Called of God

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

We are enjoying more beautiful weather here in Long Beach - I think I actually heard the AC running at church yesterday. Many homes and businesses are decorated beautifully for the holidays, which helps us feel the Christmas Spirit despite the warm weather.

Last week we enjoyed a trip to the Newport Beach Temple with one of our Elders who will return home tomorrow.  He has to get back in time for the semester to start so he will be leaving mid transfer.  Church travel doesn't want any missionaries to get stuck in airports during the holidays so goes home a bit earlier than he would like.  Ted told our Elder that we should just tie a big red bow around him since he will be his family's best Christmas gift - I think the Elder decided that wearing a red tie might be a little less conspicuous. Either way they will be enjoying a wonderful holiday together.

We also had two days of training, Thursday and Friday.  Ted has the hard job, he teaches for hours (along with the Assistants).  I prepare a lunch and bring it over to the mission office where the training is held.  There were 40 involved in the training this time including our Assistants, Zone Leaders, District Leaders and Trainers.  Sister Blake and Sister Lisa Blake help unload and set out the food - they are AWESOME.  The Elders are always grateful, they love to eat and are so easy to please - it really makes it a joy to feed them.  It is fun to listen in on their conversations which focus on their investigators, the new members, which wards are have best member missionaries,who is getting the best meals from the members, etc. 

Saturday we took a mini P-day and went to dinner with Ben and Mari and rented a movie at the local Blockbuster.  We all enjoyed spending some time together.

Our West Bountiful Stake held their Stake Conference this weekend. President Whitney Clayton was presiding and was there to call a new Stake Presidency. President Clayton set me apart for our mission and supervises our area so we have had many opportunities to meet with him for training.  He and his wife are truly disciples of Christ, they are dedicated and inspired leaders. President Clayton mentioned the only people he knew from the West Bountiful Stake are "Ted and Cathy Bubert and they aren't even here, so I will have to rely on the Spirit to let me know who the Lord wants to serve as the new Stake President".

Sunday morning we received a text from the Boswells letting us know who our new Stake Presidency is:  President, President Kim McReynolds, 1st Counselor, President Rick Rose and 2nd Counselor, President Rick Chidester.  We are thrilled - and not surprised in the least! They are all men of God.  Even across many hundreds of miles we immediately felt the witness that they have been called by God. They will bless the Lord's Kingdom in West Bountiful! 

We were also very pleased to hear that Shelly was asked to share her testimony in the general session of conference.  We have heard wonderful reports about her message.  Good job Shelly - we are so proud of you! 

There are many wonderful, dedicated and inspired leaders here in Long Beach too. We especially love and appreciate the seven Stake Presidents, who we love and admire.  We are so blessed to get to know them and to work alongside them in building the Lord's kingdom.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's Kingdom here upon the earth. His priesthood authority has been restored through heavenly messengers.  The Lord directs His work through the men and women He calls through inspiration.

We love you all and appreciate your faith and prayers!
The Long Beach Buberts