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| Payson, Utah Temple |
Showing posts with label LDS Church Photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDS Church Photos. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
Hardest Week of My Mission So Far Jan. 19, 2015
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Jesus Teaches Apostles |
Good morning Elder J. Hackleman!
How was your week? Did familia Palomino get confirmed? We are all doing great here. Everyone is healthy. The boys have today off for Martin Luther King Jr. day. They were pretty excited about that! We had a General Priesthood meeting with our new Stake Presidency last night. It was awesome. You will really like them. Pres. Derrick (Stake President) was the Stake Young Men's president. He's like the Dir. of Innovation and Technology at UNO, so he's not afraid to use technology in his training and he relates really well to the young folks. He answered a question that I have always wanted to understand. He said that much of the battle between good and evil happens in our heads. It shouldn't be whether or not there is the absence of the battle, but whether we are battling each day to make progress. If there is a battle, then we know we are on the right side. Anyway, I thought it was pretty interesting because most of the biggest fights you’re going to face are the ones that happen in your thoughts. Not between people!
So you've probably already heard. Seahawks and Patriots in the Super Bowl. We have to start planning our menu! So excited that it's the last one you'll be missing. Maybe you'll be able to watch the next one at home!
What's happening down there? You'll have to let us know when they give you the travel plans. Are there any pictures or stories to share? I put some money in your account. Maybe take your comp out to lunch before he goes home?
Anyway, keep working hard and focused! (I know you will).
¡Te amo hijo!
Papá
Dad,
You would not believe how much that applies to what my week was like. Haha I had literally the craziest week of my mission by far. I just wrote it all down in this email and felt like I shouldn´t send it. I will just tell you about it when I get home because an email just doesn´t cut it. Two more months and I will share it with you.
I cannot believe that the Sea-hawks are going to be super bowl champs for my entire mission! Crazy. I haven´t been informed on travel plans yet. I just know the day. Thanks for sending me some cash! And don´t worry, I always share with my comp. Love you dad!
Dear Elder,
If you don't email us about your week, then you gotta write it down in your journal. Otherwise, you’ll forget the details of why this week was such a challenge!
I love you son. Stay strong and keep wielding the sword!
Papa
Dad,
Yeah it’s in my journal. I will tell you guys about it when I get home. I told mom a little. You know how she can never be left with a cliff hanger like that. Haha
Dear Jaren,
BROOO!!! How's it going??? It's your better looking younger brother again! Sorry I haven't emailed you in a while. How's life in Peru treating you? It's pretty great here. We learned all the choreography for show choir last Saturday and Sunday so now it’s just all about perfecting it haha. It’s pretty great and I’m pretty sure we'll have a performance after you come home so you get to come see me make a fool of myself! But anyways we had our second church ball game Saturday (our first one was two Saturdays ago but I couldn't make it because of the previously mentioned show choir practice). It was fun! We lost by like 20 points but I was the top scorer. I had a shot where I was a foot in front of the free throw line with my back turned to the basket because someone was guarding me, and I turned around and shot a fade away that was pretty sick and it DRAINED!!!! I'll have to show you when you come home haha. But anyways I'm going to play some more basketball so I’ll talk to you later! See ya bro!
Nathan,
Hey buddy! I am glad to hear your shootin hoops. You are a natural you know it? I sure hope you have a swing choir concert when I get home. I can’t wait to see it. Can you believe I am home in only two months???? Good guts, I cant. Haha I sure love you buddy!
Elder Hackleman
On Mon, Jan 19, 2015 at 8:45 AM, Amy wrote:
Dear Elder J Hackleman,
Hello wonderful son of mine. Nathan and Grant do not have school today because it is Martin Luther King day. I was trying to talk them into going to the zoo, but they don't want to. They do have open gym at the church this morning to practice some basketball.
The Laws are officially in Arkansas now. As they drove away on Saturday I realized how much of a hole they are going to leave in my heart. I cried the ugly cry. It made me miss the Hadley's more as well.
I have been working hard on school. I think starting this semester has been one of the hardest things ever. My least favorite class is math, add to the fact that it is January, cold, and depressing, it makes me start to question my motives. I can't help but think bad thoughts, like why am I doing this? I would be very easy to quit, but I'm pressing forward realizing it is only one semester and then I will get to move onto English. I love English. This week my assignment at the beginning of the week was so foreign to me. It has been so long since I thought about estimating I couldn't even remember a thing about it. Luckily Nathan was able to tutor me and teach me a few tricks he had up his sleeve. By the time I went to the Pathway gathering on Thursday, I knew what I was doing and I was even able to help a fellow student who didn't understand it. I keep thinking, one week at a time. I am going to be teaching the class on the 7th week. They asked if anyone in the class knew anything about excel documents. Finally something I feel comfortable with, so I raised my hand. I have been worried about being the lead teacher during the math class but luckily I found my nitch.
During the Christmas holiday we played a serious game of Risk. Maybe we will play that again today. I attached a copy of the picture I took while we were playing.
So, what is happening with you? Are you staying busy? Are you writing in your journal every day telling what the Lord has done for you that day?
How is the weather there?
I sure love you!
Love Mom
Hey momma! Wow, my week was crazy. I can´t even explain it, but anyway, I am doing good. Just pressing along after the hardest week on my mission so far.
That makes me sad that the Laws are gone too. Don´t worry about school. You have a study ethic that can get you anywhere, and some pretty smart sons at home. =) It’s about time we start helping you with your homework once in awhile since that´s what you have done for us our entire lives. On the bright side, in two measly months, I will be home, and I like math a lot! Haha I don´t remember a lot but it will come back to me quick enough I think. I am doing my best to write in my journal. Satan is definitely fighting me really hard in that aspect. I don´t know why, but it just tells me how important it is. That looks like a fun game of risk. Who won? I thought dad didn´t like that game or is it clue? I don´t remember. Haha I love you mom!
Elder J. Hackleman
January 5, 2015 Letters - New Year's Resolution
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What can drop out of your life to make room for something better? |
Dear Elder J. Hackleman,
Well it snowed last night. We got snow on Saturday as well. It's not a lot, but it sure is pretty. So I have a favor to ask you. I have been on one of my remodel kicks painting and beautifying our house. I will send some pictures sometime this week, so by next Monday you should be able to see all the updates I have done. Anyway, I wanted to update some family photos for above the tv so I need a recent picture of you.
So, how are things in Peru? We are trying to get back into the swing of things. The Christmas break was sure nice, but school starts back up today, so my break is over. Everyone is back to our regular schedule now.
We sure had a good day yesterday at church. Relief Society was very spiritual. Sharon Packard taught the lesson based on a talk given by Sheri Dew. It was a lesson about Grace and what that means for us. I felt inspired to challenge the ladies to make a new year’s resolution. It is really a challenge the bishop gave each of us when we were in tithing settlements, but I felt it needed to be reiterated. The bishop asked each one of us to think of something in our lives that we can get rid of, to make room for something better. I took the bishops challenge and added to it. I feel like many of us, have a lot of items in our lives that certainly can drop out. We do not need to be so busy and stressed all the time. I decided to try and make a list of things that can drop out of my life this year, so rather than adding new daily tasks, I am making a list of what can drop out of my daily tasks. What a comforting feeling it is. Then I challenged the women to go to the temple in 2015. If they haven't been before, to prepare themselves and go this year. If they have been, go more often. Whatever their attendance was for the year 2014, double it for 2015.
I kept thinking of the counsel you gave us while we were skyping and I have not been able to get it out of my head. I feel like the Cottonwood ward could become a place of Zion if we all refocused our attention on the temple. So I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful spirit and teaching you have given to me and I am hoping to pass on to all those who will hear me.
Keep up the good work!
Love,
Mom
Hey mom! That is so great that you are challenging the relief society to go to the temple! Remember though that it’s a family commitment so if they are going to go, they need to take their husbands. If their husbands don’t have time or aren´t prepared, the answer is, ´´figure it out!” It is the most important thing we do as members of the church. Challenge them to go to the temple on their date nights as couples. That´s way better. =)
Love You
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Mormon Missionary Brother's Skype Home For Christmas
Since Elder J Hackleman will be coming home from his mission in March and his brother Elder S Hackleman just left on his mission, they will not be able to see each other in person for 3 1/2 years. Twice a year missionaries are allowed to skype home to the family. Once on Christmas and once on Mother's Day. Other than these two times a year, the only contact missionaries have outside their missions is via a once a week email. Because of this, the 1/2 hour skyping time is priceless.
As the mother of both missionaries I have to admit I sat and cried as I watched my two boys talking. Not because I was sad, but because I am so thankful and proud of them. I couldn't be more blessed as a mother. Our family has missed them terribly, but we understand the great work they are doing and wouldn't have it any other way. Our family has been blessed abundantly back at home because of their great service.
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Missionary Name Tags |
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We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly, we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. |
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Elder J Hackleman on the left, Elder S Hackleman on the right. |
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This is my Work and My Glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Moses 1:39We believe in God the Eternal Father, in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in The Holy Ghost. Because of our firm belief in God and the importance of his gospel plan, we feel a deep desire to share it with the world. |
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Elder J Hackleman, Peru Lima West |
“The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ through two basic means.
1. It tells in a plain manner of Christ and his gospel.
2. The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ.
It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, 94–95; or Ensign, May 1975, 64).
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Because of Him - The Meaning of Easter
BECAUSE OF HIM
Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. We can change, we can start over—and we can live again with God. This Easter, celebrate His life and discover all that’s possible because of Him.
Video Provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. We can change, we can start over—and we can live again with God. This Easter, celebrate His life and discover all that’s possible because of Him.
Video Provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Elder Cook Visits Peru
Venezuelan, Peruvian Saints Are “Outstanding,” Says Elder Cook
By Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News assistant editor
11 SEPTEMBER 2013
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, sister Mary Cook, speak to members in Venezuela. Photo by Curtis Anderson.
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve and ElderTad R. Callister of the Presidency of the Seventy traveled to Venezuela and Peru Aug. 16 to 26, meeting with members and missionaries and conducting an area review and priesthood leadership training meetings.
The Brethren were accompanied on the trip by their wives, Sister Mary Cook and Sister Kathryn Callister. They were also accompanied on portions of the trip by members of the Church’s South America Northwest Area presidency: Elder Juan A. Uceda and his wife, Sister Maria Uceda; Elder W. Christopher Waddell and his wife, Sister Carol Waddell; and Elder C. Scott Grow and his wife, Sister Rhonda Grow.
Gallery
In each country Elder Cook and Elder Callister said they met local members and leaders who were “outstanding and spiritually strong” and who “focused on their temple covenants.”
Venezuela
Elder Cook and Elder Callister visited Venezuela, located on the northern coast of South America, on Aug. 16-18. During an adult devotional to a large congregation that was broadcast throughout the country, Elder Cook left an apostolic blessing on the people and country that face many challenges. He also bore witness of the Savior and the Atonement.
Gallery
“I know that there’s been hardship in their lives that are beyond what most of the Saints across the world face,” he said in a discussion with the Church News. “And I felt inspired to talk to them about how the Savior’s Atonement overcomes not only sin and death, not only allows us to have exaltation and salvation, but that it does cover all of the heartache, all of the heartbreak, all of the evils, all of the seeming unfairness of life.”
The Church has a strong and growing membership in Venezuela. The first branch of the Church was organized in the country in 1966 and the Venezuela Mission was created in July 1971. Today the country has some 150,000 members, four missions and a temple, dedicated in 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Elder Cook’s assignment in Venezuela was the first time in many years an apostle could meet with members and conduct large-scale priesthood leadership meetings in the country.
He said “the kindness and the sweet approach” of the Latter-day Saints in Venezuela and their “obvious love of the Savior” was remarkable. Being with them was “a very tender, sweet experience.”
Elder Callister said the Venezuelan Latter-day Saints were “hungry to hear the words of an apostle.”
“They love the gospel and want to be in touch with some of the leaders.”
He added that although many in the country struggle economically “they are happy. They are positive. They are very receptive to all the messages. They had a spiritual hunger in their eyes and their hearts to be fed.”
Because of the political climate in Venezuela, North American missionaries were removed from the country in 2005.
Elder Cook—then executive director of the Church’s Missionary Department—said because native Venezuelan missionaries made up only about 50 percent of the missionary force in the country at the time, the Church looked at consolidating the four missions.
“The leadership in Venezuela said, ‘We know that the Venezuelan missionaries left could only fill two normal-size missions, but please don’t do that. We will rise up, and we will call additional young people and we will fill those missions.’ And they’ve done it.”
Elder Cook said during his recent trip he looked at the missionaries with tender feelings.
“They were spiritually strong and you could just tell that they were fabulous. And the success they’ve been having is rather remarkable,” he said, noting that Venezuela is one of the higher baptizing missions in the Church. “The members support them in a wonderful way.”
He noted that almost every young Latter-day Saint in Venezuela, who serves a mission, does so in Venezuela. “They need the missionaries here and they serve here.”
Many of those young people become leaders in the country when they complete their missions.
Elder Cook called the local leaders “strong.”
In addition, the Caracas Venezuela Temple has been a great blessing, Elder Cook said, noting that he and Elder Callister met one group of local members that had traveled eight hours to get to the temple. “They looked wonderful and they were so excited,” he said. “They are focusing on the covenants they’ve made and they’re renewing those in their sacrament meetings. … They are going forward in a wonderful fashion there.”
Peru
In Peru, a country rich with history, Elder Cook and Elder Callister held numerous member and priesthood leadership meetings and visited seven of the 12 missions in the country during their travels Aug. 19-26.
Peru, located in western South America, was once home to many ancient cultures, including the Norte Chico civilization (one of the oldest in the world) and the Inca Empire. The Spanish came to the area in the 16th century. “The unique thing about Peru is that they have a history that they understand,” said Elder Cook, noting that Church members honor their rich history.
That history also makes local Latter-day Saints more aware of the Book of Mormon. Peruvian Church members “relate to the principles in the Book of Mormon because those teachings could also be found, in many respects, in their own history,” he explained.
Elder Cook’s visit to Peru came shortly after Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve organized the 100th stake in Peru, which took place on June 30.
Peru has more than a half-million members, 12 missions, a temple in the capital city, and plans to build two more — one in Trujillo and one in Arequipa. Only three other nations — the United States, Mexico and Brazil — have reached the 100-stake milestone.
Elder Callister said one of the highlights of the visit to Peru was participating in an area review with the Area Presidency and Area Seventies in the country. “They each made a report on what they are doing in their areas,” he said. “They are men who are articulate and devoted. It was pleasing to see how seasoned the leaders are for the time the gospel has been in Peru.”
During member meetings, Elder Cook told the Peruvian Latter-day Saints that there “needs to be cohesion and love and unity in the family” and that the family needs to sacrifice to help the rising generation.
In addition, he said, the local members not only need to prepare missionaries to enter the mission field, but they also need to help the missionaries assigned to serve in their own areas find teaching opportunities.
“I thought the response was remarkable,” he said.
He taught members that the cooperation between missionaries and Church members is one way the Lord is hastening the work, noting that there will probably be 85,000 missionaries in the field by the end of the year.
“There has never been, in this dispensation or any other dispensation, anything like that,” Elder Cook said.
Elder Cook noted that despite recent economic success in Peru, there are still large numbers of Latter-day Saints who are very poor. “They recognize that what is really important is to have the gospel and to have the blessings of the temple and to know that you can be reunited with your family, with God the Father and Jesus Christ,” he said. “They have that. They know that.”
11 SEPTEMBER 2013
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, sister Mary Cook, speak to members in Venezuela. Photo by Curtis Anderson.
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve and ElderTad R. Callister of the Presidency of the Seventy traveled to Venezuela and Peru Aug. 16 to 26, meeting with members and missionaries and conducting an area review and priesthood leadership training meetings.
The Brethren were accompanied on the trip by their wives, Sister Mary Cook and Sister Kathryn Callister. They were also accompanied on portions of the trip by members of the Church’s South America Northwest Area presidency: Elder Juan A. Uceda and his wife, Sister Maria Uceda; Elder W. Christopher Waddell and his wife, Sister Carol Waddell; and Elder C. Scott Grow and his wife, Sister Rhonda Grow.
Gallery
In each country Elder Cook and Elder Callister said they met local members and leaders who were “outstanding and spiritually strong” and who “focused on their temple covenants.”
Venezuela
Elder Cook and Elder Callister visited Venezuela, located on the northern coast of South America, on Aug. 16-18. During an adult devotional to a large congregation that was broadcast throughout the country, Elder Cook left an apostolic blessing on the people and country that face many challenges. He also bore witness of the Savior and the Atonement.
Gallery
“I know that there’s been hardship in their lives that are beyond what most of the Saints across the world face,” he said in a discussion with the Church News. “And I felt inspired to talk to them about how the Savior’s Atonement overcomes not only sin and death, not only allows us to have exaltation and salvation, but that it does cover all of the heartache, all of the heartbreak, all of the evils, all of the seeming unfairness of life.”
The Church has a strong and growing membership in Venezuela. The first branch of the Church was organized in the country in 1966 and the Venezuela Mission was created in July 1971. Today the country has some 150,000 members, four missions and a temple, dedicated in 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Elder Cook’s assignment in Venezuela was the first time in many years an apostle could meet with members and conduct large-scale priesthood leadership meetings in the country.
He said “the kindness and the sweet approach” of the Latter-day Saints in Venezuela and their “obvious love of the Savior” was remarkable. Being with them was “a very tender, sweet experience.”
Elder Callister said the Venezuelan Latter-day Saints were “hungry to hear the words of an apostle.”
“They love the gospel and want to be in touch with some of the leaders.”
He added that although many in the country struggle economically “they are happy. They are positive. They are very receptive to all the messages. They had a spiritual hunger in their eyes and their hearts to be fed.”
Because of the political climate in Venezuela, North American missionaries were removed from the country in 2005.
Elder Cook—then executive director of the Church’s Missionary Department—said because native Venezuelan missionaries made up only about 50 percent of the missionary force in the country at the time, the Church looked at consolidating the four missions.
“The leadership in Venezuela said, ‘We know that the Venezuelan missionaries left could only fill two normal-size missions, but please don’t do that. We will rise up, and we will call additional young people and we will fill those missions.’ And they’ve done it.”
Elder Cook said during his recent trip he looked at the missionaries with tender feelings.
“They were spiritually strong and you could just tell that they were fabulous. And the success they’ve been having is rather remarkable,” he said, noting that Venezuela is one of the higher baptizing missions in the Church. “The members support them in a wonderful way.”
He noted that almost every young Latter-day Saint in Venezuela, who serves a mission, does so in Venezuela. “They need the missionaries here and they serve here.”
Many of those young people become leaders in the country when they complete their missions.
Elder Cook called the local leaders “strong.”
In addition, the Caracas Venezuela Temple has been a great blessing, Elder Cook said, noting that he and Elder Callister met one group of local members that had traveled eight hours to get to the temple. “They looked wonderful and they were so excited,” he said. “They are focusing on the covenants they’ve made and they’re renewing those in their sacrament meetings. … They are going forward in a wonderful fashion there.”
Peru
In Peru, a country rich with history, Elder Cook and Elder Callister held numerous member and priesthood leadership meetings and visited seven of the 12 missions in the country during their travels Aug. 19-26.
Peru, located in western South America, was once home to many ancient cultures, including the Norte Chico civilization (one of the oldest in the world) and the Inca Empire. The Spanish came to the area in the 16th century. “The unique thing about Peru is that they have a history that they understand,” said Elder Cook, noting that Church members honor their rich history.
That history also makes local Latter-day Saints more aware of the Book of Mormon. Peruvian Church members “relate to the principles in the Book of Mormon because those teachings could also be found, in many respects, in their own history,” he explained.
Elder Cook’s visit to Peru came shortly after Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve organized the 100th stake in Peru, which took place on June 30.
Peru has more than a half-million members, 12 missions, a temple in the capital city, and plans to build two more — one in Trujillo and one in Arequipa. Only three other nations — the United States, Mexico and Brazil — have reached the 100-stake milestone.
Elder Callister said one of the highlights of the visit to Peru was participating in an area review with the Area Presidency and Area Seventies in the country. “They each made a report on what they are doing in their areas,” he said. “They are men who are articulate and devoted. It was pleasing to see how seasoned the leaders are for the time the gospel has been in Peru.”
During member meetings, Elder Cook told the Peruvian Latter-day Saints that there “needs to be cohesion and love and unity in the family” and that the family needs to sacrifice to help the rising generation.
In addition, he said, the local members not only need to prepare missionaries to enter the mission field, but they also need to help the missionaries assigned to serve in their own areas find teaching opportunities.
“I thought the response was remarkable,” he said.
He taught members that the cooperation between missionaries and Church members is one way the Lord is hastening the work, noting that there will probably be 85,000 missionaries in the field by the end of the year.
“There has never been, in this dispensation or any other dispensation, anything like that,” Elder Cook said.
Elder Cook noted that despite recent economic success in Peru, there are still large numbers of Latter-day Saints who are very poor. “They recognize that what is really important is to have the gospel and to have the blessings of the temple and to know that you can be reunited with your family, with God the Father and Jesus Christ,” he said. “They have that. They know that.”
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Do's and don'ts for parents of returned Mormon missionaries - Deseret News Article
Do’s and don’ts for parents of returned Mormon missionaries
By Andy Proctor
For The Returned Missionary
Published: Monday, Nov. 4 2013 6:00 a.m. MST
Updated: Wednesday, Nov. 6 2013 9:48 a.m. MST
If you are a parent or a family member of a missionary who is coming home, you may have had a similar experience. Either way, here are some great pointers for you from a former mission president who has had almost a dozen returned missionaries, not to mention being the mission “parent” of all the missionaries in his mission. The do's and don'ts are direct quotes, and the commentary between is more of my personal interpretation. Please provide feedback. We’re open to more things that help!
1. "DO remember your purpose and their purpose — it is the same. The overarching purpose is the same."
By Andy Proctor
For The Returned Missionary
Published: Monday, Nov. 4 2013 6:00 a.m. MST
Updated: Wednesday, Nov. 6 2013 9:48 a.m. MST
If you are a parent or a family member of a missionary who is coming home, you may have had a similar experience. Either way, here are some great pointers for you from a former mission president who has had almost a dozen returned missionaries, not to mention being the mission “parent” of all the missionaries in his mission. The do's and don'ts are direct quotes, and the commentary between is more of my personal interpretation. Please provide feedback. We’re open to more things that help!
1. "DO remember your purpose and their purpose — it is the same. The overarching purpose is the same."
Though they leave the mission and come home to a new life, we all still have the same purpose: to invite others to come unto Christ and become more like him. Remember that this is what they eat, sleep and drink as a missionary, and it should be the same for us. Don’t be surprised if they still eat, sleep and drink it. Embrace it. Be humble and learn from what they have learned. They have so much to teach.
2. "DO be the kind of adult you want them to be! The bar was raised for them, but it was also raised for you."
2. "DO be the kind of adult you want them to be! The bar was raised for them, but it was also raised for you."
Understand "Preach my Gospel" because that is their language. If you know the language of "Preach My Gospel," you’ll know their language. If you haven’t already, don’t be afraid to pull out the manual and read through it. If you do, it’s guaranteed that your communication with them will improve when they get home.
3. "DON’T treat them like you did before their mission. DO let them be something better and greater than they were before."
Ask them how they think they have changed. Ask them to teach you what they have learned. Remember, they are not the high school kid you knew before. They have been through a rigorous program for 18 months to two years, and there is no way they are the same. The worst thing you could do is let them lose what they have gained on the mission. This may be uncomfortable, but love them enough to let them rise above who they were before their mission. Feel free to share this article with your recently returned missionary about how they can keep the missionary “glow” forever:www.thereturnedmissionary.com/keeping-the-missionary-glow/
4. "DO encourage them in their daily personal prayer and scripture study, and DO hold daily family prayer and scripture study and weekly family home evenings with them."
Support them in keeping the same standards they kept when on the mission. And when they are ready and the circumstances permit, encourage them to go to the family home evening activities in their young single adult wards. Until then, do the best you can to support the standards they lived on the mission. This will bless your home.
5. DON’T let them have a long vacation, but DO strongly encourage them to become anxiously engaged after a short rest."
A happy returned missionary is a busy returned missionary. If you do decide to go on a short family trip or vacation after their mission, this is fine. But when you get back, help them to stay busy. Provide a list of things that they can do that will keep them busy. They are used to working longer hours than a full-time job requires. If they don’t get working soon, it will be quite a shock to them. Don’t be afraid of rest, but help them to keep working hard. Hard work is a good thing. You know this.
6. "DO use a balanced approach in encouraging them regarding dating and marriage, finding a job, getting an education, church service, family responsibility, etc."
Encourage them. Don’t pressure them. They are already used to setting goals and achieving them, but this is a brand new world for them. There will be more articles on this website that will cover many of these subjects such as dating, marriage, employment, education, etc. Just make sure they know they are loved, and, above all, help them remember the highest in themselves, that they are born to be great, and that the best always happens after the mission.
7. "DO lovingly help them to become functioning adults, dressing and acting the part.
They are expected to be adults for two years or 18 months. They budgeted for themselves, shopped for themselves, did their own laundry, cleaned their apartment, paid rent and utilities, went to the doctor and everything else. Don’t take that away from them when they get home. Let them be functioning adults again. Though you should make sure that they get all the medical and dental help when they get home. You also may suggest a new wardrobe for them when they return, but don’t be offended if they don’t want your style advice. Here is a quick post from our blog about why it is a good idea for returned missionaries to refresh their wardrobe, if possible.
8. "DO encourage them to pick one ward to attend and to have a calling in that ward as soon as possible, rather than float between young single adult wards and your home ward."
From the church handbook: “Eligible members may, in consultation with their parents, choose to be members of the YSA ward or to remain in their conventional ward.” (Handbook 2, section 16.4) If you can, encourage bishops to call them immediately as ward missionaries and as temple workers (where possible). Returned Missionaries need the same things as new members: (1) A friend, (2) a calling, and (3) nourishment by the good word of God.
9. "DO encourage them to attend their sacrament meeting and other meetings as well as the temple and institute, every week."
10. "DON’T encourage them to participate in worldly media, movies or video games they missed while on the mission."
DO strongly encourage them to follow the standards and guidelines found in "For the Strength of Youth" and "Preach My Gospel." The worst thing you could do for them is to show them the five best movies they missed while they were gone. Remember the “For the Strength of Youth” booklet doesn’t just apply to youth. The standards are the same for returned missionaries and for parents and families of returned missionaries as well. Consider these words from the first presidency:
"Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit."
If one of the top five best movies that came out while they were serving a mission has anything that is vulgar, violent or pornographic in any way or that portrays immorality or violence as acceptable, none of us should be watching it. If it is family tradition to have a movie night together, that is wonderful! Just choose wisely, and not just with your recently returned missionary.
This is in no way a comprehensive list, but these are good guidelines to follow, and, above all, follow the promptings of the Spirit to help you to know how you can be a springboard for your returned missionaries and not a stumbling block.
3. "DON’T treat them like you did before their mission. DO let them be something better and greater than they were before."
Ask them how they think they have changed. Ask them to teach you what they have learned. Remember, they are not the high school kid you knew before. They have been through a rigorous program for 18 months to two years, and there is no way they are the same. The worst thing you could do is let them lose what they have gained on the mission. This may be uncomfortable, but love them enough to let them rise above who they were before their mission. Feel free to share this article with your recently returned missionary about how they can keep the missionary “glow” forever:www.thereturnedmissionary.com/keeping-the-missionary-glow/
4. "DO encourage them in their daily personal prayer and scripture study, and DO hold daily family prayer and scripture study and weekly family home evenings with them."
Support them in keeping the same standards they kept when on the mission. And when they are ready and the circumstances permit, encourage them to go to the family home evening activities in their young single adult wards. Until then, do the best you can to support the standards they lived on the mission. This will bless your home.
5. DON’T let them have a long vacation, but DO strongly encourage them to become anxiously engaged after a short rest."
A happy returned missionary is a busy returned missionary. If you do decide to go on a short family trip or vacation after their mission, this is fine. But when you get back, help them to stay busy. Provide a list of things that they can do that will keep them busy. They are used to working longer hours than a full-time job requires. If they don’t get working soon, it will be quite a shock to them. Don’t be afraid of rest, but help them to keep working hard. Hard work is a good thing. You know this.
6. "DO use a balanced approach in encouraging them regarding dating and marriage, finding a job, getting an education, church service, family responsibility, etc."
Encourage them. Don’t pressure them. They are already used to setting goals and achieving them, but this is a brand new world for them. There will be more articles on this website that will cover many of these subjects such as dating, marriage, employment, education, etc. Just make sure they know they are loved, and, above all, help them remember the highest in themselves, that they are born to be great, and that the best always happens after the mission.
7. "DO lovingly help them to become functioning adults, dressing and acting the part.
They are expected to be adults for two years or 18 months. They budgeted for themselves, shopped for themselves, did their own laundry, cleaned their apartment, paid rent and utilities, went to the doctor and everything else. Don’t take that away from them when they get home. Let them be functioning adults again. Though you should make sure that they get all the medical and dental help when they get home. You also may suggest a new wardrobe for them when they return, but don’t be offended if they don’t want your style advice. Here is a quick post from our blog about why it is a good idea for returned missionaries to refresh their wardrobe, if possible.
8. "DO encourage them to pick one ward to attend and to have a calling in that ward as soon as possible, rather than float between young single adult wards and your home ward."
From the church handbook: “Eligible members may, in consultation with their parents, choose to be members of the YSA ward or to remain in their conventional ward.” (Handbook 2, section 16.4) If you can, encourage bishops to call them immediately as ward missionaries and as temple workers (where possible). Returned Missionaries need the same things as new members: (1) A friend, (2) a calling, and (3) nourishment by the good word of God.
9. "DO encourage them to attend their sacrament meeting and other meetings as well as the temple and institute, every week."
10. "DON’T encourage them to participate in worldly media, movies or video games they missed while on the mission."
DO strongly encourage them to follow the standards and guidelines found in "For the Strength of Youth" and "Preach My Gospel." The worst thing you could do for them is to show them the five best movies they missed while they were gone. Remember the “For the Strength of Youth” booklet doesn’t just apply to youth. The standards are the same for returned missionaries and for parents and families of returned missionaries as well. Consider these words from the first presidency:
"Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit."
If one of the top five best movies that came out while they were serving a mission has anything that is vulgar, violent or pornographic in any way or that portrays immorality or violence as acceptable, none of us should be watching it. If it is family tradition to have a movie night together, that is wonderful! Just choose wisely, and not just with your recently returned missionary.
This is in no way a comprehensive list, but these are good guidelines to follow, and, above all, follow the promptings of the Spirit to help you to know how you can be a springboard for your returned missionaries and not a stumbling block.
Monday, August 26, 2013
This week from Elder Hackleman
Elder Hackleman,
Hello, How is your week going? I had the privilege of speaking in church yesterday. I think I did ok. They had me give an update of how you are doing.
This Thursday we are having a special meeting at the stake center with a general authority. The ward council members are invited. All the stakes from the area will be coming. They are planning on the building being full. Should be fun:)
First Quorum of the Seventy Elder Lynn G. Robbins
I saw an article in the news this morning about how they are using drones to find cool monuments in Peru. I will put the story on your blog. It's kind of fun:)
We are starting to gear up for General Conference. I can't believe how much anticipation I always have for Conference. I can't wait to hear the latest and the greatest from the Church authorities. Will you be watching it at the church or how will you see conference? I remember Joel did not get to see it at all when he was on his mission. They had to wait until the conference ensign issue came out. I took the best notes I could and pouch mailed him the talks. Oh, how times have changed:)
Well, I sure love you!
Love, Mom
Good guts those are some handsome boys!!!! Nathan has my number and my cleats AND my hands!!!!! Haha Thats awesome. No mom sorry, I have no clue where my gloves are.
In regards to conference, yeah we all watch it as a stake in the stake center. Apparently, in the past, the gringos go on splits and go upstairs to watch it together in english and they usually splurge and buy some snacks and drinks to sneak up there so we make sure were alert and attentive.
For real though, I feel the same way. I have never been so excited to hear from general authorities as I have been lately. We had a multi mission conference on saturday. The Lima North and Lima West mission went and listened to Elder Tad R. Callister from the Presidency of the 70 and Elder Grow from the Area 70. It was so awesome. They talked about a bunch of awesome stuff. Elder Callister can’t speak spanish so he had a translator there to help him. The whole experience was awesome.
I am sure your talk was awesome! And I´m glad you guys had fun with the laws! It is cold here! Ok not cold but definitely not hot like Omaha right now.
Monday, 26
63° 57°
Mostly Sunny
precip 0%
Haha I love you guys. I have some awesome pics this week. The goofy one is to show all the weight I´ve lost. I´m down 4 belt loops from the MTC! Haha and it’s not because I’m starving don’t worry. I must have a tape worm or something I don’t know haha
Hello, How is your week going? I had the privilege of speaking in church yesterday. I think I did ok. They had me give an update of how you are doing.
I know your dad talks a lot about the boys football so I will not tell you the same things, but just send you pictures.
Nathan is pretty excited he has number 89. He is such a mini Jaren. His humor and mannerisms have been shocking me lately. It's like you are in the room ha ha.
We went over to the Laws last night for dinner. They had a bunch of food from the baseball tournament this weekend. We had a great time. Tim cooked us all Philly Cheese sandwiches. Yum!
So, do you know where your receiver gloves are? Nathan would love to use them, but we haven't been able to find them anywhere. Did you hide them away somewhere special? Ha Ha.
This week the temperature is suppose to be in the upper 90s all week. We are melting. At night it is only getting down to about 75. Seth's game on Friday is going to be a hot one.
Nathan is pretty excited he has number 89. He is such a mini Jaren. His humor and mannerisms have been shocking me lately. It's like you are in the room ha ha.
We went over to the Laws last night for dinner. They had a bunch of food from the baseball tournament this weekend. We had a great time. Tim cooked us all Philly Cheese sandwiches. Yum!
So, do you know where your receiver gloves are? Nathan would love to use them, but we haven't been able to find them anywhere. Did you hide them away somewhere special? Ha Ha.
This week the temperature is suppose to be in the upper 90s all week. We are melting. At night it is only getting down to about 75. Seth's game on Friday is going to be a hot one.
This Thursday we are having a special meeting at the stake center with a general authority. The ward council members are invited. All the stakes from the area will be coming. They are planning on the building being full. Should be fun:)
First Quorum of the Seventy Elder Lynn G. Robbins
I was looking through my purse this morning and found the last two Chick Fil A cards. I didn't even know I had any left. Score! I will have a sandwich today for you:)
I saw an article in the news this morning about how they are using drones to find cool monuments in Peru. I will put the story on your blog. It's kind of fun:)
We are starting to gear up for General Conference. I can't believe how much anticipation I always have for Conference. I can't wait to hear the latest and the greatest from the Church authorities. Will you be watching it at the church or how will you see conference? I remember Joel did not get to see it at all when he was on his mission. They had to wait until the conference ensign issue came out. I took the best notes I could and pouch mailed him the talks. Oh, how times have changed:)
Well, I sure love you!
Love, Mom
Good guts those are some handsome boys!!!! Nathan has my number and my cleats AND my hands!!!!! Haha Thats awesome. No mom sorry, I have no clue where my gloves are.
In regards to conference, yeah we all watch it as a stake in the stake center. Apparently, in the past, the gringos go on splits and go upstairs to watch it together in english and they usually splurge and buy some snacks and drinks to sneak up there so we make sure were alert and attentive.
For real though, I feel the same way. I have never been so excited to hear from general authorities as I have been lately. We had a multi mission conference on saturday. The Lima North and Lima West mission went and listened to Elder Tad R. Callister from the Presidency of the 70 and Elder Grow from the Area 70. It was so awesome. They talked about a bunch of awesome stuff. Elder Callister can’t speak spanish so he had a translator there to help him. The whole experience was awesome.
I am sure your talk was awesome! And I´m glad you guys had fun with the laws! It is cold here! Ok not cold but definitely not hot like Omaha right now.
Monday, 26
63° 57°
Mostly Sunny
precip 0%
Haha I love you guys. I have some awesome pics this week. The goofy one is to show all the weight I´ve lost. I´m down 4 belt loops from the MTC! Haha and it’s not because I’m starving don’t worry. I must have a tape worm or something I don’t know haha
 |
This goofy picture is to show 4 belt loop sizes Down |
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Mormon Missionary Dies
Mormon missionary's brother shares miracle preceding his death, pays tribute to his life
Photos
Yet by the time my mom arrived in Dallas, Josh's progress had taken a turn for the worse. Due to swelling of his brain resulting from the concussion, Josh's lungs and heart began to fail. After all the doctor's efforts to resuscitate him, Josh passed away at 11:15 p.m. on Monday.
In the days that followed Josh's death, many friends and family arrived at our home to offer their condolences. In each visit, the comforters become the comforted as my dad shared the tender mercies he and my mom saw in Josh's passing.
"When the Lord showed us the miracle recovery of Josh's back, he let us and everyone that prayed for Josh know he heard our prayers. There's no doubt about that. But God knew it was Josh's time, so once he'd shown us, he called Josh home," my dad said.
For the third child in our family, Elder Denny Burton, who reported to the MTC on the same day as Josh and who now serves in the Belgium Netherlands Mission, the gospel of Jesus Christ gives the right perspective to his grief. "I've always known the gospel plan was true. So I realize this isn't a test of my faith, it's just a test of my patience."
Josh was the second oldest of nine children and was homeschooled through elementary, middle and high schools . Upon his return from missionary service, he planned on studying music and business.
Josh's two maxims were "life is music" and "live life to the fullest," and he worked hard to put these into practice. As a young teenager, Josh first discovered the magic of Fredric Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu" and began filling his life with classical mentors like Beethoven, Grieg, Ravel and Rachmaninov.
From that point forward, Josh drank, ate and breathed classical music. As an accomplished pianist, he began composing for the piano, and in the summer of 2010, Josh packed Cardston's Carriage House Theatre for his first concert of his own compositions. Josh moved his audience from laughter to tears as he shared both the excitement and the depth of feeling he found in music. To the delight of his audience, he even did a back flip in his suit pants and dress shoes.
That same year, Josh produced and distributed his first CD, "Sketches," which he made available on YouTube and iTunes. He then went door to door in Cardston and surrounding communities, selling his CDs to earn money for his mission.
In his compositions, Josh sought to express what mattered most to him, feelings he could only describe through music.
"If you listen, really listen," Josh promises in his CD's dedication, "I think you will hear something more than just notes on a piano, something deeper within the music. And my hope is that you will be better for having heard it."
In all of his endeavors, Josh's goal was to uplift others. On one occasion, a mother in Cardston saw a young man walk past her little girl in the yard. Several minutes later, the mother saw the young man return, hand her girl an ice cream cone and walk on. When she asked her daughter, "Who was that?" she replied, "Josh Burton."
During his lucid moments in the hospital, Josh's chief concern was for his investigators and fellow missionaries.
"He kept asking for his planner," Dr. Cameron said.
At his funeral on Monday, a table displayed many of Josh's personal articles. In the center were his missionary shoes, worn and cracked from so much walking, calling to mind President Kimball's declaration, "My life is like my shoes, to be worn out in service."
As Josh's older brother, I find it nearly impossible to paint the life of my best friend in so few words. Yet those who knew Josh will attest that his life was his message. He loved deeply, lived fully and served faithfully.
I am proud of my three brothers serving as missionaries: one in the Netherlands, one on his way to Mexico and one wherever God may send him.
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