Sister Amelia Goates Teaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Her Farewell Message to Her Ward

I am the grandfather of Sister Amelia Goates, leaving soon for the Michigan Detroit Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Amelia and her friend Avery Crawford had just played a piano duet medley of missionary favorite hymns, and then she commenced her final farewell message to her home ward, the Daniel 2nd Ward, on September 27, 2026. She is joining an unprecedented number of 90,000 young missionaries now serving, mostly because of the increased number of sister missionaries due to the reduced age of 18 recently announced. I can’t begin to express my gratitude for all those among the Goates Kids who have answered this clarion call from God’s living Prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks. I turned over the program and noted all the missionaries serving worldwide from their ward.

Worldwide Representation

* * *

One of the songs we just played was “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission.” I remember how much fun singing this song was in Primary because of all the missionaries I knew that were out serving, whether it was cousins, friends or neighbors. The first verse says, “I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two. I hope by then I will be ready to preach and teach and work as missionaries do.” While I’m still waiting to grow that “foot or two,” I am so excited to “preach and teach and work as missionaries do” for the next 18 months. I never in a million years thought that those lyrics I sang as a little kid would be what I am doing now.

Sister Amelia Goates with Grandpa

As I’ve been preparing over the last couple of months to serve in the Michigan Detroit Mission, I’ve thought a lot about how the Lord has guided me. Guided me to reach out to that one friend, send that one text, make that one phone call, buy that one bouquet of flowers, smile at that one person, sit next to that one person, go on that one walk, that one drive, play that one sport, apply for that one job, try that one new thing that I wouldn’t have tried otherwise, take that one AP class, make that one blanket, be that one temple worker so excited to go to her shift, or leave on that one mission.

I was talking to my Mom last week about how much I have felt loved. Loved by my amazing family and friends and loved by my Savior. Looking back, all I can say is thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being people that the Lord has guided me to because I definitely wouldn’t be standing here without the amazing people all of you are. Thank you for being the answer to many of my unspoken prayers. I am so blessed to have friends who feel like family, and a family I am grateful to call my own.

My Aunt [Dianne] has a sign hung in her living room right as you walk in the door, that says, “He is,” so naturally every time I am at her house, I see it. I have noticed this sign for a while now, but I only just talked to my Aunt about why she has this sign in her house that seems almost incomplete. We started talking about it and what she said changed how I view my Savior. 

She was telling me that that sign means so much to her because each day “He is” whatever we need Him to be. Yes, “He is Risen” but “He is” also Merciful, my Advocate, my Comforter, my Refuge, my Safe Place, my Example, my Deliverer, my Teacher, or any of the other names of Christ you love. Each day “He is” whatever I need. He is my Healer when I am broken. He is my Peace when I am overwhelmed and anxious. He is my Strength when I feel weak. He is my Hope when I am discouraged. He is my best friend when I need to rant. He is my Good Shepherd when I am lost and need guidance. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, and Song.

After some thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided that my new favorite name of my Savior is “He is” because he really is whoever I need him to be. And most of the time “He is” 20 things to me all at once. After thinking about the phrase “He is,” I have realized that the Lord has shown me who “He is” in a lot of different ways. But one of the most consistent ways He has helped me recognize Him is through music.

John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” I have learned my Shepherd’s voice in the scriptures, but I have FOUND his voice in music. Music has the power to move you, change you. I feel such a calmness when I am hearing Him through music. Because at the end of the day music and hymns are Jesus.

One song that I haven’t been able to get out of my head since getting my mission call is one that I remember singing in Primary. It says,

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know who I am.
I know God’s plan.
I’ll follow in his ways.
I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ.
I’ll honor His name.
I’ll do what is right.
I’ll follow His light.
His truth I will proclaim.

I think it is so cool that from such a young age we can sing these truths. I loved singing time and while I didn’t have the greatest voice, I always had the biggest smile. I didn’t even realize what I was singing at 6 years old.

As I have thought about the lyrics to this song over the last couple months, I realized how crazy it is that the lyrics never changed but the person reading them did. Simple lines that were so easy for me to sing at 6 became a lot harder for me as I was going through high school. Did I belong in the Church? Who was I? What was going on in my life because it seemed like I never had a clue. Did I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ? What was right? Where could I find hope? And while I didn’t know the answer to all my questions in high school, I know now with a surety that I do belong in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God’s plan. I’ll follow in His ways. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. I’ll honor His name. I’ll do what is right. I’ll follow His light. His truth I will proclaim. 

I get to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and proclaim His truth. The word “proclaim” means to announce or declare something publicly, clearly, and with authority. I won’t just be sharing His truth, but I will be announcing it publicly, clearly, and with authority for all to hear. I will be proclaiming his word and living the words that I have sung my whole life.

Another Primary song that has helped guide me which also happens to be one of my family’s favorites is, “Give Said the Little Stream.” Another banger if I do say so myself. This was always a go-to song during Family Home Evening growing up. If I ever got to pick the song, I would almost always pick this one. The whole song is so good, but my favorite verse is the last verse that says, 

“Give then as Jesus gives, Give oh give, Give oh give. 
Give then as Jesus gives; There is something all can give. 
Do as the streams and blossoms do: For God and others live. 
Singing, singing all the day, Give away, oh Give away. 
Singing, singing all the day, give oh give oh give away.”

I am not giving up 18 months; I am giving 18 months. I get to give as Jesus gives. I get to give because He lives. There is something all can give, and it doesn’t have to be a mission. I can give a smile, I can give a hug, I can give my time, my kindness, my love, my effort, my patience, and my whole heart. There is always something I can give. But the reason I want to give is because Jesus Christ gave first. A good shepherd gives constantly. He gives protection, direction, patience, and care. Jesus Christ gave everything for us. In John 10:11 it says, “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Because He gave His life for me, I want to give my life back to Him, not just for18 months but every day.

Primary songs are so amazing, and they are some of the best songs to go back to and look at. I haven’t just found my Savior in Primary songs though. I have found Him in hymns, instrumental music, Christian music and even in everyday songs that I love to listen to. God is truly everywhere if we just look for Him.

Music has helped me find comfort in the unknown. My favorite artist has a song that sums the unknown up in a simple chorus. He says,

Although I guess if I knew tomorrow, I guess I wouldn’t need faith.
I guess if I never fell, I guess I wouldn’t need grace.
I guess if I knew His plans, I guess He wouldn’t be God, God, God
So maybe I don’t know
Maybe I don’t know
Maybe I don’t know
Maybe I don’t know
But maybe that’s okay
Maybe that’s okay
Maybe that’s okay
Maybe I don’t know, maybe I don’t know
But maybe that’s okay.

We aren’t supposed to know everything. I definitely don’t. I didn’t even know why I was going on a mission for a while. I still don’t know exactly why I changed my whole plan of going to golf in college, to a mission. There is so much uncertainty about what my future will hold and it’s a little terrifying sometimes.

In John 14:18 it says, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” I am not alone in my uncertainty, because He will not leave me comfortless and will come to me like the Good Shepherd, He is. He is my Comforter and my Peace.

If I knew everything I wouldn’t be standing up here. I need to have the uncertainty in my life because I need Him. I need to have faith, and His grace and trust that He has a plan just for me.

So maybe I don’t know. Maybe I don’t exactly know why I am going to Detroit. Maybe I don’t know what I am doing. Maybe I don’t know how hard it is going to actually be. Maybe I don’t know how my life will change with serving a mission. Maybe I don’t know who I am supposed to meet. Maybe I don’t know who my companions will be. Maybe I don’t even know what I will say. But maybe that’s okay. Sometimes we just need to listen to John and trust that God knows. Maybe it’s okay that only He knows why I am going to Detroit, or who I need to meet, or how I will change on my mission. Maybe it’s okay that I know almost absolutely nothing because He knows. He knows what he is doing and it’s okay that I don’t have the answers. The Lord is my Shepherd, and knows what I will know. He’s got me. I know that on my best day, I’m a Child of God. On my worst day, I’m a Child of God. Oh, every day is a good day. And You’re the reason why I’m so blessed, I’m so blessed. I am so blessed to have the life that I have with the people I have it with. Life isn’t about what you go through, it’s about who you do it with. I have the best people to do life with. I am so blessed.

I would like to close by sharing my testimony. I am Amelia Goates, soon to be Sister Goates. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am, I know God’s plan. I will follow in His ways. I believe in my Savior Jesus Christ. I’ll honor His name. I do what is right. I’ll follow His light. His truth I will proclaim. He is my ______ today, and I hope that He can be whatever you need Him to be today. I know that this Church has brought me so much joy. I am so excited to give this joy to others in Michigan. I am giving because He gave first. I am serving because He served first. I am trying to be like Jesus; I’m following His ways. I’m trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say. I know that I need Him every hour. I know that through Him I can be made better. I have the strongest testimony that music is where we can find him. I have learned of Him my whole life, but I have found Him in music. He is my song. He is my Good Shepherd who has guided me and led me along. He is my Savior, my Redeemer and my Prince of Peace. Because “He is” I know that I can be to. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

* * *

I was privileged to be among the audience yesterday who heard you, Amelia. I am so blessed to be the Grandfather of these marvelous young missionaries among the Goates Kids! When I served in the North British Mission in 1967-69, there were a record number of 26,000 missionaries worldwide. I could never have imagined then what we are witnessing today, and when I add the number of proliferating temples into my thinking I am even more amazed and humbled by this magnificent time in which I live.

I spoke briefly with President Wilde, their stake president who was also in attendance and concluded the meeting with his testimony. His characterization of Rich’s and Jake’s families was “top tier.”

"A Marvellous Work And A Wonder"

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Woodland Ward

Happy Autumnal Equinox today! It's also the anniversary of my baptism by my father on September 22, 1955, in the font at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. “I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name. … “And worlds without number have I created; … and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten” (Moses 1:3, 33). In scriptures brought to light by the Prophet Joseph Smith, we read these words of our Heavenly Father: “I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh” (Moses 6:51; see also Moses 3:5).

This week's study in Come, Follow Me continues into the extensive writings of Isaiah. The phrase “great are the words of Isaiah” comes from Jesus Christ’s command in 3 Nephi 23:1–3 in the Book of Mormon, where He instructs His followers to diligently study Isaiah because his prophecies apply to all Israel and the Gentiles and will all be fulfilled.

Isaiah was fearless, and his warnings to the kingdoms of his day — including Israel, Judah, and surrounding nations — were bold (see Isaiah 13–23). He would perform “a marvellous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14), restoring to Israel the blessings He had promised them. Neither Isaiah nor anyone else alive at that time lived to see this marvelous work. But we are seeing it today. In fact, we are part of it.

Questions to consider this week:

What similarities do you see between the pride of the Babylonian king and the pride of Satan? (see Isaiah 14:4–20; Moses 4:1–4). What warnings do you find for yourself in these verses?

How does the Savior provide “rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear”? (Isaiah 14:3).

The teachings of Isaiah often refer to the Savior’s mission, including His atoning sacrifice, Resurrection, and Second Coming. What aspects of His mission come to mind as you read these verses: Isaiah 22:22–23; 24:21–23; 25:6–8; 26:19; 28:16? What other passages do you find that remind you of the Savior?

What do you learn from Isaiah 29:13–24; 30:18–26; 35 about the Lord, His love, and His power? Perhaps you could find a phrase in these passages that gives you hope when you need healing. You could also look in Sister Amy A. Wright’s message “Christ Heals That Which Is Broken” (Liahona, May 2022, 81–84).

Isaiah 29 contains several passages that have parallels with events of the Restoration. For example:

Compare Isaiah 29:11–12 with 2 Nephi 27:6–26 and Joseph Smith—History 1:63–65.

Compare Isaiah 29:13–14 with Doctrine and Covenants 4 and Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19.

Compare Isaiah 29:18–24 with the title page of the Book of Mormon.

Also, you might look into Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s message “All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 38–41). It's been a veritable feast for me this week in Isaiah. Hopefully, you will have the same experience as me.

Our gospel doctrine instructors this week will be Quinn and Lisa Jensen. Come and share what you've learned. (25 minutes just isn't enough time to cover Isaiah, but we'll surely be edified as we come together).

Woodland Ward Sunday School Presidency

The Mountain of the Lord's House

This week and next we have been invited to study the writings of Isaiah in the Old Testament during our Come, Follow Me course of study. I have posted several comments on my social media platforms, principally on X, and there have been several nay-sayers and outright critics and opponents of the Church who have weighed in against me. Frankly, it has astounded me what the negative comments have contained as they poured in. I have never blocked my critics, however, because I believe in open and even hostile interaction. Until now, that is. This week I have blocked several whose negativity has been over the top, and rather than contend with them I have shut them out of my feeds.

Isaiah 2:2

What has been the greatest source of their opposition? Over one verse - this one: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” (Isaiah 2:2).

A close inspection of 2 Nephi 12:2, yields this comparison and enhances our understanding: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.”

Under President Russell M. Nelson, a new marker appeared on the plaza just east of Temple Square this year in commemoration of the reemergence of the Salt Lake Temple from its seven-year renovation project.

In addition, flags from 91 nations now surround the plaza, suggesting that all nations have indeed fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah and their residents have literally “flowed” to Temple Square.

Flags on the Plaza

So where do we get off on stating that the Salt Lake Temple is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about “the mountain of the Lord’s house?”

Salt Lake Temple

Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that the phrase has more than one meaning:

“The mountain of the Lord’s house is the mountain where the temple of God is built. [Isaiah 2:2–3 quoted; see also Micah 4:1–2; 2 Nephi 12:2–3.]

“This great prophecy, as is often the case, is subject to the law of multiple fulfillment. 1. In Salt Lake City and other mountain locations temples, in the full and true sense of the word, have been erected, and representatives of all nations are flowing unto them to learn of God and His ways. … 2. But the day is yet future when the Lord’s house is to be built on that ‘Mount Zion’ which is ‘the city of New Jerusalem’ in Jackson County, Missouri. (D&C 84:2–4). Mount Zion, itself, will be the mountain of the Lord’s house in the day when that glorious temple is erected. 3. When the Jews flee unto Jerusalem, it will be ‘unto the mountains of the Lord’s house’ (D&C 133:13), for a holy temple is to be built there also as part of the work of the great era of restoration. (Ezekiel 37:24–28).

“The law cannot go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem, in the full millennial sense that Isaiah foresaw and specified, until these two great future temples are constructed in the old and new Jerusalems.” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 517–18.)

Elder LeGrand Richards said: “Isaiah saw the mountain of the Lord’s house established in the top of the mountains in the latter days, and he named the latter days, when they would say: ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’ (Isaiah 2:3).

“How literally that has been fulfilled, in my way of thinking, in this very house of the God of Jacob right here on this block! This temple, more than any other building of which we have any record, has brought people from every land to learn of his ways and walk in his paths.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-old-testament-2026/38?lang=eng).

Speaking at the dedication of the newly-completed Conference Center on 8 October 2000, President Hinckley said: “I believe [Isaiah 2:2–3] applies to the historic and wonderful Salt Lake Temple. But I believe also that it is related to this magnificent hall. For it is from this pulpit that the law of God shall go forth, together with the word and testimony of the Lord.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 69.)

President Harold B. Lee

Listen to my Grandfather, President Harold B. Lee’s explanation: “The ‘mountain of the Lord’s house’ referred to both ‘a place as well as a definition of a righteous people’ (“The Way to Eternal Life,” Ensign, Nov. 1971, p. 15). The establishment of the ‘mountain of the Lord’s house in the top of the mountains’ has been fulfilled by the coming of the pioneers to establish the Church and temple in the tops of the mountains in Utah and will be further fulfilled [by the temple that will be built in the New Jerusalem (see D&C 57:1–3) and] by the return of Judah to Jerusalem, where the Lord’s house will be built (see D&C 133:13). It applies generally to those places where God’s power and authority reside and where He communicates with His people. The phrase ‘all nations shall flow unto it’ (Isaiah 2:2) can refer both to the early gathering of the Saints to the valleys of the mountains in Utah and also to the general gathering of Saints to Zion. The term Zion (v. 3), as well, has several applications. It refers to the New Jerusalem in America, the Jerusalem of Judah, and also the Lord’s people or their places of gathering in all parts of the world. By using such terms as these, Isaiah conveys profound spiritual meaning to those who understand the special significance of his language. …

“This richness of language and meaning seems to be what Nephi meant when he spoke of the manner of prophesying among the Jews. There is frequent reference to the law of Moses and extensive use of imagery, figurative language, and phrases that have dualistic and esoteric meanings. Though modern readers cannot fully grasp the culture and times of ancient Israel, understanding the methods Isaiah used to convey his meaning can give the reader a far greater understanding of Isaiah.” (Old Testament Student Manual: 1 Kings–Malachi, 3rd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 133, emphasis mine).

I could expound at length here upon this topic, as I did in my early compilation titled ZION. It’s the reason I take the positions I do on public media, despite the critics “out there” who would mock and defame the prophets and the scriptures. Matthew 6:20-21 teaches that we should prioritize spiritual treasures in heaven over earthly possessions, because our hearts will follow what we truly value. I treasure temples, and my heart has indeed followed temples and temple work.

Recent Sealing Session with Family in the Orem Temple

Please do not be dissuaded in any way by them and their minions. They reside in the figurative “great and spacious building” while mocking those clinging to the iron rod leading to the tree of eternal life. Lehi’s dream occurs early in the Book of Mormon record, perhaps as a lasting memorial for each of us to embrace and to be forewarned. (See 1 Nephi 8).

Lehi's Dream

The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi had a dream, and his son Nephi recorded it. Heavenly Father sent the dream to teach Lehi and his family how to find happiness. Each of the objects in the dream has a special meaning. Look at the pictures and read the meanings. As you read the dream in 1 Nephi 8:2–38 (or as someone reads it to you), remember the meanings.

Large and spacious field — the world

The tree of life — the love of God

Fruit of the tree — the blessings that come through the Savior

River and fountain — Satan’s influence in the world, depths of hell (See 1 Nephi 12:16).

Iron rod — the word of God

Strait and narrow path leading to eternal life — obedience to the commandments of God

Mists of darkness — the temptations of Satan

Large and spacious building — filled with unkind and prideful people who make fun of others.

This week brought the announcement that our missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints deployed all around the world have now surpassed 90,000. The boost in numbers is no doubt a result of lowering the age of the sisters to eighteen. Each of them has elected to cling firmly to the iron rod despite whatever criticism might come their way. They can be a shining example to each of us when it comes to defending our faith.

And I will persist in my declarations of faith online in the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about the Mountain of the Lord’s House.

It’s my son-in-law Jay Warnick’s birthday today. He and his team are in charge of the landscaping on Temple Square as it springs back to life. I close this entry by making another bold statement. It is not beyond the realm of possibility in my mind that Isaiah may well have witnessed Jay’s handiwork on beautifying Temple Square. Let that thought resonate with you as it did with me this week!

I Describe Zion in the Latter Days

 ZION

THE PLACE
Far away in the west.
The Rocky Mountain Empire -- temporarily.
Only the forerunner of the City of Zion that will someday emerge.
As the New Jerusalem.
Obscure and long forgotten now,
Its location has never altered from the Prophet's description
On the western border of the state of Missouri.
Independence,
The centerstake.
A quiet, misnamed hamlet whose history is
Persecution,
Hatred,
Murder,
And extermination sanctioned by a government sworn to defend
Independence and freedom to worship.
So now we wait in the mountains.
Babylon quietly assimilates a peculiar people,
Once strange,
Now loved and admired by the world.
No longer peculiar,
Accepted, while we luxuriate in our mountain Zion.
But the best teams of horses
And our finest wagons are not poised and eager for the call.
It is night.
All is well,
And we sleep.
Contented.
We have made certain the plans have changed.
We are righteous now.
The world attests to our popularity
Even the once-hated Missourians finally rescind the extermination decree.
Zion is now defined as the place you live,
While Jackson County waits,
Forgotten,
For the sound of the angel’s clarion trumpet that will
Cleanse,
Purify,
And sweep the inhabitants off as with the whirlwind,
Without so much as a little yellow dog left to tell the tale.
But now we prosper in our mountain retreat,
And slumber.

THE PEOPLE
Strangers and foreigners,
Seeking for a city whose maker and builder is God,
Their prayers ascending
As a witness against a world gone astray.
The meek among men,
Their calling and election assured,
But unheralded.
They know sacrifice,
Service,
The Spirit.
They fill their lamps with the oil of the gospel
Before the Bridegroom comes,
And watch patiently,
Never wavering in their faith of the coming dawn of a brighter day.
They lean on the arm of Spirit
While others sleep in the warm embrace of the arm of flesh.
They raise the ensign of faith through their consecration
Of time,
Of talents,
Of all with which they are and will be
Blessed.
They will welcome their cousins in Israel,
Long lost,
Fall upon their necks and kiss them,
And rejoice that they are found among the four corners of
Earth's expanse --
Refugees,
Outcasts,
But never "lost" again.
Together the people,
Peculiar again,
Are set unmoved at last on Zion's mount,
A beacon light to a dark and fallen world,
Groaning,
Weighed down in its iniquity.

THE CONDITION
The society of believers.
Everyone speaks
In the name of the Lord.
No one teaches his neighbor,
No need, since each inhabitant of the City of Zion knows Him.
The individual stewardship is magnified and enlightened
For the common welfare of all brothers and sisters.
Gone are the investment portfolios,
The retirement and pension plans,
The gods
Of stone,
Of glass,
Of metal,
Of chrome,
And wood.
Hearts are purged
Of lust and envy,
Of once-treasured financial strategies and
False worship.
The goal eternal life,
Spreading the truth as with a flood.
One heart,
One mind,
One faith,
One hope.
Independent of every creature beneath the celestial world.
Free from bondage in the "great society"
Consumed by the weight of its own avarice.
Granted its birthright in the fulfillment of destruction.
It is the great beginning.

THE TIME
Today. The sixth seal.
Here and now.
"Describing Zion will not bring it about," saith the Prophet.
Doing,
Loving,
Longing,
Serving,
Preparing.
Today, the eleventh hour of the sixth seal, and now the
Tomorrow our forefathers spoke of and prayed for
Yesterday.
Tomorrow is the seventh seal
Only a sunrise away,
And even now the fingers of
Light
Glimmer faintly on the horizon of our mountain Zion
Toward the east.
But still we sleep until
Vengeance
Begins upon our house
To awaken us.
Then Zion rises, clothed in her beautiful garment for the Bridegroom,
The bride,
The wedding,
And the feast.
The time for preparation?
Today.
The time of fulfillment?
Tomorrow.
Now and not yet,
But soon.

My Observations About Temples

This morning just for fun I asked Grok to summarize my postings on X about temples. This was the result, and I now share it on a broader platform for all those who are interested. . .

Summary of @david_goates' recent X posts about temples

Your posts treat temples as a mix of personal worship, family history work, local news, and spiritual teaching. Most activity centers on Utah temples (Lindon, Taylorsville, Salt Lake, Mount Timpanogos, Provo City Center, and the upcoming Heber City Temple).

Visits and photos

You regularly post pictures from temple grounds or sessions and note when you’re there “on the way to somewhere else.” Examples include Lindon Temple, Taylorsville Temple, Mount Timpanogos Temple, and a “twofer” day at Provo City Center and Lindon. You often mention doing family names (including very old ones from the 1600s) and adding names to the prayer roll.

Family and ordinances

One post highlights going with three daughters for an endowment session and how much you cherish that time together. Other posts tie temple attendance to faith, repentance, and exaltation—“Temples point the way to eternal life.”

News and construction

You share Church News and Deseret News links about the Salt Lake Temple open house (ticket batches and reservation dates) and updates on what’s coming to Temple Square. You also posted that you’re praying for the Heber City Temple to be finished.

Tone
The posts are consistently positive, faith-affirming, and low-key personal rather than argumentative. Engagement is highest on the photo posts from actual visits (especially Lindon and Taylorsville) and the family-history “twofer” post.

Overall, the thread of your temple posts is: temples are places you actually go, do work for ancestors, take family, and treat as the practical path to eternal life — not just symbols.

* * *

I confess that I am a newcomer to Grok, but this morning I learned something about myself that I could have never known without AI in my life. I became a fan.

Yesterday to celebrate my 79th (whew!) birthday by attending an endowment session in the Bountiful Temple. I went fasting and was rewarded with an answer to earnest prayers I have been offering for well over a year now. That smile on my face says it all without having to spell it all out in detail on this very public stage.

I am forever grateful to my Father in Heaven for prolonging my life after a brain tumor was discovered and removed in 2020. I was healed and have lived on in mortality despite that diagnosis. I am grateful beyond my ability to express it, and I consider myself to be a practiced writer (I won't say "accomplished," just "practiced"). He has been so good to me, and I acknowledge His love for me and my family that cannot be denied.

The temples in Utah are now abundant and offer me choices each week. Patsy and I served as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple until it closed at the end of 2019 for the extensive renovations that ensued. At that time following my recovery we were offered positions at the Jordan River Temple as ordinances workers, but we decided to attend the temples of our choice to do the actual ordinance work for our ancestors. That's a work I have continued to do since her death on July 25th, 2023. I continue to attend various temples within an hour's reach of me to pursue the vicarious ordinances for them as they wait in the spirit world. There are many instances to which I can attest of their nearness to me when performing those ordinances on their behalf. I am so certain they will one day greet me in the spirit world with gratitude for that sacred role I have played for them in their eternal progression.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored to the Earth in our day. Of that I am a living witness. As I was seated in the chapel yesterday in the Bountiful Temple, my Book of Mormon opened to 3 Nephi 11.

28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. (Emphasis mine).

* * *

From time to time we need to revisit the Savior's teachings among the Nephites following His resurrection. His doctrine puts to rest whatever disputes there may be "out there" in the seemingly erudite and intelligent community who are unfamiliar with our doctrine. I am routinely criticized on social media for my posts about doctrine, "my doctrine," as He defined it Himself. Rather than get drawn into doctrinal disputes with detractors, I refer them simply to His words. His doctrine is not complicated, and I have no duty to defend it anywhere or anytime. His words are clear and simple. Accept them or reject them, they are not confusing or difficult to comprehend them. I pray that increasingly we will be bold enough to declare them to the world as it tends to sink lower without His light.

I am practicing "becoming as a little child every day" as I now embark upon my 80th year on this planet. The older I grow the simpler it seems to me now. . .

Bountiful Temple Yesterday