Victoria Rae 'vic' Smith

Dear Christmas, 1977 I have such a yearning desire to convert everyone to the Mormon way of life-to the gospel truth and understanding, however I realize that much of it comes by example and with time and learning. I wouldn’t want anyone to be “scared” away by the little things they hear about – like no coffee or smoking- but that I could express to each one the joy, the peace, the help, the comfort of knowing what we are here for, where we came from, and where we are going after this life if we diligently try. I really feel that I know that Christ is a living person who was sent from God-also a personage- to teach us and die for us and I know he hears and answers our prayers. I would hate to even imagine now trying to raise our large family without this knowledge. I am grateful for the scriptures and the aid they are to me. When I refer to scriptures I mean the Bible-a history of the old world and of Christ’s life, and the Book of Mormon- a history of this continent and the further witness and proof it brings forth of Christ’s birth (for which we now are celebrating) and his life and death. I believe our Doctrine and Convents to be scripture in that it has been given through revelation to establish and direct the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I believe the Pearl of Great Price to be just that – a priceless gem. I cannot imagine anyone reading it and not 2 And not feeling the authenticity of it-a selection of revelation of our first prophet Joseph Smith. I am grateful for my membership in the church and for the doors of knowledge that it continues to open for me. Christ was born, was crucified and was resurrected. He lives today and I know he is not leaving us to simply fare for ourselves with these challenging times but continually gives us guidance in our personal prayers and through his prophet on the earth today. I really want most of all to convey this deep feeling that my family and I have of the truthfulness of the gospel and the importance it is in our lives and the wish that we could share- share it in the lives of everyone we know. Those of you that are members I think understand this desire and those of you who are not I wish you would accept an invitation to study it and find out for yourselves. There are missionaries available everywhere. We now have some 23,000 young missionaries in the world-all out for one reason-they believe what I’ve written is true. They support themselves and go for two year periods. Our son, Glenn, is serving a mission now in Taiwan. If I have sent you a Book of Mormon and you have never read it, I pray you will. If I’ve never sent one, I wish you would let me know for I would like to. May God truly bless you and your families this Christmas season. 3 This is my testimony and I share it with you in love and sincerity – Vickie P.S. We are a normal family with normal problems and desires, but I feel we are meeting them with considerable success and lots of happiness. To aid us this year we may install a revolving door in the bathroom; a conveyor belt with a constant food supply in the kitchen; and either some kind of remote control of the laundry or employ a full time “launderess.” One of our biggest thrills of the year was Glenn’s mission call. He is doing well – even with the language – and it is a great experience and opportunity. Another thrill was seeing Patti and Charlie move into their own home with their two little daughters- Andrea will be 3 in March and Carrie was 1 in November. It is really a cute place and glad it is here in Orem. A third important event was a trip Hal and I were privileged to take to Bermuda for 5 days at no expense to us. It was delightful! What a beautiful spot on the earth. The children are all heavily involved in school and church activities and sports, but each is doing very well. Hal’s mother is still with us and is reasonably well. She made a trip to Colorado with us this summer. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love Hal, Vickie, and family

Dear Christmas, 1977 I have such a yearning desire to convert everyone to the Mormon way of life-to the gospel truth and understanding, however I realize that much of it comes by example and with time and learning. I wouldn’t want anyone to be “scared” away by the little things they hear about – like no coffee or smoking- but that I could express to each one the joy, the peace, the help, the comfort of knowing what we are here for, where we came from, and where we are going after this life if we diligently try. I really feel that I know that Christ is a living person who was sent from God-also a personage- to teach us and die for us and I know he hears and answers our prayers. I would hate to even imagine now trying to raise our large family without this knowledge. I am grateful for the scriptures and the aid they are to me. When I refer to scriptures I mean the Bible-a history of the old world and of Christ’s life, and the Book of Mormon- a history of this continent and the further witness and proof it brings forth of Christ’s birth (for which we now are celebrating) and his life and death. I believe our Doctrine and Convents to be scripture in that it has been given through revelation to establish and direct the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I believe the Pearl of Great Price to be just that – a priceless gem. I cannot imagine anyone reading it and not 2 And not feeling the authenticity of it-a selection of revelation of our first prophet Joseph Smith. I am grateful for my membership in the church and for the doors of knowledge that it continues to open for me. Christ was born, was crucified and was resurrected. He lives today and I know he is not leaving us to simply fare for ourselves with these challenging times but continually gives us guidance in our personal prayers and through his prophet on the earth today. I really want most of all to convey this deep feeling that my family and I have of the truthfulness of the gospel and the importance it is in our lives and the wish that we could share- share it in the lives of everyone we know. Those of you that are members I think understand this desire and those of you who are not I wish you would accept an invitation to study it and find out for yourselves. There are missionaries available everywhere. We now have some 23,000 young missionaries in the world-all out for one reason-they believe what I’ve written is true. They support themselves and go for two year periods. Our son, Glenn, is serving a mission now in Taiwan. If I have sent you a Book of Mormon and you have never read it, I pray you will. If I’ve never sent one, I wish you would let me know for I would like to. May God truly bless you and your families this Christmas season. 3 This is my testimony and I share it with you in love and sincerity – Vickie P.S. We are a normal family with normal problems and desires, but I feel we are meeting them with considerable success and lots of happiness. To aid us this year we may install a revolving door in the bathroom; a conveyor belt with a constant food supply in the kitchen; and either some kind of remote control of the laundry or employ a full time “launderess.” One of our biggest thrills of the year was Glenn’s mission call. He is doing well – even with the language – and it is a great experience and opportunity. Another thrill was seeing Patti and Charlie move into their own home with their two little daughters- Andrea will be 3 in March and Carrie was 1 in November. It is really a cute place and glad it is here in Orem. A third important event was a trip Hal and I were privileged to take to Bermuda for 5 days at no expense to us. It was delightful! What a beautiful spot on the earth. The children are all heavily involved in school and church activities and sports, but each is doing very well. Hal’s mother is still with us and is reasonably well. She made a trip to Colorado with us this summer. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love Hal, Vickie, and family

Dear Christmas, 1977 I have such a yearning desire to convert everyone to the Mormon way of life-to the gospel truth and understanding, however I realize that much of it comes by example and with time and learning. I wouldn’t want anyone to be “scared” away by the little things they hear about – like no coffee or smoking- but that I could express to each one the joy, the peace, the help, the comfort of knowing what we are here for, where we came from, and where we are going after this life if we diligently try. I really feel that I know that Christ is a living person who was sent from God-also a personage- to teach us and die for us and I know he hears and answers our prayers. I would hate to even imagine now trying to raise our large family without this knowledge. I am grateful for the scriptures and the aid they are to me. When I refer to scriptures I mean the Bible-a history of the old world and of Christ’s life, and the Book of Mormon- a history of this continent and the further witness and proof it brings forth of Christ’s birth (for which we now are celebrating) and his life and death. I believe our Doctrine and Convents to be scripture in that it has been given through revelation to establish and direct the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I believe the Pearl of Great Price to be just that – a priceless gem. I cannot imagine anyone reading it and not 2 And not feeling the authenticity of it-a selection of revelation of our first prophet Joseph Smith. I am grateful for my membership in the church and for the doors of knowledge that it continues to open for me. Christ was born, was crucified and was resurrected. He lives today and I know he is not leaving us to simply fare for ourselves with these challenging times but continually gives us guidance in our personal prayers and through his prophet on the earth today. I really want most of all to convey this deep feeling that my family and I have of the truthfulness of the gospel and the importance it is in our lives and the wish that we could share- share it in the lives of everyone we know. Those of you that are members I think understand this desire and those of you who are not I wish you would accept an invitation to study it and find out for yourselves. There are missionaries available everywhere. We now have some 23,000 young missionaries in the world-all out for one reason-they believe what I’ve written is true. They support themselves and go for two year periods. Our son, Glenn, is serving a mission now in Taiwan. If I have sent you a Book of Mormon and you have never read it, I pray you will. If I’ve never sent one, I wish you would let me know for I would like to. May God truly bless you and your families this Christmas season. 3 This is my testimony and I share it with you in love and sincerity – Vickie P.S. We are a normal family with normal problems and desires, but I feel we are meeting them with considerable success and lots of happiness. To aid us this year we may install a revolving door in the bathroom; a conveyor belt with a constant food supply in the kitchen; and either some kind of remote control of the laundry or employ a full time “launderess.” One of our biggest thrills of the year was Glenn’s mission call. He is doing well – even with the language – and it is a great experience and opportunity. Another thrill was seeing Patti and Charlie move into their own home with their two little daughters- Andrea will be 3 in March and Carrie was 1 in November. It is really a cute place and glad it is here in Orem. A third important event was a trip Hal and I were privileged to take to Bermuda for 5 days at no expense to us. It was delightful! What a beautiful spot on the earth. The children are all heavily involved in school and church activities and sports, but each is doing very well. Hal’s mother is still with us and is reasonably well. She made a trip to Colorado with us this summer. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love Hal, Vickie, and family