We have been taught that we have to keep the Sabbath Day Holy. The question here would be, if we are really keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, which is, this day, Sunday… What did we do to make the Lord’s Day Holy?

I will enumerate activities that can and cannot keep the Sabbath Day Holy and have it checked privately.

If you (have):

—Engage in activities that contribute to greater spirituality.

—Attend essential Church meetings in the house of prayer.

—Acquire spiritual knowledge by reading the scriptures, Church history and biographies, and the inspired words of our Church leaders.

—Rest physically, get acquainted with your family, relate scriptural stories to your children, and bear your testimony to build family unity.

—Visit the sick and aged shut-ins.

—Sing the songs of Zion and listen to inspiring music.

—Pay devotions to the Most High through prayer (personal and family), fasting, administration, and father’s blessings.

—Prepare food with a singleness of heart: simple meals prepared largely on Saturday.

—Remember that Sunday is the Lord’s day, a day to do his work.

…then you are free as charged or dismissed

But if you are:

—Overworking and staying up late Saturday so that you are exhausted the next day.

—Filling the Sabbath so full of extra meetings that there is no time for prayer, meditation, family fellowship, and counseling.

—Doing gardening and odd jobs around the house.

—Taking trips to canyons or resorts, visiting friends socially, joy riding, wasting time, and engaging in other amusements.

—Playing vigorously and going to movies.

—Engaging in sports and hunting “wild animals” which God made for the use of man only “in times of famine and excess of hunger.”

—Reading material that does not contribute to your spiritual uplift.

—Shopping or supporting with your patronage businesses that operate on Sunday, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and service stations.

…then you are guilty as charged.

In Ensign Magazine, there is this article which was authored by Ezra Taft Benson as a council of the twelve, also the 13^th president of this Church.

He quoted, “Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God” [Ex. 20:9–10]

He said regarding this matter, “Few subjects in the great eternal plan of the Lord have been spoken of more frequently than that of the Sabbath. Ancient prophets of God have proclaimed it, and presidents of the Church and other General Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that it be kept holy. Lay Christians and men of goodwill throughout Christendom have spoken approvingly of its place and value in the lives of men, women, and children. No Latter-day Saint need stumble or be in doubt as to his duty in reference to this divine law.”

I would like to agree with Elder Benson here. I personally believe in honouring the Sabbath. I will admit that I am strict in keeping it holy for my family would always complain about me reprimanding them whenever they do something that can ruin the Sabbath day. I also have a friend who I think was annoyed when I suddenly commanded to stop Adele from singing.

Brothers and Sisters let me help you to further agree that we have to keep the Sabbath Day Holy.

I will quote Elder Benson again. “Over sixty years ago the following item from the Daily Newsappeared in the Liahonaunder the caption “The Day of Rest”:

“One of the facts upon which all men are agreed, whatever may be their view in life, is the need of a frequently recurring season of spiritual and physical refreshment. The life which was an unending vista of dusty days in the city would be a life from which we should all turn in despair. The hum of the wheels would drive the world mad. The soul would perish under the strain of material things and the body would perish with it. There is, therefore, no question of can’t in the desire to keep our Sunday: it is a supreme necessity, and never more supreme than in these days, when the pace of life is always being quickened and men are becoming more and more like the parts of a giant machine whose operations they do not understand and whose roar dulls the mind.”

Even those who are not members of this church recognize the essence and importance of the Sabbath Day.

Elder Benson also quoted the wisdom from a man named Henry Ward Beecher: “A world without a Sabbath would be like a man without a smile, like a summer without flowers, and like a homestead without a garden. It is the joyous day of the whole week”; and Henry W. Longfellow, “Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week.”

“Sunday is a wonderful day, but how much more wonderful might it be if honored as a sacred Sabbath. Man has tried on several occasions to change God’s law of the Sabbath, but each attempt has resulted in failure.”

“In the 19th century, England and France decided to observe the Sabbath only every twenty-one days in order that they might have time to build up their war-torn countries. After a trial period, however, a careful check showed that they had accomplished less total work than when they had rested every seventh day as the Lord prescribed.”

The Church accepts the Sabbath as a law unto man from the beginning. Early in the Bible we read that “God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” (Gen. 2:3.)

If you want more evidence about the acceptance of this law eversince the beginning, you may refer to Exodus 16-20.

“And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.” (D&C 59:9–13.)

We all know that Doctrine and Covenants contains direct modern revelations pertaining to our time. Our Church teaches that Sunday is the acceptable day for Sabbath observance as the Lord’s day. President Joseph Fielding Smith, commenting on the Lord’s day, said: “The Lord’s day was, of course, Sunday, and on this day the Latter-day Saints have been commanded to observe the weekly Sabbath. So far as the Latter-day Saints are concerned, the Lord has spoken. This settles the question.”

With regard to the purposes of the Sabbath, the Lord gives the answer in the Doctrine and Covenants: “… that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, … this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High.” (D&C 59:9–10.) And as we offer our religious offerings and sacraments with thanksgiving, and confess our sins, the Lord has promised that our joy will be full and “the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;

The purpose of the Sabbath is for spiritual uplift, for a renewal of our covenants, for worship, for rest, for prayer. It is for the purpose of feeding the spirit, that we may keep ourselves unspotted from the world by obeying God’s command.

For me, the Lord’s plan is perfect. His commandments don’t only view our spirit, but also our body. Remember, spirit+body=soul, and it is our soul that will be resurrected, so, if we tamper our body and spirit, we might not qualify to His kingdom. Logic; if our body needs food for fuel, our spirit also needs spiritual food, which can be provided by the word of God. If we neglect our spirit, same principle will apply as to how our bodies will die when we neglect it.

So, here are a few helps toward a sacred Sabbath:

—Houseclean, straighten up, refuel the car, and prepare clothing and meals in advance on Saturday.

—Provide for recreation and amusements during the week and provide for a holiday during the week, if possible.

—Get a good rest on Saturday night.

Students should study their school subjects during the week and keep the Sabbath sacred. I remember my teacher in laurel class who used to tell us that she really avoided studying every Sunday and she still managed to keep her grades high.

Businesses that close on Sunday can also succeed.

I personally have realized the importance of the Sabbath Day. Whenever I delay my weekday works, my Sabbath day is automatically ruined, and it really makes me feel bad. But whenever I get diligent at all things, not a minute or so I suffer. I can always feel the spirit of the Lord with me, which is my favourite part of all.

I know that God lives and is not changing eversince. I know that if we follow His commandments faithfully, we shall be saved. I also know that President Thomas S. Monson is His living prophet. I know these things to be true, and I live this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

A week after my finals exam, my mom announced that she shall be booking our tickets for our Boracay trip together with her 2 co-teachers and their family as well. At first, I was dubious about her announcement, but when she showed our itinerary, that was the only time that I believed and got so excited!!!

We rode a big ferry ship. Since this is my first time to go to Boracay, you can see the thrill on us in this picture.

I have managed, however, to sleep the whole night of our trip going to Caticlan port, and woke up 4:00 in the morning. On my brother’s part he wasn’t able to catch a good sleep so he was up all night. He also joined me when he saw me sitting and stargazing at the deck.

At 5:00 in the morning, the sun started to show itself. An hour later, we were almost near the port, but the docking of the ship was delayed for there were many ships that were also docked at the port.

Upon our arrival, we first secured our transactions then we rode another boat to take us to the island of Boracay.

When we reached Boracay, we immediately rode a fancy tricycle. Too bad I wasn’t able to take a picture of it to show its cleverly designed front.

We headed to station 3 because someone helped us to secure our temporary abode. It was in Alice in Wonderland hotel. We thought it would be the first and last for us to stay, but the rates of the hotel were unfavorable to the parents, so we ended up in a korean hotel.

The Korean Hotel that we stayed in is called Violet Spa(formerly Bora Spa). We only stayed there for one night because the room that was given to us was actually reserved for someone. So on our 2nd night, we stayed in a nearby dormitory village to our first stay-in.

On our first day in Boracay, we only enjoyed the waters.

The Boracay beach is so clear, and the white sands are all true! However, there are weeds on the shoreline especially on the areas where people can only swim.

Then we strolled the whole island at night!

It was a penitensya before we finally decided on what restaurant we were to eat. We ended up in Smoke’s Restaurant and we had prawns and bulalo.

We were all thrilled by their foods, but it took them so long before they can serve the meal!

Our 2nd day was a blast!!! We finally had our water sports! We experienced Parasailing, Helmet Diving, and Skimboard.

Parasailing is the best! I can still remember the tingling sensation and it’s also like you are in an open helicopter. The view from the top is the whole island of Boracay and vast ocean!

I also enjoyed the speed boat ride whenever we are to be dropped off in a certain point. The driver made it  almost a roller coast ride!

Helmet diving is less thrilling, however, you have to constantly equalize yourself to avoid the pressure from ripping you off.

After our Parasailing, we asked the maneuver of the speed boat to take us to station 1.

As we walked along the shores of station 1, we also took lots of sunset pictures, and as we take pictures, there was this guy who has a skimboard.

My brother threw interest on the skimboard until the guy taught me and eduard how to use the skimboard. He was such a nice guy to teach us how without any charges. We just gave him a tip.

Saturday came, a day full of goodbyes to the island. We left the island at around 10am that we may still have time to tour the island of Aklan. 

Our first stop in Aklan was their famous longaniza. Alongside of our tour is the cathedral for the rest of the gang requested it.

Our 2nd stop was at New Washington to visit Sampaguita Gardens. Before we entered there, we saw an LDS chapel next to it.

The Sampaguita Garden, according to mum, has an affiliation with the LDS Church.

The Sampaguita Gardens has many large structures in it. It belongs to Sam Butcher.

INDOOR SPORTS

1. Pinoy Henyo

2. Chess

featuring Tirso Cruz este Bro. Sol Antonio, President Libid, AJ, Jessica, Joseph, and Bishop Ombega

3. Table Tennis

OUTDOOR SPORTS

1. Tug-o-war

2. Volleyball

3. Basketball

4. Kickball

candid shots

Vanezza Carlton Astilla hahaha

Sis. Annjela San Juan frenzied by Hunger games, and instantly models puma for Hunger Games. haha 

No one disturb her or  you’ll catch fire!

1st picture: President Libid busy on his game. His secret in his countless victory in chess is his spectacles’ checkered frame!

2nd picture:Karen is watching the contestants in amazing race solve the first task-ginormous puzzle on the church grounds.

Even a graded specs works over a defocused camera.

KIRIDA ft. Noy, Shinehah, and Jessica :))

Neah: Stupid me… I shouldn’t have allured that turd 

Noy: Ano ba tong nagawa ko? huhuhu

Jessica: Ayoko na„, It’s over…

(haha)

HIGHLIGHTS

1. My cousin, Ted, who received the highest mark in his high school graduation, also received gold medal in his seminary course!

He’ll be studying in Ateneo de Manila as full scholar with allowance, and will be taking up BS Mathematics: Applied Mathematical Finance.

2. My brother who got a bronze medal. I was shocked by this. I didn’t really expect him to be serious with seminary, but then he got bronze… not bad! I told him that he should next time aim for the best.

3. My cousin AJ who got a gold medal in their Old Testament course.

4. My ward’s ever supportive bishop! I know that he is so happy about his youth’s achievements. BTW, almost all of the youth in Molino 2nd ward got an award in seminary. That’s so pleasing to hear!

5. My mom who unbelievably joined us to this event.

6. Anamay Mejico whose bangs are similar to Katy Perry!

7. Karlo Mendoza, who called Anamay Whitney Houston, looking like a fine married leader in his posture.

Last year, we were also inside Katrina’s room, spending our remaining time wisely before Katrina’s come back to Negros.

Our lips are all red because we also had an MTV shoot, if not, we will all turn out pale. So in the picture, you can see there beautiful babaloos, ducklings, and ogres. haha

Continuous wacky poses… I told Maisie that we should imitate Mona Lisa… Fail.

… and notice Shinehah… so beautiful! She can really be a model for cosmetics.

Okay?! HAHA Everyone’s going crazy. hahahah Maiba naman daw!

With Adrian’s work of art! and of course… Katrina has the greater resemblance of her sister. haha

I just love my set of photos with Katrina… and I really missed her so much!

Dinner is served!!!

The second picture was taken at Shinehah’s home. I just added this picture because the documentation on the happening at Shinehah’s home was not well-covered.

As for the incident at Shinehah’s home, it was on the 30th after we worked with the missionaries. Actually, before we went to Neah’s home, we went to SM Molino first to purchase some necessities. I also asked Jessica to teach me about taxation, and Shinehah has the book about it so we decided to settle at Shinehah’s and have dinner as well.

Last photo sessions before we called it a day.

Stolen shots while working :D

I gave mommy a white dress.

During our Relief Society class where Diane’s mom was the teacher. She actually just facilitated, and our lesson was about being a daughter of our Heavenly Father. TO make the class more exciting, some of the principles in the lesson were embedded in a song in tune of Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko.

My mom with her colleagues.

The official private and exclusive celebration with the family.

Of course, her cute chikitings with Coco. hehe

Molino, Bacoor, Cavite - The Colina’s went back for an 8-day vacation to check out their House at MHomes.

It was almost a big surprise visit for the whole ward of Molino 2nd when the Colinas’ entranced inside the sacrament hall of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, though there had been already a slight spill in the facebook group page of Molino 2nd Ward - Single Adults, announcing everyone this: “Katrina Marie Colina in the house!” - announced by Darielle Abanilla.

Abanilla wasn’t informed directly by Katrina Colina. The information was from Katrina’s cousin named, Irby Patoc Cerina, who spilled the news to Darielle’s brother, Eduard, about the said coming of the Colinas.

Katrina, Anton, together with their parents are the only members of the family who went back to visit Cavite. Two others, Adrian and Denver stayed at home, and Elder DJ Colina who is still in Butuan Mission,however, Toni Colina-Asay, Georgia, will be arriving here in Philippines. on Thursday.

The ward welcomed the family very warmly. Relief Society - Single Adults had their short photo shoot with their long-missed friend, Katrina.

(Blessed are they amongst all women :)))

(Waley lang)

Kulot

(Iisang peg, di naman nag-usap - Animal Print, Black/Grey/Brown, Kulot)

Sis. Colina!!! :)

(Ganda lang e :))

(KAT!!!)

(Naka-heels siya jan. Tangkad ba? Magpipicture kasi kaming 2 jan e, so ginawa niya, hiniram niya heels ni Nova.:) )