February 10, 2025
From Abby - Come On Dear Brother!
Hi Everyone 
I'm currently feeling somewhat stressed because Im only now starting this email at 10:09 in the morning when i usually would be avidly typing away at approximately 7:00AM :D
So we're running 3 hours behind :)
What's even more discouraging is that I'm behind on my journaling.. I think I'm halfway through friday in THAT timeline which is something else entirely
I wasn't behind on my journaling until Sister Atwood showed up...
Its hard being a mom
*Dabs*
So we're running 3 hours behind :)
What's even more discouraging is that I'm behind on my journaling.. I think I'm halfway through friday in THAT timeline which is something else entirely
I wasn't behind on my journaling until Sister Atwood showed up...
Its hard being a mom
*Dabs*
Maybe these two factors will actually allow my email to be short enough for a casual read..
Elder Chapin Informed me that it took him approximately 13:52.29 minutes to read my email last week which I thought was somewhat an egregious amount of time
inversely a sad amount of time for how much went INTO the email..
Its like a meal taking 2 hours to make and only 10 minutes to eat
I DIGRESS (NEVER)
Last P-day we made bracelets at one of our members homes who has a STELLAR bracelet making kit. Sister Atwood and I made bracelets with each others names on them and If that's not comp unity I don't know what is
️It was funny every time I looked at Elder Chapin he seemed more stressed at all the options that lay before him. He was in full on crisis mode over a bracelet and I didn't feel bad getting a laugh out of it because he's a good sport and it was hilarious (Sorry Elder Chapin)
I was Listening to Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk this week "Burying Our Weapons Of Rebellion".
During the talk he gives examples of willful rebellion: One of which that ended more happily than others was an interaction between Joseph Smith and William Phelps In the early days of the church.
Phelps Joined the Church in 1831 and at first helped with its progress and support > Later he turned against the church even to the point of giving false testimony in the Missouri court against Joseph (Which contributed to the result of Joseph Smiths Imprisonment)
Christofferson in his talk shares these letter excerpts between Smith and Phelps after the conflict of Phelps rebellion subsides:
Phelps: "I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to be saved if my friends will help me"
Smith: "It is true that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior However the cup has been drunk, the will of our Heavenly Father has been done, and we are yet alive... Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, for friends at first are friends again at last"
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THAT??
I'm so grateful for Joseph's example of forgiveness. I also feel the pain and releif that comes from a repentant heart, and a forgiving friend :)
It made me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside so I thought I must share!
Sister Atwood and I were visiting with an older couple this week and upon our inquiry if anyone else could use a visit from us the old guy looks at us and says "I suspect that every less active or non member probably has been approached a repeated amount of times, I cant see much success in you trying.."
Phelps Joined the Church in 1831 and at first helped with its progress and support > Later he turned against the church even to the point of giving false testimony in the Missouri court against Joseph (Which contributed to the result of Joseph Smiths Imprisonment)
Christofferson in his talk shares these letter excerpts between Smith and Phelps after the conflict of Phelps rebellion subsides:
Phelps: "I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to be saved if my friends will help me"
Smith: "It is true that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior However the cup has been drunk, the will of our Heavenly Father has been done, and we are yet alive... Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, for friends at first are friends again at last"
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THAT??
I'm so grateful for Joseph's example of forgiveness. I also feel the pain and releif that comes from a repentant heart, and a forgiving friend :)
It made me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside so I thought I must share!
Sister Atwood and I were visiting with an older couple this week and upon our inquiry if anyone else could use a visit from us the old guy looks at us and says "I suspect that every less active or non member probably has been approached a repeated amount of times, I cant see much success in you trying.."
I wanted to say "I suspect that THAT attitude is a VERY fast way to get discouraged.. And also why are you placing limits on god?!" Instead I said "It never hurts to try again:)"
I always love people.. sometimes I just don't like them!
This week I opened all the gratitude papers I wrote during November and December 2024 because I completely forgot about the Jar and Decided It was about time to remember what I wrote! Here are a couple of my favorites
"Orange Juice in the AM"
"Snowww on eyelashes and Hair :)"
"Anticipating the end of training" XD
"Farmers Markets and Linking Arms"
"Childrens sweet testimonies"
Gosh past me is so cute, how does she come up with these types of things.
I love this sentence from my journal
"Pros is so much better with solar power."
I always love people.. sometimes I just don't like them!
This week I opened all the gratitude papers I wrote during November and December 2024 because I completely forgot about the Jar and Decided It was about time to remember what I wrote! Here are a couple of my favorites
"Orange Juice in the AM"
"Snowww on eyelashes and Hair :)"
"Anticipating the end of training" XD
"Farmers Markets and Linking Arms"
"Childrens sweet testimonies"
Gosh past me is so cute, how does she come up with these types of things.
I love this sentence from my journal
"Pros is so much better with solar power."
(Shoutout Lorde)
a couple days this week sister Atwood and I had to really try hard to remember that its FEBRUARY. What's with the literal +15 degrees Celsius?! (This weeks low is -12 so its a little colder but its def not -30 :O)
This week Sister Atwood got MENTOR NUMBER THREE. She's been the best out of all of them so its chill but my goodness all the changes are kinda silly.
This week Sister Atwood hit ONE month in the field which means its been an entire month of TRAINING and my goodness its gone slow. (Bet you thought I was going to say fast.. wrong.)
I don't want to lie it has been fast actually, but also painfully slow. I don't know which one to pick since the day she came feels both like an hour ago and simultaneously also like 6 months ago. Make it make sense
Before one of our lessons with Alex this week we ZOOMED up and hopped off our bikes (Semi late) Sister Atwood locked the bikes while I updated the time on PMG and then we decided we should say a quick prayer, we both fold our arms and Sister Atwood is about to say it when the screen door opens to the house and Taylor (Alex's boyfriend Chase's Younger Brother) walks out and we're like "Oh heyy Taylor" and he's like "Why are you guys just standing out here.. I saw you and decided to come get you" (Kids like 14) we explained that we were about to pray and invited him to Join XD We stood in a mini circle and we still asked for help on the lesson and blessed the Bowen fam etc It was so funny to me that he joined our prayer I felt glad :) After the lesson Sister Bowen said we bring such a good spirit and he declared that we have +1000 Aura
#Divinetiming
a couple days this week sister Atwood and I had to really try hard to remember that its FEBRUARY. What's with the literal +15 degrees Celsius?! (This weeks low is -12 so its a little colder but its def not -30 :O)
This week Sister Atwood got MENTOR NUMBER THREE. She's been the best out of all of them so its chill but my goodness all the changes are kinda silly.
This week Sister Atwood hit ONE month in the field which means its been an entire month of TRAINING and my goodness its gone slow. (Bet you thought I was going to say fast.. wrong.)
I don't want to lie it has been fast actually, but also painfully slow. I don't know which one to pick since the day she came feels both like an hour ago and simultaneously also like 6 months ago. Make it make sense
Before one of our lessons with Alex this week we ZOOMED up and hopped off our bikes (Semi late) Sister Atwood locked the bikes while I updated the time on PMG and then we decided we should say a quick prayer, we both fold our arms and Sister Atwood is about to say it when the screen door opens to the house and Taylor (Alex's boyfriend Chase's Younger Brother) walks out and we're like "Oh heyy Taylor" and he's like "Why are you guys just standing out here.. I saw you and decided to come get you" (Kids like 14) we explained that we were about to pray and invited him to Join XD We stood in a mini circle and we still asked for help on the lesson and blessed the Bowen fam etc It was so funny to me that he joined our prayer I felt glad :) After the lesson Sister Bowen said we bring such a good spirit and he declared that we have +1000 Aura
#Divinetiming
We knocked into this one member home and discovered a SUPER MOM. She welcomes us in as shes preparing dinner > we discover she's VEGAN and whipps out her homemade Mayo and sour cream :o She's frying corn while cutting up onions, cilantro, Jalapenos, and throwing a plethora of spices into all of it WHILE literally parenting her 5 children and making great conversation with us EVEN BRAINSTORMING with us for our area. We also learn that all of them play the freaking harp and piano. i know that no family is perfect but It was unreal to witness! We had dinner with them on Sunday and I think it was the best I've ever eaten. EVER. Also it was great because they don't care about the super Bowl so we weren't taking them away from anything :)
All their Kids gave us hugs when we left and were sad when we said we couldn't have a sleepover :)
We had EXCHANGES this week! Sister Atwood led out our area with Sister Briggs while I was with Sister Barnette in her area!
Exchanges are SO fun and it always feels strange to be in another area, and on another bike! > It snowed while we were out in the dark and I rejoiced in witnessing fat snowflakes fall vividly under street lamp lighting :)
We had EXCHANGES this week! Sister Atwood led out our area with Sister Briggs while I was with Sister Barnette in her area!
Exchanges are SO fun and it always feels strange to be in another area, and on another bike! > It snowed while we were out in the dark and I rejoiced in witnessing fat snowflakes fall vividly under street lamp lighting :)
We met some awesome people including someone who knows Heather Burton! (Someone from Canada) and also a family that has a radio communications room :) They said if the world ended to go there. I hope they weren't joking because they live a 7 minute bike ride from me :)
-At one point we got a call from Ashley, A sweet girl who used to be taught but she isn't quite accountable so missionaries just visit every once in a while > I watched Sister Barnette talk with her and she shared a scripture from 3rd Nephi when Jesus comes to the Americas and lets the people feel the nail prints in his hands and feet, she shared her testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how he loves her so much. Although Ashley can't fully understand I felt the spirit and was grateful for Sister Barnette and her example of Christ like love and ministering to the one :)
On Saturday we were able to have dinner with the Christensens! They were my FIRST member meal and I love them so much. We asked advice on how we could find our eternal companion and they told us their love story.
Brother Christensen goes: "We were told by the spirit"
And Sister Christensen says "LITERALLY."
Brother Christensen tells us he was a WEEK off his mission and walked in late to one of his classes: He sat behind Sister Christensen and he said when he saw her (Just the back of her) He got a strong feeling that said "This is the woman you're going to marry"
In that same class Sister Christensen heard him give a "Profound comment" and when she turned around and saw him she had the SAME IMPRESSION "This is the Man you're going to marry"
and she felt it multiple times after that before even talking to him.
I could go on and on but DUDE where's my husband and how the heck am I gonna know its him because I suspect I function by rays not pillars (pillars and rays by Alexander Dushku)
Anyways...
Other Random events:
-We were biking to the top of our area and we bike past this cookie stand as we head to our appointment (Appointment CANCELLED) so we zoom back to the cookie stand and sacrificed $1USD for a cookie (worth it)
First of all its criminal that its warm enough for kids to be out with a table selling cookies
Second of all they were actually making bank and were absolutely adorable.
we also ran into the couple we had helped wrangle chickens! it was good to see them again outside of that context XD
-On Sunday we were about to bike to our 1000th meeting of the day when my back tire literally is being SKETCH. We're trying to figure it out and were wiggling it this way and that trying to determine what is going on when this member LITERALLY appears and he's like "Is something wrong?" and we're like "Our back tire is being strange" bro looks at it, wiggles and tightens something and is like "Try it now" > Bike *Works perfectly* We decided he was an angel :)
ALSO TENDER MERCY
My bikes chain has been catching for like 2 months now and all it took was Sister Briggs riding it to tell me I just needed to change the gears on the right side > I've never been more elated to be a biking Sister. Its so much more fun to bike when you aren't living in fear of your chain :)
Ignorance isn't bliss when its hindering you.
WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH
January 30th Q: "I have already been baptized. Why do I need to do it again?"
A: We must be baptized by emersion by someone who has the proper Authority! Specifically a worthy Priesthood holder.
-Priesthood is the authority and power that God gives to man to act in gods will for his children's salvation!
-At one point we got a call from Ashley, A sweet girl who used to be taught but she isn't quite accountable so missionaries just visit every once in a while > I watched Sister Barnette talk with her and she shared a scripture from 3rd Nephi when Jesus comes to the Americas and lets the people feel the nail prints in his hands and feet, she shared her testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how he loves her so much. Although Ashley can't fully understand I felt the spirit and was grateful for Sister Barnette and her example of Christ like love and ministering to the one :)
On Saturday we were able to have dinner with the Christensens! They were my FIRST member meal and I love them so much. We asked advice on how we could find our eternal companion and they told us their love story.
Brother Christensen goes: "We were told by the spirit"
And Sister Christensen says "LITERALLY."
Brother Christensen tells us he was a WEEK off his mission and walked in late to one of his classes: He sat behind Sister Christensen and he said when he saw her (Just the back of her) He got a strong feeling that said "This is the woman you're going to marry"
In that same class Sister Christensen heard him give a "Profound comment" and when she turned around and saw him she had the SAME IMPRESSION "This is the Man you're going to marry"
and she felt it multiple times after that before even talking to him.
I could go on and on but DUDE where's my husband and how the heck am I gonna know its him because I suspect I function by rays not pillars (pillars and rays by Alexander Dushku)
Anyways...
Other Random events:
-We were biking to the top of our area and we bike past this cookie stand as we head to our appointment (Appointment CANCELLED) so we zoom back to the cookie stand and sacrificed $1USD for a cookie (worth it)
First of all its criminal that its warm enough for kids to be out with a table selling cookies
Second of all they were actually making bank and were absolutely adorable.
we also ran into the couple we had helped wrangle chickens! it was good to see them again outside of that context XD
-On Sunday we were about to bike to our 1000th meeting of the day when my back tire literally is being SKETCH. We're trying to figure it out and were wiggling it this way and that trying to determine what is going on when this member LITERALLY appears and he's like "Is something wrong?" and we're like "Our back tire is being strange" bro looks at it, wiggles and tightens something and is like "Try it now" > Bike *Works perfectly* We decided he was an angel :)
ALSO TENDER MERCY
My bikes chain has been catching for like 2 months now and all it took was Sister Briggs riding it to tell me I just needed to change the gears on the right side > I've never been more elated to be a biking Sister. Its so much more fun to bike when you aren't living in fear of your chain :)
Ignorance isn't bliss when its hindering you.
WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH
January 30th Q: "I have already been baptized. Why do I need to do it again?"
A: We must be baptized by emersion by someone who has the proper Authority! Specifically a worthy Priesthood holder.
-Priesthood is the authority and power that God gives to man to act in gods will for his children's salvation!
-This power not only allows us to be baptized by emersion (Which is a powerful symbolic ordinance: Sacred or symbolic act) but most importantly to be "Baptized by fire" or by the spirit!
-Someone who is called of god (Worthy priesthood) will place their hands on your head and bless you with the Gift of The Holy Ghost > We can Always have this spirit to be with us if we always remember Jesus Christ , Take his name upon us (So act like him follow his ways) and keep his commandments!
- Baptism on its own cannot give you this gift baptism by water and by fire must go hand in hand AND be administered by someone who is worthy to have that authority or commission from God.
Acts 19: 2-6
"Have ye received the Holy Ghost Since ye have been baptized?... and when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them."
3 Nephi 12:1
"I have given them power that they might baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost
Article's Of Faith: 5
Acts 19: 2-6
"Have ye received the Holy Ghost Since ye have been baptized?... and when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them."
3 Nephi 12:1
"I have given them power that they might baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost
Article's Of Faith: 5
"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."
-D&C 22 - Mosiah 18:17 - 2 Nephi 31:13 ETC
Anyways,
That was a long email :)
Things to look forward to and stress about:
We get transfer news next Sunday and who KNOWS what that could hold...
Valentines day this week! Almost exactly a year ago I broke up with my boyfriend :O (tmi? maybe, it's fine.) SO much can change in a year.
-D&C 22 - Mosiah 18:17 - 2 Nephi 31:13 ETC
Anyways,
That was a long email :)
Things to look forward to and stress about:
We get transfer news next Sunday and who KNOWS what that could hold...
Valentines day this week! Almost exactly a year ago I broke up with my boyfriend :O (tmi? maybe, it's fine.) SO much can change in a year.
Galentines as a Sister Missionary for the win.
-Film being developed :) (SO broke)
-Film being developed :) (SO broke)
If you take ANYTHING away from these emails please have it be that I love this Gospel, Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Parents more than life.
I'm elated to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ, and I know my joy will NEVER be more full than when I'm following in HIS ways, aligning my will with Gods will, and trying every day to be like Jesus.
I love you all dearly
I love you all dearly
I hope this week for you holds all you desire :)
With Jubilant exclamation, and a plethora of photos,
With Jubilant exclamation, and a plethora of photos,
-Sister Smith
From Dad - Family
Dear Abby,
What a wonderful week. Despite having to run away for a brief business trip, the time Mom and I got to spend with the Froelich’s was precious and savored. I particularly enjoyed when Tyler would bring Margo into our room early in the morning to care for while they slept. What joyful memories with the newest member of our eternal family.
I also really treasured the time spent with Bowie. On Saturday Tyler, Bowie and I met up with Hadley and Parker at the farmers market and enjoyed some good food and playtime at the playground. Something magical about playing with children and grandchildren.
Bowie is getting so big and capable and I loved every minute playing with her. I'm grateful for Steph and Tyler's choice to have another baby. Truly a blessing for our whole family.
We had an adventure on the way home. I somehow messed up the time zones in my calculations of when we needed to take the shuttle to Las Vegas and we ended up missing the time a lot to check in and get mom’s boarding pass. I tried to go ahead and fly myself as I had a boarding pass but I was too late. We are Never flying Flair airlines again. We bit the bullet and bought an expensive same day flight in WestJet to get home and we’re currently flying home as I type this. Sometimes you just have to shrug and laugh and move on.
We have had a trifecta of friends passing away this last couple of weeks. First Ray, then we were heartbroken to hear that Sonja DeClerk had passed away from complications due to mental health. Then Colleen, our renter in Leduc died. I’m thankful to have your Mom still with me especially as we face decisions about the Leduc house.
It looks like we’re really going to go to Japan in September. Just when we thought we’d take it easy this year. Also seriously considering going on a canoe trip this summer. I really do need to figure out how to strengthen my knees! My next experiment is to go on a sugar fast. Pray for my resolve!!
I’m sure you saw Ben's announcement. Mia has a single sibling to relate to again. We wish Megan all the best and pray for Ben as he adjusts. Isn’t life such a grand adventure?
On the Hinton front, we had 47 people at church on Sunday including a new family of 4. Mom is a member, husband is agnostic but looking and twin 4 year old girls! I'm excited to meet them. I love seeing everyone in the branch showing up and contributing. I love to see miracles happen. Speaking of miracles, pray for Mom and the Froelich's coughs and cold. Mom's still hacking up a lung whenever she eats something that irritates her throat.
Looking forward to talking to you.
Love you lots,
Dad.
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