puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Hi, I'd like to introduce myself to you. My name is Puni and I live in Hawaii. My family and I will make 3 years this december in the gospel. Last year, September 22, 2007, my husband and my children were sealed in the Laie, Hawaii Temple for time and eternity and it was awesome! My family and I were searching for the right church that fit us. We knew that we needed God in our lives and we wanted our children to grow up knowing Him. We went to every kind of denomination like the Assembly of God and 7th Day Adventist, and then to the Baptist, and Catholic, Methodist but none of them "felt" or sounded right. My mother was a return missionary and because we were forced to go to church when i turned 12 I decided not to go anymore. There was alot of things that I didn't understand and couldn't find answers to so one day I just decided not to go anymore. Thru out the years, my mom would try to get me to go and the more she bugged me about it the more I grew to detest the gospel. The older I got, I vowed that I would never ever go to any mormon church ever again. It was while searching that I began to pray to the Lord to show me which church was the right one to go to. I told God that I just wanted to find a church where I could go to to feel His spirit, to worship and Praise Him and to finally be able to pay tithing to Him. I prayed and prayed and then all of a sudden, I started hearing this voice and it was telling me to go the mormon church. I was like no way! Any church but not that one! For about a month, I kept hearing this voice trying to convince me to go back to this gospel but I was adamant and there was just no way. It kept telling me to give this church a chance just one more chance and if it doesn't work out then I could walk away from it. I kept saying to myself..no way, I'm not going. And then my mom calls me one day and she tells me that Gladys Knight was coming to Hawaii and that she was going to have a concert at her ward that sunday and I was like...SHOOTS!!! We're coming. My husband and the kids got dressed up and we went. My husband didn't want to go but I told him Gladys Knight was going to be there, lets just go see her sing and then we'll leave! He was like, okay shoots, we can do that. So we get there, went thru the sacrament service and everything and there's no Gladys Knight in sight. I asked my mom where was Gladys Knight and she was like...oh she's having her concert at the BYU auditorium and that she was trying to find tickets for us to be able to go. I was like WHAT?! So we came for nothing. That's when she invited us to go to the Gospel Principals class and I was like...nah that's okay and my husband was on the side giving me the eye signals for us to leave, and while all this was going on, that same voice was telling me to go to the class. It was telling me to go to the class, just give a chance and that voice kept getting louder and louder to the point where I turned to my husband and convinced him to go with me to the class. So we did. It was like the lesson was talking to us and I felt the Holy Spirit so strong that I got up in the middle of the class and the lesson and walked out of the room. As I did that, I told myself, the first person that crosses my path is the one I'm going to talk to and if no one crosses my path then I guess it wasn't meant to be. As I started to truck across the church a man walked right towards. When he got close to me, I stopped him and I told him that if he was willing to take the time to set it up for the missionarys to come to my home, I would be willing to listen to them. He was stunned but he pulled out a pen real quick like and took my name and number and then pulled out a stack of tickets to the concert and handed it to me and then he invited us to come. When I walked out of the church that day, I was so filled with the Holy Spirit, I felt like I was floating on air. We did go to the concert and the whole time the Holy Spirit stuck with me so much so that I cried thru the whole concert. Right there in the stands, I decided that this was the church I was going to join and I gave my heart over to the Lord right at that moment. My family had the lessons along with the elder that I had approached who is now the new bishop of our ward. They had asked me after being baptized to go and give my testimony and I said that I would. After some thinking I realized that I didn't have a testimony. I didn't know if this was the true gospel, or if Joseph Smith was a true prophet or that the doctrines were even true and I wasn't about to go up in front of the whole congregation and lie, no way. So that week after fasting and much prayer and seeking, it was late friday night after not receiving my answer that I looked up towards the ceiling and asked the Lord to show me what was so special about this church. What was the big deal that every one was seeing and I wasn't? And then ...all of a sudden I was no longer in my room but instead standing on high mountain cliff that jutted out and as I stood there I felt the wind blow thru my hair. And as I stood there, I looked below me and from the left side of me to the ride side, I could see the whole valley below. As I stood there, the whole valley turned into like a blue print and in this blue print it explained why this gospel was started, the ordinances, every question that saught so hard to find answers to but couldn't was answered in a second. And at that moment I understood everything about the gospel and when I realized it, I was back in my room and my vision had cleared. I was stunned at what just happened and when I realized what the Lord had just revealed to me, I fell to my knee's and I bawled my eyes out as I thanked the Lord profusely. As sat there bawling, I thought of all the years that I had been searching for the true church and here it was right under my nose this whole time and that's when I said to myself, this is the true church of Jesus Christ. Needless to say, I was able to go up and give my testimony of how I came to my testimony and my family and I have thanked the Lord everyday for loving us so much that He lead us to this true gospel. Joseph Smith was a true prophet and the 4 books are indeed true. I love you my Father in Heaven! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siouxz72 Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 That was great! Thank you so much for sharing your testimony with us! What a wonderful story! Welcome to the site. Hope you enjoy it here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skalenfehl Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 (edited) Talofa! I was just watching some of Iz's music on Youtube. I'm sure you know who I mean. I love his version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Thank you for sharing your story and welcome! Edited June 17, 2008 by skalenfehl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing. What part of Hawaii do you live in? I lived in Ewa Beach on Oahu for 3 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 welcome to the site....its great to have you here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaidservantX Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Welcome. That was a great testimony, and I hope you will take the time to put it in our Personal Beliefs section also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JcDean78 Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Talofa! I must ask since you used Talofa, but are you Samoan? My wifes family is and I was under the impression that its a Samoan greeting but perhaps it is spread across Polynesia and too Hawaii as well. Welcome to the site! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemidakota Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Talofa bra...welcome to the forum and from the islands. Also, my wife and I were sealed in the Hawaiian Temple at Laie. What a beautiful temple. I still love the temple landscaped waterfalls. Just awesome to view on a spring morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 That was great! Thank you so much for sharing your testimony with us! What a wonderful story! Welcome to the site. Hope you enjoy it here.Thank you so much for your warm welcome. I usually don't do this kind of thing but I felt compelled after finding this website, thank you.As for the gangster???????? Shoots!!!! You go girl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Talofa! I was just watching some of Iz's music on Youtube. I'm sure you know who I mean. I love his version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."Thank you for sharing your story and welcome! Thank You Skalenfehl, Iz is definitely one of my favorite local singers. I like his remake but my favorite would have to be "I'll be there" It's funny because alot of tourists come down looking for his cd and when we show them the cd, it's their first time actually seeing what he looks like. He is a big man, a big man indeed - with a voice that can put a baby to sleep. All we have of his legacy is his awesome music and we all thank God for that!Try listen to his version of "I'll be there" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing. What part of Hawaii do you live in? I lived in Ewa Beach on Oahu for 3 years.Hi Pam, I live right across the street from the Arizona Memorial in Halawa. That's so kool that you use to live here, although Ewa Beach can be very hot. Than you for your warm welcome. God Bless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 welcome to the site....its great to have you hereHey Palerider, I like your attitude already! Thanks dude for welcoming me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmilingRedhead Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Hawaii is looooooovely! Wish I was there right now. Welcome to the site - hope you like it as much as I do :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Welcome. That was a great testimony, and I hope you will take the time to put it in our Personal Beliefs section also.Thank You MaidservantX. All the things that has happened to me and my family since entering the gospel has shown us that we were meant to be here at this time and that the Lord loves us very much. I have countless testimonys of the things that He has revealed to this unworthy servant and I thank my Lord everyday for His many blessings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Talofa! Yes I am Samoan and yes it is only a samoan greeting. I was just testing to see if any one would catch that. What is your wifes familys name? My husband last name is Lualemana and I come from the Tuaolo family in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Most people don't know about Samoa and if you mention Hawaii then they kinda get the general idea where you're from. If I meet people that don't know what Samoans are then are start mentioning my cousin, the "Rock" and then their like ...oh yeah I heard of him...! Faafetai for welcoming me and God Bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siouxz72 Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 hi puniisham! What does your username mean? mine is just a creative way of spelling susie and then the year I was born. I picked up on the Talofa, too, but just because one of my all time favorite mishies was from there. He could quote The Princess Bride movie almost as well as me and my sister (mightynancy) could! hee hee! We have three wards in our steak dedicated to our Tongan brothers and sisters and can I just tell you my son was very impressed by the hakka (sp?) that the fathers all did when they were out on the trek this past weekend!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Hi Hemidakota! That's a pretty choice name! That's so kool that you also were sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple. When we went, we didn't let anyone know but our immediate family. It is a cause to celebrate but we wanted it to be more of a personal experience and it was. The day was so beautiful and when we walked out of the temple we could see down from the mountain side the ocean scenery with the palm trees lining the path leading the way to the temple, and the fragrance of flowers surrounding the temple with the peacefulness of it all just overwhelmed our senses and at that moment as we stood there taking the whole scenery in...you just know that the Lord has just blessed you. I will never forget that day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemidakota Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 hi puniisham! What does your username mean? ! :)I suspect his first name is Puni [Hawaiian name]? Am I right? Awesome name... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemidakota Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Hi Hemidakota! That's a pretty choice name! That's so kool that you also were sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple. When we went, we didn't let anyone know but our immediate family. It is a cause to celebrate but we wanted it to be more of a personal experience and it was. The day was so beautiful and when we walked out of the temple we could see down from the mountain side the ocean scenery with the palm trees lining the path leading the way to the temple, and the fragrance of flowers surrounding the temple with the peacefulness of it all just overwhelmed our senses and at that moment as we stood there taking the whole scenery in...you just know that the Lord has just blessed you. I will never forget that day!Yes, it was so sureal and breathtaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Hi smilingredhead! Thank you for welcoming me. My family is getting ready to move to the state side acutally in August. We love it here with the many different nationalities and cultures and beaches but it is so very expensive. With the rise of gas prices, everything has doubled. right now a gallon of milk is $8 dollars a gallon. It's unreal! But thank you tho' it is beautiful here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemidakota Posted June 17, 2008 Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Are you planning to live in the San Diego area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 (edited) hi puniisham! What does your username mean? mine is just a creative way of spelling susie and then the year I was born. I picked up on the Talofa, too, but just because one of my all time favorite mishies was from there. He could quote The Princess Bride movie almost as well as me and my sister (mightynancy) could! hee hee! We have three wards in our steak dedicated to our Tongan brothers and sisters and can I just tell you my son was very impressed by the hakka (sp?) that the fathers all did when they were out on the trek this past weekend!! :)Hey gang, puni is part of my first name Tapuni and isham is one of my relative's last name that originated from the netherlands somewhere who were vikings. Vikings are white So'le's (samoans) in disguise. Their big and strong and can be very scary at times! Edited June 17, 2008 by puniisham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puniisham Posted June 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2008 Are you planning to live in the San Diego area?Well we were suppose to move to Tracy where my brother and his family are at but instead we're heading to Michigan. The Lord is leading us there for some reason so we're going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skalenfehl Posted June 18, 2008 Report Share Posted June 18, 2008 Thank You Skalenfehl, Iz is definitely one of my favorite local singers. I like his remake but my favorite would have to be "I'll be there" It's funny because alot of tourists come down looking for his cd and when we show them the cd, it's their first time actually seeing what he looks like. He is a big man, a big man indeed - with a voice that can put a baby to sleep. All we have of his legacy is his awesome music and we all thank God for that!Try listen to his version of "I'll be there"Unfortunately it's not on Youtube. I saw the video where his ashes were spread in the ocean. The guy had so much talent. Here's something you might appreciate. It's called "How Can I be." It was written by Taniela "Nela" Otuafi, don't know if you know him.http://www.lds.net/forums/youtube-com-videos/12115-how-can-i-book-mormon-heroes-song-ukuleles.html#post214745 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siouxz72 Posted June 18, 2008 Report Share Posted June 18, 2008 Well we were suppose to move to Tracy where my brother and his family are at but instead we're heading to Michigan. The Lord is leading us there for some reason so we're going. Tracy, California? That's the valley... you're better off in Michigan... :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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