Where Were You?

I saw this great idea today on another blog. Her challenge was to document where you were on the day President Hinckley died. She did it so well, and I won't totally copy it, but I thought it was a fitting honor.

This Sunday I:

• attended sacrament meeting and was able to take the sacrament

"If we will go to sacrament meeting every week and reflect as we partake of the sacrament on the meaning of the prayers, if we will listen to the language of those prayers, which were given by revelation, and live by them, we will be a better people, each of us will be."

• heard a fantastic meeting all about reverance--which to me is our own personal worship

"We need, every one of us needs, to pause from the hectic pace of our lives and to reflect upon things sacred and divine."

• had the opportunity to serve the sweet children of our ward and work with some awesome ladies!

"Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others....By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves."

• actually had a whole day of thoroughly homecooked meals: pancakes and bacon for breakfast, spaghetti carbonara for dinner and chocolate chip cookies for treat

"Women for the most part see their greatest fulfillment, their greatest happiness in home and family. God planted within women something divine that expressed itself in quiet stregth, in refinement, in peace, in goodness, in virtue, in truth, in love. And all of these remarkable qualities find their truest and most satisfying expression of motherhood.

Said Thomas Wolfe: "There is not spectacle on earth more appealing that that of a beautiful women in the act of cooking dinner for someone she loves." or, to which I might add, cuddling a baby, or leading a child in prayer, or counseling a strong son or daughter, or comforting a tired companion.

God bless you, mothers. When all the victories and defeats of men's efforts are tallied, when the dust of life's battles begins to settle, when all for which we labor so hard in this world of conquest fades before our eyes, you will be there, you must be there, as the strength for a new generation, the ever-improving onward movement of the race."

• had family council and some family game time with Reed and the kids

"The family is divine. It was instituted by our Heavenly Father. It encompasses the most sacred of all relationships. Only through its organization can the purposes of the Lord be fulfilled."

• talked to my parents and my sister to ask their opinion about something concerning me right now

"Be true to your parents and your heritage. No one has a greater interest in your welfare, in your happiness, in your future than do your mothers and fathers."

• spent a little time at the end of my day with Reed

"If you will make your first concern the comfort, the well-being, and the happiness of your companion, sublimating any personal concern to that loftier goal, you will be happy, and your marriage will to on through eternity."

• at 10:10 pm my mom called to let me know President Hinckley had passed away

I don't think there is a member of our church that did not feel a genuine connection to and love for President Hinckley. I felt so selfish on Sunday night and yesterday feeling sad. I feel that I should be happy for him. What an example of all the good the gospel brings to our lives. For our FHE we were going to have our lesson on the Aaronic Priesthood (we are on the countdown for AVery), but Reed was in charge of the lesson and instead talked about both the organizational doctrine for the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and President Hinckley specifically. It was so special. I loved watching Reed teach the kids about the marvelous gift we have of a prophet of God on the earth and even though we feel such sadness at the passing of President Hinckley, there is no uncertainty in the Gospel. We know the Lord's church will go on and we will continue to have a Prophet to lead and guide us. And, I know that we will love him, just as we love President Hinckley.

As I think of all I personally learned from President Hinckley a few things stand out:

• One of my strongest impressions from the Holy Ghost came at a conference at the Marriott Center when we lived in Provo. President Hinckley and Sister Hinckley came to speak and when they walked out, the whole congregation, (a full Marriott Center) broke into spontanious song. "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet". It is one of a few choice experience where I got a glimpse of what I think the song "How Great Thou ARt" is talking about--"then sings my Soul"!
• I love how straightforward and frank President Hinckley was--all the while staying positive.
• I love how he taught me to be better in small and simple ways--Stand a little taller--be a little better. It was never overwhelming to listen to him.

"The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to life our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importanceof our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. We have nothing to fear. God is at the help. He will overrule for the good of the work."

For me, President Hinckley is a personal hero! I can't finish this without saying how my heart is full for President Monson. I think of the heavy burdon that shifts to him as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and it is just my guess, but I'm sure it is significant--even to one with the experience he has. And I think how sad for him to have "lost" two brothers who he has served with for so many years--first President Faust then now President Hinckley. I hope he feels the love of the Saints for him as well.