Follow The Prophet – The Words & Deeds of God's Living Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson

The mega-savant Kim Peek passed away earlier this month, December 19, 2009, of an unexpected heart attack.  He was 58 years old.  He is most recognized as the inspiration for the Oscar-winning feature film “Rainman” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.

The Mormon Times reports that Kim was a very dear friend to President Monson and they often talked with one another.  The First Presidency of the Church sent a letter to the family that was read at the funeral.  The Deseret News reports:

[The letter] noted that “Kim’s charm and wit will be greatly missed,” and he was hailed by church leaders as “an influence for good in the lives of many.”

I personally remember seeing Kim at a school assembly at Mount Jordan Middle School back in the early 1990s.  I was amazed at his memorization abilities and humility.

See more information about Kim Peek’s passing at the links below:

Mormon Times – “‘Rain Man’ has been a missionary his whole life”
Deseret News – “Family eulogizes Kim Peek as an intellectual gift to others”

President Monson has his own ward that he usually attends on Sundays, but occasionally he makes special visits to other wards in Utah, or wards throughout the world when he’s traveling.  Yesterday, President Monson visited a ward along the Wasatch Front in Utah and spoke in their sacrament meeting.  Some members got to shake his hand.

President Monson made mention of one particularly interesting detail:

“…a new temple south of Salt Lake, location still secret, but land is ready…”

I wonder where the new temple would go?  Any ideas?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

See more information at the links below:

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Sister Ann M. Dibb, left, Sister Frances Monson, center, and President Thomas S. Monson pose following the Draper Utah Temple dedication sessions. (Gerry Avant)

President Monson’s wife, Sister Frances Monson, fell down last month on November 4th and broke her shoulder and hip.  This is the reason that President Monson could not attend the Regional Conference in Hawaii.  He stayed home to care for Frances.

The Deseret News reports that she is undergoing rehabilitation, according to Scott Trotter, spokesman for the Church, and is making progress towards recovery.  Trotter said that “President Monson wishes to express his gratitude for the prayers and well-wishes of those concerned for Sister Monson’s welfare.”

You can read more about this at the link below:

Deseret News – “Sister Frances Monson, wife of LDS Church president, recovering from fall”

Place: Salt Lake City, UT (EnergySolutions Arena)
Purpose: Utah Jazz vs. LA Lakers basketball game

Like many members of the Church, President Monson likes sports.  A couple months ago he was honored at a University of Utah football game as the distinguished fan of the game and posed for a picture on the field with the Utah athletic director, and the university president, holding a football in his hands.

Saturday night, President Monson was seen by a fan attending the Utah Jazz basketball game, who were playing against the LA Lakers.  It must have been a fun game to watch, because the Jazz broke an 11 consecutive game winning streak for the Lakers, the Jazz winning 102-94.

We think it is great to see the prophet doing every day things, being involved in the community, and supporting local sport teams.

Read more about the game at the links below:

Deseret News – “Utah Jazz play great for 48″
Salt Lake Tribune – “Jazz: Utah avoids another collapse”
YouTube clip of an interview with President Monson at a Jazz game

President Monson's Christmas Cane. Photo by Jeffery D. Allred/Deseret News

President Monson just published a short story of a black cane with a silver handle that he keeps as a reminder of Christ. The Church News reports his words:

At home in a hidden-away corner, I have a small black walking stick with an imitation silver handle. It once belonged to a distant relative. Why do I keep it for a period now spanning more than 70 years? There is a special reason.

You see, as a very small boy I participated in a Christmas pageant in our ward. I was privileged to be one of the three wise men. With a bandanna about my head, Mother’s Chickering piano bench cover draped over my shoulder, and the black cane in my hand, I spoke my assigned lines:

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2).

I don’t recall all of the words in that pageant, but I vividly remember the feelings of my heart as the three of us “wise men” looked upward and saw the star, journeyed across the stage, found Mary with the young child Jesus, then fell down and worshipped Him and opened our treasures and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I especially liked the fact that we did not return to the evil Herod to betray the baby Jesus, but obeyed God and departed another way.

The years have flown by, the events of a busy life take their proper places in the hallowed halls of memory, but the Christmas cane continues to occupy its special place in my home; and in my heart is a commitment to Christ.

This article can be found at the link below:

Church News – “President Thomas S. Monson: Feelings of heart recalled”