Sunday, December 28, 2008

We saw the Prophet!


We had an awesome opportunity to hear the prophet speak today. My sister in law is in his home ward in Holladay. At the end of every year he gives a talk, reviewing that year. We were three rows back. He came in smiling, and even wiggled his ears before he sat down. He was much more relaxed than we usually see at conference times. He talked about 2008 in his life and the church. He dedicated a few temples last year. He also spoke about the passing of Pres. Hickley. He visited him while he was home and sedated and as he held his wrist, he felt a distinct impression that he would not see him awake again. That night he was prompted to give Pres Hinckley a blessing. He arranged for other members of The Twelve to do this the next day. The next day they all gave him a blessing and Pres Monson knew that this was the end. Pres. Hinckley died that night. Pres. Monson was tearful as he spoke of his gratitude in obeying spiritual promptings.

He spoke of a man who was working on the Idaho Falls temple. He fell 20 feet onto his head. At the hospital he was in extrememly critical condition. Pres Monson came and gave him a blessing. When that temple was dedicated, that man found Pres Monson and gave him a big hug. He had no lingering injuries and was completely healed. He told Pres Monson "Thank you so much!" And Pres Monson told him "no, thank God."

I learned about Temple divorces. Did you know that all temple divorces have to be personally approved by the prophet? He said that was one of the hardest parts of his job, to see all the eternal marriages that wanted to end. He also is the one who personally approves membership to excommunicated members. He said he always looks at his picture of the Savior as he contemplates reinstating members. He said he always leans towards being forgiving, since that is how the Savior is, and he wants to be like Him.

Oh, it was awesome! He spoke for an hour. He was funny and spiritual. Afterwards my kids and I went and shook his hand. He gave LoLo a high five. We love our our Prophet!! I have a testimony that he is God's mouthpiece for us on the earth. I am so grateful to have the Gospel in my life, and to be sealed to my wonderful family.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

That must have been a marverlous experience - seeing and listening to our prophet's voice -- thanks for sharing. - mom

Unknown said...

What an extraordinary experience. I'm so glad to hear you attended the meeting. It must have been wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Ooops! Michelle, this is Trishelle...apparently he (my father in law) was on blogger right before me. :)

Alisa said...

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with everyone. How fortunate that you got to listen to his most personal thoughts and feelings. And how fortunate that we live in the same town as the prophet of the world!

Grabers said...

Thank you so much for sharing your experience of the prophet. I love Pres. Monson. I got to hear him speak at women's conference,which I loved, but that would be so neat to hear such personal experiences while being so close. What a good spiritual uplift for the start of the new year.

Chellers said...

Wowsers. How amazing. What a cool experience for you and the kiddos.

Jer + Lu said...

What an awesome experience! Fun to see you last week ;)