Being Taught by Prophets

A couple of weeks ago while we were visiting family and friends in Utah, we had some very good eye-opening experiences.
The Saturday we were out there we attended a funeral service for the son of one of my mission companions. The baby had heart problems and lived just one day shy of two months. It was amazing to hear from both parents and see their strength through this difficult time. Because my companion's wife is President Hinckley's granddaughter, we were blessed to be in an intimate setting with President Hinckley, as well as President and Sister Monson and President and Sister Eyring.
While we were participating in the viewing, President Hinckley walked in the back door of the room we were in, and sat down only about two feet from where we were standing. Our hearts were pounding as we knew that we were in the presence of a prophet of God. From there we went into the chapel and sat down right behind the Eyrings and Monsons. It was all kind of weird, but amazing at the same time.
When the services started the First Presidency took their places on the stand. We could only see President Eyring from where we were sitting. You could tell whenever something touched him because he would look towards his wife (who was still sitting right in front of us) and just smile with genuine love in his eyes. President Hinckley gave the closing remarks and spoke of how many people were brought to their knees in prayer in behalf of this baby, his great-grandson, in the two months that he lived on this earth. The baby had served his purpose here. Listening to Gordon B. Hinckley speak in this situation allowed for me to know more than ever that he is God's mouth piece on the earth today. It was an incredible experience and something that I will never forget.

From Left: President Monson, President Hinckley, President Eyring

The next day, Sunday, we were invited to attend a multi-stake conference held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. We were taught by various general leaders of the Church, including President Boyd K. Packer and President Hinckley. One of the overall messages that we got out of this conference was that of "slowing down." This point was emphasized several times throughout the conference. We could feel the importance of the words spoken and are trying to do better in our efforts to keep the Sabbath day more holy and to take more time each day for the Lord.

Afterward we said our goodbyes, took some family pictures, and headed back home to Las Vegas. This is my grandma in the Conference Center.

Left to right: my step-mom Carole, sister Malorie, Selah, Dad, brother Travis, step-sister Kelsey, Grandpa, Grandma, me, Jes
Smiling with just our bottom teeth. Quite attractive.
Siblings with our grandparents!