My Reflections of a Prophet

One of my earliest memories of President Hinckley involved the Astrodome, a golf cart, and my dad. You all probably know what I am talking about...
I remember many general conferences when I would wonder to myself, "Why would a prophet of God speak so much to the people of earth concerning such temporal and seemingly mundane matters? Perpetual education fund, food storage, education, staying out of debt... How does it all tie in to his calling as prophet, seer, and revelator?" I remember when I received the answer as well... The Lord is teaching His people to be self-reliant. We can go much deeper than this, perhaps later.
I remember the end of my first general conference in the mission field, and how much I literally missed the voice of President Hinckley like I missed my own family. Perhaps it was only because it wasn't the voice of my trainee...
I remember the October conference of '06, when the final song was "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet", and all the conference center stood in honor of our aging prophet.
I remember a devotional here at BYU last year, where President Hinckley spoke. The Marriot Center was packed, and all throughout campus all ears were for him. I think I caught a glimpse of how much the people of the church love him.
I remember realizing how his departure from this life would be like an honorable return after a most successful mission. I think part of him longed to go home, to be with his friends he had served with, with the wife whom he loved, and to be with the Lord who ever walked beside him. Much like Ally, the departure from this life is a glorious thing, though we all miss him very much.

A New Semester

It's Friday night... what do I do? I write a new blog! Hoowah!
Anyways, though the semester started on a sorrowful note, it seems that there is something different this year. I actually enjoy ALL my classes! Really! Even calculus, believe it or not. From Balinese music to the Foxtrot to church history, it all seems to be expanding my horizons in some way. The only damper on the semester is work. It's funny how every game you get yelled at, and then when the game is over the people come up and apologize and say you did a good job. Whatever... does the spirit come back that quickly?
If only I had a female to complete me... maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. It's time to celebrate international appreciation month! No dating white chicks in February. We'll see how I can expand my horizons there...
One more thing, my roomy Austin and I are going to get a business going that sells T-shirts with sayings on them like, "What the French, Toast?!" or "Pants" (inspired by the RM) in which case people would be like, "Woa, is it pants or a T-shirt?" Maybe even seasonal sayings like, "I'm a funny T-shirt for Halloween". Brilliant, huh? Don't steal the idea!
Well, I'm gonna go be a third wheel. Everybody enjoy the three day weekend!!

The Miracle of a Life

It has been a long time since I last writ (wrote) on this thing, mostly because I've simply been with those who read this, so there's really no news you don't already know. Most of you who are reading this are already acquainted with the events that have recently transpired in my life. Most of you have already heard my testimony and my feelings of the occasion. But I am not mighty in words spoken as I am in words written, so let me expound.
In my life I have always had two "anchors to happiness": my family and my faith. No matter what comes, I always had a source of peace, comfort, and acceptance through these "anchors". I thought that my family could be taken away from me through accidents, feuds, and other unthinkable tragedies, but now I know that this family is as solid as my faith. Though death may separate us for a time, I truly understand now the eternal bond we have within our small community of Martins. This is one of the many miracles brought about by the life of my sister Ally.
We also see the strengthening of our bonds to one another who remain behind in this struggle of mortality. Not since early summer have we all been together. Perhaps never before have we all been so selfless in our dealings with one another. Mom and dad's extended family as well went out of their way to be there. Friends from out of town came, sacrificing time and gas money to show true friendship. And let's not forget our wonderful town of Danbury. Perhaps I under appreciated our local neighbors during my stay there.
It seems so many other wonderful things came about from Ally's example to us. It is true we miss her very much, but her passing can be seen in a joyous light when given the right perspective. The greatest miracle of all is that the miracles continue to happen even after her stay with us. Ally fulfilled her mission here, and has now returned home in honor.

All this seriousness... maybe you're wondering if it's the same person writing. My jovial self is still there and quite apparent, I just feel older lately. Not just a few days older, but more like an experience older. Know what I mean? Probably not... of course, who can comprehend what goes on in my vastly imaginative and absent mind?