A few thoughts.

First of all, I can't believe that it is already February. Time is going by so fast it seems. Stalee, on her blog noted that her lil girl Kamree is growing up so fast, she is five now! My little Lizzie is a little jitterbug of acitvity. She, also, is growing up too fast. I can't believe my baby is walking and talking. The twins are almost 4!!! I thought they would never come and now they are almost 4.

Speaking on this topic, I am 30 years old. I am a young man. Last Sunday I was put into my second Bishopric. I am again the second counselor, (which I love). I was only in the previous Bishopric for 5 months, then we got a new Bishop and therefore Bishopric. While I am grateful not to be the Bishop. I am also very grateful to be called as one of his counselors. I love to serve the members of our ward and I am greateful for the trust that I have been given. I try to use each one of my talents in a way that would make the Lord pleased with me.

Today, I watched President Hinckley's Funeral. He died a week ago tomorrow. He was 97. I know that I have already posted some info regarding this, but I wanted to add just a few tidbits of information that I gleaned from the speakers today.

• Temples grew from 47 to 135 -working or under construction. Amazing!!!
• The church donated over $600 Million dollars in humanitarian aid Worldwide
• The Perpetual Education Fund was started and continues
• We received the "Proclamation to the Family"
• 1/3 of the current 13 Million members became such while he was President
• Over 600,000 missionaries have served during his tenure
• He was married for over 62 years.
• He gave us the state of the art, 21,000 seat Church Convention Center
• He received the "Medal of Freedom" our nations highest civic award
• All of this, while Gordon B. Hinckley as President of the Church

But most importantly, he gave us vision, enthusiasm, strength, service, compassion and his testimony that the Savior lives! I am greatful for his example and life. He was a humble man. Thank you President Hinckley for your 97 years of service and dedication. You have inspired us all.

Dan

Beloved Church President, Gordon B.Hinckley, dies at 97.

Passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley
Beloved Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through 12 years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97.

President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since March 12, 1995. President Hinckley was known, even at the age of 97, as a tireless leader who always put in a full day at the office and traveled extensively around the world to mix with Church members, now numbering 13 million in 171 nations.

His quick wit and humor, combined with an eloquent style at the pulpit, made him one of the most loved of modern Church leaders. For more information, visit the Newsroom @ lds.org.

His testimony: "I hope that all of you will remember that on this Sabbath day you heard me bear my witness that this is God's holy work. The vision given the Prophet Joseph in the grove of Palmyra was not an imaginary thing. It was real. It occurred in the broad light of day. Both the Father and the Son spoke to the boy. He saw Them standing in the air above him. He heard Their voices. He gave heed to Their instruction.
"It was the resurrected Lord who was introduced by His Father, the great God of the universe. For the first time in recorded history, both the Father and the Son appeared together to part the curtains and open this, the last and final dispensation, the dispensation of the fullness of times.
"The Book of Mormon is all that it purports to be—a work recorded by prophets who lived anciently and whose words have come forth "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (Book of Mormon title page).
"The priesthood has been restored under the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. All the keys and authority pertaining to eternal life are exercised in this Church.
"Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, the great Prophet of this dispensation. This Church, which carries the name of the Redeemer, is true.
"I leave you my testimony, my witness, and my love for each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
-President Gordon B. HinckleyApril 1, 2006, Sunday morning session of the 176th Annual World General Conference