Displaying items by tag: lds

On December 25, 1944 a long line of ragged American paratroopers of the 11th Airborne "Angels" Division made their way down a slippery jungle trail. They had been fighting non-stop since November 22 and estimates state that the Angels destroyed over 5,700 of the enemy. They were hungry, tired, and ready for rest. They had buried their dead by the trail-side, marking graves the best they could, and all were suffering from undernourishment with ulcers on their feet and legs.

They slowly, yet carefully, plodded along the trail, ready to put the demands and dangers of combat behind them. As each trooper moved forward, lost in his own thoughts, a quite whisper slowly made its way down the line.

"It's Christmas."

With the recent passing of Thomas S. Monson, the president and prophet for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, much focus has been placed on the succession system set up by the Lord for his church which involves the dissolving of the current First Presidency and the authority of the church being retained by the Quorum of the Twelve. In a short time, these brethren will gather in humble prayer and fasting to know Heaven's will for who will lead the church as president and prophet. 

That said, even as we shed tears of gratitude and sorrow for President Monson's passing, there is comfort and security in knowing that the Lord has set up his church to continue rolling forward as a stone cut out of the mountains without hands. I can remember serving as a young missionary on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, when 9/11 occurred. While the world, and my beloved country of America, was thrown into chaos, there came a soft peace to my heart and I heard the Spirit whisper, "Look to the prophet. He will guide you forward." At the time it was President Gordon B. Hinckley who guided the church under the Lord's direction and when he passed from this life it was President Thomas S. Monson. And soon we will have another president who it will be our privilege and opportunity to look to for such guidance, instruction, and encouragement. 

WHO fills that office is not as important as the fact that the office exists to be filled. The Lord will call whom He will and He will have prepared this great servant for such responsibility for his entire mortal life. It is up to us, then, to support and sustain this man as the one whom the Lord has called as prophet, seer and revelator. 

But what does that really mean?

2017 Champion's Tour - 1st Quarter

Jan. 17 - Meridian Magazine article, "Finding Faith at 80...Mile Per Hour"

Jan. 9 - FHE Guest Lecture: "Goal Setting and the Gospel"

Jan. 13 - UVU Jamaican Bobsled fundraiser event

Jan. 16 - Renaissance Academy Assembly: "2017 Champions Tour"

Jan. 19 - BYU Pathways Class: "Disciple Leadership" 

Jan. 25, 27-28 - 2017 Morris Murdock Travel Expo - Master of Ceremonies 

Feb. 2017 - eBay Leadership Training

Feb. 2017 - 365Today.com Interview

Feb. 4 - SLC Winterpalooza appearance / book signing

Feb. 4 - The Success Summit appearance / book signing

Feb. 7 - "Champions of Boy Scouting" appearance

Feb 23 - "Writing Your Story" public school appearance

March 2 - "Get Your Head in the Game" literacy event appearance

March 11 - 2017 Rex Lee Run appearance 

March 23 - BYU Pathways Class: "Standing Firm Before Our Enemies"