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