Dear Family and Loved Ones,
It’s another perfect day in Long Beach. We did have a few rainstorms Saturday but the sun was back out yesterday and beautiful weather is predicted for the rest of the week. We are spoiled and we love it!
Today is Shelly’s birthday so we are especially thinking of her today and hope she has a wonderful day, she has been celebrating for a few days already :)
We had some training meetings with our mission leaders last week on Tuesday and Wednesday, they love to get together to teach, learn and eat. The lunches were pretty simple . . . we had pizza one day and a potato bar the next day. Feeding the missionaries reminds me a lot of my favorite calling which was working with the cub scouts. Missionaries and scouts love to eat and you can never go too far wrong as long as you give them food!
Ben is doing really well learning to drive, he drove us to the mall Saturday and did great. There aren’t any country roads to practice on so we try to pick quieter times of the day. Ben also had his last football game this past week, he’s actually glad to be finished because his days have been really long. He has been getting up at 5:00 a.m. for Seminary and finishes football at 5:00 p.m. By the time he gets his homework done it’s time for bed! Hopefully he will have a little more free time now.
Mari is enjoying dance and has a little solo in the holiday show the High School dance team will be doing. She is excited and nervous. She’s also feeling overwhelmed with homework, school is really a challenge for her. Hopefully this will be a good week to catch up so she will be able to enjoy the Thanksgiving break next week.
There were many sad events the past two weeks; one of our senior couples had a newborn grandbaby pass away, a young father in our ward died suddenly and we learned of two missionaries who were killed in an auto-bike accident in Texas. Whenever tragedies happen I am grateful for the Gospel Plan and the comfort and understanding it brings! Our Senior couple returned home from their granddaughter’s funeral feeling gratitude and comfort. Their son and daughter-in-law named their little girl Ruby June. Elder W. along with one of his sons dug Ruby June’s grave. Because the casket was so tiny the grave was just three feet deep. He and his son bonded as they shoveled, they felt the sweet reward of the Christ-like service they gave to the baby’s parents. Ruby June’s parents discovered that there were very few options for caskets so they are hoping to provide beautiful hand-made caskets to other families who loose infants. They are turning their heartbreak into a blessing for others.
The brother who died from our ward had his funeral on Monday, it was beautiful, his father, sister and business partner all paid tribute to him. They each shared many stories from his life. He was a great athlete, a loyal friend, a successful attorney and loved and honored his family. Several of his friends from Church also spoke, their messages were about the hope we have in knowing we will be with our loved ones again. This brother is a convert to the Church so most in attendance at the funeral were not members. Many family and friends commented to the widow that they were impressed with the outpouring of love and help given by the ward family. Several said, “I want to know what you know, how can I learn more.” Our missionaries are more than happy to help!
Hearing about the accident and death of the two Elders in Texas has caused us to recognize how blessed and protected our missionaries are every day. They do have close calls, we have had many situations that could have been serious or even deadly. Daily we see miracles of protection for our missionaries, we know they are in God’s hands. When a tragedy occurs it is His will. We are praying for the families, friends and the mission friends of the two Elders who died while representing the Lord.
Elder Cook’s talk from this past conference gives wonderful insights regarding tragedies:
“Among the most frequently asked questions of Church leaders are, ‘Why does a just God allow bad things to happen, especially to good people? Why are those who are righteous and in the Lord’s service not immune from such tragedies’?”
“While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us. Some of the most important principles are:”
“First, we have a Father in Heaven, who knows and loves us personally and understands our suffering perfectly.”
“Second, His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer, whose Atonement not only provides for salvation and exaltation but also will compensate for all the unfairness of life.”
“Third, the Father’s plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding.”
“The Savior’s Atonement provides lifeboats for everyone. For those who think the trials they face are unfair, the Atonement covers all of the unfairness of life.’
We love each of you,
The Long Beach Buberts
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