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Hello there!
My name is Claudia Valeria, but you can just call me Claudia. I'm originally from Peru and I currently live in Barcelona, Spain since 11 years ago, when my family and I moved here. We are a 5-member-family: my parents, two brothers and I, the oldest. I turned 19 this last 5th August and I'm studying my second year of career! I love maths and that's why I'm studying Statistics at the University of Barcelona. Here is BEAUTIFUL: the weather, the people, the landscape and the sea. We also have a rich culture in this part of Spain. We speak two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. I cannot explain how blessed I've been for having been raised in a dual cultural environment--between the Peruvian and Spanish/Catalan cultures. The best of this is you can joy the best from each one! One of the consequences of that is that I'm bilingual, which drives me to say I do love languages. In fact, from time ago I'm working on mastering a third one: English. Besides this, other hobbies or talents I got are dancing and sports. I dance since I was very little, my mom bears testimony of that, and although I've never taken dance classes, I can say I'm not bad at all.

Beliefs-wise, another interesting fact about me is that I'm a Christian. Indeed, I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since the April 30 of 2017, when I was baptized. My life changed from my conversion, and I can say that there's no other thing that brings me more joy than the Restored Gospel and knowing my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is truly a blessing to know this things, for as you can imagine, I had to learn and study before came to the knowledge I know now. So representatives of the Lord brought me this good news and taught me about all this marevelous works and truths back in time. Because of this, I have a strong desire to serve a mission--a volunteering of 2 or 1 year and a half to invite others to come unto Christ-- in July 2019! That's one of the biggest goals I have by now, however, isn't the only one. I have so many other goals I want to achieve before leaving, but you'll dicover them as long as you keep reading My Wall. All in good time.

XOXO

Claudia

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The aim/purpose of this wall

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The Articles of Faith outline 13 basic points of belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith first wrote them in a letter to John Wentworth, a newspaper editor, in response to Mr. Wentworth's request to know what members of the Church believed. They were subsequently published in Church periodicals. They are now regarded as scripture and included in the Pearl of Great Price.

The #13 is my favourite because describes what a true disciple of Jesus Christ is or strives to be. For this reason, all these attributes are some of my New Year's Eve annual goals :)

Here the scripture linked to the word 'We' at the beginning of the article bellow: Phillipians 4:8

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This last Sunday I met with my bishop and he could interview me to obtain my temple recomendation. Ah! And now I have it, finally! I'm thrilled and thankful at the same time for now being able to go to this holy place. Oh, wait. 'What is a temple?' you might be wondering. Well, I'll explain you soon (in the next post) :D

Mon, October 14

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I'm gonna start saying that I really enjoyed reading this story. The plot-twist about all the secretism that involved Parvez's son, the thought-provoking sights given from a religious perspective, the writer's style, the whole evolution of the main characters, and the open ending made this story a delight.

To briefly sum up the story, the scenareo is placed in a 3-member-family house from Pakistan in London city. Parvez, the father, a busy night cabbie with barely time for family, and whose relationship with a prostitute is closer than with his own wife, tries to fit in the West culture by abandoning his old traditions and religion. His son, Ali, is a young adult who used to be a good student and a normal guy, but now starts acting suspeciously from the most deep secretism. Due to this, Parvez and Bettina--the intelligent Parvez' friend that frequent the dark streets at night with high heels, make up and tight clothes--, will work together to discover the mistery his son is hidding.

First of all, despite being a fanatic, I must say I agree to a certain extend with Ali's opinion. I think that most of the values have been lost, that the world is getting more and more corrupted by men iniquity. I think that there's so much confusion in the world, so many deceiving voices talking to us about what is morally acceptable that people don't know what to believe; voices saying that true liberty means no limits for human behavior and that there's nothing else after this mortal life--and wherefore, no eternal consequences. Indeed, I believe that nowadays man wrongly seeks happiness in the easy, vain and instant pleasure, which most of the times is morally incorrect. However, as Alma, an ancient prophet of the Book of Mormon, said to his son "wickedness never was happiness."
Isaiah prophesied that there will be the time in where people will call evil good, and good evil. And this is clearly the time Isaiah was referring to. We live in a world of chaging rules, in where the truth and the justice seems to be different depending on the eyes of the holder, in a world full of contention, sorrow and abobinations because of the wrong exercise of men's agency.

Secondly, I'd highlight the main characthers' evolution along the story. In the beginning, we're told how Parvez set aside his religious and tradition lifestyle and replaced it for other western customs and habbits. Ali, in contrast, sees himself overwelmed by the European standards that turns into a religious radical. However, close to the end, we

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Hi! Here I'll be posting the final version of a writing I'm working on now. It's titled 'This I Believe' in which I explain why I do believe in the good faith of others. Meanwhile, you have this lovely post, and all the hype! haha

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Here, Thomas Plummer offers various methods of "treatment" for those who do not think for themselves. Certainly there are many ways of becoming a deeper and more independent thinker.
After reading it, I'd encourage anybody to have it a look. Despite being quite long, it's worth to read it. Without a doubt, it's highly recommended.

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This week I'm readind lessons 13 and 14 of the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual. I loved the words from elder Tom L. Perry here about declaring the Gospel to the world, which concerns me as a latter-day saint, and even more if I want to serve a mission :)

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BE NOT TROUBLED
By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

We will “be not troubled” because when we stand with the Lord and stand for His principles and His eternal plan, we are standing on holy ground.

"Fear not to do good" is what I try always to apply, but sometimes it might be difficult to not fear. Elder Roland teach us through the account of Elisha in 2 Kings (in the Bible) that as long as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear; "for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”¹

The Lord is with us, mindful of us and blessing us in ways only He can do.

Wherefore, He command us to "be of good cheer, and do not fear."², "for [His] perfect love casteth out all fear.”³

1. 2 Kings 6:16
2. Doctrine and Covenants 68:6
3. Moroni 8:16

The image bellow drives you to the video talk (and transcript). :D

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I add my witness to the messages of President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Quentin L. Cook given moments ago of the harmony and unanimity of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I know these revelatory announcements are the mind and the will of the Lord and will bless and strengthen individuals, families, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for generations to come.

Some years ago, one of our young married daughters and her husband asked Sister Rasband and me a very important, life-influencing question: "Is it still safe and wise to bring children into this seemingly wicked and frightening world we live in?"

Now, that was an important question for a mom and dad to consider with their dear married children. We could hear the fear in their voices and feel the fear in their hearts. Our answer to them was a firm "Yes, it's more than OK," as we shared fundamental gospel teachings and our own heartfelt impressions and life experiences.

Fear is not new. The disciples of Jesus Christ, out on the Sea of Galilee, feared the "wind, and the waves" in the dark of the night. As His disciples today, we too have fears. Our single adults fear making commitments such as getting married. Young marrieds, like our children, can fear bringing children into an increasingly wicked world. Missionaries fear lots of things, especially approaching strangers. Widows fear going forward alone. Teenagers fear not being accepted; grade schoolers fear the first day of school; university students fear getting back a test. We fear failure, rejection, disappointment, and the unknown. We fear hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires that ravage the land and our lives. We fear not being chosen, and on the flip side, we fear being chosen. We fear not being good enough; we fear that the Lord has no blessings for us. We fear change, and our fears can escalate to terror. Have I included just about everyone?

Since ancient times, fear has limited the perspective of God's children. I have always loved the account of Elisha in 2 Kings. The king of Syria had sent a legion that "came by night, and compassed the city about." Their intent was to capture and kill the prophet Elisha. We read:

"And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?"

That was fear speaking.

"And [Elisha] answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

But he didn't stop there.

"Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."

We may or may not have chariots of fire sent to dispel our fears and conquer our demons, but the lesson is clear. The Lord is with us, mindful of us and blessing us in ways only He can do. Prayer can call down the strength and the revelation that we need to center our thoughts on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. The Lord knew that at times we would feel fear. I have been there and so have you, which is why the scriptures are replete with the Lord's counsel:

"Be of good cheer, and do not fear."

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

"Fear not, little flock." I love the tenderness of "little flock." In this Church we may be few in number by the way the world counts influence, but when we open our spiritual eyes, "they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Our loving Shepherd, Jesus Christ, then continues, "Let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."

How is fear dispelled? For the young lad, he was standing right next to Elisha, a prophet of God. We have that same promise. When we listen to President Russell M. Nelson, when we hearken to his counsel, we are standing with a prophet of God. Remember the words of Joseph Smith: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" Jesus Christ lives. Our love for Him and His gospel dispels fear.

Our desire to "always have his Spirit" with us will push fear aside for a more eternal view of our mortal lives. President Nelson has cautioned, "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

The Lord said, regarding the scourges that would cover the land and would harden the hearts of many, "My disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved."

And then this divine counsel: "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled."

Stand in holy places-be not troubled-and promises shall be fulfilled. Let's look at each one of these in relation to our fears.

First, stand in holy places. When we stand in holy places-our righteous homes, our dedicated chapels, the consecrated temples-we feel the Spirit of the Lord with us. We find answers to questions that trouble us or the peace to simply set them aside. That is the Spirit in action. These sacred places in the kingdom of God on earth call for our reverence, our respect for others, our best selves in living the gospel, and our hopes to lay aside our fears and seek the healing power of Jesus Christ through His Atonement.

There is no room for fear in these holy places of God or in the hearts of His children. Why? Because of love. God loves us-always-and we love Him. Our love of God counters all fears, and His love abounds in holy places. Think about it. When we are tentative in our commitments to the Lord, when we stray from His path leading to life eternal, when we question or doubt our significance in His divine design, when we allow fear to open the door to all its companions-discouragement, anger, frustration, disappointment-the Spirit leaves us, and we are without the Lord. If you know what that is like, you know it is not a good place to be. In contrast, when we stand in holy places, we can feel God's love, and "perfect love casteth out all fear."

The next promise is "Be not troubled." No matter how much wickedness and chaos fill the earth, we are promised by our daily faithfulness in Jesus Christ the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding." And when Christ comes in all power and glory, evil, rebellion, and injustice will end.

Long ago the Apostle Paul prophesied of our times, saying to the young Timothy:

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ...

"... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God."

Remember, "they that be with us" on both sides of the veil, those who love the Lord with all their heart, might, mind, and strength, "are more than they that be with them." If we actively trust in the Lord and His ways, if we are engaged in His work, we will not fear the trends of the world or be troubled by them. I plead with you to set aside worldly influences and pressures and seek spirituality in your daily life. Love what the Lord loves-which includes His commandments, His holy houses, our sacred covenants with Him, the sacrament each Sabbath day, our communication through prayer-and you will not be troubled.

The last point: trust the Lord and His promises. I know that all His promises will be fulfilled. I know it as firmly as I stand here before you in this sacred meeting.

The Lord has revealed: "For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived-verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day."

This is why we should not be troubled by the turmoil of today, by those in the great and spacious building, by those who scoff at honest effort and dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ. Optimism, courage, even charity come from a heart not burdened by troubles or turmoil. President Nelson, who is "optimistic about the future," has reminded us, "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation."

To receive personal revelation, we must place priority on living the gospel and encouraging faithfulness and spirituality in others as well as ourselves.

Spencer W. Kimball was one of the prophets of my youth. These past few years, after being called as an Apostle, I have found peace in his first message at general conference in October 1943. He was overwhelmed by his call; I know what that feels like. Elder Kimball said: "I did a great deal of thinking and praying, and fasting and praying. There were conflicting thoughts that surged through my mind-seeming voices saying: 'You can't do the work. You are not worthy. You have not the ability'-and always finally came the triumphant thought: 'You must do the work assigned-you must make yourself able, worthy and qualified.' And the battle raged on."

I take heart from that purehearted testimony of this Apostle who would become the 12th President of this mighty Church. He recognized he had to put behind him his fears to "do the work assigned" and that he had to rely on the Lord for the strength to make himself "able, worthy and qualified." We can too. The battles will rage on, but we will face them with the Spirit of the Lord. We will "be not troubled" because when we stand with the Lord and stand for His principles and His eternal plan, we are standing on holy ground.

Now, what about that daughter and son-in-law who asked the very heartfelt and probing, fear-based question years ago? They seriously considered our conversation that night; they prayed and fasted and came to their own conclusions. Happily and joyfully for them and for us, the grandparents, they have now been blessed with seven beautiful children as they go forward in faith and love.

Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear. I bless you that as you do so, you will not be troubled by the times in which we live or the troubles that come your way. I bless you to choose to stand in holy places and be not moved. I bless you to believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, that He lives and that He is watching over us, caring for us and standing by us. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

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Be Not Troubled - By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

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I add my witness to the messages of President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Quentin L. Cook given moments ago of the harmony and unanimity of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

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Located in the Book of Mormon:

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Today, in class, my English teacher asked me to share if I was agree that this time would be recalled as the golden age of man kind. I first stated that I didn't have a clear inclination to share, but after I went on saying that it might be remembered as such due to the several and important breakthroughs that had taken place during this period. However, I wasn't able to answer if I would consider this days as the golden times. Or in other words, if my perspective of the future was negative or hopeful.The point is that I was so focused on guessing what people from the future would think about this century--trying to find events in which base my arguments on--that i didn't stopped to think for a moment in what I already believe and think thereof. I said I had no idea what to expect from the tomorrow, but I actually have an opinion concerning this. Since I get aware of this, I couldn't pay attention in class. I found myself lost, wondering how could I have forgotten the sight I have of the comming days. It was less than 3 minutes, but that briefly time has driven me to analyse and ponder about the whys and hows made this possible. Anyway, it isn't a big deal, actually. I must admit I got a little nervous when I couldn't find the right words to express myself properly. However, I still wonder if Carlos asked me this question in purpose becasue was interested in listening my response. As long as he has reviewed our Personal Profiles, he must have known that I'm a Christian, but I think I will never know it, haha.

Thu, October 25

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This is hillarious! If you enjoy this sitcome, you're gonna love this scene from sesson 12. It reminded me to what we learned the last day in class about the origin of Halloween's name--Sheldon explains it at the beginnig of the video. (I'd recomend to turn on the captions)
Happy all hallows eve!

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The Big Bang Theory - Howard Dresses Up As Sheldon (S12E06)

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Here I leave some of my notes from rewatching/studing the Pathway devotional we saw during the Thursday Gathering on Nov, 8. It lasts 1h 13 min, but it's soooo good. :)

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This cracked me up! (Look Alma 41:10-11)

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Reading some advice and writing guidelines for improving your essays never hurts. So, here we go, an extended but really useful and easy-going text to become a good writer. Personally, I think I'm an awful writer, so now you understand how I ended here... Enjoy!

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Accessible Support from Keys to Great Writing

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BYU-Pathway Worldwide Devotional with Sister Oscarson

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BYU-Pathway Worldwide Devotional with Sister Oscarson

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The little devotional is titled "Unexpected blessings", in which sister Oscarson explains us how more than 30 years after she left school to take care of her growing family, she made the desition to go back to collage at the age of 52. She is one of the living examples of the importance of education and of the unexpected blessings that he that seeks learning receives.

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Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson served as the 14th general president of the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2013 to 2018. Prior to her call, Sister Oscarson and her husband, Paul, served as the matron and temple president of the Stockholm Sweden Temple.

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Finally, I went to the temple this last friday! It's been several months since I wanted to attempt the temple. We sett out at 10pm and arrived there around 5:30 am  the next day. After locking our luggage and changing our clothes, I could go for a stroll around the temple and its little garden. It's BEAUTIFUL outdoors, and it's even nicer inside. We did work and rest there the whole morning until after dinner. It was my first time in the temple and I couldn't leave without a picture--I took loads, in fact-- so here's one of my favourites. :D

Fri, November 9

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Stay away. We don't want you around, haha.

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Elder Bednard's talk to BYU students.

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This Friday in Institute, talking about section 68: 25–28, in which is given the revelation that parents are commanded to teach the gospel to their children, we read this fragment from Elder Todd Christofferson's talk (Moral Discipline, general conference, 2009). I felt so identify with this because what elder Christofferson states bellow (in the pic) was the answer I received from my parents when I asked them why they never taught me anything about the gospel. I didn't know they were believers until I told them I met a couple of lovely guys in a suit that stopped me in the street and asked me about my believes and about God. It was then when they introduced me that they were memebers of the Church those misionaries where talking about, that they actually met in the church. I couldn't believe it. It was so weird to me, because I didn't rememeber a time they taught me about God or any gospel principle-- due to my parents left the church right after I was born because of external causes and circumstance, and therefore, my brothers and I didn't grow up knowing of it.

It's clear that the only way to teach a child to excersise their agency is teaching them about the truth liberty and how to reach it. Otherwise, the adversary isn't going to let them choose between doing good or bad; he will approach them agressively to lead them to captivity and have dominion over them, because he seeks also the misery of all mankind. Luckily, 17 years after, I accepted the gospel and joined the only and true church of Jesus Christ over the face of the earth. But that happy ending isn't a reality for everyone in the same circumstances. I actually had to learn by my own experience that "wickedness never was happiness".

As parents in Zion, we have the responsability to teach our children this principles and eternal truths. Though we will not be guilty or responsable of the sins of our kids, we will be held accountable by the Lord if we did our best for teaching them in righteouness.

Sat, December, 8

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Might this count as a reading exercise? I'm rewatching One Piece (anime) subtitled in Eng since 2-3 months ago eeeeveryday. I came acrossed with this line, that I didn't even remember, and I loved it. I had to take a screenshot of it.

Pd. It's funny when you're watching the episode and realize that the subtitles are in Eng and you're reading them with "effortless", lol.

Peu de foto: Bon-chan, Mugi(wara)-chan's friend, a pirate i transvestit. (I love that word. It's so funny xD) *

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TAKING UPON OURSELVES THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

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This was a really good reading. I definitely enjoyed it. It contains a classic but beautiful lesson: "reading is the way out of ignorance, and the road to achievement."
I think the story is about reaching our potential by being diligent in good habits. This reading reminds me the teachings of President Oaks in a General Conference, in which he says "Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives." As children of God, we have the capacity to learn about anything and be great proffessionals. We just need to do our part, studying, and working diligently.

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The Lord "slack" his coming because He wants everyone to be save, that any should perish in the last day.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Pd. Longsiffering means patient

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LDS families be like...