Merry Christmas!

Wishing all you a very Merry Christmas this season! 2010 Vance Epistle

1. And again it has come to pass that the year has come and gone so quickly that we can see that the scriptures are true. “…but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matt 24:22) Indeed I am feeling that my days have been shortened.
2. For verily, I also feel my memory is even shorter! As I ponder on the year of 2010 the happiest memories are spending time with family. For we were blessed in being able to spend some time with each child and their family at different times this year.
3. Yea, we did paint the three bedrooms of Brandi, Austin, and Jacob with them each picking colors and designs they wanted, being very individual.
4. There was also time spent with helping the Zinns gathering wood for their winter storage. It is always good doing service with family. We did verily participate in attending a couple of the 24th celebration parades in July. It was fun to see others from the past to visit with.
5. After several days we did meet several members of the Arlo Vance Family in Wellsville, to renew our love and friendship with one another. This time did also go quickly.
6. And behold we did spent several days with my Mother, helping her enjoy her days with several family activities and attending the temple to serve those who have gone beyond the veil. 7. And it has come to pass that our lives have been busy at home. Don tells Mom he goes to ‘relief society’ in the mornings, visiting with the town friends. We did go fishing and camping in the Boulder Mountain Area once again this past summer. There were several days we did laugh together and stayed busy in these daily activities.
8. Yea, verily I do admonish us all to go forward holding strong to the iron rod, fulfilling our various callings, wearing our various hats as it were, as we serve our Savior, and follow His example. For thus I testify to you, this is the only way we will find true happiness. I as Nephi of old, write to persuade those I love to ‘remember the Lord their Redeemer’, that we might all ‘liken the scriptures unto us that it might be for our profit and learning. For I know that we will find strength with Him’.
9. And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (2 Nephi 25:26)
10. And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. (Mosiah 3:17)
11. Thus, it suffices me to say this is another reminder of the reason to celebrate this time of year. I wish to thank you for the examples you are to me and my family and for the service we are able to give to one another. May we all remember to whose life we should emulate, showing that unconditional love, as well as charity one to another, continually through the coming year, with showing positive attitudes and smiles.
12. May your year coming up be one of good eternal memories and joy. Know this that we love you, each and every one. sending our love to all.