Kenneth R. Hardman

A reservoir of meaningful stories and songs

Category: Growing Through Hard Things

Stories and songs about facing life’s difficulties with faith—and discovering how even hard experiences can strengthen, teach, and change us.

  • He Rescues Me (Songbook)

    “Speaking calmly but with emotion…[Frances Webster] said: ‘We suffered beyond anything you can imagine, and many died of exposure and starvation… [But we] came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives, for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities.’” (Francis Webster, as quoted by Andrew D. Olsen, The Price We Paid) He Rescues…

  • For the Joy Set Before Me (Songbook)

    President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, ‘who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.’ Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured…

  • Trials and Tender Mercies (Service)

    While Joan and I have been serving on Maui, my brother Bob Hardman has been busy in retirement driving buses, refereeing soccer, and researching genealogy. During the latter he came across a ‘green temple’ symbol attached to a near relative. For those familiar (or unfamiliar) with FamilySearch.org, this means that the associated person or couple…

  • Light in the Wilderness – Joan Losee Hardman (AncestorClips)

    Joan spent part of her 1977 summer working at Flaming Gorge, and the Uintah’s. “One evening I was happy to receive the assignment to take mail and supplies to trail workers a few miles up the mountain. After I made the delivery, the sun began to set. I walked quickly to get down the mountain,…

  • Handcart Trek, and why you should go (Service)

    In Wyoming, with sweat down our backs and dirt under our fingernails, we contemplated in Martin’s Cove, pushed and pulled up Rocky Ridge, were pelted by hail at Rock Creek Hollow, and felt the aid of angels. Every year more groups don the time-period clothing, learn about an ancestor, and walk in their steps. If…

  • James Joseph Keep – God’s Promises Held Strong (AncestorClips)

    The fog settled over the immigrant ship American Congress off the shores of Newfoundland. The sun did not shine, nor provide navigational reference for the crew. James Keep and his wife Ann, three daughters, and one grand-baby were sailing for Zion with 350 Saints. While on deck, James looked forward for a time, then aft,…