god – AncestorClips

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 1^st 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 1^st 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):

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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 1^st 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 4^th 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 6^th, 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 7^th 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 8^th 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 9^th, after a very cold night in tents… (To be continued)

Wonderous Experiences this week

Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.

Honolulu Tabernacle

We had an open schedule a week ago so we printed some ordinance name cards, boarded Southwest Airlines and took a temple trip, just Sister Hardman and me to Oahu. Upon landing and before the beautiful journey to Laie, we ventured downtown and toured the famous Honolulu Stake Tabernacle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A kind brother, Family History Library patron, gave us an impromptu tour of the complex which serves as a large gathering place for many wards and branches. Dedicated in 1941, the beautiful Filipino apitong-paneled walls draw reverence and respect. Known by its 141-foot high mosaic of Christ and reflection pool, it is a beautiful place of worship amidst a towering busy city.

Hawaii Laie Temple

Instead of going the shortest way through the tunnels to the north shore, we drove to the east most point of Oahu to see the shoreline. It was a pleasant drive all the way around passing the Halona Blowhole Lookout, then around through Kaneohe and on to Laie. We checked into our hotel, changed, and made our way to the beautiful Hawaii Laie Temple. In addition to the proxy service to others, the endowment and sealings always reward us patrons with new insights, impressions, revelation and peace. In my journal I wrote, “I was very impressed during the endowment and sealings with the boldness and specificity with which God and the universe operates. Apparently two lives, even many lives can’t just be eternally linked without a God given, universe approved power to bind them together.” While waiting between sessions I reviewed the scripture, “It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven.” (see D&C 128:8-11) After the sessions I felt inclined to study related verses. It was a wonderful temple experience, even a “marvelous work and a wonder.” (Isaiah 29:14)

Laie Shoreline

In addition to our serving by conducting several Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meetings, we were served by the spirit in meetings we attended including the adult session of the Kahului Stake conference. President Akanaka, a member of the stake presidency admonished all to, “putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ…” (Mosiah 3:19) He acknowledged that it is a constant battle to think of the things of God, and to be at Peace amidst daily challenges. He asked, “Was Daniel calm before the lions den?” He encouraged us to ask, “What has the Lord done for me today?” and then write it down.

Elder Takashi Wada, our General Authority Seventy asked, “Can the Plan of Salvation answer the problems of our day?” He used Joseph Smiths experience as an example then asked what scriptural verses or statements from leaders has changed you? “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man that this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again,…” (Joseph Smith—History 1:12) He asked us to write down those scriptures that have had this kind of impact on us. (Among others, that prompt led me to 2 Nephi 10:2, “…that they may come to that which will give them the true knowledge of their Redeemer.” I have reflected on this a great deal. It has entered with great force into every feeling of my heart. It has led me to related scriptures, and conference talks. It has given me wisdom and hope). Thanks Elder Wada for this great step-by-step instruction.

Due to General and Stake conferences, we haven’t met with our youth as a Sunday School class for more than a month. We finally got to discuss the Gospel on Sunday in Come, Follow Me. Our topics included the Ten Commandments, the Holy Tabernacle, ancient and modern ordinances, and especially Holiness to the Lord. We love these youth. We are inspired by their faith and comments. We look forward to being with them on Trek soon in Utah. Speaking of Trek, we continue to support our bishopric in being prepared. Our hosts, the Lehi Utah Stake have been so wonderful in their love and support to our group. They are going so out of their way to make our group feel loved and prepared and included. Trek is coming up in June.

For recreation this week we saw the movie, “Michael,” which is played by his amazing nephew Jaafar Jackson. And finally, we are so grateful for the full-time missionary seniors who have been serving on Maui, and who had adopted us service missionaries into their friendship from the moment we arrived a year ago. Several of them are completing their missions soon so we all gathered for a dinner party to visit and enjoy the spirit of the work. Our forever friends, those elders and sisters departing in the next month include David and Neill Marriott (CES), Jeff and Karen Taylor (MLS up-country), and Chris and LaReesa Sherwood (MLS in Hana).

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?⁴I 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 Nephi 8:4-12, Lehi speaks to his family of his dream ↩︎
1 Nephi 11:3, “And I said: I desire to behold the things which my father saw.” ↩︎
Healing through the Savior, 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program Guidebook, Step 5 ↩︎
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.” ↩︎
(See imbedded photos) ↩︎
1 Nephi 11:11, “And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof…” ↩︎
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.” ↩︎
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.

One

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 3^rd 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.’