Tattoos... American or Culture? Good or Bad?

Todays topic is going to be about Tattoos. Why would you get one? What would you get? Why did you get it? Cultural? Just because? I may even hear the classic line, I was drunk... Also what I really want to hear is what you honestly think about tattoos in general. Some say it looks cool and others say it looks ugly. Why do you have this certain opinion about tattoos? Religion? Parents installing in your head that tattoos are good/bad? WHY???

Being Christian and Polynesian makes this subject a little harder to talk about if it's good or bad. Religion wise this action is not encouraged. Cultural wise this action may signify rank in ones tribe for example lets take a look at the Maori culture. Tattooing is considered to be a sacred art for the Maori people. The first tattoo marks the transition from childhood to adulthood and was done during a series of rites and rituals. Traditional Maori tattoos were more than just decorative. They were a show of strength, courage and status. Now with that being said what are your thoughts?

Americanized tattoos can be considered random tribal tats, favorite cartoon characters, names of loved ones, symbols honoring a passion for something or someone and sadly enough you get those with future regretful names. Personally, I have seen some beautiful tattoos but I have also seen some really funky ones and if you google STUPIDEST TATTOOS you definitely get what you asked for. It really seems ridiculous and as you look through the images all you can say is WHAT THE HECK WERE THEY THINKING?! Now I know there are people that get beautiful symbols or writings to represent their significant other or a loved one who has passed so what do you think about them? What are your personal feelings about those that get ridiculous tattoos vs people that get tattoos that signify their love for their family?

My point of view is tattoos are not to be taken lightly. It is a permanent action that needs to be thoroughly thought through. In my culture it is not frowned upon to have a TRADITIONAL polynesian tattoo. If anything there is a deeper understanding to why an individual would go and get one as long as they keep it traditional. Religiously it could hurt feelings because it is not encouraged but we do have our free agency. Americanized tattoos is definitely in the same boat for me. Ridiculous, insane, immature tattoos that have absolutely no meaning to life in general is exactly what I just said RIDICULOUS, INSANE AND IMMATURE. I personally do not agree with those that disrespect the art by getting foolish tattoos. But I honestly do not feel that way towards those that honor a loved one. Those that honor a loved one with beautiful art is an AWE moment for me. I will not degrade those that show passion for another that would be considered a "holier-than-thou" moment <-- meaning SELF-RIGHTEOUS.

Easter Holiday At Its Best

Nowadays we get Easter baskets and fill them with colorful grass and candy. Then we dye and decorate eggs and have easter egg hunts. Oh, don't forget about pictures with the Easter Bunny!!! All of which most of us experience in our childhood and still experience in our adulthood --->ME<--- Hahaha... Now on a serious note I really want to talk about what Easter means to you not on a surface level but more on a deeper level. 

Here in Arizona we hold an annual event called, "The Easter Pageant". Rather than having me explain what Easter means to me or us as Christians it's best to witness with your own eyes. This event is nothing less than emotionally inspiring, beautiful, brilliant and amazingly touching. It hits the heart in ways you never knew you could feel. Many people describe the feeling as a burning in your chest. Not heart burn but a good type of burn. The feeling you get when you do something right. The link below is the information about the Easter Pageant. Unfortunately, today is the last day but as I mentioned above this event is annual and should definitely be on your "Things To Do With Your Family" list. So if you have not seen the Easter pageant I highly recommend that you go at least once. Who knows? It may even become a tradition for you and your family to go every year ;)

http://easterpageant.org/

My point of view is that the subject of Easter Sunday cannot be explained in just one paragraph. In fact it would not do justice to the meaning of Easter Sunday. That is why I recommended for you to go and watch the Easter Pageant. It is for all religions and no one will ever be turned away. But as far as what I can say about Easter Sunday is that it should be celebrated with your family. Whether you are attending church or decorating eggs I believe that things should be done together. Create those memories with your children (if you have kids). It will definitely leave a lasting affect in your child's heart. If you are single or married without children then spend those moments with your loved ones. Every year my husband and I try to take our family to the Easter Pageant. Fortunately, my wonderful husband has been able to participate in the event as a Roman Soldier and his acting is amazing. He never ceases to impress me with his many talents. These moments spent together as a family have been truly memorable and irreplaceable. I challenge you to build memories with your family that you and your loved ones can keep for a lifetime.

Being Prideful = Shattered Communication

Epiphany

[ih-pif-uh-nee]

-noun

a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience 

I do believe in epiphanies and last night I had a huge epiphany to address a situation that affects a lot of relationships. For the past couple days I have been watching a TV series called, "The Game". If I was asked to sum it all up in one word it would be DRAMA but there was something that continuously stuck out to me. Something that seriously pissed me off. Something that would honestly end the show in one episode. If they would've just said one simple but meaningful phrase after an argument, "I LOVE YOU and I still want to be with you."

The reason why the title is, "Being Prideful = Shattered Communication" is because when couples argue some people, and I have been guilty, put up a wall which is something I would like to call PRIDE. When arguments get heated sometimes people say things they don't mean such as, I want to break-up, I want a divorce or the classic phrase I need some space. Now if any of those phrases are said but in the end they work it out then the phrase is nothing but a "read in between the lines" type of phrase and they got lucky that their partner "read in between the lines" but what about the couples that don't have partners that read in between the lines? What happens to them? Now this is where the TV series, "The Game" comes into play. All of the couples had the basic same story NONE OF THEM DROPPED THEIR PRIDE AFTER AN ARGUMENT AND REFUSED TO FORGIVE THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHER AND BY THE TIME THEY DROPPED THEIR PRIDE IT WAS TOO LATE! Take note to that last part IT WAS TOO LATE! Now coming back to reality, as dramatic as that show was it happens a lot between couples. The testing, the games, and the lies. Let me explain, I said testing because if you say I WANT TO BREAK-UP you are testing to see if they will fight for you. When I said games its because that's exactly what it is A GAME to see if they will prove their love for you. Now when I said lies I know that lie is a harsh word but it is straight to the point. If you say I WANT TO BREAK-UP but in your heart you don't then hey I'm going to call a spade a spade, and an unmeaningful phrase is a nice way of saying that it's a lie. 

My point of view is don't wait till the last minute to drop that wall and forgive your partner. Holding on to your pride will do nothing but damage to your relationship. Everything that you have worked for in your relationship and accomplished together could be shattered in minutes possibly seconds. Realize who your significant other is to you and if you want to be with that special someone for the rest of your life then treat them that way don't treat them like they can easily be replaced. Make them feel like he/she is the only one out there for you. Never stay complacent! Always continue to work and build on your relationship to keep your bond strong and unbreakable. Communicate and never and I repeat NEVER SAY ANYTHING YOU DON'T MEAN. Words cut deeper than you think and is one of the hardest things you will ever have to repair. Whoever says love is easy is delusional but whoever says love is the most amazing feeling you will ever experience in the world is a wise man.

Is it Judgment Day?

Have you ever come across a person that has judged you badly because of your faith and what you believe in or they have completely judged your religion off of crazy rumors and they think your crazy for being a part of such a thing? I know I have run into a few people like that. So my question is... What do you do in this kind of situation?


Honestly, there are so many different things that I can say about how you would possibly react in this certain type of situation. For example, if you ran into this kind of problem instantly the words PURE IGNORANCE could come to your mind. Possible shock or sadness either way if you are human you will feel something but before we move on I would like you to really ponder on this quote below...


"Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment."

-Bob Packwood

My point of view is that growing up I have come to the conclusion that in the end people will believe what they want to believe. No matter how much you "tell" them otherwise their "opinions" stay the same. Notice that I put quotations on "tell"and "opinions". I quoted the word, "tell" because like the famous saying goes, "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS." I quoted the word, "opinions" because opinions will continue to be opinions until proven to be a fact. So when we do come across people that choose to judge you off of words/rumors and not actions then why shouldn't we exercise our faith and be christ-like and speak louder through our actions and in the end you unknowingly prove their opinions to be wrong. Represent your faith by being an example and showing them what you do believe in. Plus like the old saying goes, "KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS" <-- I know personally that this saying is a fact and works like a charm ;) 

MY NAME IS PUANANI PI'IMAUNA LUTUI AND I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. LOVE ME OR JUDGE ME. I CAN ONLY BE ME. 

Never Fear Success

Have you ever felt like you were under pressure because your parents or the person you are named after has achieved so much in their lives? For example, being the Mechanical Engineer on the islands most popular ship, being one of the first to repair electronics of his/her time and providing his/her family with the best food and  shelter on the most beautiful part of the island or he/she was known for having an intelligent mind or was recognized for being an honorable captain in the army and on his/her free time being able to compose beautiful and memorable music. Sounds pretty intimidating, huh? Of course these descriptions are taken from an older generation of Polynesian's experience but what we can relate to is when a person has high expectations for us and at some point we may feel fear of failure...
Today's subject is about FEELING LIKE YOU HAVE BIG SHOES TO FILL. My husband, Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui came from a family that knew nothing less than hard work. His father, Inoke Lutui was the Mechanical Engineer and electrician that I spoke of earlier and Inoke's father was the intelligent, honorable captain and the talented composer. So you see, my husband comes from a line of successful men. We all know that being "successful" is full of goals, hard work, dedication, determination and execution. All words that can be extremely intimidating when read but when you take it one step at a time each of those words automatically form into actions. 

My point of view is success starts with motivation and everyone has different types of motivation whether it be having to provide for your family or childhood dreams to be successful or just being born into a family that knows nothing but success. Whatever motivation you have or need to be able to give you the boost of I CAN DO IT to succeed and achieve your goal then my advice would be GO FOR IT YOU NEVER KNOW HOW THINGS WILL TURN OUT UNLESS YOU TRY! 

WELCOME TO THE "LUTUI DYNASTY"

To check out Deuce Lutui's Story you can copy & paste the link below in browser

http://www.tbolitnfl.com/p/deuce-lutui-story.html

Monogamy...

"Pua and Tusi kissing in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G

First comes love, then comes marriage

Then comes a baby in a baby carriage"

Child rhymes sound like life is blissfully easy but as adults we know otherwise. We know that if you want to buy nice things you need money and to get money we need a job. We know that if you want a relationship you need to socialize and to get a relationship we need to be open to it. When you do achieve the Facebook status of "in a relationship", in sports terms, THE GAME IS NOT OVER. Fb can prove it! There's more options such as: Engaged, Married and etc... But on a serious note, when you do find a special someone that is willing to share their hopes and dreams and merge it with yours you have found what I experience, HAPPINESS.

What I want to talk to you about is having a monogamous relationship that will hopefully turn into a monogamous marriage. Instead of beating around the bush and confusing you with a bunch of pretty words I will just be blunt. Being monogamous can be easy or hard IT ONLY DEPENDS ON YOU. If you put your special someone above all others then no temptation will creep into your mind. Sounds ugly when I say it like that, huh? But cheating is ugly and cheating doesn't start physically it begins in your mind. That's why I said being monogamous can be easy or hard IT ONLY DEPENDS ON YOU 

My point of view is simply said but hard to achieve. In my heart I knew what I wanted in a man. To name a few aspects, I wanted him to be God-fearing, loving, selfless, respectful towards me and my family, motivated and of the same faith. I am truly indebted to the Lord for sending me such a man and more. Now if you find someone that is willing to give up the single life and has the same dreams as you for example, 

1. Having a Monogamous marriage

2. Starting a family

3. Spending the rest of their life with you

If you find that special someone that is more than willing to share their heart, mind and soul with you then I must repeat what I said in my "What is your definition of LOVE" blog, 

"...if you find TRUE LOVE and don't mix that up with silly moments of lusting infatuation but if you find TRUE LOVE never try to control it, hurt it, sabotage it, or fight it. Do nothing but CHERISH THE MOMENTS and APPRECIATE IT."

-Blog inspired by Steve Hardison

Forgiving Heart

TO FORGIVE OR BE FORGIVEN, THAT IS THE QUESTION...

Forgiveness on either end is difficult. Whether you are on the side of forgiving or on the side to be forgiven the first step is dropping your pride. Pride in your life, culture and any other important aspect is great! As long as you don't take it to the extreme. Being too prideful can definitely affect you being able to forgive someone or ask for forgiveness. Some times we can label asking for forgiveness as a weakness but if you step back and look at the bigger picture that person, whether it be yourself or somebody else, has to have the STRENGTH to drop all walls and be completely submissive. I emphasized on STRENGTH because it's true. To be able to say SORRY and sincerely mean it isn't a weakness it is a strength. In this case you are letting that certain someone know that you care enough to address the situation and fix it. One of my favorite quotes on forgiving is,


"When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free."

-Catherine Ponder

My point of view is if you are put in a situation where you need to forgive an individual it definitely takes a toll on your heart and mind. I know that there are a million different situations where forgiveness is being asked for and its easier and more dramatic to say FORGIVE THEM NOW OR YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN PAIN but what I do believe is that happiness is in your control. I know there are some cases where someone doesn't even ask for your forgiveness nor do they care to have it but in that kind of situation it is better to forgive them rather than play AN EYE FOR AN EYE game. If you forgive that person you will find that your mind is more clearer, the awkwardness is gone and you will find more happiness in your life. 

It is easier said than done but we
should always aim for pure happiness

Communication.....

There are points in our relationships where you feel like there is a wall up between you and your loved one. Whether it be tension, selective listening or overlooking the situation because to you it's not a big deal. 

Communication should be considered a living organism, I will explain why. For example, a fruit tree. When planted it starts out as a seed. Through the years it needs water and sunlight to grow and mature enough to bear fruit. Even at it's full maturity the tree will wilt and die if water or sunlight is taken away. I use this example because communication would be the seed and water and sunlight would be considered nurturing communication. Even if communication has reached excellence it can be stripped away in seconds if not honored. 



My point of view is communication should be respected. Growing up you were taught in school that COMMUNICATION SKILLS IS THE KEY TO ANY SUCCESS. This phrase is very true but it is easier said than done. Being truthful and holding ZERO secrets releases stress and tension on a relationship. Unknowingly, you will find that respecting and honoring communication will strengthen your trust in one another. Knock down those walls and build your foundation based on truth and trust. Then and only then will your fruit tree blossom and bear the most succulent fruit.

It's all in your hands