June 28, 2022

From Ben - A Farewell for Champions

This week I has some random bouts of melancholy. 

Which is a tricky problem! 

In the one talk that Mel gave to the assembly of university students a little while ago, he made a comment that went along the lines of. 

"Two things decrease faith: sin, and going through the motions" 

So, in one of these low energy, low motivations periods, my mind, feeling annoyed at the lack of drive and momentum kindly shouted "WHATS GOING ON?" 

So, to humor the mind which dislikes just puttering along, I took a critical look at what was causing these grey slow-downs and came to the simple conclusion of, Yes, I had been going through the motions in some of the core excersizes of faith building (having wooden prayers, a lack of gratitude, and missing journaling), and also that I had decreased my concious effort to have faith. 

To believe that because of Jesus Christ and the power given Him because of His Atonement, the future could truly be bright, looked forward to, and exciting to plan for. 

I had been going along, day by day, impelled by routine and tradition. 

No Bueno. 

So, this is the declaration of repentance and independence from the lacklustre existence of camping in the doldrums. 

"The future is only as bright as your faith" is a true statement. 

Despite previously said adventure, this week was incredible. 

I got to go on an exchange with my dear friend and follow up trainer, Elder Hamilton. 

It was a really cool feeling to see how we had each grown since we had served together a year ago. 

How faith had increased, communication skills refined, and missionary skills grown. 

Together in the day, we found seven new people who were open to talk with us again. 

Which was more than we had found in our entire transfer together a year ago. 

I love this Elder and am excited to see what journeys the Lord holds for him 

President and Sister Ensign held their last Zone Conference. 

This Elderly mission President and Wife have made such a cool difference. 

President with his piercing blue eyes, and gentle, yet powerful way of teaching. 

The way he sneaks up behind you and slips his arm through yours and just chills, helping you feel loved in every way he possibly can. 

Sister Ensign with her genius and oratory powers, chastising the mission with love and the Spirit. 

The way she prays by always expressing to the Lord how much she loves you and is grateful for you. 

Both with their weaknesses and flaws. 

But both magnifying their calling with authority, power, and probably much longsuffering, to the greatest blessing and benefit and 19-21 year olds who are still figuring out how to love their Savior. 

Of their parting advice to us missionaries President dropped some lines of practical wisdom post mission. 

1) Education. 

He stressed the absolute necessity and joy of aiming and receiving as much education as possible.

He gave some fun little practical tips on what to do if one goes into Medical or Law, and others if one goes into Business or Education. It was cool to see the secular genius of President Ensign. 

2) Marriage. 

His advice on this front was to, during a date with key person, draw back a little bit, be a little quiter, and see what the girl or guy talks about. 

To the Sisters he said 

"If he (the guy on the date) talks about his great achievements on the mission field, of his Zone leadership, District Leadership or AP leadership, then to beware.   

But if he talks about family, faith, and is seeking to find out why you are rare, wonderful, and beatuful, then to be mindful of him "

Then to the Elders a similar strain of advice in the vice versa direction. 

Kind of a cool tidbit 

3) Finances. 

He explained

"As one with two degrees in finances, I have come to find out that the first principle for managing one's money is...

Tithing.

The blessings are not to be lost and are hard to be quantified"

Then finally they bore such great testimonies on genuine discipleship. 

To ask ourselves what disciple we would like to work towards becoming. 

Advice I'm not likely to forget. 

Everyone. You're pretty cool.

Love you! 

- Elder Smith

1) My Pros bag strap clip broke, so this paper clip came in clutch. 

2) A reunion with my Elder from the Weston days. Elder Durant. He got shipped north to Sudbury.

3) The YSA activity that closed off the exchange with Elder Hamilton

4) Just a selfie with Elder Christensen. The legend. 

5) Elder Blum modeling when I try to be artsy and upgrade my android photography skills.

6) Elder Blum, modeling again with the beautiful leaves. 

7) Street Contacting with Hayden, a member who puts his papers in soon. 

8) (If the video loads) Elder Hamilton and I put on the water balloon firing line before we left to re-exchange. 

Benjamin Smith

From Mom - Grandpas Funeral

Dear Ben,

I’m finding it strange to answer when people ask “how are you.” Of course, the answer is generally “good,” but the reality of Grandpa passing away is still foremost in my mind. Even in the family prayer last night I had to catch myself in saying “please bless grandma and Grandpa” as they always go together. As we were leaving the funeral to go to the graveside service, Grandma instinctively looked for grandpa. 

It’s just weird for him to be gone. The new normal might take awhile for all of us, but especially for Grandma. Such is life, but still. 

The funeral was beautiful. I know you have the link to watch it but Dad and Liz did an amazing job at the biography, the music was perfect from the grandchildren and the weather as gorgeous as it could be at the grave. Peace was felt and an overarching feeling that the timing was right. But still. 

I’m so grateful for Craig’s legacy of faith. Dad’s been enjoying reading Grandpa’s journals and seeing a new side of his Dad that he didn’t know. I’ve heard him say that it’s like seeing the movie first, but then reading the book after and suddenly understanding all the little details. For example, Dad didn’t know that Grandpa’s highschool basketball team won provincials three times. Or about the time that Grandpa was feeling the stress of being two months behind in his bills. He went for a morning walk and a BoM scripture came to mind of “being delivered on the morrow” and he made eight sales the next day that delivered them out of debt. Grandpa certainly loved the Lord and his journals are filled with his willingness to live a life consecrated to Heaven. We’re going to miss his stabilizing, comforting presence. 

We’re hoping Grandma will come up for Canada Day and give herself a change of scenery. We sure love her and grateful she’s the kind of person that doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet. She’s already getting busy trying to purchase a condo in Cardston and sell the house the Glenwood. We went for a last good-bye on Saturday, not only to Grandpa, but their way of life in Glenwood including the house and ice cream at the Pioneer Parlour. Haha. 

Bowie is a ray of sunshine everywhere she goes. From telling the girls in her little voice that she needs protein for a snack to explaining that she’s almost a grown up now (she turns 3 on July 14th) she’s keeping us laughing. Yesterday she helped Dad mow the entire back yard. When I asked her about her best part of the day she said “mowing the lawn because now the grass is short!” When she didn’t want to have a bath she was crying loudly until the idea was presented to her that she could put bubbles in the bath and she quit crying immediately and went into the bath without complaint and played for a long time. 

It’s honestly a dream to have Steph and Tyler here. I could get used to them living close by. When Dad was down at Liz’s last week, I couldn’t have juggled my work schedule and the girls’ exams but Steph was here to help with driving and cooking. Hopefully this week we can do some fun things in spite of rain, rain, rain in the forecast. 

Josh and Madison came over for FHE last night and we watched a new Lin Manuel Miranda Musical called In the Heights. The man is a genius. We enjoyed it so much. And tonight? … Hamilton live at the Jube. We bought six tickets six months ago and now our sudden dilemma is whether or not to purchase a couple more last minute tickets for Madison and Steph. I guess we’ll tell you about it tonight. Let’s try and have a call earlier than normal. Maybe around 6:30 Alberta time? Then we can chat on our drive. 

Love you lots!

Hope you have a fabulous p-day!

Mom