most enjoyable soup that will not be found anywhere else.

Issac took out his book and did his reading while waiting for Annabelle to finish her dinner. Our dinner is so nice and we enjoy our ‘we time’ together as it is quite a comfortable dining environment for families.  We feel as if we had a great time after each of us had our activities during the day. It is a great evening, reminds us back to the time when we were at our old house at USJ1 and the time being together during there were only three of us.