My Little Lamb

Dear Family, Friends, Neighbors and Associates:

We wish each of you great happiness and joy in this wonderful time of remembrance and celebration of our Lord and Savior’s birth and life-giving ministry.  Please read Sister Taylor’s “Little Lamb” story attached. 

All of our love,   

Dad and Mom

George and Debra

GT & DT

 

 

My Little Lamb

 

When I was a child I lived in Bethlehem five miles from Jerusalem and just a little way from “Shepherd’s Field” which was called Migdal Eder. This was the place where lambs were raised for sacrifice at the Temple.  All the firstborn lambs around my home are considered holy. My father, my grandfather, and my uncles were shepherds.  I always wanted to be a shepherd like them but I was a daughter; I was told I needed to stay at home.

My father spent many cold and lonely nights in the fields protecting the sacred sheep. He risked his life to keep the animals from going astray and falling into the steep ravines. Spring was especially difficult because it is the time of lambing and Passover.  People came from all over to purchase animals for burnt and peace offerings to atone for their sins in Jerusalem.

When the lambs reach a year old, my father separated the firstborn males, those without blemish and spot, and led them to Jerusalem. I waited on the road to see my father and the little lambs as they passed by.  On one such occasion one particular lamb with such a big tail caught my eye—he even looked at me. I ran to my father and asked if I could keep that little lamb. He told me that there were many others back on the field from which I could choose. But, I wanted the one which had caught my eye. After some pleading my father finally gave me that special lamb. I picked it up; the lamb licked my nose. I giggled and buried my face into his neck.

 I ran back home holding my little lamb and hollered to my mother with excitement as I entered the house. She sighed and asked what I would do with the lamb. I told her that the lamb would be my friend since I didn’t have anyone else to play with. 

When my father returned from Jerusalem he went back to the field to divide more of the lambs.

One dark evening as I lay in front of the small fire, I was awakened with a start as my father rushed into the house in great excitement. The door slammed against the wall causing straw to fall to the ground from the roof.  His eyes were flashing but his spirit was joyful.  He began talking so fast that my mother and I we could make out only a few of his words.  My mother asked, “What is the matter?” She told him to slow down and repeat what he had said.

“I had been tending the flocks with James and the other shepherds when an angel  appeared and said unto us, ‘Fear not for behold, I bring unto 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 Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

 And suddenly there was with the a multitude of Heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.’ ( Luke 2:9-17).

“I saw the babe wrapped in the same swaddling clothes in which we wrap the new-born lambs. As I came near the manger I knelt down to view this miraculous sight. I felt such indescribable joy, peace, and love as I looked upon this holy family. I couldn’t contain myself and I have shared this experience with everyone on my way home. Will you come with me and see?”

Well, we ran out of the house and shut the door leaving my little lamb behind to go and see this new-born baby. The stars were so bright, especially one brilliant star which led the way.

When we arrived at the manger there were others whispering and pressing in to see the child. My father lifted me upon his shoulders so that I could catch a glimpse of the baby. I could hardly breathe because my heart was full as I looked upon the infant child’s face.

As I gazed upon him I wondered how I could show my love.  I so wanted to give him a gift.  We walked home slowly, talking with each other with feelings we could not  describe.

In my mind, I continued to ask myself what I could give to him.

When we reached the door of our home, my little lamb was waiting eagerly but patiently for me.  As I lifted up my lamb I began to cry. Again he licked my nose but also my eyes and my mouth.

During the night, I didn’t sleep.  I felt a strong desire and a need give my new little lamb to the new boy-child babe in the manger.

Following this wonderful experience, my father returned back to the shepherd fields. I asked him if we could take my little lamb to the child when he returned home. He answered that we could indeed!  I waited and watched for a few days for his return. Finally he came back and helped take me and my lamb.  The little lamb followed me to the manger. When we arrived the child and his parents were gone. I felt so sad—disappointed that I had taken so long to return.  I wondered what sacrifice of purification the baby’s  parents offered at the temple to celebrate the birth of their first-born son.

As we were leaving the manger, my lamb seemed to linger behind sniffing the golden straw but then turned and followed me back home—how I loved my little lamb! As he grew too big to live with us in our house, I returned him back to the” Shepherds Field” with the other ewes.  But, I never forgot the love I felt for my lamb and for the child and the gift that I wanted to give. 

Debra Taylor 12/2011

 

Basketball

My great MTC predecessor, President Robert Kennerley accomplished many great things here in the MTC—one of the most significant is that he moved the missionaries’ gym and exercise time from the night-time to the early morning.  Each morning, we gather with all of the missionaries and play—volleyball, badminton, jump-rope, table tennis, kickball, maybe some 4-square, a little chess occasionally and basketball!.  I purchased one-more BB bank board (portable) and hoop to expand their play.

            I have always loved to play and watch the game of basketball.  I’m not very good, I’m not very tall and I’m old—but I still love it.  Please note in the picture my wonderful acquaintance, Elder Tyler Haws (former and future BYU BB great) who serves nearby in the Quezon City Mission and is currently assigned as the assistant to his wonderful mission president, President DeLaMare (also formerly a very good BB player). (Please don’t send or share this picture to anybody because both Elder Haws and I don’t want to be embarrassed!)  The President says that Elder Haws is so humble, obedient and faithful.  He doesn’t compete with anybody while he is in the service of the Lord.

            Every morning I watch the MTC missionaries play their hearts out on the court.  The young Pilipino missionaries love to play basketball.  Many are fans of the NBA teams and keep track of the games and players.  Here are a few things I observe about the young missionaries’ basketball skills: 

            They love to dribble, drive and dodge—through their legs, around their legs, over the top and down under; they wheel, they spin, they fake, they feign, they step, reverse, jump and pump. The go left, they go right, they go over.  Wow—do they have the moves—lively, agile, athletic, fancy, fantastic—just incredible!  They practice all of the smooth moves endlessly and all of them do it showing their amazing young prowess to each other and to everyone else who watches.  I’m sure that Jimmer could learn some new tricks! There are just two things at which that they don’t do well:  1) They don’t know how to pass to somebody else and, 2) They rarely can make a basket!  An amazing display!   I love it and I love them!

 

President GT

 

A Rainbow in the Night

A Rainbow in the Night

               Today I saw a Christmas miracle!

It all started when I saw a beautifully decorated tree, a crèche of The Holy Family, and hanging sparkling crystals. The refracted lights reflected colors in a kaleidoscope of violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. I stood mesmerized in wondering awe.

Previously I had imagined the Star of Bethlehem as a brilliant white light in the blackened night sky. But when I saw the spectrum of colors bending all around me, I realized that the Christ Child brought a rainbow of color on that first silent night.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, may the light of Christ shine brightly, brilliantly, bringing all the facets of love, peace, hope --- a rainbow in the night! Debra Taylor 12/2011

So Much Grateful 2011

 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise;

be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

-Psalm 100:4

Please see Sister Taylor’s “So Much Grateful!”

Thanks,

George & Debra Taylor

So Much Grateful 2011

We are so much grateful :
We don’t drive, because we are saved from the traffic.

We live in the safe cocoon of the MTC.

For the kitchen staff who fix 500 meals and snacks a day.

For the parking lot we use for gym.

For Che Che who does the wash.

For shoes that protect. “The feet of those who bringeth good tidings and publisheth peace.”

For the water coolers that provide purified water.

For eight different songs sung in eight different rooms that give us variety.

For different languages because we realize that God talks to all His children.

For Marwin who cleans daily and unclogs the toilets.

For the teachers who teach our Missionaries about Christ.

For the Temple we see daily and the spires that direct us to heaven.

For “Rustans” where we find American food.

For gray days that make it easier to stay inside our classrooms.

For dirty dishes because it means we have food

For physical facilities who keep the pumps going.

For those who gave their lives to ensure freedom for the Philippines.

For Black Name Tags so we know who we are and who we represent.

For the missionaries who invite us to come unto Christ.

For the Savior who blesses our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Maligaya Araw ng pasasalamat

Love, the Taylors

The Prayers of the Children

The Prayers of the Children
Debra Taylor
November 1, 2011

Sister Pajaro, the wife of one of our recently called Seventy, spoke at our MTC Devotional the other evening. With her husband’s new calling, their family moved into a new ward. She was then called to serve in the Primary presidency. She asked the president if they could visit every child in their home. As she visited each of the children, she was humbled by their physical circumstances.
One family of seven had one bed and two plastic chairs. The father didn’t have a job and the seven year old was outside selling Churros on the street.
The next Sunday after visiting, Sister Pajaro asked what the children prayed to Heavenly Father for. They replied:

I pray to be a good boy.
I pray to have weekly family Home Evening.
I pray to be safe.
I pray for my father to come back home.
I pray to go to church with my family.
I pray for my sister to get better that was hit by a jeepny.

In tears Sister Pajaro said, “No one prayed for toys, for a bigger house, or for better food. None of them prayed for themselves! Elders and Sisters you are the answers to the prayers of the children. You can be the ministering angels!”

And I pray for each of the children!

I want what I want when I want it

Sometimes, I want what I want when I want it! Life is a often a trial and test to learn patience and waiting.

There is a young lady of need.
Who likes her whims done with all speed!
For gain she will spend,
Whatever the end,
And reap the reward of her greed!

See Sister Taylor’s “Instant!” Attachment.
Thank You and Love, President & Sister Taylor
GT & DT.

INSTANT

“Instant”
Everywhere I go in Manila I see huge advertizing bill boards. If I have a chance to turn on the TV, I see similar messages on the commercials: The “Moment,” the “Immediate,” the “Quick,” the “Easy,” and the “Instant.” These word-signs in life flood the by-ways, air-ways, ear-ways and eye-ways!
Even in my sleep, I imagine seeing the “Instant” words flashing, lashing, trashing the bill-board of my dreams!

Instant Securities
Instant Unsecured Loans
Instant Camera
Instant Messaging
Instant Relief
Instant Thermometer
Instant Grass
Instant Savings
Instant Access
Instant Credit
Instant Slots
Instant Glue
Instant noodles
Instant Yeast
Instant Cash
Instant Relationships
Instant Replay
Instant Hypnosis
Instant Rice
Instant Decisions
Instant Tanning
Instant Chat
Instant Pudding
Instant Milk
Instant Gratification

As I stare or glare at all these words and the thoughts of the things they represent, I am overwhelmed. I wondered what impact they have upon each of us.
What are we relinquishing for our “Instant” Life?
A new billboard flashed before my eyes with these words:

Patience
Endure
Stalwart
Love
Unfeigned
Forbearance
Faithful
Overcome
Continue
Wait
Bear
Diligence
Firmness
Perseverance
Steadfast
Valiant
Earnest
Unwearied
Conquer
Prevail
Line upon Line
Constant
Consistent
Preparation
Firm
Unyielding Fortitude
Persistent

I remembered the childhood fable about the “Tortoise and Hare” by Aesop. The Hare wanted to win a quick, easy, and instant race against a slow moving hare. The Hare thought that it was a “sure deal!” He would easily win because he was so swift and fast. Over confident, the Hare took a nap halfway through the race. Upon awakening, he found that the persistent crawling Tortoise had reached the finish line before him.
I think the lesson of the story presents important questions:
Is the race I choose to run realistic?
Is the destination of the finish line where I want to be?
Am I willing to use self discipline and sacrifice—to delay my self-gratification in order to reach my goal?
Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, “The race is not to the swift...”
So at the end of our races do we find that we have exchanged “Persistant” for “Instant” and we lose? Enduring to the end is the great quest of life and the culminating principle of the Gospel.
DST. November 2011

Cock Roaches, Run for your lives!

Cock Roaches, Run for your lives!
You are probably asking, “Why is Sister Taylor talking about cock roaches?”
Well, let me tell you!
First of all, when the missionaries come into the MTC we tell them, “Don’t take food to your rooms; bugs like food!” We spray every 19 days, but with the moisture in the Philippines, it isn’t enough.
Second, Sister Riddle came down the other day with a big sore on her chin. When she went to the kitchen the cook told her that it looked like a cock roach bite. Sister Riddle yelled, “Cock roaches don’t bite!” “Yes they do,” said the cook. Sister Riddle ran down stairs to her computer and found that cock roaches do bite, but it is rare. She returned to her apartment and looked by the side of her bed; there lay a 2 ½ inch cock roach.
Now let me tell you the facts:
• They have been around for 280 million years.
• They laze (lounge) around 75% of the time.
• They can run 3 miles / hr. when they are up.
• There are 5, 000 species worldwide.
• The name comes from the Spanish word Cucaracha.
• The largest is from South America measuring 6 inches with a 1 foot wing span.
• They come out of water rather than food.
• They can hold their breath for 40 minutes.
• They have white blood.
• They carry TB, Cholera, leprosy, dysentery, typhoid, 40 bacteria’s (Salmonella), viruses, and can cause allergies.
• They are eaten in Cambodia as a snack.
We don’t snack on cock roaches here, and we sure enough don’t want them as bed bugs.
So, we are cleaning up and putting on our “Hazmat” outfit to spray.

Cock Roaches, Run for your lives

Debra S. Taylor Oct. 2011

Inspiring Missionary story

Please enjoy the attached little story about two wonderful missionaries. We can hardly speak of the marvelous spiritual events and people we encounter in our mission without being overcome!
George & Debbie

Here is a little story about Michael and Marvic:

A young man, Michael Navalta (taller) has a best friend, Marvic Pablico (shorter).  After school, he watched his friend go to church every Tuesday through Friday afternoon.  He put aside his shyness and asked Marvic why he went to church every afternoon.  Marvic tells him that he attends “seminary.”

            “So one day I ask him if I can go with him…”

            “Of course, yes.”

“So we go to the Church with our bicycle.  And that day is my first time to attend the seminary and I feel something different.  So because of that feeling, every Tuesday to Friday in the afternoon, we go together in the Church to attend the seminary.”

Soon, Marvic invites him to go to Church with him on Sunday.  Michel says,

“I accept it.  My first time attending the Sunday service is so special.  I feel the love of the members, same as the love of our Heavenly Father.”

  He soon met the missionaries because of the seminary teacher.

“They set an appointment to teach me more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They teach me in the house of my friend.  His family supports me even though my Mother didn’t want me to be teach [sic] in our own home—until the time they set my baptism.  And I’m so happy when I was baptized.”

Michael and Marvic prepared and submitted their mission applications together.  They received their mission calls at the same time.  They were scheduled to enter the Philippines MTC on the same day.  When arriving, can you imagine their joy and surprise to learn that they were to be in the same district but were also to be missionary companions!  A small coincidence or divine Providence!? 

            “I’m so happy for being a member.  I will never forget my friend.  He’s my special friend.  The only time that we will be separated from each other [is] when we [will be] finally transferred to the field.  But it’s OK because we can see each other again after our mission.”