Feeling Grateful

-"There is room for improvement in every life. Regardless of our occupations, regardless of our circumstances, we can improve ourselves and while so doing have an effect on the lives of those about us."

-"We remember the Lord Jesus Christ in reverence and with love. He has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has brought meaning to our mortal existence."

-"We must work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it, because in fact everything in life does count on it."

-"People wonder what we do for our women. I'll tell you what we do. We get out of their way and look with wonder at what they're accomplishing."


I took a few minutes the other day and tried to concieve the impact President Hinckley has had on my life. I would say his influence has been one of the most cherished and guiding in my life thus far. His words have without fail strengthened, encouraged, pushed, and lifted me through my years of growing up and starting a family. I remember going to Elder Maxwell's funeral and as President Hinckley walked in, the congregation began to sing "We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet". I was immediately overcome not only with his presence in the room, but with the spirit. I realized that this was the first time time I had actually ever seen him in person, and still I was a few hundred feet away from him. I thought of how interesting it was that I could feel such a deep love and connection to someone I had never met. I know with all my heart that he is a prophet of God and I am thankful for his life and service. I appreciate his example of optimism and his spirit of love and progress. And I will miss his jokes at conference.