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11/27/2003
Dear Missionaries,
It seems only yesterday that we met for the October Reunion, however, the calendar says that it is the 27th of November.
It was wonderful to see all of you who were able to come. Sister Elissa Nebeker (now Elissa N. Liddle) arranged for the Sandy Institute Building as the place to meet. Elissa and Johnathan took care of all of the arrangements and setting up and taking it down. Nadia Lasi Deskins assisted them. Consequently, everything went off without a hitch. To them we are very grateful. We also thank those who brought samples of their favorite snack food. The object was to have a gigantic snack break. All things considered, it was superb.
The grandest part was to visit with one another. Each former missionary gave a short sketch of what they had been doing since leaving Scotland. Then we just enjoyed talking.
Now it is Thanksgiving time and we need to count all of our other blessings. To do so is a formidable task. It is easy to be thankful for the joyful moments, the fun times, the abundance which the Lord has provided for us. We surely can express our love and appreciation for the Savior and his atoning sacrifice for each of us, to say nothing of the plan of salvation and all of the attendant blessings which the Lord showers upon us.
Let us probe a little deeper, however, and see other blessings which we might normally call trials. Just as a gardener may prune a shrub or a tree for a specific purpose, so God shapes our lives by testing us with adversity, opposition, sickness and other tribulations. In these situations we may learn valuable lessons of patience in enduring hardship or just the ability to "hang tough" to the iron rod. In some suffering for ourselves, we might learn compassion for all of our brothers and sisters and the ability to see what needs to be done to lift another?s vision of eternity. In sickness or injury we might be led to guard the well being and health of other loved ones or even our own health and welfare. Experiencing financial troubles often teaches us to be better stewards of the abundance which God has so freely provided. What I am trying to say is, with the Lord, everything has a purpose. He is working to help us grow strong enough that we can merit and appreciate the golden opportunity which this unique mortal probation provides for us. It truly is a learning experience. Only as we learn to meet all challenges to the very best of our abilities and endure faithfully to the end of mortality will Jesus, after all that we can do, step up and by his grace, lead us to our heavenly home.
We are so proud of you, as we see how you are each handling the experiences of this testing time. We have great faith in your ability to hold fast to the iron rod and enjoy the journey as you work out your own salvation. Only let us remember to thank God for the privileged opportunity to gain Eternal Life through his Plan of Salvation.
Thank you for the manner in which you have been a blessing to us.
With loving gratitude,
Pres. and Sister Clyde
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