I registered and got "golden tickets" again, this time for President Monson's birthday gala! Our seats were on the main floor, the Plaza and we had a great view!
Steve Young and Jane Clayson Johnson narrated the evening.
The guest soloist were stellar. They sang songs that were favorites of President Monson. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir also performed songs he loves. I especially enjoyed hearing them sing "Consider the Lillies."
Stanford Olsen sang one of my favorites, "The Holy City." At one point he became emotional and had to pause, he regained his composure and finished strong. It gave me chills.
Rebecca Luker sang “Tomorrow” from Annie, it was perfection.
Dallyn Vail Bayles sang "Bring Him Home." It was a fitting tribute to President Monson’s ministry of rescue to those in need. At the conclusion we all jumped to a standing ovation, including President Monson!
We also enjoyed pre-recorded tributes from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and others who respect and love President Monson.
Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland said that for his half a century of service “no one
that I know has ever worked harder, worked longer hours, gone more
places, sought out more people, taken the extra load the extra
assignment and the extra travel to fulfill his callings than has
President Monson.” He said that he has been so totally devoted to his
calling that he has set a very lofty goal for all of us who have tried
to follow along in his footsteps.
President
Uchtdorf said that someone said friends are born, not made. Speaking
of President Monson, he said, “You were definitely born a friend. You
are claimed as one by millions of members of the Church all around the
globe.”
He also said that President Monson has always been a friend to the German people. “You blessed our people and country behind the Iron Curtain with prophetic promises that seemed impossible at the time. Your faith stretched ours. That faith was rewarded and we witnessed the literal fulfillment of your blessings.”
He also said that President Monson has always been a friend to the German people. “You blessed our people and country behind the Iron Curtain with prophetic promises that seemed impossible at the time. Your faith stretched ours. That faith was rewarded and we witnessed the literal fulfillment of your blessings.”
President
Henry B. Eyring remembered a moment with President Monson beside a
desert road in Arizona when they were there together for the dedication
of the Gila Temple. A couple stood along side the road, hoping to see
the prophet, and he asked his driver to pull over so he could shake
their hand. Though not a house was in sight, more families began to
appear and President Monson greeted them all with a sunny smile. It was
only when arriving cars began to clog the narrow road that President
Monson gave the direction to return to the cars. “The prophet had given
100’s of people a golden moment to be remembered forever."
President Eyring said we can honor the prophet by serving others as he has. “I’ve been the subject of his love and I’ve tried to follow his example.”
President Eyring said we can honor the prophet by serving others as he has. “I’ve been the subject of his love and I’ve tried to follow his example.”
This was thrilling when scouts holding flags marched down the aisles and onto the stage singing the Trailbuilders’ Hymn, a tribute to President Monson’s service to scouting.
President Monson greeting some of the well-wishers.
We also got to sing "Happy Birthday" to President Monson... a prophet we all love!
We got to share this golden evening with our dear friends, Rod and Lorie.
Happy Birthday President Monson and many more!
