President Gordon B. Hinckley, The Prophet of the Lord

There are people that have had a seminal influence on my life. President Gordon B. Hinckley, Prophet of the Lord and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1995, is one of these people to me.

Late Sunday night, my mom called from Sandy, Utah to tell me that President Hinckley had passed away just two hours before. My heart sank, and I felt a mixture of shock and disbelief. As I spoke further with her, the tears came. I've heard it said by many that they knew in their hearts that President Hinckley would likely not be with us much longer. At 97, he had lived longer than any other president in the Church's history, and had, since April 2004, been without his beloved companion Sister Marjorie Hinckley. In my lifetime, I have never known a man who worked as tirelessly and with such a fierce and focused work ethic as he did. I recently reread his biography, and now know why and am grateful that I was prompted to do so. President Hinckley is truly one of the great men and servants of God - a man truly molded and prepared by the Lord to lead the Church and the Kingdom of God in this time and season of the earth.

On more occasions that I can count, I have felt the witness and confirmation of the Holy Ghost and know of a surety that Gordon B. Hinckley was the Lord's prophet, called by Him to do His work and govern and direct His true church. Some years ago I had the great blessing of shaking hands with him, of seeing the light shine in his eyes and in his countenance. His teachings, love, and example of discipleship have in large measure shaped the foundation upon which I have built my life and my family's life. I have a deep and abiding love for him, a gratitude for his lifelong service and striving to bless and benefit his fellow man, and respect for his unshakable love and commitment to God. He has shown me and all of us that the Gospel does make bad men good, good men better, and leads us all back to the presence of our Heavenly Father by and through Our Savior Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. As Amos records in the Bible, surely the Lord God will do nothing save he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets. This truth was abundantly evident in the life of President Hinckley.

Feelings are especially tender now, but I know that I will always miss this great man. His ministry demonstrates what the Lord can do with a person's life when he or she puts their life in His hands. His greatness, I feel, was a result of his unassailable integrity, his steadfast faith and faithfulness, his unimpeachable righteousness, his certitude in the face of attack and adversity, his deep-seated optimism, his impeccable humor, and, above all, his willingness to always put God first.

I pay humble tribute to him and am so very grateful for his life, which has eternally blessed mine.

Reflections, Resolutions, And The Like...(Part I)

So, back from the dead. My sweetheart pointed out that I have not posted anything since mid-November. New year, new resolutions, fresh page to start from. This will likely seem like stream of consciousness, but maybe something coherent will come of it.

A Few Reflections

Getting older isn't so bad. This probably sounds funny, but I've been building up mentally and emotionally for the big three-o. That's right woodchuck chuckers, three decades on this green planet. At the beginning of year 29, I immediately thought, "Holy Cow! I have only more year of my 20's, how did THAT happen? What have I done with my life? What am I doing with my life?" But as the year has progressed, I feel more at peace.

Life is good, and it just keeps getting better. I'm married for time and eternity to my best friend and the most beautiful woman I know, I'm the proud father of the most charming and bright-spirited little boy and gorgeous little girl (due in March) in the world. These three are my whole life.

I have a good job that challenges me, fits my skills, enables me to take care of my family. No ceiling to limit growth.

I'm able to do the things I love, and am able to improve in the things I should do better.

Wisdom does come with age, and greater opportunities come with greater experience.

Part I of several...to be continued...