Tag: christianity

Humbled by Genuine Kindness

We will forever remember each individual in humility and genuine kindness

We felt all eyes young and old on us as we sat at one of the round decorated tables in the cultural hall. With his kind and genuine smile, our bishop stood before the ward and expressed gratitude for our service. It was a little uncomfortable, but these eternal friends were so, so authentic at love, aloha, and genuine kindness. They titled the event, “The Hardman Hoedown” and insisted on one more evening of reflection, song, and dancing before our departure. 

Pololu Valley

While eating refreshments, our bishop narrated parts of the youth Lehi Stake Trek video so other ward members could sense what the youth had experienced in Utah on that great adventure a month ago. An ‘open microphone’ was offered to several who wanted to express their appreciation and love. Again, very humbling. We wanted to divert praise to the Savior. Sister Hardman and I performed one of my songs about the return of the Savior called, “When Earth Meets Heaven.” We expressed our love and bore our testimonies and then Sister Hardman chose to sing a song she wrote long ago called, “Eternal Friend.” The guests were quiet as she sat in front of them with guitar in hand and beautifully sang this song which is very special to us. “You’re not just a friend, you’re my literal brother too…” We are eternal friends, and now we have many more eternal friends.

With the Hanks family

The next day we taught our youth for the last time as their Sunday School teachers. We love these kids. “We have learned that God is very patient and honors his covenants.” We discussed the Come Follow Me lesson about the seventy years the Jews had been away from Jerusalem, captives. We reflected on how The Lord inspired the Persian King Cyrus to let those who wanted, to go back and rebuild their temple. We considered the opposition they faced and how they applied their prayers and methods to move the work forward and how that relates to the announced Kahului Maui Temple, not yet started just outside our meetinghouse. Each youth listened and participated with the same child-like faith that we have come to love.

Kona Temple under construction

Prior to these weekend events, as a final road trip, Sister Hardman and I visited for the first time the Big Island of Hawaii. Each night we were hosted again with humility and genuine love by a friend we had met in our service. Her faith and testimony amidst life’s challenges raised us to new levels of love for God and the Atonement of Christ. Her hospitality, ukulele and singing, fresh pineapple and melons, conversation, and friendly counsel was beautiful. Another eternal friend. During our road trip we visited Kona, Hawi, Maunakea, Captain Cook, Hilo, and Hawaii Volcano National Park. At the national park we overlooked the great Kilauea Caldera and crater, the lava bed which occasionally collapses and has recently elevated due to huge lava fountains blasting into the sky. It only emitted smoke when we were there but the magnitude of historical events were obvious and humbling. We also hiked near the Kilauea Iki Crater and wondered at the devastation and power of past events there. What an amazing planet we have been blessed with.

Hawi Ukulele class

Kilauea crater

During our Hawaii visit, our friend shared one of her favorite talks by President Nelson which includes, “Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy…” (The Everlasting Covenant, President Russell M. Nelson, October 2022)

Our Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meetings continued on Monday night. Each meeting requires emotional strength and love as we read and hear about heavy burdens and God’s power and love. Since these are confidential and anonymous meetings, we can’t state names but we will forever remember each individual in humility and genuine kindness. 

Fields and Trees

Experiencing beauty and sweetness greater than they had ever before tasted…

Forty six years ago, my family vacationed in Maui. I’ve previously spoken of the palm tree I then leaned against with guitar in hand and hastily started a corny song, “Mr. Palm Tree.” It was in a beautiful grassy park behind the Maui Sunset Resort in Kihei, where we had stayed. We have visited the tree many times in recent years. Today, in 2026 the song still isn’t finished. But, this week, a Sea Almond tree in that same spacious field, called us back. But first a story about fields and trees.

Palm and Sea Almond Tree

Once a prophet dreamed that he was traveling through a dark and dreary wilderness. A man dressed in a white robe appeared before him and invited him to follow. They traveled for many hours through darkness. Upon praying for mercy he beheld a large and spacious field. He beheld a tree whose fruit could make one happy. He partook of the fruit. It was sweeter than anything he had ever tasted. It filled his soul with exceedingly great joy. The prophet was Lehi. The tree represented the love of God. After tasting the fruit he looked for those he loved and invited them to come and partake. (Ref. Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 8)

I’ve often thought that life is much like Lehi’s dream. 

We met a man recently whose life could be characterized by a man walking for hours in a dark and dreary wilderness. He is a sincere man, but mostly without friends and family, hungry for nourishment of all kinds. We and others are providing what help we can. Unable to attend our support meeting because of a schedule conflict, he called and asked if we could give him a ride to an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) support meeting. We gladly agreed. The meeting was under the Sea Almond tree, only a frisbee-throw away from Mr. Palm Tree. For Sister Hardman and me, this was the first time we attended an AA meeting. 

Amidst the wind and shade we sat among a large circle of beach chairs as support for our friend, and as participants. On that day the focus was AA Step 11, “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” A few persons present were asked to recite the reading material. Then in the breeze the group was silent for meditation, followed by a respectful time of individual sharing. 

Like our own ARP meetings, we were among persons early in their recovery, and some who have been sober for months and years. They attributed their progress to ‘their higher power.’ Also similar to our ARP experience we felt no judgement or criticism, only love and compassion for all present. For some, their wilderness was still somewhat dark, for others their prayers, pleas for mercy, and the beckoning light was transforming their wilderness into a field with a beautiful tree of life and the love of God. They were experiencing beauty and sweetness greater than they had ever before tasted. As the meeting concluded, we all stood and joined hands in a circle almost as big as the Sea Almond tree’s shadow, prayed, and departed with mutual encouragement. We are grateful for the help our friend received that day, and for the help all experience when they pray and let God help them.

Perhaps someday I’ll finish, Mr. Palm Tree, not as a simplistic song about the paradise features of the land and sea, but perhaps as a tribute to the people, the locals and the guests, the dark and the light.

Haleakala Summit

In addition to our ARP service, we love serving the members of our Kahului 1st Ward, the youth and the adults. For a stake wide youth conference, we helped prepare large images of the Savior for their Christ Walk activity. The next day in our Sunday School class many of the youth acknowledged the Christ Walk as their favorite, most meaningful part of the conference. We took time this past week to ascend Haleakala and bask in the panoramic view of the horizon including the massive erosion crater to the east, the ‘big’ island of Hawaii peaks to the south, the valley and distant mountains of Maui to the west, and the cloud lined ocean to the north. On another day we traversed the Road to Hana and hiked the National Park beautiful Pipiwai Trail through the bamboo forest to the base of a waterfall so tall that it exceeds the limits of my backward tilting neck. We attend and support YSA and Spanish branch activities.

400-foot Waimoku Falls

Approaching our final two weeks before we return home to Utah, we will spend a couple days on the Big Island and then return Saturday for an activity which the ward is calling the Hardman Hoedown. Till next time, and till we see you again.

‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)

Love, Elder and Sister Hardman

Where earth reaches to heaven

“…the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance… of Jesus…” (3 Nephi 19:25)

As we cross into our final month as service missionaries on Maui, we feel the poignant tug of emotions between leaving the steady aloha and service of Ohana, or new family here, and returning to our missed association with Ohana and friends back home. This Maui pull is not only because of happy, beautiful, and joyful mission experiences, it is also about the emotional and spiritual transformations we regularly witness serving as instruments in the Lords hands. We are now accustomed to new dimensions of heartbreak, kindness, love and light each week. Sitting in sacred rooms of recovery we see first-hand the souls of men and women gently and powerfully transition from lonely hopelessness to light and hopefulness, a noticeable new countenance; a treasured experience on the front-lines of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I’m not referring to one isolated case. This observation comes regularly. For months now our weekly routine has included two General Addition support meetings, one in-person, and the other by Zoom, and a third weekly meeting to support spouses or family members whose loved ones are or have been ensnared in addiction. In each setting we look into the faces of persons we’ve come to love and pray for. We physically see and hear, and we spiritually feel with our own senses and spirit a profound change of heart and light when our friends have experienced a distinguishable step upward through faith, repentance and the power of the Lord. We see change of heart accompanied by a change in demeanor, bearing, expression and appearance. For one it may be the forgiveness they’ve finally given to someone who hurt them, or forgiveness received from someone they harmed. For another it may be God’s removal of a craving or temptation. Yet for another it may be the refining they’ve experienced through service or more regular tempering in the temple. Last week we saw all of these in one meeting. 

We searched for a scripture that comes close to what we see.

“And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire.

And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof.” (3 Nephi 19:24-25)

We cherish these divine experiences where earth reaches to heaven, and God touches his children, and children become (and look) more like God. We can’t imagine anything greater than this feeling. It is probably the feeling that motivated Jesus to save us, “…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2) It is the feeling that motivates us to serve others, and to let God change us each day into something better. I could be a lot more patient and less judgmental. Like our friends in recovery, I too seek Healing through the Savior. To reduce relapses into impatience, I need a more deep and strong change of heart. He has given me clues and help through ancient and modern prophets (patience: Prov. 14:29, 15:21, Luke 21:19, James 1:19, 2 Peter 1:5-7, Alma 7:23, 26:27…)

Our recent service and activities included, teaching youth we love in Sunday School, providing transportation to a poor family to attend their own baptism, attend sacrament meeting and family home evening of our local Spanish speaking branch, providing transportation to a job interview for a homeless man, and visiting with neighbors and tourists along the street… Whenever prompted, we ask where people are visiting Maui from. We tell them about our addiction recovery support service here on Maui. They thoughtfully pause and thank us. Sometimes they tell us of someone they know who needs such support.

We started with the love we feel on Maui. Much of this comes from the ward we live in. We were recently asked to sing a special musical number in Sacrament meeting. We chose Hymn 1020, “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling.” As we sang and looked down from the pulpit, eyes looked back with love and joy. After the meeting many expressed their love and thanks for the hymn. We realize that their love and kindness to us is founded on and nourished by Jesus’ love and kindness to all of us. It is glorious to feel such love from them and from all, patterned by the ‘countenance’ and bestowed by the love of Jesus who is “Calling for you and for me.”

(Your thoughts and feelings are welcome)

A Healing Exclamation Point

Addictions, Goliath-size challenges, and character weaknesses

After the conclusion of our Youth Handcart Trek with the Lehi Stake in Utah, we completed our Utah visit by celebrating at Olive Garden. Our daughter Melanie recently graduated from UVU, and it was our daughter Lisa’s birthday. The Gardner’s joined us.

Morgan and Bethany Gardner

We also attended our home stake conference, and then the Lehi Stake Trek final devotional. Our Kahului youth tuned into the meeting by Zoom from Maui. Wonderful messages were given, lots of gratitude was spoken, and testimonies were shared. Two weeks later (last Sunday), our Kahului 1st Ward bishopric arranged the sacrament meeting program so that most of our Maui youth got a chance to bare their testimonies and express thanks and love regarding the trek, their relationship with Jesus Christ, and their new trek friends in Utah.

Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Utah

On our first Sunday back, we once again faced our Kahului 1st Ward youth, this time as their Sunday School Teachers. We’re grateful for every chance we have to be with them. They are very special. For Come, Follow Me, “The Battle is the Lord’s,” we took turns reading through the account of David and Goliath, then discussed the following questions (their composite individual and insightful answers follow each question):

  1. What ‘Goliath-size’ challenges have I had, or do I now have to overcome?
    1. My phone, web, swearing, going to summer school, not having the right friends, being happy, overcoming my challenging junior year, preparing for a mission, lifestyle, language, going to the next grade, and not being able to say no when being pressured to do something bad.
  2. How does the Lord want me to view my challenges?
    1. As an opportunity to grow, to know my own challenges and ask for him for help with faith and focus on what I can learn, and as a refiner’s fire to make us better. 
  3. How has he helped me in the past?
    1. He helped me with school tests so I wouldn’t have to go to summer school, joy through friends and church, always being there for me when I need help, feel his peace, given me strength and motivation in talking to girls, started middle school alone, talk to me or even shown me signs to stop and think first, and by getting friends.
  4. What do you find in David’s story that gives you hope?
    1. He had so much faith that he could overcome his challenge, with God weak things can become strengths, no matter how big Goliath was David knew the battle is the Lord’s, David followed the Lord, standing alone God will still help you, and ridiculous challenges can be overcome
  5. What if each of David’s stones represented a strength we need to be triumphant? What could those five stones represent?
    1. Faith, prayer, study, love, family, temple work, gospel study, Holy Ghost, serving others, word of God, priesthood, commandments, church, covenants, and scriptures.
  6. While we had them writing, we asked, “What was your favorite part about the Trek?”
    1. Spending time with my Trek Family, sleeping outside with Joe and watching stars and hanging with my ma and pa, family and friends, meeting new people, the Walk with Christ tour which was the most memorable experience because I got closer to Jesus Christ and it strengthened my testimony, feeling the Holy Spirit, baptizing in the Lindon Temple, being with religious youth, a girl gave me her jacket, hanging with friends, meeting family, my brothers and sisters…their so funny and so sweet, and I loved playing games and [hoedown] dancing with them. 

During our absence, our Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meetings continued without pause. A wonderful and dedicated brother (Curt Davis) from our ward substituted for us as the ARP Group Leader during each Monday meeting, supported by our wonderful facilitator. While in Utah, Sister Hardman and I were able to late-night host each Thursday night ARP meeting by Zoom. “Now that Sister Hardman and I have been through each step four times,” I told the group recently, “I feel like each step is the most important one.” The truth is they are all important. Step 6 teaches that in order to not return to addictions we must stop trying to do it ourselves and truly experience a change of heart, “surrender to God all remnants of pride and self-will.” 

Although I do not have what most would consider to be traditional addictions, or even Goliath-size challenges, I certainly have character weaknesses that feed and support my tendencies to impatience and being judgmental. Step 6 promises help as we come unto Jesus Christ. “He will wait patiently for us to weary of our efforts to change on our own without help. As soon as we turn to Him, we will again witness His love and power. Instead of clinging to old patterns of behavior, we can have an open mind as the Spirit gently suggests a better way of living.” We are determined to help addicts all we can. But I am also determined to apply these principles to my own life and receive more fully a change of heart and the healing I need due to my character weaknesses.

Kihei, Maui

Last Saturday, we gathered with members across both Maui stakes in our stake center for the Tabernacle Choir concert recorded recently in the California Hollywood Bowl. It was a special and spiritual treat to listen to the many inspiring performers and musical numbers while rubbing shoulders with people we’ve come to love over the last year and a quarter. It was a special missionary and fellowshipping event for all of us, a healing exclamation point at the end of another week of service.

Part One: Youth Utah Trip and Handcart Trek

Christ – Yoke with Him / Walk with Him

During the past month our service in Addiction Recovery continued as we strived to bring to Christ those struggling in difficult situations. We love and admire them. They come to support groups seeking to find power in Christ to be strengthened and continue in recovery.

Departing Maui Airport

After months of planning and preparation, two dozen of our Maui youth and a half dozen leaders made the journey to experience an 1856 handcart trek in the mountains of Utah. It all started when Bishop Benjamin Thompson felt inspired to give his youth an off-island broadening and spiritual experience. More than a year ago when we introduced ourselves into our Kahului 1st Ward, and he learned of our past involvement in trek reenactments, his loving and hard-working eyes beamed with excitement and the planning began.

After searching for suitable sites and handcarts on Maui and Oahu, Lehi Utah stake president Brent Greenhalgh (our son-in-law) invited our Maui group to come on their stake trek. Our youth and leaders were invited to be housed, fed and embraced with much aloha by many loving families in Lehi. New and enduring relationships would be born as our Maui members would stay in the homes of Lehi host families, and as they journeyed and trekked within their Lehi Ma/Pa families.

Arriving in SLC

Over several months, Church and parental permissions were received, preparations were completed, and on June 4th the anxious group boarded a red-eye Southwest flight to SLC. Sister Hardman and I had arrived early to attend the sealing of our grand-daughter Becca Greenhalgh in the Taylorsville Utah Temple. After the sealing, while the wedding party gathered for pictures on the temple steps we literally observed our Maui group’s Southwest jet fly right over the temple spire, descending into SLC. They landed, gathered their belongings and boarded large passenger vans. We met up with them with Costco pizza near Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

At Cascade Springs

On Saturday, June 6th, two days before Trek, our group served at the newly dedicated Lindon Utah Temple. With its two baptismal fonts, beautiful architecture, and heavenly spirit, our Maui youth were blessed to participate in ordinances for others including some of their own ancestors. To get our youth more conditioned for the higher trek altitude, we drove up Provo Canyon and walked through beautiful Cascade Springs. We played at a park in Heber City and had dinner at the popular Dairy Keen. We then ascended even more, physically and spiritually, by experiencing the Walk With Christ activity at the Church Heber Valley Camp. Everyone, including me and Sister Hardman were changed that night as we laid a personal burden at the Lords feet and imagined how he would encourage us if we met him on the trail.

On Sunday, June 7th our youth attended fast and testimony meeting in Lehi. Several from our group including Bishop Thompson stepped to the pulpit and bore their genuine testimonies. Later we met at the Lehi Stake Center and prepared buckets for the handcart trek. Throughout the whole experience, the Lehi Stake treated our group as precious royalty providing sleeping bags, winter coats, buckets and various supplies so such wouldn’t have to be transported from Hawaii. They bathed our group with love, kindness, and encouragement. We were literally embraced as Ohana, family and fellow citizens in Christ for the whole experience. They provided aqua blue baseball caps so that our kids could always be distinguished even though fully integrated into trek Ma/Pa families. 

A Trek Family

On Monday, June 8th all met at the stake center for devotional. My anxiety was high. “With all the work to prepare the youth, were we ourselves ready for another trek?” Inspiring messages were given by trek leaders including President Greenhalgh and Sister Greenhalgh (our daughter). “Even though we are trail bosses,” Jana said, “The real trail boss is Jesus.” We then journeyed again up through Provo Canyon, Heber Valley, and on up and up into the Current Creek area above eight thousand feet. As handcarts were loaded, the trek families became fully formed. Each of our Maui youth had been assigned to different Lehi Stake Ma/Pa families and the company set out on their journey. Two of our adult sister leaders, as well as Sister Hardman and I were assigned to drive vehicles following the company to help anyone struggling. 

Ascending among snow fields

Every few miles the company would briefly halt to rest, stay hydrated and enjoy a view of the beautiful Uintah mountains. Our peak altitude was ten-thousand feet. It was cool and breezy. Even after difficult ascents pushing and pulling handcarts, many still had energy to climb and slide down steep snow drifts. The entire company looked united with their handcart flags, blue Walk with Me, and Yoked [with Christ] hoodies. During lunch camp, our youth Oliver Char was invited to stand on a trailer and speak to the group of three-hundred youth about his challenging life and his faith in Jesus Christ.

1st night camp

Later at camp we enjoy lots of good food, some free time and devotional with get-to-know-you skits from each family. Each evening concluded with prayer, family time, and journaling.

Evening devotional

On Tuesday, June 9th, after a very cold night in tents… (To be continued)

Gospel Reflection – Road to Hana

Along with the clouds which poured-out all the way back home, the Lord’s spirit poured-out peace to our souls having been on his errand

Sister and Elder Hardman at Hana Branch

Being 7:00 AM on a Sunday, we owned the Hana Highway. Only ‘Mongo,’ (my name for each mongoose who ran across the road) triggered sudden taps on the brake pedal. Happily, the rain defied the forecast and each tire successfully gripped six-hundred turns giving everchanging perspective to the windward coast and lush land. We opened the window and breathed deep. Rainbow Eucalyptus, Bamboo, Banana, Taro, and the African Tulip Trees proudly displaying their striking orange-red flowers. 

Our assignment was to attend the Hana Branch at 8:30 AM, train branch leaders on their role in Healing through the Savior, 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) and after sacrament meeting present the ARP to a combined meeting of Relief Society and Elders.

During the contemplative two-hour drive Sister Hardman and I reflected on our assignment and on our experiences over the past year as ARP Group Leaders. “How does one truly obtain the power of Christ to overcome a weakness? Is it humbly believing in him and trusting him? What can we emphasize to our friends in recovery so Christ’s power can heal and sustain them? I briefly turned to Sister Hardman to see if she grew tired of so many questions without pause. She encouraged me to continue. The scenery enhanced our discussion with its seemingly endless Gospel analogies –  Winding roads, frequent waterfalls and pools, water streaming its way to the ocean, narrow bridges, aboundant life, cautious turns, deep woods and mists of darkness, mud slides and fallen trees, ocean views, pounding waves… Being Sunday we couldn’t stop for fresh banana bread, but half way to Hana this thought came, perhaps some personal revelation. “Maybe it is not our place to know exactly how Christ’s power can heal and sustain each individual. Perhaps the answer lies in study, prayer, then personal revelation to each individual.”

At the small, 3-wing meetinghouse, we were warmly greeted in the customary Hawaiian way, blessed by the singing, sacrament, and special testimonies given by members, non-members, and visitors. President Satot, the local, kind and humble leader gave us generous time during council and combined meetings. Standing next to a monitor we showed the church addiction recovery website, overviewed the ARP, explained church resources, and encouraged all to invite family or friends who could benefit by these safe and compassionate support meetings. 

Being two-hours from the nearest ‘in-person’ ARP sessions, we encouraged future participants to ‘call-in’ from Hana attending virtually each week. “Would it be possible,” the Relief Society president asked, “for several persons to gather here in Hana and participate in the Zoom meeting?” “Certainly,” I replied. Sister Hardman nodded. We discussed some roadblocks that addicts probably experience. Like rain, narrow bridges, or fallen trees that might impede progress on the road, embarrassment or shame might block someone from coming for support. I moved to the center of the group. We discussed the confidential and anonymous nature of the meetings but also admonished each of us present to be less judgmental of those struggling with addiction. “Jesus was and is so good showing love to the ‘one’ in need of healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.” We spoke of the miracle that Sister Hardman and I experience every time we host a session, “The Lord doesn’t allow us to feel any judgement, only his love and compassion in these rooms.”

“How could we get an ‘in-person’ meeting here in Hana?” From this and similar questions, it seemed evident there was immediate need for more local and frequent ARP support. I turned to the branch president, who nodded as I said, “That’s a conversation that you can discuss in Branch Council, and President Satot can consult with stake leaders to determine the best way to proceed.”

A counselor in the branch presidency had invited the youth to attend. He asked, “What advice would you give to our youth? Some of them are faced with drugs or alcohol in their homes.”

“Thank you for that question.” I silently pled for spiritual help, but fumbled through something like, “For the Strength of Youth speaks of the sacred temple-like nature of our bodies, a gift created in God’s image. It is so important to keep ourselves clean and protect our agency…” Then, remembering their deep Aloha love for Ohana, I looked at the youth and said, “You must stay close to the Lord. But you must also love and respect others. Pray and read your scriptures and receive strength and for your situation… personal revelation.” Feeling that my answer fell short, I asked the group, “Can someone please provide more help to the youth?” A good brother made a helpful comment and we moved forward.

Thanks to a prompting a few days earlier, I called upon Saul to help conclude our presentation. “Saul went about, ‘breathing out threatening’s… against the disciples of the Lord… As he journeyed… suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth… Saul, why persecutes though me?’ Saul was blinded, then repented. The Lord commanded disciple Ananias to put his hand on Saul and heal him. ‘Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints… But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name…” (Acts 9:1-15)

“I bear testimony that we are all chosen vessels and that God does not give up on anyone. We testify that God loves all of his children and through the Holy Ghost prompts loving and gentle ministers to bless them. Like Jesus, he sees us as we can be, not just as we are.” (Isaiah 53:10)

The rain finally caught up with the forecast. But along with the clouds which poured-out all the way back home the Lord’s spirit poured-out peace to our souls having been on his errand. We drove slower, pondering our feelings from Hana, and felt love for those special saints in God’s unique and remote paradise.

From Darkness to the Tree of Life

From a dark and dreary place, they come to the tree, taste of the fruit, and feel joy and peace, the love of God

Like the “man…in a white robe” in Lehi’s dream, the Book of Mormon gently but persistently beckons me. Recently I followed those beckoning’s and found myself shadowing Lehi through his “dark and dreary wilderness.” He prayed for mercy. I imagined him in that, “large and spacious field,” finally tasting the “white and delightsome” fruit of the tree of life.  It gave such “exceeding and great joy.”1 I considered, “Why such extremes? Why was he beckoned to wade through the “dark and dreary” to later experience “exceeding and great joy.” “What could these opposites represent in my life, and for people I know and love?” I reasoned further, “What is the great joy Lehi felt as he partook of the fruit? Like Nephi, “I [desired] to behold…” in some measure, “the things which [Lehi] saw.”2

Keawakapu Beach before and after Kona storm (photo 1)

Last week in our Healing through the Savior, 12 Step, Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) group we explored Step 5 where the key principle is, Confession. I cannot divulge specific persons or comments, but the guidebook is written by recovering addicts who empathize with readers. In these ‘rooms of recovery,’ you feel the emotion and experience of our friends who walk through their own dark and dreary waste of addiction and at length pray and ask God to help [them] have the strength [they] need to confess. With trembling they tell of the “powerful experience,” saying something like, “At first, many of us just sat and listened, but eventually we felt safe enough to share… Still, we kept many things to ourselves—shameful things, embarrassing things, heartbreaking things, things that made us feel vulnerable.”

Using words similar to these from the guidebook our friends continue, “As we [shared], we felt Jesus Christ’s love for us, which gave us hope that it would be okay… Our sponsors could see the good in us and helped us see the good in ourselves… We unloaded our heavy burdens and placed them at the Savior’s feet. We felt peace, joy, and love. This experience was sacred and sweet.”3 From a dark and dreary place, their broken hearts broke the silence. They acknowledged feeling God’s love and hope, that God sees good in all of us helping us see good in ourselves. They felt peace, love, “exceeding and great joy.” This scene repeats in each ARP meeting. They come to the tree, taste the fruit, and feel joy and peace, the love of God.

How can I feel the great joy Lehi felt? How have recent Book of Mormon beckoning’s and precepts brought me nearer to taste the love of God?4 I considered a few recent experiences.

For physical and emotional preparation during our mission, Joan and I walk the fine corral sands of Keawakapu Beach. The water erases our footprints almost as soon as they are created. Thin layers of sand wash in and out with each wave. Recently, record breaking Kona storms poured out with fury all over Hawaii. The week-long cyclone drenched the islands with knee-deep rain and powerful ocean swells. Water flowed from up-country as parched stream beds filled. Thick mud came to rest in coastal flats closing roads. Life slowed way down as we sheltered in our apartment. Schools, businesses and churches closed. During the storm we looked through our second story window, down to the parking lot. It felt as if we were on a cruise ship sailing through flowing water. 

Keawakapu Beach before and after Kona storm (photo 2)

Finally, when blue sky pushed its way through an opening in the clouds, Keawakapu Beach beckoned. We stood in disbelief. Kona had dragged waist-deep sand back into the ocean to the coral reef from where it was born. Lava rocks not visible before, protruded well above the shore.5 We walked, weaving our way along the new beach as thin layers of kinetic grains washed in and out with each wave as before. We wondered, “How long will nature take to renew our beautiful Keawakapu?” With the dark storm now dispersed, somehow the warm sun and blue sky held new meaning. I realized, “Perhaps such storms are what had set Keawakapu on its trajectory to beauty in the first place.” Similarly we emerged from the storm, more understanding, more grateful, in sweet light.

I’ve been battling other kinds of storms, not of addiction or nature’s elements but the pain from wisdom teeth extraction, uncertainty from heart conditions, and uneasiness of not knowing just how some concerns in life will be resolved. With each of these I wondered, “How long will it take to heal?” But, Lehi’s dream and a priesthood blessing helped my faith, patience and confidence. By immersing myself in Nephi’s vision of his fathers dream “and the interpretation thereof…”6 I was reassured and reminded how the Atonement of Jesus Christ (the fruit of the tree) brings peace, and over time can gather, resolve and redeem all that needs to be redeemed. I’m learning to be patient and, “wait upon the Lord,”7 to “see the salvation of God.”8 The fruit of God’s loving plan of happiness and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is indeed white, exceedingly great, and joyful.

With my mouth healing, the Kona storm behind us, and God’s plan a little more clear, gratitude dispelled darkness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I’m grateful for the Book of Mormon which beckons by the power of the Holy Ghost. I’m grateful for Lehi, Nephi, Enos, Alma, Joseph Smith and others who shared their trajectory through darkness to light. I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, our savior, our light and our joy, who beckons us out of darkness with patience into the light.

  1. 1 Nephi 8:4-12, Lehi speaks to his family of his dream ↩︎
  2. 1 Nephi 11:3, “And I said: I desire to behold the things which my father saw.” ↩︎
  3. Healing through the Savior, 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program Guidebook, Step 5 ↩︎
  4. Book of Mormon – Introduction, Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” ↩︎
  5. (See imbedded photos) ↩︎
  6. 1 Nephi 11:11, “And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof…” ↩︎
  7. Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” ↩︎
  8. D&C 123:17, “Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” ↩︎

Seeing with New Ears

A glimpse of the eventual joy of God’s beautifully orchestrated steps

Last week we spoke about knowing Christ more deeply by walking with him, by striving to serve others as he would. We also likened him to wearing hearing aids, hearing and observing again and anew as we purposely enable sounds we have lost or not yet experienced. Please consider this analogy further. 

Wailea Point

It was a pleasant Aloha Saturday morning as Joan and I drove from Wailuku to Wailea. We parked and approached the ocean boardwalk just south of the Grand Wailea resort. The ocean bay was relatively calm and we observed many visitors enjoying the beach, snorkeling, playing in and even walking on water via stand-up paddle boards. This is a familiar scene. However, on this occasion as we approached the sea my legs and feet automatically stopped and I gazed over the prominent white-ginger bushes with their scented white five-peddle flowers. My mind took a moment to correlate what I heard with the perspective that I saw.

With new interest I watched a typical wave brake from the left, and from the right. As the left and right breakers converged in the center in front of me, I saw new interactions and admired the collision with my ears. I could hear millions of droplets I hadn’t heard before breaking on the water in front of the wave. I could hear more clearly the children’s voices and the birds and the breeze and the leaves. After a moment we walked on.

Along Wailea Point I again couldn’t help but stop and stare at the rocks below. The gurgling, spraying, crashing, sound of millions of water droplets hitting the rocks as waves lightly struck. Even the sound of water retreating and dripping and babbling from the rocks back into the ocean gently sustained my attention. I was seeing anew with my ears. It was delightful.

Later we continued our preparations for the next day, Sunday, where in addition to attending our ward and Sacrament meeting, we would also make presentations to Ward Councils in two other wards on Maui. Our assignment was to report Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) progress, provide some basic training to council members, and invite them to invite others in their stewardship that could benefit from the program. A thought occurred that we should invite one or both of our ARP facilitators to attend with us and bear their testimony. We felt this in the spirit of love, love for God, love for our fellow servants, and love for those we serve. We sent the text message invitation and then moved confidently toward the sabbath and our first, early morning ward council. I wish I could share the miracles that occurred that morning, and the day before. Miracles and promptings the Lord was orchestrating even the day before as we enjoyed the boardwalk along Wailea Point. The specifics are private and confidential, but I can say the hand of God was at work blessing lives as we and others did our best to listen to his voice not knowing beforehand what he was doing.

Later that Sunday evening we gathered with a few missionaries to reflect on God’s blessings. Not critical to this story is the fact that I was still in significant pain from the Wisdom teeth extraction I experienced a week before, but still God worked his miracles even in our pain and weakness. I asked for a priesthood blessing and was blessed with great love and peace as my fellow missionaries laid their hands on my head.

These experiences helped me later in the week make some refinements to a new poem, a song I drafted a couple weeks before. It was one of those songs that started with an idea, a thought during scripture study, and how life sometimes overwhelms us and seems to control us and our selfish nature comes out in our behavior. Reviewing the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5 and 6), and pondering recent experiences confirms Jesus’ ability to open our eyes to see new things as we walk with the him, with his aid. 

I’m now sixty-seven years old. I’ve lost some of my hair and some of my hearing. But the audible and spiritual renewals I felt this week gave me a glimpse of the joy one can feel through Christ-like love and service and promptings, even amidst pain, physical and emotional. What I experienced at Wailea may be a tiny glimpse of the joy of the physical resurrection. But what we experienced over that weekend may be even more profound, a glimpse of the eventual joy of God’s beautifully orchestrated steps, his agency-based redemption through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

You Open My Eyes

(Verse 1: The teaching – love your enemy)
You’ve heard it said in days of old, love your friend and hate your foe,
But Jesus said to love and bless those, who persecute the soul.
I fall short of earth and heaven, I don’t turn the other cheek,
My eye-for-eye and tooth-for-tooth ways, don’t bless the poor and meek.

(Verse 2: The teaching – judge righteously)
Now Jesus said don’t judge another, in your eye there is a beam,
The measure that you give your brother, the same you will redeem.
Do some good for one another, as you’d have them do to you,
To enter into Father’s kingdom, His will I need to do.

(Bridge: The struggle)
Life acts upon me o’r whelms me controls me,
I yield to my selfish old way.
Exerting great trust, I do what I must,
I act with His love and the dark turns to day.

(Chorus: Revelation)
You open my eyes, you open my eyes to see,
You open my ears, you open new sound to me,
You open my heart, it changes so I can be,
Like you.

Family, Temples, and Humility

Dear family and friends,

Great news from family this week. Emma, Jaxon, and our grandson Freddie live in Virginia while Jaxon is in medical school. During our weekly family Zoom call, little Freddie was wearing a proud smile and a “big brother” tee-shirt. Emma and Jaxon confirmed with smiles (amidst that look of morning sickness) and pride that their next child is on the way. We are thrilled for them and with the wonderful growing family that we have. On the family text group expressions rang out from siblings like:

Eeeeee!!!!, No way!!! Yay!!!!!, Wahoo!!! Congratulations!!, Hooray! We are so excited for you guys!!!, Oh my gosh… I’m so excited for you!, This is such fun news, Em (except the sickness). Love you!! So excited for you, Yay!! Congratulations! I hope you start feeling better soon, Congratulations Emma we love you!!! Freddie will be the sweetest brother!

Joan and I added, “Congratulations Emma and Jaxon and Freddie! You guys are wonderful.”

This week in Utah has been full — caring for health needs, worshiping in the temple, and reconnecting with family while coordinating our Maui responsibilities from afar.

We are grateful for those who support us and substitute in meetings that we can’t attend in person. The addiction recovery program (ARP) sessions, emotional resilience classes and Sunday School lessons continue with capable facilitators and teachers.

Last Saturday, I took a walk on the Murdock Trail to the Lindon Utah Temple. While listening to the recent BYU Devotional talk by President Dallin H. Oaks, I passed by a couple going the other way that looked familiar. A moment later they turned around and caught up with me. It was Chris Bailey, an associate of mine for many years at BYU Capstone. We had a nice greeting and visit about Capstone, the Temple, family, etc. He is on the high council in the Lindon Utah Stake. In preparation for the new Lindon Utah Temple, he and his wife are called to create videos of stake members expressing feelings about their temple experiences. They gave me the YouTube information for their videos, we shared about our Maui service, exchanged contact information and went on with our walks. Later I watched several of the episodes and felt inspired. We so much look forward to serving, worshiping, and receiving comfort, peace and revelation in our Lindon Temple. (click here for the Lindon Utah Stake, “In the Covenant” episodes)

On Sunday, we tuned in by Zoom to our Ward in Kahului Maui to hear a really good friend of ours speak on his last day in the ward. He has been so inspiring in his service in many capacities. And his sacrament meeting talk was spiritual, scholarly, doctrinal, and inspirational. He is moving to another ward on Maui so we will continue to interact. Mid-day on Sunday we had lunch (homemade soup and sourdough bread) with our son Mike and his wife Becca and their lovely four children. They welcomed us fully. We visited, shared, did crafts, and had a family home evening message. I gave a message on, “How do we do as Jesus taught and love those who are not very loveable or nice.” We had a good discussion and then little Carter insisted that I play guitar so we sang a few Primary songs. I was surprised at how well I did reaching for the right chord progressions. Sunday evening we had dinner with Jana and Brent and family, then went to the Lehi Utah Stake Trek Kickoff Fireside. We are so looking forward to bringing our Maui ward youth to Utah in June to join with Lehi trekking in the mountains east of Heber.

On Monday, Joan and I enjoyed a road trip to St. George for a ‘play.’ On Tuesday we returned via Zion National Parkwhere it was absolutely beautiful for February. Upon our return and in between activities we studied, Come Follow Me, President Oaks recent talk, and scriptures. I found peace and joy studying some Genesis, Isaiah and Nephi chapters, and as prompted by President Oaks, I’m studying Humility (verses listed in the Topical Guide). Later in the week we attended a session at the Saratoga Springs Temple.

Amid travel, family gatherings, and service responsibilities this week, one scripture stayed with me. In Exodus, Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart after the Lord commands through Moses and Aaron to, “Let my people go.” In Exodus 10:1-3 we get this question from the Lord, “How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me?” President Spencer W. Kimball referenced this verse and said, “The monarch (Pharaoh) was obdurate, deceptive, and stubborn. During the suffering of each plague he made the promise, but when relief came, he ignored his promise…” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Years That the Locust Hath Eaten, 1970) While studying this, the spirit whispered to my mind, “Ken, is there anything the Lord would like you to let go of. How long will I refuse to humble myself before the Lord?” I’ve been pondering this and hope I can be humble and let go of less important things or thoughts in favor of the more important things, including commandments and covenants. 

Thanks for reading. God bless you all.

Elder and Sister Hardman

In Everything Give Thanks – God is Good

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.