Our Beloved Prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley

My heart has been full this day as I watched President Hinckley's beautiful tribute to his life. So many memories went through my head. I love him so very much and I have been so blessed by his messages. He has taught me so much in word and deed. He will never be forgotten in my mind.
He has been the example that I looked up to when times have gotten tough. When I have felt overwhelmed by my calling as Young Women President, I think about all of the service that he has offered the world and I feel humbled and get back to doing the Lord's will. He made the most of life by pushing forward everyday with hope and optimism.
I am so very grateful that he received the inspiration that has lead to so many more temples upon this earth. We love going to the Fresno Temple. I like that it is small. We are greeted each time by people that we know and it adds that homey touch.
I remember one day Doug's mother was commenting on a new temple that was announced in Utah. I said something to her that I shouldn't have said but I wondered out loud "Why Utah needed more temples in the Salt Lake Valley when so many of us had to travel so far to a temple?" I shocked her. Of course I was not thinking of how many more people were living in the areas around Utah. I was only thinking about the 2 1/2 -3 hour drive we made as often as we could to the Los Angeles Temple.
One day I was at the grocery store and I saw our Branch President, Greg Lundeen. He told me that a temple had been announced for Fresno. What a wonderful day that was, January 16, 1999.
President Hinckley has been instrumental in encouraging so many wonderful programs. The one that astounds me is the Humanitarian Projects. It just amazes me how quickly the church responds to a major disaster shortly after it happens. What a blessing it is in so many peoples lives. Putting together "hygiene kits", helped me to reflect on what it must mean to a person displaced in a disaster to have a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, clean towel, ect. I think of that experience each time I hear of a disaster and think of how the Humanitarian Aide will probably be heading their way along with members from near and far. I have been amazed at how closely the church has worked with the Red Cross. What a special tribute to the Integrity of the Church.
I like what was said today about his counsel to husbands and wives. I have heard that counsel several times and each time it is good to reflect upon it.
Since I don't have the talk that quoted it I went to "The Discourses of Gordon B. Hinckley" and his address to a group in St. Thomas on January 12, 2004:
"You men, respect your wives. Treat them with kindness and courtesy, and try to be helpful to them....
You wives, support your husbands, They need it, They need your help and your support, and they are deserving of it as they plod their difficult way. Support them and help them and encourage them every way you can.
And your children who are sons and daughters of God, treat them with kindness, and bring them up in love."
We will all miss him but that must have been quite a reunion in heaven.