December 26, 2022

From Ben - Glory 

I'm writing this while walking through a mall on boxing day. 

The deals are dangerous and my wallet at risk. 

I might buy a binder, we'll see, I'm laying low for now... 

Those office supplies hold real danger to my financial situation. 

Christmas morning. 

Alarm goes. Eyes open.

I spring out of bed, say my morning prayer (gotta get those priorities straight) then tromp and trounce down the the hall to the study room.

With enthusiasm, I start ripping open the Christmas package. 

I struggle, the tape is taped on good. 

I attempt to use brute force, I fail. 

I sprint to the kitchen, find a pair of scissors. 

I run back to the room, slice and dice the brown paper with precision. 

I open the package. 

Letters. Letters from home. Letters from my family. 

Glory. That's the best description. 

Few material gifts qualify themselves to the degree that a hand written letter from a loved one does. 

As I read the letters you sent family, my soul found its sustenance.

It was awesome, and totally made my morning. 

YSA work this season takes on a different tone.  

Many are home with the family, so most of our finding efforts become obsolete. 

Christmas eve was tough, and this upcoming week will require some careful thought and effort. 

But, different circumstances require different work. 

God will provide (as we righteously and intelligently use our agency)

There are some unique and different challenges in the Hamilton Zone. For myself, and the companionships. 

I've already had to apologize to one of my dear Elders. (OH man, it never gets easier, but it always remains special, and I honestly feel like my relationship with the offended character is better after there's been reconciliation and repentance) 

I'm trying to figure out a better way to organize my thoughts, and the current method of attempt is to have a Central Notebook binder, to never leave my desk, which will contain personal study notes, thoughts on the leadership, and the area (not sure how to organize those categories, but that's the strat) 

Then, I'll have an adventure notebook, that I carry with me always, to use in teaching, to record impromptu revelations, and even just scribbles. 

THEN, if there was anything worth note or important recorded in the adventure notebook, I bring it back, and record it in central hub notebook. 

You see what I'm seeing? 

We'll see how the process plays out. 

Many other adventures occurred, that will have to remain unspoken of. 

(Crazy windstorm came in and caused the Mandarin Elders to crash, tender mercy the amount of damage they took)

Merry Post Christmas, eh? 

Jesus Christ remains the way, the truth, and the life. 

The one who showed how we understand and achieve the divine potential inherent in all. 

He Lives, and, even crazier, he loves. Always. 

Amen? 

Amen. 

Love you each!

- Elder Smith

1) Intense UNO reverse. Penalty of losing? Standing on the firing line of snowballs. 

2) Hot Chocolate stand adventure. It kinda flopped, but, we learn. 

3) Exchange with a champion. Elder Conlee. 

4) The first letter my eyes came across.

Thanks, Josh! 

5) Snowball fight with marshmallows for a Zone Christmas Devotional.

6) We carroled and this family really appreciated it. 

They attempted to give us 50$ cold. Though tempted, we refrained. 

7) Selfie with the District in FREEZING wind. 

8) Polaroid with the District. 

From Dad - Monday Musings

Memory

As we woke up Christmas morning and had only 3 kids here with us for presents, I couldn't help but remember a Christmas in 2013 when the Froelich's came to town for Steph and Tyler's wedding. What a great experience that was to get to know them and to spend time with them. Lot's can change in 9 years, but it is fun to look back and remember joyful experiences and memories together.

Motivation

For FHE we enjoyed having Abby's new "boyfriend", Garrett, over and we discussed the parable of the talents from the teachings of Jesus. Samuel shared some insights from a talk he'd heard in Church that brought some new light to this parable and its application to our every day life. If we take this parable and idea of each of us receiving talents or capabilities and bring it down to the daily level, we may find when we wake up each morning we may vary from day to day in what we are able to receive and do something with. Some mornings we may wake up rested, full of energy and have the equivilent of 5 talents to work with and magnify. Others we may be less so and only have 2 or even 1 talent to give that day. The key is to make something of what we are given regardless of how small or big and to lean on the Savior to help us do that.

Moment

Two big moments this week both having to do with relationships. First one was when Abby went to Garrett's place on Christmas eve and he asked if he could call himself her boyfriend. We're entering uncharted waters here as each of our children have had such different experiences with romantic relationships. Abby is an amazing and smart girl and we trust her in this heady but fun experience. The second came when Josh told us he'd talked to Madison's Dad, Kevin, and asked if he could marry his daughter. Exciting times and new adventures ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as and when it becomes more official.

Miracle

Christmas Sacrament meeting this week turned out to be a spiritual highlight and small miracle for me. Sometimes Christmas can become so busy and rushed that I don't always pause to feel the spirit of Christmas. As we sang in the choir and as I listened to the beautiful music and words spoken by my fellow ward members, my heart swelled with gratitude for the miracle of the gospel in my life and I felt a taste of the true reason for the season.