The Faith of our Ancestors - A legacy of Love for our Posterity

My cousin and I Marcus Mariteragi, were able to participate in the Finale of yesterdays Cultural Celebration. It was a spiritual and awesome event for all of me. My Mom and Dad was there with me on the ground floor waiting for my turn sing with my other peers.

I was happy to see my cousin Marcus to participate; My Dad was happy to see him too. The voices of everyone singing I love to see Temple and also The Army of Helaman brought tears to my mom's eyes.

Such great faith of our ancestors who sacrificed their time in the building of the Lord's Kingdom. What we understand of our past we can press forward in steadfastness and love to continue His work in building the kingdom.

Laie is truly a city of refuge. All those who come search for peace and comfort and the will to be of service to anyone who enters. Love, sacrifice and commitment is what we all should be striving for to be a better people.

The temple has now been dedicated and for this purpose we will be able to edify each other and continue to be obedient in serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Papa Sam and Grandma Vickie, and Papa David and Granny Verdetta - we love you dearly and only wish the best for you and your posterity.

Journal Entry - Laie Hawaii Temple - November 2010

"We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet" is what the audience sang as the prophet leaves the Cannon Activity Center last night.

For this Re-Dedication of the Laie Hawaii Temple, I have seen and heard through the cultural celebration the history of the Hawaii Temple. The great faith of my ancestors before me that have prayed, planned and participated to see a "Marvelous Work and Wonder" come to be realized here in this town of Laie.

I am grateful to see the prophet. I am grateful to see the youth. I am grateful to see my parents enjoy this time with me and be a part of this "Miracle" unfold right here in my very own town.

Living the Principle of Faith

Faith #3 -


Before my brother, Elder Tyrell Nihipali, left for his mission, he had a talk to give at church. The story he shared is one that my mother constantly reminds us of when we were living in Hauula 2nd Ward boundary.

We lived in the Punalu'u Valley where our running water was from the river, our shower was outdoors and we practically cooked outside the house by fire or by a cast iron burner that was used for camping. When I was born, my mother wasn't always feeling good in the mornings. So as we got older my mom required help getting me ready for school and my sister Moani. We had a white astro van back then and my brother, Tyrell, and sister, Karen, would always help get Moani and I dressed for school.


It was hard for my mom, but before leaving our little house, my mother always had us say our prayer as a family. We would say our prayers in the car and Tyrell, Karen and my mom would each take a turn. If my mom was feeling the worst she would be the one saying the prayers.


My father would always leave early before we did because he worked at 7:00 am. But we never had to leave until a few minutes later. And even if we were late in getting in the car, we still had our prayers. Prayer has great importance in my life and the lives of my family. Our prayers as a family has allowed all of us to be so grateful with just being able to meet our financial obligations, we have been able to rely and not be afraid to ask fervently for help for whatever we stand in need of. Exercising the principle of prayer has strengthen my faith and the faith of my family members;


My father often reminds all of us that our lives are not your typical family life. And he's right. Prayer has been the soul source that provides us comfort, peace, patience, strength and endurance.

Faith of our Mothers

Faith #2 -

With the help of my sister here are the qualities of my mothers.

Loves Heavenly Father
Charitable
Strong
Knowledgeable
Fun
Spiritual
Prayerful
Delights in the words of Truth
Loving to anyone different
Musical
Fears God

All these things I see in my mom. I see them in my sister Moani and Karen too. Thank you mom for loving me and caring for me. And to my sister Karen, I know you will be a great mom one day; I know you are a great wife and I love that you stood strong and made sure that a worthy priesthood holder has taken you to the house of the Lord.

Faith - Receiving Strength through Prayer

Faith # 1 -

On September 15, 2008 I wrote in my journal about how important prayer is to my family. My story alone about myself and the challenges my family faces in caring for me is all about faith and asking for help daily just to get through the day. My mother read to me the Joseph Smith Story at my bedside; a simple act of knowing the truth by a young boy is just as simple as asking Heavenly Father for help at home or where I go.

Even today prayer is a part of my life and my family. We pray for the most simplest things and we pray for the things that we need help to understand. And we also pray for those who stand in need of help. I've been told that we have said our family prayers when I was a baby living in a very old one bedroom house. And today I know that it is true, we have our prayers every morning before I leave on the bus to go to school; Our prayers not only strengthen me but it strengthens my entire family. And I love how it makes me feel.