Author Archives: Kenneth Richard Hardman

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About Kenneth Richard Hardman

AncestorClips are short stories about real people. Each clip nurtures awareness of a time, a place, and the character of a man or woman who cultivated a path for our life. The reader feels the good, the obstacles, the happiness, the sadness, and the overcoming. They cheer us, make us resilient when challenged, give us purpose, and connect us to our multi-generational family. Each story is followed by reflections from the author and readers sharing how the story strengthened or inspired them. Ken Hardman is a son, a brother, a grandson, a great-grandson… He is also a husband, father and grand-father. Ken is a professional engineer, engineering mentor, technical writer, and associate technical fellow at a major aerospace company. He is a writer of engineering and family history stories. Please join Ken in reading, reflecting upon, or writing #AncestorClips

In Everything Give Thanks – God is Good

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We felt overwhelmed lately. With several emotional commitments each week (addiction recovery program [ARP], emotional resilience class, youth trek preparation, Sunday School class…), on Saturday I selfishly wondered if our usual guest might be too busy to come to our meeting. I thought, “Perhaps they won’t come on Valentines Day.” I was wrong. As we studied together, “In Everything Give Thanks,” we were blessed as is always the case for preparing, showing up and serving as the Lord encourages. But that was only the beginning of what the Lord had in mind for us that day.

We happily received a text from a special friend, one of the facilitators for ARP. He said, “I’m baptizing my son today at 3 PM.” Thrilled at the news we replied, “May we come?” To which he said, “Yes, please.” His life has been very challenging and we have had the privilege of knowing and serving with him. It has been inspiring to see his dedication to “his people” and his efforts to help others recover. He serves faithfully in his Elders Quorum Presidency, family history, temple trip committee, etc. The baptismal service was very nice. Included in the circle for ‘confirmation’ was a white-haired elderly gentleman in a wheel-chair. At the subsequent family luncheon the Lord again prompted service.  We sat by the same elderly man and engaged, asking story-prompting questions. He freely went on and on with ancestral and war stories. His sharing was more important to him than eating the stack of delicious food given to him by a loving family member. We listened with love. In addition to food, we were compensated by the love and friendship and special spirit of this large faithful family who had gathered from multiple islands. We looked around and felt great faith among this extended family.

A gift from a past journal – Last week I wrote that one of the reasons I keep a journal is to pass my faith and testimony to my posterity. In my spare time I compile and compose our family’s (Joan and I) personal history. My primary source are the many journals we’ve kept. This week, while reviewing my 2009 Journal, I was reminded that I once attended an addiction recovery meeting while on a business trip, and on assignment from my stake president. I was a member of the stake high council at the time. Support Group sessions are confidential and anonymous so I don’t speak of specific names or situations, but since the following account is from a time long ago (2009), and a place far away (Austin Texas), I’ll use it to express my feelings about this very meaningful work we are doing now on Maui.

(July 2009, Austin Texas) This evening [after work] I attended… a local stake center, an LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Meeting … My purpose is to learn about them and then teach the bishops in the stake about the resource. I was the first to arrive and met the missionary couple… They were very warm and friendly. Three other persons came (young adult age). They were all greeted by first name and it was obvious that the missionary couple and guests were acquainted with each other. All were made to feel very comfortable in a safe, respectful and kind setting… They asked for a prayer and I offered.

After welcomes and greetings, the Elder … gave the ground rules of confidentiality and volunteer participation and then explained a little about the principles. On this occasion we …took turns…reading all the material in the guide book for step 6. All chose to participate in the reading. As each participant read out loud the words of scripture and prophets regarding the Atonement and giving our lives to God to feel Joy and know God as did Lamoni, I reflected on my personal weaknesses and the blessing of the Atonement in my life.

After the reading, the missionaries offered some expressions of testimony and encouragement. It was then time for the ‘sharing’ portion of the meeting. No one was required, but all were given the opportunity… In turn each identified themselves by [first] name and that they were an addict. As I listened thoughtfully and attentively, love filled the room and my heart for these people that I did not know, but that were in real need of and using the Atonement of Christ to overcome their addiction and the temptations and pains associated with it.

[Each] spoke genuinely about the difficulty of dealing with their addiction and the effect of applying the principles of the program. But spoke much of the joy they were feeling as they had abstained for a long time. Another spoke of the long time it has taken for them to truly acknowledge Christ and let him help them overcome. Another spoke briefly and I felt that she was having daily continuous struggles. From each there was an element of testimony of the reality, and real effect of the Atonement of Christ.

I even offered some thoughts and expressed my gratitude for being part of this, for meeting them, and for feeling love among strangers. It was a sacred setting where the Spirit was present and the gospel was in action. As they spoke you could sense the struggle and the incremental success. “For a long time,” one offered “I couldn’t get myself to believe that Christ could help me overcome all my weaknesses and character flaws.” He then said that “it is working.” Another testified, “I’m finally starting to believe and feel my divine nature again.” Among the embarrassment and shame of their addictions, they were finding the way back, not their way, but the Lord’s way.

I thought of the Tree of Life, the iron rod, the forbidden paths and realized that those who have slipped or even let go of the infinite atonement, coming back to the rod is not as simple as letting go [of it], but it is possible. The missionary couple bore their testimonies and gave some final words of love and encouragement. One of the guests offered a closing prayer and then each parted ways with renewal and fellowship. Tonight I truly observed the gospel in its action and I went away a better person feeling closer to God and my brothers and sisters. (End of 2009 quotation)

Regardless of our weaknesses, big or small, the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real, and powerful. This is our blessed experience on Maui, several times each week. God is Good.

One

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Life is filled with many ‘ones.’ There’s that next ‘one’ beach or bay not yet visited. There’s that personal feeling of one-on-one with God, or even with a loving priesthood leader. There’s the ‘one’ who comes alone to addiction recovery group but still feels Gods love for them, the one. There’s the ‘one’ who lifts other ‘ones’ who are low or discouraged. And there’s that ‘one’ scripture that means something special and personal each time you read it.

During a service break this past week Joan and I scanned the Kihei map and picked a secluded bay, ‘one’ we hadn’t been to yet. We tagged our navigator, made the directed turns, and as we arrived at Makena Landing Park we immediately felt it’s power and beauty. Commanding waves driven by regional pacific storms swelled into the horseshoe bay and broke over the black lava rock. Beautiful were their form, motion, color, aeration, sound, and towering spray. After a short walk we drove to the end of the road and were drawn, still within the sound of the waves, into the old perhaps ancient Keawala’i Congregational Church. Although this was not our congregation, the pictures, hymnals, and other Christian symbols promoted gratitude in our hearts for Christ’s influence here, and within every ‘one’ who worships here.

‘One’ at a time Sister Hardman and I met with a member of our bishopric this week, and later with a member of the stake presidency to proclaim our worthiness to enter in the Temple. One by one we confirmed our faith, repentance, testimony, obedience, and sustaining of church leaders. Representing the Lord, our loving priesthood leaders have the responsibility to ‘recommend’ us one by one to enter The House of the Lord. The final question asked is, ‘Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord’s house and participate in temple ordinances?’ I’m humbly grateful to be able to respond favorably in this Temple Recommend Interview and go often to The House of the Lord to participate in sacred acts of service and covenant and feel divine revelation every time, one by one.

Surely, Healing through the Savior is a ‘one-on-one’ interaction between Jesus Christ and each soul. Weekly, like during the 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support group meetings, a room of souls gather in a safe and respected place to read, share, and support each other. But what happens when only one shows up? This happens often. Well, as group leaders we miss those who were not able or chose not to come, but we still give our loving focus to the ‘one,’ just as Jesus would. We read, share, and support even the one, the very best we can. Whether restless, fallen, lonely, burdened, lame, or addicted, Jesus can heal them. He appeared in 3rd Nephi to the Nephites and by example taught us that whether the group is large or small he made it personal, even for the ‘one’. 

“And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him.” (3 Nephi 17:9)

Sometimes the ‘one’ needing our kindness is a family member. Sometimes it’s a ward member. Sometimes it is a friend or neighbor. We had each of these opportunities this week. We are trying to be like Jesus and serve the one, one at a time, the best we can. We observed one ward member reach out to meet the need of another ward member. During the Emotional Resilience group, more than one individual was struggling to keep up due to the rapid pace of the class, and the lack of individual printed manuals for all participants. Some were required to use their mobile device to interact with the digital guidebook in the church online Library. Not being as technically adept to using online resources in this way, some became frustrated. After the meeting another participant (who is a youth leader in our ward) saw the difficulty and immediately suggested a way that the youth, one on one, might tutor others who struggle with technology. We were grateful for his natural kindness, abilities and leadership.

Finally, there’s that ‘one ‘scripture you read today or this week that seems to jump out and provide deep or lasting influence. While listening to the recent Young Adult Broadcast, Elder and Sister Kearon gave wonderful insights on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In a passing comment, Elder Kearon mentioned that Jacob felt anxiety for his people (See Jacob 4:18). Perhaps it was something else he said that drew my attention immediately to the beginning of this chapter (Jacob 4:1-4). Jacob 4:18 sets the objective for Jacob 5, the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees, the way which the lost may be found. But Jacob 4:1-4 speaks of the importance of the faithful passing their faith and hope of Christs glory to their posterity. Jacob said we must write on plates (things that “remain,” or other archival media), “…that they (our children) may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory…” This ‘one’ scripture, grabs my soul every time I read it. It is why I like to write. It is why I keep a journal and write personal history. Jacob is saying to me, ‘make sure your posterity know of your faith and testimony of Jesus Christ. Write it where it will last.’

Life is filled with many ‘ones.’

Resilient and Refined

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As each wave broke over the rugged lava-rocks, a distinctive clatter emerged from the retreating swell. Pausing for a moment on the black-sand beach, the unique sound explained the contrasting smooth pebbles beneath our feet. The next wave broke and then again the sound of tumbling pebbles beneath the water, nature invisibly refining from rough to smooth, from rugged to pearl-like. It was partly-cloudy and warm at Waiʻānapanapa State Park

near Hana. Many were enjoying its beauty, some from the trail, some swimming in the water, and others exploring a near-by lava tube open to the sea. 

We enjoyed the day with my brother Bob and his wife Chris who spent the week with us. On this and other days of sight-seeing we hiked to Iao Needle and waded in the stream. We were greeted by two large green sea turtles at Dragons Teeth, had a whale sighting over Honomanu Bay, took in spectacular sea-scapes on the Ke’anae Peninsula, and some banana-bread Halfway to Hana. Our visit to Waiʻānapanapa included talking to other visitors from Utah (which frequently happens because most of my casual shirts say “BYU Capstone” on them). Bob was anxious for a big hot dog so we journeyed to the food trucks in Hana.

Our service this week included two sessions of the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), one session of ARP Spouse and Family Support, Sunday Come Follow Me class, and our first session of the course, Finding Strength in the Lord – Emotional Resilience. Like the invisible, below the surface refinement of the rough lava rock at Waiʻānapanapa, each of our service opportunities refines us and those we serve, even below the surface, to become the pearls of great price God desires us to become. 

In Come Follow Me class we studied Moses 6. Gathered in a circle on Sunday we divided the youth into small groups and gave them a few verses to read and then respond to related questions. What did God ask Enoch to do? What was Enoch’s response? How did the Lord help Enoch? What did Enoch teach? We were impressed and grateful for their thoughtful and profound responses. These are too are refining moments. Later Sister Hardman and I with Bob and Chris watched the podcast, ‘followHIM’ and learned more about these doctrinally powerful chapters. We were deeply impressed with the final verses in Moses 6 and what they teach about spiritual re-birth into the Kingdom of God including, “even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten;…” and this immediate promise of hope, as well as hope in the next life, “…that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory…” (Moses 6:59) God wants us to have hope and joy, now.

During our ARP sessions this week we also observed visible and invisible refinement as our friends ‘work the steps’ of recovery. Step 10 is, “Continue to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.” This daily accountability builds us with honest self-appraisal and open’s “ourselves to Christ’s redeeming power.” As we allow the Lord to refine our thoughts, feelings and heart, our behavior will change. I notice that I too can do much better at spiritually preparing for each day by prayerfully planning, following through, and then giving an accounting to my Father in Heaven at the end of each day. Very key to this step and refinement is daily repentance, turning from old ways to correct ways. “As we repent, we discover the truth that repentance is not a sad, restrictive ordeal but rather a joyful and liberating experience that we look forward to embracing.”

We held our first session this week of the Self-Reliance course called, “Emotional Resilience.” We have been preparing for weeks getting the word out through priesthood channels and digital flyers. We hoped that we would get at least 10 to come. Tuesday night we had 22 participants plus the service missionaries. Elder and Sister Marriott did a wonderful job facilitating lesson 1, “Building Emotional Strength in the Lord.” Using readings, videos, and discussion this lesson explains what emotional resilience is, how accepting challenges is part of God’s plan, using agency to act responsibly, experiencing the blessings of change, and expressing gratitude daily. Many new acquaintances and friendships were started that night. We are grateful that so many have a desire to receive help from the Lord to be resilient and refined in the challenging times that we live in. Next week we’ll split the group into two so more meaningful dialog can occur.

Like the initially invisible pebbles of the black sand beach, Sister Hardman and I have daily opportunities to be refined in our faith, our repentance, our character, our relationship, our obedience, our love and in our understanding of God and his plan for our salvation. We are grateful for the love we feel toward everyone we meet, everyone we serve, and our love for each other and for God. Of the truth of these things we bear testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sacred Ground

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“Brothers and Sisters, we are on sacred ground.”

At the end of each Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) meeting, we have the responsibility and blessing of sharing our “testimony of the church, of the ARP, and of the Savior and His Atonement.” Monday night we were very touched by the Step 9 readings, discussion, and tender sharing by individuals. Step 9 teaches participants, “Wherever possible, make direct restitution to all persons we have harmed.” The readings talk about the reason for and the process of finding people if possible, then genuinely and humbly making amends and reconciliation, not justification. The guidebook draws upon The Book of Mormon and the example of the repentant sons of Mosiah who went about “zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done.” (Mosiah 27:35).

My eyes and mind were drawn to this profound statement in the guidebook, “From the moment we decide to adopt these true principles into our new way of life, we begin to make living amends.” I wondered what ‘making living amends’ means. The guidebook explains, “We amend the way we live, and as we live in recovery, it blesses everyone around us.” What a beautiful and succinct way of stating that when we follow Jesus Christ teachings and repent, our life changes for the better; no, we change for the better. In this step participants are also encouraged to inventory the blessings they receive from working the steps of recovery, even blessings beyond their expectations and make a list of them.

As our meeting came to an end, it was my turn to testify and the spirit prompted, “Brothers and Sisters, we are on sacred ground. I’m not just referring to the dedicated space of this meetinghouse or high council room, I’m referring to the implementation of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives. I testify that none of us have sunk beyond the reach of Christ’s Atonement, none of us.”

I continued, “There is a painting of the Savior being mocked by his crucifiers. He is depicted with a crown of thorns on his head. He is bleeding. In this particular picture the artist painted Jesus so that he is looking directly at the viewer, at me. One time I was studying the principle of repentance and what Jesus might be saying to me in that image. I heard the words, ‘I’ll help you forgive.’ Yes, Jesus knows by experience what it is like to be falsely accused or treated unfairly or bear heavy burdens or pains and yet still be able to forgive. Regarding Step 9, making amends, if any of us are finding it hard to seek forgiveness when we feel that someone else is at fault or to blame, I urge us to let it go. Place that unfairness at the Saviors feet. Let others use their agency as they will. We need to humbly repent in the Saviors way, do our best and let him do the rest.”

Earlier that day Sister Hardman and I listened to the recent BYU Devotional address by Elder Matthew Holland and were reminded of the sacred witness of the Book of Mormon. He said, “The Book of Mormon not only reveals the path to our ultimate Promised Land but also gives us power to pursue that path.” I concluded my testimony, “Please hold on to your scriptures; your Bible and especially your Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith said it has the power to ‘bring us closer to God than any other book.’ I testify that this is true. As we repent, make amends, and recover, we need the power of Christ to overcome, to become whole and clean and changed. Let prayer and your scriptures bring you closer to God and in touch with Christ’s power. Then let his power heal.”

We are grateful to be in the service of God, and in the service of his Son. We are grateful for the faith and courage of persons in recovery to attend and seek redemption through Christ. We are grateful for the love and compassion we feel while servicing. We are grateful to be on sacred ground.

Big Announcements

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It’s time for some wonderful announcements. Let’s start with the Temple. On October 1, 2023, President Russell M. Nelson announced in general conference that a temple would be built on Maui, specifically in Kahului. When we arrived in April 2025 as members of the Kahului 1st Ward the site for the temple had not yet been announced and there was much anticipation by church members where the temple would be located. During the summer of 2025 a local real estate company announced that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had recently purchased a large parcel of land near our chapel. This refined all the speculation to a beautiful lot around the Kahului West Stake Center. Since the summer, the church has cleaned up the area and installed a chain link fence to protect it, but no official announcement yet.

On January 20th, 2026 a wonderful update came as a Church News release stated the location of the temple. The Maui Saints, and we, are very excited. “This temple will be constructed on a 7.6-acre site located along Kuikahi Drive next to an existing meetinghouse at 1300 Maui Lani Parkway, Kahului, Hawaii. Plans call for a single-story temple of 19,000 square feet and an accompanying ancillary building. This will be the city’s first temple and the first on the island of Maui.” Immediately our stake presidency put out the message, “We invite you to review the exciting news release from the Church announcing the site of the Kahului Hawaii Temple:

https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2026/01/20/flagstaff-arizona-temple-and-kahului-hawaii-temple-sites-announced/

What an exciting time this is! We testify that God is our loving Heavenly Father, that He knows each of His children perfectly. We also testify that Jesus Christ is our living Savior and Redeemer—our advocate with the Father—and that through Him we can find peace, forgiveness, and light in this life and the life to come. We pray that we will prepare our hearts and lives for a house to be built to the Lord here on the island of Maui by seeking Him daily and by serving those around us. We also encourage each of you to maintain a current temple recommend and to attend the House of the Lord in Laie often…”

Next announcement – As mentioned in prior letters, Sister Hardman and I have been involved in church Handcart Trek reenactment activities for many years as ma’s and pa’s, camp band, and service missionaries. When we introduced ourselves to our bishop in Maui, he immediately wanted the youth of our ward to experience a trek. We were assigned to study the options which included a trek on Maui, or a trek on Oahu. We did our best to explore the possibilities for location and for locating handcarts. Last fall while visiting with our children, Brent and Jana Greenhalgh, Brent (who is the current president of the Lehi Utah Stake) suggested we consider bringing our Maui ward youth to Utah and join in their stake trek in June 2026. They will be trekking in the Current Creek area near Heber, Utah. We all thought it would be wonderful for our Maui youth to join and interact with the Lehi youth in the experiences of a trek.

Upon sharing this information with our Maui bishop, he seemed all in and excited to have his youth have an off-island historical, spiritual, cultural and social experience. A few planning meetings were held and the request was presented to our local stake president who worked with our assigned general authority to obtain permission for the youth to travel. It took some time but recently the approval came and we are now engaged in coordinating and making preparations. Coincidentally (or by divine design), the approval was received days before Brent and Jana arrived on Maui to spend a little time with us exploring Maui. So, last Sunday, Brent and Jana joined us in our Sunday School class (which happens to be the trek age youth) and got to introduce themselves and get to know many of the kids that will be coming to Utah in June. In a special trek kickoff meeting with youth and parents after church, I and Brent joined our bishop in explaining what we know so far about the coming experience. All seem excited.

This past week, in addition to conducting our Addiction Recovery Program support meetings, we enjoyed time with Brent and Jana. We took them on a walk on our favorite beach. We journeyed on the boat Kai Kanani to La Perouse Bay to amazing snorkeling (because the seas were too rough at Molokini crater). We bathed in the light of a beautiful sunset at the Grand Wailea resort and enjoyed ice cream after. Over two days we circum-navigated the entire island to drink coconut water on the Kea’Nae peninsula and take pictures along the Hana Highway. We visited the harbor in Hana then swam in the coastal cinder-cone red sand beach. We enjoyed Tai food at the Hana food trucks then hiked in the Haleakala National Park to the bamboo forest and the 400-foot Waimoku falls. We drove into the sunset on the south side of Maui. The next day we circled Maui West Mountain stopping to see distant whale in the Ma’alea Bay, through historic Lahaina (destroyed by fire two years ago), and on to Kapalua to explore the Dragon Teeth lava peninsula. We concluded the full circle trip around Maui by taking the northern route back to Wailuku finding some Mango Bread to purchase along the way. A kind member of our ward took Brent and Jana out for snorkeling along the south shores at Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve for another amazing experience. We brought them with us for lunch with the other senior missionaries at Nalu’s in Kihei. Then finished their visit by summiting Haleakala on a beautiful clear day, visiting the historic Pulehu chapel in Kula, tasting chocolates at the Surfing Goat Dairy, and dropping from a swing-rope into the river upstream in beautiful Iao Valley.

2026 – Off to a Good Start

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Upon our return from Utah to our Maui home, we had one day to prepare for the arrival of family from California, David, Bonnie, and Dexter. We had a wonderful time being with and hosting them. And they had a wonderful time as well. More on their visit in a moment.

Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meeting attendance was down a little during the holidays but our first two meetings this year were well attended. We are very grateful for Senior Missionary, Elder Jeff Taylor for the excellent and sensitive job he does conducting the meetings when we are away. “Addictions don’t take holiday’s,” they say so we continue with the support meetings right on through holidays. Sister Hardman and I were grateful to be with our friends in Christ again and to support them in their efforts to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ to empower them to recover.

We are currently on Step 7 of, “Healing through the Savior.” As written in the manual, and as recited by participants, “All the previous steps have prepared us for this step. Step 1 helped us to be humble and admit we were powerless over our addictions. Steps 2 and 3 helped us have enough faith and confidence in the Lord to ask Him for help. Our inventories from step 4 helped us see our characters and behaviors more clearly. Working step 5 demonstrated our courage to be honest with God, ourselves, and another person. Step 6 helped us become ready and willing to let go of our character weaknesses. We are now ready to take step 7…Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove our shortcomings.”

Each week as we read the manual together, then hear what each participant wants to share, we feel profound compassion, sometimes heartbreak, experienced wisdom, and anxious pleas for God’s help. We are blessed hearing strong and heartfelt testimonies when a participant gets to that point where they know the Lord has blessed them. The Atonement of Jesus Christ takes on powerful meaning and purpose when individuals and relationships move in the direction of healing.

We also teach Sunday School to the older youth in our ward. Picture a small classroom table in the middle of a large classroom surrounded by fifteen to twenty chairs filled with youth who are of a variety of cultures and who are attentive and reverent. Sister Hardman and I sit around the circle with them and we all try to participate as equals. A week ago the Come, Follow Me topic was, “The First Testament of Jesus Christ – Introduction to the Old Testament.” 

“When you think of the Old Testament, perhaps one of the oldest books in the world, what stories do you remember?” We engaged the students with, “How do these stories point us to Jesus Christ? That will be our goal this year, to learn to read scriptures and see how they point us to Christ.” One young man answered, “Jonah.” So we turned to Jonah and read the story. We then turned to the New Testament to see Jesus telling others directly how to see Him in that story. A young woman on my right mentioned, “Manna from heaven.” So we read from Exodus and then from the Gospel of John where Jesus told them who the bread of life is. I made a point to thank the young men in the room for administering the sacrament to us the previous hour. Other class members mentioned stories and we read the story and how they point to Christ.

The time was limited but we touched on a few other points mentioned in Come, Follow Me, then bore testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, prayed, and concluded the meeting. We love these kids.

While not in ARP and Church meetings we hosted and had fun with our family from California. With our seven-year-old grandson, they wanted to spend a lot of time on the beach and in the water. Several times we took them to our favorite beach on the island, Keawakapu in south Kihei. The corral rich sand is beautifully consistent and pleasant to walk on. The waves are gentle for families. The palms provide morning shade, and the people are very pleasant. We brought sand chairs, umbrella and tools to build sand-castles. On another day we explored the Dragon’s Teeth ancient lava flow reaching out into the powerful waves of the north shore at Kapalua. We visited the wonderful, “Maui Ocean Center,” with its many aquariums of sea creatures, educational exhibits and opportunities to learn about life common to this area of the pacific. 

We ascended the 175 steps to the lookout for the natural and historic Iao Needle which towers above Iao Valley not far from Wailuku and Kahului. We all waded in the natural stream and enjoyed God’s creations in this beautiful place. We journeyed to the south end of the island, crossing lava flows from several hundred years ago to walk coastal trails rich with shells, strong winds, a blow hole, and a few goats. We then removed the hiking shoes returning to the beautiful beaches of Makena and Wailea to play and observe the sunset. Our time together included meals and delicious places, food-trucks, extremely good ice cream at Roselani’s in Paia, and goats milk chocolates at the up-country Surfing Goat Dairy farm.

At the end of their vacation it was hard to get them on the airplane. We didn’t want them to go and they didn’t want to leave. It was blessing to have them with us. After saying goodbye, Sister Hardman and I went to Costco for a hotdog, then to a furniture store to get a new bed. While there we met a worker, Brian, who after making the sale wanted to tell us his stories of rescue and service and good-will. We listened! On Saturday evening we had dinner with our friends, Elder and Sister Marriott. They are a joy to be with. We took a two mile walk with them in the dark observing Jupiter and a few constellations. On Sunday we worshiped with our ward members who we have come to love.

The year is off to a good start.

Reflections after Christmas

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A year has passed in service, great joy doth fill our soul
With friends and family near us, Christ’s birth has made us whole
Another year now calls us, good blessings sure to come
Another year in service, with joy we’ll bring them home

As stated previously, back in April 2025 we left our Pleasant Grove home in the hands of our daughter Melanie, moved our residence to an apartment in Maui, Hawaii, then moved our church records to the corresponding Kahului 1st Ward. We were then called by our new stake president Benjamin Hanks as part-time senior service missionaries with assignment as Group Leaders in Healing through the Savior, 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program. Being called as part-time service missionaries in our new ‘home’ stake, we are free to travel and elected to spend Christmas back home in Pleasant Grove. 

We enjoyed the company of our family who live in Utah, and our daughter Lisa who was visiting from Alaska, and wish we could have spent time with family who live in other states. We took care of doctor and dental appointments which included a visit to my cardiologist to address my recurring Atrial fibrillation, and my physical therapist to address ongoing sciatica. We also got some automobile maintenance performed and some leaf raking before the belated snows fall. One day, Joan let me know that her wedding band was missing and that she believed it may have slipped off her finger while putting leaves in large leaf bags for disposal. So, I conjured-up a sifting system out of an old bed frame and kitty fence wire (think chicken wire), and spent a day on my hands and knees carefully feeling my way through six bags of leaves looking for her ring. The exercise was not successful and we are still not certain where the ring is.

On three separate evenings I worked with my son Mike, obtaining lumber and building studded walls for the basement of their new home in Eagle Mountain. It was a lot of work but I enjoyed working with my son and passing on skills I learned from his grandpa. It also gave Joan and I fun time with our grandchildren and we enjoyed meals prepared so well by Mikes wife, Rebecca. While there Joan taught our grand-daughters to crochet.

We had two events at the home of our children Bethany and her husband James and their three boys. The events included a Winter Solstice BBQ, and a Christmas morning brunch. They also came to our home New Year’s Eve. Each of these gatherings were very delightful. We played Banana-grams in there somewhere. We had two events in Lehi at the home of our daughter Jana and her husband Brent Greenhalgh. The first was on Christmas Day, with all our Utah family gathered for good food, gift giving, and enjoyable association. The second was a few days later to celebrate the high school graduation of our grandson Owen who completed high school early and will start BYU immediately. This large gathering included most of the Utah residents from both Jana and Brent’s families. Some personal conversations occurred that we hope were a blessing to people we love.

Our time in Utah included two temple trips with deep reflection and gratitude for God’s plan, mercy and covenants. Our favorite temple is the Provo City Center Temple due to its beautiful woodwork, and sentimental value derived from Joan and I having lived in Provo in our youth. We recall the events there many years ago when the building was the Provo Tabernacle. The other session was in the Mount Timpanogos Temple where years ago we had the privilege of attending the dedication with our older children. During these two sessions I pondered about patterns and sequences in the Plan of Salvation, as well as on God’s many creations, and the evidence each creation provides of the reality of God, the creator (and other deep thoughts and peaceful feelings).

Early in this time at our Utah home, we were able to spend time with our daughter Lisa, who is dealing with some health and other challenges. She returned to Anchorage Alaska on Christmas Eve and safely to her home on Christmas Day. We love her and pray for her blessings. We had lengthy and enjoyable visits with our daughter Melanie who is about to enter her final semester at UVU. She is a nursery teacher in our ward, has great ambitions to be a writer and editor, and we enjoy the time we have with her when we are home. We are grateful to have her taking care of our home in Utah.

On Christmas Eve, Joan, Melanie and I read from the New Testament and watched the 2006 movie, “The Nativity Story.” We pondered the seeking shepherd in the movie who said to Mary, “We are all given something, a gift. Your gift is what you carry inside of you.” We felt the glory and importance and love of Christ’s sacred birth. We felt great love, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)  Like Nephi we pondered  what the angel said to him, “Look and behold the condescension of God!” (1 Nephi 11:26) And like Alma we said in our hearts, “And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold: Yea, my soul was filled with joy…” (Alma 36:20).

As we boarded the plane on New Year’s Day to return to Maui, we felt grateful for the past year of service, our recent time with friends and family in Utah, the wonderful Christmas season, and the months to come of service to our friends in Hawaii. We had a meaningful and blessed season of service in 2025, and we have every confidence that 2026 will also be a meaningful and blessed season in our lives.

A year has passed in service, great joy doth fill our soul
With friends and family near us, Christ’s birth has made us whole
Another year now calls us, good blessings sure to come
Another year in service, with joy we’ll bring them home

Scriptures – Doors to Heaven

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The Spirit flows, ‘tween every line, my heart just knows, and truth I find
In to my soul, in to my heart, the Master touches every part
The scriptures open doors to me, reveal the heavens, so I can see.

Not long ago, before fully awake in the morning, I found myself composing a short poem. Yes, it happens on occasion and is usually associated with something I read or experienced the night or day before. This one came rather quickly and with clarity leaving me with little to edit. Even the rhyming was reasonable before I was awake enough to get up and write it down. The poem is the subtitle and text of this week’s letter.

But first, an important report from our service mission. While we were in Utah this week celebrating Christmas with our family, one of our very special friends on Maui was baptized. It has been and is a joy to work with her and to feel of her faith in the Savior and desire for goodness and joy in her life and in her family. We are so grateful to participate and observe miracles as the power of Jesus Christ enables and blesses through his Atonement. It was a great Christmas present and adds deeper meaning to what we all sing including, “O Holy Night,” “Joy to the World,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Now, about that poem. I had been reading Doctrine and Covenants 127 and 128 a few days before and felt a little guilty (or perhaps I was anxious) that I had skipped over these sections during scheduled Come, Follow Me studies. As Sunday School teachers for youth in our Kahului ward, we certainly must study lessons and material applicable to the weeks we teach. But on the off weeks where Priesthood, Relief Society, Young Women and Young Men quorums and classes replace Sunday School, it is up to each of us to continuously study Come, Follow Me material. Well, I confess, we got behind.

So, we opened up the manual, turned back a few weeks and read the wonderful doctrine of record keeping and binding power on both sides of the veil, as well as the just and merciful doctrine of the redemption for the dead. The manual simply asked, “What impresses you about Joseph Smith’s words in verses 19-25? How do these verses affect the way you feel about Jesus Christ?…” We read the verses together. Then later, upon reading D&C 128 personally I was captured by the poetry and power of verses 22-23. I felt all eternity, physically, chronologically, and spiritually calling out this great truth. That the universe has divine purpose and is organized. That God is real. That his son Jesus Christ is central to his plan. And that he loves all his children.

I noted the word, ‘Let’ and it’s eight occurrences in 22-23 and wondered what the meaning or intention is. Does ‘Let’ mean ‘allow’ or ‘permit’ or something else in this context? 

Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.

Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever!

Do hearts literally rejoice? Does the earth literally sing? Do the dead speak? Do mountains shout? Do valleys cry? Do trees praise? Do rocks weep? Do the sun, moon, and stars sing?

Studying word usage in the dictionary I wondered, since mountains, valleys and seas, do not normally speak or shout or cry, is the world ‘let’ inviting or encouraging us to see or experience something that the mountains and the valleys and the seas can show us just by their very existence and behavior?

Webster states that, “When applied to things not rational, [let] implies allowance or concession. Perhaps if I were in tune enough I would comprehend that God’s creations are continuously rejoicing, singing, speaking, shouting, crying, telling, praising, weeping and “[declaring] his name forever and ever!” Perhaps ‘let’ is an invitation to open my heart and soul to see a meaning already there.

I can’t wait to study and ponder this more. Scriptures are doors to heaven.

Merry Christmas

The Spirit flows, ‘tween every line, my heart just knows, and truth I find
In to my soul, in to my heart, the Master touches every part
The scriptures open doors to me, reveal the heavens, so I can see.

Miracles in His time and in His way

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“Jesus Christ is always focused on us and in these challenging times we must stay focused on Him. As our advocate with the Father we are certain our name crosses their lips and because of Jesus’ Atonement and God’s great love and wisdom discuss how to succor us in our crosses, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, help each of us within our agency in the best way and timing.” We have born this testimony over and over again in Sacrament meetings throughout Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i; the scriptures and the spirit witnessing the truth to our hearts and souls.

We also bear this testimony in various forms to our friends in addiction recovery as we read together and work through the 12 Steps, Healing through the Savior. We have witnessed ‘beauty for ashes’ (Isaiah 61:3), growth from despair, power from Jesus Christ. And even though there is sometimes unfortunate relapse, we know that God never gives up but picks us up where we are and helps all move forward if we will. And we have seen that those who keep coming back to him, He has their back and keeps bearing burdens and providing ‘rest to your souls.’ (Matthew 11:28-29) It is an amazing experience when we feel or are with someone else who feels tears of sorrow swallowed up in tears of joy with little time lapsing between tears. I wonder if that’s part of what Jesus felt in the garden and on the cross. (Hebrews 12:2)

In confidence we don’t provide names, but one friend recently offered a very sacred prayer on behalf of another. Weeks ago we met him when in darkness and fear, about to lose so much. Now, by continuously seeking and applying the Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Christ and the power of God, has returned. Yes, we are seeing miracles in God’s time and in His way. We also meet with those who have been hurt by a loved one in addiction. We are seeing miracles in their lives also.

We are also finding ourselves in other opportunities to bless, and be blessed by others. We keep an eye out for other senior couples in the wards who are looking (or should be looking) for opportunities to serve as senior missionaries. We have met several such couples and enjoy our social relationships and gospel conversations. For example, we had a lovely day last week with our friends, Brian and Jodi Sadleir, getting to know them (and their pups Lucy and Bella) while on the beach, and getting to know them more while relaxing in their pool and eating steak at their home. They have already served a service mission in Heber, Utah. They have deep faith and testimonies and are praying for a missionary service opportunity that will work for their situation here in Hawaii. We are certain God will bless them in their journey. We anxiously encourage all seniors to serve!

We pray continuously for those in need. This includes our own children who also bear various crosses in their lives. We are confident that Heavenly Father and Jesus are focused on each of them and within their agency are being encouraged and loved and comforted and helped. Our compassion for our own children is helping us feel and express compassion to our friends in recovery, and in turn, our experience in the addiction recovery program is helping us feel and express and hopefully bless our own family.

It is Christmas time. On Saturday evening we provided transportation to two sisters in our ward who don’t have vehicles and took them to our ward Christmas Party. Wow, these people know how to celebrate with details and quantity. The food, the attendance, the entertainment, and the socializing was exceptional for a ward party. The entire full-size cultural hall was filled with beautifully decorated round tables surrounded by families and friends of all local cultures. Joan and I performed a couple numbers at the beginning, “Were You There on that Christmas Night,” and, “What Child is This.” There was a professional ukulele singer throughout the prelude and eating time. The primary children pulled-off an amazing nativity scene while singing, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. There were two hula numbers. The first by the sisters of our ward, and the second, jazzier, by the sisters of our ward Marshallese Group. The Elders Quorum topped it off with a rousing, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Then a special guest came with a gift for all the children. Did I mention the food? Well, it was wonderful. 

On Sunday, Joan and I spoke in the Waiehu Ward and had the privilege once again to bear testimony of the Savior as our Advocate with the Father and once again feel the love of God and the power of the Holy Ghost. Having given this prepared talk a number of times, I said a silent prayer before my turn and ask Heavenly Father to take over and help me say what he wanted. He did so. The word “cross” came to mind and at the beginning of my talk acknowledged that we all carry various crosses. Jesus knows of these crosses and bears them with us.

During our own sacrament meeting in the Kahului 1st Ward we provided the special musical number, “Come, Lord Jesus.” We always have visitors in our meetings. We invited a visiting couple, the Standrings, to join us that evening with our friends for a night of nativity and caroling. That night we gathered at the Jeffrey home for a readers theater about Jesus’ birth, snacks, visiting, caroling, and a little concert by Elder and Sister Hardman. It was fun, spiritual, and joyful.

Merry Christmas.

Days we will never forget

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Feeling joy for the sacred, feeling sadness for our pet, but these are days, we will never forget.

Paddington

Laie Hawaii Temple

PCC

IAO Valley

PCC show “Ha – Breath of Life”

We were pleased to have large turnouts to our Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meetings the last two Mondays. We realize that even if just one person came for support that it would be worth it, but knowing that there are many in the community who need the support, we are glad when more than a few come. Love and the Spirit of the Lord is strong in these meetings and we know that it is God’s love that keeps his children coming back for his care.

In addition to ARP, we are starting two other classes or groups. 1) The ARP companion group called Spouse and Family Support for those who need healing due to the choices of loved ones, and 2) a Self-Reliance course called, “Finding Strength in the Lord – Emotional Resilience.” This is a great set of sessions for all of us who want to apply gospel principles for a more joyful life. On top of these groups and classes, we are helping our ward get ready for their big Handcart Trek in June 2026. (More on that later)

From back home we got a text from Melanie, “Daddy, it’s looking like (our cat) Paddy might be about to pass. Lisa and I have been on the floor by him just comforting him and loving him…” A while later our beloved cat Paddington passed away after a couple years of significant illness. Fortunately our daughter Lisa was in town (for major oral surgery) and was able to help Melanie take care of things and make the important decision to let Paddington go on to kitty heaven. It was hard on them, on Joan, and all of the family to let go of one of our furry companions of 15+ years. Emma compiled a set of pictures of Paddington’s life, which was helpful. Lisa is now recovering from her surgery and we are grateful to Jana and Melanie for taking care of her during this very challenging time. We are grateful for angels especially while we are away. In honor of Paddington, Joan and I took a walk up the sacred Iao Valley near our Maui home where we felt of Gods beautiful earth and all of creation.

The next morning I felt impressed to take Joan for a walk along our favorite beach. With all the emotion of the death of our cat Paddington, I woke anxious to go. While there we were approached by a lady who asked about Joan’s Lana’i Cat Sanctuary tee-shirt she was wearing. This lady has been a cat rescuer and hoped someday to visit Lana’i so we talked about our experience there and showed her a picture of Joan sitting happily among many cats. Her interest seemed more than casual so we continue the usual conversation. “Where are you from?” She was from Murray, Utah and loves her cats. “I’m a flight attendant with Southwest,” she added. We talked about her love for Maui. We told her our story and that we were service missionaries for addiction recovery. She paused, looked us in the eye, got a little teary-eyed and said, “I’m in recovery.” 

She continued to tell us about her life and experience and how grateful she is for volunteers who support addicts like her. She spoke of her loving and understanding mother. We became fast friends and talked for 30 minutes as our feet slowly sank in the beautiful sand and the morning sun baked our shins. We moved into the shadow of a palm tree and talked some more, and agreed to stay in contact. She seemed stunned, in a joyful way that she met us. Looking heavenward she spoke gratitude. She said our meeting was an answer to prayer. “I can’t wait to tell my mother that I met you.” We invited her to come to our meetings next time she was on the island. She enthusiastically said she would come. Hugs were exchanged, a photo was taken, and we departed knowing that God was in all of our lives. We are so grateful for the special and deeply meaningful experiences we are having on this mission. God works in mysterious ways.

The next day we flew to Oahu for an extended temple trip and to continue our celebration of our 45thanniversary. We boarded the ferry to the ship Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and reflected for an hour on the attack and sacrifice there in 1941. It was a sacred and reverent experience. We love America. We met a wonderful senior couple there returning from their mission in Samoa. We then drove to Queens Hospital in Honolulu in hopes of giving hope to our friend Curtis we had met on Moloka’i who is seriously ill. Unfortunately, he was quarantined so we could not see him. We exchanged happy text messages instead. We drove through the mountain and along the north shore to Laie and checked into our hotel room. After checking in, Joan realized she forgot to bring a dress for the temple… so we went shopping and found a beautiful Hawaiian dress in the shops at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). 

The next morning we attended an endowment session at the Laie Temple where as usual, our hearts and minds were channeled in sacred paths of feeling and learning and knowing. (For some reason I was focused on 2 Nephi 2.) After some peaceful moments feeling love and light in the celestial room we completed our temple work that day. We saw other ward members there and expressed our love. We then took a break at the hotel pool before going to a spectacular evening of Polynesian culture, Luau and show at the PCC. The show is called, “Ha – The Breath of Life,” and left all observers spell-bound regarding the amazing journey we all have through life. We highly recommend the PCC.

Back home on Sunday, we heard genuine testimonies during Sacrament meeting, and had an amazing special experience with our youth Sunday School Class. We sat in a circle and counseled together regarding D&C 137 & 138. We stopped reading frequently to understand about revelation, including personal revelation. We then had a Zoom call with most of our kids. Sister Hardman and I then gave the talks on Baptism and the Holy Ghost at a convert baptism that evening before watching the 1st Presidency Devotional with other stake members. 

Feeling joy for the sacred, feeling sadness for our pet, but these are days, we will never forget.