January 9, 2023

From Ben - From Armchair to Blizzard

"So... it's 10% of my increase?"

"Yep, that's correct "

...

"I'm devastated" 

(Uh oh, my brain thinks) 

"Things were going so well, our lessons so pleasant, and now you pull this on me!?" 

Long story short, the lesson was a bust

Our lessons truly were going pleasant! 

They were filled with genuine prayers and comforting Gospel truths. 

To this friend of ours' credit, their financial situation was tough, and they were having a tough day, so the lesson about a financial sacrifice as a preparatory requirement of faith and commitment before baptism really rubbed the wrong way. 

It took a couple days of tension and some heavenly help (in the form of an angel member and a missionary friend), but this particular friend was able to see the why, have a softened heart, and commit to live the Law of Tithing. 

I think God was pretty smart to, since old Testament times, reveal a commandment that required financial commitment. 

It forces me (and others) to get out of our armchair faith and discipleship, away from the fireplace and comforting blankets, and into the wintery cold, trusting our Father in Heaven when He says it's necessary for the building of our souls, and the saving and serving of some toe-frozen, shivering brother or sister. 

To quote Jeffery R. Holland's young adult Devotional from yesterday 

"Untried faith isn't really much faith at all" 

It's something I gotta remember often, and it builds me so much to see others build their own faith and sacrifice to come to the Lord. 

We spend a lot of time at the local university campus - McMaster University, and met this giant of a man (6'7" we think) who plays on the Volleyball team. 

He said he'd be interested to maybe learn more when school began, but also invited us to one of their upcoming volleyball games. 

Now, in hindsight, we aren't sure how productive this decision was, but for our lunch hour, we packed up some peanut butter sandwiches, and apple or two, and some crackers, then, for lunch, went and watched the university volleyball game to support our friend. 

Either way, it was crazy. 

I'm a different man after watching this game. 

They played Long Beach, the 2nd best volleyball team in the states, and the game was amazing. 

The players on the side would explode into the air and with cannon arms, meteor smash the volleyball straight to the opposing teams court. 

With trained reflexes, these short guys (called liberos), in a way that blows my mind to this moment, would stop the ball. 

They knew where to be and knew what to do to recieve these lightning smashes. 

It was incredible. 

What an amazing example of the power of agency. This team of players had been playing for a long time together. Training and voluntarily giving their time to become excellent at their chosen activity. 

By their freedom of decision they found excellence individually and in unity. 

They probably had to sacrifice time on weekends, with their family and even book time off work. 

But through it all, they competed with one of the greatest teams in the states and saw clearly the reward of high achievement. 

I want my discipleship and faith to mirror such principles of excellence. 

I often let cheap excuses and small conveniences get in the way of radiant hope and faith.

Why not abide the Celestial laws that ensure these such a performance? 

Awake my soul, so shall it be 

MLC happened.

D&C 121 is the way. Golly.

One of our dear friend, Venessa, was baptized yesterday. 

Elder Mercado performed the baptism of water, and I got to confirm her. 

Definitely a cherished memory. 

Love you each!! 

- Elder Smith

1) After the Baptism of our friend

2) Before the baptism

3) Preparing for the baptism

4) Two days before the baptism, doing a role play teaching

5) Five days before the baptism, sneaking a shot at MLC.

Benjamin Smith

From Mom - LLL=BOS

Dear Ben,

It seems that a person can live on this earth for 50 years and not know what absolute luxury is until her husband buys her battery operated socks. It’s true Ben. I’ve had ice cube feet for 15 years … especially in the refrigerator that is our church building … but not today! Today I wore a long dress, knee high socks that contain a battery pack on the outside of each calf, completely hidden underneath my tall boots. No one knew I was controlling the temperature with the app on my phone. No one suspected that my smile of joy was actually because my feet were finally warm. It was the best church meeting in YEARS. I could actually concentrate on what the speakers were saying. Strengthening faith and finding joy in repentance was somehow newfound information; I was listening with fresh ears. Turns out being comfortable is actually helpful in absorbing knowledge.

Life’s Little Luxury = Battery Operated Socks

I’m converted to them. I’m wearing them to work, every Sunday and probs around the house (although Sam got me some super warm slippers that are handy at home, which I also love). So now you know the highlight of the week for me. 

Oh man and that’s saying a lot because I had the privilege of seeing Fiddler on the Roof at the Jubilee Auditorium on Saturday. SO. GOOD. I laughed. I cried. So. Good. 

Cindy Garbutt invited me six months ago and I completely forgot! Without her reminder text I would have missed it. In hindsight, I wished I had got a ticket for everyone else too. It was that good. With Mama Mia, Fiddler and Big Fish in Feb, I’ll be set for live theatre for awhile.

And speaking about theatre, we had the cast party at our house this week too. The last person left around 1:30 a.m. (It was Garrett, lol.) and the girls stayed up and chatted until 4:45 a.m with Kadence and Gabby. Let’s just say it took a few days of sleep catch up. Around 20 highschool kids showed up and they seemed to have a great time around the fire, then coming in for some games and singing Abba songs. Overall success!

And my scraggle-tooth is fixed!

And we went out and watched the new Avatar movie (also pretty good).

And Mia, Dad and I learned to play Hearts together and laughed our faces off (Mia won).

And yet … warm feet still trumps all. 

I can’t help but feel full gratitude for such a simple comfort. And my warm feet makes me think about what it will be like to see the Saviour again. To realize we were actually living without his physical presence for so long and now … pure warmth. I can’t help but think about what kind of wonderful personality He has … the kind of person that just fills you up heart and soul. It’s a fun contemplation. Because I do believe it all. And it certainly makes life worth living. More joyful anyway. 

Sadly, I took no pictures of this glorious week. Maybe Dad will send you some. 

Love to you forever!

Mom

(But I did take this one )

Seen while shopping

And this one 

 (Because we were laughing so hard at your horrible connection last week and you and Mia calling out each others names for 10 minutes )