Hymn #19

"We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet"

Amen. Enough said.

Ok, not really, here's the story. So as a youth, President Hinkley was my prophet. Most people in my generation feel that way. I had the opportunity to be near him and feel his spirit through musical opportunities I had. Those experiences were HUGE in me having a testimony that he was a Prophet of God. When he passed away, I fully sustained President Monson as the new prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I never questioned him or his authority, however, I just didn't have the connection with him that I had felt with Pres. Hinkley.

On July 24th, (yes, pioneer day) we had the blessing of having President Monson attend my parent's ward, AKA: the ward that I grew up in. His granddaughter was blessing her baby that was born pre-mature and had lots of struggles. I heard word of it the night before from one of my best friends growing up. I wasn't 100% sure it would happen, but I figured I didn't want to miss it if it did. So I postponed the musical number that I was supposed to do in my Provo ward and headed to Murray. Relief Society and Sunday School were normal, but as Vicki sat there with Addie in her lap napping waiting for Sacrament Meeting to start, in walks President Thomas S. Monson. Three rows in front of us. I have been to general conference and other events with the prophet present, and it's always neat when he walks in and everybody stands, but this was exceptional. The little boy in front of me who was four or five looked at President Monson and then up to his big sister and said "Is that him? Is that really the prophet?" He was so excited to see the prophet and recognized him on the spot. I almost cried cause it was so precious. Oh wait, I did. Then as he was sitting on the stage waiting for the meeting to start, Addie woke up, sat straight up on Vicki's lap, and started waving at President Monson, even the 14 month old baby could feel his spirit and knew that something about it was unique and special.

The speakers were all super nervous, the bishopric was on their best behavior on the stand and so were all the little primary kids in the congregation. And oh yeah....guess who had been called to say the opening and closing prayers for the meeting? None other than Mamma and Pappa N. They had (some would say got) to pray in front of the prophet. Yikes. But of course, they both did great, cause that's just how they are.

At the end of the meeting President Monson shared some thoughts with us as well as his testimony. It was an absolutely incredible experience. I do not hesitate at all to say that I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet called by God to preside on the earth today. He is a loving man sent to guide us and keep us on the straight and narrow, for which we should all be grateful and sing saying "we thank thee oh God for a prophet!!!"