Laie Temple Open House

My first time going through a temple open house. I went with some family...It was so amazing and I felt so comfortable in there. The detailing and decor was beautiful.

When the temple is re-dedicated next week, we will have the house of the Lord here again, just a few minutes away. It is such a special place...

The second time I went to the Laie temple open house, I went with my friend Elvis :)

And the third time I went with my family again...the little kids are so cute. Especially Kili as she kept perfectly quiet in the temple and pointed at all the paintings, stained glass windows, and pictures of Jesus. :)

So now we're all anxiously waiting for the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, to come and re-dedicate our temple in exactly one week. So exciting and wonderful! :)

Learn more here about why we have temples, and here for details of the Laie temple.

a true warrior

what if i were as sturdy a person as a warrior...
fearless, valiant, proud.

there's a story from the book of mormon that has always inspired me to be brave. the story of the 2,000 stripling warriors. "stripling" meaning "adolescent youth". boys. sons. ammonites willing to fight in place of their fathers to defend their people and freedom. though young and outnumbered in war, every single one of these boys survived even after injuries from battle. they were faithful and fearless because they knew their duty to stand up for what's right... and that was motivation enough to be their best and to be selfless.

please read Alma 53:18-21. especially verse 20. and this is why i decided to write this blog. because of the inspiration and power of verse 20.

"And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted."

not only did they have the physical strength and fearless mentality to be great warriors, but they were TRUE - to themselves, to God, to everyone - no matter where or when. end of discussion.

and this reminds me of my little brother. he spoke a lot about these boys and their example. he tried to live like them...physically, mentally and spiritually. in fact, all my brothers and sister have been amazing examples to me - being real modern stripling warriors - standing up for what they believe in and being true.

so...what if i were as sturdy a person as a true warrior? let me re-word this scripture to describe the person i'd like to become:

And she is a young woman, Kuulei is exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this is not all-she is a woman who is true at all times in whatsoever thing she is entrusted.

i'm so grateful for my family. beyond grateful. i love love love them. and i love the scriptures.

Aloha 'Oe (Elder) Nehoa Akina

Hana, Nehoa, me: his mission farewell on Sunday. He spoke so well and lots of people came to support him. Great day. We'll miss him but I'm so excited for his 2 year church mission in Montana. :)

This is my note to him, written by Kiani on our mirror. "I'm not afraid to take a stand, everybody come take my hand" (Eminem lyrics) one of our favorite songs. See...Eminem is uplifting and truthful.

After the long day of cooking for the neighborhood that Nehoa invited to our house for his farewell.

Us girls with Nehoa at the airport. Seemed like he was just going on a little trip-coming back soon. But I won't see him for 2 years.

So i'm sure I'll have updates from his mission later. A lot will happen while he's gone...

Tomorrow as he enters the Missionary Training Center, begins day 1.