I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Along with the family fun we shared that weekend, some somber news also occurred as our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson passed away at the age of 101. He was an incredible leader, human being, and Apostle of Jesus Christ.  We as a Church and me as an individual have been so blessed by his inspired leadership and teachings.

This was followed the next day (Sunday morning) with a terrible attack on a Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan where a man drove his car into the Church building during Sacrament meeting and then got out and began shooting people and also set the Chapel on fire. People were killed and injured along with the shooter who took his own life.  Horrific event---although there have been stories of heroes and miracles during and after the event.  The people have, publicly anyway, been such great examples of forgiveness and mercy toward the shooter and towards what has happened.  That is truly Saints in action including a gofund me account set up by a ward member to raise money for the family of the shooter who are now without their sole provider.  The reasons are not clear for the attack, but reasons don't really matter--it is how we stand up and show up when terrible things happen what makes the difference. They have been amazing.

Needless to say, the Church has been in the news a lot over the past few weeks with this stuff happening, the tributes to President Nelson, then General Conference, and then the naming of the new prophet and First Presidency on October 14--

President Oaks--center  prophet
Left-President Eyring (1st counselor)
Right-President Christofferson (2nd counselor)

When we were at the Draper Temple, President Collins stated that we probably never expected to be sitting in a sealing room with him as our sealer, but it was a dream come true for him--if he had thought to dream it.  I could also say the same about President Oaks---I didn't expect my University president to become my prophet--but I can't imagine anyone more prepared and ready to lead than President Oaks.  It is his time and place and he has been prepared for "such a time as this."  This is my testimony of our prophet.  We certainly thank God for our prophet.