Aloha Brothers and Sisters,
As I enter into the holidays, I notice that work gets busier, the days get shorter and I can feel the pressure of gift buying begin to set in. Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays and festive traditions, however, the stress and pressure that accompanies it can cloud and dampen the true meaning of Christmas.
President Thomas S. Monson shared in a Christmas First Presidency Message,
“What did you get for Christmas?” This is the universal question among children for days following that most celebrated holiday of the year. A small girl might reply, “I received a doll, a new dress, and a fun game.” A boy might respond, “I received a pocketknife, a train, and a truck with lights.” Newly acquired possessions are displayed and admired as Christmas day dawns, then departs.
The gifts so acquired are fleeting. Dolls break, dresses wear out, and fun games become boring. Pocketknives are lost, trains do nothing but go in circles, and trucks are abandoned when the batteries that power them dim and die.
If we change but one word in our Christmas question, the outcome is vastly different. “What did you give for Christmas?” prompts stimulating thought and causes tender feelings to well up and memory’s fires to glow ever brighter.
Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things.”
Growing up I was fortunate to have a Dad that did not let those pressures interfere with thinking about people. He took this time of year to focus on the people who were less fortunate or someone who just needed a visit to feel loved. He would make time to visit and give them something to brighten their spirits. I used to get irritated sometimes when he asked me to go with him to visit people. It always felt like the most inopportune time to go as a teenager. However, every time we left the homes of the people we visited, I could immediately feel the spirit and knew that we were able to help them feel loved and appreciated during this special time of year. I understand now and admire that trait in my father. I hope and pray that I can follow President Monson's advice, as well as my Dad’s example to “become more interested in people than things, and giving not getting. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Ben Hirokawa
Kahalu’u Ward Executive Secretary
Meeting Schedule & Links
Dec 10, Sunday 2 pm - Kahalu'u Ward Sacrament Meeting Program: CLICK HERE
Since we are having our annual Primary Program Sacrament Meeting, Zoom viewing is available for all. We hope you share this with anyone you think would love to see our Primary Children. Grandparents, Uncles, Aunties, Cousins on the mainland or on the other side of the island! CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM If that link doesn't work for any reason: https://zoom.us/j/94879307175?pwd=QVVRZTZEYVpCNHQxanlEZWorUm12QT09
Announcements
Missionary Meals: Our missionaries need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012.
TITHING SETTLEMENTS: To schedule an appointment for your 2023 tithing settlement please sign up on the clerk’s office door. To view your donation summary online, please log into your LDS account or request a print out of your donations from our Ward Clerk, Bro. Marshall Comstock. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DECLARE YOUR TITHE VIA TEXT, PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE TO BISHOP TANO AT (808) 232-4509. DECLARATION OPTIONS: FULL OR PART
Dec 16, Saturday 6:00 pm - Kahalu’u Ward Christmas Party @ Waikalua Chapel Potluck Sign Up: CLICK HERE
Dec 17, Sunday 2 pm - Sacrament Meeting (Primary Presentation) @ Waikalua Chapel
Dec 17, Sunday 4 pm - Youth Council @ Bishop’s Office
Dec 24, Sunday 8 am - Sacrament Meeting (Christmas Program) @ Waikalua Chapel
Dec 28, Thursday 6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Waikalua Chapel
Dec 31, Sunday 2 pm - Sacrament Meeting @ Waikalua Chapel
Missionary Corner
I cant believe that its already December! 2023 is
almost done! Time is really flying by and the clock is ticking down. Being a missionary in Fukuoka we often go to the mission office or the mission home. When I was there I was looking at the board of all the incoming and outgoing misionaries. As I was looking at the board I noticed my name and picture was in the slot to leave soon. As I thought more about it I realized that after December I only have 3 months left. Just thinking about ending this mission makes my heart ache. Being a missionary has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. I have never felt so much joy and happiness.
So, I made a promise to myself that these last 3 months will be the months where I will push myself and share the light of the gospel with ALL PEOPLE I meet, even if that means talking with every person I make eye contact with on the train or in the streets. I want to give all my life and all I am to The Lord and this great work.
Love, Ah Nee Shimai
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