Dear Family and Loved Ones,
Another very busy week has come and gone. Ted completed his interviews on Saturday just in time to get ready for the next transfer on December 13th. There were some special baptisms over the weekend including one for a 70 year old sister. Recently an 80 year old sister was baptized, she was scared of the water but had the courage to be baptized anyway.
Last Friday we had our ZLC (Zone Leader’s Council). We have such a great group of Zone Leaders they are wonderful missionaries and set the example in our mission.
Tuesday four new missionaries arrived, a Cambodian speaking Elder, two visa-waiters and a great Sister. The orientation was a bit rushed because Ted had interviews that afternoon but they are a great new group of missionaries and we really need each of them in our mission.
Ted had an area coordinating council yesterday with Elder Reynolds (the area seventy over our mission), our seven local Stake Presidents and the new Newport Beach Temple President. Ted often remarks after those meeting that he can’t believe he is working with such consecrated, dedicated men. I think he fits right in!
We had some evacuees arrive yesterday morning from Utah (Scott, Cristy and Scott’s Mom) trying to get away from the next round of wind and snow. Fortunately the faith and prayers of many prevented another disastrous storm. We were so happy to hear the reports this morning that the storm hadn’t developed as predicted. The Smiths will still be happy to be away from the bitter cold of Utah for a few days and to enjoy our California sunshine :)
Our thoughts and prayers have been with our family and friends in Davis County. Though we are far away you are all close to our hearts and we are thinking about all of you. We are so grateful that despite the extreme winds no one was seriously injured or killed. It is so inspiring to hear about how the community has come together to clean up and rebuild so quickly. What a great example of preparation and service!
We put out our Christmas decorations over the weekend – we are ready for this special holiday. It’s nice that in the mission we keep everything so simple so we can keep up with our mission responsibilities. It really makes it easy to focus on the reason for the season.
We were able to see the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night and really loved the great messages. Here are a few thoughts from the First Presidency:
President Uchtdorf said some people have an incomplete understanding of what Christmas really is."We have in our minds a picture of how everything should be — the perfect tree, the perfect lights, the perfect gifts and the perfect family events. But sooner or later, something unpleasant occurs. As a result, the Christmas season is often a time of stress, anxiety, frustration and perhaps even disappointment. It is through opening their hearts and minds to the spirit of Christmas that people are able to recognize the wonderful things happening around them, directing their attention to the sublime. In one way or another, the Spirit touches our hearts, and we see that Christmas, in its essence, is much more sturdy and enduring than the many minor things of life we too often use to adorn it."
President Eyring said, “The lesson is simply that God knows our every need, that He loves us, and that He watches over us, He gave us the gift of a Savior, His perfect Son, the Lamb without blemish. ... He has called prophets and apostles to guide us to safety in this life and eternal life in the world to come. Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected that we may live again and that we may be purified and cleansed from sin, prepared for the glorious light of eternal life. Those are gifts to us that we can offer to others for Him."
President Monson said, "I, with you, have witnessed during the past few days and weeks what has become over the years the annual commercialization of Christmas. I am saddened to see Christmas becoming less and less about Christ and more and more about marketing and sales, parties and presents. And yet, Christmas is what we make of it."
Let’s make it a sacred, memorable holiday. This is a wonderful time to draw closer to our family, friends and our Savior.
We love you all,
The Long Beach Buberts
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