Conference Report 2023

Cont'd from page 3

lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.

The meditation and commemoration were wonderful. It is such a blessing to spend time with fellow submitters praising and glorifying God. It fills the heart with great joy. It was especially wonderful to see the young submitters sharing in the singing with their youthful enthusiasm. [15:98] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators.

This was such a beautiful venue for the conference. The city is lovely and the weather was perfect. We enjoyed good food throughout the conference. The Vancouver community outdid themselves in hosting this event, and we are all very grateful for the time and effort they put in to make it such a success. Over 100 people joined the excursion up Grouse Mountain to enjoy a lovely view of the city and the ocean. And there was warm hospitality extended to anyone who stayed in Vancouver after the conference ended.

As our 38th annual conference—a nice divisible number—this was truly a special time. We pray that everyone will stay focused and motivated through the year, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Tucson in 2024, God willing.

Nargis and Lydia

LEAVES, BRANCHES AND ROOTS

People will come and go in your life. Some become friends but most will be acquaintances. You will have to make judgments on their impact in your life, but remember that their position may change. Don’t make a snap judgment, either positive or negative. Know that everyone is learning and growing and their influence on you may fluctuate.

Like a tree, people in your life can be divided into three categories: leaf people, branch people and root people.

Leaf people are those who come into your life just for a season. You can’t depend on them because they are weak. They only come to take what they want from you. If the wind comes up, they will leave you. You need to be careful of these people because they will love you when things are okay, but they will not stay with you in difficult times.

Branch people are stronger than the fickle leaf people, but you need to be careful with them as well. They may break when life becomes too tough. They can’t handle too much weight. They may stay more than a season, but they will go when things get harder.

Fair Weather Friends

[22:11] Among the people there is the one who worships GOD conditionally. If things go his way, he is content. But if some adversity befalls him, he makes an about-face. Thus, he loses both this life and the Hereafter. Such is the real loss.

Root people are the ones you can count on. They love God and they aren’t doing things to be noticed. They are supportive even when you go through a difficult situation. They won’t waver; they are steadfast. They love you for who you are, not what you have. They will stay no matter the season.

[14:24] Do you not see that GOD has cited the example of the good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky?

[14:26] And the example of the bad word is that of a bad tree chopped at the soil level; it has no roots to keep it standing.

May God keep in our lives root people who will be there with support; who will remind us with kindness when we falter and not harshly condemn; who will strengthen us on our path to the worship of God alone.

Taareq