Hope

Hi Mum!

Sounds like you've had a pretty busy/crazy week! You're amazing. I don't know how you do it… :) Please tell everyone that I love them and thank you for their support. I sure do miss everyone, but I know that it will all be there when I get back, and that this work is so important. It's not easy, but salvation wasn't easy either (Elder Holland is so quotable!). 

I've been studying a lot about hope this week--and after hearing about Friday's events, I know a little more of why. Elder Maxwell gave a terrific talk entitled "A Perfect Brightness of Hope" (I think) in the November 94 Ensign--you should all read it because it is so powerful. Then in Relief Society yesterday, part of the lesson was on hope. Such perfect timing. :) Sister Senter shared with us a list of some of her favorite scriptures on hope. She passed around a number of them for us to read to the group, and I had to smile at the one I was given: 1 Timothy 1:7. This has been one of my favorite scriptures for a few months now, and has brought me comfort in multiple ways. And just the fact that that scripture got passed to me really showed me how mindful our Heavenly Father is of us. There are no coincidences. :)

I sincerely hope that we get the chance to share that message of hope and love with people that we meet this week. We just had a zone training meeting last week, where we were instructed to teach more simply--which is hard when you have so much to share, but more effective. If we can really listen to the spirit and discern the needs of those we teach, a short powerful statement about hope or the love of God and gift of His Son will lift them more than a 20-minute speech about the Restoration. Brevity has never really been my strong point, but I'm working on that. :)

Okay, hold on. Nathaniel is getting married? To Rachael?!?!   that's the best thing I've heard in ages. Okay, one of the best things. I am SO excited for them! So perfect. :) And congrats to David and Courtney! And yay for Sharlie! She will be such a great missionary. And I think Knoxville is right next to Browards' mission. Is that right? Awesome. How is he, by the way? And how is TWIG? I can't believe he's home already. Please tell all my choir boys hi for me, and that I love them lots and lots. :) It's crazy to think that they're all coming home now because it seems like they just left!

… I got to play [the flute] again last night! I had the wonderful opportunity to play a duet with Sister Arnesen (on cello) in the Kirtland Temple (!!!) for their community Christmas program. We did the arrangement of the First Noel/Pachelbel's cannon from the Osmond/Todd book/CD--SO grateful to have that book!! :)

Well, I'm about out of time, but I love you all so much. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a representative of Jesus Christ, especially during this Christmas season. I know that He truly is the light that shines in the darkness (Christmas Cantata, anyone? thanks Coach :) ) and that He is the rock of our salvation. He truly is my rock, and I am so grateful for every chance that I have to be able to help others find and develop that sure foundation. The gospel really does bring such peace and direction to our lives. I don't know how I would live without it. I've seen our message work miracles and help people improve their lives here, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I love you oodles and oodles--Merry Christmas!

Love,

Sister Lyndsay Wygant