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

Place: Provo, Utah
Purpose: Funeral services for Marie Osmond’s son

Today at a private service in Provo, Utah, President Thomas S. Monson presided and gave the closing remarks at the funeral of Marie Osmond’s son, Michael Bryan.  The services started with Marie’s brother, Donny Osmond, giving the opening prayer, and then family members expressing their thoughts.  After the closing remarks by President Monson, the services ended with the Osmond family singing “God Be with You Till We Meet Again.”

See additional information at the following links:

Deseret News
People Magazine
Associated Press (with pictures)

Place: West Jordan Sunset Ridge Stake Center, UT
Purpose: The viewing of Br. William David Miller

A couple weeks ago (Jan 14, 2010) President Monson attended the viewing of one of the missionaries who served under him when he was mission president in the Canadian Mission from 1959-1962.  The brother was William David Miller from West Jordan, Utah.

A member from the stake, Julie Weiss, tells of a special experience that happened that evening: Continue reading

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”

Location: Salt Lake City, UT (Relief Society Building)
Purpose: Celebrating service of two former YM general presidents

A luncheon was held yesterday in honor of two former Young Women general presidents, Sister Florence S. Jacobsen (served 1961 to 1972) and Sister Ruth H. Funk (served 1972 to 1978).  President Monson attended the event to thank the two women for their great service in the Church.  He said that the Lord prepared them to serve in their callings.

Sarah Jane Weaver of the Church News reports on President Monson’s remarks:

“The Church moves on and programs change, but the basic responsibility of helping youth to choose the right when the choice is placed before them is as cardinal a rule today as it has ever been,” said President Monson…

President Monson opened his remarks by speaking of being called as his ward’s MIA superintendent and telling his bishop that if he had a little leeway to work with the YWMIA, as well as the YMMIA, the activity level would increase in the ward. He and the young women leaders worked hard and were successful. “We did it together. That is the secret of MIA, to work together.”

President Thomas S. Monson laughs with Florence Jacobsen at the luncheon. August Miller, Deseret News.

President Monson recalled magnificent dance festivals and musical festivals and the enormous amount of work and prayer that made them a success.

He asked leaders of youth in the Church to be models to follow, to not judge others, and to put their shoulder to the wheel and push along.

“This great Church was not built by any one person,” said President Monson. “The Lord has to inspire those whom He calls. If we trust in the Lord with all of our heart He will respond to our needs. That is the testimony I leave with you.”

Remember, he counseled current leaders of youth, “you are a youth only once.”

“Don’t cheat them out of a road show. Don’t cheat them out of having a position in the three-act play. Don’t cheat them out of having a dance festival, or a music festival or a speech festival. Give them memories to carry into eternity and your name will be called blessed by the Lord.

Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for the prophet that recognizes the importance of teaching our youth standards and values that will impact them for eternity.

More information about the event can be found at these links:

Church News – “Building on a firm foundation for Latter-day Saint young women”
Church News – “Photo Gallery: Young Women leaders honored by Latter-day Saints’ leader”

Location: Salt Lake City, UT (Little America Hotel)
Purpose: Annual Catholic Community Services humanitarian awards dinner

Elder Ballard was awarded the Humanitarian Award by The Catholic Community Services of Utah last night at a special annual dinner, for his efforts in the community to unite people, build bridges, and help those in need.  President Monson, and many others, were in attendance.  A DVD presentation was given in which President Monson said a few words about Elder Ballard’s service.  The Church News reports:

“I have known Elder M. Russell Ballard, whom I call Russ, since I was a young advertising executive at the Deseret News,” said President Monson, “One of Russ’s outstanding traits is that he will always try to lift and encourage others.”

The Church president added that Elder Ballard remains a key contributor to his community.

“He’s not a bystander — if something needs to be accomplished he can usually be found at the center of the activity. His work as a member of the Alliance For Unity in our area has yielded greater unity, the very purpose for which it was established.”

Elder Ballard gave some remarks after accepting the award.  He noted President Monson’s leadership:

“I hope that I can continue to try to walk in the footsteps of President Thomas S. Monson. He has built this bridge between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Catholic Church for many, many years. He’s a great example for me and I think for all of us here tonight.“

Read more about the event at the following link:

Church News – “Elder Ballard Honored by Catholic Community Services”