This month marks Elder Ruby's one year in the mission field (Sept 10, 2014). I can't believe a year has gone by! At times it has been fast and other times not so much. I still find myself shedding a tear here and there as I miss him so very much. I love getting his emails and hand written letters every week. The pictures help too. I love it when someone asks how he is doing. Although I don't always have a lot to tell that person, it makes me feel good that he is thought of and missed by others. If you are reading the blog, you know he is doing really well and loving what he is learning and loving all of his teaching opportunities. He loves to serve and help other people, which is 100% of what he is doing, both temporally and spiritually.
I look forward to start counting down the months, weeks and eventually the days until he comes home. But I also know that he has a lot of work to do in the next year. He wonders if he has time to do and learn all that is required of him in that short amount of time. Bless his heart!
I want to share my testimony of our Heavenly Father's work. I leave this blog for Hyrum's testimony, but mine is no different than his. (I did get his permission to share my testimony) I know that the Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets that lived in the Americas who kept records of the dealings of their people and looked forward to the coming of the Savior. It was translated by the gift and power of God by a young man, Joseph Smith, with little formal education. I feast on its pages every day and continually discover teachings that apply to my life. If I would read any other novel over 15 times, I would likely know the story inside and out and could probably quote most of it. The Book of Mormon is different. Although I know the stories quite well, I continually learn and grow from its teachings and never tire of reading it. There is no other book like it! For those of you who have never read it, please don't be afraid to ask me about it. I would love to tell you about the people of the Book of Mormon!
I am also so grateful for the Plan of Salvation that Hyrum so often refers to in his letters. It is our Heavenly Father's plan for His children to be able to return to live with Him. We are His spirit sons and daughters and He loves us so very much - just as you love your children with all your hearts and want to see them live happy, joyful lives. The family is central to His plan and He has made it possible for parents and children to be sealed together forever, not just until "death due you part". Death is not the end and through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will have their spirits and bodies reunited. It is part of His plan because He loves us. I love talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ because it makes me so happy. I am grateful for God's standards that give me guidance in raising my children in this immoral world. They have confidence in His commandments and are blessed for living in accordance with His teachings.
I hope you will continue to follow Elder Ruby during his last year of his mission. I will continue to do my best to keep you informed through the blog. I will definitely forward any comments to him that you leave.
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