Our new President - Barack Obama

Today has been such an emotional day. After standing in line for 2 hours to vote, I finally made it to the voting booth. As soon as I opened my ballot I was overwhelmed with such strong emotion and the feeling that this was a very important election. I was grateful to be able to cast my vote and make my stand--and for some reason today it felt like such a privilege! I love our country and the principles it was founded on. We have been so blessed!

This afternoon, I asked Justin who he wanted for President. His answer made me laugh. He said, "I definitely don't want Obama. I mean, he wants to teach the whole world to sing!" I'm still laughing about that one! I'm still not sure what he has against the world learning to sing???

Much to Justin's dismay, Barrack Obama was elected as President of the United States. I find myself still so emotionally charged, yet absolutely speechless on this victory. I want to be optimistic and hopeful with the changes I know are to come to our country under Obama's direction. Right now however, I can only muster up concern.

I am VERY greatful for the solid and unchanging foundation I have in the gospel of Jesus Christ. How wonderful it is to be amist such turmoil and feel such peace and assurance and HOPE!

Worldwide Leadership Training

Worldwide Leadership Training this morning was encouraging, inspiring, wonderful. It filled me with gratitude to be led by such an inspired group of leaders, especially our new prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

Theme...Raising a Righteous posterity. ...Love is what you go through together. Do not deny the Lord the opportunity to bless you...when you obey, he will bless! We cannot live in fear. Live the gospel, summon faith & move forward. Perfect LOVE casteth out all fear. Reclaim the JOY of honoring the Sabbath day as a family.

From President Thomas S. Monson...
CREATE a HAVEN of HAPPINESS ...

1. Develop a pattern of prayer 2. incorporate a LIBRARY of LEARNING 3. Create a LEGACY of LOVE.

(After hearing the advice to incorporate a library of learning, and to have and read good books, I immediately made plans to put my amazon "wish list" into the shopping cart...YES!!! Then Geoff reminded me that the prophets have also counseled us to live within our means. DARN!!!! I was SO CLOSE to being able to rationalize the fulfillment of my wildest book buying dreams!!!)

Passing of Gordon B. Hinckley

Our dear Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away this evening. I can't really imagine Leadership in the church without him there, and I tear up everytime I think of the reality that he has passed on. I especially loved President Hinckleys optimistic attitude, his quick whit & sense of humor, and his ability to inspire the masses with cheerful encouragement of the fundamentals. In this very complex world we live in, President Hinckley simplified things beautifully--you could never feel overwhelmed, only inspired to try harder, do better, keep going. I have looked forward with each conference to seeing him cheerfully & humorously lead the sessions, and especially to recieving his divine directives. I have lived a much fuller life from following his counsel. I love him dearly, cherish his leadership, and will truly miss him. Without doubt, I know he was a prophet of God, raised up for the very purpose of his calling of Prophet, Seer & Revelator.

One of my favorite passages of counsel from President Hinckley given in 1995 & 2005 General Conference:

Now my brethren and sisters, the time has come for us to:

· Stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial MISSION OF THIS CHURCH.

· This is a season t be STRONG. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of OUR MISSION.

· It is a time to DO WHAT IS RIGHT regardless of the consequences that might follow.

· It is a season to REACH OUT with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wondering in darkness and pain.

· It is a time to be CONSIDERATE and GOOD, decent and courteous toward one another in ALL our relationships.

· In other words, It is a time to become more CHRISTLIKE.