Reflections on a Prophet

I am spending so time this morning reflecting on my memories of our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, who passed away last night. He truly is beloved. So many of those memories are of him in General Conference, bearing testimony of the gospel. I also enjoyed his remarkable sense of humor. I always looked forward to hearing from him. This last conference I sat in the conference center as he bore his wonderful testimony of the truth of this work. I will miss him.

I remember his finger, coming up as he spoke about things that were truly important.

I remember seeing him in the Saddledome and listening to his words.

I remember seeing him in Salt Lake in a sacrament meeting.

I remember him announcing the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple. and then dedicating it.

I remember his smile

I remember his interviews with Mike Wallace and Larry King

I remember his loving words for his wife, Marjorie, and his loneliness for her

I remember his amazing work ethic, a man who never slowed down. He just kept going.

I remember the 6 "B's"...Be Grateful, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be True, Be Humble, Be Prayerful

He asked us many times to just try to "live a little better".

I will try to do just that.

The church website has some wonderful pictures and articles about President Hinckley. I also just finished reading a wonderful and touching tribute written in the Deseret News this morning. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695247937,00.html

We will miss you, President Hinckley. Thank you for your wonderful example. Give Marjorie a kiss for me...

Our Town

Kipp and I went to see Theatre Calgary's "Our Town" last night. It is a wonderful play. I was touched by its message, and know I could learn from it. Life, in all its ups and downs, happy times and sad times, and even mundane times is truly a gift. Following are a couple of my favorite lines from the play:

Mrs. Soames makes the remark, "My, wasn't life awful--and wonderful," a line that somewhat summarizes the whole play, showing that life has both its upsides and downsides and that we never really notice the importance of our lives while we live them.

"Doesn't anyone ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?" The Stage Manager responds. "No. Saints and poets, maybe; they do some." Wilder emphasizes that we, while we live, seldom appreciate the precious details in our lives.

If you have a chance, go to see it...

Grandad

My Grandfather passed away on January 8. He was 96 years old. He lost his sight and the use of his legs two years ago, and resided in Continuing Care in Drumheller. His later years were difficult, because he was always a "Doer" it was hard to be confined and living in the dark and relying on others for everything. As I pondered this, and the fact that he had lived 17 1/2 years since my Grandma passed away, I wondered why he had to linger so long. The answer came. There is a great refinement that comes when we suffer. There were tender times, when I came to visit and he held my hand tightly as we visited. He also was able to have a most wonderful experience a few years ago, in meeting a half sister he had never known about. Meeting her was a highlight of his twilight years. He would talk of his visit to her home in England and her visit to see him every time I came to see him. I am glad he was able to have those years, even though they weren't easy. I am also glad he can be now enjoying "happy reunions" on the other side.

A White Christmas...

I am posting some pictures from Christmas. We traveled to Drumheller a few days before Christmas so Elizabeth could see her Great Great Grandparents. We spent four days in Golden at the ski resort with Barbara and Lockey's family, and had a wonderful time. The skiing was fabulous, and the company was excellent. The gingerbread houses were second to none, and we had a rousing game of Apples to Apples. We ate "on top of the world" (Eagle's Eye Restaurant) on Boxing Day. A highlight of Christmas Day was being able to visit with Elder Craig. He is currently serving in Vancouver, Washington. Upon arriving home, we hosted my siblings and parents for a day, and then saw Kipp's Mom on Sunday and his Dad on New Years. Ashley and Trevor arrived back home safely from their trip to Wyoming for Christmas