Letter from the President

I really loved the counsel in this Christmas letter from my mission president. It applies to all Latter-day Saints.

Christmas, 2008

Dear Elders & Sisters –

We know this is a rather impersonal way to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a delightful New Year, but perhaps it’s better than not doing it at all. Sister Hill and I talk about you a lot and miss the wonderful days we spent with you in the sunny (snowy!) climes of Las Vegas. Those were challenging times for all of us, and yet as we have watched you in the ensuing years, we are aware that the Lord does keep His great promise that if you are obedient to the commandments, He will prosper you in the land. As we receive pictures and notes of your engagements, marriages and growing families, we thrill that we were a small part of your lives. Even as Helaman of old, we delight in calling you our sons and daughters!
Sister Hill and I are doing wonderfully well in all respects. The Lord, in His infinite goodness, has blessed us with good health and strength, both in body and mind. We are living in the cabin on Placid Lake and thoroughly enjoying the glorious handiwork of the Lord. I am still doing research (vicariously) at the University of Montana, where my lab now consists of four, soon to be five, people. We are having lots of fun pursuing the mysteries of the ribosome. Sister Hill is very involved in crafts of all kinds, knitting, crocheting hats and afghans, candy making projects and teaching craft classes at JoAnn’s. She is still working with the Primary in our little branch (twig) here in Seeley Lake. I am still wandering around the region training wards and stakes in welfare services. By the way, all of you should take the time to take a short course found in the Provident Living site on the Church Web Site entitled “Peace in Your Hearts.” It can be found at http://providentliving.org/media/training/peaceheart/main.html. It will help all of us to use our resources wisely!
We hope and pray that all of you are doing well. We are made aware, from time to time. of some of the difficulties and challenges that you are facing. There is little doubt that all of us must pass through such trials to refine us, for that is the purpose of this life. Our only counsel is to be steadfast and obedient to the commandments of God. Follow the counsel of our leaders and pursue the course of eternal life. This includes daily prayers, both as individuals and as families, daily study of the scriptures, faithful attendance at your meetings, magnifying the callings to which you are called, and being Temple worthy at all times. Fast and pray often, for your own needs (including your flocks and herds), and for the needs of others. Be conscious of the poor and the needy and do all you can to lift their burdens, especially during this hallowed season.
We love you and are grateful for all that you are. Please write from time to time, and keep us posted of your situations. And do come and visit us if it is ever possible. We love to have guests here at the lake. Our reunion will be October 2nd, 2009 in Provo.
May the Lord bless and keep you. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Love
President & Sister Hill