That Which We Persist in Doing

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

Happy Valentine's Day!  It feels more like Easter here in Long Beach - in fact Spring has arrived. We didn't really notice Winter because the weather is so mild but now that trees and flowers are blooming and the days are starting to get a little longer we realize that there are some changes in the seasons.

Ben observed that it wouldn't be too bad to have a yard care business here:  nearly everyone hires their yard work out so there would be plenty of work, the weather is amazing (not too hot, not too cold, not too wet), there is yard work year round.  

I noticed how nice the good weather is for the mail carriers.  They all have nice tans, wear shorts and seem to be enjoying their work.  One of the areas in our mission is called Signal Hill.  It's the highest spot in our mission, it has a park that overlooks the city and some trails to walk, it's also covered with a couple of gated communities and apartments.  The mail carrier that works on Signal Hill has the most beautiful legs you have ever seen.  She wears hiking boots and looks like a mountain climber - she is the picture of fitness.  I have seen her several times and have wanted to ask her "were you this fit when you started carrying mail to Signal Hill?"  

Maybe someday I'll get a chance to meet this amazing lady, in the meantime I imagine that her persistence and perseverance have made her equal to her task. Seeing the mail carrier brought to mind the wisdom that Heber J. Grant often shared, "That which we persist in doing becomes easy to do; not because the nature of the thing has changed, but because our power to do it has increased.”
I certainly see taking place in the lives of our missionaries.  Once they are trained and go to work in their areas I often only see them every other transfer.  I am startled at how much they have matured and what great missionaries they have become in such a short amount of time.  They change and grow in every way, it is evident that because of their persistence they are being transformed into capable, valuable, successful instruments in the Lord's hands. It is truly a miracle!

We thoroughly enjoyed three days of Zone Conferences this week. We were well taught and well fed (the Relief Society sisters take very good care of us and our missionaries). A Highlight was seeing the Assistants teach inspired ways to plan (not schedule) by focusing on the investigators and the things they can do to help them progress. There were also many beautiful, powerful testimonies shared.

Saturday Night we were at Huntington Beach for Stake Conference.  Elder Craig Christensen was the visiting General Authority.  He taught the members about the importance of really praying and about the blessings of the temple. He is a big man - a former center for BYU's Football team. He told us that he once heard a little girl pray, she asked that Heavenly Father would bless the Church Leaders from the heaviest to the least.  He felt like he was doubly blessed by her prayer since he considers himself the heaviest and the least.  

Grandma Camille is doing well. Uncle Doug (Ted's brother) went to visit her in Louisiana over the weekend.  He said that she was able to go out for po'boys, visit on the porch and is in good spirits! Thank you for your prayers.  

We have heard great reports about the amazing wedding, dinner, dancing, food, decorations, etc. for Mike and Bria Faulkner :)  We can't wait to see more photos and hear more details. Congratulations Titmus family!

On this Valentine's Day we hope you know that we love each of you!

Thank you for your love, prayers and support,
The Long Beach Buberts