Jesus Christ – AncestorClips

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 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.

Amazed and Astonished

Whether small or great, amazing or astonishing, we are experiencing a marvelous work and a wonder.

Haleakala south side

On the extreme south side of Haleakala, along the up-country Piilani Highway far beyond the Ulupalakua Ranch, the volcano is typically very dry, very brown. But not this year. We have driven this road many times and were recently astonished at new life, even thick green grasses that covered the ten-thousand-foot-high mountain. Recent fierce Kona storms awakened seeds to life. It is beautiful. We were amazed.

Each Saturday morning we hold a special Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) meeting called, “Spouse and Family Support,” for those whose lives have been adversely impacted by the choices of loved-ones. This week the Lord orchestrated a change to bless someone far from home. None of our regular attendees came as each had been drawn to activities elsewhere. A few minutes after the appointed hour, a new-comer came through the door. “Is this the 12 Step meeting?” he asked. We shook our heads and kindly said that it was, “Spouse and Family Support.” His frown and drooping eyelids indicated disappointment. We introduced ourselves and learned a little about him. The spirit prompted us to pivot. “Our other guests are not here so let’s have a 12 Step meeting, right now.” He looked encouraged and said, “Could we do Step 4?” On the spot we moved forward with the meeting. We knew that this carpenter, working temporarily on Maui needed support on his day off, this very Saturday. The meeting went well and meaningful sharing took place.

Not anxious to leave, he asked about places nearby to eat. We made a few suggestions, but he still lingered, even engaging with ward members who were conducting fundraising in the parking lot. He even returned for the fundraising dinner that evening. We stand all amazed when it is clear that God knows the situations and needs of all his children, and gently orchestrates his miracles in our lives.

Fundraising car wash

Regarding the youth fundraiser, advertising and lively signage holders on the curb in front of the meetinghouse drew many for the event. “Somewhere between fifty and eighty,” was the response when we asked how many cars were washed by the youth and advisers. “Wow. And the rummage sale?” In addition to visitor purchases, one of our ward members jokingly said, “Yah, we’re all buying each other’s stuff!” The chicken lunch sale was also a big success followed by the well-advertised, “Expensive Spaghetti Dinner,” held that night. Sister Hardman and I were part of the entertainment. Like a wagon train circled on the prairie at night, we stood in the center of the cultural hall and enthusiastically sang several songs from our old, “Hardman Pioneer Band” repertoire, Joan on the violin, me with my guitar. Following the dinner we ‘rounded up’ everyone in pioneer fashion and square danced to, “Oh, Johnny Oh,” “Heal-toe-polka,” and “Virginia Reel.”

Fundraising dinner

Elder and Sister Hardman performing

Heel Toe Polka – all ages

On Sunday morning we presented ARP training at the Kihei 1^st Ward Council. We bore testimony of God’s hand at work in the lives of all his children and reflected on amazing scriptures that evidence personal divine love. Including “When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed…” (Isaiah 53:10). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) “Who for the joy set that was set before him, he endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2) “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind… he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people… that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people…” (Alma 7:11-12). We invited each council member to do their part inviting and encouraging others toward Healing through the Savior.

On Sunday we experienced an example of this divine succoring. Sister Wada from our ward felt inspired to call on another ward member. The latter had been in a pedestrian accident while walking her dog and was suffering and recovering from a multiple fractured leg. Sister Wada called us because of our special friendship with this sister, so we went to show our love. The full-time missionaries came with us and a priesthood blessing was provided. She was grateful.

On Monday we experienced more of the Saviors love as we conducted our weekly in-person ARP meeting. In addition to several regular attendees, we felt wonderful at the return of someone we hadn’t seen for a while, as well as a new-comer, all who participated fully in the reading and sharing. At the conclusion of the meeting I offered my testimony of the Savior. On the wall of the high council room is the well-known picture of the Savior before his ascension, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). As I opened my mouth it occurred to me that Jesus was making a plea for them to make the good news known regarding what he had done for all of Gods children, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Surely with power and great love, after having “seen his seed” and “[knowing]… how to succor his people,” he was anxious for all to Come unto Him.

Go ye into all the world (churchofjesuschrist.org)

In conclusion, there is a simple frequent experience that amazes us. It happens when in conversation with someone, local or tourist, member or non-member. When we tell them what we do they get attentive and quiet. Subdued, and with a gentle nod, they say softly, “Thank you.” Reading their eyes we know addiction has touched them or special people they know. They respond with sincere gratitude for being instruments in the hands of the Lord for Healing. We testify that the Lord heals, a healing that is part of what Isaiah, and Nephi called, “a marvelous work and a wonder.” (Isaiah 29: 14, 2 Nephi 27:26) Like rain on the leeward side of Haleakala, the power of Christ brings life, hope and peace to his followers, his seed.

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.

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.’

Resilient and Refined

As each wave broke over the rugged lava-rocks, a distinctive clatter emerged from the retreating swell. Pausing for a moment on the black-sand beach, the unique sound explained the contrasting smooth pebbles beneath our feet. The next wave broke and then again the sound of tumbling pebbles beneath the water, nature invisibly refining from rough to smooth, from rugged to pearl-like. It was partly-cloudy and warm at Waiʻānapanapa State Park

near Hana. Many were enjoying its beauty, some from the trail, some swimming in the water, and others exploring a near-by lava tube open to the sea.

We enjoyed the day with my brother Bob and his wife Chris who spent the week with us. On this and other days of sight-seeing we hiked to Iao Needle and waded in the stream. We were greeted by two large green sea turtles at Dragons Teeth, had a whale sighting over Honomanu Bay, took in spectacular sea-scapes on the Ke’anae Peninsula, and some banana-bread Halfway to Hana. Our visit to Waiʻānapanapa included talking to other visitors from Utah (which frequently happens because most of my casual shirts say “BYU Capstone” on them). Bob was anxious for a big hot dog so we journeyed to the food trucks in Hana.

Our service this week included two sessions of the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), one session of ARP Spouse and Family Support, Sunday Come Follow Me class, and our first session of the course, Finding Strength in the Lord – Emotional Resilience. Like the invisible, below the surface refinement of the rough lava rock at Waiʻānapanapa, each of our service opportunities refines us and those we serve, even below the surface, to become the pearls of great price God desires us to become.

In Come Follow Me class we studied Moses 6. Gathered in a circle on Sunday we divided the youth into small groups and gave them a few verses to read and then respond to related questions. What did God ask Enoch to do? What was Enoch’s response? How did the Lord help Enoch? What did Enoch teach? We were impressed and grateful for their thoughtful and profound responses. These are too are refining moments. Later Sister Hardman and I with Bob and Chris watched the podcast, ‘followHIM’ and learned more about these doctrinally powerful chapters. We were deeply impressed with the final verses in Moses 6 and what they teach about spiritual re-birth into the Kingdom of God including, “even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten;…” and this immediate promise of hope, as well as hope in the next life, “…that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory…” (Moses 6:59) God wants us to have hope and joy, now.

During our ARP sessions this week we also observed visible and invisible refinement as our friends ‘work the steps’ of recovery. Step 10 is, “Continue to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.” This daily accountability builds us with honest self-appraisal and open’s “ourselves to Christ’s redeeming power.” As we allow the Lord to refine our thoughts, feelings and heart, our behavior will change. I notice that I too can do much better at spiritually preparing for each day by prayerfully planning, following through, and then giving an accounting to my Father in Heaven at the end of each day. Very key to this step and refinement is daily repentance, turning from old ways to correct ways. “As we repent, we discover the truth that repentance is not a sad, restrictive ordeal but rather a joyful and liberating experience that we look forward to embracing.”

We held our first session this week of the Self-Reliance course called, “Emotional Resilience.” We have been preparing for weeks getting the word out through priesthood channels and digital flyers. We hoped that we would get at least 10 to come. Tuesday night we had 22 participants plus the service missionaries. Elder and Sister Marriott did a wonderful job facilitating lesson 1, “Building Emotional Strength in the Lord.” Using readings, videos, and discussion this lesson explains what emotional resilience is, how accepting challenges is part of God’s plan, using agency to act responsibly, experiencing the blessings of change, and expressing gratitude daily. Many new acquaintances and friendships were started that night. We are grateful that so many have a desire to receive help from the Lord to be resilient and refined in the challenging times that we live in. Next week we’ll split the group into two so more meaningful dialog can occur.

Like the initially invisible pebbles of the black sand beach, Sister Hardman and I have daily opportunities to be refined in our faith, our repentance, our character, our relationship, our obedience, our love and in our understanding of God and his plan for our salvation. We are grateful for the love we feel toward everyone we meet, everyone we serve, and our love for each other and for God. Of the truth of these things we bear testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

2026 – Off to a Good Start

Upon our return from Utah to our Maui home, we had one day to prepare for the arrival of family from California, David, Bonnie, and Dexter. We had a wonderful time being with and hosting them. And they had a wonderful time as well. More on their visit in a moment.

Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meeting attendance was down a little during the holidays but our first two meetings this year were well attended. We are very grateful for Senior Missionary, Elder Jeff Taylor for the excellent and sensitive job he does conducting the meetings when we are away. “Addictions don’t take holiday’s,” they say so we continue with the support meetings right on through holidays. Sister Hardman and I were grateful to be with our friends in Christ again and to support them in their efforts to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ to empower them to recover.

We are currently on Step 7 of, “Healing through the Savior.” As written in the manual, and as recited by participants, “All the previous steps have prepared us for this step. Step 1 helped us to be humble and admit we were powerless over our addictions. Steps 2 and 3 helped us have enough faith and confidence in the Lord to ask Him for help. Our inventories from step 4 helped us see our characters and behaviors more clearly. Working step 5 demonstrated our courage to be honest with God, ourselves, and another person. Step 6 helped us become ready and willing to let go of our character weaknesses. We are now ready to take step 7…Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove our shortcomings.”

Each week as we read the manual together, then hear what each participant wants to share, we feel profound compassion, sometimes heartbreak, experienced wisdom, and anxious pleas for God’s help. We are blessed hearing strong and heartfelt testimonies when a participant gets to that point where they know the Lord has blessed them. The Atonement of Jesus Christ takes on powerful meaning and purpose when individuals and relationships move in the direction of healing.

We also teach Sunday School to the older youth in our ward. Picture a small classroom table in the middle of a large classroom surrounded by fifteen to twenty chairs filled with youth who are of a variety of cultures and who are attentive and reverent. Sister Hardman and I sit around the circle with them and we all try to participate as equals. A week ago the Come, Follow Me topic was, “The First Testament of Jesus Christ – Introduction to the Old Testament.”

“When you think of the Old Testament, perhaps one of the oldest books in the world, what stories do you remember?” We engaged the students with, “How do these stories point us to Jesus Christ? That will be our goal this year, to learn to read scriptures and see how they point us to Christ.” One young man answered, “Jonah.” So we turned to Jonah and read the story. We then turned to the New Testament to see Jesus telling others directly how to see Him in that story. A young woman on my right mentioned, “Manna from heaven.” So we read from Exodus and then from the Gospel of John where Jesus told them who the bread of life is. I made a point to thank the young men in the room for administering the sacrament to us the previous hour. Other class members mentioned stories and we read the story and how they point to Christ.

The time was limited but we touched on a few other points mentioned in Come, Follow Me, then bore testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, prayed, and concluded the meeting. We love these kids.

While not in ARP and Church meetings we hosted and had fun with our family from California. With our seven-year-old grandson, they wanted to spend a lot of time on the beach and in the water. Several times we took them to our favorite beach on the island, Keawakapu in south Kihei. The corral rich sand is beautifully consistent and pleasant to walk on. The waves are gentle for families. The palms provide morning shade, and the people are very pleasant. We brought sand chairs, umbrella and tools to build sand-castles. On another day we explored the Dragon’s Teeth ancient lava flow reaching out into the powerful waves of the north shore at Kapalua. We visited the wonderful, “Maui Ocean Center,” with its many aquariums of sea creatures, educational exhibits and opportunities to learn about life common to this area of the pacific.

We ascended the 175 steps to the lookout for the natural and historic Iao Needle which towers above Iao Valley not far from Wailuku and Kahului. We all waded in the natural stream and enjoyed God’s creations in this beautiful place. We journeyed to the south end of the island, crossing lava flows from several hundred years ago to walk coastal trails rich with shells, strong winds, a blow hole, and a few goats. We then removed the hiking shoes returning to the beautiful beaches of Makena and Wailea to play and observe the sunset. Our time together included meals and delicious places, food-trucks, extremely good ice cream at Roselani’s in Paia, and goats milk chocolates at the up-country Surfing Goat Dairy farm.

At the end of their vacation it was hard to get them on the airplane. We didn’t want them to go and they didn’t want to leave. It was blessing to have them with us. After saying goodbye, Sister Hardman and I went to Costco for a hotdog, then to a furniture store to get a new bed. While there we met a worker, Brian, who after making the sale wanted to tell us his stories of rescue and service and good-will. We listened! On Saturday evening we had dinner with our friends, Elder and Sister Marriott. They are a joy to be with. We took a two mile walk with them in the dark observing Jupiter and a few constellations. On Sunday we worshiped with our ward members who we have come to love.

The year is off to a good start.

Miracles in His time and in His way

“Jesus Christ is always focused on us and in these challenging times we must stay focused on Him. As our advocate with the Father we are certain our name crosses their lips and because of Jesus’ Atonement and God’s great love and wisdom discuss how to succor us in our crosses, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, help each of us within our agency in the best way and timing.” We have born this testimony over and over again in Sacrament meetings throughout Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i; the scriptures and the spirit witnessing the truth to our hearts and souls.

We also bear this testimony in various forms to our friends in addiction recovery as we read together and work through the 12 Steps, Healing through the Savior. We have witnessed ‘beauty for ashes’ (Isaiah 61:3), growth from despair, power from Jesus Christ. And even though there is sometimes unfortunate relapse, we know that God never gives up but picks us up where we are and helps all move forward if we will. And we have seen that those who keep coming back to him, He has their back and keeps bearing burdens and providing ‘rest to your souls.’ (Matthew 11:28-29) It is an amazing experience when we feel or are with someone else who feels tears of sorrow swallowed up in tears of joy with little time lapsing between tears. I wonder if that’s part of what Jesus felt in the garden and on the cross. (Hebrews 12:2)

In confidence we don’t provide names, but one friend recently offered a very sacred prayer on behalf of another. Weeks ago we met him when in darkness and fear, about to lose so much. Now, by continuously seeking and applying the Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Christ and the power of God, has returned. Yes, we are seeing miracles in God’s time and in His way. We also meet with those who have been hurt by a loved one in addiction. We are seeing miracles in their lives also.

We are also finding ourselves in other opportunities to bless, and be blessed by others. We keep an eye out for other senior couples in the wards who are looking (or should be looking) for opportunities to serve as senior missionaries. We have met several such couples and enjoy our social relationships and gospel conversations. For example, we had a lovely day last week with our friends, Brian and Jodi Sadleir, getting to know them (and their pups Lucy and Bella) while on the beach, and getting to know them more while relaxing in their pool and eating steak at their home. They have already served a service mission in Heber, Utah. They have deep faith and testimonies and are praying for a missionary service opportunity that will work for their situation here in Hawaii. We are certain God will bless them in their journey. We anxiously encourage all seniors to serve!

We pray continuously for those in need. This includes our own children who also bear various crosses in their lives. We are confident that Heavenly Father and Jesus are focused on each of them and within their agency are being encouraged and loved and comforted and helped. Our compassion for our own children is helping us feel and express compassion to our friends in recovery, and in turn, our experience in the addiction recovery program is helping us feel and express and hopefully bless our own family.

It is Christmas time. On Saturday evening we provided transportation to two sisters in our ward who don’t have vehicles and took them to our ward Christmas Party. Wow, these people know how to celebrate with details and quantity. The food, the attendance, the entertainment, and the socializing was exceptional for a ward party. The entire full-size cultural hall was filled with beautifully decorated round tables surrounded by families and friends of all local cultures. Joan and I performed a couple numbers at the beginning, “Were You There on that Christmas Night,” and, “What Child is This.” There was a professional ukulele singer throughout the prelude and eating time. The primary children pulled-off an amazing nativity scene while singing, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. There were two hula numbers. The first by the sisters of our ward, and the second, jazzier, by the sisters of our ward Marshallese Group. The Elders Quorum topped it off with a rousing, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Then a special guest came with a gift for all the children. Did I mention the food? Well, it was wonderful.

On Sunday, Joan and I spoke in the Waiehu Ward and had the privilege once again to bear testimony of the Savior as our Advocate with the Father and once again feel the love of God and the power of the Holy Ghost. Having given this prepared talk a number of times, I said a silent prayer before my turn and ask Heavenly Father to take over and help me say what he wanted. He did so. The word “cross” came to mind and at the beginning of my talk acknowledged that we all carry various crosses. Jesus knows of these crosses and bears them with us.

During our own sacrament meeting in the Kahului 1^st Ward we provided the special musical number, “Come, Lord Jesus.” We always have visitors in our meetings. We invited a visiting couple, the Standrings, to join us that evening with our friends for a night of nativity and caroling. That night we gathered at the Jeffrey home for a readers theater about Jesus’ birth, snacks, visiting, caroling, and a little concert by Elder and Sister Hardman. It was fun, spiritual, and joyful.

Merry Christmas.

Beauty for ashes, the Oil of Joy for Mourning

Fall on Haleakala

Sister Hardman with aging Silverswords on Haleakala

Nene on Haleakala

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

Sister Hardman sweetening each week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.