Kahalu'u Ward Message 8/17/25

Aloha ward family!

I wanted to share a short-ish story that inspired my message  for this week. Over the past few years I’ve struggled with feeling inadequate and wondering why some things in life that are simple to most people are indescribably hard for me. And why I’ve made so many stupid mistakes over the course of my life. Like forgetting very important things and remembering small unimportant things. Or losing my train of thought in the middle of a sentence the second I realize someone is listening to me. I’m constantly thinking “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I get it together like everyone else?” I would constantly beat myself up for being forgetful, overreacting to little things, or for not handling situations the way I thought I “should.”

About a month ago I started looking for answers. I read articles, books, talked to family members, filled out forms, took several tests and what I found out was kind of freeing—my brain is just wired differently…like really differently. Some of the things I thought needed to be fixed (like losing stuff constantly, getting overly excited about small stuff, or even crying at random times) aren’t necessarily things I’m even able to fix…they’re kind of just part of who I am.

That shift has helped me show a little more self-compassion. Because honestly, I’d never say to someone else, “Wow, you’re so dumb, you lost your keys again,” or “Why are you crying? It’s not even sad!” So why in the world do I constantly talk to myself that way?

This reminded me of Alma the Younger (Mosiah 27; Alma 36). Alma had made some big mistakes. He didn’t ignore them…but he also didn’t stay stuck in shame and self doubt either. He accepted the Savior’s forgiveness and moved forward with hope. That took not just faith in Christ, but also a willingness to stop tearing himself down and to believe God could still use him for good.

I think a lot of us are good at being patient and kind with other people, but not so great at giving ourselves that same grace. But the Lord says, “Love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39), both parts matter. We’re supposed to treat ourselves with that same love and patience we’d show a friend.

Lately, when I start feeling frustrated or inadequate, I’ve been asking myself, “What would my Heavenly Father say to me right now?” Or sometimes “What would I say to my 5-year-old self?” I know He wouldn’t scold me. (And I would prob give the 5-year -old version of myself more grave and love.) He’d remind me that I’m trying, that He loves me, and that it’s ok that I’m not perfect.

My hope is that all of us can let the Savior’s mercy shape not only how we see others but how we see ourselves. If we do, I know we’ll feel more peace and strength to keep moving forward—especially on the hard days. Sorry this is so long but I hope it resonates with some of you! I love you all :)

Sis. Ashleigh Vilardi YW President, Kahalu'u Ward

Sacrament Schedule & Program

• Aug 17, Sacrament Meeting Program:  CLICK HERE

  Zoom Link for Sacrament Meeting available upon request. Please contact Bishop Tano or Bro. Hirokawa. Don't be afraid to ask. We are happy to accommodate you. 

Announcements

Ward Health & Wellness Activity Interest Survey:  CLICK HEREPlease take time to fill this form out if you have not had a chance yet!

• Aug 17, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Aug 17, Sunday 1 pm - Youth Council @ Bishop’s Office 

• Aug 17,  Sunday 6:30 pm - SED @ Bishop’s Home

• Aug 20, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Primary Activities (Girls/Boys) @ Kaneohe Stake Center 

• Aug 20, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Aug 20, Wednesday  6 - 8 pm - Temple & Family History Center @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Aug 24, Aug 3, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Aug 27, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Primary Activities (Boys) @ Kaneohe Stake Center 

• Aug 27, Wednesday  6:30 pm - Youth Night @ Kaneohe Stake Center

• Aug 30, Saturday 4-8 pm - Ward Park Day @ Ahuimanu Park

• Aug 31, Sunday 11 am - Sacrament Meeting @ Kaneohe Stake Center

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• Missionary Meals:  March Calendar needs attention please. Elder Hirshi & Elder Hosaka need meals and visits! Please sign up to meet with the Elders using this MEAL CALENDAR, or call them at (808) 379-8012.