Prophet, Seer, and Revelator

Today, I spent my morning, watching the funeral of President Gordon B. Hinckley. Services were held in the Conference Center, in Salt Lake City. President Monson Conducted the service at the request of the Hinckley family. His daughter, Elder Eyring, Elder Tingey, Bishop Burton, Elder Packer, and President Monson spoke about the life of Gordon B. Hinckley. Treasured memories were shared, and inspirational quotes presented. Yes, it is a time of mourning. But also a time to celebrate the life of this remarkable man, and prophet, to us all, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Travis and I were attending a fireside at the Ogden Tabernacle with Elder Phippen of the Quorum of the Seventy. He shared with us a message to live the covenants and promises we take upon ourselves in taking the sacrament each Sunday. The only new years resolutions we need are those, they are a protection to us. TAKE HIS NAME UPON US, REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. He counseled us to be direct, and speak truths as they are. Be bold, and full of Love. Ponder and meditate more often. He reminded us that it is PEOPLE that really matter, don't let technology stop you from building relationships of trust with people. This work is about People. He goes on to say we receive the fulness we need when we are helping 'to fill someone elses cup'; Give even when our own cups are empty, and the return will always be greater. He continued his council to us and said not to be critical of others who don't meet up to our expectations. Teach them, show them, and love them. Let them govern themselves. ALL PEOPLE ARE IN OUR LIVES FOR A VERY IMPORTANT REASON AND ARE THERE TO HELP US BECOME LIKE GOD. They are there to teach us something. Don't make others worry about you. He said, Arise in the morning and pray until we are kind. To our companion, offspring, and all creatures that god has made. Pray until you get the spirit of peace. "DON'T spend an hour without the spirit of Truth beaming upon our understanding." -Brigham Young. Stay Positive. Don't tolerate Negative things or people.
3 Nephi 19:25 Let his light be seen in your countenance. SMILE. Show the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. It is in your eyes and in your smiles. It has a healing power, and works small miracles in their souls. They can feel it; have it. HE CONTINUES, "Live how you are supposed to, and the Lord will bless you with the man he has prepared for you." Seek for spiritual gifts by Obedience and share them with others.
We closed the meeting by singing REDEEMER OF ISRAEL (HYMN #6). We sang the first verse, and then Elder Phippen stood up and announced that President Hinckley had passed away. That was it, Elder Phippen sat down, and we finished the Hymn. What a flood of emotions. The prophet, who for most of us as Young Single Adults, had known for most our lives. The man who has shaped us, and the church for good. The man who inspired us to forget ourselves and go to work. To stand a little taller, and be a little better every day. The man who made us smile, and made us laugh. The man, and prophet, who loved us. 1910-2008. Let him forever be remembered for his LOVE, and compassion, and that he wore out his life in service to this gospel.
On Thursday evening, the 31st of January, Travis and I went to the Conference Center to see President Hinckley one last time, at his viewing. It was organized, like everything in the Church. It was so very sacred, to be at his side, the Prophet of the Lord, the leader of the Church, my friend, and my example. To reflect on memories I have with and about him. He never failed to remind us, that he cares, the Savior lives, and that we can do this. WE ARE NEVER ALONE. Tears were shed, and my heart hurts because of this loss, but at the same time I am so happy that he was finally able to reunite with his darling wife Marjorie. I'll never forget, in September, Travis, and I attended a devotional at BYU given by President Hinckley. And at the end when he was walking out, he looked around at everyone and pumped his fist. As if to say, just keep going. You guys can make it. I believe in you. Don't give up. I LOVE YOU. These are moments forever written on my heart.
So today, as I watched the funeral, and the procession to the Cemetery, I again reflected on who he was, and who he has made me. He has shaped me, to be who I am today, and to have the testimony I now carry, probably more than any other person ever will. I LOVE HIM, and I honor his life. PRESIDENT HINCKLEY, THANK YOU.
I now shift my full devotion to President Thomas S. Monson, the work must go on, and it will. The Gospel will continue to go forward until it fills the whole earth. Let us all continue in his Legacy. The Savior Lives. The Gospel will continue. Let us all have JOY, and remember everyday President Hinckley in our hearts.
Love Always, Sierra.