July 28, 2025
From Abby - Great Expectations
Hi alll
I'm sitting here minding my business and realised I haven't started the weekly and its 9:47AM
not allowed
Today started with tragedy as we realised it was one of those week's we have to make our budget stretch for three weeks... We didn't... No groceries this week :D
Today started with tragedy as we realised it was one of those week's we have to make our budget stretch for three weeks... We didn't... No groceries this week :D
Last Pday we played kickball and bleached shirts... As always i'm humbled to play sports but i'm getting more used to it through shear exposure
It rained again and we whipped out the rain jackets :)
It rained again and we whipped out the rain jackets :)
yayyy
lowkey I wore this outfit on my FIRST day in the Field. October 16th 2024.. 9 months ago..
Observe ^
This one is much cuter though because its film..
Anyways
We had Sister Molenis LAST mentor session YAY (I only had to be here for like 4 of them but yay.) This is my 5th transfer of second comp study and mentor sessions... I don't know why I keep track of these things.
Heres a .5 from tuesdays weekly planning
This one is much cuter though because its film..
Anyways
We had Sister Molenis LAST mentor session YAY (I only had to be here for like 4 of them but yay.) This is my 5th transfer of second comp study and mentor sessions... I don't know why I keep track of these things.
Heres a .5 from tuesdays weekly planning
We REALLY want this area to succeed but the seeds we're sowing right now are Not manifesting in Key indicators. We had our ZLS, DLS, and STLS all planning with us at seperate times "What are you going to do differently.. This is what has helped me.. Do your wards do huddles?.. Have you prayed about these names?... How is uniting with members going?" Its all helpful but also kinda makes you feel like a piece of dirt at the same time cause you're like "... Why are you so worried about me and my area" Its like the teacher peeking over your shoulder while you're writing a test and then the teacher tells the class to read the questions carefully...
(no dig on leadership just recounting my own insecurities)
BUT It was good to plan. We're excited for this area. (Watch as we get RIPPED out come transfer news.. Please Prez have mercy)
Met basically the bishop of another religion.. We show up at the time he told us to come back and hes like "Ohhh nows actually an icky time becaue I'm about to have a bible study with my discipleship group." I'm like "ohhh cool!! Could we join?" The answer was "No :)"
I think its really interesting that he told us to come back and it happened to be at the exact time of this bible study he supposidly forgot about (Mind you the first interaction he didn't tell us he was religioius we just knew from the members around...)
Who knows ... but you have to wonder :)
Visted with this old lady who said she was engaged to 3 different guys at one time.. They all knew about the other engagements they were just willing to compete XD
Her husband (None of the 3) won her love becaue he got her the biggest ring?! Crazyy
She showed us her entire life history and we read her husbands love poems all together laughinggg and commenting. She was the sweetest.
BUT It was good to plan. We're excited for this area. (Watch as we get RIPPED out come transfer news.. Please Prez have mercy)
Met basically the bishop of another religion.. We show up at the time he told us to come back and hes like "Ohhh nows actually an icky time becaue I'm about to have a bible study with my discipleship group." I'm like "ohhh cool!! Could we join?" The answer was "No :)"
I think its really interesting that he told us to come back and it happened to be at the exact time of this bible study he supposidly forgot about (Mind you the first interaction he didn't tell us he was religioius we just knew from the members around...)
Who knows ... but you have to wonder :)
Visted with this old lady who said she was engaged to 3 different guys at one time.. They all knew about the other engagements they were just willing to compete XD
Her husband (None of the 3) won her love becaue he got her the biggest ring?! Crazyy
She showed us her entire life history and we read her husbands love poems all together laughinggg and commenting. She was the sweetest.
We went to the temple this week AHHHHH
My heart sings to be in the temple.
Sister Ortiz always gives me and everyone the biggest most comforting hugs in the celestial room, the sun is always STREAMING through and I always feel the spirit of peace enter into my soul.
I sat down to read and I open to a random page in the triple (Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price) and I open DIRECTLY to Doctrine and Covenants section 25. A revelation to Emma Smith (Joseph Smiths wife)
Here are the lines of this section that entered into my soul
1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; (Abigail, my daughter) for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.
My heart sings to be in the temple.
Sister Ortiz always gives me and everyone the biggest most comforting hugs in the celestial room, the sun is always STREAMING through and I always feel the spirit of peace enter into my soul.
I sat down to read and I open to a random page in the triple (Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price) and I open DIRECTLY to Doctrine and Covenants section 25. A revelation to Emma Smith (Joseph Smiths wife)
Here are the lines of this section that entered into my soul
1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; (Abigail, my daughter) for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.
3 Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called
10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.
13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
I think this speaks for itself.
I have felt those words in my mind so many times this week. "Abigail, my daughter"
God is teaching me more about my covenants, my relationship with Jesus Christ, and my divine identity in the temple.
It is literally the house of God.
I treasure my covenants, It is my lifelong persuit to live within them more fully everyday :)
God is teaching me more about my covenants, my relationship with Jesus Christ, and my divine identity in the temple.
It is literally the house of God.
I treasure my covenants, It is my lifelong persuit to live within them more fully everyday :)
We did a Sisters comp study this week with these two YSA girls that teach at the MTC!? It was flashbacks to the MTC and lowkey I still feel like that scared little missionary but.. Its fine
We devoured protein pancakes and it changed my life. I love being fed physically and then being fed spiritually. Its probably the best combo on earth.
May have been mega late for ZDC
Underestemated the ZLS patience they slayed.
Elder Taufanga chose me to be blindfolded for this object lesson thing? A little temple magnet was placed somewhere in the room and I had to be directed by everyone SCREAMING at me different directions hints.. I wasn't told WHO the "Holy Ghost" was supposed to be and I have NO CLUE how I made it to the temple.
Probably because Sister Ortiz was the truth teller.. A testimant to my subconcious following of her.
It was stressful and loud but lowkey an interesting comparison to the world
May have been mega late for ZDC
Underestemated the ZLS patience they slayed.
Elder Taufanga chose me to be blindfolded for this object lesson thing? A little temple magnet was placed somewhere in the room and I had to be directed by everyone SCREAMING at me different directions hints.. I wasn't told WHO the "Holy Ghost" was supposed to be and I have NO CLUE how I made it to the temple.
Probably because Sister Ortiz was the truth teller.. A testimant to my subconcious following of her.
It was stressful and loud but lowkey an interesting comparison to the world
would do again
Evening exchanges with Sister Ortiz
Evening exchanges with Sister Ortiz
A spontanous temple photoshoot did happen. You can't blame me.
We met a guy from Ukraine after knocking on his door a bajillion times and then deciding to leave a sticky note.. He opened the door RIGHT as we were walking away and I think he was SHOCKED to see that we were still there. Sorry king.
Also lame of you to ignore us but we're going to pretend that we're not butthurt... You get it!
We also celebrated Pioneer day as a zone!!
Elder Jenks and Elder Johnson had MASSIVE basketball shorts on which was comedic,
all the cool kids stayed in the gym to play basketball while the rest of us (like 5 or 6 of us) Played EXPLODING KITTENS.
I proclaimed myself as the exploding kittens champion and then of course got humbled.
Such a good game.
Yayyy zone^
Friday-Saturday was EXCHANGES
Sister Briggs and I ate it UP in her area. You would NOT believe the amount of things that we debriefed. Her companion right now is from Brazil and is learning english so she can't comunicate as complex of emotions.
I realized how much I love Yapping once again and am grateful for those who love me enough to let me yap
one question that was asked was "Do you like the person you're becoming?" Or "Are you in love with who you are right now?"
After some thought I concluded that I am. I'm so happy with who I am, and who I'm becoming. I wrote this in my journal that night:
Friday July 25th 9:28pm
"I really love who Im becoming. I also love who i am right now, I think i'm realising the fact that I am a woman. Someone who holds her head high, who has a love for life, and humanity, a comunicator, has a good measure of self worth and confidence, stands for her values. Someone who strives to practise creativity, and serve without reward, and have laughter and wellness as a daily activty. Someone who cares deeply about God and who can do hard things"
I also read in my Patriarchal blessing and this line stood out to me
"You are loved by your Heavenly Father. He has given you much and has great expectations for Abigail Jane Smith."
My joy comes from fulfilling Gods expectations, and using what he has given me to become great through him!!
Wow I really can go on and on
Saturday was a blur. We called a LOT of people... Sister Opps dropped off cow patty cookies :))
We taught Priests Quorum yesterday.. Terrifying
Had an old couple spontaneously feed us lunch, and we DIED at dinner. Too much good food i'm scared to step on s scale you don't even KNOW
and its monday once again.
I genuinly feel cooked
I hit TEN MONTHS of being a missionary this week. Now for SURE over halfway, and stressed everytime I see the countdown on my phone.. It currently says 261 days remaining.
The number is too small
After some thought I concluded that I am. I'm so happy with who I am, and who I'm becoming. I wrote this in my journal that night:
Friday July 25th 9:28pm
"I really love who Im becoming. I also love who i am right now, I think i'm realising the fact that I am a woman. Someone who holds her head high, who has a love for life, and humanity, a comunicator, has a good measure of self worth and confidence, stands for her values. Someone who strives to practise creativity, and serve without reward, and have laughter and wellness as a daily activty. Someone who cares deeply about God and who can do hard things"
I also read in my Patriarchal blessing and this line stood out to me
"You are loved by your Heavenly Father. He has given you much and has great expectations for Abigail Jane Smith."
My joy comes from fulfilling Gods expectations, and using what he has given me to become great through him!!
Wow I really can go on and on
Saturday was a blur. We called a LOT of people... Sister Opps dropped off cow patty cookies :))
We taught Priests Quorum yesterday.. Terrifying
Had an old couple spontaneously feed us lunch, and we DIED at dinner. Too much good food i'm scared to step on s scale you don't even KNOW
and its monday once again.
I genuinly feel cooked
I hit TEN MONTHS of being a missionary this week. Now for SURE over halfway, and stressed everytime I see the countdown on my phone.. It currently says 261 days remaining.
The number is too small
And that's if I extend :D
All these thoughts I leave with you
Bye :)
All these thoughts I leave with you
Bye :)
-Sister Smith
From Abby - Papa :)
Hi Dad!
This is a late Fathers day email, and early birthday email:)
I want to write out a journal entry that was written ON june 15th (Fathers Day) But now you're getting it and I hope it makes your day that much sweeter :)
"Today my mind wanders to my Papa. My wonderful, kind, ever empathetic, diligent, and faithful Dad.
My entire girlhood he was part of my life. A steady, loving, influence. Laying outside his office, or inside on the floor listening to his problem solving math voice, coming to him with my problems, requesting advice, complaining about siblings, crying into his warm hug.
I remember my Dad reading outloud rangers apprentace (And a plethora of other stories) or waking mia and I up morning after morning from sharing rooms to seperate, to homemade buttermilk pancakes, waffles, cornbread, eggs... Endlessly helping me with homework, reading glasses on, pencil out, scribbling and brainstorming whether it be chemistry math or physics. He would always work on problems long after I had given up and walked away with TEARS. I love my Dad because I feel like I can rely on him for everything. He's a problem solver and a hard worker.. Calling him crying when my car was malfunctioning or had a flat tire and crying immediatly when I heard his voice because it was just so comforting.
A walking buddy, a movie watching buddy, choir singing buddy.. An EVER stalwart example of consecrated obedience, expecting me to be better, do better, show up with diligence and joy, practise charity, have hard conversations, serve without reward, to encourage and lift others, try new things, DO hard things ETC
I remember when Dad sat down and told us (His kids) That he had struggled with pornography. I remember the sincerity and the tremble in his voice. It made him vulnerable and real, and also my hero. Most importantly my Dad taught and encouraged me to love God, and how to feel the spirit, he taught me how to love the gospel and to make my own choices; True principles were enfused into my childhood and then he let me govern myself. I'm grateful to have recieved fathers blessings, constant encouragment toward baptism, recieving my patriarchal blessing, going through the temple. serving a mission, and having gospel discussions
I miss my Dads hugs."
^This is a ramble of SO MANY favorite things
These two quotes
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."
This is a late Fathers day email, and early birthday email:)
I want to write out a journal entry that was written ON june 15th (Fathers Day) But now you're getting it and I hope it makes your day that much sweeter :)
"Today my mind wanders to my Papa. My wonderful, kind, ever empathetic, diligent, and faithful Dad.
My entire girlhood he was part of my life. A steady, loving, influence. Laying outside his office, or inside on the floor listening to his problem solving math voice, coming to him with my problems, requesting advice, complaining about siblings, crying into his warm hug.
I remember my Dad reading outloud rangers apprentace (And a plethora of other stories) or waking mia and I up morning after morning from sharing rooms to seperate, to homemade buttermilk pancakes, waffles, cornbread, eggs... Endlessly helping me with homework, reading glasses on, pencil out, scribbling and brainstorming whether it be chemistry math or physics. He would always work on problems long after I had given up and walked away with TEARS. I love my Dad because I feel like I can rely on him for everything. He's a problem solver and a hard worker.. Calling him crying when my car was malfunctioning or had a flat tire and crying immediatly when I heard his voice because it was just so comforting.
A walking buddy, a movie watching buddy, choir singing buddy.. An EVER stalwart example of consecrated obedience, expecting me to be better, do better, show up with diligence and joy, practise charity, have hard conversations, serve without reward, to encourage and lift others, try new things, DO hard things ETC
I remember when Dad sat down and told us (His kids) That he had struggled with pornography. I remember the sincerity and the tremble in his voice. It made him vulnerable and real, and also my hero. Most importantly my Dad taught and encouraged me to love God, and how to feel the spirit, he taught me how to love the gospel and to make my own choices; True principles were enfused into my childhood and then he let me govern myself. I'm grateful to have recieved fathers blessings, constant encouragment toward baptism, recieving my patriarchal blessing, going through the temple. serving a mission, and having gospel discussions
I miss my Dads hugs."
^This is a ramble of SO MANY favorite things
These two quotes
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."
-The Family
Love and righteousness indeed :)
Love and righteousness indeed :)
And I already mentioned this quote in my email on father's day but it's SO GOOD I'll write it again.
"Fathers, draw close to your children. Learn to communicate. Learn to listen. This means giving a father’s most valuable commodity—time! Only good results occur when a father interviews his sons and daughters regularly. He can know their problems and their hopes. He can align himself with them as their unconditional friend. To the extent we become friends with our children in unconditional love, to that extent we become like our Heavenly Father." - A Theodore Tuttle 1973
Truly Dad you're a spiritual giant and an anchor for my testimony. Thanks for being my Dad
Your daughter
-Abby
Your daughter
-Abby
From Dad - Reply
Way to go Abby. You made me cry. Thank you for your kind words.
Love you forever.
Dad.
Comments
Post a Comment