August 23, 2021

 From Ben: "I'm just so angry all the time!" - Hulk (but also me last Saturday)

Something that I'm in danger of as a missionary is teaching doctrine or principles that I myself am not living. For example. We often teach people to follow the commandments of Christ, which includes not being angry with one another. However, for whatever reason, there was one day this week that had me running for my money. Maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or it was because it was the 5th day in a row I had Nesquik cereal for breakfast, or maybe my shoulder devil was fresh from Georgia and was having a hay-day on his fiddle. I don't know. Needless to say, that day, I was just angry. The weather had me going, I was in no mood for conversation, I didn't feel like singing any songs. T'was nobody's fault, I just struggled. Elder Hamilton had to deal with my angry silence and was patient with me throughout the day thank goodness. It was so wild! My logical mind was like "Dang, you're angry, and there's not really a good reason for it. You should probably figure that out..." and my emotional mind was like "No! I don't want happiness! I want to be frustrated and annoyed, let me be angry!" After this dialogue between my mind and my heart continued for a bit, the Spirit chipped in and asked innocently "Hmm, not to butt in, but maybe a quick prayer would help a bit? Get that divine perspective in on the discussion?" Trusting the spirit and it's subtle wisdom, I went and locked myself in the bathroom, kneeled on the tiled floor and went for it. After of course, the nature of the day changed and it became easier to choose to be happy (I still had to choose it though. I had to hum the hymn "Let Us All Speak Kind Words to Each other" a couple times to help myself out.) So, speaking from personal experience, when the Devil's playing his fiddle and he's playing it hard, remember, a plea for help from the Master Conductor is a sound option.


Beyond that wild day, this week was pretty great! The crazy older lady that is one of my favorite people ever, ran me and Elder Hamilton through her "initiation". Or, toe-painting night. She wanted us to paint a picture on a canvas using only our feet. But, you don't paint WITH your toes, you have to HOLD a paintbrush with your toes.  It was a challenge, let me tell you. We struggled but had some good laughs. (If anyone wants a GREAT date idea too, do toe-painting. Guaranteed good date) 

The mission has now approved Instagram to use as a Finding tool. I couldn't believe it. My one enemy, back for more... I'm going to have to employ my rock hard, never failed me before, discipline for this one... 

These are the details I deemed worthy of note, thanks again everyone for reading my words!

Have a grand week! 


1) There Be a Light at The End of This Tunnel! - Original toe painting art by Elder Smith.


2) A cool food truck place that tasted real good.


3) The real cool Elder Hamilton under some real green trees on one of our real nice walks we went on on a real nice day. 



From Dad: Bowie

It’s been a great week at our house as we’ve enjoyed having the Froelich’s with us. Bowie is as cute as ever and talks up a storm. I can even understand her most of the time!



Tyler has taken over the tree house and is all set up for work and sleeping there. He's been recharging his batteries nature's way. 

Today Stephanie and Tyler were trying to make plans on how long they plan to stay here and when to head home. Mia was quite unimpressed with the option to leave this Saturday and expressed a willingness to do whatever it took to have them stay longer. One of the offers was to make cookies every day. So it started tonight. 


We will see how it turns out. Sam is coming back up with Damon to join Josh and hopefully securing an apartment this week-end. 

I appreciated Joshua’s help again Saturday with the preparation of the pad. He helped dig a 4’ hole for the hoop pole and helped tie rebar. 


We enjoyed taking Josh out with us for our date night while the girls went to their first dance since Covid.  We went for dessert at Moxies. Josh flirted with all the waitresses and we went to a movie (Free Guy) after.  

Here's a few more pics of Bowie just because she's so dang cute. 





Mom and I are giving talks next week in Church. My topic is "Recieving personal revelation" and Mom's topic is "Teaching your children". Let us know any insights you may have on the topics!

BTW, I got a fun message on face book I assume you'll recognize... tell me more about this guy?


Have a great week!

Love Dad



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