February 24, 2025
From Abby: FIVE
GUYS
It feels like an absolute eternity since we spoke last.. I'll admit the sleep behind my eyes demands that I indulge in some "Additional rest" as outlined in the missionary standards for disciples of Jesus Christ but theres simply not enough time and much too much to cover.
Last pday was the LAST pday of the transfer, the beloved Ozone has literally blown up and next transfer itll do the same (Since I'm definitely out of there... we hope)
Before volleyball last week Sister Bowser, Atwood, Ortiz and I ventured to Deseret book on a quest to emboss my BOM and Bible! I walk in with confident stride and a pep in my step anticipating this unique addition to my beloved scriptural canon; I walk up to the first employee and inquire as to where I need to go to get them embossed... He inquires back "Are they marked in?" … I answer "..Yes...?" he says with the timid fashion that could only comes from someone who "Just works here" "Then we can't do that for you.. sorry" ROCKED. I'll admit I was slightly upset but remained professional. Looks like my scriptures will be void of the epic stamp of my name until I can get back to the beloved small town of Cardston and trust in their niche methods.
We also went to Barnes and Noble and dropped a specific $40 USD on more Rifle Paper co study journals (Bless trust worthy brands)
It feels like an absolute eternity since we spoke last.. I'll admit the sleep behind my eyes demands that I indulge in some "Additional rest" as outlined in the missionary standards for disciples of Jesus Christ but theres simply not enough time and much too much to cover.
Last pday was the LAST pday of the transfer, the beloved Ozone has literally blown up and next transfer itll do the same (Since I'm definitely out of there... we hope)
Before volleyball last week Sister Bowser, Atwood, Ortiz and I ventured to Deseret book on a quest to emboss my BOM and Bible! I walk in with confident stride and a pep in my step anticipating this unique addition to my beloved scriptural canon; I walk up to the first employee and inquire as to where I need to go to get them embossed... He inquires back "Are they marked in?" … I answer "..Yes...?" he says with the timid fashion that could only comes from someone who "Just works here" "Then we can't do that for you.. sorry" ROCKED. I'll admit I was slightly upset but remained professional. Looks like my scriptures will be void of the epic stamp of my name until I can get back to the beloved small town of Cardston and trust in their niche methods.
We also went to Barnes and Noble and dropped a specific $40 USD on more Rifle Paper co study journals (Bless trust worthy brands)
I find SO much satisfaction in office supplies I couldn't tell you why. Paper, pens sticky notes, files, paper clips, envelopes (You get it) MOST of all ball point ink pens :))))
Last week my mum sent me a wonderful lengthy email and gave me a generous description that I MUST document here simply for future me.
"I love you, baby girl.
Last week my mum sent me a wonderful lengthy email and gave me a generous description that I MUST document here simply for future me.
"I love you, baby girl.
You're a cracker jack and a lightening bolt all in one and the world needs you.
Have a great week!
Love you forever,
Mom"
Doesn't that make you want to CRY?! It certainly has that effect on me.
Sister Atwood and I have this dinky little keyboard in our apartment that doesn't have all of the octaves or a pedal (Choppy notes) But sometimes Sister Atwood pulls it out and plays for fun, I sing with her playing and its so wonderful: We were visiting with this older couple this week (Harvey and Mary Rich) we learn that he's been teaching piano for YEARS and he tells us he has half a million pages of music.. at the end of the lesson he showed us his music room and we walk through their cute little 8 ft ceiling home into his teaching room. We entered this room with TALL ceilings (15 ft or so) and he has shelves TOP to bottom of piano music!!! Sister Atwood and I GASPED with the grandeur of one who only has DREAMT of having a room like that. We asked if we could come back and play his pianos sometime and he said we could.. So we're going this evening :)
We met the guy who wrote the computer software for Relatives around me on family search! Tom Sederberg is his name and when we first met him he opened the door and said "Hello. We're members." BRUH. They say never meet your heroes :( (Jk he was fine.. the expectations were just too high)
This week we received a STRANGE referral. Tuesday night we were bringing our bikes in from the apartment and we get a call from some sisters in our mission. They tell us about someone they found named Bella whos Currently on date for baptism and is moving into one of our wards. She's 17 and her parents don't consent to her being taught.. SO she's turning 18 on March 23, MARRIED the next day (her parents also have zero knowledge of that..) to a 22 year old?! And then wants to be taught the 24-28 a condensed version of all the lessons and then get baptized on the 29th. We're not allowed to meet with her at all leading up to then (Parents) AND transfers are on the 26 so I'll be leaving halfway through. WEIRD. We also accidentally knocked into the bishops home that's over the ward she's moving into the DAY he told his wife he needed to get in contact with us. #Spiritled.
Wednesday entailed an awesome district lunch at the Mexican place we went to the first day of the transfer, we DOWNED pulled pork fries (I know, so Mexican) Sister Ortiz asked "If you were a rodent.. What kind of rodent would you be?" That gives you an idea of what our district is like all the time :)
We had an AMAZING lesson with our friend Alex this week. I think I've talked about Alex before: She doesn't live in our area but is being fellowshipped by her boyfriends family (his family is in one of our wards) Chase (the bf) Also struggles with his testimony so its kinda for both of them.
Mom"
Doesn't that make you want to CRY?! It certainly has that effect on me.
Sister Atwood and I have this dinky little keyboard in our apartment that doesn't have all of the octaves or a pedal (Choppy notes) But sometimes Sister Atwood pulls it out and plays for fun, I sing with her playing and its so wonderful: We were visiting with this older couple this week (Harvey and Mary Rich) we learn that he's been teaching piano for YEARS and he tells us he has half a million pages of music.. at the end of the lesson he showed us his music room and we walk through their cute little 8 ft ceiling home into his teaching room. We entered this room with TALL ceilings (15 ft or so) and he has shelves TOP to bottom of piano music!!! Sister Atwood and I GASPED with the grandeur of one who only has DREAMT of having a room like that. We asked if we could come back and play his pianos sometime and he said we could.. So we're going this evening :)
We met the guy who wrote the computer software for Relatives around me on family search! Tom Sederberg is his name and when we first met him he opened the door and said "Hello. We're members." BRUH. They say never meet your heroes :( (Jk he was fine.. the expectations were just too high)
This week we received a STRANGE referral. Tuesday night we were bringing our bikes in from the apartment and we get a call from some sisters in our mission. They tell us about someone they found named Bella whos Currently on date for baptism and is moving into one of our wards. She's 17 and her parents don't consent to her being taught.. SO she's turning 18 on March 23, MARRIED the next day (her parents also have zero knowledge of that..) to a 22 year old?! And then wants to be taught the 24-28 a condensed version of all the lessons and then get baptized on the 29th. We're not allowed to meet with her at all leading up to then (Parents) AND transfers are on the 26 so I'll be leaving halfway through. WEIRD. We also accidentally knocked into the bishops home that's over the ward she's moving into the DAY he told his wife he needed to get in contact with us. #Spiritled.
Wednesday entailed an awesome district lunch at the Mexican place we went to the first day of the transfer, we DOWNED pulled pork fries (I know, so Mexican) Sister Ortiz asked "If you were a rodent.. What kind of rodent would you be?" That gives you an idea of what our district is like all the time :)
We had an AMAZING lesson with our friend Alex this week. I think I've talked about Alex before: She doesn't live in our area but is being fellowshipped by her boyfriends family (his family is in one of our wards) Chase (the bf) Also struggles with his testimony so its kinda for both of them.
Before we even started the lesson Alex asks when she could be BAPTIZED?! We talked about possible dates and nothings decided yet but it is SO COOL to literally see Alex become BRIGHTER. Every time we see her I swear her countenance shines.
That goes for chase too. He shared an experience with us where an older couple came up to him and said that they felt impressed to invite him to pray about serving a mission! He said he's never thought about it before but i think the spirits working on him :)
I love teaching people about THE way to obtain hope in this life. Its like handing someone a literal beam bubble of sunshine and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
We were knocking in this part of our area that has is exclusively condos and 60+ People: Sister Atwood and I were talking and we walk up to this doorstep and I just freaking JAB the doorbell (Which I've NEVER DONE.) We always knock first :) Sister Atwood looks at me and points at the little piece of green tape that's labeled "Please knock" SHOCKING.
The lady was nice though and we had a lovely visit :)
We also discovered BOTH of Sister Atwoods 1st Cousins twice removed (her grandpas cousin and grandmas cousin) TWO days apart from each other. Bless family search.. Maybe Tom Sederberg isn't that bad afterall *Shrugs*
This most recent Sunday I was sitting in church and although I always grab a program I don't always read it.. THIS week I did! I was so happy to discover this quote from Jeffrey R Holland (I will never ever stop quoting him.) This is from his talk titled "I Am He" October 2024 (When I was in the MTC!)
"And one day that prophetic guidance will lead a generation to see our Messenger of Salvation descend like “lightning … out of the east,” and we will exclaim, “Jesus of Nazareth.” With arms forever outstretched and love unfeigned, He will reply, “I am he.” I so promise with the apostolic power and authority of His holy name, even Jesus Christ, amen."
Isn't that so powerful? I know that when Jesus Christ comes again he ONLY will come with love and arms forever outstretched to each and every one of us :)
That goes for chase too. He shared an experience with us where an older couple came up to him and said that they felt impressed to invite him to pray about serving a mission! He said he's never thought about it before but i think the spirits working on him :)
I love teaching people about THE way to obtain hope in this life. Its like handing someone a literal beam bubble of sunshine and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
We were knocking in this part of our area that has is exclusively condos and 60+ People: Sister Atwood and I were talking and we walk up to this doorstep and I just freaking JAB the doorbell (Which I've NEVER DONE.) We always knock first :) Sister Atwood looks at me and points at the little piece of green tape that's labeled "Please knock" SHOCKING.
The lady was nice though and we had a lovely visit :)
We also discovered BOTH of Sister Atwoods 1st Cousins twice removed (her grandpas cousin and grandmas cousin) TWO days apart from each other. Bless family search.. Maybe Tom Sederberg isn't that bad afterall *Shrugs*
This most recent Sunday I was sitting in church and although I always grab a program I don't always read it.. THIS week I did! I was so happy to discover this quote from Jeffrey R Holland (I will never ever stop quoting him.) This is from his talk titled "I Am He" October 2024 (When I was in the MTC!)
"And one day that prophetic guidance will lead a generation to see our Messenger of Salvation descend like “lightning … out of the east,” and we will exclaim, “Jesus of Nazareth.” With arms forever outstretched and love unfeigned, He will reply, “I am he.” I so promise with the apostolic power and authority of His holy name, even Jesus Christ, amen."
Isn't that so powerful? I know that when Jesus Christ comes again he ONLY will come with love and arms forever outstretched to each and every one of us :)
This week I've been SURFING the Gospel music app for stellar youth music bops that aren't sickeningly cheesy.. its been a Journey but if you have any favorites will you please recommend? I would be grateful for anything 
WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH
Q: Why do we need a modern day prophet if God can answer our prayers directly?
A: God can answer our prayers directly! Although that revelatory process is sacred snd valuable, it operates on a personal scale.
-The Holy Ghost can witness to us that the Gospel is true! It can lead and guide us within those revelations of God that are made manifest through Prophets (D&C 107: 91-92)
WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH
Q: Why do we need a modern day prophet if God can answer our prayers directly?
A: God can answer our prayers directly! Although that revelatory process is sacred snd valuable, it operates on a personal scale.
-The Holy Ghost can witness to us that the Gospel is true! It can lead and guide us within those revelations of God that are made manifest through Prophets (D&C 107: 91-92)
-There are levels of revelation from God>These levels or capacities to receive revelation are predicated upon priesthood power (Gods power and authority)
-The Prophet holds the keys(Access to that righteous worthy authority) to DIRECT us (Teach, commandments, warn us, organize, delegate, reveal Gods will etc) God speaks through them :)
-Within the direction of our prophet we can seek confirmation of that truth, and personal direction within that truth by receiving those personal answers to our prayers (Personal revelation!)
Jacob 4:6
"We search the prophets...and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken."
Ephesians 4:11-14
"He gave prophets...For the perfecting oof the saints...for the edifying of the body of Christ That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine... But speaking the truth in love may grow up unto him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
Moroni 10:4-5
"And when ye shall receive these things (Scripture/teaching from prophets) I would exhort you that ye would ask God the eternal Father in the name of Christ if these things are not true..And by the power of the holy ghost ye may know the truth of all things!"
And with that I leave you a very late and lengthy email.
-The Prophet holds the keys(Access to that righteous worthy authority) to DIRECT us (Teach, commandments, warn us, organize, delegate, reveal Gods will etc) God speaks through them :)
-Within the direction of our prophet we can seek confirmation of that truth, and personal direction within that truth by receiving those personal answers to our prayers (Personal revelation!)
Jacob 4:6
"We search the prophets...and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken."
Ephesians 4:11-14
"He gave prophets...For the perfecting oof the saints...for the edifying of the body of Christ That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine... But speaking the truth in love may grow up unto him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
Moroni 10:4-5
"And when ye shall receive these things (Scripture/teaching from prophets) I would exhort you that ye would ask God the eternal Father in the name of Christ if these things are not true..And by the power of the holy ghost ye may know the truth of all things!"
And with that I leave you a very late and lengthy email.
Please excuse typos 
Yesterday I hit 5 months of being a Missionary for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints and in one way I find that absolutely shocking and in another I feel as though I have been here for an eternity and a half.
With an eternal perspective, and faith in Jesus Christ how could one ever be truly discouraged :)
I love all of you oh so very much and thank you dearly for trying to understand all my ramblings.
Photos
I love all of you oh so very much and thank you dearly for trying to understand all my ramblings.
Photos
To mimic Jacob
Adieu!
-Sister Smith
-Sister Smith
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