Nathan gave a talk in church

I love it! I totally love the thumb wrestling part!!! Well played Nay! And totally true!!!

On Sun, Aug 30, 2015 at 12:36 PM, Amy wrote:

Nathan is speaking in church today so I thought I would send you a copy of his talk.

Good afternoon brothers and sisters. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Nathan Hackleman and I am a junior at Papillion La vista South High School. I have two older brothers, Jaren and Seth, and one younger brother named Grant. Jaren was just recently married in the Payson Utah Temple after serving in the Peru Lima West Mission. Seth is currently serving in the Mexico Veracruz Mission. We have been in the Cottonwood Ward for about three years.

I was asked to speak on the Aaronic priesthood’s role in the sacred ordinance of the sacrament. In his October 1998 General Conference talk, Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “At the conclusion of His ministry, Jesus introduced the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. He broke bread and blessed it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body”. “This do in remembrance of me”. He took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” I really like this because it helps me realize that we just did the exact same ordinance in this chapel. We did the exact same things in the exact same order as Jesus Christ did before he was crucified, and we have the opportunity to do it every single Sunday as long as we strive to keep the commandments.

Recently, I was ordained to the office of a priest. With this, I now have the opportunity to participate in every step of the administration of the sacrament. I would like to expand on the principles taught in Doctrine and Covenants section 107, verse 20 which says, “The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments.”

One of the outward ordinances mentioned in this scripture is the ordinance of the sacrament. It also mentions the “letter of the gospel,” which makes me think of the sacrament prayer, and how it is one of the only prayers in the church that has to be exact. And then we all know how the covanents we make at baptism relate to the covenants we make when we partake of the sacrament.

I remember when I was young my parents would always interrupt the Hackleman brothers during our Sunday morning thumb wrestling tournaments during sacrament meetings. Even though we had them outnumbered, they still managed to separate us and maintain order. At the time, we didn’t fully comprehend their need to kill such fun, but now that I understand the significance of the sacrament, I understand why they did what they did.

Another way my parents were able to help my brothers and I remember the importance of the sacrament is they would always bring coloring books and snacks to sacrament meeting, but we were not allowed to eat or color until after the sacrament. This helped us realize that we need to be reverent during the sacrament and remember the meaning behind the sacred ordinance.

Sacrament is a sacred ordinance in a sacred place, and we should maintain the same reverence in the chapel that we would in the temple. An example of this can be seen in the reverence shown by the aaronic priesthood in administering the ordinance of the sacrament. Because of the significance of the sacrament, Aaronic priesthood holders need to remain worthy throughout the week to administer the sacrament.

In the May 2006 New Era, there is an article given by Ron Frandsen, that tells a story of a young man who was just ordained to the office of a teacher. This gave him the duty of standing by the doors and welcoming the people coming into the sacrament meeting. On the first Sunday after his ordination, he was thrilled to accept the duty and claim his new post by the doors. Unfortunately he discovered that there were only five deacons there, and sacrament meeting was about to start. The deacon’s president walked over to him and asked him to join them in passing, but the young man waved him off, telling him to ask someone else. The opening hymn came and again the deacon’s president went over and asked the young man the same question, and he received the same answer. Finally, it was time for the sacrament and the young men walked up to the sacrament table with a space where the sixth deacon should be. To the young man’s surprise, the bishop stood and filled in the empty gap. Afterwards, the bishop stood up to the pulpit and said “I hope all of our young men will be willing to fulfill any priesthood assignment given them, even if it seems small or unimportant.” We need to remember that every duty in the sacrament is equal in importance, even if it may not seem that way.

In Joshua 24 verse 15 it says “Choose this day whom ye will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Young men can choose who they will serve throughout their lives, but if they choose the Lord above all, it will help them stay worthy to participate in the administration of the sacrament.

The sacrament is a sacred ordinance. So sacred that it was done by Jesus Christ himself before his crucifixion. We all need to strive to remain worthy to partake of the sacrament, and we all need to remember the reason and purpose behind it.

Bear testimony.

Have You Ever Wondered What Zotz Are?

Elder Lewis got a package from his parents and he was like, "What are Zots???" I told him they were candy that would turn his teeth blue because I didn't want to give away the surprise. I wanted him to eat them not expecting the foam at the end. His reaction was priceless!!!!  

The Greatest Moment of My Life!

I have never had such a spiritual experience before this!

This is one of the baptisms I am most blessed to call mine. This family are all members. The one in the middle is a former missionary and is our ward mission leader. For some reason his dad never wanted to get baptized. He has about 18 years going to church, (not always, but probably 3 times a month), with his family. EVERY single missionary that has come through Orizaba has tried to baptize him, but he never wanted to. Never wanted to give up drinking coffee and stuff. Well I made his wife a promise when I got here. By the way his wife has more faith than anyone I have ever met before. She was about ready to go through the temple with, or without him. I told her that before I leave this area, her husband will be a member. Her son, Dany Maza, just kind of laughed and said yeah that is what they all say. He learned a little English while on his mission. One day I felt it was time to talk to him so my companion and I went to his house. I just asked him the baptismal questions. I didn't tell him what they were, I didn't teach him anything, I just wanted to see how much he knew so I asked and he answered. At the end I told him, look brother Maza, you just answered every question perfectly. I then read the last question out of my Planner, that basically says, "are you ready to make this covenant of baptism with God?" Before he answered, I said, "We are preparing a baptismal service this Saturday, will you prepare to be baptized by this Saturday?" He waited a few seconds, even though it seemed like hours, and finally said, "Yeah I think it's about time I followed Jesus Christ. His wife just burst into tears! It was the greatest moment of my life! So his 16 year old son got to baptize him on Saturday and then Dany and I confirmed him on Sunday! So amazing! They want me to come back in a year to go with them when they get sealed as a family... oh that would be so amazing!

This was my other baptism I had this week. His name is Cesar. SOOO awesome. Elder Lewis and I found him one day when we were on divisions and only taught him once. He didn't live in my area so I had to pass the reference to the other elders in the zone but he progressed very quickly and the day of his baptism said he wanted me to be there to do it! I felt so honored!!!

Hey mom! This letter will be a little shorter. Daniel sent me an awesome email and I want to make sure I get one back to him, but that is awesome about Grantish!! So happy he is keeping the Hackleman legend going:) I just hope Nathan is keeping the Hackleman legend I always wanted to start but never did! (I'm talking about show choir obviously. Is he still practicing?)

I loved Nathans talk! I am glad your week was good!

This week has been really good. I decided the best way to get my comp excited to be here was to lose him in the work. I went for a different approach this week. I fasted at the beginning of the week asking for this to work. I worked him sooo hard this week, like really, I pushed him a ton. It was hard because I could see he was struggling a bunch but I didn't want to let up. I had a purpose in mind. I was by no means mean to him or anything, we just worked like horses. We ended up pulling together a few baptisms this week and finding a ton of new people to teach! Everytime he did something good I tried to shower him with love. By the end of the week, he ended up getting sick, I think for a few different reasons, the bad weather, and exhaustion, but he told me yesterday that he had never had a better week in the mission. He said he was physically drained, but spiritually full. He said he felt like he wanted to fall asleep as we were walking and didn't know how he would be able to contact another person in the street. In the moment we started talking to them, he didn't feel tired. Not even a little bit, until we left again. Then it came back in full force. At the end I told him, look you have now seen the blessings we have received from good hard work, but sometimes it isn't about how HARD you work, but how SMART you work. That is why it is soooo important that you are studying Preach My Gospel, and the scriptures diligently. Anyways, long story short, I think I am making a ton of headway with him.

So that was my week! I had a great time and pretty much never stopped sweating, but it was totally worth it!!!

I love you all so much! Thanks for being such an awesome family!!!

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 1:21 PM, Amy wrote:

Hey, how are you doing today? What is new this week?

We had a good week. Finally getting back into the swing of things round here. Grant has his first football game tomorrow. He was asked to play on the freshman b team, but then they were practicing long snaps with anyone who wanted to try and he was the best one at it according to what I could see during the practice. The next day he was invited to go to the a games as well. My guess is to be used for long snaps ha ha, but that's just me speculating.

We went to the first football game of the year Friday night. It was against Burk. I'm sure your dad already told you, we won! It was fun, but I still find myself looking for you ha ha.

Yesterday Nathan spoke during sacrament meeting. Oh, ya, I sent you a copy of his talk so you already know.

Things are starting to cool down a bit around here although the BYU/Nebraska football game scheduled for this Saturday is supposed to be 90 degrees. That's still pretty warm.

I can't wait to hear from you!

Love mom

Hey daddy! Sorry this email is so short! I am starting to run out of time. I am so happy papio beat Burke!!!!!!!! Good for them!!

Pero santa vaca, your week has been absolutely crazy!!!! A little like mine but in different ways:) haha

My shoulder is doing good! Sometimes if I sleep in a weird position I will wake up with it pretty sore and like... I don't know how to explain it, not dislocated, but like locked into place. I have to get up and stretch it every once in a while, but really it isn't any problem. I know that God is blessing me with it. It hasn't dislocated for... I don't even know how long. It doesn't hurt me throughout the day unless I have a bunch of stuff in my backpack that day and we had to walk a lot. Then it gets kind of sore sometimes, but never dislocates. I think I am just slowly building the strength up again. In terms of my stomach I am back to normal! Finally haha. The work is going great! We just had changes and a few of my friends from other zones came here so I'm happy about that! Today we kind of just relaxed for p-day. We went to a members house to wash clothes and while they were washing, we played Risk haha.

Thank you soooo much for supporting me on my mission! I love you so much!

Elder Hackleman


On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 8:46 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder,

So this past week was still crazy busy. Thursday night I did my first Audit as a High Councilman. Not quite as hard as I thought it would be. I always wondered how they can do the audit report in General Conference, and now I know!! Then Friday we went to the Papio South football game where we watched the Titans BEAT the Burke Bulldogs 34-16. They actually looked pretty good!!! Then Saturday morning Nathan, Grant and I went to help someone move and your mom and I went to the Temple Saturday night and helped clean it. Sunday Nathan gave a great talk in Sacrament meeting, I gave the closing prayer and then I helped teach parenting techniques to the Combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting for our 5th Sunday lesson.

Wait, I'm not done....

It's always crazy at work. Today, I start my Fundamentals of Print Design class at Bellevue and tomorrow night I start my Graphic Illustration class at Midland. Kinda bums me out because Grant is playing both A and B team Freshman football (Tackle and long-snapper). Yep! Following after his big bro!! They have games on Tuesday and Wednesday. So I'll have to miss Tuesday's games. Dad does not like to miss his sons' games!!! grrrrrrrrr.

THURSDAY: UTES VS. MICHIGAN in Salt Lake and it's televised!!! Then Jaren and Chelsey bring a gang out to the Nebraska/BYU game on Saturday.

Now I'm done.

So how was your week??? Are you keeping your shoulder safe? How are you feeling? Have you finally gotten over your stomach problems? Tell us all about your work!!! What are you guys doing for P-Day today? Last question... How is your companion doing? I hope he is finally catching the vision!

Te amo hijo,

Papá. it was fun to just chill out after a long week, but now I have to go do my district class. I am pretty excited about it today, because the sisters in my district are feeling very dis-animated. I know it hurts them when they see our numbers and can't figure out why they cant work like us. I have been praying about it a lot, and I think I have the answer; The mission, for them, right now is way to stressful. When they learn to just be obedient, but to actually ENJOY being here, that is when they will have success. I am going to attempt to scripturally prove to them today that laughter is a necessary factor in converting people to the gospel. I have a bunch of scriptures, but one I love mentions that laughter will be found in the Celestial kingdom. I think it is time to lighten up the mood in my district a little bit and start wanting to work!

Missionary Letters from Aug. 24, 2015, Re: Elder Christofferson

Hey mom!! that is so crazy, first of all, I refuse to believe that is Keaton. That is a devilish lie and please don't play with me. That kid is huge! What are they feeding him???? I miss the Laws so much! how are they doing in Arkansas??

Elder Hackleman was the only one missing from the Sidney neighborhood gang.
The Jacobsen's came all the way from Sidney for Jaren's open house.

It rained for the first hour, but then cleared up and turned into a lovely evening.

Cupcakes!

That is super cool the Jacobsen's came! I bet that was fun to see them again!

So this week I got to talk to Elder Christofferson. I said some of this to dad also but I want you to know:)

First off, Elder Christofferson was absolutely amazing. I was surprised to find out that even his wife speaks Spanish!!! It was about 4 hours of being blasted by the spirit!!! We all got to personally greet him and shake his hand. The entire time was dedicated to asking questions. He said so many things that were just truly amazing. Many people didn't even notice some of the things he mentioned. It was pretty sad because I was talking about some of the things he said afterwards and everybody was like whoa I didn't catch that! I was like, look when an apostle is talking, you have to look for every word he says because that is as good as scripture! For example one thing he was talking about how all of the signs of the second coming are being full-filled and then some. He mentioned how the Lord has taken two of our Apostles and is about to take a third. Apparently they aren't expecting Richard G Scott to make it to the next conference. He said that in these next few years, something is going to come to pass. He said it very discreetly and many people missed it but not me!!! I got every bit:) He also taught me quite a bit of deep doctrine just in the way he said things. Anyways, talking about the 3 apostles ya wanna know what I think? I have been studying the coming of Christ a ton lately and I have a theory. Obviously we know he will come very soon because the millennium has already started! It should have started in the year 2000 if my calculations are correct. Christ came in the meridian of times and he came almost 5000 years after Adam which means 2000 years more and we are in the 7th seal. We know a creation is only 7000 years so we are running out of time!!! My prediction has to do with the pattern that is happening right now. God is about to take the third apostle which means 3 younger ones will be called. When have we seen that before? You think these could be the three that will be killed in the streets of Jeruselam and be resurrected three days later?? Just a thought!

The testimony of Elder Christofferson sent chills down my back for about 2 hours. He testified of how Christ is the head of the Church and that He is leading it actively. Many people didn't catch that part either but it made me think that they probably just got done having a conference with our Savoir before he came to Mexico.

It was very interesting and I loved it so much! The best part was at the beginning. We all just got done shaking his hand and our Mission president spoke first. Then he got up and stood at the pulpit and everybody was dead silent just waiting to hear him talk. The first thing he did was have us stand up. Then he started dancing 'head shoulders knees and toes' until we all joined him haha. It was great.

This week has been really good!

In terms of baptisms this Saturday we will have another.

Love you mom! Keep sane!!! Tell everybody I pray for them!

Elder hackleman


On Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 9:31 AM, Amy wrote:

How did your week go? Did you get to hear Elder Christopherson speak? Did you get any pictures?

Our week was one more crazy whirl wind getting everything ready for the open house on Saturday. All week the weather forecast predicted severe weather warnings for Saturday evening starting from 5:00 and extending to 9:00 p.m. Tim said we should plan on having the open house somewhere other than our backyard. I told him to pray for good weather, then just to have faith because we were having it in the back yard. We did take some furniture out of our living room to make room for crowds just to be on the safe side in the case that we would have to move it inside. It turns out we were both right. The rain did come down for about a half an hour so we moved inside, but then it cleared up and we went back out to a soggy but beautiful evening. We put a rug down on the ground for Chelsey to stand on so she didn't get her wedding dress wet.

The Jacobson's came all the way from Sidney. It was so good to see them. Andrew and Alex are both living together at UNK now and Austin is in swing choir. Nathan and Austin figured out they will both be at a competition together in Grand Island. It will be fun to see both Papio and Sidney competing at the same place.

The Law's came from Arkansas as well. It was great fun! Becky came over early on Saturday and helped with all the decorating. She saved my sanity by coming at just the right moment when I was so tired I didn't think I could get it all done. She is the best!

Becky also gave me a mother of the groom survival kit with all my favorite treats. She rocks!

Albany came over early and did Chelsey's hair for her. I don't know what we would do without such great friends!

Well, I can't wait to hear about your week.

I love you!

Love,
Mom

One Year on My Mission! One Year to Go!

Missionaries have a tradition when they hit their year mark.
They burn a shirt.
I HAVE A YEAR IN THE MISSION!
I GOT TO SPEND IT WITH ELDER LEWIS.
He was a companion to Elder Webb in the Missionary Training Center.

Naturally we had to celebrate with a pizza.

I found a cool sea shell.
This a picture of my name tag that is correct.
I also have one that is misspelled ha ha.

Another great week topped off with a baptism!

Elder Christofferson knew my name! Aug. 2015

Elder Christofferson visits with Missionaries in Mexico

Here we are in front of the Mexico Veracruz temple right after being blasted by the spirit with Elder Christofferson! This is my buddy from the MTC Elder Webb! It was cool seeng him again.

Veracruz, Mexico Temple

I had the craziest thing happen when I met Elder Christofferson. He called me by name when I shook his hand without even looking at my name tag. Plus they misspelled my name on my name tag so if he did somehow see it before he would have pronounced it wrong. Isn't that amazing?

Here is a link to a detailed account of Elder Christofferson's visit to Mexico:
https://www.lds.org/church/news/church-in-mexico-growing-in-faith-and-numbers?lang=eng

One More Reason I Love Mexico!

I never saw a flower like this back in Nebraska.
The colors are so vibrant.
There is beauty all around me!

Look at this awesome swinging bridge!

Just another fabulous day being a missionary in Mexico!