“THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD”

by: Norberto Betita

The alarm rings at exactly 4:15 in the morning. While the comfortable bed seemed to hold my back for added hours of sleep through the weary night, yet the call of duty rings for me to arise and do the cooking. This has been my regular daily routine together with my wife. For so long I believe there is no greater call of duty than those performed within the walls of home and family.

Soon I heard the sweet songs of tiny birds common around our backyard signaling the breaking of dawn. While waiting for the meat to cook, I complemented the time intervals with readings from the Psalms of David in the Holy Bible which was to be our lesson for the coming Sunday school of which I was requested to teach in the absence of our regular teacher.

As the light started to creep and peep by our windows and the night shadows flee, I opened the door and witnessed the morning breaks as the hill-hidden sunlight sneaked from the cloud-covered sky. Then I felt the cold breeze of the southern winds tenderly blowing the leaves of tall trees where tiny birds sing while hovering from one tree to another. The bonsai trees crowding at our backyard again glowed in beauty and splendor. My mind then brought to remembrance the words I had just studied a few minutes earlier: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handy work” (Psalm 19:1).

What gratitude I felt as I went back to my room and offered my regular morning prayer! My heart overflows with thankfulness for the knowledge of the gospel and the testimony of a personal living God who made available on earth all that is needed of mankind. The very tiny new sprouts of green grass; the bloom of wild flowers; the evergreen colors of shrubberies; the hanging aerial roots of newly grown Ficus epiphytes; the tiny flowers and fruits of the bonsai trees which feeds the little birds; the ferns, large and small that grow by their own on crevice of walls and fences, and on trunks of trees; and the tall-leaves-laden matured trees surrounding our neighborhood, make me wonder the beauty of the creation. Many of these plants and trees have grown from the works of nature, a testimony of the truth of God’s unfailing words: “For, consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these. For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things.” (D&C 84: 82-83.)

As the sun rises slowly into the firmament, clouds created silver linings that decorate the azure sky. The glimmering light of day exposed the dazzling view of the horizon and the green landscapes over hills and plains. The glaring and intense heat of the noonday sun scorched and dehydrated my potted bonsai plants and trees with leaves wilted from burning temperature. Yet leaves stood back in beauty and grandeur as water is sprinkled in the late of afternoon. When the sun slowly sets its glory down the hide of the mountain range, reflections of distant skyline turns gold in color of exquisite magnificence. As the remaining golden light turns dark the new moon in the western sky lends its restrained brightness until it follows the sun in its predestined orbit and what is left are the twinkle of billions of stars in heaven’s resplendent glory. This made me marvel and admire as did the Psalmist who declared: “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches” (Psalm 104:24).

The words of God to Moses filled my soul with awe and amazement: “…worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.” (Moses 1:33.) “… And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations….” (Moses 7:30.)

The physical vision of the stunning beauty of the earth and the marvelous grandeur of heavenly lights, forms and figures established beyond reasonable doubts the majesty and glory of a living personal God.

CHOSEN OF THE LORD TO PRESIDE AND LEAD

by: Norberto Betita

Left to right-my son-in-law, our branch president, myself and my son
our district president

Living in the third world like the Philippines, where doors of opportunities seem but a few and hard to find, and where salaries could hardly make both ends meet, all eyes are focused on the vast and seemingly innumerable doors of better opportunities and greener pastures in lands faraway. The increasing Filipino diaspora throughout the world is one sad proof of such scarcity of employment prospects. Even those with professional degrees, highly trained and best skilled intelligent workers find it difficult to open bolted doors of opportunities in our own land, and so join the diaspora, resulting to a brain drain.

To the Latter-Day Saints labor pool, the same temptation to leave the family for better and more rewarding employment opportunities abroad is an ever-present concern. Ecclesiastical leaders discouraged priesthood holders to leave families in favor of work abroad. Yet keeping a balance between spiritual and temporal considerations oftentimes moves them off shore. Only a call from God seemed to be one best resistance against the temptation. It is the only real motivation to stay afloat on their little boat of hope while the roaring waves of temporal challenges raged on in the dark and tempestuous seas of life.

My son was preparing himself and viewing a possible prospect abroad. The whole family had applied for a passport in anticipation for a needed movement away from home while under threat of his employer’s operational belt-tightening and possible closure. He was then the Branch President in our unit. All things considered, he thought it proper to favorably respond to his brother-in-law’s invitation to work in the United Arab Emirates than to have his family suffer from destitution and despondency. But before he could leave, he was again chosen of the Lord to preside and lead a church district in our locality. His Priesthood leadership was needed by the Lord and he finds no excuse, complaint or reason for refusal, but accepts the call with full purpose of heart even in apprehension of his personal inadequacies. He left all his temporal concern with faith in the same God who called him to a new priesthood duty.

In my management schooling which earned for me a Master in Business Administration we were taught to motivate people to ENGAGE, INVOLVE, and PARTICIPATE in attaining corporate goals in accordance with corporate mission and vision. True engagement in a work place has always been the corporate plans even now. While in a corporate leadership people do compelling duties by order of authority in return for the value of their salaries, many still do not adhere to the corporate motivational techniques. Costs are therefore added by conducting enhanced training through hired consultants.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints called leaders are volunteers and the local organizations are manned by unpaid workers. This seemed to be a very hard kind of leadership in which you simply convince people to engage in the work according to their personal discretion where the only motivation is the knowledge that the energy, talents and resources invested give meaning to their service commitment and Christian faith. The one single impetus and stimulus is for the leader to be a personal example of a true follower. The prototype of being a faithful disciple with the best intention to help others become faithful followers is the very essence behind church leadership calling. “Like the Savior, leaders seek to minister to individuals and families, both spiritually and temporally. They care about each person, not just about managing an organization. They reach out to…those who may be lonely or in need of comfort.” (www.lds.org.) I tried to apply these simple church leadership principles as an addition to corporate leadership and I found it very effective that for many years I have been a consistent recipient of an outstanding performance.

All righteous and worthy Priesthood holders are candidates to a calling in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. No one applies for a position neither are any Priesthood holder required to submit a resume when called upon to any title of authority in the Church. They are called by inspiration and when calls are extended to any one Priesthood holder, he is bound to accept the voluntary service in accordance with his oath and covenant of the Holy Priesthood, no matter his inadequacies and imperfections. “We believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” (Articles of Faith 5). A call by prophecy from the one who holds the Priesthood key usually comes in surprise to the one called. Generally only the one who holds the key to extend the call and the one being called knows. The wife only knows as soon as the call is accepted through an interview of support considering the weight of a calling from God that might affect the family.

Such was the case of my son Robert Sherwin. Without any prior premonitions or presentiments, he was chosen of the Lord to preside over a small district of the Church in Surigao City. The call was extended to him by the Mission President of the Philippines Butuan Mission. I am a counselor in the Mission Presidency, but I never know and the whole family knows only during the sustaining of the newly called leadership in a conference on September 7, 2014. There was not even any prior knowledge about the reorganization of the district. Hence the call was totally a surprise. But like Nephi of old he can only say, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” (1 Nephi 3:7). He has several prior plans for his family life, but with the new call he has to redirect his goals accordingly. The call to preside and to lead is not an easy one. It requires time and effort. The call of duty and service in God’s Kingdom demands, “…our heart, might, mind and strength… faith, hope, charity, and love with an eye single to the glory of God… virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence… (D & C 4:2, 5-6).” These attributes and virtues are required because as a Priesthood leader he is to be engaged in a position where all those who work with him are volunteers from all walks of life and different educational levels. It will be a test of no ordinary leadership. He is to lead as a servant and steward.

My son served a two-year full time mission. He also served as Branch President for six years. With these experiences he feels that he is still inadequate as to preside over six operating branches in the district with a total membership of approximately 2,500, plus the fact that he is a career man with corporate supervisory accountability, and a paramount and preeminent responsibility to his family. Yet he knew that ‘when he is in the Lord’s errand, he is entitled to the Lord’s help’. Therefore, he takes to heart the clarion call of President Thomas S. Monson: “reach outward. … Membership in the Church calls for a determination to serve. A position of responsibility may not be of recognized importance, nor may the reward be broadly known. Service, to be acceptable to the Savior, must come from willing minds, ready hands, and pledged hearts.”

God's promised help did manifest. While there was massive retrenchments, he was retained in his position as ISO Internal Auditor and IT supervisor. The company did not close but is now looking forward with anticipation to a full mining operations.

As the presiding authority, he now stands as a watchman upon the towers of Zion, “…to warn the wicked from his wicked way…(see Ezekiel 3:17-19).” His foremost role is to strengthen the district into becoming a stake of Zion by leading the people in righteousness. This is no easy task but with God manifesting Himself to His appointed oracles, nothing is impossible. As in the words of President Thomas S. Monson: “Whatever our calling, regardless of our fears or anxieties, let us pray and then go and do.” (“They Pray and They Go,” Ensign, May 2002, 51.) In such a call from God, there is no better training for a Priesthood leader than to read the handbooks of instructions and be guided by Him through the Holy Ghost---the source of pure intelligence, in the performance of his functions.

As a counselor in the mission presidency I have the opportunity to sit with them in council immediately after the new District Presidency were set apart. My counsel to them as an initial step is to set a goal and make a plan of action. The goals will become the network that will connect efforts towards achievements.

Perhaps there is no greater parental accomplishment than to see our children serve in different capacities in the church. Our goal is to be an eternal family, and for each to be in continued and uninterrupted righteous service in the Church is the best assurance that we can move forward to the attainment of our eternal goals. King Benjamin taught that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). Indeed, there is real happiness and joy in touching the lives of people as we are called to serve and to lead. The Lord declared: “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.” (D & C 64:33-34.) As a father I am truly grateful for my son’s call to preside and lead in the small district of the Church and his ever willing heart and mind to accept the challenge, while temporarily leaving behind his dreams for temporal growth and development for his family. .

WE’RE GRANDPARENTS; DO WASHING DISHES MAKE US LOW?

By: Norberto Betita

It is common in many families that grandparents are to be assisted by children and grandchildren rather than for the elderly to serve them. I am a grandfather and I wash dishes in favour of my grandchildren. Does it made me low? Of course not! Washing dishes is a noble assignment for everybody in the home. Does it matter if the one who does such a house chore is an old grandmother? It does not matter either. It is an even grander and most noble duty for grandparents old as they may be to serve their children and grandchildren while their physical body allows. As in the Chinese proverb: “The old are the precious gem in the center of the household.” As grandparents we may have increasing lines and crinkles in our faces, yet our hearts are never wrinkled. The attributes of kindness, unbounded love, joy of service, faith to endure, and cheerfulness makes ever young our hearts. Ecstatic joy fills our hearts as another grandchild is born, especially when we are told that the child’s countenance reflects our own.

When we are newly married and our children are young we are called by such humble address as father and mother, probably because it is our primary responsibility to care for our children. We also just ordinarily called them son or daughter. When we get a little older and our children are married and have their own children, there is added the adjective ‘grand’ to the word father and so the old man became a grandfather and the old woman grandmother or the two as grandparents. The ordinary calling therefore of the father or mother are magnified by the adjective grand which means among others being outstanding, magnificent, far-reaching, impressive, fantastic, etc., etc. So it is with our children’s children, which we call grandchildren. They are grand because they are part of our outstanding and majestic accomplishment. It has been said that "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."

The call of grandparents then requires a luxurious part in their hearts for their grandchildren. So that when they call “grandpa will you please help me with my homework”; “will you please edit my campaign speech for our student government”; “ will you please translate these tagalog words to English”; “can I have one of your plants submitted for my project at school”; “grandma can you wash the dishes, I might be late for school”; the hands of the grandfather and grandmother are ever extended and heart always open as to say, “yes my dear grandchild let me do it for you; I love you.” For these reasons the grandparents are at times misunderstood as being spoilers. However, "Grandparents, like heroes, are as necessary to a child's growth as vitamins." (Joyce Allston).

It is true, we wake up early in the morning to cook food, prepare breakfast and wash the dishes for our grandchildren. We feel it a privilege to be able to show our love for them through our simple acts of service while we are still able. In this way our relationship becomes even strengthened and intensified not only with our grandchildren but their parents as well who are our children. However, these are not permanent things that we do. These and other responsibilities remained to be the principal accountability of the parents. Ours are only piddling extensions when parents are too busy caring for the foremost needs of the family.

In the absence of parents, we conduct family home evenings, family scripture study and family prayers with them. This way we are able to share our feelings, experiences, testimonies, love and faith about the importance of the Gospel in their lives. Geoff Dench was quoted as saying: "Grandparents should play the same role in the family as an elder statesman can in the government of a country. They have the experience and knowledge that comes from surviving a great many years of life's battles and the wisdom, hopefully, to recognise how their grandchildren can benefit from this." Our personal stories of obedience; testimony of the gospel; learning and overcoming mistakes; love for each other; our desires to create a forever family and to reach that goal, can have lasting effects in their lives. I used to write my personal history; about my relationship and everlasting love for my wife, their grandmother; stories of our children and grandchildren; my personal experiences about obedience and many others for our grandchildren to read and have some uplift as they move forward in their mortal journey and for our coming generations. 

The Apostle Paul acknowledged in “remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in [Timothy], which dwelt first in [his] grandmother Lois, and [his] mother Eunice…” then he continued, “and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Timothy 1:5). Likewise, my wife and I are confident that as we continue to share our time assisting in the nurturing of our grandchildren they will one day find the road to righteous adult life.

I am counting the days when my grandchildren will be married and have children of their own, and they would add an even superior adjective ‘great’ to my patriarchal calling. I hope God will add a score to my age that I may have the privilege to hear my posterity utter such an eminent, noble, and exalted words GREAT-GRANDFATHER and GREAT-GRANDMOTHER for my wife with the same opportunity for me to call them GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN. Will it make a difference then if my great-grandchild requests: “Great-grandpa will you please wash the dishes for me?” Yes, it would be such a great privilege!

FROM THE GALL OF BITTERNESS AND THE BONDS OF INEQUITY

by: Norberto Betita

No matter our great desires to live a life of righteousness and shun evil influences that surrounds our circle of life we still stumble into the dark and dreary abode of sin and error. While in mortality we are subject to this condition. Paul made this clear as he wrote to the Romans saying: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).” The Apostle John made it even well-defined: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him [the Lord] a liar, and his word is not in us (1 John 1: 8, 10).”

As a result of our sinfulness we suffer from the very unpleasant feeling of guilt. Every one of us has at least tasted the pain of conscience which follows our mistakes. Soon enough we are brought to the realization that guilt is harder to bear than physical pain. Many prophets in the scripture described how painful guilt can be. The prophet Alma speaks of it as “gall of bitterness and bonds of inequity…darkest abyss”, and being “racked with eternal torment harrowed up to the greatest degree.” (see Mosiah 27:29). The pain of guilt is compared to the “torment…as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable.” (Mosiah 3:27). Brimstone is another term for sulfur. However, we can be redeemed from all our sins. “We believe that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind maybe saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.” (Articles of Faith 3). The atonement offers redemption from spiritual death and from suffering caused by sin.

Alma expressed his experience after deep and sincere repentance of his sins: “My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvellous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more (Mosiah 27:29).” So it can be with us. The Atonement of Jesus Christ can be our source of daily power when we are burdened by remorse of conscience because of our sins. 

Am I a disgrace? This is a question once asked by a beloved daughter. I told her in a letter, “You are never a disgrace. We hate the term to describe our dearly beloved children; not even while in a most serious of sins. The same as your siblings, you are, to us, like beams of sunlight shining in the break of day or a shining star in the night sky which once was covered by windswept dark clouds passing by, and eventually cleared to glimmer and shine even brighter at noon of day and at mid of night. Never be bothered by the past, just learn from it. We “all sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Nephi of old, a very righteous prophet even acknowledged his own sinfulness. Said he, “O wretched man that I am, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh. My soul grieveth because of mine inequities. I am encompassed about because of the temptations and the sins, which do so easily, beset me. And, when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins. Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. He hath filled me with His love even unto the consuming of my flesh” (2 Nephi 4:17-19, 21). The Lord invited us, “Come and let us reason together…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). What is therefore most important is that after we have stumbled, we arise and change for the better, recharging our light of life to shine even brighter until the perfect day, as you have truly done. You are now advancing with increased faith and hope for the dawning of a brighter day in your life, carry on, carry on. We love you very much. We thank you for the opportunity of having our hands extended in a loving grasp and joyful embrace for you and your beloved family. May you continue to hold fast to the iron rod and press forward with eyes focused towards the Temple and ‘single to the glory of God’." 

At times in the wake of our failures and mistakes, and together with guilt resulting from our sinfulness, we self-judge ourselves and mark our person with descriptions of ignominy and dishonor, which we are not supposed to do. Self-judgment does not in any way correct our errors nor relieves us of our guilt. Our failures and sinfulness are but insignificant parts of our great worth as a person. Through sincere and genuine repentance the guilt can be easily healed through the power of the Atonement. As it was with the prophet Alma, we are healed and freed “from the gall of bitterness and the bonds of inequity (Mosiah 27:29).” And better still as we continue in obedience and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then like Nephi we may say: “Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.” (2 Nephi 4:28).

Indeed, we can be forgiven, we can be released and liberated from the gall of bitterness and be freed from the bonds of inequity through the redeeming love of Him who atoned for all the sins of the world, even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ELDER AND SISTER TORIO---OUR GRATITUDE

By: Norberto Betita

We were informed that they will be coming, but were to be a bit delayed for health requirements. Come they did on March 2013 and made the history of being the first couple missionary to have served in the Philippines Butuan Mission. In their missionary bags the carried this beautiful promise declared by Elder Robert D. Hales: “If you are or will soon be the age of a senior missionary, I come to you … to witness of the blessings that can change your life forever. Your Heavenly Father needs you. His work, under the direction of our Savior Jesus Christ, needs what you are uniquely prepared to give. Every missionary experience requires faith, sacrifice, and service, and these are always followed by an outpouring of blessings.”

Elder and sister Torio willingly responded to the prophetic call for couples to serve and left the comfortable confines of home and family. For eighteen months they missed the joy of being with their grandchildren---the little messy kids that added the adjective ‘GRAND’ meaning outstanding, impressive, influential, splendid, magnificent, wonderful, fantastic, to the word parent, giving them the most respectable title of grandparents. They missed the hugs and kisses from children and grandchildren; the company of friends and neighbors; the joyous outings and vacations; the solemnity and tranquility of the home atmosphere. These and all others they willingly sacrificed for such a very important priority which in the end will even increase such missed times with family and friends. 

They sat in a comfortable desk at the mission office. Missed are the casual shirts and dresses that they have to regularly wear each day, changed into the missionary attire of white shirts and formal Sunday’s best dresses. In the seemingly comfortable environment of the mission office and out are regular daily loads of responsibilities to undertake---reports, calls, follow-ups, apartment inspections, driving for General Authorities, family visits and rescue, long hours of travel, speaking in conferences at short notices, and they have all. Yet doing such were never a burden to them. They performed their duties with satisfaction and commitment. They are in the service of God and His children, “… and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth. (D & C 118:3).

From the Area Office are calls received and demands of reports are passed on to local leaders who themselves are busy with their paternal responsibilities. Then the reply, “Elder we will do it soon.” Never could he pass this same reply to the Area Office but wait. In a week or two or at times even after a month follow-ups are made; the answer improved, “Elder we have the report already submitted to the District President.” But where, and the only thing he can do is smile. 

They travel long hours and mileage for apartment inspections and checks. Young missionaries are caught in surprise and try to hide the messes and clutters, but could find no time to conceal the dirty rest rooms. They would promise to do better and improve their abodes. Words of reproof are expressed “by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness and by love unfeigned.” Then realizing that these young missionaries were victims of their prior circumstances they “show an increase of love toward whom they have reproved.” (see D&C 121:41-43). And, at the end of a day’s travel they hope and pray that these young missionaries will learn even the simple rule of housekeeping.

At times during District Conferences they are called upon to drive for a General Authority who is to preside, when the Mission President have a different assignment. In the course of the conference, they are given short notice to speak and give a brief message. It is one hard thing to do when you are in front of an overflowing congregation and you wanted to share a message that will inspire and edify in so short a time. Sometimes being caught unaware they became dependent from inspiration and so gave the Holy Ghost more work to do. And they were never forsaken. 

At the ward where they are attending they are assigned families to visit and rescue. “Faith, hope, charity and love with an eye single to the glory of God (D&C 4:5)” became their guiding light and shining example as they tried to help reclaim the once burning testimony from the hearts of every hopeful family. Their missionary spirit radiates the home with the joy that the gospel brings. Testimonies were renewed and souls are conveyed back to the ever open fold of God. There is no greater joy and satiating contentment than seeing families come back unto Christ and again partake of the blessed hope for eternal life.

In time they were assigned to stay in the District groomed to become a Stake of Zion. They willingly shared their experiences. They served, they loved, they inspired, they trained, and they did as they are told. They may never be able to witness the dawning of the newborn Stake of Zion in their mission life, yet they are ever filled with the joyful anticipation to see the seeds they have planted to germinate and sprout towards spiritual growth and progress. 

       

Time zooms like a supersonic jet above the sky. As in a trip towards a desired destination, their mission ends and soon they will be honorably released. They eventually will leave the thresholds of the Philippines Butuan Mission back to the ever exciting life with children and grandchildren, and friends. Surely they will miss the thrills and joys of mission life. They will set loose the firm handshakes of people they have worked with in the mission field. Yet they will have their missionary bags overflowing with treasured memories which will last forever. In James Barrie’s words, “God gave us memories, that we may have June roses in the December of our lives.”

Our hearts overspills with overwhelming gratitude as we bid them farewell. We will yearn and hunger for the time and wonderful camaraderie that they have shared with us. But off they have to go. As we wave our hands for goodbyes we need only say, THANK YOU VERY MUCH ELDER AND SISTER TORIO; “GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN.”