In the Words of a Prophet

Ezra Taft Benson addressed Congress over 40 years ago. His message could not be more clear or ring more true at this time. Take a few mioments to hear his words and keep this quote in mind as you watch;

Truth will ultimately prevail when there are pains taken to bring it to light.-George Washington

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I love knowing and feeling the security that comes from the men who stand as beacons of truth and as men of God to warn us of that which we cannot yet see. There have been many throughout history and also leading up to the present day. The portant storm is upon us.

Thanks Clancy for sharing this gem! Once again you always have just the right stuff (and I aint talking about those silly NKOTB!)

On the B Side: I am grateful for those willing to stand for truth even when it means being unpopular or the bearer of bad news. I am also grateful that truth will always prevail as this has been proven time and time again throughout history!

General Conference Activity Packet for Children

Check this out and enjoy!

On the B Side: I am grateful for great learning material such as this!

The Empty Chair

Tonight after the children got home for quiet time before bed we watched bits and pieces of Gordon B. Hinckley's funeral. Ellie in particular was very attentive as the Prophet's grandsons unloaded the casket from the hearse. Upon explaining that his body was in the casket Ellie exclaimed, "Mom we didn't even get to go say hi" and Dayton wanted to know when they were going to open "the box". We had previously planned on attending the viewing on Thursday but had our plans thwarted.

We watched as they put the flower arrangements on the coffin and rolled it carefully passed all of the Apostles and into the Conference Center. Ellie then asked, 'Who are all of those old mans?" I explained that they were the Apostles and a little bit about their role and then she asked, "Are they grandpas?" She was very interested to watch them all take their seats and was also very concerned about the empty chair where the Prophet once sat.

Dayton was busy playing Tic Tac Toe on my laptop and took full advantage of Ellie's turns while she was engaged in the funeral proceedings (which guaranteed him some sure wins). While I was fast forwarding through the talking parts and explaining that the Prophets daughter was speaking he stopped playing and asked, "Is she singing? She looks like she is singing." I laughed out loud knowing that the Tevo was responsible for this illusion; however, he was right!

Ellie began making up lyrics supposing what was being 'sang'. She quietly sang to herself after hearing Dayton's commentary. "I miss my Dad. I love him and he's dead". She did the same thing when Gordon's son spoke. Dayton joined in with his own lyrics in his sweet voice. It was a small and endearing tribute to the man we loved!

We watched the procession of cars head towards the cemetery. At this point both of the kids were carefully watching. At the end of the dedicatory prayer a man playing bagpipes walked through the cemetery and stood beside the casket. Dayton tenderly said, "Can we say good bye now, Mom? Good bye Gordon B. Hinckley. Goodbye" to which Ellie sweetly responded, "Good bye Gordon B. Hinckley" and her voice trailed off as they both watched in quiet awe.

On the B Side: I am grateful for these teaching moments that touch their hearts (and mine)! The understanding that is gained is a light and love that comes from being touched by the Spirit deep within your heart. It is gaining a greater comprehension of who we really are, where we came from and where we are going.

The Loss of Our Prophet Dear

Today our beloved Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley passed away. Here is a link to the most recent information available.

This is such a bitter sweet pill to swallow! It's glorious to know that he now rests and to know that he was reunited with his sweet wife. It's reassuring to know that he now dwells with our Father in Heaven as a faithful servant. It is difficult for those who loved him so to know that he has departed this earth.

The first day I met with the missionaries and had a first discussion was the day the the former Prophet Howard Hunter passed away. I remember reading about it the next day in the newspaper and was dismayed that the missionaries left out such a crucial piece of information as I had no idea they had a prophet.

I was baptized in 1995 so Gordon B. is the only prophet I have ever known. I had no idea what a Prophet was or how much he personally would influence my life. Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley was an amazing person who loved the God he served with his whole heart. His testimony was in the life he lived and evident to all. May he now rest in peace with his Marjorie.

The kids and I talked about the significance of this event last night. It is priceless to see them try to wrap their understanding around the confounds of death. They seemed confused by my tears but reassured by the promise of hope that we have been given knowing that our lives do not end with death here on earth. Dayton comfortingly said, 'Mom, I will never forget' (and Ellie just couldn't wait to share the news...silly girl).

On the B Side: I am grateful for the knowledge that I have as a member of the LDS church. I am grateful for the loving and constant service of such a kind and extraordinary man. He was a man of God and lived his life as a testament to our Father in Heaven.