Wednesday, November 20, 2013

GRATITUDE


      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.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Love At Home


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!”

Monday, August 26, 2013

The Family



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.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

I'M SORRY!!


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