All Good Things Come To An End...

Especially this week of the year, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on change and things that I have had to go through. Another thing that inevitably ended is my time here in Branson. I am being transferred 40 minutes north to Springfield, Missouri, where there isn't even a Spanish branch. I have a lot of work to do. 


This week we had the opportunity to go to the Kansas City Temple twice. Tuesday, and on Friday. On Tuesday we went with Alex and a couple of our members. One of the members did the temple work for her parents who passed away not too long ago. Alex was the one who baptized me. The spirit was so strong. 


Friday's trip with Brayan is something I won't forget. The temple presidency visited with us, and watched Brayan baptize both Elder Campbell and I. Shaking his hand and having him talk to Brayan for a while was one of the most spiritual experiences that I have had. 


Our Sunday School President (who was kicked out of his house, and in a car accident this week) shared a thought with us yesterday. When Christ and his apostles were on the sea and the waves and storms were beating upon them, the apostles panicked and thought they were going to die. While the world around him was falling apart, and things seemed dim, Jesus Christ was asleep. He was peaceful, and calm, knowing that they would be delivered. Be calm, peaceful, and hopeful knowing that Jesus Christ will always calm the storm, and take over. 


Love you all,

Elder Smythe 











Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nothing Changes, If Nothing Changes.

Image
Hello! I will do better at writing next week. I know the Savior lives, and I know He loves us. We had the baptism of our friend Rey. He is over 70 years old and made the decision and sacrifice to be there. He lost his wife over 30 years ago, and both of his parents passed away. He repeatedly says to us how he is doing this for his grandchildren and for an opportunity to see his family again one day. The spirit in the room was undeniable. Our friend Lewis has been taught for over two years. He finally made the decision and will be baptized on the 25th. He was tired of things not changing and is making the decision to change and feel truly happy. I have been learning so much the last few weeks. I have loved every second of being here. I love my companion. I love my area. I love the Lord. "Savior, may I learn to love Thee, Walk the path that Thou hast shown, Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love Thee— Lord, I would follow Thee....
Read more

Merry Christmas

Image
Hello everyone! I don't have a lot of time today, but here's a quick update. Henry and his 8-year-old daughter should be baptized this Sunday, so keep them in your prayers. Christmas was a lot of fun. It's a special experience on the mission. It caused me to reflect a lot on my mission and my faith in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for my Savior and His example. I am so thankful for my mission; there is nothing as good as this. The scriptures say: "For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receives not the gift?" To receive something is an action. Do we show our gratitude for Christ by receiving His great gift? Do we act and do as He asks us to do? If we want to be truly happy, we must act and do all that lies in our power. Love, Elder Smythe
Read more

The Master Healer

Image
We were blessed with so many special experiences this week. I am loving my mission so much and wouldn't change this for the world.  We taught Daniela and Yaneli again and shared an inspirational message which had Daniela in tears. Yaneli (8 years old) asked if she could say the closing prayer. She needed help, and I whispered all the words to her. I looked up to see tears streaming down her father's face. Spirit flooded the room. Our investigators fed us Easter dinner. I have never felt so inadequate when I saw them putting the table together and setting everything up in their tiny trailer, giving us everything they had. Such a touching moment to be with them. We met an older lady named Martha. She has been alone for some time now, spending a lot of her life in abusive relationships. She kept asking us if our church and our message could heal her. "Can I be healed?" With confidence, I know that Jesus Christ, the Master Healer of the world, rose again the 3rd day. He w...
Read more