Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Appreciation...moments

 At one of his recent baptisms in 
North Carolina

Hello Everyone!

This last week has been busy! We've done a lot of service for a lot of people. One was a member who was trying to move but it was short notice so not very many people could come. In fact, it was just him, his son, my companion and I. From 9:30 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. we were loading furniture and making loads...my backs killing me but it was great! We had a blast plus, I was able to put my tetris skills to the test as we packed the moving van. 


You know how they say, "Sharing is caring"? Well, it isn't...not when it comes to sharing a cold. But my wonderful, loving companion with the big heart that he has decided he would share with me the cold he was just enjoying all to himself....thank goodness for lots of garlic and modern medicine. It's been good though. It's really hard for me to complain when I'm sick (which I hate) because I always think how it makes me appreciate the good times in life when I'm not sick. There's a true principle there: If you want to appreciate something, imagine yourself without it. If you want to appreciate health, get sick! If you want to appreciate family, go on a mission (where you have barely any contact with them)! If you want to appreciate the Gospel and the commandments and even the Atonement of Jesus Christ, imagine yourself, or if you're a convert, remember yourself without those blessings. It's a pretty good formula to live by for when you find yourself taking things for granted or sliding off into "unknown paths" imagine the consequences and straighten yourself up. It's a lifelong process but that's what the Atonement is for. It's for imperfect people to become good and for good (still imperfect) people to become better. Grace = enabling power. Grace is granted to those who put their faith in Christ and have the COURAGE to admit to themselves they need to change and strive DILIGENTLY to be better. Trust me, in the eternal perspective it's worth it.

Hope ya'll are doing great because I sure am! This past weekend was fantastic!


Love ya'll
Elder Smith

Sunday, September 23, 2012



Hello Everyone!
A week full of miracles! It's such a delight to see them.
So, we finally got back into contact with a couple investigators who are living together. They want to be baptized but unfortunately they have to be married first. When we saw them the other night, Chris told us he had a concern (I started getting apprehensive at this point) and explains how he wants to be married first before they get baptized. It's what he feels is the right thing to do. Relieved, we explain that that is definitely important and we proceed to talk about marriage and the temple and begin making plans with them for a time and place to be married. I tell that story for two reasons: #1 The Lord prepares the hearts and minds of His children to receive the message of the Gospel. #2 I never want to plan a wedding ever again in my life. It's not fun playing match-maker.

More miracles I've seen this week include people overcoming their addictions. We have been working with several people in their fight to overcome addictions to alcohol and especially tobacco. I have seen the Atonement at work as they strive to follow the Lord's counsel and rely on His strength. 


One very POWERFUL influence in life is that of music. Again, I have SEEN and EXPERIENCED personally the power that music can have on an individual. The First Presidency has stated, " Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace. Hymns can also help us withstand the temptations of the adversary." (First Presidency Preface of the Hymnbook) When one is overcoming trial and addiction, the music of the Lord can fill us with strength to overcome them. There are multiple times that in a lesson or even during a service project, my companion and I have sung a hymn and it always, ALWAYS, changes the mood of the activity. Read the hymns to yourselves and try to find the messages the Lord would have you find. I add my hope to that of the First Presidency, "We hope the hymnbook will take a prominent place among the scriptures and other religious books in our homes." There is joy in singing the hymns of the Spirit. Indeed, the Lord himself has stated, "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." (D&C 25:12)
 
If you are facing a problem, going through some trial both large and small, or if you are even striving to overcome some addiction or some sin that easily besets you, sing away. If you hate singing or feel it's not your thing then listen to the hymn and sing it silently in your heart. Give it a shot. It's worth it.

Elder Smith

Monday, September 10, 2012

Power of LISTENING to the Spirit



Hello everyone!
A week full of miracles! A mission is definitely the greatest thing ever. About a week ago we stopped by a potentials house that we had tracted into a while back. Nobody answered but I felt impressed to leave a Book of Mormon and a note on their front porch before leaving. That is something I never do and never thought about doing, but it was somethings that I felt I should do so I did it acting on faith. Good thing! We stopped by again just a couple days ago and caught the man just as he was leaving his house (I also noticed the Book of Mormon was gone). After talking very briefly I asked if he got the book and note we left. He was like, "That was ya'lls book? Yeah, my wife is reading it." My mouth dropped...we're going back there soon. Don't be afraid to act on impressions ESPECIALLY if it is something you wouldn't normally do. The Lord is on our side.


I'm reminded on a scripture in the Book of Mormon, "And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things." (Jacob 5:72) The Lord is on our side and is working alongside us every step of the way. 

There are awesome things happening here in Currituck. 

Elder Fletcher and myself both spoke in Sacrament meeting yesterday, as well as, singing a duet! A wonderful miracle occurred during the song! The windows didn't shatter! Naa, ya'll should hear Elder Fletcher's voice. He's a really good singer.

Stay strong everyone and be a shining light to all the world!


Elder Smith

Monday, September 3, 2012

M & M's = Mosquitoes and Miracles



Hello everyone!
I'm surprised that I'm still alive to write this email. I have seen the largest mosquitoes ever! They're not the mosquito eaters or whatever they're called they're actual mosquitoes and I've seen them to be the size of a quarter. Luckily, they haven't carried me away...yet. 


But this past week has been SUPER SUPER SUPER AMAZING! Miracles are abounding! I'll share one of many: After church a non-member whom we have never taught nor any missionary has ever taught, walked right up to us and said, "I want to be baptized!" It took me a while to realize my dumbfounded look but after recovering a tiny bit and struggling to hold in my excitement (which didn't really work) I was like, "Yeah!" (Such a profound response huh?) 

One of our investigators has been progressing VERY well. She has made the 22nd her goal to be baptized and it looks like she'll make it! There are other miracles I could share but      I don't think it would all fit. It's comforting to know the Lord is on our side and it's always a GREAT privilege to see the Lord's hands in our efforts. 


I love all ya'll and stay strong!

Elder Smith