The Winds of Change

We live in a world of ever-changing circumstances. Temperatures fall, then they rise again. One day the sun is shining brightly, the next day brings snow and blizzards. 

I have observed over a lifetime that includes 78 trips around the sun that people change too. Some are rock solid and steadfast in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, come what may to discourage or dissuade them. Some are prone to being tossed about with every wind of doctrine that blows this way or that. 

In Ephesians 4:14-15, the Apostle Paul pleads:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today, we are patiently waiting for the next change in our leadership to occur. President Russell M. Nelson died recently on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101 years young. That's the definition of "venerable" if there ever was one.

His death has given rise to a host of those inside and outside the Church who are prone and more than willing to offer their "sagacious" range of opinions on what should be done. (I use the quotes intentionally). So many want to rise up and be heard on what should or should not happen. I find this tumult of opinion on the one hand almost comical, and on the other hand disheartening that so many would presume so much. They are speculators and prognosticators, but they are NOT prophets.

This is The Church of Jesus Christ I belong to, and it is not a church of men. It is governed by the Savior Himself. He has raised up living Apostles in the Restoration of His Church that began with the formal organization of the Church on April 6, 1830, preceded by the translation and publication of The Book of Mormon. Because He alone stands at the head of this Church, it is my belief that He who knows the beginning to the end holds the timetable. He does not make mistakes if we believe He is the perfect Son of God, and that is what I believe.

Grave Marker for President Harold B. Lee

I was the oldest grandson of President Harold B. Lee. He was the 11th President of the Church. He was called on April 10, 1941, as the junior Apostle. Over time he rose in seniority in the Twelve until he became the senior Apostle and presided over the Church. He was an eyewitness to many transitions in leadership in the Church, and he taught us all about it in a family home evening he convened in his home. He outlined for us step by step and day by day what would happen during the "Apostolic Interregnum" like the one we are currently in. That is the period of time that elapses between the death of the Prophet, and the succession of the next one. That period will soon come to a close and the orderly transition to the new Church administration will begin shortly, perhaps as early as this next week.

I testify on these poor pages that there is nothing to speculate about here. We are in the hands of the Lord and His living Apostles. And because that is true, I can certify we are in good hands. Changing winds are indeed blowing, as I learned overnight last night. One picture is showing resplendent fall leaves against a backdrop of blue skies shrouded in luminous while clouds, and the other is the sight that greeted me this morning when I awakened. Those weather changes where I live are to be expected and welcomed, not dreaded and feared. 

Yesterday

Today

Changes continue to occur not only in the Church today, but in the world at large. For instance, who would have predicted even a month ago that President Donald J. Trump, brokering for a peace settlement in the Middle East, would have been able to announce that an agreement between all the disparate parties had been achieved? That's a BIG CHANGE on the world stage that has seen nothing but war in that part of the world for generations. I am praying in earnest that the settlement of hostilities will become permanent and stable as conditions on the ground play out going forward. PEACEMAKERS must be applauded and sustained in my humble opinion.

President Donald J. Trump, Jr.

I no longer have much fear left in me. I have lived through a host of changes in my life. My testimony in the Savior Jesus Christ is what anchors me today. I have become the grandfather and the great-grandfather of an astounding posterity of warriors for Christ and His Church. They have enlisted in the cause of truth that will continue to spread across this planet. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will continue to be our prophetic guides in that uncertain future up ahead.

And yes, they are aged, sagacious and well-suited for the tasks ahead. I will assist them in whatever capacity I can. 

Apostles at President Nelson's Gravesite