Since I have been getting such a hard time for not blogging, I am finally back. I am not sure why I haven't been blogging in the last couple weeks, I guess 2008 has been crazy so far!
Everyone is back in school and life is slowly returning to normal, although I don't seem to be able to get the house caught up. You would think with all the time I have spent NOT blogging that the house would look great, oh well.
Last weekend we traveled up to Utah for a funeral. Sean's uncle, Ron Eames, passed away last week at 59. He was my father-in-law's younger brother which is a little scary. It was a wake up call to be greatful for the time we have here! I was impressed at the funeral by the closness of their family. You could tell there was a real closeness within thier family and it was neat to witness.
After returning home from the funeral we found out last night that the president of our church, Gordon B. Hinkley had passed away at the age of 97. He was such an incredible man and I will miss him. He was the president of the church when I joined the LDS faith 10 years ago and I know that he will always hold a special place in my heart. I saw him speak in the Tabernacle shortly after I was baptised and I will never forget the feelings I felt as I listened to him speak. Although I was saddened by his passing I couldn't help but imagine the rejoicing that was occuring on the other side! How happy he must be to have been reunited with his sweet wife. His love for her was always so touching and sincere, I am happy they are together again. I am including a short bio of his life that I found last night as I was searching for news of his passing. I hope that someday my children will know of his love for all people, his humility and charity, his witty sense of humor and his great work here on this earth. He was an example to us all.
Officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Sunday evening that Church President Gordon B. Hinckley has passed away.
He passed away at his home about 7:00 Sunday evening with his family at his side. President Hinckley was 97 years old. He was the 15th president of the Church.
Church officials say President Hinckley worked hard up until a few days before his death. LDS Church Managing Director of Public Affairs Bruce Olsen said, "He'd wear most people out. He worked, and was in his office in the last few days before he passed away."
Olsen said President Hinckley had an endearing wit, and an incredible intellect. "He was one of the brightest men that I think has ever lived. He just new something about so many things."
Born in Salt Lake City on June 23, 1910; he graduated from the University of Utah and served a mission to Great Britain. After he returned, he embarked on a lifetime of service for the Church.
He was employed as the executive secretary of the Church Radio, Publicity, and Literature Committee before he was called to be an Apostle in 1961.
He was later called to serve as a counselor to President Spencer W. Kimball, President Ezra Taft Benson and President Howard W. Hunter.
Since becoming Church President on Mar. 12, 1995, he has directed the most intense temple building program in the history of the Church in an effort to extend temple blessings to more members.
He has exhibited vitality and energy as he has traveled about the world meeting and speaking to members of the Church.
Through television interviews and national press publications, he has increased media attention and improved the public image of the Church. He has counseled Church members to fellowship new converts, befriend members of other faiths, live exemplary lives, and avoid the evils of the world.
He began his role as president of the Church in 1995 by holding a rare news conference, citing growth and spreading the LDS message as the Church's main challenge heading into the 21st century. "We are dedicated ... to teaching the gospel of peace, to the promotion of civility and mutual respect among people everywhere, to bearing witness to the living reality of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the practice of his teachings in our daily lives," he said at the time.
President Hinckley was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, whom he married in 1937. She died April 6, 2004.
Family members will meet with Church officials to arrange the funeral.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is now leading the Church. That body will choose the next leader of the faith. By tradition, it is the senior member of the Quorum, and that is President Thomas S. Monson, who has been President Hinckley's First Counselor.
Flags at Temple Square are now flying at half staff in President Hinckley's honor.
