Niagara, 12/17/12

Hello Family!

Here are some dates really quick: Next transfer date is 1/20/13, Next Preparation Day is Thursday 12/27/12 because of Christmas next week.

I heard about the tragedy in Connecticut, and I couldn't believe it. That is awful. I was thinking how hard it must be for these families who were affected by it. And I can't even imagine the pain they must feel. But I do know that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, "All that is unfair about life will be made fair" (Preach My Gospel). We always ask the question, "Why does God allow such horrible things to happen?" I don't know the wording exactly, but in the Book of Mormon there is a story about people killing children in horrible ways, and someone asks a prophet "Why does God allow such horrible things to happen?" He then says something like "God allows these things to happen so that the blood of the innocent will stand as a witness against the murderers on Judgement Day." God, our loving Heavenly Father, hates it when things like this happen. He is a God of love, and a God of peace. He is a God of Justice, and a God of Mercy. Because God is perfect and He loves us perfectly, He knows how to comfort us. Let us be His hands and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, and mourn with those that mourn, and stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all places. I know this Gospel is true and I know it helps us with any challenge. It gives us the sure knowledge that there IS life after death.

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I hope each of you has a Merry Christmas! I want to share something from one of my favorite books (The Christmas Sweater). It's a prayer:

"God, thank you for everything you've given us. For the time we have together. And for the miracle of Christmas. Thank you for the Atonement, the chance to start all over again. Help us to always remember who we are and to trust that we are worthy to make it through our storms. Amen."

That describes what I feel each Christmas since the time I read that. I love this chance to remember all that God has done for me, and to know I am loved by God and by my family. With God, we can make it through anything!

I love you all so much, and I hope you have a great and memorable Christmas.

Love,
Elder Brett Simper