One Life To Live
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Psalm 90: 10-12; We live for 70 years or so (with luck we might make it to 80), And what do we have to show for it? Trouble. Toil and trouble and a marker in the graveyard. Who can make sense of such rage, such anger against the very ones who fear you? Oh! Teach us to live wisely and well! (The Message Bible)
It was a Thursday afternoon in Tacoma, Washington. April 21, 1988, 21 years ago yesterday, our Mother, Siainiu Liu Katina, went home to be with Jesus. She was only 50 years old but anyone who had the privilege of knowing her would tell you that she lived a full, flourishing and favorable life! She was the Mom that all of our friends and cousins wish they could have. She was beautiful, elegant, sensitive, resourceful, and loved people so readily. She battled cancer for 4 years and though it was very painful to see her decline physically, we learned the most valuable lessons of life during that time. To honor her memory, we want to share with you some of those lessons.
1. Make the best of every situation!
We moved to Samoa in 1977. It was a tough transition for our family. Dad and Mom had steady jobs in Oceanside, California and we were blessed to live in a middle-class neighborhood. Then we discovered, Samoa. To be honest it was not “the islands of our dreams” at the time. No running hot water. All of us contracted various diseases because of the change of climate and diet. Moving from village to village, living with relatives that were speaking a foreign language. And worst of all for any American-born child, “no McDonald’s”! Mom was our constant source of encouragement. She did her best to stay positive even when situations were difficult. James reminded us of how resourceful she was. She could make a great meal out of nothing. We couldn’t afford to buy clothes from the store so she would buy fabric and sew our clothes. She tried her best to stay current with whatever was in style. She wasn’t always successful, but we didn’t have the heart to tell her, “Mom this doesn’t look like what everyone else is wearing.” Like her, we tried to make the best of the situation!
2. Pray!
She prayed about everything. For several years, our house was just a shell without walls. It was divided by curtains. We would hear Mom just about every night, crying out to God for our salvation. She wasn’t gifted musically, but she constantly prayed that her children would be used to bring people to Christ. She prayed fervently for her siblings, nephews and nieces. She prayed that they would accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It’s amazing that even after her death; those prayers are still bearing fruit today! It always seemed like when Mom prayed, God answered.
3. Love People!
She would say this to us continually, “Love People!” They were words she lived by. Occasionally, we would have troubled teenagers or homeless families living with us. Dad’s discipline and strict rules would keep them in check and give them a house to stay in. But Mom’s love and tender heart would bring transformation and provide them with a home. We literally saw lives changed because of the depth and sincerity of Christ’s love in her. She embodied so many great qualities. But her greatest attribute was love.
We could do a 52 week series and still have plenty to say about Mom. But I’ll close with this. She lived each day, the way she lived her 50 years, “to the fullest”! I often wonder what it would be like if she could have met her Grandchildren. She never got to see any of them. I wonder how proud she would be of the wives we chose. I imagine she would enjoy visiting with each of them and telling them our childhood stories. What would it be like to have her at one of our concerts? What would she think of the men she raised and prayed for? She never got to see us perform a full concert. She died shortly before our first recording came out.
I am certain of one thing, the legacy she left behind still speaks loud and clear. She lived her life wisely and well! You and I have the opportunity today to do the same. We have “one life to live!” Live it wisely. Live it well.
Until next week,
Live Strong!
-joe
PS We will continue the “Looking” series next week.
Wow, that’s a beautiful tribute to your mother!
Praise the sweet name of our Jesus, my brothers and sisters.
My brothers, thank you for sharing with us your story. Joe thank you for telling your mother’s story & bringing her life back so beautifully.You have been fortunate to have such a loving mother. It sounds like your mother was a blessing to many people & the very first thing that came to mind was the proverb’s Virtuous Woman. If anyone could fit that description, I am positive it was her. Be blessed my brothers–Your mom would be so proud of you all. Your right…her prayers have been answered…by one simple prayer and by faith, her children have brought many people to Jesus and now the legacy lives on…to your children….to your children’s children and so on. I claim it in Jesus’ name! I can imagine her standing in front of the Lord and as He replayed the years of her life before her He said ” Well done thy good and faithful servant.” Because of you, your mother still lives on. .
God bless you always my brothers. I love and appreciate you. My prayers are always for you.
Your sister in Christ Jesus,
Dawn
I must say, my eyes have welled up with tears, of cleansing tears. Kind of like when the windshield of your car has dirt blocking your view and you hit that switch that releases the soapy water to wash the glass clear again. That’s a bit how I feel after reading this encouraging and candid tribute about Moma Katina. I am trying to live like this! It’s not everyones choice or even their desire, which is odd to me. Must be that those people don’t know GOD yet the way HE wants them to. Why are my eyes washed clear again? Because despite the fact that I have a vision for my life (A Godly one) dirt and distraction and opinions come to block what I see and try to stop me in my tracks from what I am called to do. But “like Iron sharpens Iron” this is what happened by reading about moma Katina. I see the foolish things washed from my eyes, things like other peoples negative comments or doubtful thinking. Its all gone. I see my life and vision clearly again. Not that I had lost sight, gotten distracted or was believeing the lies i just needed a good pep talkin’ from a wise and successful, Godly woman. The tears are because I didn’t even know it. Times are difficult but I didn’t know I had some unlifted burdens to wash away until now. Words are powerful and burdens are sneaky. The wrong ones especially tend to cling so easily. Get rid of them in Jesus name!
Hearing about how Siainiu lived and continues to leave a legacy has blessed me. I see her vividly through her boys. Who Sam, Joe, James, John and Jesse are, speaks or “sings” louder then words. I am honored to serve GOD with these Godly men. The Katina family are loving servants, humble and gracious. Amen Siainiu, the effectual fervent prayers of the riteous have availed much. Thank you all! I love pressing in with you all.
Don’t stop living and looking through the eyes of GOD! when things get a little clouded just hit that washer button or better yet remember Siainui Liu Katina. Much love everyone. I just had to share. GOD Bless you all, always! Amen.
Wow..what a beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady.
I’m sure she’d be oh so proud of her children and your accomplishments, you cutie children and beautiful helpmates you all have chosen…
It’s kinda interesting…Jakes Mom died when she was just 50, too. He learned many of the same lessons. His mother cried and prayed for them in the night, also. His family was poor and he’s told me many stories of having to share lavalavas with is 10 brothers and the crooked haircuts that they all got at home. When pikake was all they had to eat and how they looked forward to White Sunday – when the kids get to eat first…lol.
So, I think that he’d be able to relate with your feelings.
At any rate, you are doing her proud serving Christ.
J
Like everybody said it seems like your Mom was an amazing person.
yes, what a beautiful and loving tribute to your mother~~a Godly mother.
she is still bearing fruit from her prayers.
continue being a blessing to all and hand down to your children, the Godly heritage your mother left all of you.
God Bless
Dearest Brothers, Viia le Atua e le aunoa! Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, Bless his holy name! Your mother’s legacy and her fervent prayers without ceasing are still and will continue to bear fruit until we see her in our true home heaven! She witnessed to me at a time in my life that was only a divine appointment in 1983. I look forward to the day when I can personally thank her for her love in action shown to me in American Samoa and her words of wisdom, spoken just like the oracles of God. She obeyed God witnessed to me prayed for me and I will never forget it. A true woman of God, who loved God, her family and all people. Her memory will always be a blessing to everyone who ever had the blessing of crossing paths with your beautiful loving mother. Proverbs 31 this is your mother. All Glory to the Lord, and an encouragement to all of us women this is our legacy as daughters of the King. Her witness is an inspiration that will always live on long after we leave this earth.
Praise the Lord!
I know you all miss your mom..it’s so hard sometimes when you know she’s missing out on things that are so precious to you, but I believe she is part of that ‘great cloud of witnesses’ and she is full of joy when she gets a glimpse of what her family is doing for the Kingdom of God. You all show the love of God, even when it’s just a smile. She was a beautiful woman and her beauty and love can be seen in all of your family.I miss my parents too and reading this, I’m sure they became fast friends in Heaven..they had alot in common..Kids that loved God and people and a desire to do God’s Will above all else. You all are such a testimony of a mother’s love leading her children,her most prized possessions, to the Maker of the Heavens and Earth. The memories and love push us onward. Thank you so much for sharing someone so precious and dear to your hearts. I can’t wait to meet her one day….
Joe,
Wow! What a heartfelt expression! I can see the impact your Mother made on all of you!!!! She must be a big part of your obvioius love for God and family!
That’s what I love most about you…your love of God and family, and your humility!
Having all that talent isn’t bad either! : )
Your front row fan!!!!
Dyan
Joe- I really liked what you wrote about your mom.!!
I got the Live At The Rock cd/dvd today in the mail. I am watching the dvd right now.
I guess after 21 years you still miss your mom. Bob and I are just coming up on a year since his dad went to be with the Lord WOW, IT’S BEEN TOUGH, HARD, CHALLENGING……not just on us but his mother especially since they were married almost 60 yrs. His brothers and sisters are still grieving each in their own way. Some have fallen from the Lord, others are mad at God, some are indifferent and seen numb at the whole situation. His mother has alzheimers/demensia and is becoming a chore to care for.
I pray God will bring peace to this family as He has brought you and your brothers peace and happiness and the assurance you’ll see your mom again one day in heaven.
Joe, you and your brothers have been a major blessing to me these past few years. It was your songs that brought me through many lonely nights as a single mother. I would always listen to the “Life Style” CD after the girls were asleep. Sometimes I would dance and sing along, at times the songs would bring me to meditate on Gods love, sometimes I felt Gods loving arms around me and we’d dance a slow one together! Then there were times when I’d fall to my knees………………….
WOW there was just an earthquake here in Southern California……That one scared me…………………………………….
Where was I? Oh yeah, I’d be listening to the songs, usually it was “Draw Me Close”, “Eagles Wings”, or “Thank You”, fall to my knees in tears so thankful that God loves me even after all the stuff I did against Him, what a loser I was back then.
Yes, your mother made a big impact on you and your brothers and her legacy lives through you. God has shown her His love and Jesus flows through you because of how she raised you! I can only pray that I make this impact on my girls.
Your ministry is such a blessing to many people and I pray God continues to lead you and guide you to reach many others worldwide! You’re in my prayers!
Kuzin Janice
Ahhh..What a beautiful picture of Aunty Si’ai….that’s the look I remember as well…or with her hair in like the perfect bun! Thanks Joe for sharing…
Since we are paying tribute to her, I’ll share one of my favorite memories of her warm smile and how loving she was…….
We were so very young in Samoa, and yes in the 70′s, but I so remember one day, we were with my parents…My sister Fale and I, driving to town. In Samoa, you can sit in the back of the truck…how fun was that??? we stopped at the Gas Station, where aunty worked as a cashier to get gas. I remember her comin’ out to mom and dad and they said hello to each other… ..she turned to us …and gave us her warm beautiful smile, with a big hug and kiss, me and my sister Fale hugged her and she whispered to us to get out of the truck and come in the store to get some ice cream. I tell ya, we jumped out so fast, followed Aunty back in and she gave us each an ice cream cone and some banana candy in a little bag…… lol! We were so excited and kept thanking her!! It made our day!!
Words from my Mom- She has so many stories of Aunty, she says she used to love this one church song and would sing it all the time ….mom sings it even now and imitates aunty singing it…haha…I guess your right Joe, aunty wasn’t much of a singer, (haha) but she would tell Uncle Mose to sing it for her and then they would sing it together…mom says they loved hearing them sing it. though she didn’t sing. mom says she had many other qualities and gifts, that she admired so much…
Mom’s last words… if she can only see you all now…well I think she does and sees even MORE than us…she is face to face with the very Name and God we prasie today…JESUS!
Thank you Lord for Aunty…..we Bless your Name!
…
That was SO beautiful! And there’s NO DOUBT that your mother would be proud of you guys! You have done so much for others. God really has answered her prayers. What a wonderful woman of God!
I’m praying for you guys!
Yes, I remember your Mum well, a couple of years after we met you guys in Samoa (early 80′s, Jesse was 9), then we saw you again in Pago for the next fono.
We had a great time with you all, blessed to see how well you’re all doing.
Next week David and Debbie will be here (in Aussie) with us, I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic time.
Bless you heaps’n'heaps
Your mom is truly a Proverbs 31 woman. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” (Proverbs 31:28-29) Praise God for her life and her legacy!
Amen Robin!
The fervant prayers of a righteous man (woman) availeth much! What a legacy. Wow, I’m really moved. Talk about fruit of labor!
Blessings!
Joe,
Thank you for sharing about your mom and the lessons you guys have learned from her. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman.
You remain a blessing and encouragement through all these devos…thank you for doing the devos!
You guys are living your mother’s legacy and I know you are passing that same legacy down to your children. This is awesome to see. I see so much of your mother in you guys and it’s awesome to see and testify to!
Bless you guys!
Lizzerd
Just wanna thank everyone of you for your kind words concerning or Mom. I really appreciate you taking time out of your schedules to honor her memory with us. Thanks for sharing some of your memories about Mom. For those of you who haven’t met her yet, hold on! That day is coming!
Love and Appreciation,
Joe
What a beautiful, beautiful show of love and respect. Your mother’s love lives on in you all!
Jesus Bless You~
Laura
What a lovely tribute to your mother. Thank GOD for such wonderful mothers, especialy for their full faith in HIM alone and along with their prayers! Prayers are answered through the fruits of your continuous works. AMEN…
Forever in His grip,
Sista Vernie Amituanai