Refined in Furnace of Affliction

From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org> Date: Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 4:28 AM Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 1 Feb 2012 To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net Dear Sister Bruno, How are you today? Are you enjoying your first week with Sister Acain? I hope she is coping with some of her medical / dental problems and she will be okay. That first week can be a little bit of an adjustment as you know, so love her and support her, and show her the way. I liked your reference to 1 Nephi 19 and 20. The fact that you were moved by the idea that the Lord chooses us and refines us "in the furnace of affliction" to do his work lets me know a lot about your spiritual progress and your willingness to see that these missionary experiences are very much designed for our own growth and development. As you look back on your mission, I'm sure that you can easily see how you have been refined, shaped and fashioned by the Lord in his furnace to do his will -- not just in this mission, but in the life you will lead in the years to come. It is so interesting, Sister Bruno, that we are all very different from one another. The Lord knows this. He designed and created us, after all. He takes all these wonderful differences, and if we allow him, he molds us and continues to "create us" into the creatures he desires us to be. You have your share of differences :). I think that is why I love you so much, and I'm sure it is part of the Lord's great love for you. I was inspired by your ability to see how important is the stark difference that will mark the lives of those who hearken and obey ("peace as a river, and righteousness as the waves of the sea") and those who reject the Lord and his commandments (no peace to the wicked). Why is it that so many many people never can put that clear warning into practice in their lives? Thanks for your statement of commitment and conviction. I believe this is a day of choosing. And I hereby acknowledge that you have chosen to side with God, to stand by me and all others who are willing to lay aside their weapons of rebellion. I am gratified that it is many who will stand together with us. There is no force that can oppose us because we will stand with our Master in this great cause. I'll love you forever, Sister Bruno. Keep up the good work. Show Sister Acain through love and example what it is all about. President Schmutz Your understanding of the gift of commandments and the blessings of obedience gives you such an advantage in this life. It has made you into a great missionary, capable of doing so many things.