Hello! Hello!
I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving full of loved ones, yummy food and lots of laughter! I was blessed to still have a great Thanksgiving even though I was so far away from home. Our morning of Thanks began when we were humbled and blessed to be able to pass out little turkey dinners (which consisted of homemade turkey and cranberry sandwiches and baby pumpkin pies) to less fortunate people on the streets of San Clemente. It was a extra special reminder of how much I've truly been blessed with and how much I have to be grateful for during this Holiday Season. Afterwards, we were so privileged to have able to spend our Thanksgiving dinner with two different families (one from each ward). One was a military couple who's husband just returned from deployment and the other was with an adorable old lady who took us out to eat at Marie Calendars. It was a great night filled with love as we all united together to make all of our Thanksgivings still feel like home. I'm so grateful for all of their love and willingness to take care of Sister Gillins and I.
This past week, along with gratitude, I've really been focusing on those small and simple things. Specifically those small and simple things we do each day to take one step whether big or small closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. These things can very from daily scripture reading, sincere prayers, or making the "Sabbath a delight" by going to church and partaking of the Sacrament. It could even be as simple as being an example by following President Uchtdorf's invitation to let the gospel into every crevice and to "live the gospel joyfully." Every step counts whether we are moving our feet or if we are at times being that aid/support to help others move their feet.
We know from Alma in the Book of Mormon that "by small and simple things" that "great things come to pass." I know that although those small and simple things may seem "too easy," "too small" or "too simple," that it truly is those little things that make all of the difference. It was those small and simple stones that helped David conquer Goliath. It was those small and simple "Go and Do" attitude that blessed Nephi's family and all of his descendants to have the scriptures. It was those small and simple stones that lit gave the Brother of Jared light in their barges. It was one small and simple question asked by a fourteen year-old boy that restored the fullness of the gospel back to the earth.
All of these small and simple things led to such great things that not only benefited them but also all of their posterity.
I know that we are no different than any of these amazing men. As we go forth with faith and continually strive to do those little things, I know miracles will happen. Our Heavenly Father is continually reaching out to all of his children in love. We have the choice to reach back to him through the small and simple decisions we make each day. As we make these little efforts, these little steps, I know that he will continue to reach our reaching because he loves us with a perfect love.
An example of the blessing of our small and simple efforts:
I love you all!
I hope you have a fantastic week!
Sister Smith!
I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving full of loved ones, yummy food and lots of laughter! I was blessed to still have a great Thanksgiving even though I was so far away from home. Our morning of Thanks began when we were humbled and blessed to be able to pass out little turkey dinners (which consisted of homemade turkey and cranberry sandwiches and baby pumpkin pies) to less fortunate people on the streets of San Clemente. It was a extra special reminder of how much I've truly been blessed with and how much I have to be grateful for during this Holiday Season. Afterwards, we were so privileged to have able to spend our Thanksgiving dinner with two different families (one from each ward). One was a military couple who's husband just returned from deployment and the other was with an adorable old lady who took us out to eat at Marie Calendars. It was a great night filled with love as we all united together to make all of our Thanksgivings still feel like home. I'm so grateful for all of their love and willingness to take care of Sister Gillins and I.
This past week, along with gratitude, I've really been focusing on those small and simple things. Specifically those small and simple things we do each day to take one step whether big or small closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. These things can very from daily scripture reading, sincere prayers, or making the "Sabbath a delight" by going to church and partaking of the Sacrament. It could even be as simple as being an example by following President Uchtdorf's invitation to let the gospel into every crevice and to "live the gospel joyfully." Every step counts whether we are moving our feet or if we are at times being that aid/support to help others move their feet.
We know from Alma in the Book of Mormon that "by small and simple things" that "great things come to pass." I know that although those small and simple things may seem "too easy," "too small" or "too simple," that it truly is those little things that make all of the difference. It was those small and simple stones that helped David conquer Goliath. It was those small and simple "Go and Do" attitude that blessed Nephi's family and all of his descendants to have the scriptures. It was those small and simple stones that lit gave the Brother of Jared light in their barges. It was one small and simple question asked by a fourteen year-old boy that restored the fullness of the gospel back to the earth.
All of these small and simple things led to such great things that not only benefited them but also all of their posterity.
I know that we are no different than any of these amazing men. As we go forth with faith and continually strive to do those little things, I know miracles will happen. Our Heavenly Father is continually reaching out to all of his children in love. We have the choice to reach back to him through the small and simple decisions we make each day. As we make these little efforts, these little steps, I know that he will continue to reach our reaching because he loves us with a perfect love.
An example of the blessing of our small and simple efforts:
- On Tuesday, we went and taught another lesson to Rolondo. It's amazing to see how quickly he is progressing as he goes forth with an open heart and with his strong desire to learn more. Before we could even take our shoes off, he started hugging the Book of Mormon and expressed that he loves the Book of Mormon because he can "feel Christ through it." He then showed us his favorite page in the Restoration pamphlet. It was of Joseph Smith's first vision. We asked him why and he simply stated, " because it's true." The gospel changes lives. It's such a joyous process to be a part of! :)
I love you all!
I hope you have a fantastic week!
Sister Smith!