The Passing of a Prophet and a New Dawn.

This week has been filled with many ups and downs, I have felt my self to be on an emotional roller coaster.

First, on January 27th came the news of the passing of our beloved Prophet, President Hinkley. How I loved this man. President Hinkley became the Prophet when I was in High School, a period of much growth and development. He was the Prophet when I first truly gained my testimony and when I regained it after some wavering of my faith. He was a man of strength a man of power a man filled with the spirit and love for all those around him. A man who could make anyone smile and laugh, no matter how serious a situation. He was a true Prophet of God, I could have listened to him for hours, he helped all men desire to find good in themselves and those around them. He taught of service to others. Have you ever seen so spry of a man humbly giving service to ALL those around, those who believed in The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints and those who did not. How often do you see someone in their 70's, 80's let alone 90's with so great of a dedication to a cause. Thank you President Hinkley for helping me to learn to serve and to help me find my testimony through your humble teachings.

On Saturday Feb, 2nd, Brent and I hooked the internet up to our television so that we could watch the funeral services of President Hinkley, what a beautiful service. How happy we were to find that even though we no longer live in Utah, we were still able to participate via internet in the beautiful service. How easily we both found ourselves brought to tears as we watched pictures of our loving prophet flash before us on the screen. Realizing we would not see this wonderful man stand at the podium built from the walnut tree in his yard again, or hear his beautiful message. How touching to watch the cars travel to the cemetery where he would lovingly be laid to rest next to his dear sweet wife, and to see the people and children lining the streets waving their white handkerchief. I loved hearing the bag pipes play some of President Hinkley's favorite songs, but hearing Praise to the Man play as the bag pipes faded into the distance was very moving.

A New Dawn...
Monday morning Feb 4th I once again found myself turning on the computer to watch the press conference being held in Salt Lake to announce the new first presidency. Expecting that the new Prophet would be President Monson and that President Eyring would be the new first counselor, I anxiously awaited the news of the 2nd counselor and was surprised to hear that Elder Uchtdorf was called. I guess in some ways I was expecting one of the older members of the Quorum, but as I listened to the questions being asked by the press and listened to each member of the Presidency speak, I felt the confirmation that this was called of God. One of the questions asked at the press conference had to do with the fact the members of the first presidency and Quorum of the 12, were predominantly from UT and more importantly the United States. In today's time there are more members outside of the US that within so how appropriate that one of the first presidency be from outside of the US, that is something that he alone has in common with so many members now. How perfect.