11/22/2020
Brothers and Sisters,
During this season of Thanksgiving, we wanted to tell each of you how grateful we are for you!
The Prophet's message of GRATITUDE this past Friday expanded our hearts and reminded us of the good that is in us and in the world around us despite our challenges. Did you feel the power of watching and listening as a Prophet of God prayed for us? Will you follow his plea to be more grateful and to share that gratitude with the world?
We know that things are strange and out of sorts right now. We haven't had a "normal" day in many, many months. This certainly is a year never to be forgotten in some ways. But that doesn't mean it can't be a memorable year for good and positive reasons as well. Count your many blessings, name them one by one! There is always something to be grateful for, even when you're having the worst of days. Stay close to your family and stay close to the Spirit. He will prompt you, inspire you, and guide you towards happiness and opportunities for service. He will, if you allow Him, move you closer to your Savior in every aspect and detail of your life.
As we've been learning in our Come Follow Me studies recently (specifically Ether 6:3), we are all experiencing a journey across "great waters" together ... learning to navigate and conquer a pandemic, along with other "great deeps" and "personal pandemics" that exist in our lives. May we do so with grace and gratitude ... waiting on the Lord to see what is to become of our lives and our characters after we prove ourselves ... waiting on the Lord to see the types of "stones of light" He places in our barges that help us see things through, to recognize truth, and to rely on His light to guide us. "Be still and know that I Am ..." All will be well.
We pray for you. We appreciate your goodness and your faith. We miss meeting with you more closely, and we long for the day when we can actually see your smiles and offer a warm and safe embrace!
May gratitude and thanksgiving take over your (sometimes troubles) hearts, allowing more for the sweet peace and light of the gospel -- and of God's love -- to have a more prominent place there.
Happy Thanksgiving! We love you!
Your Stake Presidency,
President Lewis
President Bates
President Wride