tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025698609470998292024-03-05T01:54:39.418-08:00Miranda's off to Michigan Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-87758374295528889322014-12-29T09:27:00.003-08:002014-12-29T09:27:15.667-08:00Obituary.....<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we would like to commemorate the life of Sister
Miranda Smith. She passes away on December 31st leaving her old life to embark
on a new journey in a world that is unknown to many. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith lived a wonderful life full of door knocking
and sharing the gospel to all that she could. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, MI
to Melissa Hunt who passed on about 6 months ago. Sister Smith learned how to
work and adjusted to being a missionary. She learned very much from her trainer
and remembers the sweet love and kindness that was shown to her as she was
still getting to know how to be a missionary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was then able to spread her wings and her transfers took
her to Midland 1st ward where she spent 6 months of her life. She served with
Sister Whipple and endured one of the harshest winters that Michigan has seen
in many years. She survived the polar vortex! Together Sister Whipple and her
knocked on doors all the day long but never lost hope of finding those that
would receive them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time then came for Sister Whipple to move and then
Sister Greene came in. Their time together was short but many laughs happened
and also a lot of learning about how to work with members! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After Sister's Smith long stay in Midland she was transferred
to Williamston which is outside East Lansing. There she was in a trio and
learned more about how she had that desire to bring others to Christ. While
serving there she was told that she would be training! Her first daughter's
name is Sister Morrison who now resides in Wyoming, MI. Their hard work and
effort helped the Williamston area to take root and they saw many miracles take
place! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her life took an unexpected turn! In July she was told that
she would be having another daughter and that she would white wash the area of
Bay City. Sister Jordan, her second daughter, came into the field running!
Together they too witnessed many miracles in Bay City! the work was definitely
hastening there, the flood gates were opening! While there they also go to
participate in the River of Time which is where they lived as the Mormon
Battalion for a few days. Many memories were made. Sister Jordan still resides
in Bay City. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again her time had come to an end and another
unexpected twist happened, she would be adopting a daughter! This took Sister
Smith back to some of her old roots in Midland but this time being in the 2nd
ward! Together Sister Chisholm and Smith built a great relationship and they
laughed and taught one another many things. They were saddened by the thought
that their time together might come to an end..... but! They received the news
that they would would be getting a daughter! Yeah!!! They joy that they
had! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The legend of Sister Smith will live on through her children
and grandchildren. She is very pleased with them and happy to have had the
opportunity to serve with all of them! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith in her last days has been with Sister Lau and
Sister Chisholm in her home away from home, Midland. As she has reflected on
her life she is go grateful for the opportunity to live as a missionary and to
have served with such wonderful people. Her testimony of the gospel has grown
and she wouldn't be who she is today without her mission in the Michigan
Lansing Mission. She knows with all her heart that the teachings of Christ are
true and that as we all follow them we will receive the greatest amounts of
happiness and joy. Because of her mission her life has been forever changed and
as well she has been able to see the lives of others change which she is
eternally grateful for. She invites all to come unto Christ and partake of His
atonement and the peace that comes with it! She loves you all and is thankful
for the support and love that has been shown to her the year and a half. Until
we meet again! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-24631344670885520432014-12-29T09:26:00.002-08:002014-12-29T09:26:23.824-08:003 DAYS!!!!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family and Friends!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So background to the 3 days thing is that well it is 3 days
til Christmas but also our mission basically has like a theme CD and basically
everyone in the mission knows that songs and if you don't you will soon get to
know them because that is basically what everyone in the mission listens to! It
is called "Lamb of God" best thing in the world! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> We went to Santa House!!! It was totally
legit because we were able to go when Santa wasn't there and it was supposed to
be closed but the lady let us in! Santa House is this house in town that is all
decorated and stuff like that and it has moving puppets and it snowed bubbles
and crazy awesome things like that!!! It was totally wicked! Also we laughed
like crazy!!! It turns out that I'm a lot more funnier then I thought or
missionaries just laugh at anything.... either way it was great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> We had dinner with the Duncans who are some
of my favorite members. They fed us steak and sweet potatoes! It was so great!
We also got to see this video with David Archuleta in the biggest live nativity
ever! I recommend watching that if you haven't seen it! It is wonderful and
brings the spirit very strongly! The only thing bad about this whole entire thing
is that this was the last time that I would see them! They are going back home
for Christmas and won't be back til I'm gone! These are the problems I deal
with when I leave so close to the holiday season! It was a great night
though! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We had interviews!!!!!! My interview
basically consisted of "why are we even having this interview" haha!
Let's just say it was short! Oh, we were able to watch Meet the Mormons again
though! That was totally awesome!!!! That movie is top notch for sure! Also
that day I went on trade-offs to Mt. Pleasant! It is always strange to go back
to where you were trained. I got to see Robert Bronson, the person I first
taught! It was awesome! It was also funny to see the growth that has taken
place in me and the confidence that I have built up in teaching. Experience
really does add a lot! Awww I just love everything about missions! It's the
greatest!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> So we had dinner with a family in our ward
and we were invited to play the chimes with them at our Christmas party and so
we practiced with them and it was super funny! Bro. Carn is hilarious and kept
making us practice over and over again. It was really funny and we had a lot of
laughs just trying to practice our song. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> Oh this was really great! We were door
knocking and we were able to talk to this man for a while. He works with a lot
of LDS members and they have really impacted him a great way. He asked us a few
questions and he told us that he had read half the Book of Mormon which
surprisingly happens more then you would think. He also told us that us talking
to him will probably have some sort of impact on him in his life, maybe not
today or tomorrow but someday it probably will. That was pretty sweet! He
really wasn't interested in learning more at this time but hey it was still
great! See, members are legit! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> Our Christmas party!!!!! It was a lot of
fun! There was a TON of ham and cheesy potatoes and lots of green beans......
typical. Haha! We performed our chimes and it actually turned out pretty well!
I' d say that it was a success for sure! Oh also a member went door knocking
with me and she said that we had guts for doing what we do! Haha it's funny
because door knocking has become second nature to me, it's basically part of my
daily routine now. Oh also we met this women named Kim, at a different time
then with the member, and she told us that she had prayed to have someone come
and talk to her and show her what she needed to do. It was awesome! I don't
think I've ever really had that on my mission so I am grateful for that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> It's Christmas Sunday!!!!! I learned a lot in
gospel principles which was totally great! I loved it! I love being able to
learn new things and always growing in the gospel. I think that shows how much
Heavenly Father loves us because we can always learn and progress! We also were
blessed to have a really great lesson with Penny and Don McCormick! It was on
church and I am just so grateful for the spirit and how much it helps me do the
things that I need to do! I also love the scriptures and I know that they are
the words of Christ and they speak to the soul so much better then I ever
could. I love it so much! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> I want to share my testimony about
our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives! I know that He was born for a
purpose and that He came to earth to do the Father's will because He loves us.
I know that His love never changes and that it is always there for us to
partake of. We never have to feel alone or forgotten because the Savior has descended
lower then us all and we are not greater then He. I know that it was because of
our Heavenly Father's love for us that He sent His Only Begotten Son and
because of Him we can be forever changed. I know that the Book of Mormon
testifies of our Savior and will bring us closer to Him then any other book.
Let us all remember the true spirit of Christmas which is the Spirit of Christ!
In the name of Jesus the Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always and have a Very Merry Christmas, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-66601752517423597382014-12-29T09:25:00.002-08:002014-12-29T09:25:21.963-08:00I HATE CHRISTMAS...countdowns<div class="MsoNormal">
Howdy Everyone!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope that all ya'll are having a grand ole' time
counting down to Christmas because let me tell ya it is no fun for me like at
all! That is my little rant for the day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyways, this week we were very blessed with many things...
take a glance! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday: We went to the tridge! I've been in Midland 9 months
and I had never gone to the tridge and we finally went!!!! Yes!!! The tridge is
a 3 way bridge by the way. It was a sweet victory!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday: We were out door knocking and we met this guy named
Shawn and he had the biggest smile ever and he loved that we were talking about
Jesus! He loves God a lot and he wants to follow him! He has a really great
conversion story about how he came to Christ. He was just so excited and he
went to give us handshakes and he was like aww just give me a hug! HaHA!!!! It
was super funny cause he hugged me first and I looked over at Sister Lau and
Sister Chisholm.... haha! It is seriously the funniest thing when you get
randomly hugged and well we're just awkward about all of it. Luckily though he
became a potential investigator and gave us a referral! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday: Um.. we had a totally awesome lesson with Jason
again!!!!!! Like what??? This man needs to be baptized because that is
basically the only thing he has left to do! He was talking all about D&C
and what he learned! We talked about the Word of Wisdom and he took it very
well actually! Keep praying for him! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday: We got to help out with decorations as a service
opportunity! I love helping with those things because it reminds me of home in
a good way not a distracting sort of way! Also it is a super fun way to give
service! Also we heard an awesome Michigan Christmas song like it talks about
Christmas in Michigan and the wind blows at the end oh man it's great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday: We have been so blessed with really great weather
while walking and with finding potential investigators! People have actually
been open to talking with us more and it is wonderful! We love it! It is nice
to carry on conversations and AND people aren't saying come back after the
holidays! What the?? This Christmas season is nothing like last
Christmas!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday: We basically had a whole day that consisted of
finding and door knocking. It went well and we were able to talk to a lot of
people. I think our door approaches are getting better as well! Also we get to
share He is the Gift with everyone. Sadly some people still deny the Gift but
many accept it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday: We taught Relief Society!!! The greatest thing about
it was the fact that we got the lesson the night before.... Luckily the spirit
totally provides help when you keep praying and praying and asking for help! It
went well and luckily we had a lot of comments that were given! #blessed! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spiritual Thought: Today in studies I came across a
scripture which is great! It is Helaman 3:35 and it talks about how when we
fast and pray we will wax stronger and stronger in humility and we will be able
to have a firmer faith in Christ! I love how is prayer the helps us to remain
humble which ultimately strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ. It also says that
as we do this things we will be filled with joy and consolation which means to
receive comfort. As we do these things I know that we will be able to come
closer to our Savior Jesus Christ and be purified and sanctified which means
we'll become consecrated to the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-63847590236885157662014-12-29T09:19:00.002-08:002014-12-29T09:19:24.165-08:00Not Eternity Week!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Dearest Family and Friends! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How is everyone doing?? I hope all is going well
wherever you may be! Can you believe that Christmas is only 17 days away! Wow
how time flies!! That is seriously so crazy!! I hope that you all have had the
chance to watch the He is the Gift video produced by the church! It is so
wonderful and I just love it!!!! If you haven't seen it take the 3 minutes to
watch it then share it with everyone else!! :D<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> Oh man! We have a very crazy P-Day! We were
running around like mad people! We did however get to ride in the transfer van
which is always the greatest! Also I saw Sister Morrison!!!!!! It was a
complete gift to see her!!!! It's funny because I've just been praying to see
her before I leave and I got to!!! Heavenly Father sincerely cares about the small
and simple things of our lives! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> Alright, I was in a trio on MSU campus with
Sister Tate, Sister Chisholm and I and we personal contacted on campus all day
long..... lets just say it was a tiring day. Oh funny story we were door
knocking apartments and we talked to this guy named Franco and he really was
not interested in what we had to say so after talking to him just a bit we said
bye and walked down the hall to knock on another door but we realized that they
had shouted "Go Away" earlier at us so we walked back towards his
apartment. As we knocked on another door we heard Franco say "THey're
sisters! That's why they're so religious, they can't find a man!" Sister
Tate looks at us and says "We're not nuns!" I about died from
laughing! I had to actually leave the hallway so they couldn't hear us laugh!
it was a great moment! Memories! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We got to go to the hospital and take a
break from PCing which we were really grateful for! We sang Christmas hymns to
people in the hospital which was very sweet but I still find hospitals a little
eerie.... that's just me though. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> We finally got to pick up our new
companion!!!!!! YEAH!!!! Her name is Sister Lau! She is from Buckeye AZ which
is awesome! She was born in England which is pretty sweet and her dad is from
Hong Kong! Haha her first time door knocking we knocked into this man who
totally criticized the Book of Mormon and denied Sister Chisholm's
testimony..... now if that doesn't break you in I don't know what will! She is
great though! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> We got to walk through the Midland Nativity
Exhibit with our investigator Jason! He loved it which was great! And we loved
it as well! It seriously was amazing. I've already seen it and this year it was
just great again! I would love to come back to Midland every year to see it!
You feel the spirit of Christmas so much it is amazing! It has a special
spirit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> I just want to say that the weather in
Michigan has been amazing and I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father is giving us all
a break because of last year and I am so eternally grateful for this blessing
of high 30s! I mean I don't really even have to wear tights! When I come home
it's shorts and a short sleeve! We also helped at the Nativity that night as
well! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> We had a wonderful fast and testimony meeting
with both of our wards!!! Awww can I just tell all of you how much I love
Midland. It seriously is my home away from home! I love the wards and the
people and I don't want to leave it! I just love Midland Stake! I'm pretty sure
I'm just going to come back and live here (sorry mom and dad) :D Also I
realized that this was my last fast and testimony meeting on my mission......
what the!!! I was fighting so much about getting up but my heart was beating
and I couldn't hold it back any longer! I just had to share one last time and
it was with everyone that I love so it was a sweet treat that my Heavenly
Father gave me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> I hope that you all enjoyed the
Christmas Devotional last night, I know I did! It was so great! I loved the
songs the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang! It brought a very sweet spirit into the
chapel. I wanted to talk about a thought that came to me while watching. It was
"Service heals the wounded Soul" I have learned so much about serving
others while on my mission. It is one of the greatest healing balms ever. There
is nothing quite like forgetting yourself and helping another one of God's
children. We can be the Savior's hands while we are here in mortality. I feel
like service is one of the greatest things that our Savior was an exemplar of.
He served everywhere he went and as disciples of Christ we are invited to do
the same. I know that our hearts will be filled and the cracks that we may feel
during this season or anytime of the year can be healed and mended by our
loving service towards our fellow brothers and sisters. In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-47798050437195705332014-12-29T09:18:00.002-08:002014-12-29T09:18:04.504-08:00Grateful in any Circumstances!<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Family and Friends! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you feasted this Thanksgiving I hope that we were
all able to feast upon the words of Christ. There is a quote that goes
"You don't have to read your scriptures everyday just only on the days
that you want to eat." We always remember to feed our stomachs now we need
to always remember to feed our spirits! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week was a little bit of a crazy one but all things are
well and in working order! Take a peak into my week! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> We played volleyball as a district and that
was seriously so much fun! We played for a few hours. I'm surprised it didn't
get really intense because we have a lot of competitive people but we didn't
keep score just like that whitehand book says and I really think that helped us
out. Haha we all had the most red arms but we all were laughing! The p-days are
so great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> This day was a little nuts too! We had to
get our oil changed and tire rotated for our car in the middle of the day so we
were car less for like 4 hours, but luckily we got it back but the late
afternoon which is a lot faster then we thought and we were able to continue in
full force our missionary efforts in Midland! haha! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We had our final district meeting of the
transfer which is always sad but fun because we get to take pictures and things
like that. We had one of the most amazing lessons though! It was seriously so
great! It was with Jason! Every single time we teach him I'm pretty sure I get
taught more then him! We had a church tour with him and he loved it! He loves
the way he felt while he sat in the chapel. We talked about the sacrament and
why it's important and we also talked about fasting and how he could fast about
how to help his wife understand and accept him being taught by the
missionaries. Sister Chisholm and I walked away from the lesson just in aww of
Jason and his desire to truly come unto Christ. #soblessed! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday: </b>Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Alright we went door
knocking and my experience was not like last years! We met this super nice
woman named Janice, she wasn't interested but she was just so kind and it was
just nice not to get yelled at. The actual feast part of Thanksgiving was
wonderful! We had it with recent converts in our ward who we are love! Sister
Chisholm and I helped make some of the food as well. We also watched The
Restoration with them. It really was great! There was so much food! Oh and I
only went to one dinner. I don't think I could handle two anyways. But this is
not all to our Thanksgiving festivities..... We came home from our dinner
appointment to grab bike helmets for the elders and well... we came home to a
flooded kitchen and soaking wet carpet! Grateful in any circumstances for sure!
Sister Chisholm and I walked through the door and just started to laugh because
we didn't know what to do! After laughing and wondering what we should do we
called the district leader. We had a full clean up crew! Oh man it was
seriously so funny! we did not know anything. We finally called the maintenance
people who came and checked it out. They called this water sucker guy and he
came and sucked the water out of our carpet at 12:30 in the morning..... it was
a long night to say the least and we're still expected to wake up in the
morning at 6:30. Lets just say we've been praying for patience and we got it!
:D<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> Our apartment is a huge mess and we have to
weekly plan with people coming in and out of our apartment.... haha! It was
kind of hard to focus and on top of it all we had transfer calls which already
gets you a little uneasy. Luckily we got our phone call after an agonizing wait
we found out that Sister Chisholm and I will be staying together and that we
will be training together til I get transfered. We are super excited about it
and look forward to the time that we have together! It's going to be
great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We got a new investigator!!!! Yeah!!!! We
are so excited! It is a guy named Jared. He has two kids they are 6 and 3. We
gave him a chruch tour which went well. He also got to meet members from the
ward which was great! Unfortunately... he works on Sundays.... we're glad he
has a job but we're going to have to help him find a way to get to church! :D
Prayer is a powerful thing! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> It was so great to go to church and take the
sacrament. I love the testimony that I have been able to build on my mission
for the sacrament it truly brings me peace into my heart as I take it and
remember my covenants and Savior. We had a really good lesson with our
investigator Penny! We really focused on using the scriptures and testifying to
what they say and it brought great power to our lesson and it was wonderful. It
reminds my of one of my favorite scriptures 2 Nephi 33:10 which talks about the
Book of Mormon being the words of Christ! I know the scriptures are true! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> In my studies I have been reading
a lot about the wars in the Book of Mormon and what I have been getting from
them a lot is that it is so important to be prepared for the things to come! It
is so important that we prepare for what is so come. It also helps to listen to
the prophet's voice who is the mouth piece of God. I know that it is so
important to prepare and that by listening to the prophet we can be more
prepared for the things which are to come. Follow the Prophet! In the name of
Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-64012980050084943332014-12-29T09:17:00.002-08:002014-12-29T09:17:08.440-08:00And so it begins.....<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family and Friends!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so it begins..... hats, boots, gloves, layers, Christmas
carols, snow ball fights and.... come back after the holidays..... :D <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The struggle is real during the holiday season! Everyone
gets really busy with all this holiday stuff when really all we want to do is
share a wonderful message about Jesus Christ! Luckily we are part of this thing
that they church is doing called He is the Gift! We get to pass out cards and
talk about this which is wonderful because so many people here in Midland love
Christ so we are going to try to help them receive the fullness of his gospel
in that way!! YEAH!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday: We had dinner with the Jenkins and that was super
fun! They have a ton of little kids and I kind of forgot what it was like to
have so many kids running around a house and being well like a family! I love
the chance that I get as a missionary to be in a home with families from our ward
and learn from them and see how to have a gospel centered family! Members are
so wonderful. Remember how much the missionaries look up to you and all that
you do! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday: Oh man we had an amazing one-third mission event!
The spirit was so strong and I just loved it so much!!! I learned a ton too! We
learned to practice teach better so that we could improve our finding. We also
learned how to plan lessons more effectively. We talked a lot about what it
means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and how it is important that we
represent our Savior in everything that we do! I am so blessed to be surrounded
by great missionaries who desire to serve the Lord and who are doing all that
they can to become better people. I love getting together in large groups of missionaries.
Oh also we sang the song "Because I have been Given Much" but we
added a verse to it that goes....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of thy life's mission Lord I too will serve<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'll leave the comfort of my home to teach thy word<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'll seek thy sheep who've gone astray and those who've
never known the way<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'll make thy work my work today<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It brought the the spirit so strongly and I know that
missionary work is part of God's plan to help all of us come unto Christ! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday: Oh man a lot of our lessons cancelled on us and that
was a bummer because it was kind of cold and snowy... We also went to check on
someone in our area book and oh man they think that we are confused and that we
are on the wrong path. Not gonna lie when those things happen I love the
opportunity I get to testify of the truth and of Joseph Smith as a prophet of
God. I know that this gospel is true, this is Christ's church on the earth
today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday: We helped one of our investigators put of their
Christmas lights and boy was it cold!!! The sun was out luckily but that wind
went straight to the bone for sure! We have a lot of fun setting up lights and
enjoying time getting to know Sister McCormick better. She is so sweet and we
just want her to be baptized! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday: We walked into an interesting man.... I'm not
exactly sure how to describe him.We were talking and he said that he was too
busy to talk to us. I told my that busy meant B: Being U: under S: satan's Y:
yield. He laughed at it and said it wasn't true but I think it totally
is. He was kind to us but just kept saying that we were wasting our time
talking to him. I've decided that when you're sharing the gospel to
someone who is still talking to you your time is never wasted. I just do my
best to keep talking to them. People are so funny and great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday: I GOT TO WALK IN A PARADE!!!! My mission has given
my so many awesome opportunities!!! I love it!!! We got to walk in the Santa
Parade and it was super kind of cold but it was so fun! We passed out flyers
for the Midland Nativity Exhibit and we passed out candy! It was seriously so
fun and we just smiled and waved and well spread Christmas cheer! It was so
wonderful! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday: We met a former investigator and it was great! She
wasn't really interested in learning more but she loves the standards that the
church has set. We talked to her about the For Strength of Youth and Personal
Progress and how it helps us to become better mothers and fathers and that
really interested her. We're hoping that that will spike her interest again.
Whatever way the gospel helps! ;D <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spiritual Thought: In Alma 49 in verse 3 it says
"Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been rebuilt. I say unto
you, yea, that it was in part rebuilt; and because the Lamanites had destroyed
it once because of the iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would
again become an easy prey for them." This made me think about how when we
make mistakes we can be rebuilt through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That
damage that has been made because of our past iniquity or the past iniquity of
others can and will be repaired through the Atonement. I am so grateful for my
Savior Jesus Christ and that we can be forgiven and healed. I know that we can
be rebuilt and become a new city that is fortified against the fiery darts of
the adversary. The power of the Atonement is real and it can heal even the
deepest wounds. Come unto Christ and be healed through His infinite sacrifice
which is there for all of us to partake of every single day of our lives. The
debt has already been paid, it is our choice to accept it or not. In the
name of Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-88539464452334104222014-12-29T09:15:00.004-08:002014-12-29T09:15:56.735-08:00Time is a tickin'<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Amigos!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we have a new rule in the mission that we
can only email for 90 minutes so that is why the subject is that. We also got
the rule that we will not be allowed to drive cars on Saturdays... lame but
blessings will come from being obedient. Sometimes we don't always understand
why but we do it because we know that others know better than us. So this week
we great just like every week and well I learned a lot and got spiritually fed
a lot as well! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> We had a totally awesome FHE with a member.
She is amazing and is really strong. She's had a lot go on in her life recently
and she was just so grateful that we could come over and share that time with
her. I also gained a stronger testimony of how important it is to always have
FHE!!! When the family gets together after evening work is done we learn to
love each other by popping corn and having fun!!! (I think that is the lyrics I
could totally be wrong) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> We had a lesson with our potential
investigator named Hunter and it was great! He listened intently and the spirit
was really there. He said that he had a few questions but that though out the
lesson we had answered them. The member that we took with us, Sister Savage,
asked what those questions were and he said "Why would I need the Book of
Mormon?" and "How could the Book of Mormon help me?" It was
amazing! I love finding people who are interested in the Book of Mormon because
then you know that they are prepared!!! The elect resonate with the Book of
Mormon! We also had dinner with a new couple in our ward and we love them! They
are awesome! They actually just moved here from Tacoma Washington and Kelly
Muro served in their ward and they had a picture of him on their refrigerator!
That world is so small especially if you are a mormon! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday: </b>We had dinner with the pierce family and I
just want to comment on how polite their boys were. They are 14, 12 and 9! They
responded well to questions and they didn't argue with their mom and also they
took our plates away after eating. It was just great! I want my kids to be that
polite that would just be marvelous. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Alright, this was our first full day on
bikes this week and boy was it cold!!!!!! Our toes were about to fall off they
were so cold. As we were door knocking we just kept thinking "oh man it is
going to get colder and this is only the beginning." I honestly don't know
how I made it through last winter. Whenever anyone asks I just say "by the
pure grace of God," which is very true. I wouldn't have been able to if I
didn't have a testimony of the gospel and angels round about me the entire
time! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday: </b>We met with the Woods family and we watched
some Mormon messages and holy cow they are amazing! The church is really using
technology to make the world a better place and I love it! There is a new video
called "You don't Know" and it really is amazing and it brings tears
to my eyes just about every time I watch it! The Lord truly knows what we need
to do and we are made instruments in his hands more then we think! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We had stake conference adult session and
it was amazing. The spirit was so strong and I was spiritually fed so much! I
came away with tons of notes and having a greater desire to do better. It was
also great because we were able to see Pres. Jacobsen and he called all the
missionaries serving in the stake to come up and sing "Called to
Serve" it was really powerful and it almost, key word, almost started to
cry but I didn't because we have reason to rejoice and no need for tears! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday: </b>Cool thing. Sister Chisholm and I got to eat
lunch with Tilah Parker who is the sister of Jabarie Parker an NBA player who
was quoted in last April's General Conference. STAKE CONFERENCE!!!! I think
there is a theme going on here or a message that must be received because 2 of
the people in the stake presidency talked about following the prophet and let
us not forget that 2 General Conference talks were given on the same topic. I
think Heavenly Father is trying to tell us something..... FOLLOW THE PROPHET!!
In all sincerity though stake conference is wonderful! I loved it and my
testimony deepened about the gospel and about how important it is to take notes
in a meeting and really how much you put into it is how much you get out of it.
I feel like the gospel really is centered on that concept. I know that the
effort that we put into listening to talks will not be wasted and that we will
be able to know that the Lord wants us to hear through his servants. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought: </b>In stake conference our stake
president talked about a plane accident that happened I think in the 70s. In
this incident the pilots didn't realize that the plane was descending and
before they could pull up the plane crashed killing many on the flight. I
thought about this and I thought about when we get preoccupied with worldly
things we don't recognize that we are slowly descending by degree and when we
finally realize this, we crash. I makes me think of a story in the Book of
Mormon. An evil captain of the Lamanites, who is compared to Satan, slowly
poisons his other captain by degree so that he doesn't even know that he is
being poisoned! That is how Satan is attacking us and that is how he has always
attacked us. He slowly brings us down to hell. That is a little scary, but
luckily we are told that we can avoid that fiery darts of the adversary by
reading our scriptures, praying and all those small and simple things that
really turn out to be the great deciding factors of our futures. I know that I
talk a ton about the small and simple things but I'm telling ya these things
are what help us to build our foundations on Jesus Christ. I've been on the
other side where Satan was slowly bringing me down, and it wasn't a joyful
happy life. I'm now string everyday to do the small and simple things and I've
never received so much happiness in my life! I love every minute of
everyday! This is the key to true happiness! It'll save us from slowly
decreasing. I know that as we do the small and simple things that the Lord has
commanded us to do we will go "onward and upward" and we will find
everlasting joy! In the name of Jesus the Christ, amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-25516577475898314252014-12-29T09:14:00.002-08:002014-12-29T09:14:22.957-08:00Helaman's Army!<div class="MsoNormal">
Dearest Family and Friends! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been TOTALLY WICKED!!!! I am just
loving life and enjoying every second of being a missionary. I love that as a
missionary you learn and grow and you are able to be stretched more then you
could ever imagine. Sister Chisholm and I have been talking about how much we
change in such a short amount of time because of our missions. It would take
like 30 years to learn what we learn in about 18 months, as long as we let it!
How cool is that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what my week consisted of! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> We had a lesson with a recent convert named
Heather! I love her so much! She is a huge inspiration to me! She is only 18
and she amazes me every single time I talk to her. The cool part of the story
though is that Elder Derricott and Elder Krebs were teaching her while I was in
Midland 1st ward and when I left I told her that I was just getting to know her
and that I was so sad that I wouldn't get to know her more. She then moved to
Midland 2nd ward and well so did I!!! I love how the Lord works!!! Also I've
realized that some of the best members are converts and those who haven't been
found yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> Oh man this was a good day! Sister Chisholm
and I were driving and then we saw this older woman carrying bags of leaves our
to her curb so we decided to park the car and get out and help her. We got out
and asked if she needed our help and she said no. Well... okay so we started
talking about our purpose as missionaries. and asked if she needed our help
after talking a bit more. No she said again. We talked to her more and then we
asked a third time to help her and she finally said yes!!! We were so excited
that someone actually wanted our help! It was totally great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> Oh man we had one of the most spiritual
lessons in my entire life!! It was amazing!!! We were all on the same page and
we were intune with the spirit and it was just amazing. We were teaching our
investigator named Jason! He has been taught for about 4 years now. He opened
up to us a lot! It is amazing! I really can't even describe it, it was just
like you could feel how much Heavenly Father loved this man and you could just
feel the potential that Jason has as he comes unto Christ. I love being a
missionary, experiences of a life time! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Alright this is awesome! There is a woman
who just moved here from Tennessee and she loved the members there. She came to
the building and asked to know if there was anyone who could babysit her kids.
Well they put us in charge of talking to her. We met with her and she knows a
ton about the church!! It is awesome! She was talking to us and telling us that
she was feeling the spirit! She is so prepared but she doesn't really know it.
She is a devout Catholic actually.... keep her in your prayers! She's great!
Her name is Julia! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> Let's see.... it started to snow! It was
crazy!!! We were racking leaves and it was cold! We had a lot of fun though and
I love doing service it really just makes you feel so good inside. I love the
scriptures Matthew 25:40 and Mosiah 2:17 which both talk about service and how
we serve our fellowman we are serving God. We also went to a member's home and
made pizza which was great! We played Catch Phrase and our team totally won! It
was great! We were all laughing and really enjoying that time that we had
together as a district! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> I'd say the miracle of the day/week was the
fact that Sister Chisholm and I have been praying for referrals and we got 3 in
one day! It was totally amazing! We were like well pray really works! We know
that already but is always nice when you have your testimony strengthened
because of it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> I learned a lot about how important it is to
listen to the spirit and how much the spirit can really help you in lessons.
Sister Chisholm and I had a lesson planned for our investigator to watch a
movie but unfortunately they didn't have a DVD player that works. Sister
Chisholm and I didn't have a back up lesson but we were able to listen to the
spirit and have unity with each other and we were able to have a good lesson
with them. I am so grateful for the spirit. I know that without him I would not
be a good missionary. It is so important that we live our lives in a way that
we will be able to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost because he
helps us in every aspect of our lives! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought: </b>Alright so I have been obsessed
with studying about the small and simple things that bring us closer to Christ
in our everyday lives! Sister Chisholm loves running and today in studies I
made an analogy about running and doing the small and simple things. "When
you are running a marathon every step that you take brings you closer to the
finish line. It is by those small and simple steps that you are able to make
that great distance. The same is with the small and simple things of the gospel.
As we read our scriptures and pray everyday, attend church weekly and attend
the temple on a regular basis we are getting closer to the end goal which is
eternal life. We can't stop doing the small and simple things in the middle of
life and think we'll get to the finish line just like you can't stop in the
middle of a race and quit. We can't expect to finish a race that we never start
either so we must start now to do the small and simple things in life. Remember
we've been trained for this. We know what we need to do. We know how to receive
eternal life, now we must go and finish our race by taking it one small and
simple thing at a time." I know that by small and simple things great
things are brought to pass. They will lead you to eternal life. In the name of
Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-49127975859806692062014-11-20T08:22:00.002-08:002014-11-20T08:22:39.548-08:00Everyday I'm Snufflin'<div class="MsoNormal">
HeY HEY hEY!!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope that everyone is doing well and that
they are prepping for the holiday season! The winter wonderland has commenced
which is pretty exciting and not all at the same time... haha! We are in for a
long winter here in Michigan I'm pretty sure but that's okay because well the
work of the Lord still moves forward which is always great! So the reason my
title is everyday I'm snifflin' is because I've been sick these last few
days.... which I've decided is the worst thing that is possible as a missionary
because all you want to do it work and when you're sick you're either inside or
you are half dying while you are out working... so that's what half of my week
has been like. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> So in the mission we have a new guideline
saying that we can only email for 90 minutes which is pretty nice actually.
What else is cool is that we can also be with our districts on P-Day as well.
We can like go out bowling or do other things as a district which is pretty
awesome! We took advantage of that rule and played pool, ping-pong and catch
phrase with our district! It was pretty fun! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> I was on trade offs with Sister Mortensen in
Midland. It was fun to be with her again. She is so great and it is so cool how
we are going to go home together! We taught a less-active member and what was
so great is that we planned something completely different then what we
actually taught. I love how the spirit can work through both you and your
companion to really teach to the needs of those whom you are talking to. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We had a super great district meeting all
about the Book of Mormon and how we could use it to teach with greater power
and authority. I absolutely love the Book of Mormon. I never thought that I'd
be able to learn so much from one book. It truly is the word of God and brings
you closer to Jesus Christ as you read it! We also had a really great dinner
with a family in the ward. I learned a lot about how Heavenly Father loves
every single one of his children and that he can take our experiences to help
other people with theirs. We also had a great lesson with our investigator
Jason. Jason is kind of hard to describe because he is so great! His wife is
Catholic and he has been talking to her about being more open to exploring
different religions. He has a strong testimony of the gospel and I know that he
will be baptized, he's still praying on a date. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> We weekly planned again!!!! Yeah!! We tried
it a different way and Sister Chisholm really liked it which is awesome so we
are going to keep it that way. We just changed up how we are using the white
boards to plan. We also had a lesson with Valerie going over the baptismal
interview questions because her interview was going to be latter that day. Her
interview went well and she was set to be baptized!!! Yeah!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> We taught seminary!!!!!!!! We had to wake up
at like 5:30 but it was so great! I totally forgot what seminary was like and
kind of what high school students are like. You have some who answer every
question and then you have some who never really answer. All those who read
this and attend seminary pay attention while you are there! You can learn and
grow so much in that 50 minutes that you are there and it will bless you for
the rest of your life! We also met with a family in the ward and there are
amazing! I just love working with the members and being strengthened with them.
Members need strength just as much as our investigators and I think I learned
that a lot this week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday: </b>Valerie was baptized!!! YEAH!!! It was a
great service! She was so happy and there were so many people who came to
support her. She and a young man from the ward sang "A Child's
Prayer" and that was wonderful! That song really touches the heart and
helps you to realize that Heavenly Father really is there and is waiting for us
to call upon him and ask him our questions! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> This was a bit of a struggle because I felt
pretty sick, but I went to church and then I went home and took a nap during
lunch. After my nap we had studies and then we went out to contact some
potential investigators and no one of biting for the gospel so we went door
knocking. We met some people... they weren't super interested but that's okay!
We invited them to the Midland Nativity Exhibit which they were much more open
about! I love the Nativity Exhibit! It opens a lot of doors! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> In Gospel Principles we had a
wonderful lesson on prayer! It was a great reminder about how important it is
to commune with our Father in Heaven. There are so many different reasons why
we pray like to invite the spirit, for forgiveness, to have strength to resist
temptation, gratitude, charity, strength to live the gospel and the list can go
on and on. Something else that we touched on was the fact that prayer is an
opportunity to build a relationship with God. Prayer is designed for us. I love
the opportunity to have to kneel down every morning and evening and say a
prayer. I've learned that it is important to tell Heavenly Father everything.
He wants to listen and help us with the things we are going through. I love
that opportunity to pour my soul out to my Father and in return He brings me
feelings of peace and of comfort. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools that
we have been given. On my mission I've had the chance to really gain a
testimony that Heavenly Father truly is our Father. We can go to him for
anything and everything. He is just waiting for us to make that connection with
him. I know that as we pray sincerely that we will gain a testimony that
our Father in Heaven loves us. We will know that he is aware of us and our
situations and I know that he is. In the name of Jesus the Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-56807491905926487592014-11-11T13:23:00.000-08:002014-11-11T13:23:39.785-08:00Time is a tickin<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Amigos!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we have a new rule in the mission that we
can only email for 90 minutes so that is why the subject is that. We also got
the rule that we will not be allowed to drive cars on Saturdays... lame but
blessings will come from being obedient. Sometimes we don't always understand
why but we do it because we know that others know better than us. So this week
we great just like every week and well I learned a lot and got spiritually fed
a lot as well! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> We had a totally awesome FHE with a member.
She is amazing and is really strong. She's had a lot go on in her life recently
and she was just so grateful that we could come over and share that time with
her. I also gained a stronger testimony of how important it is to always have
FHE!!! When the family gets together after evening work is done we learn to
love each other by popping corn and having fun!!! (I think that is the lyrics I
could totally be wrong) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> We had a lesson with our potential
investigator named Hunter and it was great! He listened intently and the spirit
was really there. He said that he had a few questions but that though out the
lesson we had answered them. The member that we took with us, Sister Savage,
asked what those questions were and he said "Why would I need the Book of
Mormon?" and "How could the Book of Mormon help me?" It was
amazing! I love finding people who are interested in the Book of Mormon because
then you know that they are prepared!!! The elect resonate with the Book of
Mormon! We also had dinner with a new couple in our ward and we love them! They
are awesome! They actually just moved here from Tacoma Washington and Kelly
Muro served in their ward and they had a picture of him on their refrigerator!
That world is so small especially if you are a mormon! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday: </b>We had dinner with the pierce family and I
just want to comment on how polite their boys were. They are 14, 12 and 9! They
responded well to questions and they didn't argue with their mom and also they
took our plates away after eating. It was just great! I want my kids to be that
polite that would just be marvelous. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Alright, this was our first full day on
bikes this week and boy was it cold!!!!!! Our toes were about to fall off they
were so cold. As we were door knocking we just kept thinking "oh man it is
going to get colder and this is only the beginning." I honestly don't know
how I made it through last winter. Whenever anyone asks I just say "by the
pure grace of God," which is very true. I wouldn't have been able to if I
didn't have a testimony of the gospel and angels round about me the entire
time! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday: </b>We met with the Woods family and we watched
some Mormon messages and holy cow they are amazing! The church is really using
technology to make the world a better place and I love it! There is a new video
called "You don't Know" and it really is amazing and it brings tears
to my eyes just about every time I watch it! The Lord truly knows what we need
to do and we are made instruments in his hands more then we think! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We had stake conference adult session and
it was amazing. The spirit was so strong and I was spiritually fed so much! I
came away with tons of notes and having a greater desire to do better. It was
also great because we were able to see Pres. Jacobsen and he called all the
missionaries serving in the stake to come up and sing "Called to
Serve" it was really powerful and it almost, key word, almost started to
cry but I didn't because we have reason to rejoice and no need for tears! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday: </b>Cool thing. Sister Chisholm and I got to eat
lunch with Tilah Parker who is the sister of Jabarie Parker an NBA player who
was quoted in last April's General Conference. STAKE CONFERENCE!!!! I think
there is a theme going on here or a message that must be received because 2 of
the people in the stake presidency talked about following the prophet and let
us not forget that 2 General Conference talks were given on the same topic. I
think Heavenly Father is trying to tell us something..... FOLLOW THE PROPHET!!
In all sincerity though stake conference is wonderful! I loved it and my
testimony deepened about the gospel and about how important it is to take notes
in a meeting and really how much you put into it is how much you get out of it.
I feel like the gospel really is centered on that concept. I know that the
effort that we put into listening to talks will not be wasted and that we will
be able to know that the Lord wants us to hear through his servants. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought: </b>In stake conference our stake
president talked about a plane accident that happened I think in the 70s. In
this incident the pilots didn't realize that the plane was descending and before
they could pull up the plane crashed killing many on the flight. I thought
about this and I thought about when we get preoccupied with worldly things we
don't recognize that we are slowly descending by degree and when we finally
realize this, we crash. I makes me think of a story in the Book of Mormon. An
evil captain of the Lamanites, who is compared to Satan, slowly poisons his
other captain by degree so that he doesn't even know that he is being poisoned!
That is how Satan is attacking us and that is how he has always attacked us. He
slowly brings us down to hell. That is a little scary, but luckily we are told
that we can avoid that fiery darts of the adversary by reading our scriptures,
praying and all those small and simple things that really turn out to be the
great deciding factors of our futures. I know that I talk a ton about the small
and simple things but I'm telling ya these things are what help us to build our
foundations on Jesus Christ. I've been on the other side where Satan was slowly
bringing me down, and it wasn't a joyful happy life. I'm now string everyday to
do the small and simple things and I've never received so much happiness
in my life! I love every minute of everyday! This is the key to true happiness!
It'll save us from slowly decreasing. I know that as we do the small and simple
things that the Lord has commanded us to do we will go "onward and
upward" and we will find everlasting joy! In the name of Jesus the Christ,
amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-66704899057709262792014-11-04T08:07:00.000-08:002014-11-04T08:07:12.006-08:00Helaman's Army!<div class="MsoNormal">
Dearest Family and Friends! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been TOTALLY WICKED!!!! I am just
loving life and enjoying every second of being a missionary. I love that as a
missionary you learn and grow and you are able to be stretched more then you
could ever imagine. Sister Chisholm and I have been talking about how much we
change in such a short amount of time because of our missions. It would take
like 30 years to learn what we learn in about 18 months, as long as we let it!
How cool is that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what my week consisted of! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> We had a lesson with a recent convert named
Heather! I love her so much! She is a huge inspiration to me! She is only 18
and she amazes me every single time I talk to her. The cool part of the story
though is that Elder Derricott and Elder Krebs were teaching her while I was in
Midland 1st ward and when I left I told her that I was just getting to know her
and that I was so sad that I wouldn't get to know her more. She then moved to
Midland 2nd ward and well so did I!!! I love how the Lord works!!! Also I've
realized that some of the best members are converts and those who haven't been
found yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> Oh man this was a good day! Sister Chisholm
and I were driving and then we saw this older woman carrying bags of leaves our
to her curb so we decided to park the car and get out and help her. We got out
and asked if she needed our help and she said no. Well... okay so we started
talking about our purpose as missionaries. and asked if she needed our help
after talking a bit more. No she said again. We talked to her more and then we
asked a third time to help her and she finally said yes!!! We were so excited
that someone actually wanted our help! It was totally great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> Oh man we had one of the most spiritual
lessons in my entire life!! It was amazing!!! We were all on the same page and
we were intune with the spirit and it was just amazing. We were teaching our
investigator named Jason! He has been taught for about 4 years now. He opened
up to us a lot! It is amazing! I really can't even describe it, it was just
like you could feel how much Heavenly Father loved this man and you could just
feel the potential that Jason has as he comes unto Christ. I love being a
missionary, experiences of a life time! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Alright this is awesome! There is a woman
who just moved here from Tennessee and she loved the members there. She came to
the building and asked to know if there was anyone who could babysit her kids.
Well they put us in charge of talking to her. We met with her and she knows a
ton about the church!! It is awesome! She was talking to us and telling us that
she was feeling the spirit! She is so prepared but she doesn't really know it.
She is a devout Catholic actually.... keep her in your prayers! She's great!
Her name is Julia! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> Let's see.... it started to snow! It was
crazy!!! We were racking leaves and it was cold! We had a lot of fun though and
I love doing service it really just makes you feel so good inside. I love the
scriptures Matthew 25:40 and Mosiah 2:17 which both talk about service and how
we serve our fellowman we are serving God. We also went to a member's home and
made pizza which was great! We played Catch Phrase and our team totally won! It
was great! We were all laughing and really enjoying that time that we had
together as a district! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> I'd say the miracle of the day/week was the
fact that Sister Chisholm and I have been praying for referrals and we got 3 in
one day! It was totally amazing! We were like well pray really works! We know
that already but is always nice when you have your testimony strengthened
because of it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> I learned a lot about how important it is to
listen to the spirit and how much the spirit can really help you in lessons.
Sister Chisholm and I had a lesson planned for our investigator to watch a
movie but unfortunately they didn't have a DVD player that works. Sister
Chisholm and I didn't have a back up lesson but we were able to listen to the
spirit and have unity with each other and we were able to have a good lesson
with them. I am so grateful for the spirit. I know that without him I would not
be a good missionary. It is so important that we live our lives in a way that
we will be able to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost because he
helps us in every aspect of our lives! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought: </b>Alright so I have been obsessed
with studying about the small and simple things that bring us closer to Christ
in our everyday lives! Sister Chisholm loves running and today in studies I
made an analogy about running and doing the small and simple things. "When
you are running a marathon every step that you take brings you closer to the
finish line. It is by those small and simple steps that you are able to make
that great distance. The same is with the small and simple things of the gospel.
As we read our scriptures and pray everyday, attend church weekly and attend
the temple on a regular basis we are getting closer to the end goal which is
eternal life. We can't stop doing the small and simple things in the middle of
life and think we'll get to the finish line just like you can't stop in the
middle of a race and quit. We can't expect to finish a race that we never start
either so we must start now to do the small and simple things in life. Remember
we've been trained for this. We know what we need to do. We know how to receive
eternal life, now we must go and finish our race by taking it one small and
simple thing at a time." I know that by small and simple things great
things are brought to pass. They will lead you to eternal life. In the name of
Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZdVrCcmNxOtoCKDoxQ3bH-Oa6Te6IlLiHMf1iP3mk5IHJjdc9jVQ0UNJ2rrAJt5r6NKuyTqUI05LnTFC82Mdl9aQOHW2lvSqs70sHtYiXi88dpchYxuCRWju4ZIMvADhEEsD6xejnxRS/s1600/DSCN0240%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZdVrCcmNxOtoCKDoxQ3bH-Oa6Te6IlLiHMf1iP3mk5IHJjdc9jVQ0UNJ2rrAJt5r6NKuyTqUI05LnTFC82Mdl9aQOHW2lvSqs70sHtYiXi88dpchYxuCRWju4ZIMvADhEEsD6xejnxRS/s1600/DSCN0240%5B1%5D.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween! From Sister Chisholm and Sister Smith </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHksSFMbSaY1Lm3DKxYObASIKt0fQZzshux5hvVu1OsWq8MP3IrO1hTjiMDJVvCgdnZsjePFDNd4xL8OUxFmlhXw2HjJvFCMmpjL5DJje9Tn30Yj-qxyYDdVQtBXQUdK0u82zh2lYcqhq/s1600/DSCN6195%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHksSFMbSaY1Lm3DKxYObASIKt0fQZzshux5hvVu1OsWq8MP3IrO1hTjiMDJVvCgdnZsjePFDNd4xL8OUxFmlhXw2HjJvFCMmpjL5DJje9Tn30Yj-qxyYDdVQtBXQUdK0u82zh2lYcqhq/s1600/DSCN6195%5B1%5D.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our Super Hero Bay City Zone!</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR9wpxPkgPlbJmqa5xKLeurC9lXHo1aOVxfmynx7JbReA1Bt9f1vBx0tH3eHESWqWvB9ip2XmIIBW2a11pfLtgCAo4iVF3A8zKlVTY7pQcwVUqPboOqyHT0ZeB2Ubld7qr_g6oxlLlZiX/s1600/DSCN6199%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR9wpxPkgPlbJmqa5xKLeurC9lXHo1aOVxfmynx7JbReA1Bt9f1vBx0tH3eHESWqWvB9ip2XmIIBW2a11pfLtgCAo4iVF3A8zKlVTY7pQcwVUqPboOqyHT0ZeB2Ubld7qr_g6oxlLlZiX/s1600/DSCN6199%5B1%5D.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbYHGbWlhtAM9JW8-gAHiXcNKHgOeMhR5M6GE0hnDwFVGRZdwl46vbb0lq0aTe9rX8gV4NSjwPJ6m9Wul0kzppptGMpoSDr2-8GjYU2pozjH8ZHhyL5OaITeMP1BM79R21mrFDCaBri3h/s1600/DSCN6201%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbYHGbWlhtAM9JW8-gAHiXcNKHgOeMhR5M6GE0hnDwFVGRZdwl46vbb0lq0aTe9rX8gV4NSjwPJ6m9Wul0kzppptGMpoSDr2-8GjYU2pozjH8ZHhyL5OaITeMP1BM79R21mrFDCaBri3h/s1600/DSCN6201%5B1%5D.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It is Halloween!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTr0BrMVRvjW6bAnxWliXi9ncUOKHavruvVGuIq8IotLT8xdQCLeHizAkVKdnp1np-1bUnjX_vq3-mSt8xgGTDhenz3A49x7xQhrvqBeRpYfdBnhq9yH0gDl0DEdSN2w4M9t39kyFykmI/s1600/DSCN6204%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTr0BrMVRvjW6bAnxWliXi9ncUOKHavruvVGuIq8IotLT8xdQCLeHizAkVKdnp1np-1bUnjX_vq3-mSt8xgGTDhenz3A49x7xQhrvqBeRpYfdBnhq9yH0gDl0DEdSN2w4M9t39kyFykmI/s1600/DSCN6204%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: small;">Frightening! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy8yZ6QoQRiDzTniQAd11GgIEsVgZoqZtmjQR9SgaDLuLMV78JUjYsDjJ54gJ98HeOTiqYx6BKIquBip4i-1yrIAM8APlVjPwlIFQTNL9-1VXBRxS5Cba6Y07FWccABCMlxgYS5dTL_JL/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy8yZ6QoQRiDzTniQAd11GgIEsVgZoqZtmjQR9SgaDLuLMV78JUjYsDjJ54gJ98HeOTiqYx6BKIquBip4i-1yrIAM8APlVjPwlIFQTNL9-1VXBRxS5Cba6Y07FWccABCMlxgYS5dTL_JL/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;">Service! Raking leaves for Halloween.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PUSGpEVwb9Joy0A7Ihyphenhyphen1gNi4U6lqvLXq3q-gBnpNtvX4UuXx-OF1-dht4CBukw0kjBxb4-X0fRp8xnve0lTqCrePzijmCoubwdH4JWMVud5a6Cw9DeTTrYt5a7W_OPheiUgUq8l6PaPg/s1600/IMG_0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PUSGpEVwb9Joy0A7Ihyphenhyphen1gNi4U6lqvLXq3q-gBnpNtvX4UuXx-OF1-dht4CBukw0kjBxb4-X0fRp8xnve0lTqCrePzijmCoubwdH4JWMVud5a6Cw9DeTTrYt5a7W_OPheiUgUq8l6PaPg/s1600/IMG_0771.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2NxtgDzl655500Fad3epKzgT7oS6aD8eA-Ub7OuBm4_o-CQ0JAEDy8SOMZDs_PC74PNhHJ2L35mGi3agZzco7zpiN6qfQEAVFhigyyLp3uLMoSBvkpX8TJmXkLRZCt51k2gErOYGP6Jd/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2NxtgDzl655500Fad3epKzgT7oS6aD8eA-Ub7OuBm4_o-CQ0JAEDy8SOMZDs_PC74PNhHJ2L35mGi3agZzco7zpiN6qfQEAVFhigyyLp3uLMoSBvkpX8TJmXkLRZCt51k2gErOYGP6Jd/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;">and having a pizza party!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfKnt6Kce9aVer9QRBg6veYZd_h94Uhyc_icsDa8PipYCeb6YSp9M1U17teRy37GJkM4rRZ4570lQBH3gDhuaNmj9Q8kSmUl9t4sKm24Qt3vyp8KO5FSUUIkgH2sWfv5zN7ppyCfcQWdu/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfKnt6Kce9aVer9QRBg6veYZd_h94Uhyc_icsDa8PipYCeb6YSp9M1U17teRy37GJkM4rRZ4570lQBH3gDhuaNmj9Q8kSmUl9t4sKm24Qt3vyp8KO5FSUUIkgH2sWfv5zN7ppyCfcQWdu/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-62049876683254814912014-10-27T21:04:00.000-07:002014-10-27T21:04:16.002-07:00Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0Midland, MI, USA43.6155825 -84.24721160000001443.431675000000006 -84.569935100000009 43.79949 -83.924488100000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-41014507254956517722014-10-27T16:18:00.002-07:002014-10-27T16:18:56.366-07:00Everyday I'm Strugglin'<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Hey Hey Everybody!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alright this week has been awesome!! Sister
Chisholm is great and wonderful! We already are teaching well together and
having a great ole' time laughing and getting to know each other. It is a
little weird to be in Midland 2nd ward and to have the first ward like right by
me but I can tell that I will love this ward just as much I love the first
ward. Seriously though I am so excited for this next transfer I think that it
is going to be great! Here is a totally random side note: while Sister Chisholm
and I were in studies we discovered why missionary time is so weird. The Lord's
time is like 1 day to our 1000 days well that is why our 18 months to 2 years
feels so short because we are representatives of Jesus Christ therefore our
time is going to be off and faster and not seem as long! We answered the
million dollars question!!!!! Yeah!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So this week's letter is going to be a little different then
other weeks because I forgot my planner. I know that doesn't happen a lot but I
did so I'm going to write you about what I studied everyday instead!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday: </b>I already wrote you about the people of Ammon
last week. Just know that I still love that story in The Book of Mormon and
those people who changed so much to follow Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> I was reading in Alma 28 and I got caught on
the word light and why Jesus Christ is compared to being the light of the
world. I then thought about all the attributes of light. It helps us see more
clearly, it is a sense of happiness and warmth, light casts away darkness so
light and dark can't occupy the same place. The sun is a great source of light
and without it we would all die just like without Christ we would all die as
well. Jesus Christ has the attributes of light. He helps us to see the end and
helps us get through the darkness. When we have Christ in our lives we are
happy and can feel the warm feeling of peace and comfort from the spirit and we
follow the example of Christ. Light is a signal of hope and Jesus Christ is our
signal of hope and is a beacon for us to follow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> I ready in Alma 29 and in verse 10 in
talks about Christ's merciful arm being extended towards us. I thought about
myself and how His arm of mercy has been extended to me many times. I thought
more about how I reacted to his arm of mercy. I sometimes turned away because
of pride and feelings of unworthiness. I have also found myself latching on to
His hand and letting him more fully guide me in my life. I thought more about
why is it that we turn away from the Lord and His mercy. I pondered and cam to
the realization that it is the small and simple things in life that bring us
closer to Christ. I know that as we do those things we shall be guided and have
the desire to cling to His hand that is ALWAYS extended out towards us no
matter what. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> I was reading in Alma 30 in verse 8 and it
says "choose ye this day, whom ye will serve." I thought about what
leads to the decision to follow Christ and His gospel. I came to the conclusion
that it is by experimenting and seeing the fruits of following him. I then
thought about why we choose not to follow Christ and the very first thing that
came to my mind was pride. Pride keeps us from following Heavenly Father and
Jesus Christ which lead me to think about how we can remain humble so that we
may follow Christ. I came up with 3 things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) Prayer: when we pray our will aligns with God's will<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Count your blessings: we have the opportunity to
recognize that all things come from the Lord and we are nothing compared to His
greatness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) Weaknesses: Ether 12:27- we are given weaknesses that we
may be humble. Recognize our weaknesses and turn to the Lord to help them
become strengths, they're there for a reason. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> I was in Alma 30 and I studied about small
and simple things and how that helps us discern good from evil. I also studied
the Law of Chasity. We talked about how it is one of the hardest commandments
to keep because of all the influences that are in the world. We know that to
keep the Law of Chastity it starts with our thoughts and how important it is to
keep our thoughts pure and clean. It is important to surround ourselves with
good uplifting things that help bring the spirit into our lives. Sometimes we
have to make the decision to throw something out or to not watch or listen to
that any more but there are so many blessing from keeping this law like: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Trust and confidence in family relationships<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-self-control <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-happiness and peace<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-self respect<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-you'll be closer to God <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that it is so important that we surround ourselves
with goodness so that we are being filled with the spirit! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> I was in Alma 30 still and that sent me to
a scripture in 2 Nephi 28:14 which talks about Satan and how he pacifies us and
leads us carefully down to hell. Pacify means to settle or soothe. It also
means to disarm. Satan tries to disarm us! We need to fight back by doing that
small and simple things in our lives because that is what arms us. We can't
think that the path of righteousness is too hard. It's hard I'm not going to
lie but there is so much more happiness and joy that comes from following the
commandments. It is so important to realize that it is by that small and simple
things that great things are brought to pass. I thought of this little saying
to help to have a great desire to do the small and simple things "We don't
have to do the small and simple things, we GET to do them!" We are so
blessed to have these things that protect us from Satan and we get to use them
everyday!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> I was reading in Alma 31 and verse 23 popped
out to me. It says that the people worshiped God only at the time there are in
their synagogues. How often do we find ourselves not worshiping Christ and
Heavenly Father through out the week. Sometimes we go to church never to think
about what we learned or what we did that week until we return to church the
next week. It made me think about how important it is to treasure up in our
hearts continually the words or life. We have to apply the things that we learn
in order to repent which helps us to change and better follow Jesus
Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so grateful for the chance that I get to study the
gospel everyday and be filled with the spirit. It has blessed my life so much
and I am so grateful. I invite all of you to "feast upon the words of
Christ" In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love you lots, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S sorry for the long email. <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-70876826006841435572014-10-21T08:41:00.001-07:002014-10-21T08:41:02.670-07:00BLACK OUT!!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Ya'll!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been another good one! We're being
blessed and seeing a lot of people open up and have a desire to at least invite
us back to hear more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! Bay City is
ready to explode, hopefully everyone is ready for it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday: I can't really remember exactly what I did this
day..... Oh no! I'm getting old! Ahhh! We had dinner with a less active member
which is always a great opportunity. She's great and has a few hurdles to
overcome but don't we all on this path to eternity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday: TRANSFER CALLS!!!! Normally they are on Fridays but
Pres. Jacobsen had somewhere to be so we did it on a Tuesday. It kind of threw
off the week but that's okay. So the verdict is in that I'm being
transferred... hopefully for the last time! I'll be heading over just a 30
minute drive away to Midland!!!!!!! HaHa! Ain't that great! I'll be serving in
Midland 2nd ward and I'll be finishing off Sister Chisholm's training!!! It'll
be a blast! I get to see everyone from Midland 1st ward! I will have now served
in all the sister areas in the Midland Zone so now I have ZONE BLACK
OUT!!!!!!!! Let's just say that traveling around to tour my mission shouldn't
be to hard because I've spent 14 months in the same zone! Crazy! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday: This was my last district meeting in the Bay City
District which is basically full of elders! Crazy ones at that! They're super
funny though and watch out for Sister Jordan and I. We had a great meeting
though on Christlike attributes with emphasis on patience. I'm so grateful for
Christ and His perfect example. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday: Man, we had like a full day planned with lessons
and all but one cancelled. That my friends is why we have back up plans because
no matter how much you pray and have faith these people will show you are still
dealing with other people's agency. The church is so organized it is
amazing!!!! It is only possible through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The
organization, I think, shows how true the church really is! We also had
an awesome lesson with Erin and Richard and their family! It was amazing! A
member talked about how a temple is built on a landfill then she talked about
how Heavenly Father doesn't care about our past but that we wants us to look
forward to the future and build upward. Onward and Upward is what Elder Holland
said to us! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday: We rode our bikes again.... this time luckily my
skirt didn't get caught and my handle bars didn't fall off so all in all I'd
say that it was a successful biking experience. Well, actually our tires were
flat and that makes for a lot more effort to ride a bike. Heavenly Father is
just trying to help me work out more! HaHa! Oh man though there is a story for
this day! Sister Jordan and I were door knocking on May street and a woman
answered the door. She told us that we were wrong and didn't were lost. She
kept saying that the Bible was the only word of God and that we should read it
for ourselves. Sister Jordan and I stood there letting her speak and then we
just testified about the Book of Mormon and how we know it is the word of God.
I bore my testimony and I almost started to cry! I told her that I wouldn't be
at her door step if I didn't know for a surety that it is true! I felt the
spirit very strongly but it just seemed like the spirit stopped at the door....
she wouldn't let it into her heart. We asked if she had ever read the Book of
Mormon and she said no but that she had read a book about it. We invited her to
read it and pray for herself, but she wasn't open to it. It's always sad when
you bear our testimony and people don't accept it, but I am so grateful for
opportunities like that that build my faith and strengthen me. I am blessed! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday: I'm grateful for meals with members! I feel like I
learn so much from the members when I eat with them and have a lesson with
them. We talked about the Restoration and it is amazing the insights that
others have on this significant event! It is amazing and I love it! Members are
everything to this work and we would be nothing without them! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday: TRACY CAME TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!! It is a miracle!!!!
She was in the hospital the night before and she still came to church!!! I have
a huge testimony in the power of prayer and as well in the power of the Book of
Mormon. She has been reading it and I know that it is giving her the strength
to do what she needs to do! I love love love love it!!!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spiritual Thought: While in my scripture reading this
morning I learned a lot about the people of Ammon! Let me tell you how much I
love those people and their example to me! The people of Ammon were once the
Lamanites who killed many people and sought to do evil always. Their fathers
had turned away from the Lord. Ammon, a missionary, who had been changed by the
atonement wanted to share the gospel with them. He taught the people and they
were converted. They were so converted to the Lord that they buried their
weapons of war in the ground so that they would never take a life again. They
made this covenant with God! They would rather die a most painful death then
take a life. They were truly converted to the Lord. I think about how converted
I am to the gospel and how much I need to be better at keeping my covenants
I've made with the Lord. Are we truly converted to the gospel to stand up for
the right in any situation? I want to be like the people of Ammon. They were a
zealous people and highly favored of the Lord. "And they were also
distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were
perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of
Christ, even unto the end." Alma 27: 27 They were faithful til the end! I
have a quote that says "Conversion is not a one time event, but it is a
life long journey to become more like the Savior." I know that when we
keep our covenants that the Lord will bless us and we will find great happiness
in this life and in the life to come! I love the scriptures and what I am
able to learn from them. They truly are the words of Christ! Every time I read
them I am filled with the spirit and have a desire to do good and to be good.
The best is that you learn something new even when you've heard the story many
times! I love being a missionary and serving the Lord! In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-6131768125126075512014-10-21T08:39:00.002-07:002014-10-21T08:39:29.952-07:00Missionary work.... stalking 101<div class="MsoNormal">
Family and Friends and everyone else not sitting on
cushions! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let's see.... what cleaver thing do I have for
you this lovely Monday morning? You know something that Sister Jordan and I
realized the other day. She's been on her mission as long and I have left. That
was a scary moment for me!!! Also you know you've lived in Michigan for a year
when 53 degrees is nice and you're wearing a long sleeve shirt and no tights!
That's right! I'm adjusting to the weather except when it's windy.... the wind
is terrible. They call it the lazy wind because it just goes right through you.
Haha! Anyways... here's a bit of my week! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> Sister Jordan and I finally were able to
carve pumpkins!!! They actually turned out a lot better then I expected and I'm
pretty excited about that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> We actually had a lesson with our neighbor
across the hall. She is this older woman who grew up Lutheran. She is looking
for more happiness in her life! Haha well do we have the recipe for happiness
for you!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> Totally awesome amazingness!!!! We were
blessed with the opportunity to watch Meet the Mormons! I must say that is was
a great movie! The spirit was really there and it was uplifting and inspiring.
I would recommend seeing it because it will brighten your day and give you a
sense of gratitude of having the knowledge that we have as members of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Go see it, you'll love it! Bring
tissues especially if you have a missionary out! ;) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> We had a lesson with our investigator
Sister Rogers! She is really making steps forward. She is doing so much better
with not smoking and she is really everyday which is wonderful! We are so
excited for her and hope that she will be able to continue to move forward and
make it to the waters of baptism! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> We went finding more today then usual and I
have got to tell you sometimes I miss door knocking. I think it is great to
bear your testimony to your brothers and sisters and I think it is a great
challenge! I love it! I also have so many fond memories while door knocking so
I just love it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> Alright this ties in with the title of the
message. Sister Jordan and I were out by the bay and it was dark and we were
trying to find less active members but unfortunately it was too dark to see the
house numbers which also caused us to drive a lot slower then usual. We then
decided that it would been a good idea to get out and try to find them
and that still didn't work out either. I'm just saying that on my mission I've
felt more like a stalker then ever. I'm pretty sure I'm going to join the FBI
when I get home! :D<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> I say this every week but I can't get enough
of church!!! I love it with all my heart! I was so grateful to take the
sacrament and to be able to renew my covenants! I'm so grateful for the
atonement of Jesus Christ and how much that has helped me in my life and how
wonderful and amazing that gift truly is! Through Christ we have the power to
do all things that are align in his will. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> I love the scriptures and this is
a verse I came across while reading this week. "Now, this was what Ammon
desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that
the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light
which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was
a marvelous light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his
soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of
everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome
his natural frame, and he was carried away in God—" Alma 19:6 I feel like
this is what has happened to me as I have embraced the gospel more fully in my
life. The darkness has been cast away and it has been replaced with light and
consumes me! I love the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! I have been infused
with joy and have been carried away in God! I know with all my heart that this
is Christ's church. Our Savior lives! We are children of our Heavenly Father
who have been divinely designed by our Creator! We have been blessed with the
gospel and a rich knowledge. I am grateful for my mission which has
strengthened my love for the gospel and my Savior. This really is a gospel of
joy and I love, love, love it!!!! I know that as we are<br />
"anxiously engaged in a good cause" (D&C 58:27) we will be
"filled with his love, even unto the consuming of [our] flesh." (2
Nephi 4:21) The light of the gospel will come into our lives and the darkness
will no longer occupy that space. The power of the atonement is real and it can
and will change us as we open our hearts to it and let the light in! In the
name of Jesus the Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-80822604311387201032014-10-06T11:07:00.001-07:002014-10-06T11:07:52.837-07:00 The Church is TRUE!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
What's Crack-a-lackin'!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope that everyone enjoyed their Christmas
and that you took delight in the spiritual feast that was given to us this
conference weekend! We are so blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father who has
given us a prophet on the earth today to lead and guide us back into His loving
arms! SO BLESSED!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> Down by the bay where the watermelons grow
back to my home I dare not go for if I do my mother would say...... That's
right my friends, I finally got to see one of the great lakes of Michigan and
let me tell you my friends was it great! It's like an ocean but not!!! I highly
recommend coming to see one of these wonderful creations because it is LEGIT! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> I am grateful for the gospel in my life
because without it I don't know that I would do with my life! I can't even
express how grateful I am that I was so blessed to grow up in a home where the
gospel was taught and that I was able to learn about my Savior from such a
young age! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> Oh man! One of the struggles of a mission
is not having a car. My heart goes out to all of the missionaries who had to
walk their entire mission, you my friends are champions! Whenever I walk it
always seems like all our lessons fall through and things just don't go as
planned. We missed our bus and didn't have a way to get to our appointment so
we had to cancel, but we decided to door knock a street and we happened to meet
two sweet potentials! If your plans don't go the way you planned remember that
the Lord is watching over you and His plans are always better then our plans! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Today was a bit of a bummer. We had like 4
lessons planned and 3 canceled on us! They were pretty good reasons to cancel
but hey the gospel is wonderful and all I want to do is share the good news
with you! We did however have a good lesson with a less active member that we
are working with! She has somethings that she is working through but she really
wants to do better and improve! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday: </b>We had a lesson will the Guiths..... well
Misty actually. She is great and she was taking notes and wanting to know all
these different things it was great! We are hoping that they're family will
start progressing more and getting closer to baptism. We are still taking some
baby steps, but baby steps are better then no steps, right! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> It's the most wonderful time of the year!
That's right General Conference baby!!! I'd have to say that all the talks that
were given were just wonderful! Nothing I can say can describe how great all of
them were! If you weren't able to watch it, I invite you to watch it and then
watch it again because you won't be able to get enough of it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> Alright, was it just me or were you thinking
that President Monson was going to announce something crazy because of all the
follow the prophet talks. I was getting myself ready for whatever was to come
our way, but then nothing crazy happened. Oh well, the messages about following
the prophet were still wonderful and I have a huge testimony of how following
the prophet can bring you so much peace and happiness! They really do know the
way and are servants of the Lord, Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> Alright, now that we have been
blessed with so great a feast "shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go
forward and not backward. Courage, brethren (and sisters); and on, on to the
victory" D&C 128:22 The next part of General Conference is applying
what we learned into our daily lives. If we don't apply it's like buying a
ticket to a movie but then never going to see the movie. I know that this can
be hard but we learned that through Christ we can do hard things and that we
must make sacrifices to follow our Lord. So, how can we apply what we learned
in Conference? We can make a list of things we want to improve on then pick one
or two things to start working on in our lives. Don't pick so many things to work
on at once because we don't want to get overwhelmed. We can pray about ours
lists and I know Heavenly Father will tell us what we can work on to reach our
potential. Something that just came to my mind was to read the talks and look
at the blessings that are given and if you feel that you need that blessing in
your life, do what the speaker invited us to do. There are many ways to apply
Conference in our lives and I know that when we do we will see the promised
blessings from the Lord and our lives will feel enriched and full. In the name
of Jesus the Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByN-yaxPKeU6PxmdyyTCnlgSQb8w8mU73-8Db6gyX9q7idLPwsO_WNELoluAEMh0hhIPPeCLSfAUcF8eWPnA743gcZKLFDK08QZlxUGt9iigUhLyhvw4R7KD63JxUTUye9r1lG-tf12Zx/s1600/DSCN6094%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByN-yaxPKeU6PxmdyyTCnlgSQb8w8mU73-8Db6gyX9q7idLPwsO_WNELoluAEMh0hhIPPeCLSfAUcF8eWPnA743gcZKLFDK08QZlxUGt9iigUhLyhvw4R7KD63JxUTUye9r1lG-tf12Zx/s1600/DSCN6094%5B1%5D.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Beauty of Michigan!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHumJVJQFWL_gDIU-rpS177SpzP2MLYqdiqMiG_9rdGh2Uhyphenhyphenq4X3hpEsKW1vyqe3gOBUlz87qvNXiEAtCFg7HkXhxPNfuUW4E1CMtnpAwM888cNNt25qcRT8cf8ZbONA3bWIL642z16l1d/s1600/DSCN6165%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHumJVJQFWL_gDIU-rpS177SpzP2MLYqdiqMiG_9rdGh2Uhyphenhyphenq4X3hpEsKW1vyqe3gOBUlz87qvNXiEAtCFg7HkXhxPNfuUW4E1CMtnpAwM888cNNt25qcRT8cf8ZbONA3bWIL642z16l1d/s1600/DSCN6165%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blister on My Toe!</span></td></tr>
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-74307534738267554792014-09-29T15:53:00.001-07:002014-09-29T15:53:28.795-07:00Where Does the Time Go?<div class="MsoNormal">
Dearest Family and Friends! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been quite the adventure! I think
all my weeks have been adventures just for different reasons though. This week
was hot and I have so much more appreciation for the pioneers and the Mormon
Battalion then ever before even after the trek/ exodus! Here is a little
glimpse into this past week! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> Haha! We had dinner that the Bishop's home
and it was great! We love the Peless family and I think they like us as well!
Their kids are so funny! I love being a missionary and learning from so many
different people all different kinds of things! Being a missionary and eating
in member's homes is the best! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> We actually were able to pick up a new
investigator which was great! We have been so blessed in Bay City! Her name is
Sandra and her cousin is a member of the church and they had us all over for
dinner. They lesson went pretty well and we have another one scheduled for this
Thursday and we are looking forward to it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We lost the car this day.... always a
bummer, but on the bright side we are blessed with some really great weather to
be walking in! I mean it could totally be snowing and it's not so I have
nothing to complain about! We were able to have a lesson with the Guiths! They
are doing pretty good! Misty said that she would be baptized when she receives
an answer that these things are true which is great! There are a few hurdles
that would need to be overcome but all things are possible through Jesus
Christ! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> We had the opportunity to have a lesson
with Tracy! She is such a sweetheart and I just love her and want her to be
happy and have the gospel in here life! She would be just so much happier if
she were able to come in full fellowship! We need her as well because she has
the most tender heart and so much charity for all of God's children! She really
is an amazing lady and I just want her to have this gospel! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday: </b>Day number 1 and the River of Time! This day
is open to all the schools so we got to play games and stuff with them! I
braided a lot of pieces of fabric together and we also played 3-way tug of war!
It was legit! Sister Jordan and I played against the Elders and we got
creamed...... I also got creamed on all the other games I played against
them.... lame. Haha! We play a game called Hunker Down and Haul on the Hauser!
You balance on a piece of wood and then hold on to a rope and try to pull the
other person off, it is a game of balance and strategy! We also played stick
pull which was great! It just reminds me of the Restoration movie and how
Joseph Smith always played and that he was pretty much the best at it! I love
it! We were so tired by the end of the day! We had been in the sun all day and
had been out and about doing all those activities it was insane but so much fun
and I have that much more respect for the pioneers and what they did and I
didn't even have to walk that much that day! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We worked a family history booth at the
River of Time and it was quite successful! We had a lot of people come and take
a look at it which was wonderful! We had by the end like 140 people stop by and
either take a flyer or I think about 60 people sat down with us and looked for
ancestors with us! It was great! The spirit of Elijah is really here! It was
great even trying to find other people's ancestors! We also worked a little at
our Mormon Battalion sight which was fun! We had homemade apple pie that was
cooked in a dutch oven! Did you know that the Mormon Battalion was the longest
infantry march ever!!!! And they were the ones who found the gold which started
the gold rush, but they left it all to return to their families in Utah! What
amazing men of God! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also went to the Women's Conference which was absolutely
wonderful! It really is the most wonderful time of the year that we get to hear
from the leaders of the church then we get to go and apply it into our lives
and become better servants of the Lord! We have a prophet on the earth today
how amazing and wonderful is that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> We had a really good Gospel Principles class
about families and it taught me a lot about how we can create a home that has
peace, love and harmony in it! I love how the gospel can truly answer all the
questions that we have! It really is amazing how Heavenly Father has created
such a divine plan for all of us and that we are able to grow into the children
that God knows we can become! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> This morning while in my studies I
was in my readings in Alma 5 which is the great question chapter of the Book of
Mormon. Lately I have been pondering a lot about pride and one of the questions
is "are ye stripped of pride?" and I thought about it and I came to
the conclusion that I am still very much a prideful person. Upon this
realization I thought more about how we can rid ourselves of that pride and
become humble and submissive. The first thing that came to my mind was
gratitude! What better way to realized how much the Lord has done for you then
counting your blessings. I love the scripture in Alma 26:12 which talks about
how we are nothing and that we can boast of our God! I love it! There are also
other ways that the scriptures teach us about how we can develop the attribute
of humility. In Helaman 3:35 it says "Nevertheless they did fast and pray
oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility and firmer and firmer
in their faith of Christ...". We can fast and pray to receive divine help
to strip ourselves of our pride! It's great how we have a Heavenly Father who
sent His Son to help us in our weaknesses which also helps us to call upon the
Lord for help and strength! Blessings of being humble are found all over in the
scriptures, but one that I liked was D&C 112:10 which talks about receiving
answers to our prayers! I know that it is hard to acknowledge our weaknesses
and sometimes it's even harder to call upon the Lord for help, but I know that
when we do we will become humble and we will be able to strip ourselves of
pride that we may be able to stand before God and be clean so we can inherit
the kingdom of God which is the greatest of all gifts! In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Sister Smith</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sister Miranda Smith on her way to <span style="color: blue;">"RIVER OF TIME"</span> IN BAY CITY, MICHIGAN </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sister Jordan and Sister Smith at "River of Time"</span></td></tr>
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-85108057822465822662014-09-24T10:09:00.001-07:002014-09-24T10:09:12.249-07:00runnin' runnin' and runnin' runnin'<div class="MsoNormal">
Howdy Partners! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can see from my title, this week we have
been running around like mad sister missionaries! Actually I feel like that has
been what all my time in Bay City has been. We don't have enough time in the
day to all that we need to do! There's an elder in our mission who skips his
lunch hour because he feels like it is a waste of time and takes his lunch with
him. We may have to result in doing that... except I really like my lunch time
because well I get to read the Book of Mormon and the Ensigns and be
spiritually strengthened for the rest of the day, but we do need to find more hours
in the day. haha #missionlife! (That's right, I hash tagged!) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> It rained.... a lot! This is the day that our
running around began. Who knew that it would just lead into a crazy week like
the one we went through! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> Oh man I was in Mt. Pleasant baby!!! That's
where I was born and I was with my MTC companion Sister Mortensen! It is crazy
how much I actually remember from Mt. P even being gone for so long! It is
crazy! I also got to see Robert Bronson! He's almost been baptized a year now
which is crazy awesome! I still love working on campus! We did this finding
activity where you ask people what makes them happy and have them write it on a
white board and then you take a picture of them then you explain that you're
talking to people about what makes you happy which is the gospel of Jesus
Christ! Isn't that great! Campus all the way! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We had a lot of lessons planned and they
all fell through which is always a huge bummer but that is why back up plans
are so important! I'm going to have back up plans the rest of my life! They
really keep you organized and time efficient! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Oh man! We had dinner with a less active
woman who is so sweet and who is slowly on here way to reactivation which is
great! She's great! The reason I'm telling you this is because for desert we
had... wait for it...... desert nachos!!!!!!! Haha! Isn't that awesome!!!! We
had like ice cream and caramel on them! The sweet little joys of mission life I
just love them! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> Awesome day! While door knocking Sister
Jordan and I were coming up with awesome pumpkin carving ideas like the Plan of
Salvation, CTR, <a href="http://mormon.org/">mormon.org</a> and a michigan hand
with M.L.M we are pretty excited about it actually! What a great
missionary tool (wink, wink) haha! That evening we also had dinner at an a
member's home with an investigator and it went really well!! Like I say almost
every other week, members are everything!! They are the most important part to
the work! I absolutely love when members are so willing to help out and be a
friend to our investigators! The members also invited them to an activity the
next day! It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Have the missionaries investigators over
for dinner or family home evening, they need you! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> I had the opportunity to attend a wedding!
It was pretty great actually. They were married then the groom was baptized.
Also I believe I have found my calling in life and that is decorating cupcakes!
I had a blast decorating them and they turned out pretty good too! Maybe I'll
have that as a side job! We also had the Fall Frolic! Yup, Michigan rules! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> One the the counselors in the bishopric
is moving to Idaho Falls and he gave a powerful testimony to the ward! It was
amazing! It sounded like an apostle! It was legit! He's really great guy and we
are sad to see him leave! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> I've been thinking about what to
talk about this week and I feel like temple attendance is something that would
bring the spirit. I know that the temple is the House of the Lord. It is so
important that we go to the temple as often as we can. I know that we don't always
get the opportunity because we are busy and we have much to do, but as we take
that time for the Lord he will truly bless us and our families. (3 Nephi 13:33)
I know that not everyone who reads this is a member of the church or has a
temple recommend, I'd invite you to walk on the grounds of the temple and feel
of the special spirit that is there. There is a peace that comes from the
temple that you can't find anywhere else. I haven't been able to go back in
almost 18 months and I miss it, I miss it more than anything. There is a power
that comes from attending the temple regularly that can't be found anywhere
else. The temple is real life, when we go we get away from the temptations, and
craziness of the world and we get to go where we can feel the Lord's spirit
abundantly. I love to see the temple and I'm going back some day! There is not
place like the Lord's House. I know with all my heart that The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's restored church on the earth today and
that this is where the Lord wants all of his children to be. In the name of
Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8nOrx0rsSOvROGIq8QST7wNPfOaXxdl2HPLf_T6aCFJk9k-hv5jdcFWvY1xzYx_Ml5ffavQpKXuwOi36cwzGsai1fVxWnZAXPlZl3S8WDmVJEjiplgkB_67tRaLMIBa5YEMDvWBXbWaj/s1600/Mir+and+sister+Jordan+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8nOrx0rsSOvROGIq8QST7wNPfOaXxdl2HPLf_T6aCFJk9k-hv5jdcFWvY1xzYx_Ml5ffavQpKXuwOi36cwzGsai1fVxWnZAXPlZl3S8WDmVJEjiplgkB_67tRaLMIBa5YEMDvWBXbWaj/s1600/Mir+and+sister+Jordan+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sister Smith and Sister Jordan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-3721993811462650682014-09-16T15:43:00.002-07:002014-09-16T15:43:42.545-07:00 Living the Dream!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Family and Friends, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time has come for the weather to
start to change and for the long sleeves to come out from hiding, for the
leaves to start to change, and to look like a dragon breathing smoke because of
the brisk fall air. Yup, that's right my friends fall is in the air and Sister
Smith refuses to put on warmer clothing to admit to the fact that winter is
just around the corner. If only my memory could be blocked of that cold, dark
winter we had last year. I'm soooo grateful that as a missionary we receive
strength beyond our own! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> Oh man we had a good ole' time playing at the
park with some members!! It was so much fun to play games with the members! No
worries we did it on our own p-day time not after P-day was over! One of the
best p-days ever for sure! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> We had a lesson with Albert our recent
convert and he is doing so great! We just love him so much! He is reading
in 3 Nephi and he is so excited to get to the part where Christ comes to the
people in the Americas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We got to see the Martinez family which
was great! They are really great to teach and we had a member there is it was
wonderful! Members are so important they really help everything so much! I love
it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Sister Jordan and I went to see a
less-active member and she was feeding us lunch. She had to leave while we were
having lunch to visit a neighbor who had a family member pass away that
morning. It was kind of funny cause Sister Jordan and I sat there for a moment
and we started to laugh because we were in this woman's home and she had left
us while eating lunch and it was just another awkward moment in the life of a
missionary. Well it sounds like it is a you had to be there moment.... I feel
like a lot of the stories I tell are those, but I hope you still enjoy them
anyways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday: </b>Oh my soul! Sister Jordan and I had all these
people just pour their souls out to us and it is crazy! I have no idea why
people feel like they can just tell us everything that is going on in their
life. I think it's because they trust us. I feel very privileged that people do
trust us that much. Being a representative of Jesus Christ is a wonderful
opportunity and I feel very blessed to be able to be here for Heavenly Father's
children to help them out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We had a lesson with our investigator
Tracy. She really is so sweet and we love her to death! She has been
investigating the church for about 10 years now. It seems likes everything is
against her when it comes to coming to church. People in the church she attends
to now aren't kind when she talks about the church. She is so funny though
because she takes a copy of the Book of Mormon to church with her and she says
everyone just stares at her. She is so close to coming to church and she has
come before she just needs to do it again. Oh Tracy! Sometimes loving people is
really hard. Parents you probably understand better than I do but you know how
if feels when you want your kids so badly to do what is right, but the
opposition comes and your kids may not make the right choice well that's how I
feel when our investigators don't keep their commitments. You know with all
your heart that it will bless them but they don't do it. It is so sad! Charity
is rough stuff! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> We finally got in contact with our
investigator David Mook!!!! He has been super busy with a bunch of stuff (which
seems to happen when you meet people who are prepared!) We have an appointment
set up with him for tomorrow and we are pumped!!! Yeah for teaching people
about the gospel!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> I have been thinking a lot this
week about how important it is to live the gospel everyday of our lives! We
can't just be complacent in the gospel we have to be working towards becoming
better everyday and we can only do that by living it everyday. When we pray,
read the scriptures and attend church and do the small and simple things we are
going to be blessed greatly. 2 Nephi 31: 19-20 Talks about how after we are
baptized all is not done but that we must press forward and endure to the end
and "behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." I
know that when we follow the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ that we can
prevent hardships and trials that come our way and when they do, cause they
will at some point, we'll be able to get through them and grow and learn from
our trials. I love you all and hope that together we can all endure to the end
so that we'll be able to see each other in the Kingdom of Heaven! In the name
of Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-51191977229814220082014-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:002014-09-08T21:15:14.267-07:00Mission Life All the Way!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Greetings from Michigan! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been another wonderful week in
the lovely Bay City area! We are super excited about life and about sharing the
gospel! Today in companionship study we got a little crazy and well lets just
say the gospel truly is an exciting thing to talk about especially when your
companion loves it as well!!! We've had a lot of laughs this week and we are
looking forward to more! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> It was a holiday! I wrote a ton of letters.
I'm sorry if you are reading this and did not receive a letter. I promise that
if you write me a letter that I will write you back in a timely manner and I
will put colorful decorative stickers on it as well! Who doesn't want a sweet
sticker covered letter from their Michiganary. Haha! :D <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday: </b>The highlights of the day are as follows: We
weeded an investigators garden which is great except for the fact that I got
hives all on my arm.... the elements are out to get me this transfer! First I
passed out, then mangos try to kill me, oh wait you didn't hear that story.....
haha! Anyways they went away by the end of the night. We also had a lesson with
our investigator Patty! She is the one that we met that the members moving
sale! She is so sweet and what was great is that we brought members to her
lesson and they got along great! It was wonderful! Members truly are everything
in missionary work, I love it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We had a lesson with the Guiths and they
are great! We watched the restoration video and they liked it! We really hope
that they will soon more progress towards baptism. If you could keep them in
your prayers that would be great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> We did a service activity for the city
called Food of Faith and it is where you make food and serve it to those in
need. It went really well and the Guiths came too! Misty brought like 200
muffins and the crazy part is that the members of the ward thought we weren't
going to have enough. Two of the members said a prayer and in walks Misty with
like 200 muffins! It was awesome!!!! We have seen so many miracles this last
transfer in Bay City it is amazing! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> We had transfer calls and it was so funny
because I completely forgot that it was that day. We had moved weekly planning to
Friday but I really forgot! The phone started to right and I thought who is
calling so early and then I saw that it was the Zone Leaders and I was like
"Oh yeah, I totally forgot it is transfer call day!!" My mind has
been so busy with the work here in Bay City I have no time to think about
anything else which is great! Oh yeah so I'm staying in Bay City with Sister
Jordan to finish out here training! We are excited to see more miracles take
place in Bay City. The spiritual flood gates are going to be opened here pretty
soon!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We had a baptism in Bay City! It was for
the elder's investigator Nicole. It was a great baptism. After the baptism the
missionaries were talking with Bishop Peless and Bro. Cobb our ward mission
leader and they were telling us about this event that we're having at the end
of this month called the River of Time. They have reenactments of wars
throughout history and the Mormon Battalion will be in it and as missionaries
we get to take part in it and we get to dress up and tell people about it!!!
How totally wicked is that!!! Bay City is awesome they have so many neat little
well actually big festivals and it is a great way to share the gospel!! We're
all pretty excited about it, because people come from all over the state to see
it!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> Basically everything was on missionary work!
It was great! A lot of the testimonies born were on missionary work, in gospel
principles the lesson was on missionary work and in relief society it was on
member missionary work! Can you say Boo-ya!!!! Missionary work is only one of
the best topics to talk about!!! Members truly are so amazing and we need them
so much to help the work move forward. Members are everything! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> I want to bare my testimony on how
much this gospel can bring joy into your life. "Yea, I say unto you, my
son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains.
Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be
nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." ~Alma 36:21~ Alma because
of his wickedness was in the most bitterness of pain but because he called upon
his Savior Jesus Christ and his atonement Alma was able to be released from
those pains and feel the joy that comes from the redeeming power of the
atonement. I have felt the bitterness of not following the commandments of God
and I have felt the atonement of my Savior work within me so that I can feel
the joy that comes from the gospel. There is nothing in this life that has ever
brought me so much joy as the gospel has. The world we live in makes it hard
for us to realize where true, eternal joy comes from, they make us think that
it is found in money or other worldly possessions that we have. I know with all
my heart that those worldly things are not where true happiness lays, but that
it is in living the gospel of Jesus Christ every single day of our lives. It is
found in using the Atonement of Jesus Christ everyday to become a better
servant of the Lord. It is found in serving our fellowman, attending the temple
regularly, reading the scriptures and praying daily and sharing the gospel with
our brothers and sisters. This is where true joy lies! I invite you all to come
unto Christ and partake of this eternal joy for there is "nothing so exquisite
and sweet" as this joy! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you all and I hope that you have a wonderful week and
that you may feel that joy of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGOfPqSHlpKH9iKVHJpwA1V55pq007slehVhGNA2JOHUPeTK1lLVBvyq30zdY_fHu1WD4SsL4GjAaIqdQdnEiKFqxf91Bi_RUak6Fbp1SDgnXd7rcwcmpy1OKpKprbAEH5n36RV8RI1Cs/s1600/Albert's%2BBaptism%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGOfPqSHlpKH9iKVHJpwA1V55pq007slehVhGNA2JOHUPeTK1lLVBvyq30zdY_fHu1WD4SsL4GjAaIqdQdnEiKFqxf91Bi_RUak6Fbp1SDgnXd7rcwcmpy1OKpKprbAEH5n36RV8RI1Cs/s1600/Albert's%2BBaptism%2B1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Albert's Baptism!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-49423375345431780912014-09-08T21:09:00.001-07:002014-09-08T21:09:21.361-07:00Another Transfer almost over!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family and Friends, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope that you all had and enjoyable
week and enjoyed the holiday weekend! I'm not breaking any rules, the library
was just closed yesterday so we were allowed to have emailing time today! This
week was great! We saw more miracles and we have had an fun time! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday: Well we had a lesson with Patty! We had met her
while doing service for a member and she is great! We also have a lesson with
her tonight which we are looking forward too! We are hoping that she'll come to
church this Sunday! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday: We were on companion exchanges! We did service for
some members who were moving which was nice. We also had a lesson with Albert!
He was having like his last lesson before he is baptized!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday: Zone Conference!!!! I love meeting with
missionaries! It is so great and I learn a ton! We talked about planning and
study which is actually a topic that is talked about a lot in training's! Oh and
we sat by Sister Jacobsen and she asked about our area and told her about the
miracles that we have seen and she said that our table should have balloons, it
was pretty funny! Also I had a few people who work in the office who made the
connection that I was the missionary that passed out.... haha! It was pretty
funny actually! Seriously though training's are so uplifting and it gives you
the drive to go and and be better! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday: Oh man! We met 4 teenagers/ kids while door
knocking this evening! Tyler (17), Nathan (16), Logan (14) and Caleb (8). It
was an interesting door contact but man they really listened! The two older
ones are friends that live across the street from each other and they don't
believe that there is a God. They younger two believe that God exists and they
was to know Him better. We talked to them at their door step for about an hour
and by the end Tyler said, "To be completely honest you two are the only
people who have ever got me to think that there could actually be a God."
Well it wasn't us, but it was the scriptures and the spirit that helped more
than anything! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday: We met with the Guiths again. Misty wasn't there but
Carl and Donivan were! Donivan really liked learning about everything and he
was excited! He kept saying that he wanted to be baptized. He doesn't fully
understand yet the commitment that is but we're working towards it! He's a
great kid though and we love to teach their family. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday: We met with Nathan and Tyler again. We talked all
about faith and repentance. It was actually pretty great! We talked a lot about
Alma the Younger and his conversion story and how through Christ we can be
cleansed and have our burdens lifted! It is crazy how much I was to help these
guys out! I want them to believe in God and know that he is there for them!
Tyler said a great prayer and the end of the lesson saying that he really does
believe in God! Like what the??? That's awesome!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also had Albert's baptism!!!!! It went
great! Albert was happy and we were happy! The spirit was there and I could
stop smiling. I actually tried to stop because my cheeks hurt but I could keep
it away for more than a minute at most! It was great! So Great!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday: It was a little crazy. Donivan and Misty came to
church which was great!!!! But sometimes is gets a little complicated with
investigators at church. I'm always a lot more on my toes especially when it is
their first time coming. I'm not sure if I could handle having a lot of
investigators at church! Haha But I still want them to come we just need to get
more fellow shippers! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spiritual Thought: I studied a lot yesterday on sacrifices.
There are so many people who made sacrifices to follow Jesus Christ, some of
the biggest sacrifices we made by the apostles who dropped all that they knew
to follow Christ and be part of his earthly ministry. I made me think about the
small and simple scarifies that I have to make in my day to day to be a true
disciple of Jesus Christ and then I thought about some of the big sacrifices
that I make in my life to follow Jesus Christ. It is hard to make sacrifices,
but I know that it is so much better to follow Jesus Christ then to follow
anyone else. Life is is happier and it has a lot less sorrow when you follow
Christ. I know that when we do heed his call to "Come, Follow Me" we
will be greatly blessed and be welcome into the Kingdom of God. In the name of
Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
p.s I'm probably allergic to mango's. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-69292229167430017982014-09-08T21:06:00.003-07:002014-09-08T21:06:43.721-07:00Miracles in Bay City, baby!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey there!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay so this week was just amazing and left me
aw-struck! I love being a missionary and I love the gospel!! There is no where
I'd rather be then here in the Michigan Lansing Mission in the Bay City area!!!
(sorry family) Bay City is so prepared it is just going to explode with
missionary work!!! Also Sister Morrison said told me that people from my last
area are going to be baptized! Like What!!?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> We had dinner at the river walk with a member
of the ward! Bay City is a neat little city thing and I love it! One day I will
ride a bike down the river walk and it will be a lot of fun! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> Miracle #1- We door knocked into a woman
named Amy a few weeks ago and she said that if we were in the area we could
stop by. A few nights later in my evening prayers I asked to know who the
prepared people are in this area and Amy's name came straight to my mind, so
the next night in planning I said that we should go and visit her so we did!
She talked with us for a bit and really opened up to us about her life and how
much she needs help and help for her family. Well we testified to her that this
would help her. We are going to be meeting with her tomorrow! Miracle #2- We
were coming home from a dinner appointment with a member and stopped to talk
with a man working in his yard. He wasn't too interested and we talked a bit
more and by the end we had a return appointment. We have been striving to
listen to people a lot lately especially with love and it was been great! They
opened up to us and we were able to teach them about prayer and invite them to
church. At the end their son Donivan, who is 10, said he'd say the prayer. It
was the sweetest, most heartfelt prayer ever!!! We are going to see them on
Wednesday this week! Miracles #3- While we were out heading into an apartment
complex we saw a young man sitting there and he looked a little upset and I had
the thought to talk with him, so we did. After talking it turns out that he was
stuck on that end of town and didn't have a way back. We asked if we could help
and we let his use our phone to call a friend. We started talking to him about
his life and what he hopes for and we tied Christ into that and how He helps us
reach our goals. We gave him a Book of Mormon and we got a return appointment
with him for that Thursday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> Miracles #4- We have previously received a
referral from Mormon.org and we set up a time to meet with David. He is
seriously so prepared to accept the gospel. He soaked it all in and he was just
sitting there listening! It was crazy!!! We invited him to be baptized and he
said yes!!! We just have to put him on date now. Miracle #5- We set up a time
to meet with a family called the Martinez family and well it was a miracle to
meet with them. We talked about how the gospel blesses families and how family
prayer can help us build strong relationships with one another. There spirit
was definitely there! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> We had our return appointment with
Zack, the guy that got stuck on the other side of town. It went pretty well. He
had read the intro to the Book of Mormon and said that he felt the spirit when
he was reading it! It was the BEST!! The only thing is that he doesn't have a
cell phone that works and he works a lot so it is kind of hard to get a hold of
him so hopefully we'll get to see him again soon! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> We helped out a member of the ward move,
which is actually quite sad because they have done a lot for the ward in Bay
City and they are going to be greatly missed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We got to work at a Family History Booth
which was actually quite great! I have grown a love for family history while on
my mission! It is so fun to help others find their ancestors and feel connected
to them. There was a few people who just loved finding their ancestors and it
was great!!! It was also a creative way to find people to teach! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> We had 4 investigators at church this Sunday!
It was awesome!! We also had a linger longer which was great! There was some
pretty great food as well! Oh I was also able to see some people from my past
areas who came up to hear the family speak who is moving! It was just
wonderful, so wonderful! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought: </b>I really am not sure what to talk
about today.... Got It! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Nephi 15: 24 "And I said unto then that it was the
word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast
unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery
darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to
destruction." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is so important that we hold to the scriptures and that
we study from them everyday! They are the words of eternal life! As we apply
what the scriptures teach us we will be able to avoid the fiery darts of the
adversary and it seems like now-a-days that we need that protection more then
ever before. We need to cling to the iron rod and look forward to the tree of
life and the gift of eternal life which is the greatest of all gifts from our
Heavenly Father(1 Ne 15:36). I know with all my heart that the scriptures are
true and that when we hold fast to them that we shall not worry because we will
have our foundations build upon our Savior, Jesus Christ (Hel 5:12). I would
invite you all to cling to the word of God which will tell you all things what
ye should do(2 Ne 32:3)! I know that if you read the words of God everyday that
you will truly see a difference in your life and you will start to see how God
is truly in control of our lives and how much He loves us. In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you all so much!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S sorry for the long letter...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRjcJvLcVFTJQzH2BCWB-gSLxzk4Es27oFXEZEWiiw47yxWMJGOpwvivFqUhyk5ftYsYSnnzq4O4iBHbKvDx9l9w1TCsdzRQ1beQZacRhvssCSllV-Lryq3gv6u_8l_jhIgH0gc097eeK/s1600/Foot+tan+baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRjcJvLcVFTJQzH2BCWB-gSLxzk4Es27oFXEZEWiiw47yxWMJGOpwvivFqUhyk5ftYsYSnnzq4O4iBHbKvDx9l9w1TCsdzRQ1beQZacRhvssCSllV-Lryq3gv6u_8l_jhIgH0gc097eeK/s1600/Foot+tan+baby.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Foot Tan Baby!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshi5Ych7GlEH6I4yXmwQbaKPQ9UkoDX1E3wrvnX15ZhjCIgy77uNmqAzDf0iVth2vNRYb_bS9TMANqNazysKfJ616d3i2IMu3pAAGksGibF4ujXYsN1g5v_LnDHoH3_46AnMUjiHqelBN/s1600/my+poor+shoes+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshi5Ych7GlEH6I4yXmwQbaKPQ9UkoDX1E3wrvnX15ZhjCIgy77uNmqAzDf0iVth2vNRYb_bS9TMANqNazysKfJ616d3i2IMu3pAAGksGibF4ujXYsN1g5v_LnDHoH3_46AnMUjiHqelBN/s1600/my+poor+shoes+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #e69138; color: #fce5cd; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My Poor Shoes and Feet!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68V_xmGL2M-01AEFSPvGRsGMj7nGIM_Wx4VW-CjTEXubY70eSKpM6uuaz87pMtWQK6VltHfqAUaWCXaTGY8H3u6PhkW9cJkIbw6VhyJACOR1zBLo6EUUXMSc-B7GaesNTA80wViz5rN14/s1600/my+poor+shoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68V_xmGL2M-01AEFSPvGRsGMj7nGIM_Wx4VW-CjTEXubY70eSKpM6uuaz87pMtWQK6VltHfqAUaWCXaTGY8H3u6PhkW9cJkIbw6VhyJACOR1zBLo6EUUXMSc-B7GaesNTA80wViz5rN14/s1600/my+poor+shoes.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-45420268837839635672014-09-08T20:58:00.003-07:002014-09-08T20:58:41.313-07:00It's a Struggle!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey, Hey, Hey!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me explain my title. This week has been
great, but a lot of things have just not gone as planned so whenever that
happens I have taken on the habit to say, "It's a struggle." Don't
worry it really isn't because that is just how missionary life is, you can ask
any RM and they'll tell you that the day never goes as planned, but it usually
almost always ends up better then you planned it! This week has been fun so
here it is! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> It rained buckets!!!!!! We couldn't really
keep moving to our new apartment so we decided that we would go door knocking
instead. We met a man named Jason who is very kind, but didn't really want to
learn. We started talking about the Book of Mormon and asked if he'd like to
read it and he said sure! He reads a 1000 page book in like 3 days so the Book
of Mormon shouldn't be too hard. We're following up with him this week! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> We had interviews with President Jacobsen!
He's great! It wasn't very long though.... he told me that I had to finish the
race strong and that I was on my final lap in a 1600 meter race. It really hope
that I can continue to finish strong! With the Lord all things are possible! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> Oh man! We moved a ton this day! We had to
get moved out so we moved and then cleaned. It was a busy day. We did however
have a lesson with a woman named Carol. She talked about the differences
between our faiths and she asked us a lot of questions which was great! We were
able to testify of the Book of Mormon and by the end the spirit had touched her
heart and she was willing to read the Book of Mormon! It was wonderful! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> We biked...... I don't like bikes... haha!
I think I'd like them more if I was more fit to ride a bike oh and my skirt
kept getting caught in my tire that made it a little bit more difficult to
continue riding sometimes... Lets just say that the next day.... we walked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> We enjoyed a really nice dinner get together
with some members of the ward! It was a really great opportunity to get to know
multiple members but still be able to spend more time with them. We had this
dinner at a home like 30 minutes away and the members that we rode with are
great! They have 3 little girls and we sang primary songs together! I love
primary songs! They are so powerful and they teach the gospel so simply it is
amazing! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We had a great opportunity to go to a
birthday party for dinner and there was a lot of people there who were
less-active and non-members! It was good to be able to talk with people and to
get to know them and what we could to do help them out! I didn't know that
birthday parties were great finding opportunities! Invite the missionaries to
your birthday parties! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> I can't get enough of church!!! I love it, I
love it, I love it!!!! I'm telling ya, if you want true happiness attending
church and following the commandments is where you'll find it! We also had a
lesson with Albert at the Cobb's home which was great! Having members at
lessons as well as in their homes is truly the way missionary work should be
done. Having investigators make friends is amazing! Ward members are crucial to
missionary work! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> This morning in companionship
study Sister Jordan asked me the question, "How have you seen people's
hearts change over your mission?" That was a great question and I had to
think about it for a moment. I have been able to see many hearts change over my
mission, but after pondering for a minute I realized that the heart that has
been softened and changed the most was my own. It made me realize how much the
Lord has been working on my heart as I have been serving His children. It is
true when it says "when you lose yourself in the work of the Lord you will
find yourself." I know that is true with all my heart. As we put the Lord
and His children first we too will be rewarded by being shaped and molded into
the people that God wants us to become. I have been able to see my desires
change as well as my actions and thoughts. I have become more like my Savior. I
still have a long way to go, but I am grateful to have had chance to lose
myself in His work and I desire to continue His work. I know that whatever part
of the Lord's work that we are doing, as we lose ourselves is service to our
fellowmen that we will be blessed more then we can imagine and through the
Lord's atonement we can be shaped and molded into the children of God that we
are and we will be able to see more clearly our potential and the potential of
our brothers and sisters. In the name of Jesus the Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxLZIODG5mkh6JQSSuOSk-IUYgHtys4IFx55cMfape6lY4OKqizEpM51RBK7ArYri9bLS4hFD4eGdUdvYCOkBU3we7xapHgdpY78yAjRbBNrThxp1Pzwegz16A2OsyTKnxqkr8bArSUrQ/s1600/bay+city+district+all.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxLZIODG5mkh6JQSSuOSk-IUYgHtys4IFx55cMfape6lY4OKqizEpM51RBK7ArYri9bLS4hFD4eGdUdvYCOkBU3we7xapHgdpY78yAjRbBNrThxp1Pzwegz16A2OsyTKnxqkr8bArSUrQ/s1600/bay+city+district+all.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bay City District</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp5NJxnGZs7HBHilabPz0tqaSZ5MnAffi_EAfHa_-_Mnyx4J0cS4Wr3aZf7QzMmhEVb4H8LDF555o8pgt-cigd-Bg5_nFrLvDBo1CqKKpoQkBk0IUuzk2yuHymDxKn-QRlGvsQ5R66lPd/s1600/Elder+Aikin+funny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp5NJxnGZs7HBHilabPz0tqaSZ5MnAffi_EAfHa_-_Mnyx4J0cS4Wr3aZf7QzMmhEVb4H8LDF555o8pgt-cigd-Bg5_nFrLvDBo1CqKKpoQkBk0IUuzk2yuHymDxKn-QRlGvsQ5R66lPd/s1600/Elder+Aikin+funny.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Elder Aiken being Funny</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOhBMbrAi05LrbPHCW3w9OXUVaSO9D6xX5mJhNt7odMT2_e4UNBA3DuM6xMFhv-d1OljgHE77MkdM3quJOGVKL9mJWEqat73i_Uz2PzMD9-uHN0Ulv1zEZ8vTNAsHTLeYnnE4Al3ZYYSS/s1600/Rainy+day+mirmir.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOhBMbrAi05LrbPHCW3w9OXUVaSO9D6xX5mJhNt7odMT2_e4UNBA3DuM6xMFhv-d1OljgHE77MkdM3quJOGVKL9mJWEqat73i_Uz2PzMD9-uHN0Ulv1zEZ8vTNAsHTLeYnnE4Al3ZYYSS/s1600/Rainy+day+mirmir.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I Love Being a Missionary!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yhsxSiPHS1t0emLsbWmBlC3vS2ptK6QV5NC8XpEHX9y91nxEd0ugroQD6kbyNbE0JxaPQBgf4ZZ5r8yWZCaFVJZQj103VcW4CbEwRnljq8mbUPx_CYq-9y8soHElhC309gSMKDORq2lU/s1600/Relaxing+after+a+rainy+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yhsxSiPHS1t0emLsbWmBlC3vS2ptK6QV5NC8XpEHX9y91nxEd0ugroQD6kbyNbE0JxaPQBgf4ZZ5r8yWZCaFVJZQj103VcW4CbEwRnljq8mbUPx_CYq-9y8soHElhC309gSMKDORq2lU/s1600/Relaxing+after+a+rainy+day.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Moving is just not my Thing... Let's go teach!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyVITw3dZbiQ-ErnbqfOh91w2Z-kxsfpJ5JSA9Q_8DuOJVKq0lKgxD_3v9VWOF4plK5qjAXEzgDEQbTZf8qDKMoO1tHguLOZ2jeQNQDCQafo0ZLuK7ryrbaYzjaS867N8fJfRueZzUhU-/s1600/sister+Jordan+and+Sister+Mir.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyVITw3dZbiQ-ErnbqfOh91w2Z-kxsfpJ5JSA9Q_8DuOJVKq0lKgxD_3v9VWOF4plK5qjAXEzgDEQbTZf8qDKMoO1tHguLOZ2jeQNQDCQafo0ZLuK7ryrbaYzjaS867N8fJfRueZzUhU-/s1600/sister+Jordan+and+Sister+Mir.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rainy Day in our New Apartment</span></td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p>Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-64787690572484654042014-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:002014-08-11T17:00:02.405-07:00Bay City Baby!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family and Friends! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't have too much time to get this email written. We had
to move into a new apartment today and that has taken all day and we still
aren't finished. Remind me never to get more then I need because I don't want
to move it all! Oh and it started to rain.... Michigan is a unique place, but
when you are close to a massive lake it gets more interesting. That doesn't
sounds super positive.... Well It really isn't that bad. I've decided that I
like missionary work a lot more than moving things! :D <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday:</b> I wrote letters!! That's right I still write
people!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday:</b> Oh crazy story! The bishop asked us to visit
someone whose records were just sent to the ward. She can not remember being
baptized at all! It is crazy! We aren't really sure how to teach her
because it is like teaching someone who knows nothing about the gospel at all.
She is very nice and has a very cute daughter! She said she'd read the Book of
Mormon. We're planning on following up with her in a few weeks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday:</b> We had our first district meeting of the
transfer and we're the only sisters!!! It is great! Haha! We have a good time
except for the fact that I'm the only sister who is singing because Sister
Jordan is playing the piano. I never thought I'd practically be a soloist! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday:</b> Oh super amazing miracle! A woman in our
ward wanted us to help her out at her yard sale so we decided that this day
would work best with our schedule. We were actually running a little late to
help out but when we got there the member told us that she had a woman for us
to talk to. Patty had noticed all the pictures of Christ the member was selling
and asked what church she belonged to and the member told her. Patty
asked her what we believed in the after life and she told her about the
spirit world. The member told Patty that two missionaries would be coming and
right at that moment we were walking up to the house. We were able to talk with
Patty more about God's plan for His children and we were able to set up a time
to meet with her. We'll be seeing her tomorrow! We're excited!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Friday:</b> We had dinner with the Cortez family and it
was great! It is a family of daughters and they are so funny! One is 8, 11, and
14! We challenged them to make goals to invite their friends to an activity or
church and they were excited to set them! It is so great to see members
so excited about missionary work and that they want to help out their friends
and help them receive the gospel! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Saturday:</b> We met Tracy! She has been seeing
missionaries for a long time and she knows the Book of Mormon is true and has a
desire to be baptized she just has a hard time leaving her other church. We are
praying so hard for her that she will have the ability and courage to make the
decision to be baptized sooner rather then later. We're really hoping for the
best outcome! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunday:</b> I seriously just love church so much! I also
love when you have investigators that come to church! Albert came to church and
he has a baptismal date for August 30th and we are so excited for him!!! I
honestly just love the Bay City ward!! I want to do all that I can to help
hasten the work here to help build up the area! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Thought:</b> God is in the work and in our
lives and there is no doubt in my mind that he loves all of His children. I am
so thankful for the chance that I get to see God's hand in my life and in the
lives of those he loves. I also know that if someone is prepared to receive the
gospel that they will get that chance to receive it! I love this work and there
is no kind of work compared to it! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you all and hope you have a great week! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Smith</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OWJHGdS4kvq_ajmnUooh8tLPT0B3FVGdkLCBjEbgXLqTw-QovG5eJQpMZLTGcPeP9kHjJk6RxQpX2GWxNM-cCtNpQcj0cWyEQv87hDxZ4p7Kihuz-RGAl2VQSEy0uI0muWVc8jQNQe_j/s1600/DSCN0301%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OWJHGdS4kvq_ajmnUooh8tLPT0B3FVGdkLCBjEbgXLqTw-QovG5eJQpMZLTGcPeP9kHjJk6RxQpX2GWxNM-cCtNpQcj0cWyEQv87hDxZ4p7Kihuz-RGAl2VQSEy0uI0muWVc8jQNQe_j/s1600/DSCN0301%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802569860947099829.post-42565015014749061312014-08-04T16:04:00.001-07:002014-08-04T16:04:34.641-07:00And Sister Smith goes too..........<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey Family and those not sitting on cushions! (hehe)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been pretty great! Sister Morrison
and I have grown a lot and have had our testimonies tried a little here and
there, but no worries we are still loving the gospel and preaching it two by
two. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Monday:</strong> Everything went pretty well. We got
a lot of time to do whatever it was the we pleased. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Tuesday:</strong> We got to meet with our
investigator Sandy after a really long time of not seeing her!! Summer is a
bummer because you don't get to see your investigators a lot because they are
always out of town!!!! People who are learning about the gospel should really
just stay in town so they can get fed spiritually. It's okay though because she
is moving forward and we are actually hoping to see her this evening! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Wednesday:</strong> Our last district meeting!!! It
is always a sad moment when you may not ever see those missionaries again. Our
district leader is also leaving for home this week so who knows we may never
see him again! Its probably likely that we will, but you never know! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Thursday: </strong>Well we went and saw a less
active and well he was nice, but challenged us on all of our beliefs. He kind
of poked fun at the church which isn't always the most pleasant thing because I
love this gospel and it's not great when people make fun of something that you
love and know is true. This instance though was just the being of a crazy day
though.... only as a missionary. Later that evening we door knocked into a
woman and she just started talking about how she really hopes that we will see
the truth. She really was a nice woman, but she was feeding us anti the entire
time. At one point she asked "Does non of this concern you?"
"Nope" was our quick reply. It's interesting how someone could beat
down a book that they have never read before in their entire life. This church
is Christ's church and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to stand up
for it and the things I know are true. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Friday:</strong> Transfer calls were made!!! I was
surprisingly very calm and collected while waiting for the call. Sister
Morrison will be staying in Williamston training a new missionary!!! She'll do
wonderful I just know it!!!! I have been transferred to labor in Bay City!!!!!!
I'll actually be training a new missionary and white washing the area.... it is
pretty crazy if you ask me. The Lord must of thought I did a decent job
training Sister Morrison or I didn't do that great and He's kind enough to give
me a second chance. I'm excited to grow and learn a lot! I'll be working
hard and really learning how to rely on the Lord! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Saturday:</strong> We met this super sweet 15 year
old girl named Alyssa and all she wants to do is follow Jesus Christ! She
really is so kind and I feel and know that the gospel would help her so much in
her life. He mother passed away when she was younger and she is now living with
her grandma and 2 older sisters. She is strong and she is willing to meet with
us again and she is going to read the Book of Mormon! I'm super excited to see
where this goes!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Sunday:</strong> My last day in Williamston ward!!!
Actually I don't think a lot of people know that I am leaving this area.... oh
well they'll know when I'm not there next week. Oh also the relief society sang
in sacrament!! It was my first time singing in a choir! I'm actually really
enjoying singing. I may not have the best voice, but hymns bring the spirit so
strongly and I love them!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Spiritual Thought:</strong> I have once again
learned that no matter how imperfect you are and how inadiquit you feel the
Lord knows you better then you know yourself. He knows your potential and He
knows exactly what you need in order to reach that potential. He's going to
strech you and make you go outside your comfort zone, but all because he loves
you and wants you to become what he know you can be. I know that as we rely on
the Lord and trust that He knows what is best for us that we will be
strengthened and that we will truly be able to see our "burdens become
light" Matthew 11:28-30 and our "weaknesses become
strengths" Ether 12:27. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love Always, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Sister Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
Ali http://www.blogger.com/profile/07604079837035087038noreply@blogger.com0