Tag Archives: christianity

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.

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.

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.

Fiery Flying Serpents and Focusing on Jesus Christ

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As service missionaries we have several callings or roles in our ward and stake. In addition to Group Leaders for the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), we are also Sunday School teachers for the youth in our ward, and we are helping our ward plan for a special youth conference for next summer (more on that later). We are also working to provide additional self-reliance resources.

But we also have opportunity for service to our family and the world. Last Wednesday we volunteered for a four-hour shift at The Giving Machine, or Light the World Giving Machine placed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Whalers Village mall in Lahaina. (See pictures) Donors could select from various products or services provided by local Maui charities. We overheard one family with three children step up to the machine as follows.

Dad said, “Okay, each of you can choose one item.”

The kids pressed their faces up to the glass and read their options including food, clothing, games for a needy family, or a live goat for a family needing to produce their own milk or help run a family business with milk products…

When the kids had made their selection, Mom and Dad each made their selection. I don’t know how much they donated in total, but surely each child knew the importance and value of giving. Great parents! It was an honor to participate with another ward member who wanted to serve but didn’t have a car to get there. We enjoyed the trip out to Lahaina and back with him.

On Thanksgiving Day Joan and I enjoyed a walk along a favorite beach (see picture). While returning midmorning to our apartment we noticed all the ridge windmills were turning rapidly (see picture) Since there’s no natural gas here for cooking, we presume this power was being used to cook a lot of turkeys J. Speaking of turkey we returned to our apartment for a simple but delicious Thanksgiving Dinner including pumpkin pie and just the two of us. We monitored posts from family members back home. We missed them; but It was nice. Black Friday was also peaceful and productive. Worked on some personal history research, calculated lumber needed for our Sons basement framing, then we sat on the beach reading together, “The Hawaiian Missions,” by George Q. Cannon. Very inspiring and nice sunset.

Actually we did indeed have a ‘full’ and wonder-‘ful’ Thanksgiving meal event with friends on Saturday. We gathered with four other service missionary couples. We are grateful to serve with them, learning and having a pleasant time in the process. (See picture) We were saying goodbye to one of the couples, Elder and Sister Rowe who were at the completion of their mission and returning to Orem Utah. The next morning we went to the Sacrament meeting where we heard them speak and tell about the deeply meaningful experiences they had nurturing Spanish speaking members of the community.

On Sunday afternoon we had the opportunity to speak to the Young Single Adult ward and share with them the blessing and power of Christ to help us overcome our weaknesses. We concluded our session reflecting on Fiery Flying Serpents, the Old Testament event where the Children of Israel were exposed to deadly serpents and many died. Moses prayed and was instructed to make a brazen serpent. All they had to do was look, and they would be healed but because of the simpleness of the way, many didn’t look and perished. Talking about our weaknesses, even if they are addictions, we need to stay focused on Christ, every day, to follow him, learn of him, grow in strength with him, and be healed by him. We were blessed with the Spirit in the meeting. While exhorting and trying to straiten his brothers, Nephi put it this way. 

“And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt.

And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.” (1 Nephi 17:40-41, Book of Mormon)

The week rounded out on Monday as we prepared for our weekly ARP meeting. Early in the day, to learn more about the man who is now our Prophet we watched a BYU Devotional from 1978, the year I was on my first mission. BYU President Dallin H. Oaks said that it is important what people think about us as members of the BYU community. The talk was called, “Where much is Given…” We recommend the talk and recommend listening to talks by President Oaks.

Finally, Monday night we were blessed again with love and compassion for our ARP guests, some who are progressing in their recovery and Healing through the Savior, and others who we are grateful that they are just coming and feeling and trying. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is love and power, and it blesses those who love and are loved. Sister Hardman provided raspberry cookies, each with a raspberry on top. She named them Haleakala’s, or little volcanoes.

Beauty for ashes, the Oil of Joy for Mourning

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Fall on Haleakala

Sister Hardman with aging Silverswords on Haleakala

Nene on Haleakala

Evidence of those we pass on the beach (until the next wave or high tide)

Sister Hardman sweetening each week

Early yesterday morning I slowly woke up with this phrase repeating in my mind, “…beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning…” I felt it had something to do with several recent experiences. When I gained more consciousness I grabbed my phone and looked it up. Isaiah spoke in first-person for the Messiah, and gave many reasons for “good tidings.” 

“…[The Lord] hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;…to comfort all that mourn;…to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Over the last week, Sister Hardman and I observed and participated in small gatherings where the Lord was binding up someone brokenhearted and giving them joy, where the doctrine of Christ was proclaimed to provide liberty to someone captive to a compulsive behavior and comfort was kindly displacing their mourning. We observed where beauty or a state of wholeness was envisioned once again in the mind and heart of someone whose life or relations were in ashes, where persons under heavy burdens were being praised and reminded of the good they are and do, and where righteousness planted in their hearts by the Lord was once again imagined in their minds like trees planted by God that will grow into Joy and into the Glory of God.

Every Addiction Recovery Program support meeting starts with love, compassion, prayer, and readings from others who have experienced recovery. Words from church leaders are also studied, then participants are given the opportunity to share and strengthen each other. In one gathering, a meek person came to provide support to their loved-one who was in recovery for addiction. However, when given the opportunity to share, they acknowledged their own need for Healing through the Savior due to burden or prisons of their own. We saw, felt, and witnessed in their eyes the Lord binding up their oozing, wounded, broken hearts with a subtle and gentle mighty change of heart. 

In a different gathering specifically for Spouse and Family Support of those in addiction, the reading included a long list of emotions that are felt when a family member becomes addicted to harmful behaviors. Participants nod their heads as we read together about fear, weariness, confusion, loss, shame, hopelessness, anger, loneliness, isolation, hurt, or bitterness. Then the guidebook asks an inspired question that takes the focus from the mortal causes of their pain and re-focuses all of us on the source of divine love and power. “What evidences do you have that God knows you? How will this knowledge strengthen your faith and give you courage?” After a long moment of deep thought, we hear things like, “Oh, when so-and-so gave me an unexpected hug that day, perhaps…, yes, it was God sending them to me,” or “After my deepest state, when I turned my life over to God, he took the craving away that I had for years. Only God could do that.”

On another occasion, this time a social event with other senior missionaries and local members we met at a favorite coastline to view the sunset. Afterwards we went to our friends home and played games to relax and get to know each other better and share a little about our service mission. We had a nice time but obviously we were all tired that night and upon our departure I was insensitive to a question from our host. Sister Hardman confirmed that my response was uncomfortable. I agreed and we decided to return the next morning for me to apologize. They welcomed us and we sat to visit and I apologized and responded more understandingly to the discussion from the night before. They were kind and filled with love and grace. Oh, how wonderful it is to repent and make things better and let the Lord anoint us with, “the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”

And finally, one more example. This past Sunday we had the blessing to speak in two wards where, while giving the talks we gazed into the faces of beautiful people who love and seek the Lord, Jesus Christ but like all of us, have need of Healing for something in their lives. Between meetings we met a sister who is very faithful in the Gospel but has needed Healing through the Savior for a number of the emotions and fears mentioned above. We invited her to come and share her testimony with some of the people we work with, to facilitate and help their healing. In humility she expressed willingness and some lingering concerns but in doing so confirmed to us the power her experience would have for our friends. I felt prompted to say to her, “What you have just said may be just what others need to hear who are seeking healing.”

We bear testimony and witness from daily experience that the Lord has come and will come “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;…to comfort all that mourn;…to give unto [us] beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that [we] might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Jesus Christ – Our Advocate with the Father

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From May of 2025 when Sister Hardman and I started this service mission, all ward and branch leaders in both stakes have invited us to speak in their respective sacrament meetings on Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i… Our purpose was to worship with the Saints, get to know them, and to bear testimony of Jesus Christ as our Advocate with the Father. Today’s post includes excerpts from those talks.

(Speaker: Sister Hardman) Aloha Brothers and Sisters,

My dad was spiritually sensitive and rescued me a number of times in my youth. Once while fishing along the deep side of the Utah Jordan River near one of his favorite childhood fishing holes, I wandered away from dad along the bank dipping and swirling a stick into the water. At one point he heard a splash, looked upstream but couldn’t see me. He ran to the place where he felt I was, reached into the water and pulled me out by my hair. On another occasion, then in my mid-teens, I was out late, alone with a friend. Concerned, but not knowing where I was dad again followed his feelings, knocked on my friends door, reached into my life and pulled me from the danger… He was my dad, my rescuer, and my advocate. Today we’d like to talk about Jesus Christ as our Advocate with the Father. But first, a little more about ourselves.

Ken and I were born and raised on opposite ends of the Los Angeles basin in southern California, he in San Fernando Valley, and I in Newport Beach. Our families moved to Utah when we were young, and we met later at BYU. Ken became an engineer for Boeing and worked in California, Washington, and Utah. We raised our seven daughters and one son mostly in Pleasant Grove Utah. We loved the teen years with our children and their friends coming and going from our home where visitors would occasionally say, “There is a good feeling here.” Life was good but seemed to get more complicated as our children became young adults and began making their own way and starting their own families. Our love for them grows and grows, not because everything is perfect, but because we care deeply and want eternal blessings for them. We are learning to trust God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ in their behalf. In prayer we advocate for them every day… 

Healing through the Savior, 12-step Addiction Recovery Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is available to anyone who desires assistance in recovery from any addictive substance or compulsive behavior, or anyone desiring to seek change in their life. It is based on recovery through repentance and the power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The spirit of the Lord is very strong in these meetings as all learn about, apply, and have success using God’s grace…

All are invited to find a life of peace, freedom and even joy, encircled in the arms of God’s mercy. Jesus came with healing in His wings and is mighty to save. He lives to bless us with His love. In Addiction Recovery meetings we find hope, help and healing. We find Him. Come… 

I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father. I know that we have a Savior, our brother Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins, pains, and weaknesses.  Through him we can receive the opportunity for immortality and eternal life. I know that the Father and the Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and restored the fulness of the gospel in these latter days. And I know that we are led today by a prophet, who holds all priesthood keys. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

(Speaker: Elder Hardman) Sisters and Brothers, Aloha. 

As a young boy growing up in California, I would sometimes get into mischief and get in the way of the peace and ideal my covenant keeping parents wanted for our forever family. One day, a friend and I were riding circles around our chapel not a block away popping wheelies over the speed bumps. We noticed some beautiful potted plants on a cinderblock wall. Perhaps it was the sun reflecting on the shimmering swimming pool in the yard just beyond that made those flowers catch our attention. We parked our bikes in the ivy hedge and peaked over the wall. Upon seeing the pool, we wondered, “Wouldn’t it be cool to see how big a splash these potted plants would make landing in that pool?”

Later that evening my father took me for a walk. With my ear pinched between his strong carpenter fingers, we crossed the street, stood at our neighbors door where dad made me ring the doorbell. Upon offering apologies and help cleaning the pool, our neighbor declined. I don’t think they wanted me anywhere near their pool. My parents required accountability, but were reasonable and practical… They provided meaningful things for me to do. Even in discipline I always felt they believed in me and throughout my life I had an advocate in Mom, and in Dad.

There is another advocate that believes in us so very much… He is our Savior, friend, and Redeemer, By virtue of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants our righteous savior, advocates, “Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed,…Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.” (D&C 45:1, 3-5)

Listen to this perspective about advocacy by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “I may at any moment,” he said, “and in any circumstance approach through prayer the throne of grace, that my Heavenly Father will hear my petition, and that my advocate, he who did no sin, whose blood was shed, will plead my cause.” (I Know in Whom I Have Trusted, D. Todd Christofferson, April 1993, italics added)…

In 3 Nephi the resurrected Jesus appears in person to a multitude. ..

At some point the people were weak and asked to go to their homes to pray for understanding. In tears, perhaps remembering the healing prophecies they had heard about his ministry, (Mosiah 3:5) they looked steadfastly at him as if to say, [“Please don’t go. Show us what you did in Jerusalem.”] Filled with compassion and mercy he heals them all. They bath his feet with their tears. With the children gathered around him, and the multitude kneeling around them, Jesus speaks unto the Father great and marvelous, unspeakable things (v15-17) “And no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.” (3 Nephi 17:17)…

We are now on another service mission, this time to help bring people to the Lord their advocate who gives them power to be rescued, not from dying on the cold planes of Wyoming, but who are in prison to addiction. I know that with his help, his power, his advocacy to the father for them, they can be rescued, and out of depths of despair, feel joy akin to the pioneers when God’s rescuers finally came over that snowy hill in Wyoming, to bring them in.

We live in a beautiful, but fallen world and many of Gods beautiful children are falling. But I have every confidence that the eye of the creator is on all his creations. It can be no other way, as his love is infinite. I see his patience and wise hand at work in my life, and in the lives of people I love… 

When Sister Hardman and I prepare ourselves to represent the savior, a miracle happens and He takes away all judgement and criticism. In our Addiction Recovery support meetings we feel great love and compassion for each person who walks through the door… 

God is in this work. Jesus is our advocate with the father. The eternal spirit of truth witnesses to my spirit that this is true. I testify with love in the name of Jesus Christ, our advocate, amen.