President Boyd K. Packer passes away/Other Church News

Many of you have heard the news by now, but President Boyd K. Packer passed away today from causes incident to age. He was 90 years old and was serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the time of his passing. He becomes the second apostle to pass away this year, the first being Elder L. Tom Perry on May 31. With his passing, Elder Russell M. Nelson succeeds President Packer as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And that now leaves two vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Those vacancies could be filled at any time, but most likely will be taken care of during the October General Conference. It has been 11 years since two members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles died within a short time of each other. I  mused over an interesting bit of trivia regarding President Packer's passing. Now the two most senior apostles are separated in age by 3 years (President Monson will be 88 on August 21, and President Nelson turns 91 on September 9), but their ordinations to the apostleship took place a little over 20 years apart (President Monson in October 1963, and President Nelson in April 1984). This is the longest time span between the ordination of the two most senior apostles in the history of the Church especially in light of the fact that they are so close in age.

The question of who might fill the vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles still remains. I will, of course, support and sustain fully the two newest apostles as much as I tried to sustain President Packer and Elder Perry. But I personally would love to see a couple of younger men,  with perhaps one or both of them being international. It will be interesting to see whom the Lord calls.

There have also been one or two other items of Church-related news that I wanted to touch on briefly in this post. The leaders of the Church at the top level have called for better observances of the Lord's holy day, Sunday. The Newsroom article on that subject states: "Recommendations include wider participation in planning worship services and holding these sacrament meetings and other classes. Elder Ballard said the proposed changes are recommendations that may be adapted to local needs. 'We have to maintain flexibility. The Church all over the world has different circumstances.'"

A committee made up of four members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (though the article didn't reveal which apostles were on the committee) and the Presidency of the Seventy is also on the committee. One major change the committee is asking local Church leaders to do is for bishoprics to involve the ward council in the planning of Sacrament Meetings. Elder L. Whitney Clayton, who is the 2nd most senior member of the Presidency of the Seventy, said, "The contribution of all ward council members will add spiritual insight to the plans being considered by bishoprics, while bishoprics will be responsible for approval of plans. There's a great deal of freedom to move within that recommendation. What we hope is that bishoprics will bring in suggested plans for sacrament meetings, out into the future — we're talking two, three months out into the future — and that members of the ward council will offer suggestions. They may have a suggestion about who should speak or a refinement about a particular topic or a suggestion about a hymn." The committee has suggested that among other appropriate Sabbath Day activities are: doing acts of service, reading the scriptures and spending time with family.

“What we hope is that the Sabbath will become a delight for people at home, that they'll love what happens in their homes on Sunday. It will be a time to draw apart from the world, to just give ourselves some rest from the things that are always before our eyes the other days of the week, with the work week, all the things we worry about. And then on the Sabbath we could think about the Savior. What we hope is that the Sabbath will become a delight for people at home, that they'll love what happens in their homes on Sunday. It will be a time to draw apart from the world, to just give ourselves some rest from the things that are always before our eyes the other days of the week, with the work week, all the things we worry about. And then on the Sabbath we could think about the Savior.”

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom is quoted as saying: “When we consider that is His day, then what we do is in connection to Him and for Him. But that doesn't mean we can't load our children in our cars and go visit grandparents or family or relatives. It doesn't mean that we can't take time to laugh together.” Additional Sunday-appropriate activities could include writing in journals and to missionaries, as well as sharing the numerous resources the Church has available online with family. The news release shares a couple of great quotes from Elder Russell M. Nelson's April 2015 General Conference talk, "The Sabbath is a Delight". I would encourage all my readers to review that address.

The news release says, "Training on improving Sabbath day worship and gospel learning within families was given to general authorities, area seventies and general auxiliary presidencies during the week of general conference. That training is now being extended to the level of local congregations as training occurs throughout the year. "Training materials focused on improving Sabbath day worship at church and in the home are being distributed to local leaders for upcoming leadership meetings; the principles will then be taught to the full membership of each congregation." Thus ends the news release.

I am grateful for the emphasis that is being placed on Sunday as being a holy day. I hope that those who need to examine their Sabbath day observance will be benefited by this training that will take place. It is my hope and prayer that a reverence and respect for the Lord's holy day may be cultivated and enhanced. and my fervent testimony that blessings come from treating Sunday as a different day and not just another day like any other day of the week. That we may properly observe the Sabbath Day and reap the blessings that come from truly keeping the Lord's Day holy is my prayer as I close this blog post for now in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!/Two major developments regarding the Church and the LGBT population

I am posting at this hour for some very important reasons. First and foremost, my parents celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary yesterday (July 1). I am so grateful to the woman who set them up on their first date when neither of them had previously known each other. I am grateful for the influence my mom had on my dad serving a mission. She must have made quite the impression on him. By the time he left on his mission, she was also serving as a missionary. When my dad gave his farewell talk, he mentioned that he had met a South African lady that he intended to marry when he got home. I'm glad my mom came to the United States on a "short vacation." I'm glad my dad didn't let the moss grow under his feet upon his return and that my parents were engaged a day after his release as a missionary. I am grateful that they did such a remarkable job in raising their family. They deserve much of the credit for my personal successes. After all, as I observed in my article in the Ensign this month, my earliest doctors told them to take me home and simply love me, as I would never amount to more than a limp noodle on a sofa. While I do have my "limp noodle" moments, thanks to them, I have had far more successes than I have had failures. And even when they had reservations about letting someone else (the woman who would become my wife) take over responsibility of looking out for me, once they knew I was serious about marrying her, they fully supported me, just like they have in everything I've ever done. I hope to be able to give them many more grandchildren to dote on. And I know that my children couldn't ask for a better Ouma and Oupa. I have seen what my wife has gone through in dealing with the death of her mother. I hope my parents will be around for many years to come. I still have so much to learn from their examples and testimonies. They have lived a legacy of faith and devotion to God that  I know will be a blessing to their posterity for many years to come. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad, and thanks for everything!

That being said, there have been two major developments relating to the Church and their attitude toward and actions regarding the LGBT community in general and same-sex marriage in particular. The Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has written a letter that they indicated should be shared to all adults and youth in congregations in the United States and Canada either July 5 or July 12, in a setting other than Sacrament Meeting. It reaffirms the Church's support for traditional marriage, reiterates the doctrine of marriage being between one man and one woman, addresses the reasoning behind a belief in and support for traditional marriage, and directly provides answers to questions relating to why traditional marriage is so important in the eyes of the Church and our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Since the Church has made public the information that will be shared, I share it here as well. I would encourage all those Latter-day Saints who follow my blog to prayerfully review these materials and come to find out for themselves the truthfulness and importance of this doctrine. I believe the statement that "when . . .prophet[s] speak, the debate is over." I have been and will continue to be a supporter and proponent of the Church's view. I know that will not make me popular with any who support same-sex marriage, but I have never been afraid of being unpopular. In the letter, it is stated that the Church insists on its right to practice and uphold a support of traditional marriage without threat of ridicule or persecution. The bottom line is, our leaders have spoken, and no one, whomever they may be, has a right to change the doctrine the Lord has set forth. The Church will never change their position. Neither will I. The whole world could make same-sex marriage legal, and it still wouldn't alter what the Lord has decreed. Any who take issue with that are welcome to do so, but I hope all my readers will accept this as something I have come to know for myself to be true and respect me for it, rather than ridiculing or persecuting me for so believing. I respect other peoples' rights to disagree with what I believe and proclaim their own opinion on the subject, but I don't appreciate people telling me that I'm bigoted, prejudiced, or misled. Other people may believe however they want. I accept their rights to do so. I hope in turn they will accept my rights to believe in and support traditional marriage without trying to convince me of the error of my ways. Sorry about the sermon. But it's how I feel. Those who favor same-sex marriage have said that everyone needs to love and accept everyone else and their lifestyles. I do have a love and respect for all of our Heavenly Father's children. But just as a parent won't condone their children doing something wrong, I cannot condone or support something that I believe is not in harmony with God's will. Many say about same-gender attraction that those who deal with it were just "born that way" and that they can't help their tendencies, that this is just part of "who they are." Anyone is free to believe that. But I refuse to believe that a loving God would take away anyone's power of choice or ability to act for themselves in any matter. Everyone has their agency. For some, that leads them to disobey and disregard the Lord's standards. I am using my agency to live the way I feel God wants me to live. And I hope I will be respected for that rather than ridiculed, criticized, or persecuted for it.

Enough on that. I also wanted to mention another development in regards to the Church's conduct towards the LGBT community. The Church has made a sizable donation of money and much-needed perishable food items to the Utah Pride Center at the request of the Center. The Church made no mention of this themselves. It was the Center who reported the information to the local news outlets. What was donated will go to help the Center provide breakfast every Saturday to homeless youth. The Center partners with the Utah Food Bank, but the Bank is unable to supply perishable items. Those interviewed said that they were glad that, in spite of their difference in beliefs, they were able to come together on this issue, to help those who are not currently able to help themselves. It is a major milestone in the Church's relationship with the LGBT community in general and this Center in particular. It is hoped that this donation will benefit those homeless youth for a long time.

Well, I've "sounded off" enough for one night. It is past 2 am, and I haven't eaten anything since getting back from work 4 hours ago. I will keep my eye out for further developments on the Church news front and will do my best to also keep all my readers updated on our personal lives. Until I write again, all the best!

Supreme Court votes to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide

As most of you are aware by now, the United States Supreme Court voted today to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. I cannot articulate adequately how disappointed I am by this decision. The LDS Church, however, remains firm in its doctrine that marriage between a man and a woman is the only valid option in the eyes of the Lord. I am grateful to belong to a church whose doctrine and standards remain constant. Man may change what is legal, but the doctrine of the Lord's church will remain unchanged. We believe and teach that marriage between a man and a woman is the only valid option that is sanctioned by the Lord. And it will be so throughout our lives and all eternity. No man nor set of men has the power to change the doctrine that the Lord has decreed. And so, in spite of the disappointment which we feel about this situation, we will move forward. I think I've said enough about this issue. Until I post again, all the best!

July 2015 Ensign Insert on Elder L. Tom Perry/My sister is pregnant!/General Update

I wanted to post for three reasons. First of all, I discovered that the July Ensign will come with a special insert that pays tribute to Elder L. Tom Perry. It was amazing to read about his life and accomplishments. I always loved Elder Perry and his exemplary service as an apostle, but there were things in the insert that I hadn't known before. I think it's sad in some ways that we only hear about the apostle's personal lives and accomplishments when they are called, when they die, or if they mention any of their life experiences in general conference. That's why I have tried to learn everything I can about these men I sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. Every new thing I learn about these brethren that speak for the Lord gives me greater respect for and an increased desire to learn more about their lives and teachings. That insert is well put together, and I encourage an in-depth study of it when it comes to your residences.

The second thing I wanted to mention (now that I can) is that my older sister Joanna is pregnant with twins, which are due in December. Grant is very happy about getting some siblings. He has already named the babies "R2-D2" and "C-3PO", It's still too early to tell the genders of the babies, but they seem to be growing properly. I've known about this for almost two months, but was asked by Joanna and her family to keep it quiet until they officially made the announcement. That took place earlier this week, and I have Joanna's go ahead to tell people about it. She will likely have the babies on the island, unless the birth becomes complicated, in which case she will come back to Utah for the delivery. But Lyle might not be able to come with her back to the States depending on his school schedule. So they are hoping and praying that Joanna can deliver the babies on the island. Lyle missed Grant's birth due to being deployed in Iraq, and no one wants him to not be there for the birth of the twins. We join in their prayers, even though it will mean that their families on both sides won't be able to be close to the Lyle Hickmans when the babies are born. Both sets of grandparents are planning on visiting the Hickman family once the babies are here. I honestly don't know when I will get my first chance to see and hold the new additions to the family. It makes me a little sad to think that I may not meet the new babies until they are toddlers. I'm sure something will work out. Maybe my book will sell so well I'll be able to afford regular trips to see the St. Kitts Hickmans frequently. Time will tell.

I wanted to conclude this post with a brief general update on our lives. We missed Church on Sunday because we were sick. Due to not feeling well, I have continued to miss work at least once or twice a week. The only day I was able to make it to work this week was Monday. On Tuesday, I woke up with stomach cramps, a fever, and extreme fatigue. Those symptoms went away by the time I woke up today. However, yesterday and during the first part of the day, I started to ache all over. The aching got worse as time progressed. So tonight, Amy took me to the urgent care clinic. The NP (nurse practitioner) examined me and determined that I may have contracted some form of the flu. From the symptoms I told her I'd had that had gone away and the symptoms that remained, she said it sounded like I'd had the flu and that it should be on the way out. I explained that I had missed every day of work this week except Monday, and wondered if she could give me a doctor's note excusing me from work for the days I missed. She did so, not only covering me for Tuesday-Thursday but also tomorrow (Friday) as well, on the offchance I still need to stay home tomorrow. She also said just in case it was something else, she'd order some blood work as a rush job for which she would have the results later on this evening. I should have had the presence of mind to tell her that if I didn't answer my phone, she could leave the results in a message, but I didn't. As the clinic's lab was closed, she sent me to AF Hospital to get the blood work done. I was in and out in short order. About an hour later, I was sitting at home with Amy when my phone rang. I couldn't reach it in time. Since I hadn't told her to leave the results in a message, she only said in the message that she had some results she wanted to discuss with me. So I will have to call her tomorrow to get those results. In the meantime, there has still been no word on the blood work Amy had done a week or so ago. Fortunately, the RN who ordered the blood work for Amy will also be on duty tomorrow, so we can hopefully get both results tomorrow.

We have been blessed financially in spite of a very low check received two weeks ago. I just hope we will have enough to get by with what we will receive as the next two paychecks. I also hope that I can recover from everything soon so I can go back to work where I belong. While being at home with Amy is always wonderful, we would both prefer that I be at work earning a living for us. We have faithfully paid our tithing, so I guess all we can do is keep praying for miracles and hoping for the blessings we desire.

On the good news front, my nausea has decreased substantially recently to the point where I am only taking one set instead of three of my nightly anti-nausea medications. I also have been able to reduce the number of Nauzene I am taking. My headaches overall seem to be better on this new schedule. If my headaches continue to improve, perhaps we can talk to Dr. Weinstein (my neurologist) about cutting back on some of the headache medication I am taking. I haven't been able to get to that point yet, but hope springs eternal.

Our situation is still at times discouraging, but, as I wrote in the Ensign article, I know there is a purpose for every trial we face and that some of the greatest blessings that will come into our lives will do so as a result of our faithfulness in "thanking [the Lord] in all things" and by doing our best to keep being optimistic, even in the most trying circumstances. I testify that I know the Lord is keenly aware of each of us. He pleads our cause before His Father. We have no greater Confidante or Friend than Jesus Christ. No matter what we go through, He stands ready to strength and help us, even to the point of removing the burdens from our backs.

I know our Savior has truly borne all our trials, and that through Him, we can make it through anything that comes our way. I know that "sorrow may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning." Anything I have to bear that will help me become closer to Christ is infinitely worth it. All these things will give me experience, and will be for my good. I testify that I know our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our advocate (defense attorney) with our Father. I have no better friend than Him.

I love Him with all my heart, and my greatest desire is that I might spend the rest of my life in His service, testifying of Him, and emulating His perfect example. If my example and testimony can help make a difference in the life of but one soul, it will be a success. That each of us may so influence any and all who traverse our path is my prayer, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Trujillo Peru Temple dedicated/Happy Father's Day!

The Trujillo Peru temple was dedicated yesterday (Sunday) by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  He was accompanied by his wife and Elder David A. Bednar and his wife, as well as Elder Michael John U. Teh, who apparently is now serving in some capacity with the Temple Department, and Elders Juan A. Uceda, W. Christopher Waddell and Carlos A. Godoy, who serve as the South America Northwest Area Presidency. It was a very wonderful occasion for all in attendance. This brings the number of temples in operation to 147, with 12 under construction (2 of which will be dedicated by the end of this year, and a third scheduled for dedication next year), 5 being renovated (2 of which will be rededicated this year and one more scheduled to be rededicated next year, with 1 additional temple that will be closed for renovation later this year), 2 others scheduled for groundbreaking, and the remaining 12 with groundbreaking dates yet to be announced (of which all but 4 have sites announced). As I have excitedly mentioned before, this is a season where much is going on with temple construction, and I couldn't be more pleased that I can keep tabs on these important events and relay them to my readers.

Though Father's Day is officially over, I wanted to express my love to all the fathers out there, and especially those mentioned in this post. As I have before mentioned, the older I get, the more I realize that my father is not perfect. But in the same breath, I freely admit that I could not have asked for a better father. My dad has kept himself worthy as a priesthood bearer his whole life, giving me a legacy to follow. He has supported me in all I have done, even when he may initially have had doubts or misgivings about whether I was on the right path. He was my foremost example of how to treat women and honor and use the priesthood worthily. I vividly remember my first experiences as a newly ordained elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. My dad had asked that I assist him in giving one of the people he home taught a blessing. My dad could have asked any man in the ward to do that, but he selected me. And he praised me afterward for how well I did in anointing the person.

My very next experience was my first time being voice for a blessing. My younger sister Elizabeth was sick, and had asked Dad for a blessing. My dad looked to me to assist him. He asked my sister who she wanted as voice for the blessing, and she mutely shrugged her shoulders. My dad indicated that he wanted me to be the voice. I searched for the guidance of the Spirit as I pronounced words of comfort, counsel, and healing. My sister went to sleep shortly after the close of the blessing. Not being sure how well I had done, I asked my dad what he thought about what I had said. He taught me a lesson that still rings in my ears as if it had been spoken anew today. He simply said, "James, you're a priesthood holder. As long as you speak the words the Spirit guides you to say, you don't need me or anyone else to ratify them." I have never forgotten that lesson. Thanks to my father, now I never second-guess myself while administering to people.

There have been many other father figures in my life. Next to my own dad, the one who has had the greatest impact on me has been my father-in-law. Amy didn't have many memories of her dad giving her blessings, but I have watched him also be a worthy priesthood bearer. It is partly due to his influence that my wife is the amazing person that she is. And I will be forever grateful that Amy's parents listened to the Spirit when it urged them to have just one more child.

There have been men I have home taught with and been a home teacher of and who have home taught me. All of them have blessed me with a respect for the priesthood and instilled in me the desire to use it worthily to bless the lives of others. There have been the many fathers of the various wards I've lived in who have been wonderful mentors to me. There have been lots of outstanding Scout leaders over the years who encouraged me to earn my Eagle. There have been the many fathers I have observed in the Elder's Quorums I have been to. There have been so many good men I worked with in the temple and with Welfare Services. There have been uncles and cousins and nephews and grandparents and fatherly figures in other ways that have kept me on the strait and narrow path. Most especially, I acknowledge and give thanks for and to my Heavenly Father, who loved me enough to send His Son to atone for my sins, carry my sorrows, and bear any and all burdens and trials I would face in this life. I have no better example of fatherhood and brotherhood than my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I gratefully and humbly acknowledge all the fathers in my life who have made such a difference in my life. If I can be even half the man, husband, and father that they have been, I will count myself very lucky. I hope all my readers who are fathers had a very pleasant Father's Day and that you all know how much your influence has shaped my life and how lost I would be without so many wonderful father figures in my life. And so I give thanks for and say thanks to them all as I express my love and best wishes for them. Please keep being the amazing examples that you are. I am better for having known each of you, and if I am any good as a husband or father, it is because of you all. Happy Father's Day!