Kahalu'u Ward Message 1/5/24
- Kahaluu Bishop
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
Aloha Kahalu’u Ward,
On Kamehameha highway just before and after He‘eia Bridge the California grass can grow so tall that when it seeds out it hangs over the road seven or eight feet high. On those high seed heads there are often birds. The birds are Common Waxbills, small finches with dappled grey bodies and bright red faces—they are no bigger than a kukui nut.
For the past month I have driven by these birds every day on my way home from work, and every day I have watched as the cars in front of me caused the tall grass to pitch and whip as they sped by. In the ensuing whirlwind, these small finches continued to cling to the high stems even as they bobbed up and down, right at the edge of chaos.
These birds fascinated me. Not so much because they were able to hang on to the grass stems, but because they continued to choose THAT spot to perch. They did not fly away with each passing car. They stayed, despite the apparent danger. The Waxbills like to eat the seeds, but California Grass is invasive. It’s everywhere on this side of the island. Surely there are less risky places for these tiny birds to ride the wind and peck at the seed heads. Why do they return every day to that dangerous spot?
As I thought about it, I remembered the scripture in Luke 12 where Jesus asks us to “Consider the lilies.” I thought also of the song based on that scripture—especially the chorus:
He clothes the lilies of the field
He feeds the birds in the sky
And He will feed those who trust Him
And guide them with His eye
We are instructed to walk by faith. Those Common Waxbills know no other life, no better life, than the one that leads them to the edge of the busy highway. They trust in their instincts, the power given to them by their creator. Do I know better than the Common Waxbill?
At the start of a new year many of us set resolutions. In Luke 12, after asking us to consider the lilies, Jesus instructs us…
Neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you: Luke 12:29-31
One resolution that I want to work on this year is to have more faith, give less credence to my doubts that are based in fear, and live in a way that will allow me to have faith and confidence equal to that of the Common Waxbill riding the grass at the road’s edge.
Sacrament Meeting Schedule & Program
Jan 5, Sunday 11 AM - Sacrament Meeting Program: CLICK HERE
Zoom Link for Sacrament Meeting available upon request. Contact Bishop Tano or Bro. Hirokawa. Don't be afraid to ask. We are happy to accommodate you.
Announcements
Missionary Meals: January Calendar needs attention please. Elder Vongphakdy & Elder Mitami need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012.
Sign up to get free church magazines delivered to your home: CLICK HERE
Jan 5, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 8, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 12, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 15, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 15, Wednesday 6:30 pm - Primary Activities @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 19, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center
Jan 19, Sunday 1 pm - Youth Council @ Bishops Office
Jan 19, Sunday 6:30 pm - SED @ Bishop’s House
Room Usage 2nd Hour
EQ - 103, HC Room 2nd, 4th
RS - Room 103 (RS Room) 2nd, 4th
SS Gospel Doctrine - Room 103 (RS Room) 1st, 3rd
SS Youth Classes - 1st, 3rd
Course 11-13 - Rooms 107-109
Course 14 - Rooms 111-112
Course 15-17 - Room 106
Primary - 2 Rooms - 105, 110
Primary - Room 113 (Nursery)
YM - 3 Rooms 2nd, 4th
Priests - Room 102
Teachers - Room 112
Deacons - Room 111
YW - 1 Room 2nd, 4th
Room 106
Missionary Corner
Vili ma le aiga : This week on christmas i had the opportunity to call back home and houu it was so cool. My sister in samoa and then my brother kalawaia were on and i asked if we could just speak samoan MAYNNNNN SO COOOL obviously i was way slower than them but just to be able to understand and respond was amazing. Its easy to get discouraged with the language but when i think back theres no way i couldve done this 3 weeks ago. Yeah but shoutout to my amazing siblings for helping me ... and teasing me hopefully one day ill be as good as them and my dad .
Sooo this week i think it was on christmas eve, we didnt have a fafaga (feed) so we went to go get burger king instead. We went through the driver through and we ordered our stuff and when the food came i was lowkey disappointed with how small my burger was . Buuuut in the bag there was an extra burger they gave us so it was perfect i was happy. Straight from burger king we went to the store to do some last minute shopping before the stores closed. I was MUNCHIN down on my first burger when i saw a homeless guy sitting out of the store . In that moment i knew that the extra burger wasnt for me, my big back self didnt wanna give it up but in my heart i knew i had to. He was so appreciative of it and man the joy i felt after was worth so much more than some stupid sandwich. Matthew 25: 35&40 says "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" When we choose to serve others we are really serving God its amazing how his work unfolds, even though Christmas is over we can all still share our lights with the world .
Crazy to think of all the events that happened in 2024 just makes me so grateful and optimistic looking into 2025. IF 2024 WASNT YOUR YEAR MAKE 2025 YOUR YEAR if you feel down call me so i can give you a motivational speech ON THE SPOT . HAHAH nah for reals if you guys need anything vili mai po text mai id love to help. Have a great new years dont forget your missionaries . Misia outou uma alofa aku koe feiloa'i. Miss and love you all shoooots !!
Manuia le Tausaga Fou,
Elder Fano Email me: tuaimoana.fano@missionary.org
Comments