A CHRISTMAS TRADITION OF JOY AND LOVE

By: Norberto Betita

We are now celebrating the time of peace, love, joy and gladness and the glorious moments of gift giving and sharing one’s abundance to the least. But even in this season of love, cheers and happiness, the world is shrouded with news events of continued trouble, hatred, greed and ruthless injustice to the hungering and materially depressed poor.

At this time of the blessed season, whether we are like the rich academics wise men or the poor shepherds watching in the field, let us not be disturbed by the endless greed and corruption and cacophonies in the world. Let us temporarily forget all the darkness, troubles and gloom that try to envelope the earth, and instead focus our attention on the transcendent gift from Heavenly Father of a Savior, the light of the world, even the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ should be central to our celebrations, as it is declared, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

Let us then allow the perpetual light of Christ which shines not only on this blessed season of the year, but the whole year through, to encompass our celebrations of the blessed season with peace and love; joy and gladness. Let us remember the words of the angel, on that first Christmas morn to the poor “shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night,” (Luke 2:8), who said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11).

Let us, therefore, rejoice as did the “multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14).

The story of the first Christmas, as long since written by prophets before it actually happened, selected the stable and the lowly manger as its most humble scene. And the first ever visitor of the Lord Jesus Christ were the poor shepherds. Yet, He was the prophesied King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the everlasting gift for all, both for the rich and for the poor. His coming as the Light and Savior of the world is Heavenly Father’s example of the spirit of gift giving, with a message of joy to the world.

Therefore, even in our destitute circumstances, we can, in an attitude of generosity and benevolence, establish a Christmas tradition of joy and love. Throughout history, Christmas stories were written with a message of joy in giving and in receiving. It is in itself a special gift for the giver, when the beneficiary receives the gift with gratitude, as much as it is a gift for the receiver to know that he is loved and therefore, learns to be willing to extend the same generosity and love to others. It is in generous giving that we learn to be more charitable, and it is in grateful receiving of the gift, that we learn to share and give to others.

The recollections of the past several Christmases once again radiate the wondrous experience of working with a very kindhearted and generous old farmerette of a Second Chance ranch, halfway across the world, whose ministering efforts to give joy and love on Christmas to the poor and needy extends beyond boundaries of oceans and continents. It all started when she served as a welfare missionary about 33 years ago in 1986, in the City of Surigao, Philippines.

Her ever benevolent heart was touched by the pathetic physical conditions of the people she met. The miserable situations of the families she daily visited during her stint as a missionary, stretched the boundary of her love and desire to reach out to people she doesn’t even know. Her love and concern for their welfare penetrate into her physical system as to always remind her of the choking clutch of poverty they suffer. But she was just a poor farmerette and her resources are limited. However, notwithstanding her financial constraints, she desired to share of her meager resources, not only during the blessed season, but also on occasions when she knows of an spiritual need, and thus, established for herself a Christmas tradition of joy and love.

As a faithful follower, she knows of the joy and gladness that come from the light of Jesus Christ. She wanted to share such light to provide glitters of joy during the blessed season, in the lives of those who are sheltered under the dark shadows of poverty. Thus, during those many Christmases and even during other seasons of the year, she sends her gifts to her appointed Santa and elves, whom she assigned to give Christmas presents to the needy souls. In all her charitable commitment, she doesn’t want to be identified.

She’s now 82 years old, but her kind-hearted nature remains ever vibrant and her light gleams increasingly as she continues to receive the blessings of joy and happiness attendant to her generous giving at Christmas time or even beyond the holiday season. She continues to brim with happiness as the transcendent gift of the light of Christ ever fills her heart. She feels to find her own person as she lose herself in generosity and service to others.

The wonder of her personality is that, despite her advanced age she never missed church. She continued to serve and magnify her callings in the church. She served in the temple for more than 15 years and train temple workers. She does her ministering 100%. She even participates in the choir.

As a friend of the family we are so deeply grateful of her continued love and friendship, which since that first short association in 1986, we have never personally connected with each other except in the mails and social media, not even on the phone. We are grateful for her trust which to us is even greater than being loved. We admired and always treasured the inspired life that she shared with us for the last many years. We are thankful that we had been 33 years part of her personal history.

She admits with humility her present limitations, but still, in acts of generosity, she again commissioned us, as it was in previous years, to act as her Santa and elves, to deliver her gifts to the needy beneficiaries. We are in deep gratitude of her example of service and charity, which noble attribute had since been a part of our lives. It doesn’t matter if we don’t have the traditional Christmas tree and decorations this blessed day. What matters most is that we shared a portion of what we have to those who needed the most as a Christmas tradition of joy and love, sharing not just the light that glitters to adorn, but the real light that shines from the true and real Light of the World---the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul so clearly taught: “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35).

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!

MY 11TH GRANDCHILD: THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS MORTAL ADVENTURE

by: Norberto Betita

                It is such a majestic opportunity for us to once again welcome a grandchild fresh from his heavenly home and parentage to commence his mortal adventure, leaving behind the comforts of premortality. This grandiose moment of seeing the picture for the first time of our 11^th grandchild in the eventide of our lives as grandparents brings to mind the words of an unknown author which says, “Grandchildren are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.”

                While cheerfully and excitedly viewing the lovely infantile images of the little babe at the very day of his birth, in my mind also reverberate the words of the poet William Wordsworth in which from his unclouded vision of our endless beginnings penned these lines:

“Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting;

The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting

And cometh from afar;

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God, who is our home:

Heaven lies about us in our infancy!”

(William Wordsworth - 1770-1850

"Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood." https://poets.org)

                Our excitement of having him to join with our family in mortality was first stirred up and quickened as Shauna Megan, her mother, happily announced her conception. The joy we felt was even amplified as it was expected that he will be born on the 29th of October 2019, the birth month of his grandmother Letecia of which she will celebrate a milestone of 70 years of mortal existence. To us his grandparents, he was a divine heavenly gift for his grandma’s birthday. Hence, instead of having a well celebrated 70th birthday on October 30th, she decided that we take a trip to Cebu City to welcome our grandson and visit the temple to express gratitude to Heavenly Father for the wondrous gift by doing vicarious ordinances for our dead ancestors at the same time. We missed his coming during our visit, but we are happy that he was eventually given birth on the birth month of his mother.  

                It was timely and perhaps a coincidence that Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf in his general conference message this October 2019, talked about our journey and adventure in mortality, relating the adventure story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, featured in a popular fantasy novel for children, which I guess his mother is very familiar with and will tell him in the future. His mother is a fan of this kind of adventure stories.

                Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, thus declared: “Perhaps one of the reasons this story resonates with so many is because it is our story too.

                “Long, long ago, even before we were born, in an age dimmed by time and clouded from memory, we too were invited to embark on an adventure. It was proposed by God, our Heavenly Father. Accepting this adventure would mean leaving the comfort and security of His immediate presence. It would mean coming to earth for a journey filled with unknown danger and trial.” (Your Great Adventure, by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2019 General Conference, churchofjesuschrist.org).

                Indeed, similar to the story of Bilbo Baggins in the Children’s fantasy, our grandson Charles is presented a plan to take an amazing journey and adventure into the mortal world with the promise of a grand reward---eternal life. But his is a true story. He understood firsthand the impending difficult consequences, but chose to embark and accept the challenge.

                He is now on board the commencement of his mortal adventure. He is so blessed to have chosen to be born in an atmosphere of love and kindness and gifted with parents who are spiritually inclined, although yet of different religious convictions, which is to be his first challenge in this adventure. With parents who are intellectually gifted and morally disposed, there lies an evident brilliant prospect of a well-positioned future. Yet still the road map to his grand adventure is for him to create and go along and keep an eye on.

                In his growing up he will be surrounded with good hearted relatives on both sides of the family that will provide him with kindly love, guidance and nurturing apart from the deepest love and guiding hands of his father and mother and the eternal bonds of family love and affinity.

                He is the first of our grandchildren to have been born in a marriage of two different cultures. But I believe that this is not much of a concern. I have my highest respect to his paternal grandfather---Tim---who, in an honest gesture of appreciation and respect gave me a token, a pin of an Australian and Philippine Flags together and declared these undying words to me: “This is an emblem of friendship and love between two nations, two people, and two families.” These words for me is a beacon that will link our families forever.

                Being the first grandchild of his paternal family, love and affection will surely abound bountifully for him. But that will also be matched by our family love. We are always hopeful that he will be linked to us, together with his family, into the realms of eternity.

                 Although he left behind the comforts of his heavenly home and the ‘immediate presence’ of his heavenly parents, yet as he now embarks in the commencement of his mortal adventure, completely left without the memory of those pre-earth knowledge and life, he will be ushered in by his most loving mortal parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins from both sides of the family within the joyful grasp of affectionate and warm embraces.

                However, as it is, he’s got to grow and develop into a man that he is destined to be. By then, through the guidance and nurturing hands of his loving parents, he will begin to understand better the grand and marvelous purpose of life and his mission on earth. He will subsequently realize the magnitude and significance of the many detours, trials and dead ends of life. He will come to know and appreciate the reasons for disappointments, anxieties, heartaches, pains and sorrows and all other varying challenges that may bar his adventure’s path.  Then at some vantage point up on the animated hills of life’s experiences, he will see in perfect vista the beautiful landscape and panorama that covers the dark valleys of life and therefore accept the reality that after all the trials and difficulties that his adventure brings, the truth remains that, “Men are, that they might have joy.” (2 Nephi 2:25).

                As his maternal grandfather and together with his grandmother---Letty---we may not have enough time in mortality to witness his growing up. All we can wish is for him to be able to live his childhood with health and vigor; with greater joy and gladness; and grow in knowledge and wisdom and spiritual capacity to cope with the challenges of youth and overcome the assaults of the adversary during his vulnerable tender age. That in his juvenile years he may be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the nurturing and guiding hands of his parents. That he may be raised as a responsible adult and emulate the kindly virtues and attributes of his parents. That he may grow up as a man of intelligence and stature, exercising with diligence the various spiritual gifts and talents in which he is inherently bestowed. That he may develop the hereditary cognitive skills and abilities that are genetically common in both of his parents. That he may cultivate the kind of industry and diligence exemplified by his father and mother. That he may have superior interest in his future quest for education and learning. That he may grow to be an instrument in the hands of God to gather his family on both sides of the veil to be part of God’s kingdom. That he may be ordained to the holy priesthood and actively participates in the affairs of the church and serve in righteousness and in truth to the end. That he may be blessed to have a family of his own and receive the exalting ordinances in the House of the Lord.

                As his grandfather, I cherish and treasure the day and time and the best opportunity to meet him in mortality, and be able to write and leave for him my words and best wishes which he may, in due time, read and ponder. Although we missed him during our supposed welcoming trip in Cebu City for his scheduled birth, I want him to know that I am so eagerly desirous to meet, hug and cuddle him soon after his birth. As I wished to tenderly feel the fondness of his presence, I especially quote this wonderful words of a poem:

“The promise of tomorrow

And the hope of dreams come true...

A reminder of the childhood

That's still a part of you...

The wonder of a miracle

From which this love began...

There is so much found in the touch

Of holding a grandchild's hand.”

(Author Unknown)

                Like the prophet Lehi in the Book of Mormon, “I have spoken these few words unto you…, my [grandson Charles], in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part…And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your soul… Amen.” (2 Nephi 2:30).

                We express our warmest congratulations to Richard Albert and Shauna Megan for the birth of their firstborn son and child Charles “Dodong” Betita Douglas-Denton. May love, joy, harmony, unity and peace continue to fill their hearts and allow the same to bloom and blossom more abundantly around the circle of their family life. May they continue to build a solid foundation and stronger building blocks of a happy home as they are now awarded the first priceless trust from God in their marital partnership. .  

TO LEAVE A LEGACY OF LOVE, FAITH AND SERVICE

By: Norberto Betita

Lety at the Temple Patron House

Surviving the many abysses and caverns in the long winding mortal journey of each passing year is such a glorious blessing, especially as one attains a milestone---enduring decades of living---in an atmosphere of perpetual challenges, while at the same time enjoying the marvelous opportunity to feel the love of God and His divine succor.

Such is the feeling of my dearest Letty as she now ponders about her eternal adventure through life. Indeed, reaching such a highpoint of life’s lengthy stretch fills her heart with deep and abiding gratitude to God, family and friends who are behind her during the long-drawn-out journey. As in an undetermined finishing line of life’s enduring race, she’s now about to cross the seventh decade of her mortal marathon.

As she now reaches the heights of her ascending trek of 70 years to her eternal dreams, she looks far back to that once upon a time when as a child she lived in a farming community, enjoying the beauty of nature, delighting on carabao rides while her father tugged the animal towards the farm, planting rice in a deep miry rice field, panning for gold, and dreaming for a much better life. Positive in her childhood vision, she pursued her elementary education with greater passion and zeal, and thus was accelerated by one year. However, the cruel hands of adversity struck its terror as to have her father suffer from a debilitating injury that lasted for so long. At an early age she became the errand girl, while her mother cares for her ailing father in the depths of affliction. She would sometimes walk several kilometers crossing the waist deep river carrying her purchases from town.

Letty 2nd from left with siblings- early high school

Her dreams came to a halt and her high school education was postponed. But her faith and courage was never shattered. Luckily, after three years of stunted educational and academic growth, a secondary school was established right at their Barangay’s doorstep. She grabbed with gusto the opportunity even just for the two years equivalent of high school education that it provided. Then with zest and deeply held conviction for the value of educational advancement, she ventured to find odd jobs in the city with her relatives and thus proceeded to complete her secondary education by herself.

Determination and courage continued to open for her opportunities to pursue a secretarial course in college as a working student, leaving behind her ambition to be a nurse under the shadow and gloom of forgotten dreams. It was during those times that we became more acquainted with each other as classmates. Such acquaintance eventually came to a point of an awkward unwelcomed relationship, even by friends, instructors, and family. While such dark side of the relationship somehow obscured our vision for a lasting and steady connection, yet it never barred Letty’s in-depth and profound faith and trust on the straggler looking man beside her. We stood together in that little square of fondness that walled our love for each other against the sarcasms and skepticisms that were thrown against us.

Junior's Prom with his brother 

Eventually, we were able to settle all odds and decided to take the unsupported trail of an immensely difficult beginning of a marital journey and partnership. We tried to cross and overcome every pitfalls and potholes along the path to the wider thoroughfare of success. Each passing day was a challenge and each succeeding year provided increasing level of improvement. Yet along the qualifying state of personal attainments there lies the unvarying wave of adversity that barred even the relentless efforts to level up. However, we are ever grateful to Heavenly Father for the feelings of joy and contentment that there is always enough for our daily needs after we give of our offerings to Him.

The same faith, courage and determination, and getting accustomed to each other while intently nourishing the warmth of family love and affection, sustained us together against the harsh realities of a penurious beginning of family life and the foundational requirements of marital consistency.

Letty 30 years ago

About a month of her 41st birthday, she gave birth to our fifth child. Yet beyond the rigors of raising and rearing five children, in between their births, she mothered two more foster daughters. And finally at age 50, she again accepted a mothering responsibility of a 5-month-old foster daughter as part of the family. All five of our children and two of our foster daughters earned college degrees, except the one who surrendered her future to personal independence after high school graduation.

While shaping the personalities and character traits of our children and influencing their cognitive skills and abilities early on, making of them priceless family jewels, she felt so much gratitude that her efforts were never wasted. She felt so abundantly blessed from all the sacrifices she made for the growth and development of our children and foster daughters. She felt immeasurably grateful that all her efforts brought about a colossal transformation and refinement in her motherhood competency and her divine virtue of womanhood.

At 70 she lives on with an even deeper enthusiasm to give preeminence to God and family and in service to others. She just doesn’t want to be a mere spectator in the games of life played in the immense worldly arena, but to be a willing and active participant and contributor in her own little way. As a Relief Society President in the branch of the church she sees to it that the sisters in her care do not go hungry and naked and lacking in shelter. She feels not comfortable when she knows of a sister who is sick and destitute of the basic necessities and the spiritual bread of life. She promptly reports these concerns to her branch president, who thus draw from fast-offering funds of the Church to provide food and supplies for the needy members in accordance with inspiration and church policies. As a gospel teacher herself, she understood best the Old Testament teaching: “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” (Deuteronomy 15:11).



She has the Lord Jesus Christ at the center of her life. She believes that, “As you and I walk the pathway Jesus walked… We [will] discover he is more than the babe in Bethlehem, more than the carpenter’s son, more than the greatest teacher ever to live. We [will] come to know him as the Son of God” (Thomas S. Monson, The Paths Jesus Walked, April 1974 conference); our Savior and Redeemer.

As a voluntary Religion teacher in the Institute program of the church, she’s deeply concern of the spiritual welfare of her students. But she gives them, as always, the privilege to exercise their moral agency.

I have written more about our love story, but as the journey continues to move forward to these times of need for a highly elevated level of marital intimacy as we reached the age of grey, and look into each other’s eyes with dignified confidence, we together found that love becomes even fonder and more affectionate. The words of Gordon B. Hinckley then echo: “How sweet is the assurance, how comforting is the peace that come from the knowledge that if we marry right and live right, our relationship will continue, notwithstanding the certainty of death and the passage of time. Men may write love songs and sing them. They may yearn and hope and dream. But all of this will be only a romantic longing unless there is an exercise of authority that transcends the powers of time and death.” (Teachings of the President, Gordon B. Hinckley, Chapter 10, The Marriage That Endures, Ensign May 1974, 24).

As she turns the wheel of life’s milestone beyond her 70th year celebration of mortal existence and more years of compassionate living, her eternal spirit continues to be significantly stronger and longing for an invariably sympathetic mobility to love and to serve. Yet her physical body seems no longer could cope the demands of her spiritual energy as to sometimes, by faith, just allow her faltering feet and frozen shoulder to be dragged by the power of the spirit within her to a continuing acceptably successful performance. She believes that, “An obvious parallel between life and a marathon is the necessity to run diligently and endure to the end.” ( Joseph B. Wirthlin, Running Your Marathon, October 1989 General Conference, churchofjesuschrist.org).

She loves what President Russel M. Nelson said during the last General Conference: “When we love God with all our hearts, He turns our hearts to the well-being of others in a beautiful, virtuous cycle.” (Russel M. Nelson, The Second Great Commandment, October 2019 General conference, churchofjesuschrist.org).

Her every longing and desire to serve God and our family, and others of Heavenly Father’s children in faith are indelibly embedded in the heart, upon which chamber are treasured the deepest feelings of love and the unwritten sacred pages of family memories and service in God’s kingdom that will forever follow the journey to an endless end.

In this milestone of her reaching seven decades of an enduring race through life, her best wish is simply to be able to leave a legacy of love, faith and service for our children to emulate and remember as she will be off, in God’s due time, to finally embark back into her heavenly home.

While her 70th birthday should have been a day to be elaborately celebrated, yet she desires, instead, to welcome another bough in the family tree which is due to arrive fresh from his home in heaven on or about the same day in Cebu City. She simply and humbly wanted to celebrate her life’s historic episode with others of our children and grandchildren who had been away from home for some time.

More than all the best wishes that my heart and thoughts can conceive on this her birthday, is my most sincere and earnest prayer that she will continue to be a beacon of motherhood and family love; of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; of hope and courage; and service to God and His children. May she be blessed with continued physical agility and stamina to provide enough power and exuberance to perform her ever persistent wish for a lifelong service in God’s kingdom, where she has her life consecrated to be used up and worn out enough to leave a legacy of love, faith and service to God and His children.

THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD---A GUIDE TO FAMILY HAPPINESS

(5th of a series-National Family Week Celebration)

by: Norberto Betita

The family is under serious and continued attack by the strongest cavalry of the adversary, with its unabating offensive arsenal, determined to destroy home and family life in opposition to Heavenly Fathers great plan of happiness. 

In light with this raging battle between the cunning craftiness of the devil and his cohorts whose assaults are now taking a crack at infiltrating even the sacred boundaries of home, the Lord declared to His servants with specific clarity the safest defense and sure protection and warning. Thus, The Family: A Proclamation to the World was instituted and made part of the doctrines of the Church.

Accordingly, it declares, “WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (paragraph 1).

The proclamation declared with certainty and unbending assurance, as a reminder, the truths of our premortal identity and eternal destiny, thus:

“ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

“IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

“THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

“WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan” (paragraphs 3-5).

The ultimate goal and objective of every married couple is to create a family and to attain family happiness. Each child that comes into the marital union becomes an exclusive part of the circle. They carry with them a special bonding ingredient that helps build a happy home. They are not gifts to keep, but a charge of divine stewardship. The parents and the children then become an organized family, with its time honored role as the fundamental unit of society.

In such family organization the proclamation so states, “HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.”

“THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed” (paragraph 6-7).

As in organizing a race, a plan and a map for the route is crucial. So it is in building and creating a happy family life; there needs to be a road map and a clear navigating instructions to follow through. The family should understand that the route will always be passing dangerous channels and hidden cliffs. Along the difficult road, however, is provided a demarcation line that signals continued safety. The family needs to be aware that they should never risk trying the danger side, but to permanently walk along the line of safety---the covenant path. If by chance they slipped to the wrong lane, they must quickly change course. The road to a happy family life is not all ease and comfort, but oftentimes it is marked with thuds and bumps. The way is generally rough and steep. There never is provided an imperial avenue in the main thoroughfare towards family happiness.

Therefore, the proclamation being an inspired guide along the dimmed route, cautions: “WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets” (paragraph 8).

We are fortunately blessed that our government “recognizes the sanctity of the family life” (Section 12, Article II) in our constitution; and also “recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation.” (Section 1, Article XV). Consequently, we can easily work in harmony with the final statement that the proclamation provides:

“WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society” (paragraph 9).

The proclamation for the last week of September of every year as National Family Week Celebration, as being part of “…the policy of the government to fortify solidarity in the family and actively work for its total development;” and recognizing the “…need to call public attention and ensure nationwide awareness of the importance of the family,” (see Presidential Proclamation No. 60, series of 1992), is a clear indication of our government’s natural support to the call. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every citizen to help promote the theme of the National Family Week Celebration 2019: “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Panatag at Matatag na Pamilyang Filipino” and the measures upon which it is to be attained.

Indeed, the attainment of the universal goal of family happiness is a common responsibility of each and every member of the family with the father being in command. All must work together in unity, supporting each other in times of adversity, and ever ready to pull each other into the safe highway. The hopeful assurance of the atonement can be our source of daily strength and The Family: A Proclamation to the World is our sure steering guide along the pathway to family happiness.

I bear witness of the divinely instituted guide to family happiness---The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I testify that as we follow this heavenly instructions, we will not fail in our quest for ultimate family happiness not only in this life, but in the life to come, where families are forever.

“TURNING THE HEART OF THE FATHER TO THE CHILDREN, AND THE HEART OF THE CHILDREN TO THEIR FATHERS”

By: Norberto Betita

My genealogy

The Lord declared from Mt. Sinai, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12.)

Until I came to understand better the value of our eternal relationships with our forefathers did I begin to develop an earnest desire to leave for my children and posterity a record of my family as far as my personal knowledge and family history research can provide.

The conditions of today seem to be in common with that of Noah’s era when the Lord speaks of smiting the earth with a curse, and the flood happened as to cleanse the earth. As it is declared by prophets after Noah this curse might be repeated if we fail to turn our hearts to our ancestors and our children. The Lord warned: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6.)

In the light of the restored gospel and the restoration of the keys of the sealing power---the power which binds husbands and wives, and children to parents for time and eternity---by no less than the Prophet Elijah, I am, therefore, dutifully constrained to search out and turn my heart to my ancestors that they may be provided the opportunity to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel which they do not have the opportunity during their lifetime.

MY ANCESTRY AND ORIGIN

My paternal ancestral origin was traced from my Great-grandfather known only as Anco Arreza of Cantilan Surigao del Sur, estimated to have been born sometime in 1850. It was only recently that we learned of his marriage to Jacinta Esmero, estimated to have been born in 1852. Born to them in their marriage were five children: Jose – 1870; Dominga – 1872; Rafaela – 1874; Cornelio – 1876 and Juan – 1878. Records of their birth are all estimates. Their death records are also not available. For unknown reasons the family name was changed from Arreza to Betita.

Jose Betita---my paternal grandfather---migrated to Anao-aon, Surigao del Norte together with his siblings and stayed in the place until their deaths. He married Nieves Guhiting -1888 and begat Bernardo – 1907, and Millan – 11 October 1909-10 November 1994. Millan was to be my father.

My maternal ancestry can be traced back in Liloan, Leyte where my great-grandfather Catalino Luza Gasta – 1850 was born. He married Felomina Marqueda Gasta – 1853 and begat Porferio Marqueda Gasta – 1883. No other children were known.

Tecla Celino Mangle, my maternal grandmother, was also a native of Leyte, being born to Esteban Mangle -1865, and Vicenta Celino – 1866, my great grandparents.

Porferio---my maternal grandfather---married Tecla Celino Mangle – 1886 and migrated to Anao-aon, Surigao del Norte. In such marriage were born Teotimo – 1908; Mercedes – 23 September 1910-15 December 2002 (later married to Ramon Japzon); Pancrasio – 2 May 1916-26 February 1976 (married to Elvira Gesta); Fermin – 1919; Francisca – 9 March 1921-24 January 2004 (my mother); Felicula – 1923 (married to Julian Lopez); and Policronia – 17 February 1926 – 22 July 2018.

From the families of Anco Arreza (Betita) and his wife Jacinta Esmero , then to Jose Betita and Nieves Guhiting Betita; and from Catalino Luza Gasta and Felomina Marqueda Gasta to Porferio Marqueda Gasta; and from Esteban Mangle and Vicenta Celino to Tecla Celino Mangle, spawned the Millan Guhiting Betita and Francisca Mangle Gasta Betita family. 

My Parents

Millan Guhiting Betita and Francisca Mangle Gasta were married sometime in early 1935 when my mother was only 14 years old and my father was 26. They were both born in the small fishing and farming community of Anao, aon, Surigao del Norte. Their young marriage brought for them fourteen children one of whom was still born. From our eldest Senecia – 10 March 1935-7 October 2017 followed Flordeliza – 11 August 1937; Ismaelita – 27 January 1940-29 March 1977; Marrieto – 28 December 1941-24 December 1980; the twins Carlito – 16 December 1944------ and Manolito – 16 December 1944, Virginia – 28 January 1948; Janedina – 11 March 1950; Norberto – 25 August 1952; Clemente – 10 January 1955; Millan Jr. – 22 July 1957; Arnold – 4 October 1959; and Bernadette – 20 May 1962-May 1981, the special child. 

The living siblings

In January 23, 1974, I was married to Letecia Bullo Sitoy, daughter of Ricardo Golilat Sitoy and Basilia Anol Bullo of Mat-i, Surigao City. We begat five children---Hazel; Robert Sherwin; Lori Lynne; Kathleen Beth; and Shauna Megan, all of whom are now married and have their own families.

My children and grandchildren

My ten grandchildren

I am still in continued research for my ancestry in accordance with President Russel M. Nelson’s prophetic call to “help gather Israel on both sides of the veil.”

The prophet also said: “Mercifully, the invitation to “come unto Christ” can also be extended to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel. Part of their preparation requires earthly efforts of others. We gather pedigree charts, create family group sheets, and do temple work vicariously to gather individuals unto the Lord and into their families.” (The Gathering of Scattered Israel by Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles).

The Prophet Joseph Smith likewise declared: “And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.” (D & C 128:15)

Since then my family had been doing vicarious works for the eternal salvation of our dead ancestors and relatives, in the temple. As of this writing I have 29 vicarious ordinances reserved and ready to be performed in the temple for my ancestors and relatives who are now on the other side of the veil.

ESTABLISHING A ZION WORTHY FAMILY

(2nd of a series)

By: Norberto Betita

In this dispensation of the fullness of times, the same call and warning are raised for us to claim the cause of Zion and to prepare for the cleansing of the earth, no longer by flood but by fire, from so much wickedness, which is even greater perhaps than that of the time of Noah and Enoch. This is to be in preparation for the prophesied event of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for Him to undertake and start His millennial reign. His coming is dependent upon us as a people. Although the second coming of the Lord is already fixed by Heavenly Father, and He is the only one who knows when, yet He wanted us to do our part in the establishment and redemption of Zion. We need to understand and be taught to live the law of the Celestial Kingdom. We need to have the kind of faith and obedience as those people in the days of Enoch. We need to learn to be more diligent in our duties and experience the joy of magnifying our callings in service to God’s kingdom and his people.

Since the family is the fundamental unit of society and of the church, it is important that we need to first teach the principles of Zion to our children and slowly establish a Zion worthy family. It is more worthwhile to teach our children the fundamentals of a Zion like people and help them learn to obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel until they will eventually be made to understand and obey the higher laws of the Celestial Kingdom of God. 

As a father, in partnership with my wife, I felt it our solemn and fundamental duty to raise and nurture our children into the paths of righteousness and virtue. It is in the family circle that we are able to develop the attributes of a Zion people by showing them our deepest love and teaching them how to love and serve others.

We need to impress upon them the principles of proper behavior that are enshrined in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and help them feel the joy of living a clean life. It is in the home that we are able to build within our children the characters that might merit the qualifying virtues of Zion in the family. Elder Boyd K. Packer taught it this way:

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

We need to understand that the establishment of Zion, first in our homes, is not just for ourselves but for our children and our coming posterity for all to be able to claim the privilege and blessing of being a part of a Zion Society---the New Jerusalem. Therefore, it is a paramount imperative for each of us to sacrifice in creating upon us a clean heart and live our lives as to be worthy participants in claiming for the cause of Zion which is the very purpose and mission of this dispensation. 

Such is a magnificent and remarkable privilege which I wanted my children and grandchildren to know and understand while I am yet in this life. I wanted them to realize that my thoughts and prayers is for them to at least contribute in this grand and marvelous opportunity to take part in welcoming the Lord during His glorious return to end the horror and bloodshed in this troubled world.

Besides, our efforts to try to establish a Zion worthy family is actually to create within the family circle the very spirit and substance of the blessings of Zion and even the Millennium. President Kim. B. Clark explained:

“This great millennial day of the Lord surely will come. And He surely will come. But we do not have to wait for His Second Coming to receive the blessing of His presence and His coming. Indeed, we must not wait for those supernal blessings. Just as we must gather now and establish Zion now, so we must seek the blessings of the Millennium now if we are to enjoy them then. In 1863 George Q. Cannon said this about establishing the Millennium in our hearts and in our homes:

““By the Saints refusing to be led by the influences of Satan, and not yielding to his seductive temptations, he is virtually bound so far as they are concerned; and, when the head of the family can attain unto this power, and persuade his wife and family to do likewise, the power of Satan will be bound in that habitation, and the Millennium will have commenced in that household; and if all should take this course, man and the earth would soon be prepared for the coming of Jesus and the ushering in of the full Millennial glory, and the complete binding of Satan, of all of which glory they would already have a foretaste.”” (George Q. Cannon, 17 July 1864, Millennial Star, XXVI:514; emphasis added)” The Work of the Lord in the Kingdom and in Our Hearts, President Kim B. Clark, Brigham Young University–Idaho Education Week Devotional, July 20, 2007.) 

This is the very reason why as a father I have tried the best I can to live a family centered life, supported and reinforced by the everlasting principles and doctrines that are in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The knowledge and testimony I gained from my long and serious study of the doctrines and commandments and Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness, allowed me to set, as a significantly vital priority, those interests that are closely associated with strengthening and edifying my children and encouraging them to be active defenders of the ideals and tenets of truth and righteousness and the redemption of Zion.

I know how important my children, grandchildren and the rest of my posterity in the life hereafter. They are to be part of the family kingdom that Heavenly Father has promised to every worthy family who covenanted with Him in a sealing ordinance in the Holy Temple. So that I write my thoughts about them and express my love and counsels that all of us may unitedly follow the covenant path which the Lord has provided for us to attain our desired glorious destination in the Celestial Kingdom after we have been able to comply with the required worthiness, even to build a Zion worthy family in this life. It is only in mortality that we are to build the foundations of our kingdom in the eternities. President Joseph Fielding Smith reminded:

"We should remember, as Latter-day Saints, that outside of the celestial kingdom, there is no family organization [after death]. That organization is reserved for those who are willing to abide in every covenant and every obligation which we are called upon to receive while we sojourn here in this mortal life." (Joseph Fielding Smith, In Conference Report, Oct. 1948, 153.)

There are no perfect families, but all are to struggle towards that end. Perfection is not in this life, but we are given this mortal time to “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12.) It seems that in each family there may be a prodigal or two whose hostile attitudes poses to be a challenge against our efforts towards our goals. Yet the divine gift of repentance and forgiveness and love will ever be the healing balm that will bridge the divide towards a stronger and unified family unit.

I have always been a positive person, yet there are times when adversity would drag me back into negativity as to become a deterrent of my progressive spiritual efforts. I understand, however, that I need to always take the motivation to fight and overcome every negative influence that impedes and blocks my optimistic goals. I believe that in our failures there follows successes and in our continued struggles there will be triumphs. I am getting old and physically stricken and would like to do one last memorable venture to turn my heart to my children. I, therefore, write my thoughts about them and keep them for a memory of my greatest desire and relentless efforts for us, as a family, to become worthy of Zion and to finally live with Heavenly Father in the celestial realms of His Kingdom, forever.         

NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK CELEBRATION 2019---BUILDING FOREVER FAMILIES

(1st of a series)

By: Norberto Betita 

Mothers who are building forever families

As a church who believes in the principles and tenets of the family being the fundamental unit of society and of the kingdom of God, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had been joining the National Family Week Celebrations since its inception in 1992, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60, series of 1992, signed on September 28 of the same year by then President Fidel V. Ramos, declaring the last week of September of every year as Family Week.

The proclamation was based on the constitutional provisions under Section 12, Article II, of the Constitution of the Philippines which states: “The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution;” and Section 1, Article XV, of the same Constitution which provides that: “The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation.” 

The proclamation so declared that, “it is the policy of the government to fortify solidarity in the family and actively work for its total development;” and thus recognizes that “there is a need to call public attention and ensure nationwide awareness of the importance of the family.”

As a nation and as a people, we are so blessed to have a government who cares for the sanctity of family life and which recognizes the fundamental role of families in our society. It’s been such a wondrous opportunity for us as families to commemorate, organize and celebrate events that are geared towards strengthening family life at least each year, although our supposed focus in fortifying and reinforcing the foundations of home and family should be on a daily basis.

The theme for this year’s Family Week Celebration---Building Forever Families---highlights on our fundamental belief that families can be together forever. Elder L. Tom Perry declared that, “The entire theology of our restored gospel centers on families and on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in a premortal life where we all lived as literal spirit children of God our Heavenly Father. We believe that we were, and still are, members of His family.

“We believe that marriage and family ties can continue beyond the grave—that marriages performed by those who have the proper authority in His temples will continue to be valid in the world to come. Our marriage ceremonies eliminate the words “till death do us part” and instead say, “for time and for all eternity.”

“We also believe that strong traditional families are not only the basic units of a stable society, a stable economy, and a stable culture of values—but that they are also the basic units of eternity and of the kingdom and government of God.” (Elder L. Tom Pery Why Marriage and Family Matter – Everywhere in the World, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-and-family-matter-everywhere-in-the-world?lang=eng).

To accommodate as many families as can be welcomed to celebrate the Family Week, the Surigao Philippines District of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, kicked off its celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2019, where children and parents are free from school and work, respectively. It was such an enjoyable event that brought families together with young and old playing common enjoyable games and dancing like as one big family of the Saints of God.

For the week long celebration we were given instructions on what to do and accomplish that will help build and strengthen family ties and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in accord with this year’s theme and the purpose of the proclamation to “ensure nationwide awareness of the importance of the family.” Such activities include the following:

Building the Family’s Faith in Jesus Christ

Bring a Friend to Family Home Evening

Binding Families with Food

Bridging Families through FamilySearch

Best Family Foto

Bring a Family Proclamation to a Friend

Best Family Film

Bonding Families with a Fun Run

The culmination activities will be up to each branch of the church in the District.

A CHILD’S TRIAL OF FAITH

by: Norberto Betita

Zaina Viveca Betita Pedrosa at 5

The trials of life are never designed just for those who are already of age as to be strong enough to bear the burdens of pain and sorrow. It happens even to the tender body and soul of a little child. Some even from the time of conception. It is sometimes unthinkable and paradoxical, by way of our natural perception, why Heavenly Father allows these tests of life to happen to innocent children, who are yet unaccountable for sin and so young and inexperienced as to bear the weight of adversity. But it always happens and at times even serious enough as to inflict the heart and bring tears to concern loved ones.

During Jesus’ ministry with His disciples, “…he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (see John 9:1-3). 

Her birthday dress

The trials that each of us experience, should be deeply understood as part of God’s dealings with man. In fact it is part of the purpose why we are here, even a manifestation of Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness. Whether we suffer from it during the most tender and vulnerable times of life or during the entire course of our mortal journey, is a matter that we should always accept with forbearance and faith. After all the ultimate promise for those who overcome is so glorious that the Lord himself described it, thus: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne (Revelation 3:21). He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Revelation 21:7).”

These trials come to us in different types and in different situations, and even in different levels of pain and sorrow. But it is always our attitude in accepting the miseries and sufferings of life that we become stronger to bear the burdens attendant to every ordeals that we encounter. 

The family

I observed this positive attitude towards trials with my 5-year-old granddaughter Zaina Viveca. When she was seriously injured, her first word to her mommy was, “Don’t get angry mommy, it is my fault. I’m sorry, I have not been very careful.” To her grandma who visited her, “Please don’t cry, because I will also cry.” Grandma had to go to the bathroom to hide her tears out of pity for such a tender child bearing her agony with confidence, courage and faith. 

Even in the midst of her facing a consequential longer recuperation as a result of the gravity and severity of the injury, yet she remains to be just as happy as a little child should be. She feels no enmity to anybody who might have contributed to the accident, but accepted it as her own mistake. She was so brave as to face her trial with greater optimism and positivity that she will soon recover and be back to her normal life.

I personally have been taught by her. When I first learned about the accident, I was kind of hysterical--- crying like a baby. Several silly questions surfaced into my negative mind. But I felt humbled as I was informed of her personal response to what had happened even as a tender soul. By her ability to positively accept the depth of her trials, I perceived in her, even at this time of her early childhood, what Elder Marvin J. Ashton said, “Greatness is best measured by how well an individual responds to the happenings in life that appear totally unfair, unreasonable, and undeserved.” Indeed, what happened to her in her yet very tender years is kind of “unfair, unreasonable and underserved.” But her response was something which unbelievably could have been done or conceived by such a very young soul that she is. 

Attending Church Primary Activity

In the midst of her sufferings, she tried to just ignore and seemed not to be bothered by the physical discomforts and soreness brought about by the injury. She doesn’t want the pains and sufferings to have a place of residency in her yet very young life. Such attitude is even exemplified and demonstrated as she continues to desire to attend church and be present in her kindergarten school despite her yet inability to walk. Thanks to her dearly beloved mother who is always by her side, supporting her in all that she wanted to do and accomplish notwithstanding her crisis.

Perhaps she will not remember her excellent and admirable reaction to adversity this early in her life. But in the days to come when she will be able to read this account, which I purposely wrote as part of the chronicle of her life, she will be able to realize that she is meant for greatness and her earlier attitude of life, in the face of an enormous challenge, is one that will lead her to success. In due time she will be able to comprehend what Shakespeare wrote:

Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head. 

With her sister Jera and Primary kids

Someday she will understand that just as a knife becomes sharp with continued grinding, so we become more spiritually polished and perfected by the trials that we suffer. Paul taught that we are “…heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18).

Our collective family prayers and fasting and sincere pleadings to Heavenly Father may have contributed to her recuperation, but it was the unbending faith and courage of this little child in her trials that draw the power of divine healing from heaven. Nothing comes in great power and intensity in this life than the faith and sincere petition of a little child to the One who dwells on high even God.

Advance birthday celebration at school

Yet more than the pains of injury, she also suffered an even harder blow of adversity earlier, at age two, which emotional consequence she might carry long into her mortal journey. Estrangement, like divorce, is such a venomous evil that brings pangs of sorrow and distress as to inject emotional pain that may take a long time of healing. However, as she continues to trust in the Lord she will have His promise, “…in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.” (D&C 101:36.) 

The Lord so loved little children that when His disciples asked Him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

“…Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me” (Matthew 18:1-5).

They are so precious to Him that He declared with such an sternest warning: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). 

The sisters

As she grows in the nurture of the gospel she will come to realize that all the trials that she had gone through and will go through are temporary and only a proving event in her mortal probation. All will come to pass. More opportunities will, in due time, be available to help her overcome the challenges of life.

Her childhood may have been battered by unwanted events and occurrences, but all have its divine purpose. I know the Lord is by her side and provides her each day with the comfort she needed in her sufferings. Children as so special to the Lord, that during His visit to the Nephites, “…He commanded that their little children should be brought.

“So they brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the multitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him.”

Then …”he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

“And when he had done this he wept again;

“And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

“And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them” (3 Nephi 17: 11-12; 21-24).

Zaina Viveca may not yet be able to fully comprehend the great love and ministering power that the Lord has for her at this time of her trials. But on the day when she will be able to understand these writings and look back to that awful past of a child’s trial of faith, she will gain an enlarged vision and an advanced perspective about the purpose of life and salvation through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The celebrant

Today, August 28, 2019, she turns five years old. Despite her plaster cast, she is very excited for this, her birthday, to come. Her most caring and loving mother was taken aback and was carried into the heights of the same excitement, seeing her so happy and unconcerned about her situation and physical condition. There may not be a sumptuous feast, but as always the pick of the bunch in the menu---the love of family---is always laid with delight on the tabletop. We wish her the best for today and throughout the coming years of her life. May Heavenly Father continue to provide comfort to her very young life through the Holy Spirit and may His divine healing power restore and fully recuperate her injury. May Heavenly Father’s love beacon as a guiding light through her yet long and challenging journey to the blissful shores of life.