Wonderous Experiences this week

Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.

Honolulu Tabernacle

We had an open schedule a week ago so we printed some ordinance name cards, boarded Southwest Airlines and took a temple trip, just Sister Hardman and me to Oahu. Upon landing and before the beautiful journey to Laie, we ventured downtown and toured the famous Honolulu Stake Tabernacle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A kind brother, Family History Library patron, gave us an impromptu tour of the complex which serves as a large gathering place for many wards and branches. Dedicated in 1941, the beautiful Filipino apitong-paneled walls draw reverence and respect. Known by its 141-foot high mosaic of Christ and reflection pool, it is a beautiful place of worship amidst a towering busy city.

Hawaii Laie Temple

Instead of going the shortest way through the tunnels to the north shore, we drove to the east most point of Oahu to see the shoreline. It was a pleasant drive all the way around passing the Halona Blowhole Lookout, then around through Kaneohe and on to Laie. We checked into our hotel, changed, and made our way to the beautiful Hawaii Laie Temple. In addition to the proxy service to others, the endowment and sealings always reward us patrons with new insights, impressions, revelation and peace. In my journal I wrote, “I was very impressed during the endowment and sealings with the boldness and specificity with which God and the universe operates. Apparently two lives, even many lives can’t just be eternally linked without a God given, universe approved power to bind them together.” While waiting between sessions I reviewed the scripture, “It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven.” (see D&C 128:8-11) After the sessions I felt inclined to study related verses. It was a wonderful temple experience, even a “marvelous work and a wonder.” (Isaiah 29:14)

Laie Shoreline

In addition to our serving by conducting several Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meetings, we were served by the spirit in meetings we attended including the adult session of the Kahului Stake conference. President Akanaka, a member of the stake presidency admonished all to, “putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ…” (Mosiah 3:19) He acknowledged that it is a constant battle to think of the things of God, and to be at Peace amidst daily challenges. He asked, “Was Daniel calm before the lions den?” He encouraged us to ask, “What has the Lord done for me today?” and then write it down.

Elder Takashi Wada, our General Authority Seventy asked, “Can the Plan of Salvation answer the problems of our day?” He used Joseph Smiths experience as an example then asked what scriptural verses or statements from leaders has changed you? “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man that this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again,…” (Joseph Smith—History 1:12) He asked us to write down those scriptures that have had this kind of impact on us. (Among others, that prompt led me to 2 Nephi 10:2, “…that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer.” I have reflected on this a great deal. It has entered with great force into every feeling of my heart. It has led me to related scriptures, and conference talks. It has given me wisdom and hope). Thanks Elder Wada for this great step-by-step instruction.

Due to General and Stake conferences, we haven’t met with our youth as a Sunday School class for more than a month. We finally got to discuss the Gospel on Sunday in Come, Follow Me. Our topics included the Ten Commandments, the Holy Tabernacle, ancient and modern ordinances, and especially Holiness to the Lord. We love these youth. We are inspired by their faith and comments. We look forward to being with them on Trek soon in Utah. Speaking of Trek, we continue to support our bishopric in being prepared. Our hosts, the Lehi Utah Stake have been so wonderful in their love and support to our group. They are going so out of their way to make our group feel loved and prepared and included. Trek is coming up in June.

For recreation this week we saw the movie, “Michael,” which is played by his amazing nephew Jaafar Jackson. And finally, we are so grateful for the full-time missionary seniors who have been serving on Maui, and who had adopted us service missionaries into their friendship from the moment we arrived a year ago. Several of them are completing their missions soon so we all gathered for a dinner party to visit and enjoy the spirit of the work. Our forever friends, those elders and sisters departing in the next month include David and Neill Marriott (CES), Jeff and Karen Taylor (MLS up-country), and Chris and LaReesa Sherwood (MLS in Hana).