I just wanted to post a little something regarding the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley and the new president of our church, Thomas S. Monson.
First off, I just want to say that President Hinckley's passing was a bitter-sweet thing for Duane and I. President Hinckley was our prophet in the sense that he was so special to both Duane and myself, for different reasons. President Hinckley is the first prophet I had a testimony of and Duane is fortunate enough to be related to President Hinckley so he had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions.
When I was 16 years old, President Hinckley came to speak at my Stake Center to all the youth (14-18) in the region. It is an experience that I will never forget. Upon his entrance to the chapel, we all rose and sang 'We thank Thee oh God for a Prophet'. I was brought to tears because of the spirit that filled the chapel (and overflow) upon his arrival. When I saw him, I just knew that he was a true prophet of God. I remember taking extensive notes that night but the only thing that is totally stuck in my memory is the feeling I recieved, confirming that he is a true prophet and I belong to a true church. I will forever love President Hinckley and I am sad that he has passed away.
I know that Duane feels the same. Like I said earlier, he was able to meet President Hinckley at family reunions and other occasions. President Hinckley always reminded him of his own father, in the sense that they had a lot of personality traits in common (his father is first cousins with President Hinckley. President Hinckley had some cute Bitner family traits).
At the same time, we are happy for President Hinckley. Everyone in the Church knows how much he missed his Marjorie. I know that their reunion was beautiful. President Hinckley wore his body out, traveling around the world, dedicating Temples and speaking to large congregations . I can only imagine how tired he must have been.
President Hinckley is getting the rest he needed after working so very hard. I know all members of our church are happy for him even though we will miss him. He truly was a great man and will be remembered in a great light. I am so grateful for all he did during his Presidency. His legacy will carry on.
Today the official announcement of the 16th President of the Church was made. Thomas S. Monson is our new Prophet. I am so excited to learn more about him and to see what his legacy as our Prophet will be. I have always loved hearing him speak at General Conference.
4 comments:
Hey Penny! I was thinking about that Youth Fireside Pres. Hinckley spoke at when we were 16, too. Lindsay got to shake his hand because he was in the lobby when he came in. I remember his statement, "Be not afraid" as the main message of his talk. What a great man.
I happened to stumble upon your blog with the tag on President Hinckley. I read through a bunch of your blogs (esp. the XBOX 360 one) and think we could become friends. We just moved to Canton from California and I'm going crazy because I don't know anyone here yet. Where are you at?
Penny, Ok, so I am going to show my ignorance, but here goes. How do you change your blog background all the time? Do you make it yourself or where do you find the cool designs? Help me out, I am tired of the look of mine!
You can email me at cuteculturechick@gmail.com. I was shopping in Westland today just before this crazy storm hit.
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