Hey everyone! I am so thankful to able to write you all about my spiritual experiences and the things I have learned on my mission. This week things have been going well and the work here is well. I will be here for another transfer with Elder Castañeda and we are really excited to tackle another together. Time is flying. Sometimes it feels so slow but it also goes so fast when you look back. Things are pretty funny here. In the United States everything used to change when it was Christmas time. The lights, music, mood. For me Mexico still feels like Mexico jajajaja. People really like there banda music here and you would think that you would hear more Christmas music but people are too in to their same old music here jajajaja. Today has been a good day. We recieved some misioneros that will be in our Zone. We are excited for this Christmas Season and that we are still working hard. Just a few days ago, Cuidad Obregon had a parade downtown that they have every year. We participated with the Light the World program and it was a wonderful experience. We had 2000 invitations to give to people throughout the parade inviting everyone to an event that we are going to have next Sunday with Light the World. It was pretty special to see so many people getting to know us and learn about the church.
I have been thinking about two things this week. The first is about the amazing new program that the church will start next year called "Come Follow Me". I am very excited to see that the Lord really wants us to focus on the Gospel at home between our family relationships. I think this is what we need so that future generations will learn and live the Gospel at home. I also realize the responsibility that gives to fathers and mothers. I know it could maybe be difficult to do it but in this world we are living in and the things I am seeing in my mission it is very important parents do this program with their family. It is not an extra hour of the day to rest! Like my dad says, you can rest when you are dead. The world is getting darker and darker but remember the promise from Jesus Christ himself that he gives us when he said in Joseph Smith Matthew 1 verse 37 "And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived" if we study this program as a family I know the ways of the world wont decieve us. The scriptures have become such an important part of my life. I didnt have that same love for them before and I feel bad for not reading them as much as I should have. I would ask that we would study this program every Sunday and the scriptures every day of our lives to protect us. When the world gets dark, the iron rod which is the word of God will safely guide us through. Remember the hymn the Iron Rod that says:
"Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
'Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
'Twill safely guide us through."
The scriptures are my iron rod and my sword against confusion, loneliness, and difficult times. Please dont forget about them! Please dont forget about the program Come Follow Me.
The last thing that I want to share with you all is about trials of faith. In Peter Chapter 1 verses 7-9 it says
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
I love these scriptures. Those of you that are passing hard times or are doubting your testimony remember that what you are going through is more precious than gold. I had never thought of that. The trials that we have are literally more valuable than gold. Gold withers away and is ruined but trials help to be better, they shape us, and help become more and more worthy of eternal life. We are willing to bear it as it says in the scritpure for a Savior that we have never seen but we believe and love Him. Continue in faith. Continue praying. Continue reading. Its all worth it.
"Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
'Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
'Twill safely guide us through!!!!"
I love you all!
Giddy Up
Elder Smith
