I was thinking of how I could honor President Hinckley's legacy and I came up with an idea.
My friend and I have created a challenge for those willing to accept it:
Read the Book of Mormon in 97 days.
We are trying to get everyone to start on the same day. Here are the details:
Go to www.hinckleychallenge.com and create an account (free, of course).
On Feb 4, 2008 That's today! have an FHE lesson on the Book of Mormon and begin your reading. 5.47 Pages per day, its easy!
Each day you read, record what page number you are on by going to www.hinckleychallenge.com .
We would like this challenge to be heard all around the world! Please forward this message to everyone you know. We would love to see over 1 million pages of the Book of Mormon read by the time this challenge has ended.
Do you want to show your support? Do you want to follow the prophet? Do you want to get rid of all of your excuses for not reading and become a warrior? Then join me in this challenge!!!
We are going to spread this throughout the news media (TV an d radio) and we've already contacted Fox news, KSL, CBS, and ABC. But we cannot get the word out to everyone without your help! Please forward this on to EVERYONE in your address book. Time is of the essence!! This will be the one forwarded message that everyone will be happy to get :).
-Jake Andersen
P.S. You can always see an updated list of those who have accepted the challenge by clicking here (www.hinckleychallenge.com/warriors.php)
Monday, February 4, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
PICTURES FROM PRESIDENT HINCKLEY'S AND SISTER HINCKLEY'S GRAVESIDE AND OTHER THINGS...
So after church today my parents and I took a ride up to the Salt Lake City Cemetary in Salt Lake City, Utah to visit the graveside of President Hinckley. Of course there was other visitors and "SAINTS" visiting and paying their respects.
here are somc pictures that were taken by myself...
There are also as you can see a picture of Sister Hinckley's Marker
Saturday, February 2, 2008
STORIES AND ARTICLES ABOUT PRESIDENT HINCKLEY AND HIS FUNERAL...
Here is yet another article on President Hinckley and his life. Also there are articles covering his funeral that i found on abc4's website (channel 4)
you can also find other video's, articles etc. on the website and on the other websites of the local tv news stations websites
anyhow here is the article....
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - We have spent a whole week now looking back at the life of LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley and his many accomplishments. Perhaps his true legacy lies in the way he loved ordinary people, and was a genuinely humble person -- who could still make great things happen.
LDS Church members had an inspiring example of humility in Hinckley ... a man willing to do the hard work himself and at the same time, possessing such talents, abilities and vision.
"He was the best architect I ever saw, the best financial man I ever knew,” said Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. “He was the best public relations man I've ever seen."
He more than doubled the number of temples worldwide, building more of them smaller -- but no less beautiful -- so more people would have access to them. He also guided the planning of the downtown Salt Lake City LDS Conference Center. An engineering marvel, it bears a personal contribution from Hinckley ... the pulpit crafted from a walnut tree he grew in his own backyard.
He had a great desire to provide money for young people in less-developed countries, to help them break out of poverty – and the Perpetual Education Fund was born. "The Perpetual Education Fund itself is an example of his belief that if you'll just give a young person a chance and give them the responsibility to repay the loan, that very expectation will lift them and they will do surprising things," Eyring said.
Anytime a population was in crisis ... for instance, after the disastrous tsunami in Indonesia ... President Hinckley mobilized a humanitarian relief effort, spearheading the donation of $600 million to people regardless of their faith during his presidency. But he was also willing to give the shirt off his own back, or the lunch out of his own trunk. "I remember as a child stopping on the side of the road to help a mother and her children with a car that had broken down,” said Hinckley’s daughter Kathleen H. Walker. “And after he fixed the car he took the lunch basket out of the trunk of the car and handed it to them and I'll never forget seeing that lunch basket go from our car to theirs and thinking 'Now what?'"
Well before Hinckley became a general authority, his children say he recognized the worth of each individual, no matter their race or ethnic background. "I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ,” Hinckley said.
Hinckley traveled the world frequently, and was honored often by world leaders ... on his 94th birthday he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Hinckley married a true life partner in his wife Marjorie, and her death several years ago affected him greatly.
"I think watching my father these last few years be alone, we've realized the tremendous void that has been in his life without my mother walking by his side,” said his daughter Jane H. Dudley.
He made friends to last a lifetime and beyond, including many future leaders of the LDS church. "In the things that so many of us are trying to do, he was the exemplar," Eyring said.
"I shall miss him and the testimony he bore more than I can say," said Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor of the First Presidency.
Of all the leaders the LDS Church has had, Gordon B. Hinckley lived the longest and served as president the longest.
you can also find other video's, articles etc. on the website and on the other websites of the local tv news stations websites
anyhow here is the article....
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - We have spent a whole week now looking back at the life of LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley and his many accomplishments. Perhaps his true legacy lies in the way he loved ordinary people, and was a genuinely humble person -- who could still make great things happen.
LDS Church members had an inspiring example of humility in Hinckley ... a man willing to do the hard work himself and at the same time, possessing such talents, abilities and vision.
"He was the best architect I ever saw, the best financial man I ever knew,” said Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. “He was the best public relations man I've ever seen."
He more than doubled the number of temples worldwide, building more of them smaller -- but no less beautiful -- so more people would have access to them. He also guided the planning of the downtown Salt Lake City LDS Conference Center. An engineering marvel, it bears a personal contribution from Hinckley ... the pulpit crafted from a walnut tree he grew in his own backyard.
He had a great desire to provide money for young people in less-developed countries, to help them break out of poverty – and the Perpetual Education Fund was born. "The Perpetual Education Fund itself is an example of his belief that if you'll just give a young person a chance and give them the responsibility to repay the loan, that very expectation will lift them and they will do surprising things," Eyring said.
Anytime a population was in crisis ... for instance, after the disastrous tsunami in Indonesia ... President Hinckley mobilized a humanitarian relief effort, spearheading the donation of $600 million to people regardless of their faith during his presidency. But he was also willing to give the shirt off his own back, or the lunch out of his own trunk. "I remember as a child stopping on the side of the road to help a mother and her children with a car that had broken down,” said Hinckley’s daughter Kathleen H. Walker. “And after he fixed the car he took the lunch basket out of the trunk of the car and handed it to them and I'll never forget seeing that lunch basket go from our car to theirs and thinking 'Now what?'"
Well before Hinckley became a general authority, his children say he recognized the worth of each individual, no matter their race or ethnic background. "I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ,” Hinckley said.
Hinckley traveled the world frequently, and was honored often by world leaders ... on his 94th birthday he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Hinckley married a true life partner in his wife Marjorie, and her death several years ago affected him greatly.
"I think watching my father these last few years be alone, we've realized the tremendous void that has been in his life without my mother walking by his side,” said his daughter Jane H. Dudley.
He made friends to last a lifetime and beyond, including many future leaders of the LDS church. "In the things that so many of us are trying to do, he was the exemplar," Eyring said.
"I shall miss him and the testimony he bore more than I can say," said Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor of the First Presidency.
Of all the leaders the LDS Church has had, Gordon B. Hinckley lived the longest and served as president the longest.
Friday, February 1, 2008
PRESIDENT HINCKLEY BIOGRAPHY
Here is president Hinckley's Bio that i found and wanted to share
President Gordon B. Hinckley Bio
President Gordon B. Hinckley, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was ordained and set apart as the 15th President of the Church on Sunday, March 12, 1995.
He had earlier served 14 years as a counselor in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the Church, and as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for 20 years prior to that.
His Church service has been extensive. He was called as a member of the Sunday School General Board in 1937, two years after returning home from missionary service in Great Britain. For 20 years, he directed all Church public communications. In 1951 he was named executive secretary of the General Missionary Committee, managing the entire missionary program of the Church, and served in this capacity for seven years. He was president of the East Millcreek Stake in Salt Lake City when he was called as a General Authority in the capacity of an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 6, 1958.
President Hinckley was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 5, 1961. On July 23, 1981, he was called into the First Presidency to serve as Counselor and on December 2, 1982, was named Second Counselor to President Spencer W. Kimball. He served as First Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson from November 1985 to May 30, 1994. On June 5, 1994, he was called as the First Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter. He was also ordained and set apart as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As a member of the First Presidency, he has had a major role in administering both the ecclesiastical and temporal affairs of the Church, whose more than 10 million members are spread over some 160 nations and territories. His Church assignments have taken him around the world many times, and he has dedicated more temples than any other leader in the history of the Church. He is the first Church President ever to travel to Spain, where in 1996 he broke ground for a temple in Madrid, and to Africa, where he met with thousands of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
He has given numerous interviews to major news media, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the CBS 60 Minutes television news magazine, which featured him and the Church in 1996 on an Easter Sunday show seen by more than 20 million. In September of 1998 he was the guest on the popular CNN cable television program Larry King Live.
President Hinckley was born June 23, 1910, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of Bryant Strigham and Ada Bitner Hinckley. One of his forebears, Stephen Hopkins, came to America on the Mayflower. Another, Thomas Hinckley, served as governor of the Plymouth Colony from 1680 to 1692.
His first job was as a newspaper carrier for the Deseret News, a Salt Lake City daily. After attending public schools in Salt Lake City, the future Church leader earned a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Utah and then accepted a call from the Church to spend two years as a full-time missionary in Great Britain. He served with distinction and ultimately was called to be an assistant to the Church Apostle who presided over all the European missions.
Upon being released from missionary service in the mid-1930s, he was called by then Church President Heber J. Grant to organize what has become the Church's public affairs program.
President Hinckley's major assignments during two decades of service as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles included the supervision of Church units in Asia, Europe, and South America. His Church committee assignments as a general officer have been in such areas as temples, missionary work, welfare services, priesthood, and members in the military service. He also served as chairman of the executive committee for the observance of the Church's 150th anniversary in 1980.
In addition to his Church duties, President Hinckley has been active in community and business affairs, serving as chairman and board member of a number of business corporations. In 2004, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, by President George W. Bush. He has been the recipient of a number of educational honors including: the Distinguished Citizen Award, from Southern Utah University; Distinguished Alumni Award, from the University of Utah; and honorary doctorates from Westminster College, Utah State University, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Southern Utah University. He has received the Silver Buffalo Award of the Boy Scouts of America and has been honored by the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews) for his contributions to tolerance and understanding in the world.
He has served as chairman of the executive committees of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University and of the Church Board of Education. The Church Educational System includes not only Brigham Young University's Utah and Hawaii campuses, but Brigham Young University - Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, elementary and secondary schools in developing countries, and hundreds of seminaries and institutes of religion serving several hundred thousand high school- and college-age youth.
The Church leader is known for his writing and speaking skills, which he began developing as a young boy growing up in the Church. He honed those talents as a missionary preaching regularly from a portable stand in London's Hyde Park and further refined them as a Church authority. He has written and edited several books and numerous manuals, pamphlets, and scripts.
President Gordon B. Hinckley Bio
President Gordon B. Hinckley, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was ordained and set apart as the 15th President of the Church on Sunday, March 12, 1995.
He had earlier served 14 years as a counselor in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the Church, and as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for 20 years prior to that.
His Church service has been extensive. He was called as a member of the Sunday School General Board in 1937, two years after returning home from missionary service in Great Britain. For 20 years, he directed all Church public communications. In 1951 he was named executive secretary of the General Missionary Committee, managing the entire missionary program of the Church, and served in this capacity for seven years. He was president of the East Millcreek Stake in Salt Lake City when he was called as a General Authority in the capacity of an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 6, 1958.
President Hinckley was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 5, 1961. On July 23, 1981, he was called into the First Presidency to serve as Counselor and on December 2, 1982, was named Second Counselor to President Spencer W. Kimball. He served as First Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson from November 1985 to May 30, 1994. On June 5, 1994, he was called as the First Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter. He was also ordained and set apart as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As a member of the First Presidency, he has had a major role in administering both the ecclesiastical and temporal affairs of the Church, whose more than 10 million members are spread over some 160 nations and territories. His Church assignments have taken him around the world many times, and he has dedicated more temples than any other leader in the history of the Church. He is the first Church President ever to travel to Spain, where in 1996 he broke ground for a temple in Madrid, and to Africa, where he met with thousands of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
He has given numerous interviews to major news media, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the CBS 60 Minutes television news magazine, which featured him and the Church in 1996 on an Easter Sunday show seen by more than 20 million. In September of 1998 he was the guest on the popular CNN cable television program Larry King Live.
President Hinckley was born June 23, 1910, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of Bryant Strigham and Ada Bitner Hinckley. One of his forebears, Stephen Hopkins, came to America on the Mayflower. Another, Thomas Hinckley, served as governor of the Plymouth Colony from 1680 to 1692.
His first job was as a newspaper carrier for the Deseret News, a Salt Lake City daily. After attending public schools in Salt Lake City, the future Church leader earned a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Utah and then accepted a call from the Church to spend two years as a full-time missionary in Great Britain. He served with distinction and ultimately was called to be an assistant to the Church Apostle who presided over all the European missions.
Upon being released from missionary service in the mid-1930s, he was called by then Church President Heber J. Grant to organize what has become the Church's public affairs program.
President Hinckley's major assignments during two decades of service as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles included the supervision of Church units in Asia, Europe, and South America. His Church committee assignments as a general officer have been in such areas as temples, missionary work, welfare services, priesthood, and members in the military service. He also served as chairman of the executive committee for the observance of the Church's 150th anniversary in 1980.
In addition to his Church duties, President Hinckley has been active in community and business affairs, serving as chairman and board member of a number of business corporations. In 2004, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, by President George W. Bush. He has been the recipient of a number of educational honors including: the Distinguished Citizen Award, from Southern Utah University; Distinguished Alumni Award, from the University of Utah; and honorary doctorates from Westminster College, Utah State University, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Southern Utah University. He has received the Silver Buffalo Award of the Boy Scouts of America and has been honored by the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews) for his contributions to tolerance and understanding in the world.
He has served as chairman of the executive committees of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University and of the Church Board of Education. The Church Educational System includes not only Brigham Young University's Utah and Hawaii campuses, but Brigham Young University - Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, elementary and secondary schools in developing countries, and hundreds of seminaries and institutes of religion serving several hundred thousand high school- and college-age youth.
The Church leader is known for his writing and speaking skills, which he began developing as a young boy growing up in the Church. He honed those talents as a missionary preaching regularly from a portable stand in London's Hyde Park and further refined them as a Church authority. He has written and edited several books and numerous manuals, pamphlets, and scripts.
President Hinckley's Viewing... "Saying Goodbye"
Weather doesn't deter mourners on 2nd day of viewing
The weather does not appear to be preventing many people from coming downtown to the Conference Center and the public viewing for President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Nearly 21,000 visitors came yesterday for the public viewing. Many were very emotional, and the same is true for today. Visitors are deeply touched and, despite the snowy weather and cold temperatures, determined to come and pay their respects.
"He's a wonderful prophet. He's affected our lives. We love him," said Anna Lee Wadsworth, of Fallon, Nev.
"It was just a little bit of closure for me, so it was nice to come and pay tribute and feel the Spirit and see his body," said Marisa Roberts, of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
The lines at times have been outside and between one and two hours long as people have come to remember President Hinckley.
"Just the beautiful spirit that he had, and his humor, and just the love that he always showed and we always felt when we saw him," said Becky Adams, of Hurricane.
"I think he taught so much about women and what we all need to do to be all that we can be, and he was constantly reminding women that they are choice and loved daughters of their Heavenly Father. And he gave us all courage and strength to move forward and do the things we need to do with our children and our husbands and in the community and the world," said Barbra Spuhler, of Bountiful.
People are being ushered into the main hall, where there are 21,000 seats, to wait before going upstairs to the Hall of the Prophets to walk past President Hinckley's casket.
At one point, President Hinckley's daughters' voices were heard over the loudspeakers. Choking back a few tears, they thanked people here for the tributes they're paying and said if their father were here, they think he'd say something like, "What's all the fuss about? Go on with your lives. Do your work."
The public viewing is scheduled to end at 7 p.m., but with the thousands of people still standing in line it's likely to continue throughout the night. The wait to see President Hinckley is now four hours.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Society of Salt Lake City expressed their sympathy and admiration of President Hinckley today.
"He will be forever remembered for his tireless dedication, devotion, inspirations to millions, his humanitarian aid, and disaster relief to various parts of the world under stress.
"On behalf of the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake City and on my own behalf, I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its devout followers, and his bereaved family in their grief," said Tarek Nosseir, president of The Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake City.
President Hinckley's funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 11:00 in the Conference Center
The weather does not appear to be preventing many people from coming downtown to the Conference Center and the public viewing for President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Nearly 21,000 visitors came yesterday for the public viewing. Many were very emotional, and the same is true for today. Visitors are deeply touched and, despite the snowy weather and cold temperatures, determined to come and pay their respects.
"He's a wonderful prophet. He's affected our lives. We love him," said Anna Lee Wadsworth, of Fallon, Nev.
"It was just a little bit of closure for me, so it was nice to come and pay tribute and feel the Spirit and see his body," said Marisa Roberts, of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
The lines at times have been outside and between one and two hours long as people have come to remember President Hinckley.
"Just the beautiful spirit that he had, and his humor, and just the love that he always showed and we always felt when we saw him," said Becky Adams, of Hurricane.
"I think he taught so much about women and what we all need to do to be all that we can be, and he was constantly reminding women that they are choice and loved daughters of their Heavenly Father. And he gave us all courage and strength to move forward and do the things we need to do with our children and our husbands and in the community and the world," said Barbra Spuhler, of Bountiful.
People are being ushered into the main hall, where there are 21,000 seats, to wait before going upstairs to the Hall of the Prophets to walk past President Hinckley's casket.
At one point, President Hinckley's daughters' voices were heard over the loudspeakers. Choking back a few tears, they thanked people here for the tributes they're paying and said if their father were here, they think he'd say something like, "What's all the fuss about? Go on with your lives. Do your work."
The public viewing is scheduled to end at 7 p.m., but with the thousands of people still standing in line it's likely to continue throughout the night. The wait to see President Hinckley is now four hours.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Society of Salt Lake City expressed their sympathy and admiration of President Hinckley today.
"He will be forever remembered for his tireless dedication, devotion, inspirations to millions, his humanitarian aid, and disaster relief to various parts of the world under stress.
"On behalf of the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake City and on my own behalf, I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its devout followers, and his bereaved family in their grief," said Tarek Nosseir, president of The Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake City.
President Hinckley's funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 11:00 in the Conference Center
FAVORITE MEMORY(s) of my Prophet... President Hinckley....
This whole week since President Hinckley passed away... i have not taken the chance to write some words about the prophet i have grown to love and who i have always loved. also because i have been posting all the content (well most of it) on the blog and getting the blog up and running.
now i want to write some words from my heart- although nothing i write could ever be sufficent enough.
I remember the day i met him. He was recieving an award that he earned and that the Sons of the American Revolution wanted to give and present to him- my father is in that organization (A member) and so was President Hinckley anyhow we had a banquet at the Joseph Smith Bldg. and he came with his sweet marjorie and i remember mingling with other guests before the banquet started and then all the sudden some how i knew he had arrived and i told some other people and everyone just turned around and became silent and showed such love and respect for him and the same after he gave a talk on behalf of the award he had just recieved and stuff. And i remember how i felt going to the head table and shaking his and marjories hand- i think i may have had a picture taken with him and his sweet marjorie and myself.
I wish i could find it. However if i do i will scan it and add it to the blog or this post!
President Hinckley was always my favorite part of general conference and i am so greatful for his spirit and love that he has shown to all of us and i believe always will through his spirit. I can't wait to see him again when i get on the other side and in heaven and i hope and pray i can live my life so when i go i will be worthy to be able to see him and be in his presence.
I remember when i would send him birthday cards and letters and would help my nephew who is almost 3 and who just loves president hinckley send pictures etc. as well.
I Love you President Hinckley and miss you! and can't wait till we meet again!
now i want to write some words from my heart- although nothing i write could ever be sufficent enough.
I remember the day i met him. He was recieving an award that he earned and that the Sons of the American Revolution wanted to give and present to him- my father is in that organization (A member) and so was President Hinckley anyhow we had a banquet at the Joseph Smith Bldg. and he came with his sweet marjorie and i remember mingling with other guests before the banquet started and then all the sudden some how i knew he had arrived and i told some other people and everyone just turned around and became silent and showed such love and respect for him and the same after he gave a talk on behalf of the award he had just recieved and stuff. And i remember how i felt going to the head table and shaking his and marjories hand- i think i may have had a picture taken with him and his sweet marjorie and myself.
I wish i could find it. However if i do i will scan it and add it to the blog or this post!
President Hinckley was always my favorite part of general conference and i am so greatful for his spirit and love that he has shown to all of us and i believe always will through his spirit. I can't wait to see him again when i get on the other side and in heaven and i hope and pray i can live my life so when i go i will be worthy to be able to see him and be in his presence.
I remember when i would send him birthday cards and letters and would help my nephew who is almost 3 and who just loves president hinckley send pictures etc. as well.
I Love you President Hinckley and miss you! and can't wait till we meet again!
WHAT A TRIBUTE FOR OUT PROPHET AND BELOVED PRESIDENT HINCKLEY
I got this email as a message from a Latter Day Saint and member of the LDS CHURCH and FAITH!! who wrote such kind and loving words for president hinckley and words for all of us to live by and remember.
Hinckley Played a tremendous part in our growing up
"I know that we are saddened by the loss of our beloved Prophet. I think for all of us he played a tremendous part in our growing up. He taught us at crucial points in our lives, his words inspired and motivated us. The way he lived his life he made us want to be better. We encourage all of you to watch his funeral on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 11am. MST
This is also an exciting time. President Hinckley, has said that when it is his time to go that it will be because the Lord will take him. We now look forward to a new Prophet. I know that whoever is called to that office is called of God. We have the opportunity over the this week or so to see revelation in action also. As we look back into Church history the man that is the President of the Church is always what the world and the church needed at that time. I know that will continue because this is The Church of Jesus Christ. He is the one who personally leads and guides it through His Prophet and Apostles."
ALSO....
His body seemed so peaceful! He lived for the Gospel and the Gospel will surely bring him mansions of riches in the days to come! I visited his Chapel and a woman was playing the Organ all day. I visited the Tabernacle and listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice for the Funeral. I visited the Presidents Room in the Joseph Smith Building and saw paintings of each Prophet from the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. I visited the Christus and listened to the message of the Creation and the plan of happiness. I even entered the doors of the Salt Lake City Temple and spoke with the patrons there. And when I was on my way home I saw the staff pick up President Hinckleys body for overnight security. It was a great night and I felt the spirit! The Church is True! And Elder Monson is now our Prophet of our Day!
Hinckley Played a tremendous part in our growing up
"I know that we are saddened by the loss of our beloved Prophet. I think for all of us he played a tremendous part in our growing up. He taught us at crucial points in our lives, his words inspired and motivated us. The way he lived his life he made us want to be better. We encourage all of you to watch his funeral on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 11am. MST
This is also an exciting time. President Hinckley, has said that when it is his time to go that it will be because the Lord will take him. We now look forward to a new Prophet. I know that whoever is called to that office is called of God. We have the opportunity over the this week or so to see revelation in action also. As we look back into Church history the man that is the President of the Church is always what the world and the church needed at that time. I know that will continue because this is The Church of Jesus Christ. He is the one who personally leads and guides it through His Prophet and Apostles."
ALSO....
His body seemed so peaceful! He lived for the Gospel and the Gospel will surely bring him mansions of riches in the days to come! I visited his Chapel and a woman was playing the Organ all day. I visited the Tabernacle and listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice for the Funeral. I visited the Presidents Room in the Joseph Smith Building and saw paintings of each Prophet from the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. I visited the Christus and listened to the message of the Creation and the plan of happiness. I even entered the doors of the Salt Lake City Temple and spoke with the patrons there. And when I was on my way home I saw the staff pick up President Hinckleys body for overnight security. It was a great night and I felt the spirit! The Church is True! And Elder Monson is now our Prophet of our Day!
President Hinckley's VIEWING
President Hinckley's viewing draws steady stream of people
By the time the last visitors left the Conference Center Thursday night, tens of thousands had paid their respects to President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More than 100,000 people are expected to pay their respects.
For many, the chance to bid farewell to a beloved church leader was something they simply could not pass up.
(AP Photo/Craig Dimond, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, HO) So many people said how pleased they were that President Hinckley's viewing was in the Conference Center, the building he envisioned and built for the people. Families, business people, students, they came to pay tribute to President Hinckley.
The first to come through Thursday morning were church employees. They started at 7 a.m., and then the public started at 9 a.m. As they entered the Hall of the Prophets, they saw President Hinckley's casket surrounded by the busts of all the Church prophets, from Joseph Smith to Gordon B. Hinckley.
People were emotional and very reverent. Many commented on the feeling in the building. There were a lot of children who came to pay their respects to President Hinckley. They passed by his casket in the Hall of the Prophets.
(AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) "I haven't seen him before in real life, so it was a great opportunity," said 9-year-old Andrew Olsen.
"It was very powerful, and you felt the Holy Ghost the whole time," 11-year-old Noelle Olsen said.
Stephanie Johnson, of south Ogden, said, "He was really the people's prophet, and we'll desperately miss him. He's a wonderful man."
"He's the only prophet that I really remember for being so young when he became the prophet. I just have the sweetest memories, and his spirit is so strong in that room that you can really feel all that he did and the people that really loved him are there," said Rebecca Maxfield, of Salt Lake City.
Norma Montoya said, "We really had to be here. We just couldn't miss it, see him for the last time.
Vienna Latu said, "I am very grateful to see him today, and it's a very important day for me in my life and for my kids."
People love President Hinckley for what they call his personal touch. The Smart family experienced what they call his remarkable insight when their daughter, Elizabeth, was kidnapped. After days of frantic searching, Ed Smart collapsed and was hospitalized. President Hinckley, he says, gave him hope.
"Being in the hospital all night long, not knowing how we were going to get through this nightmare, and speaking to him that morning from the hospital and his words of reassurance and love and support, that everything would be OK. I can't tell you how much that impacted my life and made it possible for us to move forward," Smart said.
Their home became the focus of national media attention. The family was distraught, and President Hinckley reached out again. Smart says, "He came to our house and blessed our house. He blessed us that we would be able to move forward, that this life, we have challenges, and, you know, we never know what those challenges are going to be, but that we need to get up and move forward. He was really remarkable."
So many people have deeply personal memories of President Hinckley.
There are signs in the building to remind people to be reverent, but that didn't seem to be necessary. People really wanted to be there, and they felt as though it is the right place to have a public viewing because this was President Hinckley's building.
Some people were dressed for work, some people were dressed as if they were going to church, and other people were casually dressed. It doesn't seem to matter what they wore, just that they were there.
President Hinckley's family members were up near the casket greeting people, and some of the Church's general authorities were also there from time to time.
President Hinckley's family has requested for those wishing to send flowers, that instead they contribute to one of several charitable funds, including the Perpetual Education Fund which President Hinckley instituted, the church missionary or humanitarian funds or the Gordon B. Hinckley chair of British Studies at the University of Utah.
Meanwhile, Salt Lake City police are helping with traffic, parking and crowd control. Parking is difficult to find and requires a walk of a couple of blocks, so keep that in mind. Also, dress warmly as it is around 30 degrees outside.
The Conference Center doors open again Friday at 9 a.m.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
PRESIDENT HINCKLEY'S FAVORITE QUOTES...
This post is dedicated to the posting of President Hinckley's favorite and famous sayings and quotes. If anyone has such quotes and sayings they have collected and or have heard him say... please feel free to post them on this post and blog!
"There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacitiy and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us."
-- "The Need for Greater Kindness" April 2006 Priesthood Session
"Please smile with favor upon them. Please listen to them as they lift their voices in prayer unto Thee. Please lead them gently by the hand in the direction they should follow.
Please help them to walk in paths of truth and righteousness and keep them from the evils of the world. Bless them that they shall be happy at times and serious at times, that they may enjoy life and drink of its fulness. Bless them that they may walk acceptably before Thee as Thy cherished sons and daughters. Each is Thy child with capacity to do great and noble things. Keep them on the high road that leads to achievement. Save them from the mistakes that could destroy them. If they have erred, forgive their trespasses and lead them back to ways of peace and progress. For these blessings I humbly pray with gratitude for them and invoke Thy blessings upon them with love and affection, in the name of Him who carries the burdens of our sins, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."
-Gordon b. hinckley "A Prophets Prayer For Youth"
"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great purpose in heart." -President Gordon B. Hinckley
Speaking about The Atonement in relationship with all other world events : "When all is said and done, when all of history is examined, when the deepest depths of the human mind have been explored, there is nothing so wonderful, so majestic, so tremendous as this act of grace."
Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 28
"Be Excellent"
"No other experiences draw us nearer to heaven than those that exist between happy parents and happy children."
"Stand on your feet and with a song in your heart move forward, living the gospel, loving the Lord, and buikding the Kingdom. Together we shall stay the course and keep the faith..."
"You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. crying gives me a headache." (Sis. Hinckley)
"Cram your heads full of knowledge"
"the only way to get anything done is to get on your knees and plead for help and then get on your feet and go to work."
"How greatful I am, how greatful we all must be for the women in our lives."
"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. i say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us,...if we put our trust in Him, if we pray to Him, if we live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."
"There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacitiy and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us."
-- "The Need for Greater Kindness" April 2006 Priesthood Session
"Please smile with favor upon them. Please listen to them as they lift their voices in prayer unto Thee. Please lead them gently by the hand in the direction they should follow.
Please help them to walk in paths of truth and righteousness and keep them from the evils of the world. Bless them that they shall be happy at times and serious at times, that they may enjoy life and drink of its fulness. Bless them that they may walk acceptably before Thee as Thy cherished sons and daughters. Each is Thy child with capacity to do great and noble things. Keep them on the high road that leads to achievement. Save them from the mistakes that could destroy them. If they have erred, forgive their trespasses and lead them back to ways of peace and progress. For these blessings I humbly pray with gratitude for them and invoke Thy blessings upon them with love and affection, in the name of Him who carries the burdens of our sins, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."
-Gordon b. hinckley "A Prophets Prayer For Youth"
"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great purpose in heart." -President Gordon B. Hinckley
Speaking about The Atonement in relationship with all other world events : "When all is said and done, when all of history is examined, when the deepest depths of the human mind have been explored, there is nothing so wonderful, so majestic, so tremendous as this act of grace."
Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 28
"Be Excellent"
"No other experiences draw us nearer to heaven than those that exist between happy parents and happy children."
"Stand on your feet and with a song in your heart move forward, living the gospel, loving the Lord, and buikding the Kingdom. Together we shall stay the course and keep the faith..."
"You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. crying gives me a headache." (Sis. Hinckley)
"Cram your heads full of knowledge"
"the only way to get anything done is to get on your knees and plead for help and then get on your feet and go to work."
"How greatful I am, how greatful we all must be for the women in our lives."
"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. i say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us,...if we put our trust in Him, if we pray to Him, if we live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."
Monday, January 28, 2008
more on President Hinckley and his life...
TO BYU STUDENTS:
I AM LOOKING TO INTERVIEW BYU STUDENTS WHO HAD ANY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE PROPHET ON TUESDAY ON CAMPUS (e.g. him visiting your stake and shaking your hand, talking with him on your mission, etc.)
If you are interested in being interviewed regarding your experience contact me at welovepresidenthinkley@gmail.com
and i will make sure your request get's to the right person and all.
I AM LOOKING TO INTERVIEW BYU STUDENTS WHO HAD ANY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE PROPHET ON TUESDAY ON CAMPUS (e.g. him visiting your stake and shaking your hand, talking with him on your mission, etc.)
If you are interested in being interviewed regarding your experience contact me at welovepresidenthinkley@gmail.com
and i will make sure your request get's to the right person and all.
CONDOLENCE FROM PRESIDENT AND LAURA BUSH
here is the statement and codolence along with the link to view the statement from President and first lady Laura Bush
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20...
Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our friend, Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving for over seven decades in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon demonstrated the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. ...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20...
Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our friend, Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving for over seven decades in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon demonstrated the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. ...
some words from faithful Latter Day Saints who love President Hinckley
this is some words that was sent to President Hinckley-- more i assume will come soon!
i feel very sorry for what happend he was a very good man!!!! i know that his teachings will be passed through many people and life!!!! :)
We LOVE you President Hinckley!!!
Your words and actions will ALWAYS and forever be remebered.
I hope to meet you in the afterlife,
Phoebe
He was a giant amongst Us! Thank you for this beautiful tribute! The tears just flowed as I reflected on my personal moments with a Prophet..I loved so deeply. He made us all "taller" by his counsel and love. I love you my dear Prophet and hero. Thank you my dear brother in the Gospel for this video, You are not alone....we will Go Forward with Faith as he would want us too. Those that bring sunshine to the lives of others can not keep it from themselves.....He was a Light..a true inspiration..
Oh dear President, my dear Prophet ,I mourn greatly for you..My eyes hurt from crying, my heart is empty. You are now free from all your burdens and are forever holding your dear Marjorie, but I miss you terribly...We all do. Thank you for serving us so faithfully dearest prophet..
I miss President Hinckley already! He was such a great man, so wonderful. I loved all his talks and his jokes.
i feel very sorry for what happend he was a very good man!!!! i know that his teachings will be passed through many people and life!!!! :)
We LOVE you President Hinckley!!!
Your words and actions will ALWAYS and forever be remebered.
I hope to meet you in the afterlife,
Phoebe
He was a giant amongst Us! Thank you for this beautiful tribute! The tears just flowed as I reflected on my personal moments with a Prophet..I loved so deeply. He made us all "taller" by his counsel and love. I love you my dear Prophet and hero. Thank you my dear brother in the Gospel for this video, You are not alone....we will Go Forward with Faith as he would want us too. Those that bring sunshine to the lives of others can not keep it from themselves.....He was a Light..a true inspiration..
Oh dear President, my dear Prophet ,I mourn greatly for you..My eyes hurt from crying, my heart is empty. You are now free from all your burdens and are forever holding your dear Marjorie, but I miss you terribly...We all do. Thank you for serving us so faithfully dearest prophet..
I miss President Hinckley already! He was such a great man, so wonderful. I loved all his talks and his jokes.
Read the Book of Mormon again
I THINK WE SHOULD ALL READ THE BOOK OF MORMON AGAIN THIS YEAR IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET.
SPREAD THE WORD!!!
IT WOULD PROBABLY MEAN MORE TO HIM THAN OUR DRESSING UP TODAY DID OR ALMOST ANYTHING ELSE BECAUSE HE WOULD WANT US TO CARRY WITH US THE LESSONS HE TAUGHT, NOT JUST HIS OFFICE STATUS AS PROPHET AND PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH. LET'S COMMIT TO GOING TO THE TEMPLE MORE, TOO. I LOVED THIS MAN WITH ALL OF MY HEART. IT WAS HIS TIME TO GO, AND I BELIEVE THAT BOTH HE AND GOD LOVED US MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY...LET'S SHOW THEM WE LOVE THEM, TOO. I HEARD THAT PRESIDENT HINKLEY SAID THAT HE WOULD BE REMEMBERED AS THE PROPHET WHO DIDN'T GET LISTENED TO. PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T LET THAT BE THE CASE IN YOUR LIFE. HE MADE IT SUCH AN IMPORTANT POINT FOR US TO GET AN EDUCATION, HAVE EASIER ACCESS TO THE TEMPLE, AND TO LOVE AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER. HE WAS TRYING TO PREPARE US FOR WHAT IS TO COME...BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THE WORLD IS CHANGING. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. GOD BLESS.
SPREAD THE WORD!!!
IT WOULD PROBABLY MEAN MORE TO HIM THAN OUR DRESSING UP TODAY DID OR ALMOST ANYTHING ELSE BECAUSE HE WOULD WANT US TO CARRY WITH US THE LESSONS HE TAUGHT, NOT JUST HIS OFFICE STATUS AS PROPHET AND PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH. LET'S COMMIT TO GOING TO THE TEMPLE MORE, TOO. I LOVED THIS MAN WITH ALL OF MY HEART. IT WAS HIS TIME TO GO, AND I BELIEVE THAT BOTH HE AND GOD LOVED US MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY...LET'S SHOW THEM WE LOVE THEM, TOO. I HEARD THAT PRESIDENT HINKLEY SAID THAT HE WOULD BE REMEMBERED AS THE PROPHET WHO DIDN'T GET LISTENED TO. PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T LET THAT BE THE CASE IN YOUR LIFE. HE MADE IT SUCH AN IMPORTANT POINT FOR US TO GET AN EDUCATION, HAVE EASIER ACCESS TO THE TEMPLE, AND TO LOVE AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER. HE WAS TRYING TO PREPARE US FOR WHAT IS TO COME...BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THE WORLD IS CHANGING. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. GOD BLESS.
things going on at temple square in President Hinckley's honor...
I found this group who is going to meet at 7 to sing in front of the temple.
http://utah.facebook.com/event.php?eid=20937939024&ref=nf
http://utah.facebook.com/event.php?eid=20937939024&ref=nf
memories and sentiments and tributes of president hinckley
so i would like to post some tributes, memories, stories etc. that people have with and of President Hinckley on this blog! so everyone can share in this time and we all can mourn in our own ways and the way we best know how.
President Hinckley was an outstanding man and example to us all. I was very sad at first and felt kind of lost, but I know he gets to spend Valentine's day with his sweet wife and he is very happy. I look forward to the Rexburg Temple dedication and ceremonies this coming weekend and I know he will be there.
One of my many favorite things that President Hinckley said was just after Sister Hinckley passed away. He said, "She was always the woman of my dreams, and now, once again she is the woman of my dreams." I am so grateful for everything he taught me. I agree with others on the fact that he was also "my" prophet. I am thrilled with the reunion he is having. He is probably meeting all the many prophets from the past. What a grand reunion.
I love President Hinckley! I loved his sense of humor and the way he did what needed to be done in such a great way. He'll always have a special place in my heart because he was the prophet while I was growing up. I'm sure he's happy to be reunited with his wife and the Savior now, but he sure will be missed.
President Hinkley sure leaves behind a legacy of faith and love for us all to live by.
I found out last night.. about an hour after it had happened.. i couldn't breathe.. then i stopped and thought.. He is with his wife now.. how much better that is for him than to continue on here.. without her..
My mom always said everyone had "their" prophet.. the one they learned most from.. the one they grew up with... Pres. Hinckley was "my" prophet... I grew up with his testimony at conference. I grew to love his voice, and see him carry the cane he refused to use..
I love him. I will miss him a great deal.. and when the time comes.. i can't wait to see him again.. and tell him thank you for all he did for us here.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant"
***More to be added later...***
As for my own personal thoughts on President Hinkley's death and my testimony: I pray that we can all remember our late prophet for all he was and still is and forever will be; set the example he'd want you to set. We represent the Church and God and Jesus Christ. Don't do anything that would show them in a bad light, but even more importantly, do everything you can to show them (and yourselves) in a good light. Remember that in this time of politics, when the world has had its eye on the Church because of Mitt Romney, the focus will narrow even more at this time when people would expect our Church to stumble, our faith to wane, and our beliefs to crumble. Remember that this day marks the beginning of a new time for our Church and also (especially) for the world at large. It has been said/observed that when a prophet dies, he reports to God the events that transpired in his time on Earth and the world sees, in the ensuing time, the effects of that report. My bishop warned my ward tonight: Watch what happens this year. We all know that President Hinkley paid specific attention to temple work and to the youth of the Church. It is our responsibility--now more than ever--to carry the mark of that wonderful man and hold our light for the world to see. Apply yourselves more vigorously to temple work than ever before. Prepare yourselves to carry the Church; this generation is so important. We will be instrumental in the work to be performed. We have an incredible responsibility. My brothers and sisters, perform. Watch. Remember. Remember who you are. I love you. God bless.
President Hinckley was an outstanding man and example to us all. I was very sad at first and felt kind of lost, but I know he gets to spend Valentine's day with his sweet wife and he is very happy. I look forward to the Rexburg Temple dedication and ceremonies this coming weekend and I know he will be there.
One of my many favorite things that President Hinckley said was just after Sister Hinckley passed away. He said, "She was always the woman of my dreams, and now, once again she is the woman of my dreams." I am so grateful for everything he taught me. I agree with others on the fact that he was also "my" prophet. I am thrilled with the reunion he is having. He is probably meeting all the many prophets from the past. What a grand reunion.
I love President Hinckley! I loved his sense of humor and the way he did what needed to be done in such a great way. He'll always have a special place in my heart because he was the prophet while I was growing up. I'm sure he's happy to be reunited with his wife and the Savior now, but he sure will be missed.
President Hinkley sure leaves behind a legacy of faith and love for us all to live by.
I found out last night.. about an hour after it had happened.. i couldn't breathe.. then i stopped and thought.. He is with his wife now.. how much better that is for him than to continue on here.. without her..
My mom always said everyone had "their" prophet.. the one they learned most from.. the one they grew up with... Pres. Hinckley was "my" prophet... I grew up with his testimony at conference. I grew to love his voice, and see him carry the cane he refused to use..
I love him. I will miss him a great deal.. and when the time comes.. i can't wait to see him again.. and tell him thank you for all he did for us here.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant"
***More to be added later...***
As for my own personal thoughts on President Hinkley's death and my testimony: I pray that we can all remember our late prophet for all he was and still is and forever will be; set the example he'd want you to set. We represent the Church and God and Jesus Christ. Don't do anything that would show them in a bad light, but even more importantly, do everything you can to show them (and yourselves) in a good light. Remember that in this time of politics, when the world has had its eye on the Church because of Mitt Romney, the focus will narrow even more at this time when people would expect our Church to stumble, our faith to wane, and our beliefs to crumble. Remember that this day marks the beginning of a new time for our Church and also (especially) for the world at large. It has been said/observed that when a prophet dies, he reports to God the events that transpired in his time on Earth and the world sees, in the ensuing time, the effects of that report. My bishop warned my ward tonight: Watch what happens this year. We all know that President Hinkley paid specific attention to temple work and to the youth of the Church. It is our responsibility--now more than ever--to carry the mark of that wonderful man and hold our light for the world to see. Apply yourselves more vigorously to temple work than ever before. Prepare yourselves to carry the Church; this generation is so important. We will be instrumental in the work to be performed. We have an incredible responsibility. My brothers and sisters, perform. Watch. Remember. Remember who you are. I love you. God bless.
What were you doing when you found out???
I would like if everyone would be willing to share what they were doing when they heard the news about our beloved friend, and prophet passed away! please keep your comments "clean" of course and please share if willing to do so.
I had been having a really stressful/crazy week...I was sitting in my room, on my bed, lights off, with a roommate. We were talking about different things...One in particular was about a problem we both have with opening up to people--I, personally, was trying to sort out the psychological stresses I was going through. I had texted my mom about a familial question a while before, but as I was talking with my roommate, my mom called. I was talking with her on the phone when I received a text from a dear, dear friend of mine who asked whether I'd "heard the sad news". I didn't recognize the number, as it was on a new phone, so I texted back that I hadn't heard anything. I blew it off...About fifteen minutes later, I received another text from another very, very close friend. It broke the news. At this point, I was still on the phone with my mom and my roommate was still in the room. As I read the news, everything around me disappeared. I finally reacted: I gasped and immediately started to cry. The only thing I could say was, "No. No, no. Oh, no." I tried to formulate coherent sentences and tell my mom what had happened. I handed the text to my roommate so she could read it...She gasped and had basically the same reaction I did. She left my room to go to her room and tell our other roommate...I talked with my mom for a little longer, trying to get online to any news site to find the news...All of them were having a really hard time being accessed. There were too many people online, doing the same thing. I went down to the lobby of our building, where several people were watching the breaking news special that had interrupted a television show. We watched that through and talked...This was all right before my ward had ward prayer; it happened to be in the lobby of my building. We sat through ward prayer, sharing memories and testimonies, singing "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet," and just being there together as a ward of young people at BYU, holding each other and rejoicing on President Hinkley's behalf as well as mourning the world's loss of a wonderful man. An experience I will never forget.
I had been having a really stressful/crazy week...I was sitting in my room, on my bed, lights off, with a roommate. We were talking about different things...One in particular was about a problem we both have with opening up to people--I, personally, was trying to sort out the psychological stresses I was going through. I had texted my mom about a familial question a while before, but as I was talking with my roommate, my mom called. I was talking with her on the phone when I received a text from a dear, dear friend of mine who asked whether I'd "heard the sad news". I didn't recognize the number, as it was on a new phone, so I texted back that I hadn't heard anything. I blew it off...About fifteen minutes later, I received another text from another very, very close friend. It broke the news. At this point, I was still on the phone with my mom and my roommate was still in the room. As I read the news, everything around me disappeared. I finally reacted: I gasped and immediately started to cry. The only thing I could say was, "No. No, no. Oh, no." I tried to formulate coherent sentences and tell my mom what had happened. I handed the text to my roommate so she could read it...She gasped and had basically the same reaction I did. She left my room to go to her room and tell our other roommate...I talked with my mom for a little longer, trying to get online to any news site to find the news...All of them were having a really hard time being accessed. There were too many people online, doing the same thing. I went down to the lobby of our building, where several people were watching the breaking news special that had interrupted a television show. We watched that through and talked...This was all right before my ward had ward prayer; it happened to be in the lobby of my building. We sat through ward prayer, sharing memories and testimonies, singing "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet," and just being there together as a ward of young people at BYU, holding each other and rejoicing on President Hinkley's behalf as well as mourning the world's loss of a wonderful man. An experience I will never forget.
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