December 6, 2021

From Ben - The Harder Right

Unexpectedly, both me and Elder Hartman are staying in Timmins! 

We got the call and were both shook when they told us we were staying another transfer.

The twist, however, is that we're getting another. 

Elder Heggie. My first district leader while in training, is joining us in Timmins. 

Thank goodness too. Turns out he's an exceptional cook and loves to work out. Two areas me and Elder Hartman need improvement in. 

We mobbed down to Barrie on Wednesday, picked him up on Thursday (copped a conference Liahona from the mission office) and drove to Sudbury, slept the night, then drove the rest to Timmins on Friday. 

Needless to say, we were pretty beat by the time we got back. 

Wendy successfully got Baptized on Saturday and got confirmed on Sunday.

There is a unique type of stress, and a unique type of love when helping someone be baptized. While the mind simultaneously envisions every worst case scenario, there is a cool sense of excitement and hope for the person you've come to love. I got to play the piano for the small Baptismal service and spirit was present and invited it's characteristic peace to the whole event. It went well.

Her faith is simple, but I'm starting to think that's the way to go. The Gospel is not complex. We are, and our situations sure are. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is plain and simple (and super cool)

It's a Gospel of divine heritage, origin and potential. One of miracles, godlike progression, challenge, success, redemption on a massive and minutely personal scale, forgiveness, ultimate evil, the holiest good, and peace despite chaos. 

Oh man. It's so cool. I've said it before, but I'm confident that Satan does try to blind us from knowing how cool of an adventure the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. 

To emphasize this point.

I had to apologize again this week. It was so challenging. Again. It was over something small, but when pride enters the picture, nothing is really quite too small. I very well could have justified myself and laid the responsibility on him who I felt should apologize first. (For of course, I'm never the one that does something wrong... ) But the spirit suggested a better course, so I ended up choking out an apology. Things worked out as it always will when we try to repent, but my, it was still a challenge. 

It is easier to be bitter than to forgive.

It is easier to be apathetic than to care.

It is easier to be jaded than to be enthusiastic.

It is harder to be kind than it is to be mean. 

Thank goodness we have Christ. Who promises His insight and strength to choose the harder road. For whatever reason I often forget how much He wants to help out and how freely He offers his support. An unfortunate thing to forget, wow. 

I also had a wild conversation with this one lady over Facebook. Still not entirely sure if it's a scammer or not. She sends me the first message and is beautiful. (usually red flags when on Facebook) We have a quick conversation and I share a quick Restoration lesson with her and send her the Book of Mormon app. The classic message is sent from her end. "Ben, I need your help with something" I was like "oh snap, and it begins"

To my surprise and joy, what she needed help with was money to buy PC games (from Steam, the computer game website no less) I of course told her no, I couldn't, and she started pulling scripture to convince me! 

She straight up said "Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself" It was wild.Still not sure if it's a real person or a scam. But either way, it's pretty awesome.(I would much rather be scammed by trying to help somebody buy Pirates of The Black Cove for their computer than by any other way , what can I say)

We also...

- On Thursday, we helped move a dresser for some people and met this absolutely wild dude. It was -20 and he was shirtless. He may have been on a trip actually, now that I think about it, but we had a wild conversation about some interesting subjects, and got Him a Book of Mormon. 

- Had a drop lesson with our old Italian friend. Went on a spirit aided tangent on the why behind the Book of Mormon, and the why behind Baptismal authority in the plainest and simplest way possible. The spirit definitely softened the blow because we were blunter than a spoon. We said farewell and shook hands in good spirits.

- Got Ab-Ripper X. I struggle to get out of bed in the morning because I legit can't use my core in any way.

("You've got to BRING IT", "I hate it, but I love it" Don't get ahead of me!" Oh man. What a fun time)

Love you all, have a great week! 

- Elder Smith

1) Just setting up Gisele's Christmas tree

2) Delivering a Timmie's white hot chocolate to Robin, our friend

3) A casual selfie in front of a Timmins sign

4) Fashion experiments

5) Elder Heggie being the legend he is and bopping some snow off one of our friend's car

6) Our beautiful friend Wendy, who got baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday. 

7) Winter Memes. They bring me joy. 

From Dad - Balance

Dear Benjamin,

Sorry this is coming a little late. I could say we've been too busy to write but I'd be lying. We've been busy enough  but not overwhelming. We are driving a lot back and forth to Leduc for the girl's practice. We were contemplating how to handle the Sunday afternoon performance and I paused for a moment to try and remember what we did when you were in the play. Then I remembered that you drove yourself! Not quite there yet, but Abby has been slowly driving more and more back and forth from musical theater. She's a good driver, just needs more practice and confidence!.

Sunday morning, Mom had a bit of a cold so decided to stay home for Zoom church. I figured we would just all stay home, then Abby came upstairs and forced me out the door. She'd decided she wanted to go to church. I happily complied. We had a great one on one talk on the way there and back and she bore a sweet simple testimony about her experience putting Heavenly Father to the test and having her faith rewarded when choosing to go to youth vs. do homework or follow a prompting. I felt the spirit and appreciated seeing her growing testimony.

I've started listening to How to Win Friends and Influence People. Every time I read that book I tell myself I should read it once a year. Great advice around choosing to see things from others perspective instead of choosing to impose our opinions, criticisms and advice on others and helping others feel important and appreciated. Every day I repeat the affirmation "I pause in the moment between stimulus and response to listen for understanding before seeking to be understood". I need it as I don't always do it. It is pretty magical how much we can influence others when we genuinely strive to care about and consider what they say is important. The saying that is repeated over and over in the book is 

Be “hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.” 

I think this lines up with Gospel principles to do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Hard to believe it is only 3 weeks until Christmas. Loving the feeling of Christmas as the decorations go up and we think of serving others.

Mom and I had the chance to go see the Boyd's on Sunday. They have a special place in their hearts for you. They ask after you and I shared one of your posts with them where you quoted the song about Picturing Christmas this year. Sister Boyd is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She is pretty resigned to it and even admits that what can you expect when you smoke for decades. Another testament to the value of keeping the Word of Wisdom.

Mom, ever thinking of helping others, offered to help her clean her house every so often. It was a blessing to Shiela as she was looking for a cleaner and it helps Mom with a little extra cash. Win Win.  I''m grateful to have her as my ministering companion sometimes.

Saturday morning Mom and I teamed up to go replace the side glass in our Leduc house front door side windows. We were a little nervous but turns out we make a great team ! :) One more reason that I love your Mom.

It was great to talk to you tonight. Congratulations to Wendy on entering into the gate of baptism. It is truly joyful to have that experience.

Sure love you. Great to talk to you tonight. Be safe and take care.

Love, 

Dad