Say what...

Day in and day out I look for quotes or messages that will inspire me to do good, go on, or take courage in what I'm faced with that particular day or week.  So here are a few quotes that I love!

"The Lord will always prepare a way for you to escape from the trials you will be given if you understand two things. One is that you need to be on the Lord's errand. The second thing you need to understand is that the escape will almost never be out of the trial; it will usually be through it."

Henry B. Eyring

 

I've read this quote over and over again and the more I read it, the more I love it.  Too many times we wish that bad things or hard times wouldn't happen to us.  I've heard the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"  President Eyring explained it so clearly with his second point when he said...you need to understand that the escape will almost NEVER be OUT OF THE TRIAL; it will usually be THROUGH it.

 

Only after I've gone through a trial it is then, and only then, do I realize how much I needed it.  I understand how important it was for me to experience that particular experience.  I can accept the fact that if it weren't for that event in my life I most likely wouldn't be able to handle something else that comes up or help someone else in need.

 

 

 The family is a haven in a heartless world.  

~Attributed to Christopher Lasch

 

As we live in such a crazy and ever changing world the family unit is one thing that keeps me grounded.  I know that there are no guarantees in this life but I can promise you that with all of the craziness and evil in this world, I can go home and know that as imperfect as we are, I can find peace and comfort in knowing that my family is there for me.  All too many times I've seen friends or acquaintances who don't have that same luxury of being able to go home to a family that is so accepting.  Sure we have our flaws and disagreements (what family doesn't?) but we all know that when it comes down to it, it's 

 FAMILY OVER EVERYTHING! 

The best feeling is when you look at him....

and he's already staring!

There is nothing that gives that "feel good" feeling or makes me blush more than when I look over at my husband and he's already looking at me... It makes me feel like a little girl who has just received a smile from the guy she's been crushing on... To make things more romantic, he won't even say a word, he'll smile or wink at me and then continue on with what he's doing.  Growing up I never felt like a pretty girl or even the type of girl that guys would like.  I never really had the confidence that I so admired in other girls my age.  So when I see how in love my husband is with me or how good he treats me, it still boggles my mind!  

 

 

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."

 

Margaret D. Nadauld

 

As women we sometimes try to fit in with the world.  Why?  As Sister Nadauld has said we should try to be Women of God.  Women of God can NEVER be like women of the world.  What a blessing to know that being different is okay.  Our future posterity need us to be Women of God.  We need to take strength and comfort in knowing that we will be blessed for our desires to live more like our Savior and to emulate him in all that we do and say.

There you have it..a few of my favorite quotes.

 

 

If I Were My Mother I’d Tell Myself…

YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING, 

ALL OF THE TIME!  

Now that I'm older and I have a family of my own I find myself thinking, "How did Mom do it?"  For those of you that know my mom she is involved in EVERYTHING!  She is on committees like they're going out of style.  Whether it is on a committee for a community event, booking a show or planning a reunion, my mom is involved in every aspect of everything.  Please don't get me wrong or misinterpret this blog.  I"m in no way saying that what my mom does is wrong.  I truly appreciate the "busyness" that is associated with all of these events.  I've just realized that my life doesn't have to be all of that, all of the time!

Growing up we were involved in so many activities, festivals, shows, parties, reunions, etc.  I'm pretty sure we (me and my siblings) were involved because we had to be.  I am thankful for all of these happenings because they've truly helped me in my life.  Following mom has been a blessing because I've learned how to carry myself, express my feelings, take notes, make checklists, follow through with plans, etc.  All of these things have made me a better wife, mother, leader, planner and organizer.  I've learned to pay attention to detail and most importantly TO DEPEND ON THE LORD!  But...

I've also learned that I prefer being at home and just being with my family.  I know that may sound weird in some way but I enjoy NOT having to go to everything.  I like choosing which functions I can and can't attend.  I've realized that when it comes to choosing between paying a bill or giving money for a family function/fa'alavelave/kavenga that I don't feel guilty for paying for my bill.  I"m content with having birthday parties for just 40 people and not 340!  I don't feel obligated to attend EVERYTHING because I can't.

Wow!  Now that I've reread that last paragraph I feel like I'm okay with being antisocial. LOL! But...OH WELL!  I KNOW that my family is my first priority and that's something that I've really struggled with.  Being Polynesian is definitely a blessing but there are some downfalls.  Let's be honest....family functions every week get a little overwhelming.  Some people may enjoy all of the events that you could attend in one weekend here in Salt Lake City, Utah, (you know this is true...there is always a wedding, birthday, funeral, etc) but I've realized that I'm not one of those people!

I'd rather be

I'm thankful to my mom for the strong woman that she is and for always holding it down.  She is truly the backbone of our family.  I know that some people may think that I'm "ta'e ofa" or as Samoans would say "E le lava le alofa".  Truth is this...I love my extended family but I NEED to focus on my little family.  I will serve others, I will continue to help WHEN I CAN, I will attend what I need to attend and I will be there for those that REALLY need me!  

My grandpa Fuifatu Fau'olo always said that in the Polynesian culture our insurance policy is our family.  They are the only ones that are there for us in times of need and struggle.  I know that is true but I'm willing to pay my monthly insurance policy if it'll allow me the family time I so desperately want and need! My family (parents, siblings, grandmas, aunts, uncles and cousins) knows I love them and that I'd do anything for them BUT I need to make sure that Will, Pili and LaVona are my first priority! 

And I'm alright with that.

Really....

Can I just say how happy I am to finally meet 2012?  Last year was filled with so many struggles and hardships that I thought we'd never get through it.  There was a ton of heartache and pain but as we all know, there is always a

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!

As we look forward to a new year of challenges and adventures I'm also looking forward to a year filled with life lessons and blessings or in short....

 

I feel that all too often I focus on the negativity in my life and I overlook all of the many things I've been blessed with.  It just seems so much easier to complain about things than to rejoice in them. I decided that instead of sharing my New Year's resolutions, I'd just start this year's blogs off by mentioning a few things I'm thankful for.  Why not start off with an attitude of gratitude rather than a "stink attitude"? hahaha  Here they are and in NO PARTICULAR order....

My Savior

Will, Pili & LaVona

My family

The BEST babysitters EVER

(they'll NEVER know how thankful I am for ALL of them)

Being on our own

A wonderful job

My Taylorville 6th Young Women

(Leaders and girls)

Talents/Skills

(I know I gotta 'em...LOL!)

Laughter

Good food

Pinterest

Cell Phone

Ho Ho Gourmet =)

A comfortable bed

Extended family who REALLY are there when I NEED them...
not just when they NEED me!

 

For these things I...

I know that this year will be great for me and it all depends on me.  

I look forward to this year's 

LIFE BLESSONS!