Happy Thanksgiving! Gratitude Post 🧡

When Derek and I were engaged I remember getting into a big disagreement. I remember thinking I didn't want to deal will his issues, I didn't want to deal with his culture or his beliefs anymore. I was done.  I remember walking into his apartment (like I have always done) ready to break the news.  As I walked into the living room I saw him sitting on the couch reading his scriptures. Suddenly a thought came to me that said "when Derek is in trouble he turns to me.  What more could you ask for?" The "me" was referring to was Christ. I then knew that my issues, the culture I created, and my beliefs were more of a problem than he was, and if I were to marry him I'd be the lucky one.

Since then I have tried to keep up with Derek. My energy and efforts are spent following his great example.  Derek's quiet spirit is sharp and his heart is pure. If I could do half of the things he accomplishes in a day I'd consider my day a success! But that is not what keeps us together, it's the moments I don't want to pray or study my scriptures to find myself walking into a room seeing Derek kneeling in prayer with my 4 kids, or reading the good word to them. It's those moments I think "what more could I have asked for?" Derek believes in something greater than ourselves. He believes in a higher power and he knows it's real. Derek will never know the great work he does inside and outside our home but then again no great leader does. Today Derek Aston is my gratitude post because "what more could I have asked for?" Thank you for being who you are!  Forever mine @astonderek 🧡  #HappyThanksgiving #GratitudePost #DerekAston #MaxineSoakaiMusic #RestoredChurchofJesusChrist #TrustInGod

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Joseph Smith

Many people write in journals expressing their personal thoughts and feelings about life, love, etc.  I do the same, but instead of writing on paper my journals are written to music and recorded.  It's not an easy task!  Sometimes it's taken me years to document one event and other times a few minutes.  Either way, I have been able to express all my feelings into songs.

My recent journal is a story I hold very dear to my heart! It is my testimony of the true story of Joseph Smith, the prophet who restored The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

While many people may not believe that a 14-year-old boy could speak to God, I ask why not? If God can appear to Moses, Joseph of Egypt, Abraham, Isaac, Mary, Martha, Ester, and the list goes on, then why not Joseph Smith?  

The great thing about life's greatest questions is that we don't have to sit and wonder.  We can ask God.  So I ask you to ask God for yourself if this story is true.  I did, and ever since the day I found out, my life has profoundly changed.  

To me, my religion is my life.  If you were to take my religion away from me what would I have left? 

Please! Listen to the song! Read the story, and ask God to know for yourself if it is true.

Thanks for reading my blog! and please leave a comment or two!

Until Next Time,

Ofaz 💙

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Trust In God Song

Good and Bad News! After working hard on my church's young women's fundraiser, I've come to find out that my church leader canceled all fundraisers for the year. The good news is that I'm going to give away the song for free for a limited time only. Until then check out the music video "Trust In God" and leave a comment below. Thanks in advance for watching!!!

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Trust In God Song

Recently I wrote a song called "Trust In God."  I'm excited to release this Trust In God song because the youth in my church is singing it. I donated this song to the girls in my church to sell online. With the money, they raise they will use it for weekly activities and girls camp.

It's a fantastic feeling to hear other people sing my song.  I love hearing the youth on this song because you can feel their sweet spirits. A lot of these kids have committed their lives to God. They spend a lot of their time training for sports, studying for a school test, and helping people along their way. I feel so blessed to have these young men and women sing on this track.

Right now I'm finishing up the music video for them. I've been driving all around town filming people who have put their trust in God and have succeeded. I can't wait to share the music video and song!

If you've had an experience or story of when you've trusted God, and something amazing has happened, I'd love to hear about it!!! Post it below.

Until Next Time,
Ofas ;)

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Purpose of Life

Awhile back I went to a homeless shelter in Salt Lake to hand out breakfast with some friends of mine. It was hard to see people live in poverty, and see how they have lost all hope of working and making a better future for themselves.  My heart felt for those people, and all I wanted to do was serve them.

This morning I was thinking about that day, and wondering how many people do I know right here in my neighborhood that might be feeling emptiness on the inside, but on the outside, they don't show it.  Many of these people look neatly dressed, have good jobs, show up to work every day and do their best, but feel empty inside. How many people do I pass each day that need a boost or a simple smile or hug?

In my kitchen, I have a quote that hangs on my fridge that helps remind me what this life is all about, and reminds me what I need to do each day.

As a wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, friend, singer and songwriter. I have many "hats" that I have to wear, and many places that I have to be. It's not easy finding time to serve those who are homeless, depressed, or feel empty when I'm struggling.  Most of the day I'm running around praying for energy to accomplish the tasks and goals I need to achieve personally.

It's not easy leaving a project because a friend needs a shoulder to cry on or cancel a recording session because my child got sick or isn't feeling well.  It's not easy withdrawing from a class I've been dying to take, to help care for an elderly relative. But as I"m getting older and learning more each day I have discovered service, and looking for those who might feel empty and helping and caring for others is the only way to live!!

Service is true, pure happiness!!! No matter how busy I am or what obstacle might be standing in my way, I'm reminded of the quote above to find time to serve others.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to help everyone that comes to my mind because I would have to neglect my family, but I do have time to do the best I can with what I can handle physically, mentally and spiritually.

Today my goal is to be the best I can be. I"m sure I will have downfalls today, and feel scared. But if I have made a difference in someone's life today, if I have lightened someone's burden, or have shown my love to someone in need, then I will consider myself successful!

Anyone can get an education and make something more of their self. Anyone can live the dream of becoming rich and famous or make lots of money and travel the world, but few people can be working hard on their goals and stop, to take the time out of their busy day to help someone along the way feel loved and appreciated.

Happiness and purpose in life will come from serving others. Today my schedule is packed, and I'll spend most of my day praying I'll get all of it done. But if I end up having to help a friend, a stranger, or family member today, I will feel accomplished because I'll remember that unless I lose myself in service to others, there is little purpose to my own life.

Until Next Time,

Ofa's

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"This Is Me" from "The Greatest Showman"

Once in awhile, there comes a song that gives you strength, and energy.  Once in a while, there is a song that comes from heaven.  "This Is Me" is a song that was inspired and created for this generation and time.  "This Is Me" is an anthem for humankind.

Music that can relate to anyone and everyone will always succeed and bring motivation to others.  But the music that uplifts and inspires the soul will have a lasting effect forever.

Some people create music to get sales or to be famous. And sadly it's worked for many of them. But then there are those who create music to uplift and inspire those around them, and that music is worth listening to every day.

Good quality music breaths life into empty souls. Good music gives us the energy to keep trying or fighting for something that is good. Good music has a light in it that is inspiring and uplifting.

This light motivates a person to do things beyond their capability, and have faith in things that don't seem possible. After, I had heard "This Is Me" I felt enlightened and inspired to be who I am, and encourage others around me. Thank the heavens for songwriters who still make an effort to inspire others through lyrics and melodies.  Great job! I can't wait to cover "This Is Me"!!!

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No Other Way

I just got finished writing a song called "No Other Way".  This song was inspired by a family member who recently spent a day in jail due to a road rage fight.  As foolish as it may sound her experience was interesting.  She told me that as soon as she passed the doorway entry to jail, no one smiles at you, no one says hello, no cares.  Most of the workers don't want much to do with you once you're in jail, and no one cares if you're innocent. After listening to this story, my heart sunk.  I thought if these people in jail don't have family or friends on the outside, who will care for them? Or help them when they are released from jail?  I'm sure many of them have had great lives and loved ones at one point in their lives, but lost everything as they made bad choices.

I remember hearing someone once say when a person repents, God rejoices in heaven. I believe that with all my heart. Despite all the mistakes people make, we can all be forgiven if we come to the one, who can forgive and can make our weaknesses strong, and our sins clean. The Savior has the power to do that because he paid the price for all our sins.

Repentance would not be an easy road. If it were, it wouldn't be worth all the effort, work, heartache, and pain. Correcting our mistakes don't happen overnight or years.  Some of our mistakes will take a lifetime to fix, but it is worth every minute.

I wrote "No Other Way" because I want to be like the Savior.  I want to repent of all my sins and come to Christ. I want the Savior to teach me how to repent, repair, and love.  Christ is amazing!!! Every day of my life testifies that He is real.  "No Other Way" is how we can change our lives, and follow the Savior. Stay tuned for my new song "No Other Way" coming soon.

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