tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526785.post5102481119759204432..comments2023-09-05T23:24:27.006-06:00Comments on Happy meets Crazy: We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10218614720786379961noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526785.post-78260943116289453212008-01-29T11:00:00.000-07:002008-01-29T11:00:00.000-07:00amanda-Thanks!Biff (a.k.a. my hubby)-Thank you so ...amanda-<BR/>Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Biff (a.k.a. my hubby)-<BR/>Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and the links. They are great!Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10218614720786379961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526785.post-38731208956322120172008-01-29T06:56:00.000-07:002008-01-29T06:56:00.000-07:00Here's a few thoughts and memories I have...Howard...Here's a few thoughts and memories I have...<BR/><BR/>Howard W. Hunter was my "first" prophet. I remember going to general conference my Freshmen year at BYU in October 94 and standing in the tabernacle when he entered the room. I was overwhelmed with the spirit and knew that he was a prophet of God. I remember walking in the JKHB on campus on my way to my Humanities 101 class and hearing somebody say that President Hunter had passed away. It was a very short tenure, and I remember feeling very, very sad.<BR/><BR/>President Hinckley, for some reason, had always seemed like a boring, dry, business-like speaker up until them. I imagine he was just serving in his role as advisor, or maybe it was my lack of attention to conference. I was taking a "Teachings of the Living Prophets" class the semester that he issued the "Proclamation of the Family". Our instructor was awed by the proclamation and we discussed it in depth for many days. He helped us understand the significance of such a proclamation. Little did we know how many more significant things that President Hickley would accomplish.<BR/><BR/>I could write so many...<BR/><BR/>I left shortly thereafter for a mission in Perth, Australia. At the time we figured Perth would never have a temple. The minimum at the time was five stakes to even be "considered". Our mission had added a third stake shortly before I arrived, and added a fourth stake over a year later. The leadership was stretched "soooooo" thin, but it was the only way the local leaders thought they could receive the blessings associated with the temple. As missionaries, many of talked privately of how it could never happen, given the limited population and isolation. Later in my mission, while sitting in the Doubleview chapel, watching General Conference via delayed tape broadcast, President Hinckley made the announcement of the mini-temple. It was a powerful moment as we realized that the people we loved and served would have a realistic chance to receive the blessings of the temple. Several years later, a temple was dedicated on the site of our mission office. What a blessing.<BR/><BR/>Shortly thereafter, while still in the mission field, it was announced that President Hinckley would visit our mission. A prophet of the church had never vistied Perth previously. Members were "abuzz" about the privilege and opportunity. I was playing the organ at our mission conference when he entered the room. My companion sat on the front row (because I was playing the organ)... and got to shake his hand. I never received such a privilege. I guess I'm in the same boat as Glen Beck (http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/200/5127/). But the youngest apostle was accompanying him on this visit, and was discerning enough to put his hand on my shoulder as I continued to play and said, "Thank you, Elder." Elder Eyring quickly because a personal "favorite". <BR/><BR/>I've shed a few tears while writing this as I've recalled the affect that our beloved prophet has had on my life, and on the life of those around me: <BR/><BR/>The Three Things Each New Member Needs. The Perpetual Education Fund. The Living Christ. The Conference Center. Public Affairs. Preach My Gospel. Raise The Bar.<BR/><BR/>Wow... what a legacy. <BR/><BR/>As the news was confirmed Sunday night that he had indeed passed away, I didn't feel that sad. The sadness I felt was purely selfish, as I knew that he had waited several years to return to his beloved wife. I will miss his smile, his humor, and his personality. <BR/><BR/>Please take the time to watch his last General Conference talk, "The Stone Cut Out Of the Mountain" (http://broadcast.lds.org/genconf/2007/10/40/GC_2007_10_47_HinckleyGB__02381_eng_mv2.wmv) It takes on added significance as viewed as the capstone of his tenure. It is a fitting tribute to his legacy.<BR/><BR/>Then watch his closing remarks (http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-39,00.html)... <BR/><BR/>We hoped you would make it to next conference too, President Hinckley. We will miss you.Biffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05082840669422774045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526785.post-71029536698342526082008-01-29T06:53:00.000-07:002008-01-29T06:53:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Biffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05082840669422774045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526785.post-11806597301768667892008-01-28T10:39:00.000-07:002008-01-28T10:39:00.000-07:00What a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing your...What a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing your memories.<BR/><BR/>Feel better soon!Amanda Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04662814069840360787noreply@blogger.com