97- 12/16/24

 Hello Family,


This week I thought I would pass on a message from my mission president that he shared with all of his missionaries. He has always been so faithful over the years sending us a Christmas Card and email. He turned 95 years old this year, and he has had such a huge impact on my life in so many ways. I’ll forever be grateful for his example.


“Merry Christmas to our beloved missionary companions in the great MMM!

I hope all of you are doing well and keeping the faith.  It seems to me that times are getting harder and harder, and Satan is taking advantage of, or instigating, these countless difficulties.  I read this morning a quote from President Holland that bespeaks my feelings of the seemingly unanswerable questions and difficulties.”


President Holland said, “It is a God-given truth that that 14-year old boy walked out of that grove having encountered divinity.  I live by the Book of Mormon.  It is the most profound book in my life.  So, my declaration is:  Keep the faith you have.  But if there is faith you don’t have, great; join the human race, but keep the faith you have.  Answers will come, and gifts will be given, and we will sort it out, and we will make it”


“Goodness, I hope you know how much Sister Peterson and I have loved you during our time of service.  Know too that it continues still today!  You are a big part of our lives.”


“I hope you will enjoy the Christmas Card this year.  At this age, who knows if there will be another.  If not, our love and respect for you is still there.”


President Peterson’s short message to us this Christmas reminded me of some of Mormon’s final words to his son Moroni that we studied this past week in Come Follow Me.


“My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.” (Moroni 9:25)


What great reminders for all of us to let these things rest on our minds forever and always. To think Celestial. Jesus Christ lives and is the Light and Life of the World. Let us seek after Him in all that we do.


Love,


Dad


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