Hello Everyone,
This week has been good. I've had a few rough moments but I know that the opposition will make a good story. One person that we are teaching, Dyness, is going to baptised this week. This is the week that we'll be watching general conference so Dyness will be getting baptised the same week we are watching general conference.
I've been reading about the sons of Mosiah recently and how, after 14 years of missionary service, they met up with Alma, who was doing a his own kind of mission. When they met up together Ammon's joy was so great that he passed out. The scripture says, "Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seekers of happiness." The only way to receive happiness is to live righteously because God lives after the manner of happiness. This is also why Alma teaches that "Wickedness never was happiness" The Gospel is simple, but it's not easy. If it was easy it wouldn't be worth it.
Something that Grandma Smith sent to the whole family that I really enjoyed:
Somebody said that it couldn't be done. But he with a chuckle replied that "maybe it couldn't", but he would be one who wouldn't say so till he'd tried. So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin on his face. If he worried he hid it. He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: " Oh, you'll never do that, at least no one has ever done it." But he took off his coat and he took off his hat, and the first thing we know, he'd begun it. With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin, without any doubting or quiddit, he started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done.... and he did it."
I read this and it made me think about all the farming I have in my genes and know that my mission is going to take work. It's not over until it's over. Keep on keeping on. "Be of good courage and do it"
I love you all,
-Elder Smith
Pictures:
-Lemon cake
-My food pantry
-Sister Tuiaki and Sister Kivalu's birthday food after district council(Sister kivalu is on the left and Sister Tuiaki is on the right)
-I got to use the weed wacker(Reminds me of working at Classic Landscapes)
-First vision
-Nshima with veggies and fish(The fish wasn't that bad, just too many bones)
-My shoes before I go into my area and after I get back
-Beautiful and peaceful evening
-Cool bridge in my area that makes me feel like I'm on a special adventure.
-The river on the was to a far place in my area (Twapia)
-My study desk
-My companion made a cake like thing that was more like bread, so I had it with Jam and Peanut Butter
From Dad - Back Breaker
Hi Sam,
This has been a good week for the most part. The one blip on the radar for me was throwing out my back on Friday when Josh and I tried to move a workout machine from the Rectors to the the truck to bring home. As we were bringing it down the outside stairs, I tried to lift the weight end myself and used more of my back than my legs. As I stood up, I felt something give in my right lower back and now I'm on the recovery. Grateful for Josh's strength and help. Now we just have to figure out how to get it out of the truck!
Sister Leslie Graham came for a visit this week to travel with Mom to their woman's retreat in Waterton. It was good to see her and get updates on their family. Jack Graham I think was your age. He's trying to decide if he wants to serve a mission right now.She and Mom left Sunday morning to travel down and pick up some women coming into the Calgary Airport and then on to Lethbridge and then Waterton till Thursday. Should be really fun for them.
Saturday and Sunday were mostly conference with other commitments sprinkled in. Ben went with the de Vries to West Edmonton Mall on Friday to the water park, then stayed most of Saturday till we came in for Abby's musical theater in the afternoon. I think you'll really enjoy the conference talks. I'm excited to review and read/watch them again. Lots of encouragement to do missionary work. One talk struck me that compared spiritual gifts to building muscle. You can read all you want about muscles, but that won't build them until you act and exercise. It is the same with spiritual gifts (e.g. faith). Until we exercise and try them, they can't grow.
Amelia insisted we keep the Conference squares bingo alive this year, resulting in me eating too much candy. Darn those Reeses peanut butter cups are good!
I'm grateful for the blessing of receiving direction from prophets in these latter days. The world is pretty messed up and there are so many conflicting voices calling for our attention. Having a good coach and being able to know the rules and limits of the game makes the difference in our lives as we strive to find peace and happiness.
I was blessed to get a good bonus this year, so now we're on the hunt to find all the rest of the materials we need to finish the garage. Too bad you aren't here to help, especially with the high up work! Grateful I have two strong boys to help still with us. Won't be long before we're just down to Mom and I and the girls. I'll enjoy every moment till then. One of the true ways to happiness is to find joy in the moment and the stage of life your at. Don't wish to be older or younger, just soak in all the moments of this stage of your lives.
God bless and keep you this week, Sam.Love you lots.
Dad.
From Stephanie
Tyler and I had a crazy week with his Mom, her husband and Tyler's two step Brothers visiting. We climbed a bunch at Prophesy Wall and snow Canyon, and went on an overnight backpacking trip!
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