Yay!! New temples announced for #Philippines 😇

Jesus asked: “Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, … deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them.”

Having great compassion, He set no limits and called for all “that are afflicted in any manner.”

He knows our suffering as well and calls, Bring forth the anxious and depressed, the weary, the prideful and misunderstood, the lonely, or those who “are afflicted in any manner.”

This invitation from the Lord is still extended today.

We will feel the love and peace of the Savior as we join Him in saving God’s family, for He has promised, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

When we explain a problem and a proposed solution, sometimes He answers yes, sometimes no.

Often He withholds an answer, not for lack of concern, but because He loves us—perfectly.

He wants us to apply truths He has given us. For us to grow, we need to trust our ability to make correct decisions.

We need to do what we feel is right. In time, He will answer. He will not fail us.

Four suggestions that will make us kinder, gentler, more harmonious, and loving persons.

First, be considerate. Be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others, always careful not to demean or belittle by either word or act. Be encouraging, uplifting, careful not to break down a person’s confidence.

Second, be complimentary. Look for attributes and acts of others that you can be genuinely complimentary of. Everyone is lifted by sincere and deserved commendation.

Third, be charitable. Charity is the opposite of selfishness. It means being generous and giving of both one’s means and one’s time in the service of others.

Fourth, be grateful. If we would show our love to our Heavenly Father, we would be grateful. We would show our gratitude by the way we live, not just by what we say or profess.

The gospel of Jesus Christ truly blessed our family in ways I could not imagine.

My older brother and I first joined the church and my other siblings followed after. We always liked joining activities at church and meeting new friends. But because we had different beliefs, we usually didn't have the kind of support we expected from my parents.

We always wanted that we become one in the gospel as a family. We always dreamed that we go to church as a family. We prayed that God would soften the hearts of my family so we can be together forever.

Soon enough, my mother accepted the gospel and it was a joyful day for us. My father had the desire to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ too. But, he could hardly quit from his vices.

One day, when I arrived home from our 5-day FSY Conference, I saw my Papa reading a book. I was surprised that he was holding the Book of Mormon.

Until then, he reads the scriptures every night. His desire to leave his old habits became gradually possible. He started listening to the missionaries. I was amazed that when Sunday would come, he would wake up us all to get ready to Church.

Eventually, my Papa got baptized. We're grateful to have this blessing while my sister is currently serving her mission. (Sister Rivera was able to join the baptismal service virtually).

More importantly, now, my family is in unity. There's more love and peace at home. I could freely open up my feelings to my parents and I could feel their love and support to us.

We are happier and more understanding with one another. No family is perfect but we're striving to have Jesus Christ at the center of our lives.

Indeed, when we come close to the Lord, He will help us. We will see miracles in our lives - especially to our family.

- Naohmae B. Rivera
#BuildingForeverFamilies