FEELINGS

GRATITUDE

2013-11-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

I know in my own life I have had lots to be grateful for and well a question has dawned on me that I didn’t think would be possible, but something that can be true in someone’s life. The question is “What if someone out there in the world doesn’t know what Gratitude is?” I know that it would be odd never to have been taught of this topic but I feel that I should actually give what I know and see if I can help those out there who do not know what Gratitude is or those that have forgotten what they should be grateful for in their lives. I have read upon such a topic for a couple of weeks now. And I have a lot of wonderful and inspiring friends and family in my life. I am truly grateful to have such great examples in my life that show great blessings of Gratitude.

Thanksgiving is coming up and I know this holiday usually reminds us of what we should be thankful for. And well to me I think that we don’t need to have a holiday to remind us of such things. We should constantly be thankful throughout our lives every day of each year rather than being brought down to it by the end of the year.

Now let me ask you this do material possessions make us happy and grateful? Perhaps only momentarily. However, those things which provide a deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy. For instance our families, our religious beliefs, good friends, our health, our abilities and the love we receive from those around us. But these are more than likely the many things we all take for granted at times. The English author Aldous Huxley wrote, “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” I believe this to be true because I know I do it at times. I am not perfect, but I know that I can come down to humbling myself to a level to realize the things that I am truly grateful for. Which I know that you can too. Humility is one of the biggest things when it comes to being thankful for things. This is why Pride is the opposite of Humility. Pride can and will destroy Gratitude if we allow it to. I know at times it is hard to be grateful especially when you think there is nothing to be grateful for. Even though it seems we have nothing to be grateful for; there are actually more than you know. You see all we need to do is not see what we have physically but what we have inside of our hearts; the good things in life. They are the things that bring happiness and joy in which we always are grateful for. Now we must be careful to not have too much pride in our lives. Because pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. We must always become a grateful individual in life and when we become that individual we see life differently than others. We see that good outweighs evil, Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of life. A wise man that I have come to know has said:

“When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.”

~Gordon B. Hinckley

Giving thanks in life no matter what it might be; like for things you can do for others or deeds that come from others will have good things that follow. Gratitude should not be forgotten in your life; it should always be remembered because only when gratitude is given the blessings will follow.

I know that without Gratitude I would be without inspiration. I thank everyone one of you for reading my posts and hope that you do continue to do so. But I am going to give the credit to my friends and family for helping know what to say. Here are stories from friends and also experiences that they wanted to share with me and now I share them with you. I hope that you take what you feel and also what you have learned and apply it to yours and everyone you come in contact with lives. Here are my friend’s messages:

“I am grateful for Priesthood and the power of God in my life and for my career! Helping preventing bullying has been the most rewarding part of my career and am grateful for that. I am grateful for my family and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

~Victoria from Savannah, GA

“I am grateful for my friends, family and the church. I’ve been going through a difficult time health wise and all three (the church of course including our Heavenly Father as well as the members) have been an inspiration for me to keep going and not crawl under a rock.”

~Vergia from Enterprise, AL

“We have been struggling financially and I started looking for jobs. As a last resort, I applied at the nursing home (not really wanting it). I got the job, and no other offers. I took it reluctantly, but through serving these people, these elderly people, I have learned so much. I gained a love for them, they are amazing, and they have lived incredible lives. It is the hardest job I’ve ever had and I am exhausted, but I know now God wanted me to have it. I am so grateful that He intervened and led me to it.”

~Sheila from Nephi, UT

“One day I was in need of a sitter on a Saturday and didn’t have anyone to watch my daughter. The only one who would watch her wanted $50 for 5 hours. I might as well stay home. But out of the blue my friend came over last minute and watched my daughter. I was very grateful to have such good friends.”

~Megan from Lehigh Acres, FL

“When I was in high school senior year I had such a hard time in my life at this time. Something bad but not too serious happened that I had to go through the process of repentance. Yes, it is true that the process is a painful one. But, I felt a different kind of pain in oppose to admitting and asking for forgiveness. Because I knew that my Heavenly Father was forgiving and I had to come forth with a broken heart and contrite spirit. I did and for some, it is hard, but luckily I found it easier for me. I only found it easy because I am not stubborn to ask for forgiveness. Now when I confessed what had happened two of my friends had found out what I did and they were upset with me and what I have done and now I found out that they weren’t the friends I thought they were. And this took a great toll on me. Shortly after I went on a trek and it truly changed my life and made things so much better than what they had been. Later on I had attended a church dance and met a young man that I would only love forever. I had no idea I had known him for years and we have been really good friends. He is the one who put me back together piece by piece and has been there for me when my so called friends weren’t. He and his family have helped me so much and am so grateful to have him and his family and my Heavenly Father to bring me out of my situation and with a full and happy heart. And with great Love back into my life!”

~Jalisa from Statesboro, GA

“Gratitude starts with me being adopted. My life hinges on that one moment in my life. I would have never learned about the Gospel. I wouldn’t have the life now if I hadn’t been adopted. I am grateful every day for the Lords tender mercy and grateful for the Plan of Salvation. God knows all of us and He has a plan for each of us and am so grateful for all of that.”

~Christopher from Statesboro, GA

“I am grateful for the wonderful year of happiness and help my wife and her family has done for me. I’m happy when I can come home every day knowing someone I love is waiting for me and letting me know that they’ll always be there. I’m grateful that no matter what problems we may come across or the financial problems I have she stays by my side and helps out as much as she can and loves me no matter how long I play my game or how long I work or if I have to go to the field.”

~Javon from Baumholder, Germany

“First and foremost I am grateful for the Gospel in my life. Growing up I was raised by my grandmother who was a devoted Catholic. And back then that is what I was raised as and well since I wasn’t raised by my parents I had to stay with the religious faith that my Grandmother was a part of. Now during my life time I had seen many things that have changed my life but there is one thing that I couldn’t figure out. In the Catholic religion there is not talk about what happens after someone passes and this weighed heavily on my mind and heart. I truly didn’t know what to do. I grew up around several of those who were apart of the Mormon Church and enjoyed being around them and seeing how happy they were. But still I had to follow what my Grandmother believed. As I became older I was able to choose to pursue a new part of life. And that was to accept Christ in my life through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through this church I have come to know of what will come of us when leaving this life. After being baptized into the church I also have come to know by inspiration that this church is truly Gods church upon the earth. I am grateful for the church and my family and friends. I am also grateful for the authority or otherwise called the priesthood that has helped me receive the blessings that I needed in my life!”

~James from Orem, UT

“I always think how amazing life is and how grateful I am that my life has turned out the way it has so far. I am grateful that the Lord hasn’t always given me what I want. Here’s a few facts about me:

    ~It took me 10 years to get a bachelor’s degree from BYU.
     ~I was on the BYU football team as a walk on for only 3 years, then I quit.
    ~I was in 3 singing groups at BYU that you probably haven't heard of - VOX, Brothers in Harmony and 6TRAC.

Now, just looking at those few things it may seem like my life has been a failure. But, I am so grateful for each one of those experiences in my life, and for where that journey has taken me. Here are a few other facts about me:

      ~Because I was still around BYU in 2000, I reconnected with Rachel. We started dating and she is now my beautifulwife of 12 years and counting. Where would I be without her?
      ~I quit the football team in order to spend more time performing. As a result I was able to improve my individual singing and harmonies in each group, which has lead to other singing and performing opportunities in my life.
      ~If I had left BYU any sooner, I never would have had the chance to meet up with Bret Bryce and Dave Kimball. They are 2 friends I met while performing with BYU Young Ambassadors in 2000. Shortly after Young Ambassadors, the 3 of us joined up with Justin Smith who I knew from 6TRAC, and became members of the acappella group VOX.
       ~The group VOX became Jericho Road in 2001. We have had the chance to perform in countless audiences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Caribbean and all over the U.S. I have been able to record 6 CD’s and spent much of my time doing things which makes me most happy – testifying of my Savior, Jesus Christ through music and spoken word.

So, I guess in a way, gratitude is about how we view and receive the challenges and gifts which God chooses to give us. I have learned to be grateful for them.”

~Abe from Orlando, FL
"Each day that I get a little older I've become a little less controlling, a little more patient, a little more understanding, a little more forgiving and a lot more grateful. I've learned that the little things are the big things and big things are little. I've learned that if you laugh when things are tough, it will help you through, if you smile when things are hard, it will make it a little easier, and if one person believes in you, you can conquer the world. I've come to recognize the things that matter and the things that don't. Although this learning process hasn't been easy! It has been life changing. Life never gets easier. I just get a little better. What I learned today is this: Being mad over small things only makes you miss out on the chance of remembering the big things! And through all my experience I am grateful that I had the opportunity to experience them all."

~Lindsey from Missoula, MT

As you see these are people I have come to know in my life from all walks of life. I hope that you are also inspired by what is written. Also would like for you to share in a comment what you are grateful for in your life. Thanks and hope to hear from you.

Love At Home

2013-08-30T11:18:00.001-06:00

It seems that nowadays it has been hard to keep that “Love at Home.” I know that it is quite a tough thing. I mean I sometimes wondered growing up how my parents were able to do it. But I have done some research and found a few things I wanted to post up and maybe this might help someone else out there know how to keep that “Love at Home.”

Here are some known facts that we should have within our homes to help those that we love be able to always feel that love…

I have a favorite song that I have and in it has a phrase we should apply to our lives at home. The song is called: “Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words” (Written by: Joseph L. Townsend and Music by: Ebenezer Beesley). The phrase that I would like to illuminate to everyone is “Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.” I know that at times it is hard for us to keep the words that are not so kind from coming out but as long as you try and keep going at it and speak those kind words then it will become a habit that would be unbreakable as long as you keep it that way. We should also teach our children this not only through words but by example as well.

Another thing we should do within our homes might not be something that we currently do without complaining first but it is something we should do full heartedly. And that would be doing small acts of service for each other. Whether it is cleaning or straightening up the house or just going out of your way to help someone out it doesn’t matter you shouldn’t be like “Oh I have to do this cause if I don’t I will feel bad” You should always be like “YES!!! Another chance to make my life feel AMAZING!!” It’s all about attitude and how you carry yourself. Just be that example when others aren’t looking cause because you never really know who is really looking!

Last but not least you should always have time to have that quality time within your home. Like I have said in one of my previous posts family is not always just those that you were raised by; but those also you had made friends. As long as you are spending time with your loved ones i.e. Mother, Father, brothers, sisters, friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, and so on then you will create that “Love at Home!”

Now a home doesn’t need to always be where family is. You know the saying: “Home is where the Heart is!” Well it is true. In a lot of cases we have those people we call “The Homeless” and also those that are “Orphans” and those who have lost those that are dear to them. All of these people have a home no matter the place. Whether it is in an alley way next to a dumpster or even a place where other orphans stay. As long as your heart is there with it then it is a home. Although those of us that are able to afford a nicer accommodations of sorts we might not know the feeling of what these others are going through. But we should always apply our services in some way. Whether it is giving food and clothing to those that need it or even some sort of shelter. As we do this it will show others that we really do have “Love at Home” where we live. If we look at the bigger picture and I know for a fact that most of us don’t. The biggest home that we have is Our lovely planet Earth. This place is our home and is a place where people from all walks of life are here to experience that Love that we need in our homes. We need to help our brothers and sisters all across the world so that we will be able to share that Love we need to give and make our home (Earth) a better place to not only live but to share also. Our home (Earth) needs to have always and forevermore “Love At Home!”

The Family

2013-08-26T15:24:00.000-06:00

I want to share my views on families and how they should be. I know that my previous post on my family was a great experience and something that I hold true. This time I want to share with you what I believe a family should consist of or rather be like. I know that nowadays families seem to be breaking apart quite easily and I know that if you take what I say here in this post that things within the family unit would be a little easier to establish a much more solid ground. Now I have pulled off some of these points from a article that is called “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and I hope that you like and apply what knowledge I have received from it.

Now, I know throughout time a lot of people believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman and nothing else. But now in our day and age several people want to be married with the same sex. And my opinion in this matter and belief would be that it would basically be an abomination or something that is not right. I hope that whoever reads this isn’t offended but I just want to put out what I believe. Also I believe that sexual relations should be placed only within your marriage rather than before. For all those that are of the religious sort should know that it is a commandment to multiply and replenish the earth and that it is taught that it should only be within families to perform the procreative power in which God had given to us since the beginning when Adam and Eve being our first parents. And well for those who are not religious this should help you understand the morals of how life should be lived when it comes to having a family of your own.

Between a Husband and Wife the 2 of them are to raise their kids. They both have the responsibility to help their children grow by teaching them to love and serve one another, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

What is mentioned above I truly believe it could help us become stronger within our families. The foundation that we should set are families upon should be something within our hearts. It could be a spiritual foundation or something that you believe would help make your family be able to stand upon to make a great foundation. If you were to ask me I would place my foundation upon the teachings and example of Jesus Christ our savior. I truly love to write about things that I have currently read or things that I feel. And I really feel that this topic would help others be able to know how to make a better life for those that they take care of. I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you are to take either some or all that you get from here and apply it to your life. And thanks again for reading.

I'M SORRY!!

2013-08-18T16:44:00.002-06:00

I’m sorry for the words I don’t say

For all the times we talk each day

I try to say things that are in my heart

That you have become apart!

But something always gets in the way

Of the words I want to say.

I’m sorry for the way

I don’t tell you how much I care each day

I wish I can tell you the things I feel

So that you know I am for real

Though a lot of times I become shy

And I just don’t know why.

I’m sorry for not telling you

The things I want to, to

Let you know how I feel by your side

With love that comes from the inside

I hope that you accept my apology

Cause I will always say “I’m Sorry.”

By:

Fotu S. Taeoalii

Crystallize - Lindsey Stirling (Dubstep Violin Original Song)

2013-07-25T11:34:00.001-06:00

ALWAYS AND FOREVER

2013-05-17T17:58:00.001-06:00

Every time I think of you

I always see your face

To know what I should do

To find myself in that place.

Where we are side by side

On our way

In an unending ride

That will never fade.

Don't worry I will be alright

Because you are always on my mind

I am in an unending fight

To know how to make you mine.

I hope one day we will see

Our lives together

So we will be

Always and Forever!

By:

Fotu S. Taeoalii

OPPORTUNITY

2013-01-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU MY OPPORTUNITY

THE ONE THAT WILL NEVER FLEE

THE ONE THAT WILL MAKE ME FEEL FREE

THE ONE THAT I SEE IN MY SLEEP?

AM I YOUR OPPORTUNITY

THE ONE THAT WAS MEANT TO BE

THE ONE THAT YOU LOVE TO SEE

THE ONE YOU SEE WHILE YOU SLEEP?

ARE YOU THE ONE THAT I SEEK

THE ONE WITH LOVE AS HIGH AS A PEAK

THE ONE THAT FITS LIKE A GLOVE

THE ONE THAT I WILL LOVE?

AM I THE ONE YOU WERE PREPARED FOR

THE ONE THE LORD MADE FOR SURE

TO GROW WITH UPON THIS EARTH

WHICH HAS BEEN PROMISED SINCE OUR BIRTH?

IF THIS WAS MEANT TO BE

ONLY TIME WILL SHOW US; YOU’LL SEE

GOD WILL GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY

FOR US TO BECOME ONE IN UNITY.

BY:

FOTU S. TAEOALII

The Windows To Your Soul

2013-01-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

When I look into your eyes

I just feel so mesmerized

From the beauty within your soul

In which your eyes currently hold

They are the windows to your soul

Which makes your eyes start to glow

With beauty that comes from within

Which brings me closer to you, my friend

As I draw closer to thee

I feel that this was meant to be

Me right next to you

In a time only set for two

I feel this is the time

I want to ask you with this rhyme

To know if you will be my boo

Cause all I want is to be with you

I know you feel what I feel

And I know that you know it is real

Please just open up your heart

So that I can be a part

Of your life’s amazing story

With all its wonder and glory!

By:

Fotu s. taeoalii

CHRISTMAS

2012-12-25T03:58:00.000-07:00

CHRISTMAS IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR

SO EVERYONE CAN HEAR

THE BELLS IN THE SNOW

SO EVERYONE KNOWS

WHAT TIME OF YEAR IT IS.

CHRISTMAS IS HERE

AND HEARTS CHANGE WHEN CHRISTMAS IS NEAR

PEOPLE GET EXCITED

WHEN THEY ARE INVITED

TO HAPPY CHEER.

CHRISTMAS WAS A BIRTH

WHEN CHRIST CAME TO EARTH

EVERYONE SHOUTED HURRAY

WHEN HE STARTED TO SAY

"COME FOLLOW ME!"

CHRISTMAS STARTED

WHEN JESUS DEPARTED

FROM HIS THRONE ON HIGH

SO WE CAN RELY

ON HIS TEACHINGS.

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT LOVE

FROM UP ABOVE

SO NEVER LOOK DOWN

BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO FROWN

JUST REMEMBER YOUR NEVER ALONE.

BECAUSE HE HAS ATONED!

BY: Fotu S. Taeoalii

PURPOSE!!

2012-12-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ME

WHEN ALL I NEED IS YOU

YOUR LOVE IS ALL THAT I SEE

UNDERNEATH THE SKY SO BLUE

I WISH YOU CAN UNDERSTAND

WHAT IS GOING ON

OUR LOVE IS JUST SO GRANDE

IT CAN NEVER, EVER BE GONE

I AM HERE WITH YOU

YOU ARE HERE WITH ME

THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO DO

EXCEPT FOR YOU TO SEE

ALL THE LOVE THAT IS IN MY HEART

AS I FEEL YOURS CLOSE TO MINE

IN WHICH WE WILL ALWAYS BE A PART

OF THE LOVE WE WILL TRY TO FIND

WHILE WORKING TOGETHER

TO BUILD OUR OWN FAMILY

WE’LL WORK ON FOREVER

AND THEN FOR ALL ETERNITY.

BY:

FOTU S. TAEOALII

THE ONE…

2012-11-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU THE ONE THAT I LOVE

A BLESSING IN MY LIFE FROM UP ABOVE

THE ONE THAT HAS SHINED FORTH

TO HELP ME UNDERSTAND MY WORTH

THE ONE WHO WAS PREPARED FOR ME

THE ONE MY EYES WERE MEANT TO SEE

THE ONE WHO MY HEART LONGS FOR

THE ONE THAT I SHALL ALWAYS ADORE

THE ONE THAT MY ARMS WILL ALWAYS HOLD

THE ONE THAT WILL NEVER BE COLD

THE ONE I WILL ALWAYS KISS

THE ONE THAT WILL ALWAYS BRING BLISS

THE ONE I WILL ALWAYS LOVE

THE ONE WHO CAME FROM UP ABOVE?

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO MAKES ME HAPPY

CAUSE WE WERE MEANT TO BE.

GIRL PLEASE WON’T YOU BE MY BOO?

BECAUSE ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT “I LOVE YOU!”

BY:

FOTU S. TAEOALII

All Mine…

2012-11-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

When I gaze into your eyes

All I see is the sun rise.

When I taste your pretty lips

All I taste is a sweet candy, chocolate kiss.

When I run my hands through your hair

It feels soft and cuddly like a baby polar bear.

When I feel your flush smooth skin

Its like serenading with a violin.

When I listen to your voice

All I hear is hallelujahs of a joyful noise.

When I hold your hand

All I feel is that you understand.

When your body is up against mine

All I feel is your love and know that its all mine.

By:

Fotu s. taeoalii

BEAUTY...

2012-10-18T17:37:00.001-06:00

I KNOW I HAD TO SWIM

TO THE DEEPEST PART OF

THE OCEAN TO FIND THAT

PEARL SO GREAT THAT I WOULD

NEVER PART WITHOUT IT.

I KNOW I HAD TO CLIMB THE

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN TO REACH ABOVE

THE CLOUDS TO FIND THAT STAR

SO BRIGHT THAT I COULDN’T DO WITHOUT IT.

I KNOW I HAD TO ENTER A CAVE

AND TAKE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE CENTER

OF THE EARTH TO FIND THAT GEM

MORE PRECIOUS ABOVE ALL ELSE THE ONE

THAT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT.

YOU ARE THAT PEARL, THAT STAR,

THAT GEM. WITHOUT YOU; MY LIFE

WOULDN’T BE WORTH LIVING. CAUSE

IN MY WORLD YOU ARE WHAT MAKES

LIFE ABOVE ALL ELSE BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING,

WORTH WHILE.

By:

Fotu S. Taeoalii

IF I GIVE YOU....

2012-09-01T11:42:00.000-06:00

If I give you my hand

Will you give me the chance

To take a stand

To ask you to dance?

If I give you a smile

Will you give me one back

As we dance after awhile

Even if I step on a crack?

If I give you a kiss

Will you kiss me too

While we are in this bliss

Near this ocean so blue?

If I give you the world

Will you accept mine as well

While we are curled

In this blanket make-shift shell?

If I give you these gifts

Will you give me just one thing

An answer “yes” to this one gift

Followed by a question while giving you this ring?

By:

Fotu S. Taeoalii

Family

2012-08-10T09:15:00.000-06:00

THE FAMILY

Ok so I know that I have not talked much about family which is an essential part of life. You see I love my family and would be no where without them. So I wish to talk about what family means to me and how it affects my life and how it can affect yours…

Family means to me…

During my life I have been confused on who my family was. Growing up I knew them to be those that raised me. And then there was a point in my life when I lost that feeling of love that I had from my family. I felt alone and lost in the dark. I was afraid to ask for help, because I feared that others in my family would laugh at me. I also feared that my family couldn’t help me. I seemed to have drifted away from my family as the days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and so on. And then one day a person that I didn’t know very well. Came up to me and somehow I felt that love that I once lost. And I thought that it only could come from family that was the closest of them all. But I was wrong. This person helped me understand that. Family is everywhere. You just have to open your heart and let them in. After learning a whole new meaning to family I then was never lost again. My family was still my family but with additions and that are my friends. They have affected my life for the best and I know that if that person didn’t show up in my life; my life would have ended there. I have served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have made more friends who I count as my brothers and sisters. I think that there are going to be greater additions to my family throughout my life. Now I am in the United States Army and have been deployed and well I can say that my brothers at war are now part of my family and it seems as though my family has become so much bigger throughout life and I would not change that for anything.

Now here is how it can affect yours…well if you have not yet learned it from reading the above statement then reread it again and apply it to yourself. Family can be anyone that you cherish or love and it also can be people that you met yesterday, today or are going to meet in the future. You just have to let them in. And there is one thing you can do and that is not be like me. Ask for that help. Don’t wait for anyone. Cause you are the one holding yourself back. I hope that whoever is reading this can accept that my love for you is more than you know. And I, myself count you as my brother or sister.

Under God’s eyes we are all one big family and we must realize that. We are all created in His image. We are all brothers and sisters. So we all must learn to share that love we have for each other. Sure some of us are at war but we still need to look past the hate and see the love that we need to share with each other. In my family we have a saying “Aiga Muamua” and this is in the language of Samoa. It means “Family First” and I know that if we put our family first then our lives will only end with happiness. So when you pass someone who is in need of help or is having a bad day or just looks down then remember “Family First” and be that brother or sister and provide that help or love that the person needs. I promise that you won’t regret it. Well hope you have enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.

Fotu S. Taeoalii

Alo Key- Dying Day Lyrics

2012-05-31T09:56:00.001-06:00

PRAYER

2011-11-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

I get Weak in my knees when I think about you.
So I get on my knees to see what I should do.
To be able to think what I should say to you.
Is something in my heart so I can pray to you.
I try to figure out the questions I want to say.
To be able to get the answers as I pray!
I want to gain Knowledge everyday!
Now people have a hard time saying prayers
So they won't worry about it with out a care.
Thats when the devil stops them from their prayers!
And takes over their mind with out a care!
Thats not what we want, so we need to care!
We need to listen to our hearts to start our prayer!
Heavenly Father will help us gain the faith
To let us know were always safe!
So don't forget to always pray
To our Heavenly Father everyday!!

By: Fotu S. Taeoalii

Why We Serve....

2011-11-20T02:14:00.000-07:00

It was Thursday night...the final days of the Savior's mortal ministry had begun. Jesus gathered for the Passover supper with those closest to him; His twelve apostles. The Passover meal included the Passover lamb symbolic of His life as the "Lamb without blemish" that would soon be slain for the sins of the world: The scriptures tell us that the Savior and His disciples sang a hymn and then the Lord instituted the emblems that would from the time forth serve as the sacramental remembrance of His suffering. Bread broken and wine blessed...in remembrance of His soon to be broken flesh and blood shed.

Then, the night time walk to Gethsemane, the garden located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, which had previously served as a place of refuge for the Savior and His disciples. I suspect no talking and laughter took place that night. The walk to Gethsemane was a pensive and sober walk. There, the Savior, carrying the weight of the sins of all mankind asked His disciples to watch and said, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death." (Matt.26:38) In the garden He prayed, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt." (Matt. 26:39) Gethsemane literally means "olive press". In the garden, pure olive oil was pressed out of the olive fruit by the means of an olive press. But, that night would be different. The press or the weight would not be the press to extract oil from a fruit, but the press would be upon the creator of heaven and earth, the Savior of mankind. That which would cause the oozing would not be an olive press, but the press would be of the weight of sin that would cause blood and sweat to ooze from every pore. While He prayed and suffered, the disciples slept. How could they do that? Sleep, when He had asked them to watch? Truly, He was alone in His suffering as the Father withdrew His spirit so Jesus could accomplish the atonement alone and be an infinite sacrifice for all.

One cannot fully understand the suffering or the pain of the combined sin of all mankind. We know the anguish we each feel when we commit rather small, but nevertheless persistent sin in our own life. Do you remember moments of emptiness, despair, personal embarrassment, sadness, and worry that have been the result of sin? Now consider all who have lived or who will yet live - the combined sin of all. The weight and burden cannot be calculated or understood by mortal man. It is not known how long Jesus prayed...but we know it was at least several hours. Three times he returned to the garden to complete the ordeal after finding his disciples asleep. Could they not watch an hour, or two, or three? After the suffering came the betrayal and the all night trials and then the taunt of the crowds; "Crucify Him", they cried, "Crucify Him.". Only a few days before, they had shouted hosannas to the Most High as He entered Jerusalem. Do you feel sad about backsliding investigators or converts? The Savior understands! He too had to endure the backsliding of the multitudes, many of whom had once been enthusiastic converts.

Then came the scourging; thirty-nine lashes with bone and iron embedded in leather straps designed to tear the flesh. Scourging was a painful torture reserved for the most hardened criminals. Scourging by itself often resulted in death. Following the scourging, a crown of thorns was pressed into His head and brow. More taunting, and then came the climb to Calvary's hill where Christ was nailed to a cross with nails in His feet, hands and wrists. Crucifixion was a cruel form of death. Death occurred primarily from shock, asphyxiation and dehydration. Hours passed...His cry... "Father forgive them for they know not what they do... It is finished!" (Luke 23:24, John 19:30)

A disciple of Christ is one who never forgets the pain of the atonement, but rejoices in the victory of it all. On the morning of the third day, death's grasp gave way to resurrection's miracle. The witnesses to His resurrection testify to the eternal truth- "He is Risen!" (Matt. 28:7) He has won the victory!

In the Book of Mormon, Lehi, speaking to his son Jacob, summed up our purpose as disciples and missionaries. He said, "Wherefore how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that He may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise...And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence o f him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him." (2 Nephi 2:8-10)

We are the ones to make known these things unto the inhabitants of the earth. We are the ones with His priesthood and gospel light. As Ephraim's posterity, we are charged to declare this message to the ends of the earth. He gave His all for us...are we giving our all to Him? Are we giving our time, out talents and our full devotion, to His work? If we are, His atonement will be sufficient for us and all the blessings of peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come, will be ours.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

-President Robert L. Bauman- Zone Conference- October -2005- California Oakland Mission

Serving Others

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Lifting another is a very important job in life and if you don't try to do it yourself then things in life will become a lot harder than you realize. I have always remembered when I was helping someone else I would always have a good feeling inside and then my day would go better and things would just work out for odd reasons. There are times when someone is in need of help and I just don't help them when the opportunity presents itself for that and then I just have this bad feeling inside and then I just end up having a bad day and then things just don't go so well for me. So I try to do my best to take on every opportunity I can to help those who are in need of and that brings me to what my goal is and that is to always serve others. Here is a quote that I know you will find true and something you would love to apply into your life: "When you are in the service of your fellow men you are only in the service of God!" This quote is also the biggest reason why I am serving in the Army right now. I feel this is one of the ways to serve my fellow men. I know that you don't have to serve in the military for this type of work. You can just help those around you in any place or situation you find yourself. I chose the military and well that is what I am going to do as long as I can and well when I get out I will still serve others in any other way possible. You can serve the poor. You can also serve your families and as well as your friends. It doesn't matter what way you serve others just as long as you do. It will help you out in the long run. Well I hope that this blog inspires you in some way that you might go out and do that which God wants you to do, which is serve others.

Trust is everything

2011-05-21T05:46:00.000-06:00

Trust is everything to me in friendships and relationships. If there isn't any trust there then we have problems with personal things that I might discuss but truly there are very few people that has gained my trust and kept it! Know that there are ways to gain back my trust but it gets harder if you had it at one time and then lost it. I am a very forgiving person and will try my best to forgive anyone that goes against that trust. I have been having a few trust issues the past few weeks and it has been quite hard on me but I am trying to hang in there and do what is best for me to overcome those trials. But there are those that I love like my family who has gained my trust and still has it. Once I find someone who I know I can trust I will do everything to keep them forever!

I know everyone says that family has to be there but its not always the case. Sometimes family isn't always there and when they are not then hopefully a friend is there to help you for this cause. But my family has been so supportive and I count them as the biggest blessing in my life! During these hard times that I have been through and have suffered through; I have not looked towards the dark times that I have but pondered on the positive things in my life. I do not regret nor wish that I didn't go through these hard times because everything happens for a reason. I do trust that the Lord will bring me out of any situation that I find myself in where I need his aid. The Lord is one that will never lose my trust ever. Through Him I learn time and time again that I am so much stronger then I think I am. So never lose trust in the Lord or your self cause if you do you are only letting yourself down and you don't want that. I know cause I have gone through that experience where I have lost trust in my own self and I was down in the deep and know that if you keep on digging that hole it will only get deeper but if you allow someone to help you out of that hole such as a friend, a family member, or even the Lord then I promise you that you will find that with such help a happier place in your self will come to your light and things will be better off for you!