Major Temple News/Temple Progress Update/How many temples will there be and who will be the Prophet at the Church's Bicentennial Celebration?

Hello, all! I know I still haven't followed through on my promise to post a massive personal update. But in the last month, there have been important developments on the temple news front. Before getting to all that, I just wanted to let those who are interested and keeping track that we had one apostolic birthday since I last posted. Elder Ronald A. Rasband, the first of the three new apostles sustained in October, turned 65 on February 6. Also, the Church has not let any moss grow under the new apostles' feet. All of them have made their first international trips as apostles already and one of them, Elder Rasband, apparently has been assigned to sit with Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the Church Public Affairs Committee. I learned this when the Church reported that Elder Rasband and Elder Christofferson both greeted United States Vice President Joseph Biden at Church headquarters, presenting him with a copy of his family history. And Elder Dale G. Renlund was the assigned apostle to the Family Discovery Day at the RootsTech 2016 gathering. Just a bit of apostolic news for you.

Now, on the temple news front, much has happened. The Church announced the open house and dedication dates for the Fort Collins Colorado Temple. The open house will run from Friday August 19-Saturday September 10. The cultural celebration will take place on Saturday October 16 and the temple will be dedicated on Sunday October 17, two weeks after General Conference.

Ground was broken on Friday February 12 for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who seems to have some role in monitoring the work of the Church in Africa. I was a little surprised, frankly, that Elder David A. Bednar wasn't asked to conduct that groundbreaking, as I know he has been involved in the past in previous facets of the work in Africa. But I guess the Church still follows the principle of rotating responsibilities, so maybe Elder Andersen was asked to succeed Elder Bednar in supervising the work in Africa. Construction of the temple is anticipated to be completed in late 2018.

Ground was broken for the Barranquilla Colombia Temple on Saturday February 20 by Elder Juan A. Uceda, president of the South America Northwest Area of the Church. Completion of the temple construction is anticipated in early or mid 2019.

The Church dropped a bombshell last week with the completely unanticipated announcement of the groundbreaking for the Durban South Africa Temple. The reason it was so unexpected, at least for me, is that I knew from talking with my mother, a South African native, that they were having a problem getting approval for the Durban temple to be built. I learned upon further investigation that President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, had left an apostolic blessing on the Durban Saints during a regional conference broadcast to the effect that, if they exercised their faith and prayed for it to happen, the groundbreaking would be announced soon. Another surprising facet of this announced groundbreaking, which will take place the Saturday after General Conference weekend (April 9), is that the groundbreaking was set without a site announcement given. The site announcement came within a day or two of the groundbreaking. I talked to my mother, a South Africa native, who knew exactly where it was and was able to inform me that it was one of the most beautiful sites in Durban.

President Henry B. Eyring, just as I predicted, was asked to preside at the Suva Fiji Temple Rededication Services, which took place last weekend in the middle of a cyclone. President Eyring stated he had prayed about it and felt impressed to go ahead with the dedication as scheduled, even though the storm had interrupted and cut short the cultural celebration the night before. With the faith of the Fiji Saints sustaining him, he rededicated that temple last Sunday.

Also, according to ldschurchtemples.com, two additional announced temples are in the construction approval phase and are very close to having a groundbreaking announced. The Arequipa Peru Temple, announced in October 2012, is going through a site rezoning due to local concerns. Building permits are also being acquired. The Rio de Janeiro Temple also is in the construction preparation phase and have had the site plans approved by the local government. I would be very much surprised if those temple groundbreakings were not announced very soon.

With work starting on another temple in Brazil, and since no progress has been made on the Fortaleza Brazil Temple since its groundbreaking in 2011 (most likely due to local oppostion/concerns), it wouldn't surprise me very much if the announcement for the Fortaleza Brazil temple was suspended, or if the temple site was relocated and another groundbreaking was held.

It is wonderful to see the progress being made on temples. I have been hoping that the Church will at some point make a goal to have 200 or more temples by the 200th anniversary of the Church's organization, April 6, 2030. It is very feasible. Two temples are anticipated to possibly have their completion by the end of this year. Even if only one is slated for completion, that would bring the Church temple total to 154 by the end of the year, leaving 46 to be completed within the following 13 years. By the end of 2017, the Church could have as many as 160 temples, leaving 40 to be completed within the following 12 years. That averages to a little more than 3 temples that would need to be completed each year between January 1, 2018-April 6, 2030.

This is definitely a feasible thing to anticipate. The hiatus on temple announcements seems to be officially over, and I am anticipating 3-5 potential temple announcements next general conference, especially with so much progress being made on what was previously seen as a backlog. In order to make sense of all the temple-related developments happening, I am posting my lists again: the first highlighting temple-related events (including my guesses as to who among the general authorities might be asked to participate in each of these events) and my personal list of temple progress, including estimated event dates where applicable. I have redone my list of temple progress, assigning a different font to the different types of temples (announced, under constrcution, being renovated, or scheduled for dedication and rededication). I hope these lists make sense. Here they are:

Upcoming Temple Events:

1.     Sunday March 20—Provo City Center Temple Dedication (150 operating, 15 under construction, 8 announced, 4 undergoing renovation)

NOTE: Since President Eyring presides at the previous rededication in Suva Fiji, President Uchtdorf will likely preside at this dedication. It would also not surprise me if Elders Dallin H. Oaks and Jeffrey R. Holland had some role in the dedicatory services. Both of them served as president of BYU, and Elder Holland presided at the groundbreaking for this temple.

2.     Saturday April 9—Durban South Africa Temple Groundbreaking (150 operating, 16 under construction, 7 announced, 4 undergoing renovation)

NOTE: The question of who will preside at this groundbreaking has not been addressed. It could be any member of the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (with the most likely candidates being either Elder David A. Bednar or Neil L. Andersen, who seem to have some role in overseeing the progress of the Church in Africa), a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or one of the General Authority Seventies, with the most likely candidates being one of the members of the Africa Southeast Area Presidency: either Elder Carl B. Cook, Elder Stanley G. Ellis, or Elder Kevin S. Hamilton.

3.     Sunday August 21—Sapporo Japan Temple Dedication (151 operating, 15 under construction, 7 announced, 4 undergoing renovation)

NOTE: If President Uchtdorf presides at the previous dedication, President Eyring will likely preside at this dedication. It would also not surprise me if Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles accompanied whoever is presiding, since he as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and was serving as president of the Asia North Area, presided at the groundbreaking.

4.     Sunday September 4—Freiberg Germany Temple Rededication (151 operating, 15 under construction, 7 announced, 3 undergoing renovation)

NOTE: Since President Uchtdorf is a native German, and since President Eyring may preside at the previous dedication, it would make sense if he (President Uchtdorf) presides at this rededication.

5.     Sunday September 18—Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple Dedication (152 operating, 14 under construction, 7 announced, 3 undergoing renovation)

NOTE: If President Uchtdorf presides at the previous rededication, and since President Eyring was the one who broke ground for this temple, it would make sense if he (President Eyring) presides at this dedication.

6.     Sunday October 16—Fort Collins Colorado Temple Dedication (153 operating, 13 under construction, 7 announced, 3 undergoing renovation)

NOTE: If President Eyring presides at the previous dedication, it would make sense if President Uchtdorf is asked to preside at this dedication.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 2/28/16)

Current Temple Status: 149 operating, 16 under construction (4 scheduled for dedication), 8 announced (1 groundbreaking scheduled), 5 undergoing renovation (2 scheduled for rededication).

Dedication scheduled:

150. Provo City Center Temple: Public open house tours underway; scheduled to be dedicated Sunday March 20, 2016.

151. Sapporo Japan Temple: Exterior floodlighting operational; work progressing on interior; scheduled to be dedicated Sunday August 21, 2016.

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Exterior nearly finished; seats and lockers being installed; scheduled to be dedicated Sunday September 18, 2016.

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Lampposts installed on the grounds; interior work underway;

Scheduled to be dedicated Sunday October 16, 2016.

Under Construction:

154. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Attachment of exterior stone cladding nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during late 2016.

155. Paris France Temple: Attachment of exterior stone cladding nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime between late 2016 and early 2017.

156. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Installing window frames and temporary glass; completion anticipated sometime during early 2017.

157. Rome Italy Temple: Spire framework attached to both towers; completion anticipated sometime between mid-and-late 2017.

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Installing windows; work progressing on interior; completion anticipated sometime during late 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Structural framing and concrete shear walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during late 2017.

160. Tucson Arizona Temple:  Structural framing rising; precast walls for auxiliary building assembled; completion anticipated sometime between late 2017 and early 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Foundation wrapped in waterproofing material; building out basement level; completion anticipated during late 2018.

162. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion anticipated in late 2018.

163. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Ground broken on Friday, February 12, 2016; completion anticipated during late 2018.

164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Ground broken on Saturday February 20, 2016; completion anticipated sometime between early-and-mid 2019.

166. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Full-scale construction pending; completion date TBD (To be determined).

Groundbreaking scheduled:

165. Durban South Africa Temple: Preparing for groundbreaking ceremony; groundbreaking scheduled for Saturday April 9, 2016.

Rededication scheduled:

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; adding extension; steeple covered; scheduled to be rededicated Sunday September 4, 2016.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; interior remodeling underway; rededication anticipated sometime between late 2016 and early 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated in mid-2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; construction trailers on site; rededication anticipated in late 2017.

Announced:

167. Arequipa Peru Temple: Construction preparation phase; temple site rezoned; acquiring building permits; groundbreaking date anticipated to be announced soon.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking date anticipated to be announced soon.

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning phase.

171. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose number already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on the order in which furture dedications may be scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on the order in which their future groundbreakings are announced.

So, the question arises, what future temples might be announced? I know that the announcements for temples in Abidjan, Port-au-Prince and Bangkok were wholly unexpected. I have been and will continue to be keeping an eye on Matthew Martinich's predictions in this regard and share those predictions as soon as I can. I have felt very strongly that the Church could have 200 temples by the 200th anniversary of the Church with no problem. Also, as a side note, I was talking to my supervisor John Thomas about temple progress the other day, and he asked me who I thought would be the President of the Church for the bicentennial celebration. We agreed that it was most likely to be President Jeffrey R. Holland or President David A. Bednar by that time. 

It will be interesting to see the Church presidency pass from person to person. John says he thinks that President Russell M. Nelson will be the next prophet for at least a couple of years, followed by an also very short presidency for President Dallin H. Oaks. This would certainly follow what seems to be a standard practice for Church Presidencies. 

The Prophet Joseph Smith had a 14 year presidency. He was followed by President Brigham Young, who had nearly a 40 year presidency. President John Taylor served for almost 7 years, President Wilford Woodruff for close to 10 years, President Lorenzo Snow for 3 short years, President Joseph F. Smith for almost 18 years, President Heber J. Grant for a little over 26 years, President George Albert Smith for 6 years, President David O. McKay for almost 19 years, President Joseph Fielding Smith for just over 2 years, President Harold B. Lee for almost 18 months, President Spencer W. Kimball for nearly 13 years, President Ezra Taft Benson for 8 1/2 years, President Howard W. Hunter for a short 3/4 of a year, and President Gordon  B. Hinckley for just short of 13 years. President Thomas S. Monson just marked his 8th year as our prophet, and according to some, may not last very much longer. 

So it would be perfectly conceivable for us to have President Nelson as the 17th Prophet and President Dallin H. Oaks for the 18th Prophet before President Jeffrey R. Holland as the 19th or President David A. Bednar as the 20th Prophet serves during the Church's bicentennial conference. It will be interesting to see what happens with that. No doubt the Lord definitely numbers the years of his servants, and it is not hard to believe that he could lengthen the life of any Church president he chose beyond anyone's expectations, even to the point of some Church presidents living to become the first centenarian prophets of this dispensation. Time will tell.

At any rate, I've rambled on long enough. I have some things to do before bed, and it keeps getting earlier. Until I write my next post, whenever that might be, all the best!

Will You Be My Valentine?

There's been a lot going on for us personally. I will post with a personal update at some point this weekend--perhaps on Sunday. But I wanted to post on a few things first. This Sunday is the day known as St. Valentine's Day. With my cousin Hailey getting married this weekend and all the festivities associated with that, thoughts of my own special Valentine are ever-present. Growing up, I knew the woman I would marry needed to be a special person uniquely suited to deal with all my situation would entail. As I concluded my missionary service, thoughts of that special someone pressed on my mind. I could not have known then just how special and unique the woman the Lord was preparing for me would be. When I first met Amy Nuttall, I felt an impression she would be my wife one day. If I had been astute and more prepared, I would have gone after her that day in the temple. But the Lord had a different timetable in mind. Amy would need the next year to finish school (majoring in art) and take care of her mother, who had MS. So she needed that extra time with her family.

Her mother passed away in January 2010, and in the meantime our fast friendship was developing into love. I was reluctant to approach her, deathly afraid she'd say no. I know now I didn't need to worry about that. I only wish I had known that then. By the time the temple closed for cleaning in May of that year, Amy had grown tired of waiting for me. Though I didn't know about this until later, it turns out that both of us were fervently praying that a way would be open for us to get together.

She had done some detective work and had discovered my address. For several days, she wrestled over the contents of a letter she wanted to send to me. Finally settling on just the right thing to say, she sent the letter.

I can never forget the tender tone of that letter. In it, she expressed her admiration for me and her desire to get to know me better. She put it so tenderly: "I realize your life may be complicated, so if you ever wanted to go do something together, I would be happy to drive." She included her e-mail address. I resolved right away to take her up on her offer. I dashed off a reply befitting the invitation. That night, I informed my parents of the letter and my intention to act on it, and they expressed their support.

By the time the temple reopened, I had still not heard back from Amy. I saw her the next Friday at our usual shift, and she looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn't. Finally at the end of the night, I found her outside the room where we had waited for the last session of the day. She asked me if I had received her letter. I told her I had and that I had replied to it. She said she hadn't heard anything from me and was worried I wasn't interested. My exact reply: "I think it's definitely worth looking into."

I resent the e-mail that night, and over the next week, we exchanged several e-mails. We set up our first dates, agreeing that we were interested in more than just o ne initial date. By the end of our first week of dating, we both knew we were done looking for or considering anyone else as a potential marriage partner. We went on 14 dates in the first three weeks of our relationship.

By July 4th, we had decided we would proceed to marriage if the Lord sanctioned it. We fasted that day and both determined it was the right thing to do to become engaged. I proposed to her on the grounds of the Mount Timpanogos Temple. I told her the only tragedy in this life and in eternity that I couldn't bear to face would be if she were not there to share it with me. I knew she would accept, but I was still thrown by her prompt "Yes." We both recall my response to her acceptance. "Really?"

Our courtship lasted five months. If we'd had the opportunity to do so, we would have preferred to be married in October, most likely on the 7th, which is Amy's mother's birthday. But when we finally settled on a date, we set it for December 18th, which is the same day her parents got married. It's a date I will never be able to forget, because our wedding day marked my 6th anniversary as a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. One by one, the pieces fell into place for us to be married on December 18th. We found our first dwelling place a mere 4 days prior to the wedding.

We adopted as the theme scripture for our marriage Moroni 7:33. "And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me, ye will have power to whatsoever thing is expedient in me." The memory of my feeling that Amy would be my future wife was only restored after our marriage, which was probably just as well for me.

Last Dcember marked our 5th anniversary as a married couple. For this commemorative year, Amy found rings with wood, which is the traditional 5th anniversary gift. For almost six years now, she has been my best friend, my closest confidante, my staunchest supporter (even when I made a wrong decision, which I still do all too frequently), and my compassionate caregiver. I will admit, I have not been even half the spouse to Amy that she has been to me. If I can ever be worthy of her, I will count myself the luckiest man alive.

And so, this Valentine's Day and every day, I rejoice in my eternal union to a woman who without hesitation gave her answer to a question I had penned in a poem written in High School, Thanks to her, I never have to ask this question again. Last year on Valentine's Day, I shared this poem, but not our story. So now I have shared that story. Here's the poem, along with my eternal thanks to the woman who is the answer to the question in the poem. I love you, sweetheart, now and forever!

“Will You Be My Valentine?”

I cast my eyes to the sky above,

It's so long since I've dared to love.

Will I be rejected again?

I need another special friend,

One with whom to share my dreams.

I had one once, or so it seemed.

But she abandoned me for another,

And they're now wrapped up in each other.

To see them now, it makes me sick.

I wish that I were half as slick,

As the one who took my girl away.

But now, alas, she will not stay.

So as to make her feel disgrace,

I've found another pretty face.

One whom I feel I can trust,

Or will it be another bust?

I do not know, I cannot guess,

If she at last will ease my stress.

And yet, unsure, these thoughts are mine,

“Will you please be my valentine?”

Apostolic Birthdays/Temple News Update

Since I last posted about apostolic birthdays, three of them have happened, and one more will occur in January. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf turned 75 on November 6. Elder Dale G. Renlund turned 63 on November 13. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland turned 75 on December 3. Elder D. Todd Christofferson will turn 71 on January 24.

In temple news, several things have happened on that front. The Tijuana Mexico Temple was dedicated on December 13, the Lisbon Temple Groundbreaking was held on December 5, and groundbreakings were announced for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo (Friday February 12 by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) and the Barranquilla Colombia Temples (Saturday February 20 by Elder Juan A. Uceda of the First Quorum of the Seventy, currently serving as president of the South America Northwest Area).

Today the Church announced that three other temples would have their dedications in 2016, one of which was being renovated. The Sapporo Japan Temple will have an open house from Friday July 8-Saturday July 23. A cultural celebration will be held on August 20. The temple will be dedicated on August 21, which will be the same day President Monson celebrates his 89th birthday. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was the last one to dedicate a temple, odds are that President Eyring will dedicate the Provo City Center Temple and the Sapporo Japan Temple. I wouldn't be surprised if Elder Gary E. Stevenson accompanied whoever dedicates the Sapporo Japan Temple, because Elder Stevenson was the one who originally broke ground for it. (He was at that time President of the Asia Area of the Church. See, I told you all our new apostles had international experience.)

The renovation of the Freiberg Germany temple began in February of last year. When the Frankfurt Germany temple closed on September 7 of last year for renovation, it left the German people temporarily without a temple. The Freiberg Germany Temple open house will take place betweeen August 12 and August 27. The cultural celebration will be held on September 3 and the temple will be dedicated the next day. President Uchtdorf will likely be asked to return to his native Germany to dedicate this temple, though who might accompany him is beyond me.

The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple will host visitors at its open house from Friday August 5-Saturday September 3. A cultural celebration will be held on Saturday September 17, with the temple scheduled to be dedicated the next day. Since President Henry B. Eyring broke ground for this temple, it wouldn't surprise me if he was asked to officiate at the dedication.

There's a lot of temple-related stuff happening. In order to help my readers make sense of it all, I am including an updated list of temple-related events for 2016. The text in parentheses denotes what the status of temples will be once each event takes place. I follow it up directly with an updated progress report on temples currently announced, undergoing renovation, or under construction. Hope these lists prove helpful to you. Here's the lists, in the order indicated.

Upcoming Temple Events:

2016:

1.     Friday February 12, 2016—Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple Groundbreaking (149 operating, 15 under construction, 9 announced, 4 undergoing renovation)

2.     Monday February 15—Jordan River Temple Renovation begins (149 operating, 15 under construction, 9 announced, 5 undergoing renovation)

3.     Saturday February 20—Barranquilla Colombia Temple Groundbreaking (149 operating, 16 under construction, 8 announced, 5 undergoing renovation.

4.     Sunday February 21—Suva Fiji Temple Rededication (149 operating, 16 under construction, 8 announced, 4 undergoing renovation)

5.     Sunday March 20—Provo City Center Temple Dedication (150 operating, 15 under construction, 8 announced, 4 undergoing renovation)

6.     Sunday August 21—Sapporo Japan Temple Dedication (151 operating, 14 under construction, 8 announced, 4 undergoing renovation)

7.     Sunday September 4—Freiberg Germany Temple Rededication (151 operating, 14 under construction, 8 announced, 3 undergoing renovation)

8.     Sunday September 18—Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple Dedication (152 operating, 13 under construction, 8 announced, 3 undergoing renovation)

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 1/21/16)

Current Temple Status: 149 operating, 14 under construction, 10 announced, 4 undergoing renovation.

                           

Dedication scheduled:

150. Provo City Center Temple: Public open house tours underway; scheduled to be dedicated Sunday March 20, 2016.

151. Sapporo Japan Temple: Exterior floodlighting operational; work progressing on interior; scheduled to be dedicated Sunday August 21, 2016.

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Angel Moroni installed on December 30, 2015; scheduled to be dedicated Sunday September 18, 2016.

                    

Under Construction:

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Sod laying and landscaping continues; completion anticipated in late 2016.

154. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Angel Moroni installed on December 11, 2015; attaching stone cladding; completion anticipated in late 2016.

155. Rome Italy Temple: Spire framework attached to both towers; completion anticipated in late 2016—early 2017.

156. Paris France Temple: Attachment of exterior stone cladding nearing completion; completion anticipated in late 2016—early 2017.

157. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Steeple assembly installed; attaching exterior cladding; completion anticipated in late 2016—early 2017.

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Installing windows; work progressing on interior; completion anticipated in mid-to-late 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Structural framing rising; completion anticipated in late 2017.

160. Tucson Arizona Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated in late 2017—early 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Laying foundation; completion anticipated in late 2018.

162. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion anticipated in late 2018.

163. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Full-scale construction pending; completion date TBD (To be determined).

Groundbreaking scheduled:

164. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Preparing for groundbreaking ceremony; groundbreaking scheduled for Friday February 12, 2016.

165. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Preparing for groundbreaking ceremony; groundbreaking scheduled for Saturday February 20, 2016.

Rededication scheduled:

91. Suva Fiji Temple: Closed for renovation; scheduled to be rededicated Sunday February 21, 2016.

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; adding extension;

steeple covered; scheduled to be rededicated Sunday September 4, 2016.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; interior remodeling underway; rededication anticipated in late 2016.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated in mid-2017.

Renovation scheduled:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 15, 2016.

Announced:

166. Arequipa Peru Temple: Construction preparation phase; groundbreaking pending.

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

169. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning phase.

170. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase.

171. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Durban South Africa Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Please note that I have renumbered the temples based on the progress being made on them. Hope this informational post was helpful.

The Prophet Joseph Smith—Teacher by Example

I am using this post to share the first talk I gave in our new Orem ward. The title of the talk is the title of this post. My parents were present to hear Amy and me speak. Amy was very brief, leaving me lots of time, so I was well prepared. I hope you enjoy this.

My beloved brethren and sisters,

            Amy has very capably and ably introduced us and shared her beautiful testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. As far as I’m concerned, I feel like we could end the meeting without another word being spoken.

            In talking to Bishop Wilkinson last week regarding our assignment to speak today, he advised us that if we each planned on taking around 20 minutes, we’d be in good shape. Amy told me straight up that speaking in Church is not one of her favorite things, and that she’d leave me lots of time. Bishop Wilkinson indicated last week that we shouldn’t worry if our time falls short; the bishopric would just call on someone from the congregation to bear their testimonies. In order to keep everyone happy, and in order to avoid any hard feelings that might arise if I were to be brief, I would like to share with you my side of our story as well as my own testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith.

I first met Amy while I was serving as a veil worker in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple. I had been working there since I commenced my part-time missionary service in 2006. Fast forward a bit to January 2009 when I had just started at BYU. I had retained my temple service even after my missionary service had ended seven months earlier. I had become somewhat anxious about finding someone who would love me, because in my case, I knew that was going to be tough for whoever I finally ended up with. With those thoughts in mind, I had routinely checked the left hand of young ladies I brought through the veil, mostly because I was curious about their marital status. When Amy came through my veil, I noticed instantly that the proper finger was empty. A strong impression came to mind, “This woman will one day be your eternal companion.”

Thinking about it and knowing now what I felt then, I should have gone after her that day in the temple. However, the timing wasn’t right for us to get together. So, as most men habitually do, I forgot that strong impression and let her slip through my fingers.

Fast forward again to August 2009. Amy had then become a temple worker herself, and, due to a schedule conflict, she wound up on one of the shifts I was working. We got to know each other better, and our mutual attraction blossomed. Because I had been unlucky in love before that time, I procrastinated the urge to ask Amy out, explaining my situation to the Lord. I cried unto Him and covenanted that, if some way presented itself that she and I could get together, I would delay no longer than was absolutely necessary in commencing a relationship with her.

By this time, more time had passed. By late May 2010, the temple was closed for maintenance. I guess Amy grew tired of waiting for me to make the first move. At that time, she had someone in her singles’ ward that looked like he may have wanted to ask her out. Because of her feelings for me, she decided she wanted me to have a first chance with her before she even considered the other guy. So, she tracked down my address (that’s how I first learned how resourceful she was in going after something she wanted) and wrote me a beautiful letter that was mailed to and received by me while the temple was still closed.

In the letter, she expressed an interest in me and her desire to get to know me better. I can never forget the tender tone of that letter. I still treasure it today. She put it beautifully: “I realize your life may be complicated, so if you ever wanted to go do something together, I would be happy to drive.” That was enough of a prodding for me. She said some other things too about why she wrote the letter and what she hoped would come of it. I had the instant confirmation for which I had been seeking that this would be the right thing to do, especially as she seemed ready to embrace whatever my situation was (as we hadn’t had a chance to talk about my disabilities and other health issues). In the letter, she had given me her e-mail address, so I sent off a reply befitting the invitation. I saw her again the first Friday night after the temple was open. She looked several times like she wanted to say something to me, but she didn’t. Or at least she kept silent till the end of the night.

We were exiting the room where we both had waited for the last session of the day to be over, and Amy took the opportunity to approach me at that time. She asked if I had received her letter. I said I did and that I replied to her. She said she hadn’t received anything from me at all. I was quick to reassure her of my interest in her, and said I would dash off another copy of that e-mail to her that very night. This I did.

What followed was a whirlwind romance. We must have really hit it off. We went on fourteen dates in the first three weeks after our exchange of email messages. At one point, I told her that it wouldn’t surprise me if we were engaged by the end of the year. But the Lord had a very different and much quicker timetable in mind.

We got along so well together that we agreed after the first week that the question of marriage for us would be when and how rather than if. By that time, we were done looking for or considering any other individual to spend eternity with. I proposed to her on July 4 (the best Independence Day I ever had), and she willingly accepted. I must have been quite surprised at her instant acceptance of my proposal, because after she said “Yes” I said “Really?” She was quick to assure me that her answer was sincere.

We were now in the courtship phase of our relationship, tentatively setting a marriage date for December 18. We would have preferred it to be a month or two sooner, but that was not to be. And the timing worked out beautifully because her parents’ anniversary was December 18, and Amy’s mother had passed away from complications of multiple sclerosis the January before we started dating. So, we determined to do all we could to make December 18 work as a wedding day.

Shortly after our engagement, I was reading in the Book of Mormon, and I came across a scripture that really hit me. I shared it with Amy, and we determined this would be the theme scripture of our courtship and marriage. What was that scripture that touched us so deeply? It’s found in the Book of Moroni within the Book of Mormon. It reads, “And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me, ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.”[i] Isn’t that a powerful promise? I testify that this gave us the courage and faith we needed to press onward. Preparing for our marriage was an uphill climb with numerous obstacles. In spite of this, one by one, things fell into place for us to be married, and on our preferred date.

Soon after our engagement, we were discussing our preferences as far as who would officiate at our wedding. She said as I’d had more experience with the sealers at the temple, she would let me pick our sealer, and that whoever I decided on was all right with her. I told her that there was no one I’d rather have officiating at our wedding than C. Max Caldwell. Brother Caldwell had previously served as a General Authority in the Second Quorum of the Seventy, and at the time I first met him, he was living in my same stake. When I first started serving at the temple and found out he was the senior sealer there, we struck up an easy and deeply rewarding friendship. It didn’t take much to convince Amy that he was the best person to officiate at our marriage. When I asked him to do so, in that very humble way of his, he acted like the pleasure and the honor was completely his.

Almost two years after officiating at our sealing, Brother Caldwell became very sick and unable to serve in the temple anymore. He passed away in 2012. For a time, I kept an eye on his widow to ensure that she was doing all right. I knew that’s what Brother Caldwell would have wanted me to do, and it was my honor to do so.

I miss my friend Brother Caldwell a lot. He was a strong warrior in the cause of Christ, and it was my privilege to know him. I take comfort in the knowledge that at least he was able to officiate at our sealing before his passing. We may have been among the last of those weddings he officiated in.

It is an honor I deeply cherish to have been counted among his friends, and I will never forget the wonderful influence this remarkable man had on me, especially as he officiated at the event wherein everything that was important to me took on a new, deeper, and more fulfilling meaning. May God bless this humble, unassuming man to continue our Heavenly Father’s “work and . . .glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”,[ii] which I know he is now doing on the other side of the veil. I know when I see him again, we will instantly recognize each other and that the bond of our friendship still exists, a friendship I hope to continue in all the eternities to come.

 When that great reunion with this treasured friend takes place, I will likely be called upon to let him know how true I was to the advice and counsel he gave us when officiating at our sealing. It is my dearest hope and prayer that he may be pleased when I do so.

It was interesting to see how things fell into place when the timing was right. Remembering the promise in our scripture, we pressed forward in spite of many obstacles to our marriage, recognizing that the richest and best things in this life often take hard work, a lot of faith, and making sure to involve the Lord. One by one things fell into place, with not a lot of time to spare. We found our first dwelling place a mere four days before the wedding.

Some time had passed after our marriage, when suddenly one day while Amy and I were working at the temple, something triggered my memory, and the impression I’d had in 2009 that Amy would be my future wife returned to me. I’m sure all of you can appreciate the fact that I lost that impression until we had been married for a while. It worked out so much better for us that things happened the way they did.

Fast forward again to this last October. We had been wanting to be in a place of our own and had been looking for a while. We came across a trailer in Mon-A-Lea trailer court and knew instantly it was the right place for us to be, and we were able to purchase it. The first Sunday we attended this ward, we both felt at home. This was a big thing for me because I had been in my previous stake since moving to American Fork in 1999.

 Enough about our story. Now let me share some things about Joseph Smith  When we originally got this topic last week, I immediately said that I would have it easy because I had given a talk on Joseph Smith back when I was in the Singles’ Ward. With the permission of the bishopric and with some additions and corrections, I am resurrecting and reusing that talk this morning. Contrary to what I had supposed, it took a lot more preparation than I thought.

It is a great privilege for me to talk to you today about the Prophet Joseph Smith. He has always been one of my heroes. Much has been written and said of him. To discuss in detail even one aspect or teaching from his life would be impossible in the remaining time I have. And so I have chosen to touch briefly upon several lessons we can learn from the prophet’s life, example, and teachings. I have patterned my remarks after a talk President Thomas S. Monson gave in the October 2005 General Conference entitled: “The Prophet Joseph Smith—Teacher by Example.” So, hang on to your hats! This will be a wild ride!

First, I quote from Teachings of Presidents of the Church—Joseph Smith regarding an experience the Prophet had as a young boy. “Evidence of the Prophet’s extraordinary character emerged early in his life. The Smiths were living in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, when a deadly epidemic of typhoid fever attacked many in the community, including all the Smith children. While the other children recovered without complication, Joseph, who was about seven years old, developed a serious infection in his left leg. Doctor Nathan Smith of Dartmouth Medical School at nearby Hanover, New Hampshire [who, by the way, was not related to Joseph’s family], agreed to perform a new surgical procedure to try to save the boy’s leg. As Doctor Smith and his colleagues prepared to operate, Joseph asked his mother to leave the room so she would not have to witness his suffering. Refusing liquor to dull the pain and relying only on his father’s reassuring embrace, Joseph bravely endured as the surgeon bored into and chipped away part of his leg bone. The surgery was successful, although Joseph walked the next several years with crutches and showed signs of a slight limp the rest of his life.”[iii]

One lesson that I observed from this is that, even as a young boy, Joseph refused to take anything into his body that was not good for him. I don’t know this for a fact, but I am of the opinion that the Smith family may have been observing some form of the Word of Wisdom all of Joseph’s life, long before it became the revealed word of the Lord. Joseph saw those blessings in this instance. It’s not documented, but again, an educated guess leads me to believe that this adherence to a law of health was one of the reasons Joseph was able to come through such a traumatic experience at such a tender age. The promise the Lord would give through the Prophet became true in his own life.

We all know the words of that promise: “And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

“And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

“And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.”[iv]

The Prophet Joseph Smith learned at a very early age what we know now. He taught obedience to a law of health and abstinence from practices that would have a negative effect—by example.

Throughout his short life of 38 years, he would endure much more adversity. One such incident happened as a result of his First Vision in which he saw our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This was the first time our Heavenly Father had appeared to anyone in the history of the world.[v] I hope that gives us a sense of how important this work really is. Great persecution followed the young Prophet, but, in spite of it all, he could not and would not deny either that vision or the many more manifestations that followed him. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us how to stand by our testimonies—by example.

Another incident happened when he was imprisoned at Liberty Jail in Missouri amidst miserable and sometimes even dangerous conditions. In his anguish, he pleaded with the Lord, asking why He had seemingly abandoned His people. The questions he asked, the petitions he made, and the answers he received are instructive to all of us who face adversity. He cried out, “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? . . .

“[S]tretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.

“Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.

“Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.”[vi]

The Lord’s answer to Joseph can be very helpful to us in our own moments of trial. He said,

“My son [for which we could also substitute “my daughter”], peace be unto thy soul; Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes [for which we could also substitute “trials”].”[vii]

The Lord goes on to enumerate some of the worst circumstances anyone could be in, ending with a profound promise and reminder:

“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?”[viii]

Joseph learned from and was sanctified through his experiences at Liberty Jail. There followed some of the greatest revelations and experiences the world has ever known. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us how to endure to the end and have faithful courage amidst great trials—by example.

Joseph also had a unique experience interacting with the guards set to watch over him in Liberty Jail. They had been involved in chasing those who believed in Joseph and the restored gospel message out of town, and had done all sorts of unspeakable things to the Saints. They boasted of their deeds to one another. Joseph lay still and listened to their reviling as long as he could take it. He then shot to his feet, and, with fire in his eyes, thundered out, “Silence, ye fiends of the infernal pit! In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you and command you to be still! I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die this instant!”

Parley P. Pratt, one of Joseph’s fellow prisoners, writes of this experience, “He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon; calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked upon the quailing guards, whose weapons were lowered or dropping to the ground; whose knees smote together and who, shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon and remained quiet till a change of guards.

“I have seen the ministers of justice, clothed in ministerial robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was suspended on a breath . . .; I have witnessed a Congress in solemn session to give laws to nations; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of thrones and crowns; and of emperors assembled to decide the fate of kingdoms; but dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in an obscure village of Missouri.”[ix] The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us how to boldly speak out when the conduct of others is less than it should be —by example.

Shortly after his release from Liberty Jail and following the Saints’ migration to what was then Commerce, Illinois (later renamed Nauvoo, or “The City Beautiful”) an epidemic of cholera left many saints, including Joseph, his wife Emma, and many of their children, confined to bed and unable to do much. This epidemic lasted several weeks, until one day Joseph faithfully prayed for healing and was granted that blessing. He rose from his sickbed completely healed, and, in what came to be known as “a day of God’s power”, he proceeded to administer first to his family, then all through Nauvoo. Each person he spoke to rose from their sickbeds, and many apostles of that day were witness to the healing power of God.

When Joseph became physically and spiritually drained from performing these miraculous healings, he exhorted and admonished the apostles to do as he had done. Initially doubting their own abilities to do what Joseph had done, the apostles were emboldened by his statement that they, as special witnesses of Christ, could do as he did. They continued the work of healing that Joseph started.[x]

Whether it was starting a collection for a needy brother, wiping the mud from the boots of small children, rescuing a sister from a mud hole, giving labor to two out-of-work brothers or whatever it might be, his life was all about service. Joseph said: “A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.”[xi] The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us the high importance of service—by example.

            In a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, we read the following:

“My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another, and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.

“Wherefore, I say unto you that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”[xii]

This instruction, given in 1831, became the pattern for Joseph’s life. On the fateful night of March 24, 1832, the Prophet was forcefully dragged from his home and tarred and feathered. What followed was a painful night during which he watched one of his babies die and had to stay up most of the night getting the tar and feathers removed by some friends. He rose from that experience the next day and preached a powerful sermon on forgiveness. As  a result of his response to the persecution, as was not uncommon in that time, some of the very men who had so abused him the night before came forward, humbly confessing their sins and requesting forgiveness and baptism, which the Prophet willing and unconditionally extended to them.

When Elder Parley P. Pratt came to himself after a temporary period of disaffection and asked the Prophet’s forgiveness, Brother Joseph willingly gave it. William W. Phelps turned away from and joined in the persecution of the Church during the trials of Missouri. When he wrote to the Prophet asking his forgiveness, the Prophet responded with these words:

“Dear Brother Phelps: I must say that it is with no ordinary feelings I endeavor to write a few lines to you in answer to your [letter]; at the same time I am rejoiced at the privilege granted me. … It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior—the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us. … However, the cup has been drunk, the will of the Father has been done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And having been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of the adversary. … Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, I shall be happy to give you the right hand of fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal. … ‘Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, For friends at first, are friends again at last.’

“Yours as ever, Joseph Smith, Jun.”[xiii]

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us the importance of forgiveness—by example.

On one occasion, Jesse Crosby informed the Prophet Joseph Smith that helping out with what he termed “woman’s work” (such as carrying out the ashes, bringing in water and firewood, tending the children and washing the dishes) was not in keeping with his idea of a great man’s self-respect. The prophet rebuked Brother Crosby with these words that still ring true for any married man today: “If a man does not properly love and cherish his wife in this life and take care of her, he will not be privileged to have her in the next.” Properly rebuked, Jesse Crosby treated his wife better from that time forward.[xiv] Throughout his marriage, the Prophet would pitch in and help as often as he could. Joseph Smith taught how husbands should treat their wives—by example. I might add that I have been quick to forget this in my own marriage, and, as with anything, there is always room for improvement.

The final four topics I want to cover are interconnected. In a letter to John Wentworth, Joseph said: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”[xv] There is a dual lesson to be taught from this quote: No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. But by the same token, no unhallowed hand can help to move it forward. Each of us must consistently ask ourselves, as Joseph did, “Are my hands clean? Is my heart pure? Am I a worthy instrument in the Lord’s hands?” If the answers to these questions are “no,” then we have work to do. When we can answer “yes” to these questions, then we will know that the Prophet Joseph Smith taught us how we can best further the gospel cause—by example.

Joseph would, in the time prior to his martyrdom, confer upon the apostles the authority to lead Christ’s church. He also emphasized the special place of the Twelve in the church hierarchy when he said, “Where I am not [and this would apply to all future Church Presidents], there is no First Presidency over the Twelve.”[xvi]

The Prophet Joseph Smith gave the ultimate sacrifice—his life—in the furthering of the gospel. When Joseph prepared to go to jail for the final time in his life, he knew he would not be returning. At that time, he stated: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense towards God and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.”[xvii] Joseph died as his final testament that the work he restored to the earth is true. Our task is somewhat different than that of our beloved prophet: we are asked to live what we believe. As we do so, could we say the same as Joseph Smith? Are our consciences void of offense towards God and towards all men? Or is there room for improvement? Let us do as Joseph Smith did. He taught us how to live and die for the work—by example.

Though none of us can interact with the Prophet Joseph Smith, as did the saints in his day, his eye is on the work that he helped restore to the earth for the last time. 171 years after his martyrdom, the powerful testimony he bore of the Savior lives on in our scriptures, and more importantly, in our hearts. We can hear it ring as truly as it did when it was first given in 1832:
"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
"That by him and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God."[xviii]

He sealed that testimony with his blood. He did not die for a lie. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us the nature and characteristics of Disciples of Christ—by example.

I close now with my testimony. I testify that Joseph Smith was indeed a Prophet of God. He was chosen and foreordained to be the instrument in the hands of the Lord in restoring His work upon the earth today. He did see the Father and the Son. He had the priesthood conferred upon him by angels. He translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, and received many instructions that are still applicable to us today. His was a life of total obedience to the commandments of the Lord. Like the Master he served, he sealed his testimony with his blood. I echo the noble sentiment expressed by W. W. Phelps: “Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!” and I testify that indeed “millions shall know ‘Brother Joseph’ again.”[xix] I bear my witness that the gospel is true, and leave my love and blessing with you all in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

---

[i] Moroni 7:33.

[ii] Moses 1:39.

[iii] Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, p. 2. Copyrighted 2007, all rights reserved. 

[iv] D&C 89:18-21.

[v] Joseph Smith—History 1:15-20.

[vi] D&C 121:1, 4-6.

[vii] D&C 121:7-8.

[viii] D&C 122:7-8.

[ix] See The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 180. See also Gerald N. Lund’s The Work and the Glory series volume 4: Thy Gold to Refine, pp. 443-444.

[x] See Church History in the Fulness of Times, pp. 217-219 for an account of what happened that day.

[xi] HC 4:227.

[xii] D&6 64:8-10.

[xiii] HC 4:163–64.

[xiv] As recounted in Gerald N. Lund’s The Work and the Glory series, volume 5: A Season of Joy pp. 480-482.

[xv] HC 4:540.

[xvi] HC 2:374.

[xvii] D&C 135:4.

[xviii] D&C 76:22-24.

[xix] Praise to the Man, Hymn #27.

My 2016 version of the Sons of Ammon Apostles Song

Hello. As some of you may be aware, many people have speculated about when the Sons of Ammon will come out with a new apostles song. The sons of Ammon have done a new apostles song every time there is a change in the apostleship, which they have done since President Monson became the new prophet. In the absence of an official update from them, others have tried to do it for them. But I have found that most of these songs do not stick to the original tune (The Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song), and their versions, to me, are more obnoxious and annoying than would a Sons of Ammon version. In thinking about this, I have written a version that uses the original tune and some of the original stanzas of previous Sons of Ammon Songs, which meant I only needed to add a stanza including the new apostles and a line at the end with which to make mention of the apostles as a group. I present my version today. Video of it may be coming in the next little while, but not right away, as I am currently sick. I have never put a video on my blog, so I will need to record one and find a way to add one. Should be fairly easy. Just remember the Beverly Hillbillies tune, and the rest will be easy.

That said, you may find the whole thing disappointing. Here are the lyrics:

Thomas S. Monson is the prophet, you know.

Henry B. Eyring is the next below.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf is the third, you see.

And that makes up the First Presidency.

Russell M. Nelson operated on folks.

A Supreme Court justice was Dallin H. Oaks.

M. Russell Ballard sold cars you know,

Robert D. Hales plays the piano.

Jeffrey R. Holland is a Yale guy.

David A. Bednar changed Ricks to the Y.

Quentin L. Cook is from Cache Valley.

D. Todd Christofferson’s an attorney.

Neil L. Andersen worked on a dairy.

Ronald A. Rasband’s six months older than he.

Gary E. Stevenson’s our youngest one.

And Dale G. Renlund was a heart surgeon.

You know all of the apostles, so our song is now done.