September12, 2022
From Ben - Good Timber
He came really close with both fingers pointed at our noses, his tone of voice, angry and intense.
"The Bible was written by man! I'm a believer in Jesus, but here are holes in that scripture"
Then he turn around, and stormed away.
I hesitantly piped in, talking to his back
"Actually, our message addresses and solves that!"
"Don't try it with me!!" he replied, and kept on walking.
---
On a bridge, waiting for one of our friends to show up to talk, he (a different fellow) walked by, and under his breath, mentioned.
"We worship Jesus Christ, not Joseph Smith"
To which Elder McNabb offered, "of course!"
to which he snapped back "Joseph Smith wasn't a Prophet!!" and kept walking along on his way.
---
On that same bridge, at a different moment, a man and his dog were walking by.
"Afternoon! We know you're walking along your way, but would you have a quick minute? We share a message about Christ that has made a big difference for us"
He replied, with "you don't know me, but me and my family were members of the Church 5 years ago, but are no longer. We know all about the church"
and made his way home.
It's unique that we get to only catch micro moments of the lives of these people.
My first reaction is usually to make some sarcastic comment in my mind, usually confirming my perspective and often putting down their feelings, words or, in the drama of the mind, their entire life.
Kind of a tragic reaction, eh?
Sometimes when I think of pure love, or unconditional love, I get this semi conscious feeling that it's kind of cheezy, and not very realistic.
Which means that I've got a hole in my understanding.
Our Father in Heaven's love is one based on sacrifice.
He gave His only begotten Son and understood that He would need to suffer infinitely to become a Redeemer for the rest of His Spirit children.
Christ's purest care and compassion is founded upon his knowing and having experienced the darkest colors and pains of reality.
So, pure love, unfeigned love, necessarily has to include the flip side of long-suffering.
Bearing burdens. Mourning with others.
So no more sarcastic comments from me
I'm gonna find charity.
Woah, it was a bonkers week.
Elder Bassett of the Seventy came for the week and we held MLC, Zone Conference, and three, hour long virtual meetings.
That man and his wife are amazing.
Teaching with 'power and authority' became a little more real to me by listening to them.
One of the focuses of his instruction was to help us understand the gravity of the Book of Mormon. The role it plays in teaching and testifying of Christ.
Abby, Mia, Sam, Josh, Steph, Mom and Dad. Holy Moly.
For whatever category of life.
High-school, university, work, relationships, motherhood, marriage, and missionary work, if we want power, revelation, and an anchored soul to weather the waves, the words of Christ within this book is a necessary timber we must include in the building if our boat, and the building of our day.
If we seek the Spirit, then explore the pages, literal external, heavenly power will be gifted. It's hard to believe until you feel it.
But you will feel it, and it will change your days.
I had a great opportunity to go on two exchanges this week.
Elder Powlesland of the great North Bay, and Elder Fletcher, of the famed Sault (pronounced 'soo') St. Marie.
These Elders are going to do some incredible things in the course of their missions.
From Elder Powlesland, I learned again the difference trained work ethic can bring.
From Elder Fletcher, how authentic relationships changes and improves our ability to teach.
On Sunday, were our interviews with President Stacey.
President Stacey is 6'4" and has astounding experience in interviewing people, and character analysis.
He gained it as he created and built hospital organizations on an individual and national scale.
What an amazing opportunity to just sit down and have a 15 minute conversation with someone who has experience like that. The things you can learn.
The things I did learn
Love you each!
- Elder Smith
1) Zone Council instruction - We're learning how to better analyze our own areas and fix the leaks.
3) Post-Interviews with President Stacey. It's a cool blessing to learn from him.
4) The graffiti on this bridge was so hilarious, oh man.
This is the same bridge we met the two dudes.
5) Definitely not addicted to our phones. Just writing emails home... together
6-7) Possibly the most intense mini-hoop 3 v 3 Basketball I've ever had the privilege of attending.
From Mom - Uncomfortable Stretching
Dear Ben,
It might seem strange to say but waiting in airports is one of my favourite things. It’s strange because I typically don’t like waiting for anything ! But here I am at the Victoria airport on my way home, two hours early and really happy about it. I can’t decide if it’s the cute coffee shops, or the quiet time or people watching … but I love it. And it’s a perfect time to write you a decent email!
Kurri and I completed our marathon on Saturday. We ran/walked the first half (21.3 kms) in 3 hours no problem, but our legs started to get sore and shaky at the 25 km mark. We pressed on though, getting slower and slower. Family encouragement was such a boost when we were discouraged. Your Dad alerted both sides of the family when we were running, so I have him to thank. It felt so nice to be cheered on!
The last half took us almost 6 hours!!! We finished in 8 hours and 52 minutes total, the last ones.The cheering section at the finish line were so validating. They said, “We’ve never shut down this marathon so early before! You did amazing!” Hahaha. (But there is still something about FINISHING that is so satisfying. It was 42.6 kms, after all.)
At the start …
At the finish …
It’s true that our bodies seized up on the drive home and we could barely get out of the car. Adam bought us some Epsom salts to soak in, which helped. Clara had to help me down the stairs and fetch me chocolate milk and essentially was at my beck and call until I made my way to bed. So grateful for fantastic family! Sunday was a little sketchy but this morning, feeling great! Waking up with the knowledge that I actually completed a marathon is so empowering. And we’ll probably do it again. (It won’t be difficult to beat our time .)
And it wasn’t the only uncomfortable thing I did this week. …
I actually went to the doctors for my 50 year old check up! Apparently I’m as healthy as a person can get with only one weird thing, which is my low blood pressure. It’s 88/60, which of course means nothing me except I’ll be going for some more testing. She told me to eat more salt, consume caffeine and don’t lose any weight. I said, “it feels like that is the opposite advice you typically give your patients,” and she laughed and responded with, “no! I hardly ever say that to anyone!” Lol! So I take it as a good sign that I will be alive and well for 50 more years at least.
Also, university is going to be a challenge that I’m going to love. I can learn AND go for lunch with Sam and Kitt . I forgot to get a selfie with Sam even though we talked about it but I got one with Kitt!
Kitt is officially living independently and doing Music at the U of A. We had a nice visit and will probably do it periodically. Same with Sam and I think, the best silver lining of all.
It turns out that trying new things and facing uncomfortable things and pushing through hard things is good for the soul. I mean, I know that already, but now I know it even more! And it helps to have a cheering section, support and just plain friendship.
When I went to Kurri’s church on Sunday, I was greeted by an old friend, Dionne Jamieson. They’ve been uprooted so many times because of job loss but they’re now so secure and happy on Vancouver Island. She gave me a sincere hug which filled up my heart. I was also welcomed by Makenzie Bateman Weckesser, who is the daughter of my old walking partner, Carley. What amazes me is that Makenzie (who I haven’t seen for ten years) remembered me from her childhood and came right up and gave me a hug and was so happy to see me. And I was delighted she was happily married with a cute baby! Especially since I know the challenges her family faced when she was young. It was evidence to me of the power of enduring when the going gets tough.
I also met the mom of one of the boys’ roommates, Riley Weckesser. Her name is Michelle and once we made the connection that our boys were roommates, she said, “I just love Josh! He has the worst bedroom of the house and he’s super cheerful about it.” Hahaha. So my children continue to be an inspiration to others without even realizing it. Thanks, Josh! So it was a good Sunday.
Another example of doing hard things and sticking it out is Abby suddenly driving herself everywhere. One day she just gained all the confidence and took off! She loves it and so do we! She gets to school, goes to dances (even at the North Stake Center), and pretty much has all the independence. So nice.
(The only problem with her driving is she can’t take pictures! I rely on her picture taking since I seem to have lost the awareness of taking them myself in those everyday moments.)
So cheers to uncomfortable stretching!
I know you have a lot of it serving a mission, so hang in there, my boy! Keep striving. Keep trying! Remember you have support from all your loved ones, including those on the other side but especially and most of all from our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I don’t mean to sound like a religious fanatic but from all the depth of my heart, I know He is aware of us, He loves us and is always available with heavenly help whenever we reach for Him. It’s so simple and beautiful and it hinges on our belief … or even just a desire to believe. It’s such beautiful doctrine.
(Also, did you ever get new pants? You have the money to do it.)
I love you forever, Ben.
So proud.
So amazed.
So grateful.
Mom
(We crossed four trestle bridges during our marathon.)
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