1.28.2008


I am sad to hear news about the passing of the prophet of my church,
dear
President Gordon B. Hinckley.

But as I view pictures of him, my heart is filled with the upmost-joy & major-peace. I am so happy that he has been reunited with his sweet/amazing wife.


It is with super-deep reverence that I *try* to articulate my feelings about this wonderful man & what his service, sacrifice, and example have meant to me in my own little Angie-life.

I am beyond grateful for the life he lived, the man he was, and the truths he taught.

Presdident Hinckley is very near & dear to my heart. He has lead my church through my teenage years, into my adult life. He has been an upbeat, positive, encouraging beacon of light, & an example of strength & faithfullness. His words have comforted me time & time again. His counsel has helped me along, & assisted me with important decisions about my crazy existence.

I specifically remember a time, back in the day…I was a senior in high school. I was a very happy girl & had a pretty rockin’ life. But I was, however, approaching graduation…a time when I would kinda hafta be a big girl & make big girl decisions…and…let’s just say…that was REALLY freaking me out.

I attended a broadcast over @ my church to listen to the prophet speak. I was a lil tardy {of course}…and so I got stuck in the hard/cold chairs, like, in the very back.

And, I was wearing a REALLY cute black dress that my mom made, if you wanted to know. {said dress, sadly, wouldn’t even fit on my big toe now…}

His talk was entitled, “A prophets counsel, and prayer for the youth.” He discussed guidelines that would help us kiddos/young adults throughout our lives….the six B’s: Be grateful, Be smart, Be clean, Be true, Be humble, Be prayerful. I have recorded in my old-school personal journal the specifics of this talk & the feelings I felt while hearing it. I refer to it often.

That evening was one of THE most spiritual experiences of my entire life to date. I recall feeling as if he were speaking directly to me. Tears streamed down my face *onto my adorable black dress* as I listened to the counsel from my loving prophet. His words were exactly what I needed to hear, at the exact time I needed to hear them.

Ever since that time, I absolutely & unequivocally *know* for sure, that there is a God in heaven who loves me. He loves all his children, regardless of their faith or circumstance. And, I am profoundly grateful for this knowledge.

I am also deeply humbled that Heavenly Father loves me enough to send me a prophet, to teach-n-preach modern-day revelation.

Here is just a small compiled list of things I have learned from this amazing man,
President Gordon B. Hinckley:

*To not take life too seriously:

“We need to have a little humor in our lives. We better take seriously that which should be taken seriously, but at the same time we can bring in a touch of humor now & again. If the time ever comes when we can’t smile at ourselves, it will be a very sad time.” -Hinckley

*To never give up:

“We are in a period of stress across the world. There are occasionally hard days for each of us. Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you. Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities.” -Hinckley

*To be better:

“Shape up. I say that to myself constantly. Shape up. Stand a little taller. Be a little better, a little stronger, a little more thoughtful, a little humbler. A little more prayerful, that you may be worthy of the guidance of the Lord and of His wonderful blessing.” -Hinckley

*To measure up to the divinity within:

“Some of you may feel that you are not as attractive and beautiful and glamorous as you would like to be. Rise above any such feelings, cultivate the light you have within you, and it will shine through as a radiant expression that will be seen by others. You need never feel inferior. You need never feel that you were born without talents or without opportunities to give them expression. Cultivate whatever talents you have, and they will grow and refine and become an expression of your true self appreciated by others. -Hinckley

*To serve:

“I do not care how old you are, how young you are, whatever. You can lift people and help them. Heaven knows there are so very, very very many people in this world who need help. Oh, so very, very many. Let’s get the cankering, selfish attitude out of our lives and stand a little taller as we reach a little higher in the service of others. As Browning said, “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp.” Stand a little taller, stand higher, lift those with feeble knees, hold up the arms of those that hang down. Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Forget yourself.” -Hinckley

*To be happy:

“We can lower our voices a few decibels. We can return good for evil. We can smile when anger might be so much easier. We can exercise self-control and self-discipline and dismiss any affront levied against us. Let us be a happy people. The Lord’s plan is a plan of happiness. The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, the confrontations will be less difficult if we cultivate a spirit of happiness.” -Hinckely

*To be faithful:

“I hope that prayer will take on a new luster in our lives. None of us knows what lies ahead. We may speculate, but we do not know. Sickness may strike us. Misfortune may overtake us. Fears may afflict us. Death may place his cold and solemn hand upon us or a loved one. Regardless of what may come, may faith, immovable and constant, shine above us as the polar star.” -Hinckley

*To pray:

“We can draw nearer to the Lord in our prayers. These can become conversations of thanksgiving. I can never fully understand how the Great God of the Universe, the Almighty, invites us as His children to speak with Him individually. How precious an opportunity is this. How wonderful that it actually happens. I testify that our prayers, offered in humility and sincerity, are heard and answered. It is a miraculous thing, but it is real.” -Hinckley

And lastly:

*To have joy:

“In all of living, have much fun & laughter, life is to enjoyed, not just endured.” -Hinckley

Till we meet again…

31 comments:

Marilyn said...

I have tears in my eyes right now-what an awesome post...I am so happy he is with his beloved wife but so sad for us.....life will go on...we will have another prophet who we will love and follow...but I am still sad for me today. My teenagers are dressing in Sunday clothes today to show respect for our beloved prophet.....

Chelsea said...

What an incredible post Miss Angie. You did it so very eloquent! What an amazing prophet we were blessed to have here on this earth in our time.

Unknown said...

Yeah- this is a great one. Thanks for the kind reminder or what that great old man gave us. I love him.

Amelia Johnson said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to post about such an awesome old guy! I loved President Hinckley and took the news really hard. Although I knew he was old and was going to pass away at some point (he was 97 for goodness sake), I still was sad for ME. How selfish, I know But, I am extremely happy for him. He is with the angels in heaven and his sweet wife. Thanks for Monday morning tears and reminders of his great teachings! :)

Jamie said...

Ditto! U are amazing. Thanks for putting into words what I couldn't.

Steph (and Bryant) said...

I was getting ready to post about this wonderful man of God as well, and I happened to check your blog (and only yours)...I am going to copy and paste some of your pics...thanks for doing part of my work :) Love your tribute to our beloved prophet. P.S. Why are you up so stinkin' early???? azholmesadventures

Unknown said...

I completely agree with everything you have said. He was such a sweet, amazingly spiritual, and ambitious man. I also was sad he passed but mostly happy that he will be reunited with his honey. What a great legacy he has left for himself and for the church :)

Jolene George said...

I have not blogs about his passing yet. You did a wonderful job on this post. He taught so many things. He was a remarkable man who was loved dearly by so many. As much as I miss him, I know he is happy to be with his sweet wife again.

cori said...

thank goodness for you. i love you like crazy. thanks for this amazing post of quotes. i am watching BYU tv right now. watching that exact talk. truly inspiring. and just so you know. i have a black tee on, with tears streaming on it. love ya like a sister. all my love for the prophet!

Mark Dixon said...

What a wonderful tribute!

Unknown said...

again, you have said the perfect words! i will miss him so much but i know he's in a much better place & reunited with his sweet wonderful wife! i love all these quotes so much! the "be better" one is my fav. he gave us the best advice!

Kaelene said...

Angie -- You brought tears to my eyes, girl! You have truly posted the essence that is President Hinckley!
I am happy for him, but sad for us!
Thankfully we have all of his amazing testimonies recorded, so that we can look back and be inspired forever!

OurHappyFamily said...

Amazing post girl! Some of those quotes are my all time fav and I too remember that talk he gave when he introduced the 6 B's. Guess that gives our age a little. Thanks for your words... they put tears in my eyes and I hope you don't mind if I use that top pic. I loved it! You're amazing... thanks for being you! Love ya!!!

Unknown said...

Sorry for this loss as I heard about this today while I was doing the papers!
We just had a Priest die suddenly, so this is sad for all!

Laurie said...

Beautiful post Angie! I am going to miss, miss, miss him!

Nicole and Gene Cope said...

Hey Ang
I am in Montreal now...US Consulate in the morning...hopefully back in AZ in the next week or two.
I was so sad last night when I heard about our dear prophet. The more I read and looked at the legacy that he left was filled with peace and comfort knowing that he will be with his sweet, sweet wife again.
I wanted to do a blog about Pres. Hinckley today but I could not have put it more eloquently as you have. Thank you for your words and thoughts and feelings.
All I can say is, Amen Sista!
Hopefully I will see you soon:)

granny said...

Beautiful tribute. I'm so grateful there is always a man on earth who can say "thus sayeth the Lord."

kacee said...

Thanks angie, my heart is full!

Em said...

OH, Ang, you always know what to say when others don't. Thanks for being such a great person and being able to put into words what many of couldn't but were feeling. You rock!

The Fletchies said...

serious if you are ever feeling down for any reason just remember you got blog love girl and I am here to add to it. Seriously you make me cry.

Families can be together forever. And if anyone deserves it, its the hinckster.

O'Loughlin Family said...

That is a great tribute. I dont want to post anything on our blog because I feel that yours says it all!

check out our blog... you have been recipe tagged

postcards sent from here said...

I {heart} President Hinckley. He's the only prophet that I've ever known, as I didn't become a member of the Church until I was 19. I will miss him very much, but am grateful for The Plan, because it means that he is happy still and even closer to our Heavenly Father.

Leslie said...

What a sweet tribute, and how good of you to take the time to do it.
Les.

Sassy said...

Thank you Angie. He is someone definetly to pattern our life after, and you worded it so sweetly. He will greatly missed.

rachbechep said...

ang! you inspire me...!
you should def. come to one of the wedding festivities...idaho or california...i'd love it!

Breanna and Martin said...

remember how I love you?

Angie how are you my dear?? Thank you for your testimony of President Hinckley! He has had such a huge impact on our lives and we are so blessed for our knowledge of the great plan of happiness!

love ya

Lisa said...

he was a great man! i loved his sense of humor. he was incredible!

Amy T said...

Like I said on Thursday Ang. You put it so well! He will surely be missed! But I have to also say I am so happy for his sweet wife, you know they missed each other.

Love your guts chickie!

Amy said...

Hey Ang.
Great post again. That man was such an inspiration to so many of us. I feel so sad at his passing but I'm just sad for us because I know he's in such a good place with loved ones and especially his darling wife.
Yoga has been great....i'm taking a class at NPC that's two hours evey Tuesday night and even though I've been doing yoga for years it's really nice to have something structured like that to keep me motivated and learning new things.
I think hubby took that puzzle to his classroom when we were done with it. I love me a good unique puzzle and that was a white elepahnt from his family's christmas eve tradition. Can you believe I had never heard of a white elephant until I moved to AZ?
NEWAYS thanks for the sweet comment and the wonderful post!
Amy

Amy said...

Hey Ang.
Great post again. That man was such an inspiration to so many of us. I feel so sad at his passing but I'm just sad for us because I know he's in such a good place with loved ones and especially his darling wife.
Yoga has been great....i'm taking a class at NPC that's two hours evey Tuesday night and even though I've been doing yoga for years it's really nice to have something structured like that to keep me motivated and learning new things.
I think hubby took that puzzle to his classroom when we were done with it. I love me a good unique puzzle and that was a white elepahnt from his family's christmas eve tradition. Can you believe I had never heard of a white elephant until I moved to AZ?
NEWAYS thanks for the sweet comment and the wonderful post!
Amy

REDD said...

Dear Angie: You are the best, and my FAVORITE blogger. Your tribute to President Hinckley is one of the sweetest of the many I have seen... Love, Uncle Shorty...