The Paradox of Our Age

This was sent to me by a dear friend, Socki Alcos.
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By Dr. Bob Moorehead

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce; fancier houses but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

Dr. Bob Moorehead is a former pastor of Seattle's Overlake Christian Church. He retired in 1998 after 29 years in that post. The essay appeared in 'Words Aptly Spoken,' Dr. Moorehead's 1995 collection of prayers, homilies, and monologues used in his sermons and radio broadcasts.

My Misty Refuge

Image taken from meridianmagazine.com

Sometimes I dream and see myself in a mist—not in a mist of darkness, but in a mist somewhat similar to the image above. There is an aura of beauty & serenity.

One reason why I was heavily drawn to come live in Cebu is its beauty. That sounds trivial don’t you think? There must be a more profound reason. It sounds literally simple to say that Cebu is beautiful and I want to live there. It is subjective, in a way that in like manner, the same can be said of any other place.

In the Book of Mormon, Alma was a prophet who taught about the Savior—his sacrifice, his promises, his divinity, and most importantly his role in our lives. The people then believed in the teachings of Alma. They have come to know the Savior and decided to follow him. "All this was done in Mormon, yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever". (Mosiah 18:30).

If we think about it, we are inclined to look at places and associate them with events, particularly special/important events that transpired in our life. The place becomes beautiful. People in loved, for instance, consider a certain place beautiful because that’s where a proposal was made for engagement, or even marriage.

Cebu is where I was called by the Lord to serve Him, as a missionary. Here is where I had fully developed my testimony of the Savior and of a loving Heavenly Father. I had come to know them on a personal level because I was literally serving Them. Here is where I learned humility, love, and patience—among other good things. Here is where I made friendships, eternal in nature because of the bond of the Gospel. I can say, as the Nephites of old in Alma’s time, that Cebu is as beautiful as the place called Mormon.

I’ve always looked forward to returning to Cebu and experience afresh its beauty in relation to what occurred in my 2-yr mission. Now that I’m here, it’s different that I no longer find the primary link to my mission—my companions, missionary friends, and my mission president. However, the oasis remained the same. The member-friends I made continue in the friendships borne of my missionary beginnings. I find it conversely distressing that since I set foot in Cebu in October of last year, I have not fully recognized that I’m now in my mist which I deem as refuge. Every day I pass by the same road, & places which we use to traverse as “Elders” of Cebu 1st (my last area in the mission), yet I had not been able to stopover & see how it is now.

Regardless of how Cebu is literally placed in circumstances both good and bad, it is a place of beauty and serenity to me—my beautiful mist, my refuge, my Mormon. I feel good here. However, sooner or later I’d have to get revived & put to life my purpose as to why I’m here, the 2nd time around.

It’s good to imagine myself in a beautiful misty place, and that should be a source of strength as my Lord walks with me in it. Then again, I must reciprocate as I’ve been standing still for a long time.

David A. for AI: Who said I'm biased?

I’m not a big fan of American Idol, but I was drawn to this season’s program because of two contestants who made it to the top 5, who share something common with me. Brooke White and David Archuleta are both LDS.

As the season’s finale approaches, and after browsing through blogs and news about AI, I am disappointed that some people make it controversial as to how producers are manipulating the results.

Another disappointment is on how media obliterate the character of a good man. I’m referring to David’s Archuleta’s dad, Jeff.

Coach Dean Kaelin, David’s vocal coach, had worked closely with Jeff Archuleta for 6 years now. Being labeled as ‘stage father from hell’ does not even closely describe Jeff, being a father and mentor for David. The backstage ban follows tabloid reports that Jeff Archuleta is an overbearing father who has pushed his son to tears and upset people during rehearsals. Coach Kaelin had to speak for Jeff. "I don't think any of this is true," said Kaelin, who noted that in the six years he has coached David, he has never seen Jeff act like a "stage dad." "He can be focused and very intense and very protective of David when he thinks David is being treated unfairly," he said. "But they read into it and say these things . . . he's just trying to do the best thing for David."

One of the reasons why I’m rooting for David A., among other things, is the fact that he is able to put school and American Idol in synthesis. While in American Idol, David still had to put in 4 hours a day for school (which somehow explains why Jeff Archuleta had to look over his son very closely). The other contestants had the luxury of time to rehearse.

Another amazing piece of information about David A is that he only has one functioning eardrum. In connection to that, his surfaced, mature voice that we all admire comes from just one vocal chord. David started singing at age 7. At age 12, he already had won the juniors singers' competition on the televised talent show "Star Search," but in the process, Archuleta lost half his voice when a virus attacked his vocal chord. It left one chord paralyzed. He had to deal with a medical problem that permanently changed his voice. It took months of work and vocal training for Archuleta to heal, but he never fully recovered. Ironically, the damaging illness gave him his unique textured sound, which has been much praised and lauded.

I love David sing because he does it with a soulful touch. I can say that his voice is naturally soulful. Yes, he puts tweaks to his lines as much as any other pop singer does, but when I heard him sing John Lennon’s “Imagine”, I thought this kid has a lot going for in terms of personal touch and from then on I’ve come to realize his charisma.

I’d go for David A because, as a musician myself, I was trained with the traditional rather than the contemporary. I remember one of my professors in college refer to rock music as “noise”. However, I appreciate David Cook’s interpretation of his song choices which has a rock genre that appeal to the rather middle ground of the type of rock music which was alluded to by my college professor as “noise”. If you look at David Cook and if you have come to know him just now because you’re listening to him in American Idol, you would think that he’s just another rock singer. It’s amazing to know that he started to sing when he was in 2nd grade when he was given a solo in a school choir performance. He also performed in musicals. Eventually, Cook became the lead singer and guitarist of the band Axium. His taste and preference for rock was probably influenced by this latter involvement in a band. I can say that he’s a well rounded individual who was also an active baseball player in high school. All of these experiences made him ripe for a finals slot in American Idol, against young and inexperienced David Archuleta.

On a final note, I see David Cook’s music as slow, expressive, yet tedious and undistinguished. Like any other rock singer, he’ll probably just come and go. David Archuleta’s music, on the other hand, is joyful, fun, & soulful. I’d go for the latter as it appeals to my sensitivity.

Part of being an idol is character—the kind of personality one conveys in front of people. That is important because it’s what people see. We come to know American Idol contestants mostly from third party write-ups. We don’t literally know them. How they compose themselves during interviews, performances, and just in their idle moments, say a lot about them.

My say for David Cook—arrogant; for David Archuleta—modest.

Whoever wins the AI title, nevertheless, deserves it. Both Davids already have their careers cut out for them.

Repentance--Is it too late?

Abinadi was a prophet sent by God to cry/preach repentance to wicked King Noah and his court. Noah was appointed king of the Nephites at that time by his father, Zeniff, who, in contrast, led the people in righteousness.

We can read in Mosiah, in the Book of Mormon, chapter 11, that King Noah “did not walk in the ways of his father”. He did not keep the commandments of God, but walked “after the desires of his own heart”.

Continuing from verse 2 we read:

2 ….And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness.
3 And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.
4 And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom.
5 For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.
6 Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity.
7 Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them.
8 And it came to pass that king Noah built many elegant and spacious buildings; and he ornamented them with fine work of wood, and of all manner of precious things, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of brass, and of ziff, and of copper;
9 And he also built him a spacious palace, and a throne in the midst thereof, all of which was of fine wood and was ornamented with gold and silver and with precious things.
10 And he also caused that his workmen should work all manner of fine work within the walls of the temple, of fine wood, and of copper, and of brass.
11 And the seats which were set apart for the high priests, which were above all the other seats, he did ornament with pure gold; and he caused a breastwork to be built before them, that they might rest their bodies and their arms upon while they should speak lying and vain words to his people.
12 And it came to pass that he built a tower near the temple; yea, a very high tower, even so high that he could stand upon the top thereof and overlook the land of Shilom, and also the land of Shemlon, which was possessed by the Lamanites; and he could even look over all the land round about.
13 And it came to pass that he caused many buildings to be built in the land Shilom; and he caused a great tower to be built on the hill north of the land Shilom, which had been a resort for the children of Nephi at the time they fled out of the land; and thus he did do with the riches which he obtained by the taxation of his people.
14 And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their time with harlots.
15 And it came to pass that he planted vineyards round about in the land; and he built wine-presses, and made wine in abundance; and therefore he became a wine-bibber, and also his people.

It must have been very difficult for Abinadi to face Noah’s people, let alone, preach to them. On the first occasion, he came with a warning. It took 2 years and Abinadi had to return with another warning because the people ignored the first.

In chapter 12 we read about the 2nd warning which was somewhat similar to the first (Mosiah 11:20-25).

1 And it came to pass that *after the space of two years that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying: Thus has the Lord commanded me, saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations.
2 Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh.
3 And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace; for he shall know that I am the Lord.
4 And it shall come to pass that I will smite this my people with sore afflictions, yea, with famine and with pestilence; and I will cause that they shall howl all the day long.
5 Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass.
6 And it shall come to pass that I will send forth hail among them, and it shall smite them; and they shall also be smitten with the east wind; and insects shall pester their land also, and devour their grain.
7 And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence—and all this will I do because of their iniquities and abominations.
8 And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly a destroy them from off the face of the earth; yet they shall leave a record behind them, and I will preserve them for other nations which shall possess the land; yea, even this will I do that I may discover the abominations of this people to other nations. And many things did Abinadi prophesy against this people.

It’s amazing that the Lord afforded time for King Noah and his people to repent. It wasn’t until after 2 years did Abinadi return to give another reminder.

Come to think of it, we see similar conditions in our day and time as that was in Noah’s period. We’ve been warned so many times in the scriptures about wickedness and disobedience and consequences, even penalty for indulging in such. Our country, among many other nations in the world, had suffered countless calamities and had lost thousands of lives. We tend to look at these disasters as natural and have nothing to do with the way we live our lives. Just as Noah and his people in the Book of Mormon, and we even remember Sodom & Gomorrah, and the people before the flood in the Bible, God had to send destruction because of the iniquity & disobedience of the people. The calamities prophesied to happen because of disobedience and wickedness are as sure as the promises of God to the righteous.

If we assess the world today and ask if it’s ripe for destruction, what could be the answer? Perhaps John the Revelator has one. In Revelations chapter 7, we read about 4 angels set upon each corner of the earth holding the winds so as not to blow. The winds symbolize destruction. Just as the Lord provided 2 years for King Noah and his people to repent, we are now living in that probation when we are supposed to look at our lives and repent of our mistakes and sins. We are now at the final stage when God is marking those who are worthy to be saved when the winds (destruction) are released by the angels.

Alma was the first among the people of Noah to believe in the words of Abinadi. When he was contending with Zeezrom (a man who was expert in the devices of the devil), he spoke about that probationary state: And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.(Alma 12:24)

How are we preparing ourselves to meet God?

For the time being, we’ve been granted this probation in which we can repent or not, according to the knowledge we have and the desires of our hearts. However, a time will come when it will be too late to choose.

...the time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just. And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not. (Mosiah 16:1,2)

When that time arrives, it will be too late to repent. We can learn now to kneel before God from love and gratitude, rather than find ourselves in that day in fear and condemnation.

The issue that will determine our final state is not what we were or what we intend one day to be, but what we are. Thus, if we are repentant and obedient, no matter what may have transpired previously in our lives, the Lord promises to turn scarlet sins to white and crimson colored sins to wool (Isaiah 1:18); to never mention our sins to us again (Ezek. 18:21,22); to subdue our sins and throw them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19); to blot out like a thick cloud our transgressions (Isaiah 44:22); and to not remember our sins (Isaiah 43:25). This, he has promised, he will do as often as we truly repent (Mosiah 26:30). But if we are encompassed in sin, and if we do not repent, we have no promises at all.

But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore, he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God. (Mosiah 16:5)

Mother, I love you.

My mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. – Graycie Harmon

Not too long ago, there was this church filmstrip called “I’ll Build You a Rainbow”. I used to have the story memorized. It was about a little boy named Jamey and his mother. I came to love this story as I likened the little boy to myself. Both our mothers died when we were 11 yrs old.

(Read story at http://anchoredbygrace.com/heartstrings/families.htm)

The story talked about Jamey’s mom having all the time in the world for him as compared to other moms who were busy with their “fashion shows & bridge parties”. She was home with him. I remember when I was growing up, my mother stayed home with me. She was a homemaker. My dad was already retired from the Navy when I was born. I never had to miss my parents’ company while growing up.

My 11th year in life was notable as this was the time my mother got sick and died. The same happened to Jamey’s mom. He was called home from school one day and he was surprised to see an ambulance parked in the driveway. When he went in the house, he saw his mom lying on the bed. He had a moment with her. Jamey did not understand as to why it had to happen. He said, “mom you can’t die”. His mom replied, “It’s ok Jamey. I have been with you more in 11 years that most moms been with their boys in their whole lifetime”. He said, “I know mom. I know, but you just can’t die”. The mother reassuringly responded, “Jamey I want you to know a secret—it’s a special secret, and I want you to always remember it: ‘Families are forever’”!

I wish I also had a moment with my mom before she closed her eyes and eventually passed on. I was playing the piano at home one morning. She walked towards me and sat down on the rocking chair by the piano. I thought she fell asleep while listening to my music. I couldn’t wake her up. When the doctors came, they said she must be taken to the hospital. The next time I saw my mother, she was in a casket.

I remember it was my mother who sent me to piano school. She aspired that someday I can play the hymns at church. The church building in our hometown was still under construction when she died. It was a noble intention and for that, I am grateful that since then, I’ve been playing the piano at church. It has become a talent I humbly share. It also came handy when I was a missionary. There were some areas where wards or branches didn’t have pianists so I got to play during sacrament meetings.

Going back, the day my mother arrived in a casket, I went to our backyard. I looked up in the sky and I didn’t know what to think or feel. I didn’t understand. I went in the house by the kitchen door and my father was right there. He embraced me and cried, “your mother is gone”. I cried, too. Just like Jamey, I could feel my dad’s teardrops on my own cheeks. Then I remembered the secret. I looked up to him and said, “dad it’s alright, families are forever!”

My mother was out of my life’s scene early. It’s been 23 years since, but I still remember her as a kind and caring mother. I remember her kisses when I was hurt. She was always there to give me a hug every time I was in trouble. Of all the things she did, I will always be thankful for the things she taught me. She was my primary teacher at church. I learned about the Savior and my Heavenly Father’s love at her knees. My mother instilled my testimony of living prophets to me. I remember her testimony of President Kimball. She loved that prophet and she testified that when communicating with God, President Kimball could almost touch the Savior. From that testimony, I know now as I learned before that our living prophets and apostles are literally special witnesses, even eyewitnesses of the Savior.

My mother. I love her. I thank the Lord for giving her to me and letting her stay with me for those 11 years. I thank her for the love, the comfort, and the happiness, which became music to me, still playing in my heart. It’s been a long time. I can only remember a few things about her, but the tune unto which she sang her lullabies will always be a part of me. Ultimately, I’m grateful for the knowledge & assurance that I can be together with her again, forever.

“I'll build you a rainbow, way up high above. Send down a sunbeam, plumb full of love. Sprinkle down raindrops, teardrops of joy. I'll be happy as spring-time, watchin' over my boy”

Almost Perfect Getaway (A Photo Essay)

Bantayan Island, Cebu

QA Outing-Summer '08

Our seemingly endless wait for a ride back to Cebu and the woes that came with it almost ruined our Bantayan summer escapade. Toby became fidgety, as Ting remained somewhat calm as everybody else. Ann would rather ride a V-hire, yet Paul proposed that we head to Bogo and take our chances there for a bus ride. However, there is not anyone more concerned about the situation than Lainy, while Jan patiently grins buoyantly to keep the team together. There is exhaustion in Marc’s eyes as Cedie expresses his dismay about the matter. Mira smiles her braces out as she, too, tries hard optimistically to see the situation through.

Our QA team capped Summer 2008, and successfully froze the moments in Bantayan Island. We began our retreat leaving the office in a rainy Saturday dawn. The sun was still behind the clouds when we arrived at Hagnaya. It was drizzling. The weather was tolerable in such a way that it wasn’t warm yet it was far from being chilly. I loved it as I’m not the type of person who’d appreciate a hot weather. It takes the energy out of me and drains me eventually. I’m probably just getting old. I take on the vigor of my youthful friends.

I can’t recall when I last immersed myself in seawater. It was probably more than 10 years ago. I was actually waiting for Ting as she beseeched me prior to the outing that I should get wet and indulge myself. Juvi had to leave early. She, too, entreated me to take a dip. Both Ting and Juvi’s pleas were not without a condition. Afraid that I might lose them as friends (pun intended), regardless of how long it has been since I bathe in the beach, I had to go and took the plunge. Watching Lainy, Jan, Cedie, and Juvi from the terrace of our room, enjoying the Bantayan seawater, somehow gave me the yearning to join them. I did. I almost forgot how it felt like to be in the water that I’d never felt so cold in my life. It was still drizzling and the sun wasn’t out. I almost quit and wanted to run back to the resort room. The guys had to convince me to keep my body in the water. That, eventually, kept me warm. I was glad I stayed. I didn’t want to get out of it.

Ann, Marc, & Mira had their own adventure while we were reveling in the beach. Thanks to them we were fed well during the trip. I’m amazed at how these guys express initiative, take inconveniences & turn them into funny experiences. They had to go to Bantayan proper to buy food. Ann recounted that the ride to and from the place seemed endless. While in that seemingly incessant journey, imagine holding your breath naturally because of the poultry stink. You believe It will only take a few turns before you get a grasp of fresh air again. To your dismay, the poultry covered what seemed like 48 acres or 99% of your entire travel time. You have to accept the fact that you’ve taken in the foul-smelling air into your system and hope that it will refresh itself once you reach the fresh air zone.

We missed Juvi’s company overnight.

The Iron Chef Marc took care of our cuisine for dinner. We were all in the room after, having delightful exchanges until some, including I became heavy eyed. We thought to hit the sheets. Marc, Ting, & Toby remained awake until later. Marc said he took the dive before bidding Saturday goodbye.

During the night, I was awakened by the animated sounds of snoring. I found I wasn’t alone. Ann and Paul were awake. It didn’t take long before I found myself in my dreams again, leaving Paul absorbed by his video game, and Ann reading the silly text message of Gwendee. It was a fun-filled night just listening to the snoring episodes. To a musically inclined person like me, I thought there was music in the wheezing sound. (Pun intended)

Nothing compares to a Sunday Breakfast treat by Iron Chef Marc. The Tuna Cheese Omelet, the Hamonada, and the Tuna Omelet (without cheese this time). The presentation itself was half the treat! It was a good way to start the day as the sun was already out.

Ogtong cave resort was just beautiful! There’s a loch enclosed in a cave, which was the main attraction of the resort. There was also a fresh water swimming pool, aside, of course from the open beach.

Lunch was taken cared of by Tristan Beach Resort—our refuge for this getaway. Getting ready to move out was as eventful as our arrival. I lazed around gripping on the air conditioner, as I know it will be excruciatingly hot outside. We took off and headed for the pier. The same as how we came in, we RORO’d our way out of Bantayan.

What’s amazing from this outing is that despite some trouble or difficulty, the team’s diverse strengths came into play as the inconveniences were turned into positive experiences. Each member of the team, despite some display of frustration & exhaustion, rose above adverse moods and faced the trip head on.

Until the next QA outing, we just had a blast of exciting moments—enough to keep us going and to keep us strong as a team. From such familiarity as this, we come to know each other and bond—to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.

We had fun, even in the bus ride on the way home.