Saturday, October 26, 2013

Prophets

During my lifetime there have been eight Prophets. These are men I admire, respect, and honor. I am so grateful for each of them in my life; what made me think of this is a picture that hangs near our computer of all the latter-day Prophets, minus President Thomas S. Monson. In thinking of them I thought I'd leave a few quotes on here by each one:

President David O. McKay - whom I considered to be 'my' prophet, since he was the Prophet from April 1951 - January 1970, I was 14 when he passed away, and my parents joined the church when he was the Prophet. They attended the Los Angeles Temple dedication and while there saw him. :)

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.”
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President Joseph Fielding Smith - he was the Prophet from January 1970 - July 1972. So, he didn't serve for very long. I don't remember much about him, other than what is printed. Here is a quote from him:

“We believe that worship is far more than prayer and preaching and gospel performance. The supreme act of worship is to keep the commandments, to follow in the footsteps of the Son of God, to do ever those things that please Him. It is one thing to give lip service to the Lord; it is quite another to respect and honor His will by following the example He has set for us.” 
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President Harold B. Lee - he served as our Prophet from July 1972 - December 1973. There are two things I really remember about him; 1) our former Bishop was one of his Seminary students in Idaho, and 2) he died completely unexpectedly - he had been in for tests in the hospital, was pronounced healthy, and then died. It had to be his time, that's all there is to it.

“Never is the gospel of Jesus Christ more beautiful than in times of intense need, or in times of a severe storm within us as individuals, or in times of confusion and turmoil.” 
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President Spencer W. Kimball - one of my personal favorites. I was able to be in attendance at a BYU devotional, and General Conference with him there. I will never forget the feeling that I had as we rose to sing, "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet" as he walked in the room. There was no doubt in my heart and soul that he was indeed a Prophet of God. He served as Prophet from December 1973 - November 1985. I remember thinking at the time of how sad I was that Rachel would never know him as a prophet. He truly made a difference in my life.

“A true Latter–day Saint family is a haven against the storms and struggles of life.” 
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President Ezra Taft Benson - served as our Prophet from November 1985 - May 1994. The most significant thing I remember him talking about was Pride. That was a life church-changing event. To me it is one of the most historical talks in the history of my life. He also had quite the career - in Washington DC; he was outspoken, but humble.

“Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves.” 
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President Howard W. Hunter - He is the Prophet that served the least amount, yet he had a profound impact. His main focus was on temple work. He served from May 1994 - March 1995.

“Let us be a temple-attending people. Attend the temple as frequently as personal circumstances allow. Keep a picture of a temple in your home that your children may see it. Teach them about the purposes of the House of the Lord. Have them plan from their earliest years to go there and to remain worthy of that blessing.” 
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President Gordon B. Hinckley - There is so much to be said about our dear Prophet, President Hinckley. He had a love for others that was unmatched. He made such an incredibly positive difference; with the media, with the youth, in the building of temples, encouraging us to read the Book of Mormon, and to become prepared for the trials that were to come. I remember seeing him in the Marriott Center when attending BYU Women's Conference. The spirit was so strong in that room that when everyone was leaving I wanted to just stay and soak it up. I miss him.

He served as Prophet from March 1995 - January 2008.

“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, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” 
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President Thomas Spencer Monson - our current Prophet, who has served as our Prophet since January 2008. This year marks his 50th year of beginning his service as an Apostle. He is 86 years old. His beloved wife, Frances, died earlier this year, in April. His legacy is all about serving others. A few years ago I attended a meeting in our area where we were able to meet with a member of the General Relief Society Presidency of the church. In that meeting this story was shared: President Monson had a dear friend in the hospital. He, due to his duties, was unable to go and visit with him. He called one of the members of the Quorum of the Seventy and asked him to go in his stead. Then he was to report back on how President Monson's friend was doing. The Seventy then called the hospital, spoke with a nurse, got detailed information as to how this friend of President Monson's was doing; I think he even spoke to the man himself, expressing President Monson's concern and love for this man. After the phone call the Seventy then called and spoke with President Monson's secretary, reporting his findings. A few minutes later President Monson called the Seventy, and asked him - did you go and see him? When he said 'no' he asked him to please go and see how he is doing, and express his love for him in person. That he did.

It's interesting to me that our grandchildren are enjoying President Monson as their Prophet. As a young girl he was my very favorite speaker, since I loved his stories. It's just incredible that he was sustained as an apostle when I was 8 years old.

“Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith–and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith.” 

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