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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.

We love and feel loved

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Nov. 3, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 20, 2025 – Talk About

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“Daddy, let’s talk about!” When our older children were very young, this is what they would say each night before we’d pray. “Okay,” I responded, wanting to forever encourage open family conversation. “What do you want to talk about?” With raised hands and eyebrows they would exclaim, “What we did today!”

At the end of this letter there is a link to my brand-new song or lullaby, called “Talk About.” I sincerely hope you enjoy it. In the meantime, what shall we talk about in this letter?

We could talk about the wonderful new First Presidency announcement last Tuesday and the blessings that have and will come to individuals, families, the Church and the world under their inspired direction. We could talk about the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) correlation meeting we attended, or the pleasant swim Joan and I took snorkeling in the gentle waves of Keawakapu Beach in Kihei on Wednesday. We could talk about the deeply sensitive ARP meetings we conducted on Thursday and Monday and the touching spirit we felt lifting the brokenhearted as they look to the Savior for help. We could talk about the inspiring stake fireside on Friday where Elder Takashi Wada, General Authority Seventy, spoke deeply about scripture study and the Book of Mormon. We could talk about our Saturday trip to Kapalua and our walk along the D.T. Fleming Beach as waves of sunshine and heavy rain took turns giving life to the ocean and island. We could talk about the pleasant Saturday evening ministering visit to our new ward friends, Tom and Pat Miyamoto learning about their family and their life-long faith. We performed several songs for them that night including ‘Talk About.’ We could talk about our non-member friend Nick who showed up at Sacrament meeting on Sunday and sat with us as we worshipped and listened to the Stake President speak boldly, genuinely and spiritually about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We could talk about teaching our beautiful youth Sunday School class, “Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard for the nations…” (D&C 115:5) (or the long line of kids after Sunday School for Joan’s cherry cheese cupcakes and brownies!)…

But here’s what I’d really like to talk about!

Life has worn me down a bit and Joan thoughtfully and thankfully reminds me that I don’t smile as much as I did when we first met. I am also too quiet at times. As a young missionary my theme scripture was, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13) Back then, I reminded my fellow missionaries every day to ‘keep smiling.’ I love my family and the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ so very much. But I need to do better, amidst life’s difficulties, “[arising and shining forth (with a genuine smile) that Christ’s light] may be a standard for the nations…” The joy I feel is deep. But the spirit often prompts me that this joy needs to surface and be visible in my countenance.

Often while walking along these beautiful Maui beaches I am captivated with the sand, its swirling and tumbling motion in the waves, its composite shape along the shore, its individual grain size and colors, and it’s infinite quantity. I’m deeply impressed with the Earth, the heavens, and all of God’s creations, “innumerable as the stars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them.” (D&C 132:30). Of course in this and similar verses God is speaking of the Abrahamic promise “of his loins…which were to continue so long as they were in the world; and…out of the world…should continue as innumerable as the stars…” Sinking my feet in the sand I reflect on the infinite nature of this promise and yet how personal and intimate God’s relationship is with each of his children. “How many grains of sand are there in that circle,” I asked Joan while swirling my arm in a circular manner down toward the sand? (Joan knows when my engineering mind is probing the universe; her father Ferril Losee was the same way.) “I know the doctrines” I said to Joan, “so why is it so hard to have faith, Godlike faith, for the welfare of people we love?” She listened kindly, and then encouraged me to keep talking. All of a sudden, I just started talking and kept talking as we walked. Joan engaged as well. The spirit moved the conversation to hope, and then to faith, and then to charity and the relationship between these three principles. “I need to have more faith in Heavenly Fathers Plan, especially when I feel down or low for the welfare of someone we love, or the people we serve in the addiction recovery program. Then some familiar scriptures hit me.

“Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness,…that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness…” “…except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place…in the mansions of thy Father…” (Ether 12:28, 34)

“…and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing…” (Moroni 7:44)

“And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoices in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things…

“Charity never faileth…Cleave unto charity…Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever…Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love…” (Moroni 7:45-48)

I’ve always thought my faith to be strong. But the spirit tells me that my hope and my charity, even Christlike love needs a lot of purifying (like the sand) and that I need to ‘talk about’ more intently, sincerely, and purposely with my Father for this love. I suppose that the very things that have ‘worn’ on me over the years are also the very things that can refine me and help me be filled with this love. I’m ready to keep trying.

Thanks for listening. Now, “What do you want to talk about?” Please feel free to reply. In the meantime, please enjoy my new song, “Talk About.”

Sep. 15, 2025 – Trials and Tender Mercies

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While Joan and I have been serving on Maui, my brother Bob Hardman has been busy in retirement driving buses, refereeing soccer, and researching genealogy. During the latter he came across a ‘green temple’ symbol attached to a near relative. For those familiar (or unfamiliar) with FamilySearch.org, this means that the associated person or couple might have some unfinished temple work to be done. The couple is our mothers youngest sister and her husband, our Aunt Dee and Uncle Hal Reddick. When we were young we often visited and played with their children, our cousins. We didn’t have a lot of contact in our adult years. After more research on Hals ancestors, Bob contacted the oldest daughter Karen who confirmed that Dee and Hal had not been to the temple during life and she “was thrilled at the thought of her cousins doing her ancestors and parents temple work. We have her permission,” Bob said in a text to my siblings. After more discussion, plans were made for each of us to do specific ordinances in our local temples where our family members are living or serving missions (Orem, Buenos Ares, Hawaii, Idaho Falls, and Phoenix). After ordinances were performed in the Idaho Falls Temple, those who travelled there met with Karen afterwards. Bob reported, “The six of us visited just like close family… We shared old times and recent times. A closeness was felt, and some emotion shared. Karen seemed to be emotionally overjoyed that her parents work is getting done…” Spiritual experiences were reported by those doing the temple work, and by Karen. She reported to the family on our Griffin Facebook page, “I want to thank our cousins… It means SO much to me for all they are doing and to take the time to care. I am so sure that Mom and Dad are happy and that Grandma Griffin is even more pleased. This family are holding us together. Thank you, Aunt Dot and Uncle Glenn, for teaching your family to love and care…” Dot or Dorothy and Glenn are our parents. Karen’s post brought tears to our eyes.

Since Joan and I were traveling to Utah, Bob planned a session at Saratoga Springs for Hal and Dee’s sealing. As Joan and I knelt across the alter representing my aunt and uncle, the memories of Hal and Dee powerfully flooded my mind and heart. The spirit was tangible and we all knew there was special joy, even cheering among our ancestors that day in heaven.

The above story was a tender mercy in many ways after a painful Utah-local and world-impacting tragic event. We had traveled from Maui to San Diego on Monday, September 8 to visit family before going on to Utah for a couple of doctor’s appointments. While in California we had a joyful time with our daughter Bonnie, her wonderful husband David, and our grandson Dexter. They were so welcoming to us. We drove to Utah on September 10th. Mid-day, we and our whole family received a text from our daughter Melanie that started with, “Hey family, I just wanted to let you all know that I’m safe.” She then reported, “there was a shooting just barely at a public event on campus.” Melanie, as well as our grand-daughter, and a special friend of another grand-daughter are students at Utah Valley University (UVU) and were on campus at the time of the shooting. Melanie was locked down with other students in her building and reported what it was like among students who were getting immediate and graphic information via social media, even before information came to them from the school. Text messages of “shock, compassion, concern, and love” from family members poured back to Melanie on the text stream including status of other family and friends. The students were soon released to leave campus. We tuned in to news sources and the remaining drive through central Utah was heavy on our hearts. We eventually passed by UVU going toward our home where we were able to hug our daughter and get more details. Stating details of the event here is not my desire since the world is likely now tuned in to broadcasts of the latest. For me the days since that loss of life have been hard on my soul and I pray for peace, I pray for our world, I pray for people and leaders to turn to God and be wise and compassionate and to love one-another. We have since been able to hug and spend personal time with each family member who was on campus that day. We are grateful for their physical safety, and now we all work to recover from our emotional wounds.

As part of our therapy, Joan and I took a ride to our local and familiar mountains. We rode the Sundance Resort chair lifts to the top and breathed in Mount Timpanogos, the fresh air, life, beauty, memories, and each other’s company. We felt an extra measure of love for strangers that day we saw along the way. We felt a small tender measure of peace amidst the ashes of the week. We felt increased desire to love and care and be patient.

Back on Maui we are grateful for our friend and Senior Missionary, Elder Jeff Taylor who has substituted during our absence providing addiction recovery support meetings to our friends there. We know that mortality is challenging and that our good and loving Father in Heaven provided a Savior for us who has the power to redeem whatever needs to be redeemed. We know that as we believe in Him, and faithfully follow Him, we can be partakers of that sweet redemption and tender mercies. God bless you all.

Week 19 – August 11 – Our first trip to the island of Lana’i

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I was afraid I might get sea sick on the way to Sacrament Meeting! We rose very early on Sunday and though greeted by a beautiful calm east sky surrounding Haleakala, as we pulled onto the Maalaea dock we were greeted by boulders that had been thrown from the sea into the parking area. We navigated around them on the saturated road and soon learned why they were there. Suddenly an especially large wave broke the peaceful morning and burst over the concrete barrier sending water high into the sky. “We are experiencing a ‘south swell’” the ship crew later told us as we boarded the passenger ferry for Lana’i. The ship was tossed and heaving as we took our seats but became more steady as we departed for the open sea.

On board there were four fire-men passengers going to their three-day shift on Lana’i. One of them, recognizing us by our Sunday clothing and missionary badges befriended us and we engaged in delightful conversation about the Gospel and our work in Addiction Recover support for most of the one-hour trip. “D. Kamalani” it read on his uniform. He was very friendly asking about us and telling about himself and his family. In addition to fire-fighting, David is a sports trainer and author, originally from the islands but living mostly in St. George, Utah where he and his wife raised their family. Like everyone we talk to, David was grateful to hear of the work we are doing for those who suffer from addiction. We exchanged contact information and expressed hope to interact again. (see picture) I occasionally gazed out the window at the ocean and was impressed with how large the swells and valleys were made by ocean currents and overall water movement. The sea seemed alive. Fortunately, no sea sickness!

Getting off the boat at Lana’i we immediately recognized a gentleman in white shirt and tie, Brother Sproat, a member of the branch presidency greeted us warmly and then took us for a one-hour tour of the island in his well-used Toyota Tundra. He stopped the truck at a road-side monument (see picture) giving tribute to the Palawai Pioneers, Hawaiian latter-day saints who attempted a colony there in the 1850’s. He then took us to a view point of the north side including “shipwreck beach” where a large World War II concrete hull tanker ship was run aground and abandoned. In Lana’i City (the word City is a stretch), we arrived at the little chapel where we were greeted with enthusiasm by the missionaries, Sister Watanabe (from Texas) and Sister Salem (from the Philippian’s). We gave them the whiteboard and water bottle sent with us by other missionaries which they received with as much gratitude as though they were receiving their first copy of the Book of Mormon. With grateful surprise we were served breakfast then greeted by branch leaders and members before Sacrament Meeting.

Just before services started, we met Sister Sproat who we had been told could play the piano. We gave here the sheet music to the song we planned to sing, she stepped to the piano, and began to play it as prelude. Yep, she was the right one to accompany us. During the meeting we sang, “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” (Hymn 1014) and felt the Spirit especially during the last verse which we sang A Capella.

The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days.

O may Thy house be mine abode and all my work be praise!

There would I find a settled rest while others go and come—

No more a stranger nor a guest but like a child at Home.”

“When it was our turn to speak, we gave our prepared talks on Jesus Christ as our Advocate with the Father. Joan talk a little about us and introduced our topic. At the end of my message I felt so much love that it was natural to conclude with, “I know we are strangers, but I love you…”

We remained for the second hour where we were given time to show branch members how to find church online resources for addiction recovery. We also attended the weekly branch mission council and were impressed with how many branch members were engaged in the work; clearly the members and the missionaries are well-coordinated. Later we were served lunch which we enjoyed while getting to know the sister missionaries better. They shared all about themselves and their families and their enthusiasm for the work. Brother Sproat loaned us the Tundra. He said the keys were in it and it was available to anyone who needed it. So we took the opportunity to visit the famous cat sanctuary on the island. Sister Hardman was thrilled to hold, and be surrounded by hundreds of her fury friends, kittens, middle-aged, and senior cats. (Due to the therapeutic experience, we are considering recommending cats for Step 13 of the addiction recovery program.)

As our return ferry experience got closer I became nervous again, “What if I get sea-sick? The ocean is always rougher in the afternoon.” We sat in comfortable seats toward the center of the boat, I plugged some music in my ears, closed my eyes and was distracted for the journey back. Phew! No sea-sickness! At Maui, the ‘south swells’ were still big. The crew directed us carefully off the boat, one-by-one down the ramp. We waded through the still drenched parking lot to our car, tried to remove the thick salt spray from our windshield, then drove home. We agreed, “The entire experience was a magical missionary day.”

We concluded the week reflecting on the blessings and changes that come as we interact with people who bless our lives. Earlier in the week we enjoyed Sister Hardman’s cookies and the company of our missionary friends Elder and Sister Taylor admiring a beautiful sunset (see picture) and rise of the full moon over Haleakala. On Saturday, we took time at the sacred Pulehu chapel to play music and to read Elder George Q. Cannon’s journal. Very inspiring! While there, the Pukalani Relief Society arrived to have an activity. We helped them set up and were invited to stay for the event. It was joyful as they are very special people. Their final activity was to learn a hula dance under the giant Jacaranda Tree to the music of Moana, which Sister Hardman and I joined in. (see picture)

On Monday evening, with choice brothers and sisters attending Healing through the Savior, we studied Step 9 of the addiction recovery program. Step 9 is about restitution to persons harmed by our addictions. As we read of Alma and the Sons of Mosiah who went about, “zealously striving to repair…” (Mosiah 27:35) the damage they had caused, and later of Alma teaching his sons to “acknowledge [their] faults…” (Alma 39:12-13), we felt the mercy and power of the Saviors Atonement and “immediate redemption…” (Alma 34:31-32) that can come “as we prepare to meet God.” We have been very blessed this week.

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

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

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

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

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