The things we take for granted

Thoughts on 73 days on quarantine.

people have been posting this on Facebook:

"For weeks I have heard people saying “ I just can’t wait for things to be back to normal.” I remember even saying that a few times myself. But as I’ve thought about our current situation I have realized how much I don’t want things to go back to the way they were. Here are a few of my thoughts...

1. I pray that the next time a friend grabs me and pulls me in for a hug, I actually take the time to appreciate the gift of their embrace.

2. I pray that when I have a doctor's appointment, I take the time to thank the staff for the amazing gift that they give to me and my family.

3. I pray that the next time I’m sitting in a crowded restaurant I take the time to look around at the smiling faces, loud voices and thank God for the gift of community.

4. I pray that the next time I’m standing in church listening to the voices of praise and taking communion that I take a moment to thank God for the gift of congregation.

5. I pray that the next time I see a person or situation that needs prayer, I hope I pray as passionately and fervently as I have these past few weeks.

6. I pray that when I am at the grocery store that I take a moment to thank God that He provides us with the necessities of life and the amazing people who work so hard to keep us supplied.

7. I pray that I never again take for granted the ability to hop in the car and visit a friend, go to the mall, enjoy activities with my kids, etc.

So, truth is, I don’t want things to return to the way they once were. I pray that we take the lessons and challenges of the past few weeks and create a new normal. 

My goal is to pray more, love harder, and truly appreciate the daily abundance of blessings that were so easily overlooked just a mere few weeks ago. 

If someone tells you they love you, take it to heart! Author, unknown 

Con amor,

Vero

Crying is a way to say, I love you

Thoughts on 72 days on quarantine.

I got a call from Mandy today. She was crying. She was sad because most of her friends in the education department at the zoo were let go today. She expressed that it was a crazy coincidence that on a day where there was so much despair and chaos happening in all major cities in the U.S. there was also so much chaos and and despair happening in her heart.

Part of the reason why Mandy loved going to work was because of the people she worked with. She is a team lead and travels all over the State of Utah together spending hours and hours with each other . with the nature of her job they get very close but now her team is gone. No goodbyes, nothing she said.  Only three were left from thirteen in her department. Other coworkers she was closed to also are gone, she said.

She is grieving for them. Not only because she is going to miss them but she is worried about them. She wonder if they are going to be okay? why them and not her, she wonders. It's has been really heavy. She is also worried for herself. How will she carry out without them? What if she is next? She is so sad because it wasn't just her department. It was every department at the zoo.

She told me, "for the first time it feels real. It's sobering. I need time to process."

And what do you say to that, other than you are sorry. How do you console a child with a broken heart?

Con amor,
Vero

Be gentle

Thoughts on 71 days on Quarantine: 

Be gentle.

That non-essential business that was just ordered to close? It may not be essential to you, but it’s essential to the owners. Closing their doors was harder than the blood, sweat and tears they put into opening it. 

So be gentle. 

That mom upset about the playground closing? That was the 30min break in her daily schedule she looked forward to most. That 30 minutes reenergized her for the next 4 hours. Now she doesn’t know how she will make it through the day. 

So be gentle. 

Your colleague that keeps sharing memes; making light of the situation? They are taking it seriously. They are scared. They are grounding themselves through humour, the only way they know how. 

So be gentle. 

The father with a cart overflowing with food? He’s not hoarding. He’s picking up groceries for his family, his elderly mom and his sick neighbor. 

So be gentle. 

We understand the importance of staying home, but we don’t understand what others are going through. 

So be gentle. 

Social distancing doesn’t mean turning our backs on one another. I have learned a few important things about myself during this quarantine. 

One, I need to be productive to feel good and happy. 

Two, I am stronger emotionally than I realized. I can keep a positive attitude. 

Three, I have so much to be grateful for.

four, we are blessed to not have to find other sources of income like so many who have lost their jobs. 

five, family is all that matters and we become resilient as we experience trials. 

Con amor,

Vero

Bad days come to an end!

Thoughts on 70 days of quarantine.

Yesterday and today all the DTA's for Latin American and wives met via zoom with Bishop Waddell and his lovely wife. At the end of the two day meeting, Bishop Davies and Bishop Causee also spoke to us. One clear message was the urgency to gather Israel and prepare His kingdom for the second coming. We need to come together as one. "the Lord called His people Zion"

We were reminded of how we needed to meditate about the things we need to do. I love this quote by Elder Holland: I testify that a bad days come to an end, faith always triumphs and that heavenly promises are always kept."

We are where we need to be at this time. Daniel is needed here. The Bishopric has trusted us to continue the work Heavenly Father and His beloved Son has for us. We made a promise in the temple to dedicate our lives to prepare the way. That is what we are doing and that is what brings me peace in this uncertain world we live in.  

Con amor,
Vero

I like anything as long as it's free

Thoughts on our 69 days on quarantine.

Our neighbors, Linda and Richard Eyre have been to post the following on their Facebook page. 

"Empty Nest Parenting: 

As we all live through the transition of this pandemic, let's think for a minute about another kind of transition that all families have or will go through.

Both parents and children undergo a profound transition when children leave the home. As a child heads out for college or for a mission or for a job, he or she is still part of the family, but no longer a part of the household. How that transition is made, and how much thought goes into it will have a lasting effect on family relationships and on how close and committed the family is for decades to come.

In their Eyres on the Road podcast this week, the Richard and Linda talk about how parenting changes but does not diminish in importance as kids leave home. Having a plan for that transition--deliberately thinking through how you will communicate and finding the balance between independence and interdependence--can make your relationship grow stronger rather than weaker when you no longer live together. The Eyres review dozens of questions that parents ask about the empty nest phase, and then they share the Eyre family’s "Constitution" that they put together with their leaving-the-nest kids in which they came to some agreements for their ongoing social, emotional, financial, and spiritual relationships for the future.

If you want to go beyond the podcast, you can get the full book Empty Nest Parenting for free online at EyresFreeBooks.com "  Isn't that just wonderful? 

I am looking forward in reading their #36 book. Empty-Nest Parenting. Adjusting Your Stewardship As Your children Leave Home. 

Thank you! 

Con amor, 

Vero

When a day ends

Thanks on 68 days of quarantine.

Think back through your day, today … what decisions have you made so far? Whether the decisions you have made have been small or large, it is true that we all have made multiple decisions today. We always make so many decisions in a day that sometimes we do not even realize that we have, indeed, decided. What if we were to purposefully make one more decision, though? What if, each day when we wake up, we decide to choose happiness? I have been doing yoga each morning and meditation and it has helped me create my day with a purpose with a feeling of happiness that I felt is worth sharing. 

A Church News article from April 2013 outlines how happiness can be a mindful decision. This article is about “what brings us happiness or helps adjust our thoughts if we slip into feeling sad, blue, dejected, low, or ‘down in the dumps.’” The article canvasses and comments on several deep thoughts on the subject of “happiness as a choice”, as expressed by such wise men as David O. McKay, Aristotle, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas S. Monson, Charles Swindoll, Jeffrey R. Holland, and Joseph B. Wirthlin.

The article counsels: “A sure formula for achieving happiness is to live in conformity to the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom Heavenly Father sent to earth to put into effect His great plan of happiness. Doing anything contrary to His teachings brings misery, not happiness. As Alma told Corianton, his son who had strayed from the path of righteousness, ‘wickedness never was happiness’ (Alma 41:10).”

This validates the truth that holding strong to the “iron rod”, which is the Word of God, will lead us directly to happiness in this life and, in due time, to our happy existence in our eternal life. When we choose to follow God’s commandments in the best ways that we can, He will bless us with feelings of satisfaction for making our best efforts. This sense of solid satisfaction that we have done our best will lead us either in this life and/or in the life hereafter to feelings of overwhelming joy.

The article notes that feelings of envy might hinder our ability to find joy and happiness here on earth. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “… Someone or something is forever telling us we need to be more handsome or more wealthy, more applauded or more admired than we see ourselves as being. We are told we haven’t collected enough possessions or gone to enough fun places. We are bombarded with the message that on the world’s scale of things we have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.” 

When we compare our blessings to others’ blessings, we may struggle to see the greatness of God’s blessings to us in our lives. A better choice could be to focus on our blessings only and count them, one by one. Happiness is a choice.

Happiness truly is up to you and me. We can choose now to see happiness in our lives. Ask yourself: Do I look at a glass as being half-empty or half-full? Am I thankful for the blessings the Lord has so mercifully given to me? Let us make the best choices today. Let us also choose today to be happy. I like to meditate about my day before going to bed.

Con amor,

Vero

On this Memorial Day

Thoughts on 67 days of quarantine. 

Here’s an incredible, inspirational & religious story about our American Flag. We need to teach this to our children. Grandchildren, etc. 

The Meaning of the Flag-Draped Coffin.  
What a wonderful lesson this was for me. I do not recall ever being taught this in school. "The Meaning of the Flag-Draped Coffin"

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history.

Please pass it along and be proud of the country we live in, and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD-GIVEN' rights and freedoms. I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ...

Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers: Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life. The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Please share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to as the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

Con amor,

Vero

All is Well

My thoughts on 66 days on quarantine 

Why are so many scared of death? This pandemic has reminded us how fragile life really is. A friend posted this thought on Facebook on my father’s birthday and for a moment my thoughts went over to where he is as if he would be speaking these words to his family.  “Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly the same as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. 

Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity of sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it, Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is the death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.”

Isn’t death part of life? I don’t know about you, but I am not afraid of dying. I know all of us mortals will have to face death eventually. 

Con amor,

Vero

Building a palace

Thoughts on 65 days on quarantine.

One thing I have been able to do during this quarantine is reading many books that were collection dust on the shelf; either I read years ago, and can't remember what they were about or never opened. Those are Book we buy or books given to us but never had the chance to read. I am currently reading "Mere Christianity" and next I will read" Screwtape Letters" by C. S. Lewis who wrote over thirty books on Christianity.

I like this quote:

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of --throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.

You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a place. He intends to come and live in it Himself." C. S. Lewis

Con amor,
Vero

Women and the Priesthood

Thoughts on 64 days on quarantine.

Yesterday was amazing! I had a chance to have a wonderful zoom meeting with sister Carol Waddell, Brenda McMillan and the rest of the DTA wives for the South America South Area. Some of these women are new to the group and some have been in it for years so we were all looking forward to our time together in Rio but it got cancelled due to COVID-19.

The theme for this meeting was based on the talk by President Nelson "Spiritual Treasures" We shared pictures together of our children and grandchildren. Sister Waddell said that during this COVID-19 she has been able to get to a list of things she had postponed for years. Melina's daughter -in -law is sister Waddell's niece. Sister Waddell told a story about her son Jonathan who fell asleep on the wheel and lived to tell the tale. She  told us that she felt it was a miracle. She had been spending time in the temple each week. 

She talked about how she and her sisters were talking about President Nelson's women's conference talk on October 2019 and pointed out how many invitations and conditions that are promised and blessings that we can receive in our family. She has been categorizing the different aspects of the Priesthood: priesthood power, priesthood ordinances, priesthood keys, priesthood authority, priesthood holders, etc. 

Every person who keeps the covenants can access priesthood power. If you are endowed, and been to the temple and are keeping the covenants. You have that power in your home. The Lord asked Emma to do many things in her life. We have the power as we are set apart by someone who holds the keys. Priesthood keys are the authority God has given to priesthood holders to direct, control and governs the use of His priesthood on earth. Every act or ordinance performed in the Church is done under one who holds the key for that function. Priesthood power is the power by which the earth was created. 

We all have roles to play. There are times that we will feel the promptings from the Holy Ghost as we have been blessed in our callings. The Holy Ghost will inspired us to be instruments in God's hands. We as women have an important role in this world. We are women of faith. We are teaching and we are looking for opportunities to share what we know. in D & C 25 we learned to "Harken" and what is President Nelson telling us to do? to "Hear Him" keep going and doing what the Lord asks us to do and it gives us hope and comfort in our tribulations.

We need to say no to somethings to do better things. It's very important to focus on the things that really matter. We need to keep our distractions away to focus on the important things. How grateful we are to be blessed by those who receive the priesthood keys. That is a big responsibility. You need to be worthy to give blessings. We need to stay away from worldly distractions. If we do the best things, and the daily things that will help us concentrate our life so we will have the spirit with us. The ministering at this time is crucial. People are doing a better job ministering during this COVID -19 it's not just making a visit.

One thing that impacted me from the talk and underlined says the following: " If the world loses the moral rectitude of its women, the world will never recover. We Latter-day Saints are not of the world; we are of covenant Israel. We are called to prepare a people for the second coming of the Lord.... We need our voice teaching the doctrine of Christ... your power will increase as you serve others. Your prayers, fasting, time in the scriptures, service in the temple, and family history work will open the heavens to you."

We received a key charm as a symbol of Priesthood keys and the book by Sheri Dew, Women and the Priesthood. What I love about this cluster meetings is that we get a chance to hear of the spirit of these good women. If we ever feel that we didn't do everything and hope to do better the next day, we don't need to worry if we are doing the few things we are asked to do. We are mothers not only to those we have given birth but to children around us.  We are sisters to everyone we come in contact with. Family History work, temple work and serve the people around where we live. We need to share our testimonies. It should be our upmost desire to bring people to Him.

"Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, had direct access to the power of God." President Russell M. Nelson

Con amor,
Vero

Thoughts on a gloomy rainy day

Thoughts on 63 days on quarantine.

It it windy and rainy. We are soon entering Winter in Argentina. Daniel has been working non-stop. He starts his day at 7:00 a.m. and his work is never done. Finally, at around midnight he goes to bed. That is how hard he works 24/7 while he is managing so many types crisis: logistics, health, emotional, health, emotional, financial, missionaries, political, you name it. Every kind of situation comes his way. Thank you, thank you, for your prayers. 

Daniel is the “captain” of this area and it does not help that Argentina had fallen into a mega-crisis category even before the pandemic.  I am not wanting the tone of this letter to be pessimistic only realistic. Every country has managed this pandemic differently. We know of some places that are not as rigid but life in Argentina is nowhere near to getting to be normal yet. The highlight or our week is our zoom meetings. It has brought tears to our eyes. 

If life were normal, Daniel and I would have been out roaming this beautiful city, or gone out to the Pampas or Bariloche to breath the best air in the world or at least invited our friends for an asado. 

If life were normal, we would had attended our annual cluster meeting in Rio. I love it when Daniel speaks Portuguese. He is a good translator. I love the language and the people. I always wanted to go to Brazil. That would have been surreal. 

If life were normal, I would be packing to attend my nephew’s wedding this coming Saturday. I would see friends I had not seen in years. I would buy souvenirs from El Salvador, bring Daniel's favorite refried beans and the spices I need to make pan con pavo. 

If life were normal, in two weeks, we would be celebrating abuela Nela’s 90^thbirthday. Amazing to think that Daniel’s mom is going to turn 90 on June 4. The irony is that for the first time in years, Daniel does not live far away from his mother and the only time we could have easily gone to Uruguay, we can’t!

The only consolation is that we are not bored. 

The technology has allowed as to keep connected and busy too. 

Con amor,

Vero

Shelter in place

Thoughts on 62 days of quarantine 

“Shelter in Place”

Elder Holland explained: “The opportunity to respond to trouble and turmoil with ever-greater faith is documented over and over again in scripture—where the love of God, the sacrifice of Christ, and their many manifestations of mercy are the great constants when we face adversity of one kind or another."

"This present pandemic presents a “precious opportunity to demonstrate faith,” he said. “Often those opportunities seem rare. In our modern age we don’t have to worry about parting the Red Sea, because we have engineers that can build a bridge over it. We need some reminders from time to time that those beautifully engineered bridges can collapse, so to speak. This pandemic is just such a collapse.”

As millions across the world face “shelter-in-place” orders, Elder Holland noted that the term has both spiritual and physical implications. He said the verses in Psalm 61:1–4summarize the opportunity Latter-day Saints have to look to the Lord for shelter:

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

“For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

“I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.”

That is “shelter at its best,” Elder Holland said, noting that society should also be obedient to the governmental directives regarding temporal sheltering as well.

“The Lord is our ultimate shelter,” he explained. “He is our tower. He lifts us out of troubled waters and places us on the rock of our Redeemer. He covers us with His wings, poetically speaking.”

Pausing to reflect on this verse of scripture, Elder Holland said quietly, “We are always talking about not having enough time to think about such things,” said Elder Holland. “Well, we have some time now.”

With that time, members can be “immersed in things of the soul that we always want to address, and know very well that we should, but sometimes in the hubbub of daily life don’t seize the opportunity to do.”

Lamenting the pace of our modern era, Elder Holland recalled, “Ralph Waldo Emerson said once, ‘Things are in the saddle and ride mankind.’”

“Let’s realize this is one of the times we can take the saddle off our backs, a time when not quite so many demands are made and we can address edifying, eternally important things.”

Con amor,

Vero

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A lot to be Encourage about

Thoughts on my 61 days on quarantine.

Elder Holland said Latter-day Saints can learn much from looking back to past turmoil. One such time in the Church was “much more wrenching than anything we are facing now.”

Latter-day Saints in both Kirtland, Ohio, and Jackson County, Missouri, were suffering great persecution. Apostasy was beginning in the former location and mobs had driven the Saints from their homes in the latter. In both places, the members had lost homes, farms, livestock, and personal possessions.

In that wretched circumstance, the Lord sent a message to them in a revelation given to Joseph Smith in Kirtland on December 16–17, 1833:

“Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.

“Zion shall not be moved out of her place. . . .

“They . . . shall . . . come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16–18).

“Songs of everlasting joy” in the middle of such tribulation? “Yes! And why not? There is a lot to be joyful about as we refine our faith, trust more in the Lord, and see the miracle of His deliverance,” said Elder Holland.

There are repeated declarations in the scriptures where we have the Lord’s promises He “will be with us in all of our circumstances—good, bad, and otherwise.” For example, Alma said, “I have been supported under trials . . . of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions . . . I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me” (Alma 36:27).

That reassurance can be a source of hope and encouragement, said Elder Holland. “Whatever else happens, we will never be separated from the Savior’s love and His companionship, even if we don’t recognize it at the time.”

“The Spirit is not blocked by a virus or by national boundaries or by medical forecasts.” There are “gifts from heaven that are not limited by trouble in the land or illness in the air. . . .

“He who created this marvelous world in which we live can say to any of the elements in it, ‘This far and no farther.’ That is what He will say to this blight we are facing. In the presence of His majesty, even subatomic-sized creations must bend—if only figuratively—and each in its own way ‘confess’ that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the great Redeemer of all. Under the direction of His Father, the Savior is in charge of the destiny of this world. We are in very sure and loving hands.”

Con amor,

Vero

Things of the Heart

Thoughts on 60 days on quarantine

Elder Hollad commented, "One of those things [we need to be doing] is looking to the needs of others.  Members can find joy as they share the “things of the heart”—provide, care for, and reach out to another in ways that are consistent with the physical distance we are supposed to maintain. “It is a tremendously joyful thing to lift somebody else spiritually.”

Through ministering, the Lord makes sure every individual is cared for. At a time when physical contact is limited, members can rely on technology such as social media, email, Skype, and FaceTime, he said. “We ought to dedicate a certain part of our day to communicating with people who need a boost. Of course, we get a boost from doing that, so everyone is ‘lifted up,’ as the Savior said He was sent to earth to do.”

Elder Holland said he is trying to take advantage of his reduced travel schedule by sending notes or making phone calls, “doing the unexpected—but much-appreciated and sometimes truly needed—thing to brighten someone’s day,” he said.

There “is no particular merit in wringing our hands about the visit we cannot make or the face-to-face presence we cannot create,” he warned. “Let’s do the best we can.”

Latter-day Saints should lead the way in being “positive and optimistic, doing the things they can do and trusting the Lord for the rest.”

As the Prophet Joseph Smith said in Liberty Jail, “Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17).

Elder Holland said this time of not being able to be with the Saints across the globe and with his Brethren “is a tremendous loss” for him personally.

“I am an Irish backslapper,” he said. “I really do love people. So I do miss being with the members.”

The other side of the coin, he added, “is how rewarding it has been for me to have a little more quiet time” to “do a little more searching of my own soul rather than somebody else’s.”

When we are engaged in society, a person’s mind is often consumed with matters of current affairs and chatty conversation, he said.

“But when we’re alone, those are times of character assessment. That’s when you think about who you really are and what really matters.” It is “a sobering exercise to be quiet, to be alone with yourself. The obvious question then is, Do you like the company you are keeping when you are the only one in the room?”

Con amor,

Vero

Words from Elder Holland

Thoughts on 59 days on quarantine. 

"The continuing and growing COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity for soul-searching and self-examination, the kind of personal reflection that refines faith, strengthens character, and “increases our humility before the Lord,” said, Elder Holland.

'This is a rare time of enforced solitude when we don’t have a lot of trivia or superficial busyness distracting us from considering the truly important things in life,” said the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Such times invite us to look into our soul and see if we like what we see there.'

Elder Holland spoke to the Church News on March 28 as millions of Latter-day Saints worldwide respond to government mandates aimed to flatten the spread of the coronavirus that has caused illness and death, stifled economies, closed schools, and curtailed daily routines across the globe. In response to the pandemic, Church leaders have suspended meetings, closed temples, and transported thousands of missionaries to their home countries.

The result is a “kind of mandatory Sabbath—a time when we step away from our normal routine, from life as usual, and consider our dependence on God and the blessings from Him we so often take for granted,” said Elder Holland.

Quoting a favorite British phrase, he reassured the Church News audience that “things are going to ‘come right.’ They are undoubtedly on their way to ‘coming right’ already. But we owe it to our Father in Heaven to be a little more grateful, a little more thankful, and a little more inclined to remember how many problems are resolved because of God, angels, covenantal promises, and prayer.”

Con amor,

Vero

No man is an island

My thoughts on 58 days on quarantine 

“I had spent an hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn't resist myself & asked...

''Dad, why don't we activate your internet banking?''

''Why would I do that?'' He asked...

''Well, then you wont have to spend an hour here for things like transfer.

You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!''

I was so excited about initiating him into the world of Net banking.

He asked ''If I do that, I wont have to step out of the house?

''Yes, yes''! I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered at door now and how amazon delivers everything!

His answer left me tongue-tied.

He said ''Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends, I have chatted a while with the staff who know me very well by now.

You know I am alone...this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time, it is the physical touch that I crave.

Two years back I got sick, The store owner from whom I buy fruits, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried.

When your Mom fell down few days back while on her morning walk. Our local grocer saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home as he knows where I live.

Would I have that 'human' touch if everything became online?

Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer?

I like to know the person that I'm dealing with and not just the 'seller'. It creates bonds of Relationships.

Does Amazon deliver all this as well?'''

Technology isn't life..
Spend time with people .. Not with devices.”

Writer: Unknown

Con amor,

Vero

Scripture study

Thoughts on 57 days of quarantine

One of the things I have been able to do more during this quarantine is read, especially the scriptures. I don't have the excuse that I am too busy and can't find the time. Here is something that President Henry B. Eyring said about reading the scriptures:

"God has communicated to me through the scriptures throughout my life.

Whether seeking to know more about doctrine or whether looking for answers to questions, the scriptures have been a resource that I have relied on in a variety of situations.

Invariably I find new ideas and thoughts I have never had before, and I receive inspiration, instruction, and answers to my questions that benefit me personally,” 

President Eyring then gave suggestions to Church members on how they can have more effective scripture study.

1. Make scripture study a priority by finding a regular time to study, such as at the beginning and the end of the day.
2. Go to the scriptures to learn what God would most like you to do and study it out.
3. Recognize how families are an integral part of the Book of Mormon and study the scriptures as a family. Let your family see your love for the scriptures.
4. Let the scriptures become part of you and read them when you need to feel the peace of the Spirit.

“I have learned that over a lifetime the scriptures can become a part of me,” he said. “I have the dream of someday having the word of God be so much a part of me that the Lord can draw upon it and I can learn to think as He does. And in the process, I will have come unto Him.”

I think the key for scripture study to know when and where t do it?  If we find a special place and time each day that gets block from everything else. We can develop the habit. In high school I remember there was an hour each day called DEAR Drop, Everything, And, Read. At that time, everyone in the school got out their books and started reading until the bell rang.. It was done to create a habit for reading. 

My time is 10:00 -11:00 am at my dining room table. If someone calls, I don't answer the phone until I am done reading. 

Con amor,

Vero

Isaac is one

Thoughts on 56 days on quarantine.

Bianca and Joseph Merkley adopted a sweet baby boy who was born on May 13th 2019. He just turned one yesterday. How this adoption came about is miraculous. Everyone's story is unique but here is what happened in a nutshell.

My ministering sister in the Philippines last year invited me along with two other friends to cook tamales at her home. While talking, I became aware of a situation from a friend of a friend in Texas who was looking to place her baby for adoption. I told her to send me the text her friend shared with her and I would think of someone who might be interested. 

I tried reaching out to someone I know but to no avail. She never answered me back and as I thought about who to call next, a clear voice spoke to me saying, "what about Bianca?" This was early in the morning but evening for Bianca so I told her about this situation. Contact was made with the birth mom and the rest is history. 

All the paperwork from adoption agency, home studies, lawyers, etc. came into place in a speedy fashion but while the adoption was pending, for six months, Bianca and Joseph could not share photos of the baby's face. Finally, on December 6, 2019 a judged signed the adoption papers and that is when Isaac officially became part of our family. 

There are little things that happened, little miracles that happened throughout the whole process which reminded me, that Heavenly Father is in the details and in charge of it all. Bianca wrote: "It happened fast. It's been a sacred experience. One of which seems almost too sacred to post here. It has reconfirmed to me the truth of God's infinite love for all His children. I just feel so much love and feel so grateful to God, to this birth mom, and to everyone that has shown our family love and support throughout Joseph and my journey of growing a family.

Meet Isaac Woods Merkley

Isaac, because we've loved the name for a long time and it reminds us of the sacrifice Abraham was willing to make to God similar to the sacrifice we feel this birth mom is making. And it means laughter and joy which was Abraham's response when he found out his wife was gong to have a baby (kind of similar to the joy and shock we feel that this is really happening. We are overjoyed! 

Woods is a family name and coincidentally, Audrey, the birth mom, has used nature names for her children's middle names, so that's a fun fact and felt so meant to be. 

Meeting him and the birth mom and her family was like meeting an old friend. It felt oddly familiar. I have no doubt we were meeting again, for the first time." 

Isaac is so sweet. How I wanted to be present for his first birthday. That is another disappointing aspect of the pandemic. 
Can't wait to kiss those chubby cheeks. 

Con amor,

Vero