Tag Archives: ARP

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.

We love and feel loved

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Nov. 3, 2025

We spent this last week at home in Utah for personal business, doctor appointments, temple sessions, and time with family. While there we were able to help our son Mike and his family relocate from Santaquin to Eagle Mountain. We had several gatherings with other family members and celebrated Halloween, Melanie’s birthday (see Olive Garden picture) and our 45th Wedding anniversary (see picture of music video) with them. Being late fall, we enjoyed gathering up and bagging the golden leaves (picture). Mom lost her wedding ring in the leaves, so we thought. We prayed, and were led to find it in one of the fingers of her gardening glove. Just before returning to Maui we were able to spend a couple hours with our daughter Lisa from Alaska, whom we haven’t seen for a year.

While away we continued to do what we could to further our service on Maui. We conducted our weekly Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) Meeting by Zoom, compiled some helpful information for ARP participants to find additional support, and coordinated a few speaking assignments in various wards on Maui. We continue planning for our 2026 Maui ward youth handcart trek. We are very grateful for our Sunday School president who substituted teaching our youth Sunday School class, and for senior missionary Elder Taylor who substituted for us at the in-person ARP meeting. Not to forget Elder and Sister Marriott who take us to and from the airport each time we travel. 

We are glad to be back on Maui. We have come to love and feel loved by our friends here. Our Kahului 1stWard Newsletter editor asked us to compose a message about our work as service missionaries. The following is the result of that request.

“Simon Peter walked on the water; even if but for a moment.” We spoke these words one night at the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), called Healing through the Savior. Each participant had just shared some setbacks, hopes and successes regarding their addictions. At the end we bore our testimony that Jesus knows and understands through his Atonement (Alma 7:11-13). “Jesus honors efforts of faith;” we said, “even if we stumble.” Like Peter, a miracle happened as he walked on the water; even if but for a moment.” Earlier, Joan and I had visited Maui’s sacred Iao Valley and ascended to the needle viewpoint. I asked Joan, “What is your favorite New Testament scene?” She replied, “Jesus walking on the water.” I tapped my phone and opened to Mathew 14 and we quietly read the story. “The ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary…Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea…Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water…” When he sank, Jesus did not give up on Peter; both of them were well aware of the dangers of the sea, but Jesus honored his effort and momentary success, “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him…” At Iao, we walked down the many steps to the river where we waded out into the water, sat on a large boulder, reflecting and sensing truth. To our friends in addiction recovery we testified of our Lords honoring of our attempts at faith and as we call on Him, will save us when we fall.

Our hearts are broken when we hear of broken lives, and broken relationships. Addiction or other compulsive behaviors seems to break everything that is good. As Service Missionary Group Leaders, we have conducted support meetings on Maui for about six months. We also conduct a weekly remote session by Zoom for participants on Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i. We have learned much on how to conduct these meetings and how to provide love and support to those with compulsive or addictive behaviors. With the Savior in our hearts, compassion comes naturally.

Since these meetings are anonymous and confidential, we don’t take roll but they speak by first names. As we read and discuss the 12 steps of recovery we sense a measure of their pain followed by the hope they feel as they seek Healing through the Savior. Their observations about Gospel principles are often profound. Their sharing can be heartbreaking, and we are anxious for their success in recovery. They plead for help. Sister Hardman and I invite all of you to pray for us and for the people we serve. Pray that each will find grace and power in Christ and make progress. The work blesses Sister Hardman and me, our relationship and even our family.

Jesus came with healing in His wings and is mighty to save. He lives to bless us with His love. In Addiction Recovery meetings all find hope, help and healing, even those whose hearts break for their loved-ones. In Healing through the Savior, we find Him.

Week 18 – August 5 – A Tsunami and Joan’s Tree

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The week started with a Tsunami! On Tuesday afternoon, July 29th, all phones on the island gave hourly high-pitched tones and displayed the message to leave coastal areas and move to higher ground. A strong earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia set up strong swells in the ocean and the waves were expected to reach Hawaii that evening. We offered prayer and remained in our apartment a safe elevation from the coast. Checking the news periodically we learned of the waves progress and the mostly vacated coastal areas. In the end there were locations where the ocean dropped many feet and rose a few. But other than significant traffic jams and life interruptions, we are not aware of major damages. We were grateful for the technology and professionals who were extra cautious to keep people safe. Later in the week we walked along a couple of our favorite beaches and boardwalks where all looked normal.

We were recently called as Sunday School teachers in our home ward, Kahului 1st Ward. This Sunday was the first opportunity we had to significantly prepare and give the lesson. We have ages 16 & 17. At the beginning of class we tried to share the delicious Orange Cookies that Sister Hardman made that morning, but all but one declined, saying they needed to wait until the end of class, because it was fast Sunday. (Yes, they taught us something that day.) Like most classes throughout the church this week our topic was Doctrine & Covenants, Section 84. We studied the applicable Come, Follow Me pages and (with tips from our Gardner family in Utah who have the same calling) we prayerfully selected the points on which we would focus. I like outlining and diagraming so to move forward on our lesson I diagramed the chosen material (See picture). We are so grateful for all the ordinances of the Gospel and for the literal power of Godliness that is manifest in them (D&C 84:20). We see and feel that power each time we participate in an ordinance, especially in the temple. We had a pretty good size group this Sunday and they were kind, happy, attentive, and participated when we asked. It was reassuring to feel of the spirit in their presence and to hear their knowledge of the Gospel. This statement from President Russell M. Nelson summarizes the message, “Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God.” (Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 77). Sister Hardman’s Orange Cookies were enjoyed after the meeting. Later that day we got a message from the bishop. “Any cookies handed out at Sunday School must be brought over to the Bishop’s house for tasting beforehand.” We love our happy hearted bishop. (His daughter in our class had eatin several cookies )

We obtained more training this week for hosting the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP). This time from a five-year ARP Coordinator in Oklahoma. We have received training from our coordinator in Honolulu as well as from coordinators in Anaheim, American Fork, and now Oklahoma. Each brings reminders on conducting the program per the Church administrative guide as well as helpful tips from their experience. We are grateful for each. Attendance at our weekly ARP support meeting varies from a few to a dozen participants. This week we read Step 8 together, “Make a written list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make restitution to them.” There is great doctrinal content in the guide book regarding forgiving and being forgiven and the peace and power that comes as we do both. We feel love and compassion for those who come, and we are encouraged to be patient towards those who don’t always come. We pray each week that the Lord will remove their barriers and give them the courage to attend and receive support. More and more, those who come are becoming excellent support for each other. Sister Hardman’s Orange Cookies were enjoyed after the meeting.

Over the months, and even years that we have been coming to Maui, we have developed a few traditions and unique things we notice around the island. When we are craving an excellent burger and we have a little time on our hands, we head for the Ulupalakua Ranch, located upcountry on the southwestern slopes of the Haleakala volcano. In addition to conservation activities, the ranch runs 2,300 Angus cows which are marketed around Hawaii. The area is forested, green and often obscured by clouds. The country store humorously identifies itself as the “Road to Hana Recovery Station” (you pass right by it returning from Hana on the southern route). Anyway, the burgers are wonderful. On a clear day from our apartment 20-miles across the Maui Valley, and many other places along the southwest shore, we see a large tree-looking structure on the skyline ridge above Ulupalakua. It stands out so prominently and we see it so frequently that we even gave it a name, Joan’s Tree, because it looks like a birthmark on her leg. Until recently we haven’t known whether it is a tree or a man-made camouflage antenna. “It looks too big to be an isolated tree on the ridge,” we would say to ourselves. On a clear day this week we set out to solve the mystery (and get a burger). As we approached the Ranch, the sky was clear and blue and boom, just a mile or two away, there it was, tall and beautiful and looking very much like a lone tall natural tree. We pulled into the Ranch and these two traditions came together, eating a great burger in sight of the great tree that we call Joan’s Tree.