Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Two Missions to repopen in July
KSL, a local news station, reported that the First Presidency had announced the reopening of two missions in two African nations after the Ebola crisis had been taken care of. Effective July 1, mission presidents that have already been called will reopen the missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia. And missionaries will finally be sent back to those two nations. 274 missionaries and their leaders had been removed from these nations last August. Now that the Church is reopening these missions, missionary work can begin again in earnest. I was touched by this news. I can't wait to see what results from this important development in the works. Miracles abound, and the Lord is so good to His work.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Church gives update on health of President Thomas S. Monson
I came across this next news item about the health of President Thomas S. Monson while I had some down time at work. I'm not sure whether to believe it or not. I'm torn. On the one hand, the article in question makes reference to a Church news release I can't find anywhere, so I don't want to believe it. On the other hand, it appeared in several reputable newspapers (the Salt Lake Tribune being one of them), so how can I do otherwise but believe it? I will let each of you form your own opinions.
The article quotes a Church news release. The release purportedly says, "President Monson is 87. It's natural that he
and others in church leadership are feeling the effects of advancing
age. However, he spoke publicly at General Conference [last] month and
attended all the meetings. He comes to the office every day, attends all
First Presidency and committee meetings, leads the discussion and makes
decisions."
"The statement, the first to address directly
Monson's health, also noted that 'the workload of the First Presidency
is up to date.'
"President Monson has always been private about
his health, but appreciates the prayers and sustaining
support of church members, as do all of the First Presidency and the
[Quorum of the] [T]welve [Apostles]."
The news release goes on to state that prophets are called for life and never released simply due to the effects of aging. Some (mostly Church dissidents) have proposed that an emeritus status be implemented for all apostles (at age 90). But this is not the Lord's pattern. Apostles serve to their very last breath. And it is a wonderful system that allows us to draw upon "the wisdom of the ancients" for as long as the Lord wants them to remain with us. I felt certain that President Monson would live to break President Hinckley's record as oldest living prophet, but now, in light of this article, I don't know what to believe or hope for. One thing I am certain of. President Monson will serve until his very last breath, whenever that may be. And I for one still accept and sustain him as our prophet today, no matter what anyone else says.
Now you have the facts about this, insofar as they are in my possession. On to the next post!
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Area Leadership Assignments announced for 2015
The Church has announced area leadership assignments for 2015 that will be effective on August 1, 2015. Last year's assignments were highlighted in the August 2014 Ensign. The changes effective will be highlighted in the August 2015 Ensign. But while we wait for that to happen, I wanted to post about them. I only include in my personal list those seventies who will experience a change in their assignment. There are no changes to report in the Presidency of the Seventy. In August, Ronald A. Rasband will mark 10 years in the Presidency, which is significant, as members of the Presidency of the Seventy typically serve 5-7 years. He marked 5 years as the Senior President of the Seventy over April General Conference weekend, which is likewise significant. None of the Presidency are turning 70 or even close this year.
That said, here are the changes, followed by a couple of comments on them.
First Quorum of the Seventy:
That said, here are the changes, followed by a couple of comments on them.
First Quorum of the Seventy:
Yoon Hwan Choi (who completes a two-year assignment as
president of the Seattle Washington Mission in July) will be the new Second
Counselor in the Asia North Area.
Edward Dube will be released as Second Counselor in the
Africa West Area.
Larry J. Echo Hawk will be released as Second Counselor
in the Philippines Area.
David F. Evans will be the new Second Counselor in the
Africa West Area.
Carlos A. Godoy will be the new Second Counselor in the
South America Northwest Area.
C. Scott Grow will be released as Second Counselor in the
South America Northwest Area.
Allen D. Haynie will be the new Second Counselor in the
Philippines Area.
Paul V. Johnson will be the new First Counselor in the
Europe Area.
Patrick Kearon, the former First Counselor in the Europe
Area, will be the new President.
Jörg Klebingat, the former Second Counselor in the Europe
East Area, will be the new First Counselor.
Michael T. Ringwood will be released as President of the
Asia North Area.
Jose A. Teixeira will be released as President of the
Europe Area and will be the new Second Counselor in the South America South
Area.
Francisco J. Viñas, the former Second Counselor in the
South America South Area, will be the new First Counselor.
Scott D. Whiting, the former Second Counselor in the Asia
North Area, will be the new President.
Kazuhiko Yamashita (who completes a two-year assignment
as president of the Japan Nagoya Mission in July) will be the new First
Counselor in the Asia North Area.
Jorge F. Zeballos will be released as First Counselor in
the South America South Area.
Second Quorum of the Seventy:
Wilford W. Andersen will be a new Co-Supervisor in the
Middle East/Africa North Area.
Koichi Aoyagi will be released as First Counselor in the
Asia North Area.
Randall K. Bennett will be released as First Counselor in
the Europe East Area.
Bruce A. Carlson will be released as Co-Supervisor in the
Middle East/Africa North Area.
Larry S. Kacher will be released as Co-Supervisor of the
Middle East/Africa North Area and will be the new Second Counselor in the
Europe East Area.
Larry R. Lawrence will be a new Co-Supervisor in the
Middle East/Africa North Area.
A couple of comments on this. There will be a likely reshuffle at Church headquarters. Elder David F. Evans, who will take an assignment as Second Counselor in the Africa West Area, currently serves as Executive Director of the Church Missionary Department. Elder Paul V. Johnson, who will take an assignment as First Counselor in the Europe Area, currently serves as the Commissioner of Church Education. In my early predictions for next conference, I predicted that Elder Wilford W. Andersen, who will take an assignment as Co-Supervisor in the Middle East/Africa North Area, would be released from the Second Quorum of the Seventy in October, along with the others who had been called to that quorum in 2009. I guess I was wrong. At least about Elder Andersen. So there you have it. Area Leadership Assignments for 2015. More to come in the next post.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Montreal Quebec Temple Rededication Announced/Star Valley Wyoming Temple Groundbreaking/Temple Progress
The First Presidency today announced the rededication date for the Montreal Quebec Temple. The 86th operating temple will have an open house from November 5-November 14, not including Sunday November 8. The open house date range surprised me because it is only 9 days. But I guess that's enough time for that area. A cultural celebration will be held on Saturday November 21, and the temple will be dedicated the next day in three sessions.. As with other temples dedicated this year, the dedication services will only be broadcasted to saints within the temple district. The temple serves saints in Quebec and Ontario Canada and the US state of Vermont. This brings the number of temples that will be dedicated or rededicated this year to seven, with one more possible (Provo City Center). Depending on whether or not the new Provo temple gets dedicated this year, next year we could see as many as 10 temples dedicated or rededicated.
Also, I neglected to report that ground was broken for the Star Valley Wyoming Temple last Saturday by Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy. It is anticipated that the temple will be completed in mid-2017.
This puts its anticipated completion date ahead of that of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple. The anticipated Brazilian temple has experienced delays in the commencement of construction initially because of local opposition that the Church had to get around. Once that was quelled, it had to be redesigned to fit in with the city's plans for the area in which it will be built. Only just now is a construction team being assembled. So hopefully the Church will be able to meet its goal of completing it by sometime in 2018, if not sooner.
As I mentioned before, all but five temples announced have a site announced. (Urdaneta Philippines, Durban South Africa, Abidjan Ivory Coast, Port-Au-Prince Haiti and Bangkok, Thailand.) Of the temples that have had a site announced, three are very close to having a groundbreaking announced. (Tucson Arizona, Cedar City Utah, and Concepcion Chile). The remaining six announced could have their groundbreaking either this year or next year.
Also, the Church News has started posting about those called as new temple presidents for this year. Except for those temples that will be completed at some point this year, all new temple presidents will begin serving on or around November 1. Not counting any temple presidents that may be announced in the latest edition of the Church News that will be featured in the Deseret News tomorrow, 15 new temple presidents have been called thus far.
After having given the above updates, I feel it appropriate to post the latest edition of my list about temple construction progress. It's something I enjoy doing very much, and it is my hope that this list can be informative and instructive to my readers. All temple status updates are reworded from information on ldschurchtemples.com, which, though it is not an official Church website, nevertheless has all the latest information about temples. Since the webmaster of this site has a pipeline to Church headquarters, I trust the site implicitly, though some may be unwilling to trust it at all because it is not an official website of the Church.
That said, here's the list:
Temples Undergoing Renovation:
Also, I neglected to report that ground was broken for the Star Valley Wyoming Temple last Saturday by Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy. It is anticipated that the temple will be completed in mid-2017.
This puts its anticipated completion date ahead of that of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple. The anticipated Brazilian temple has experienced delays in the commencement of construction initially because of local opposition that the Church had to get around. Once that was quelled, it had to be redesigned to fit in with the city's plans for the area in which it will be built. Only just now is a construction team being assembled. So hopefully the Church will be able to meet its goal of completing it by sometime in 2018, if not sooner.
As I mentioned before, all but five temples announced have a site announced. (Urdaneta Philippines, Durban South Africa, Abidjan Ivory Coast, Port-Au-Prince Haiti and Bangkok, Thailand.) Of the temples that have had a site announced, three are very close to having a groundbreaking announced. (Tucson Arizona, Cedar City Utah, and Concepcion Chile). The remaining six announced could have their groundbreaking either this year or next year.
Also, the Church News has started posting about those called as new temple presidents for this year. Except for those temples that will be completed at some point this year, all new temple presidents will begin serving on or around November 1. Not counting any temple presidents that may be announced in the latest edition of the Church News that will be featured in the Deseret News tomorrow, 15 new temple presidents have been called thus far.
After having given the above updates, I feel it appropriate to post the latest edition of my list about temple construction progress. It's something I enjoy doing very much, and it is my hope that this list can be informative and instructive to my readers. All temple status updates are reworded from information on ldschurchtemples.com, which, though it is not an official Church website, nevertheless has all the latest information about temples. Since the webmaster of this site has a pipeline to Church headquarters, I trust the site implicitly, though some may be unwilling to trust it at all because it is not an official website of the Church.
That said, here's the list:
Temples Undergoing Renovation:
26. Mexico City Mexico Temple: Scheduled to be rededicated
Sunday September 13, 2015.
86. Montreal Quebec Temple: Scheduled to be rededicated
Sunday November 22, 2015.
91. Suva Fiji Temple: Anticipated to be completed in early
2016.
33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Anticipated to be completed in
mid-2016.
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Anticipated to be completed in
late 2016.
Under Construction:
145. Cordoba Argentina Temple: Scheduled to be dedicated
Sunday May 17, 2015.
146. Payson Utah Temple: Scheduled to be dedicated Sunday
June 7, 2015.
147. Trujillo Peru Temple: Scheduled to be dedicated Sunday
June 21, 2015.
148. Indianapolis Indiana Temple: Scheduled to be dedicated
Sunday August 23, 2015.
149. Tijuana Mexico Temple: Scheduled to be dedicated Sunday
December 13, 2015.
154. Provo City Center Temple: Projected to be completed in
late 2015-early 2016.
150. Rome Italy Temple: Projected to be completed in mid-2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Projected to be completed
in mid-2016.
156. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Projected to be completed
in mid-2016.
151. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Projected to be
completed in mid-to-late 2016.
152. Sapporo Japan Temple: Projected to be completed in late
2016.
157. Paris France Temple: Projected to be completed in late
2016.
158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Projected to be completed in
mid-2017.
159. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Projected to be completed
in mid-2017.
153. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Projected to be completed in 2018.
Announced:
167. Tucson Arizona Temple: Construction approval phase;
general contractor selected; groundbreaking pending.
169. Cedar City Utah Temple: Local government approval
phase; site plan presented at January 2015 meeting; groundbreaking pending.
160. Concepcion Chile Temple: Approval phase; temple and
site design plans complete; groundbreaking pending.
161. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Planning and approval phase;
land purchase finalized; groundbreaking pending.
168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Planning and approval phase;
final piece of land for temple site acquired; groundbreaking pending.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Planning and approval
phase; temple and site designs complete; groundbreaking pending.
163. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase;
groundbreaking pending.
166. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Planning
and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.
170. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Planning and approval
phase; groundbreaking pending.
162. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval
phase; awaiting official site announcement.
165. Durban South Africa Temple: Planning and approval
phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
172. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
173. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
I think I've "sounded off" enough about temple news for now. It's late, and I need to get to bed. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying my blog posts still. Stay tuned for a general update that will be written either tomorrow or Sunday. Thanks for your readership. I love being able to share my thoughts about my life and Church news with all those interested. Until I write again, all the best!
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
PDF of May 2015 Ensign is available
I am pleased to be able to announce that the PDF of the May Ensign is now available. Featured for the first time is a page containing highlights from the conference. Also, from this conference Ensign on, the General Women's Meeting will be featured first, as it is now officially the first session of General Conference. Before each Conference Ensign comes out, I make predictions about what the table of contents will look like. I then compare it to the table of contents in that Ensign and put the corrections in parentheses. I will include my latest one to demonstrate what I'm talking about.
Possible Table of Contents for May 2015 Ensign
I am constantly intrigued by how close and yet how far I come to what actually happened with the predictions I make. The most surprising thing about this table of contents: I didn't think President Monson's Sunday Morning talk would only take up 2 pages. I predicted 4. His talk was shorter than I thought. I am hoping and praying that by next conference, he will be able to give his standard 4 addresses, even if he doesn't speak at the General Women's meeting, which I am predicting he will since he didn't last time. When President Eyring spoke instead, I wondered if President Monson did that so he could speak at the October meeting when we mark the official 20th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." At any rate, I am glad for the way the table of contents turned out, and I can hardly wait for the actual physical magazine. I was so excited to see the PDF version finally available after waiting for it for several days that I just had to post. I hope I am not considered a weirdo for all these predictions I like to make. If I am, well, the shoe fits, so I'll wear it. Thanks for reading this post, friends!
Possible Table of Contents for May 2015 Ensign
(Text in Parentheses indicates what actually was)
Session
|
Page
|
Title
|
Speaker
|
2
|
Conference Summary for 185th Annual General
Conference
|
||
3
|
Indexes
|
||
(4)
|
(Highlights from the 185th Annual General
Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
|
||
GW
|
4
(8)
|
Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth
|
Cheryl A. Esplin
|
7 (11)
|
The Family Is of God
|
Jean A. Stevens
|
|
10 (14)
|
Defenders of the Family Proclamation
|
Bonnie L. Oscarson
|
|
14 (17)
|
The Comforter
|
President Henry B. Eyring
|
|
SAM
|
18 (22)
|
“Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?”
|
President Henry B. Eyring
|
22 (26)
|
The Plan of Happiness
|
President Boyd K. Packer
|
|
25 (29)
|
We’ll Ascend Together
|
Linda K. Burton
|
|
28 (32)
|
The Parable of the Sower
|
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
|
|
32 (36)
|
Choose to Believe
|
Elder L. Whitney Clayton
|
|
35 (39)
|
Why Marriage and Family Matter—Everywhere in the World
|
Elder L. Tom Perry
|
|
SAA
|
38 (43)
|
The
Sustaining of Church Officers
|
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
40 (45)
|
Church Auditing Department Report, 2014
|
Kevin R. Jergensen
|
|
41 (45)
|
Statistical
Report, 2014
|
Brook P. Hales
|
|
42 (46)
|
Therefore They Hushed Their Fears
|
Elder David A. Bednar
|
|
46 (50)
|
Why Marriage, Why Family
|
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
|
|
50 (54)
|
The Music of the Gospel
|
Elder Wilford W. Andersen
|
|
53 (56)
|
Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying
|
Elder Dale G. Renlund
|
|
56 (59)
|
Truly Good and without Guile
|
Elder Michael T. Ringwood
|
|
59 (62)
|
The Lord Is My Light
|
Elder Quentin L. Cook
|
|
SPH
|
63 (67)
|
The Greatest Generation of Young Adults
|
Elder M. Russell Ballard
|
67 (70)
|
Yes, We Can and Will Win!
|
Elder Ulisses Soares
|
|
70 (77)
|
Fatherhood—Our
Eternal Destiny
|
Larry M. Gibson
|
|
77 (80)
|
On
Being Genuine
|
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
|
81 (84)
|
Priesthood
and Personal Prayer
|
President Henry B. Eyring
|
|
85 (88)
|
The
Priesthood—a Sacred Gift
|
President Thomas S. Monson
|
|
SUM
|
89 (91)
|
Blessings
of the Temple
|
President Thomas S. Monson
|
93
|
Returning
to Faith
|
Rosemary M. Wixom
|
|
96
|
Seeking
the Lord
|
Elder Jose L. Teixeira
|
|
98
|
Is
It Still Wonderful to You?
|
Bishop Gerald Causse
|
|
101
|
Waiting
for the Prodigal
|
Elder Brent H. Nielson
|
|
104
|
Where
Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet
|
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
|
|
108 (107)
|
The
Gift of Grace
|
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
|
SUA
|
112 (111)
|
Preserving
Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom
|
Elder Robert D. Hales
|
115 (114)
|
Stay
by the Tree
|
Elder Kevin W. Pearson
|
|
118 (117)
|
The
Eternal Perspective of the Gospel
|
Elder Rafael E. Pino
|
|
120 (119)
|
Thy
Kingdom Come
|
Elder Neil L. Andersen
|
|
124 (123)
|
If
You Will Be Responsible
|
Elder Jorge F. Zeballos
|
|
127 (126)
|
Be
Fruitful, Multiply and Subdue the Earth
|
Elder Joseph W. Sitati
|
|
129
|
The
Sabbath is a Delight
|
Elder Russell M. Nelson
|
|
72
|
General Authorities and General Officers of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
||
133
|
Conference Story Index
|
||
134
|
(They Spoke to Us:) Making Conference Part of Our Lives
|
||
136
|
News of the Church
|
||
144
|
Last Page of Conference Ensign
|
I am constantly intrigued by how close and yet how far I come to what actually happened with the predictions I make. The most surprising thing about this table of contents: I didn't think President Monson's Sunday Morning talk would only take up 2 pages. I predicted 4. His talk was shorter than I thought. I am hoping and praying that by next conference, he will be able to give his standard 4 addresses, even if he doesn't speak at the General Women's meeting, which I am predicting he will since he didn't last time. When President Eyring spoke instead, I wondered if President Monson did that so he could speak at the October meeting when we mark the official 20th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." At any rate, I am glad for the way the table of contents turned out, and I can hardly wait for the actual physical magazine. I was so excited to see the PDF version finally available after waiting for it for several days that I just had to post. I hope I am not considered a weirdo for all these predictions I like to make. If I am, well, the shoe fits, so I'll wear it. Thanks for reading this post, friends!
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
LDS Church Approves Electronic Method to Submit Tithes and Other Charitable Donations/Supreme Court Hearing Arguments on Same-Sex Marriage
Two major things I want to discuss with this post. First, the Church has approved an electronic method for members in the United States to pay tithes and other offerings. Also, the United States Supreme Court is hearing arguments on same-sex marriage. Let's get down to business!
The Church has approved an electronic method for members in the United States to pay tithes and other offerings. This method has been beta tested in areas of the United States and will soon be available for all members in the US. Local leaders will be informed when it is available in their area. This is an exciting development. It means that tithing and other offerings can be paid from a bank account in addition to the old-fashioned method of cash, checks, and currency. It will cut down on the work the ward financial clerk has to do. As a former ward financial clerk myself, I can't begin to articulate what this means to me. It will eliminate the need for clerks to try and read different types of handwriting. Of course, members can still submit their offerings the old-fashioned way. But this will be a more effective method of tracking donations. And this isn't just for members. Anyone with an LDS account in the United States, member or not, can donate to any of the Church's funds. I can't predict how many not in the Church will take advantage of this, but I do hope that someday this may be a Church-wide development. More to come on this as information becomes available.
Also, the Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments on the legality of same-sex marriage and determining whether it should be an issue decided by individual states or not. Most of you know that I am in favor of traditional marriage between a man and a woman and that I believe this is the only type of marriage sanctioned by God. I believe the Bible when it says, "For this cause shall a MAN leave his father and mother and cleave unto his WIFE and they twain shall be one flesh." I would be pleased if the court decided that this issue should be left in the hands of individual states and voters to decide. A majority of Utah voted for traditional marriage when the issue was decided here, but a federal judge took it upon himself to reverse the majority decision and make same-sex marriage legal in 30 states, whether that ruling was wanted or not. I believe that a majority of people in the United States favor traditional marriage. This belief has been solidified by the fact that the LDS Church was just ONE of several entities, religious or not, who joined together to send an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of traditional marriage. The church's position is firm and will not change, no matter what the world does or what the court decides. Utah leaders have appealed to the court of last resort to not have to recognize or perform same-sex marriages. But that appeal has failed. This issue will have nation-wide impact. Whatever the ultimate outcome is, I hope we can all be respectful in our discourse about the issue. I hope I have not offended anyone by stating my opinion. If I have, though, so be it. I don't believe I should have to keep silent on an issue important to me simply because it might offend someone. And since I am using this blog to "sound off" about important topics to me, I wanted to give my perspective on a potentially life-changing and game-changing issue. You can be sure to find the latest on this issue here.
I am grateful for these two important developments. I was anxious to share my opinion on both with this post. And now I have. I think I have "sounded off" enough for today. I will try to post on Saturday, if not before, with a general update. So much has happened since my last general update that I need to fill all of you in on. But life has caught up with me in a major way and I haven't had much time to write that update. So hopefully I will get to it then. Until I write again, all the best!
The Church has approved an electronic method for members in the United States to pay tithes and other offerings. This method has been beta tested in areas of the United States and will soon be available for all members in the US. Local leaders will be informed when it is available in their area. This is an exciting development. It means that tithing and other offerings can be paid from a bank account in addition to the old-fashioned method of cash, checks, and currency. It will cut down on the work the ward financial clerk has to do. As a former ward financial clerk myself, I can't begin to articulate what this means to me. It will eliminate the need for clerks to try and read different types of handwriting. Of course, members can still submit their offerings the old-fashioned way. But this will be a more effective method of tracking donations. And this isn't just for members. Anyone with an LDS account in the United States, member or not, can donate to any of the Church's funds. I can't predict how many not in the Church will take advantage of this, but I do hope that someday this may be a Church-wide development. More to come on this as information becomes available.
Also, the Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments on the legality of same-sex marriage and determining whether it should be an issue decided by individual states or not. Most of you know that I am in favor of traditional marriage between a man and a woman and that I believe this is the only type of marriage sanctioned by God. I believe the Bible when it says, "For this cause shall a MAN leave his father and mother and cleave unto his WIFE and they twain shall be one flesh." I would be pleased if the court decided that this issue should be left in the hands of individual states and voters to decide. A majority of Utah voted for traditional marriage when the issue was decided here, but a federal judge took it upon himself to reverse the majority decision and make same-sex marriage legal in 30 states, whether that ruling was wanted or not. I believe that a majority of people in the United States favor traditional marriage. This belief has been solidified by the fact that the LDS Church was just ONE of several entities, religious or not, who joined together to send an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of traditional marriage. The church's position is firm and will not change, no matter what the world does or what the court decides. Utah leaders have appealed to the court of last resort to not have to recognize or perform same-sex marriages. But that appeal has failed. This issue will have nation-wide impact. Whatever the ultimate outcome is, I hope we can all be respectful in our discourse about the issue. I hope I have not offended anyone by stating my opinion. If I have, though, so be it. I don't believe I should have to keep silent on an issue important to me simply because it might offend someone. And since I am using this blog to "sound off" about important topics to me, I wanted to give my perspective on a potentially life-changing and game-changing issue. You can be sure to find the latest on this issue here.
I am grateful for these two important developments. I was anxious to share my opinion on both with this post. And now I have. I think I have "sounded off" enough for today. I will try to post on Saturday, if not before, with a general update. So much has happened since my last general update that I need to fill all of you in on. But life has caught up with me in a major way and I haven't had much time to write that update. So hopefully I will get to it then. Until I write again, all the best!
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Elder Richard G. Scott released from hospital; Elder L. Tom Perry's cancer treatment continues
Hello, friends! Posting here with a vital update on the health of the two brethren I mentioned in my last post. The Church announced that Elder Richard G. Scott has been released from the hospital after being observed since Thursday evening for gastrointestinal bleeding. He will continue to recuperate at home. In the meantime, Elder L. Tom Perry is continuing with his cancer treatment and receiving general authority visitors and conducting his Church business at home.
I am grateful that these brethren continue to recover. The thought of losing either of them was enough to make my heart ache. I have been keeping them in my prayers, as have many of you, I'm sure. I still couldn't say how long any of the 15 apostles may be with us, but one thing I am sure of. True to the words of scripture, they all have been "sanctified by the spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." And it will continue to be so until the Lord sees fit to call them home. Whether that be in the near or distant future, let us give heed to their words while we have them and their wisdom upon which to draw. Let us never forget that they have been "called of God by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." Their words are truly "scripture, . . .the will of the Lord, . . .the mind of the Lord,. . .the word of the Lord, . . .the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.” Truly, "whether it is by [His] own voice, or by the voice of [His] servants, it is the same."
I pray that we will always remember these truths, and I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I am grateful that these brethren continue to recover. The thought of losing either of them was enough to make my heart ache. I have been keeping them in my prayers, as have many of you, I'm sure. I still couldn't say how long any of the 15 apostles may be with us, but one thing I am sure of. True to the words of scripture, they all have been "sanctified by the spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." And it will continue to be so until the Lord sees fit to call them home. Whether that be in the near or distant future, let us give heed to their words while we have them and their wisdom upon which to draw. Let us never forget that they have been "called of God by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." Their words are truly "scripture, . . .the will of the Lord, . . .the mind of the Lord,. . .the word of the Lord, . . .the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.” Truly, "whether it is by [His] own voice, or by the voice of [His] servants, it is the same."
I pray that we will always remember these truths, and I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Apostolic Health Update: Elder L. Tom Perry to undergo cancer treatments; Elder Richard G. Scott Hospitalized
More on the health of two of our apostles was revealed today on the news. Elder L. Tom Perry has been diagnosed with cancer in his thyroid gland. He began chemotherapy treatments this morning. In the meantime, Elder Richard G. Scott was hospitalized yesterday night with gastrointestinal bleeding. He is past the worst of it and is reported to be resting comfortably in the hospital.
This announcement on the news at noon broke my heart today. I sat silently weeping for several minutes after hearing about all this. I mentioned before how hard it is for me to see the brethren I have loved and sustained for so long having such difficulties as they near the end of their lives. It gave me pause to think, "Am I giving sufficient heed to these brethren who might not be around much longer to uplift and inspire us?"
I look at the apostles serving in our day. President Monson has his health challenges that go with his almost 88 years of age. In addition to his diabetes, he is now also dealing with whatever kept him from speaking more frequently during general conference weekend at the beginning of this month/ President Packer is dealing with a recurrence of his childhood polio. Elder Perry now has cancer. Elder Nelson, Elder Oaks, and Elder Ballard are still by all reports healthy. Elder Scott has had this gastrointestinal bleeding. Elder Hales has his health challenges which have kept him from attending and speaking at several general conference as he served as a seventy, Presiding Bishop of the Church, and now as an apostle. Elder Holland, President Eyring, President Uchtdorf, Elder Bednar, Elder Cook, Elder Christofferson, and Elder Andersen are by all accounts still doing well, though President Eyring did suffer a sprained ankle soon after taking on his current assignment as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
President Eyring will be 82 next month. Elder Bednar celebrates his 63rd birthday in June. President Monson will be 88, Elder Perry will be 93, Elder Oaks and Elder Hales will be 83, and Elder Andersen will be 64 in August. Elder Cook will be 75 and President Packer and Elder Nelson.will be 91 in September. Elder Ballard will be 88 in October, and Elder Scott turns 88 and President Uchtdorf will be 75 in November. Elder Holland will be 75 in December. Elder Christofferson marked his 70th birthday in January.
It is sobering to think about how many of these 15 brethren may be called home in the next several years. Many of them have already exceeded the anticipated life expectancy. The face of Church leadership could change drastically at any moment. Many have suggested that a kind of "emeritus status" should be put into place much like the emeritus status of members of the First Quorum of the Seventy. They miss the mark because only the Lord controls when the tenure of an apostle ends, unless he falls into apostasy and is excommunicated. However, that's not something I foresee happening anytime soon. Each of the brethren is much more likely to serve the remainder of his life. How long that will be for each of them is known only to the Lord.
As I mused upon these things today, the thought came to my mind that I'm glad the Lord is in charge. If it were up to me, I might be tempted to prolong the lives of these good men, and that's not the Lord's plan. As terrible as it is for me to say, based on what I know about these men, I thought that, due to their health, Elder Hales and President Packer would be the first to be called home. Now with Elder Perry and Elder Scott's illnesses, particularly when talking about cancer and gastrointestinal bleeding, I don't know what expect. But I take comfort that the Lord controls the death dates of his apostles. And I feel certain that when each of these men is called home, the Lord will put in his stead someone equally as wonderful, who we will love and sustain as fully as we did those who passed on.
I testify of a perfect system of succession that allows us to draw upon the wisdom of the ancients for as long as the Lord wills it to be so. I testify that this is the Lord's work, that He is in control, and that if we leave those we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators in His hands, everything will work out in the Lord's due time. I testify that He leads His work under inspiration given to these men, and of the vital importance in giving heed to their words while they are with us and even after they depart. Periodically I have taken time to review conference talks given by brethren who are now on the other side of the veil. And their words still move me as fully as they did when they were alive. There is power in the priesthood of our Lord and those who exercise it in overseeing this work under His inspiration. The Lord is in control, and all is well. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This announcement on the news at noon broke my heart today. I sat silently weeping for several minutes after hearing about all this. I mentioned before how hard it is for me to see the brethren I have loved and sustained for so long having such difficulties as they near the end of their lives. It gave me pause to think, "Am I giving sufficient heed to these brethren who might not be around much longer to uplift and inspire us?"
I look at the apostles serving in our day. President Monson has his health challenges that go with his almost 88 years of age. In addition to his diabetes, he is now also dealing with whatever kept him from speaking more frequently during general conference weekend at the beginning of this month/ President Packer is dealing with a recurrence of his childhood polio. Elder Perry now has cancer. Elder Nelson, Elder Oaks, and Elder Ballard are still by all reports healthy. Elder Scott has had this gastrointestinal bleeding. Elder Hales has his health challenges which have kept him from attending and speaking at several general conference as he served as a seventy, Presiding Bishop of the Church, and now as an apostle. Elder Holland, President Eyring, President Uchtdorf, Elder Bednar, Elder Cook, Elder Christofferson, and Elder Andersen are by all accounts still doing well, though President Eyring did suffer a sprained ankle soon after taking on his current assignment as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
President Eyring will be 82 next month. Elder Bednar celebrates his 63rd birthday in June. President Monson will be 88, Elder Perry will be 93, Elder Oaks and Elder Hales will be 83, and Elder Andersen will be 64 in August. Elder Cook will be 75 and President Packer and Elder Nelson.will be 91 in September. Elder Ballard will be 88 in October, and Elder Scott turns 88 and President Uchtdorf will be 75 in November. Elder Holland will be 75 in December. Elder Christofferson marked his 70th birthday in January.
It is sobering to think about how many of these 15 brethren may be called home in the next several years. Many of them have already exceeded the anticipated life expectancy. The face of Church leadership could change drastically at any moment. Many have suggested that a kind of "emeritus status" should be put into place much like the emeritus status of members of the First Quorum of the Seventy. They miss the mark because only the Lord controls when the tenure of an apostle ends, unless he falls into apostasy and is excommunicated. However, that's not something I foresee happening anytime soon. Each of the brethren is much more likely to serve the remainder of his life. How long that will be for each of them is known only to the Lord.
As I mused upon these things today, the thought came to my mind that I'm glad the Lord is in charge. If it were up to me, I might be tempted to prolong the lives of these good men, and that's not the Lord's plan. As terrible as it is for me to say, based on what I know about these men, I thought that, due to their health, Elder Hales and President Packer would be the first to be called home. Now with Elder Perry and Elder Scott's illnesses, particularly when talking about cancer and gastrointestinal bleeding, I don't know what expect. But I take comfort that the Lord controls the death dates of his apostles. And I feel certain that when each of these men is called home, the Lord will put in his stead someone equally as wonderful, who we will love and sustain as fully as we did those who passed on.
I testify of a perfect system of succession that allows us to draw upon the wisdom of the ancients for as long as the Lord wills it to be so. I testify that this is the Lord's work, that He is in control, and that if we leave those we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators in His hands, everything will work out in the Lord's due time. I testify that He leads His work under inspiration given to these men, and of the vital importance in giving heed to their words while they are with us and even after they depart. Periodically I have taken time to review conference talks given by brethren who are now on the other side of the veil. And their words still move me as fully as they did when they were alive. There is power in the priesthood of our Lord and those who exercise it in overseeing this work under His inspiration. The Lord is in control, and all is well. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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