O wai ke kumu?

Is the land sacred because of the heiau, or is the heiau sacred because of the land?

Rev. Parker has made many pinpoints in his journey through life. He has traveled in and out of the Hawaiian island chains, Philippines, Japan and through out the United States. Through his journey he has seen many cultures and how each and every one would play a vital part in each life. Coming back to Hawaii he remembers a dedication and his protocol to one of many heiau in Hawaii, “Heiau O Lono”. There are two general priciples in the practice of a hawaiian protocol.

Firstly, anyone who practices a Hawaiian ceremonial protocol should know why and the understanding of their involvement in a particular ceremony and what they are expected to do.

And two, there is an order in how one proceeds, one may present a ho’okupu, an offering element, another may include the sound of the conch shell (pü kani), and be followed by an opening chant (oli wehe). A procession would follow, accompanied by oli, followed by the bearers of the ho’okupu in order by rank or status. These steps are consistent in old Hawaiian protocol.

Coach

Rev. Parker, honoured the opportunity to bless the new Coach handbag store in Ala Moana, Honolulu Hawaii.

Since 1941, Coach has been committed to creating beautifully crafted products in leather of the finest quality. Coach offers handbags, luggage and eyewear.

Salvatore Ferragamo

The Promise made... Promise kept.

In this picture Rev. Elias made a promise to Uncle Isidro, that should ever be a time for him to go home, he would like to go back to his home town in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Here in the picture Rev.Elias took a short stroll through Laoag barangay roads, and came along a calessa back to the hotel with the Reverend.
After breakfast the mornings are beautiful in the country of Laoag City. We came across a carabao in the fields and just had to take this picture.

A prayer during recuperation at home

Father,
We thank You for the healings that have come, For the restorations that have been received; For the many prayers that have been heard. In this time of rest and recuperation, help us to keep our eyes on You and not on symptoms.
We pray that You will grant, in Your own time and in Your own way, a complete return to that health and strength which is Your will. May we never forget Your mercy nor cease to give thanks as health returns.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

___________ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:24

A prayer for emotional pain

O Lord,

At this time of emotional pain in my life, help me to remember that You became man to grant us a perspective on the suffering of this world. You, too, were moved by intense feelings, and were at times angry, near despair and filled with doubt. You, above all, suffered at the hands of others and were misunderstood by many. Yet, You listened, always with rapt attention, to others in pain, offering them comfort and acceptance.
Teach me now to find new faith in You, in myself, in my doctors and helpers, and in my fellow man. I ask Your grace and courage that I might embrace my life and experiences as my own, good and bad, and begin my life anew today. Allow me that strength to communicate about my inner experience so that others, working through Your hand, may understand and accept me, and I may find Your peace within myself.

Amen.

Prayer of Strength

O Lord,
In this time of need, strengthen me. You are my strength and my shield; You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I know, Father, that Your eyes go to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts long for You. The body grows weary, but my hope is in You to renew my strength.
I do not fear, for You are with me.
I am not dismayed or be overwhelmed, for You are my God. I know You will strengthen me and help me, that You will uphold me with Your righteous hand. Even as the shadows of illness cover me, I feel the comfort of Your strength, Our Lord.
Amen.