Story Time!

A Kiliki's Story

   We all have a story to tell. Each of us goes through life with joy and sorrow. Trials and triumphs. It's the experiences that shape us to who we are.
   
My story is a bit goofy... different and somewhat interesting. It's about family.. craziness.. and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 So ya that's me as a little kiddo rockin' that tiger costume. I was born and raised in Orange County, CA to some pretty bomb parents. Old school, tough, and very understanding.. I learned a lot from them.. and continue to do so. At a very young age I learned of God and Jesus Christ. They taught me that church was pretty important.. and praying can do some awesome things. Along with them, I had two older broskies.. Keli'i and Keoni. We are really close to one another.. and love to do crazy things with each other.

 Growing up I was very quiet... adventurous.. and curious. As I got older... I was very involved in sports... socializing.. and eventually comic books!!! (Yes, I am a nerd at heart... but we won't go any further..).

But biggest thing that has shaped who I am is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I remember missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teaching me the Gospel. It was so clear.. easy to understand... and answered so many of my questions about life's journey and purpose. For the past year I wasn't attending church with my family and friends.... so having these guys around taught me the importance of church again. Soon I was baptized.. along with Keli'i. My mom was the forerunner and was baptized a few months earlier.

Cory Cargill and I

Being a member of the church wasn't easy at all. Being a convert was scary and challenging at first. For the first few years my family and I also faced many trials... testing our faith. Adjusting to the changes and new atmosphere came over time.The trials were overcame with our faith and love. As I started going to church faithfully.. attending the activities.. I learned so much of Christ and His teachings. I made lots of new friends for life. I grew closer to my family most importantly. Even one of my best friends from childhood wanted to learn of the Gospel and eventually was baptized as well. I had the opportunity to baptize him.

Life moved along. Then God once again tested me and broke me down pretty hardcore. And during that time.. a thought came to my head.. A thought that I would change my life. I decided to serve a mission.. be a missionary for the Lord and share the Gospel. A lot of people thought I was crazy.. but hey... missionaries taught me the Gospel.. and has changed me life.. why not do the same? Many months later I was called to serve in Montana.. a very foreign place.

Missionaries!

I left many things out.. but hopefully you got a clear overview of my life. If anything... I guess I want to leave with this. The Gospel has been the biggest blessing to my life. This gift was introduce to me by 3 young men serving the Lord. My family has been the center of this Gospel... along with the Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope some day you take time to listen to these young men and women who take so much sacrifice to share this great message.

Some fun pictures of my adventures.



Can't Forget him!



  

Pretty sweet view..



Sledding with a wetsuit. Yup.

 

  

My neighborhood friends.



Good Ole' Surfing!



Smile and be Grateful!

Smile!

It seems like a smile can be hard at times, especially in a world like ours today. As people, I think we naturally like to focus on the negatives. But we can't forget the wonderful time we have on this earth! The best way we can put a smile on our face is to remember all that we have. Or in other words, Gratitude.

The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. A pretty clear definition according the the dictionary. So, how do we return gratitude?

Maybe slow down a little and stop and think.. What are some things that I have that others don't? What are some of the blessings in my life? It could be your health, having a family, education and home. Or going in deeper, maybe the ability to walk, see, talk or hear.
I  mean lets face it, there is always out there who has it worse than you.

Here is a few quote verses from the Hymn "Count your Blessings" from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint's Hymnbook.

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. …"

 

 Paul said it clearly in Ephesians 5:4, " Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."

 

Just remember to be grateful for your many blessings and you will see there are many things to smile about!

Standing Firm

Standing Firm

   The American Bison is one of  the United States' favorite symbol. The animal appears on many mascot teams and even the Wyoming state flag. The Bison can reach great size, almost 6 ft on the top of the hump and males can top over 2,000 pounds!
  

  So far, I have learned interesting facts about the buffalo. One in particular stands out to me the most. During harsh blizzards or snow storms, the buffalo in fact stands it's ground. And turns out, faces the wind and endures the heavy storm. Most of the fur is in the front of the animal, so it makes sense why the buffalo would face the storm. This behavior left me puzzled. Most animals attempt to seek shelter and hide. Others try to run away. But not the bison. They stand firm and face the turmoil that nature has sent towards their way.
 

As I think about my people overall, do we also stand and face storms? It may not be literal storms but maybe perhaps our trials. Our afflictions. Do we persevere or simply flee away? Do we have enough faith to stand firm and have a hope that it will someday pass?

One of the most iconic Native American leaders in all of history was Sitting Bull. His name reflects on the also the behavior of the bull bison. Standing strong in opposition. He took his name to heart, resisting the US Army and the idea of Reservations. Independent and bold, he believed strongly in the Sioux way of life. He rejected any American interference with the Native way. What a great example of standing firm in faith, tradition, and what he believed to be right.

  I often wonder how such men or beasts are able to do this on their own. But you always have to remember that you are never alone in the fight against trails, afflictions are temptations. Heavenly Father has given us the many tools to overcome the many everyday challanges of life. We can pray for strength and comfort. We can read and ponder the scriptures. We also can use the Savior, Jesus Christ, who has felt everything we have been through. And let him guide us through and pull out of the storm. He is the Shephard and we are the sheep.

As it states it Alma, may we stand firm in our faith..., "Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them." Alma 1:25

Alma the younger then testifies of our Father in Heaven who cares and loves us..," And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me." Alma 36:27

 Like the Buffalo and Sitting Bull, may we face our trials head on. The Lord reminds us why we have trials... 

"... know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee ^eexperience, and shall be for thy good." Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

I know that trials are a blessing and that they give us the experience we need for us to become better. For us to become stronger and more faithful. And during these trials, we learn of Heavenly Father and our Savior's love for us.

Remember Who you are.

                       I remember going to my neighbor's house so many times, perhaps a few times a week. Over the years I have grown close to the family and they have taken me in into their home. As my friends and I would go out, the mother would always say "Remember who you are!".


                      
                       I often wondered about that statement time and time again. Who am I? Was she talking about my personality, or about what my parents have taught me? Or maybe it was something a little bit more. Many people now a days have lost a sense of identity. Others may feel lost or don't know where they come from. I remember growing up often looking into an eternal perspective. Did God really know me by name? Did he hear my prayers? Did he create me? Does he look like me? And of course, "Does God truly love me?".


                     I now know my answers. I know we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and knows us by name. He knows our troubles, sorrows, and pains. Yet he wants us to have true and lasting happiness. He has created us in his on image as his spirit children. We are all his sons and daughters. He answers our prayers, on his own time. But he does answer. Knowing these truths has brought me great comfort and peace throughout my life. So remember who you are. A child of God.
  
                 
                   I would like to conclude with a quote from an Apostle from the Church Of Jesus Christ Of  Latter-day Saints. "God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
October 2011 General Conference "You Matter to him"