HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year

We hope you had a wonderful holiday! 

The highlight for President Thompson and I on Christmas morning was calling everyone in the mission to wish them a Merry Christmas. We were thrilled that almost every missionary went out on Christmas morning to hand out 20 Books of Mormon (per companionship), and talk about Christ. Many of our fabulous missionaries are returning to teach some of the people that received the book. Because of the success, we are ordering more! We aim to flood the earth with its powerful and uplifting messages.

Another highlight was hosting missionaries at the mission home on Christmas day as they called their families! What a blessing to have modern technology that allows us to see our family from near and far!

Our theme for 2018 is "Come Unto Christ". We are so excited to introduce this theme throughout the year, and incorporate all the many ways in which we can become better acquainted with the Savior.

As we learn of him, as we listen to his words, and walk with him, he promises us comfort and peace amidst trials and tribulations.  As we testify, come to know our purpose, and do His will, we will be abundantly blessed.  

I'm convinced that the commandments should be re-labeled as Blessings for our lives. Why? Because it is one way I know God loves me and you. I can understand that feeling of wanting to be around family (especially as we are so far away from our own). I understand wanting the very best out of life for my children and grandchildren. These feelings help me comprehend the enormous love God has for each of us....why else did he provide so many ways for us to return to him? He gave us the chance to come to earth, he gave us a Savior, the Atonement, forgiveness, repentance, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and all of the commandments, so that we can be with Him!  These are ALL BLESSINGS from a loving Heavenly Father! I KNOW that he loves all! It is up to us!

As a side note:  All missionaries come with a small pocket Missionary Handbook, which explains the guidelines set for missionaries.  When they arrive, we ask them to write on the front cover "Book of Blessings" because that is truly what it is.  If missionaries adhere to the principles of that handbook, they will be abundantly blessed. Many have put it to the test and have seen many miracles as a result.

May the Lord bless you this year!

With love,

Sister & President Thompson