Training a New Zone Leader, etc. by Scotter

Hey Mom,

I'm actually riding around dropping bikes, bags and supplies off today, so forgive me a bit if my email is a bit short. Obviously we talked on Sunday and you got to hear me chat so that should make up for it! You'll probably see kind of why I didn't get a chance to prepare one of my longer emails on my portable keyboard.

Well, another transfer come and gone, ridiculously super fast as always. The last week has been great, but also ridiculously crazy. I've been in a threesome the whole time and it's been good, bad and ugly sometimes. Definitely ugly while tracting. Three people at your door with black suits is ugly enough and definitely not ideal, but it's worked a bit. I've been out and about predominantly with Elder Chandler and Salmon, but once I found out I'd be taking over Elder Lavender and Elder Till's areas, I decided it was best to move over to being with them throughout the day.

What actually ended up happening was that the Sisters are taking over our flat in Coventry, the Zone Lords beautiful abode(which I painstakingly cleaned a lot over the past few weeks...President must have known I'd prepare it well for the sisters) and I've been moved to the city centre flat. We've been furiously cleaning this one and throwing away everything unneccessary. I've gotten good at not holding onto things that I and the flat doesn't need. While I've been in the threesome I've been either sleeping on the floor, on the couch, or on couch cushions. It felt kind of again like I'd been living like I did sometimes at the Calicchio's in their den. The couch was small, it was uncomfortable and I didn't sleep too well. But! It's over now, made it through and I've got a bed. I'm really really looking forward to tonight when I get a chance to actually sleep normal for once. I think over the past week or two I've been going on like 5 to 6 hours of sleep a night due to the crazy circumstances. Though I've been suprised how between being tired, and sleeping in a crazy position work out to my benefit.

This past week I've been really lucky and priviledged to teach a lot. I've been in and out of lots of different homes, situations, university basements, and door steps. So many different people.

As I mentioned I got to, along with Elder Chandler, commit a lady named Gloria Ibeh to baptism this next week. Just an additional bit of good news, her 10 year old daughter committed to be baptised just last night. I was really impressed and I think somewhat relieved(maybe my faith was lacking) when we went back to see her after she said she'd read and pray, and bingo bango, she got her answer, one that she said she couldn't deny which I thought was great.

After that night of getting Gloria, me and Elder Lavender we're talking about our District, the one in which I reside, and the potentials for baptism. We called up Nuneaton and told them we were planning to come down the next morning since they had a few good appointments. Come Monday morning I think it was, it was raining hardcore, but we got a call from Elder Bishop and Elder Jones telling us that they had an appointment with Keeley, Jack and Bill...three separate appointments that morning. We dropped everything, jumped in the car, and made our way out to Nuneaton. We left Elder Till, Elder Lavender's companion in the hands of the other two for the day so we wouldn't be too overpowering with like 5 Elders going around.

We showed up down to Nuneaton, Keeley was too sleepy and a bit angry(and now I found out, she's been justifyin all her little sins again sayin its no biggy...so the baptism for her is going to be a bit later). After she didn't want us to chat that morning, we went over to Bill Ford's home. An old guy in his 70s. The appointment with him was really good, despite the lack of real understanding and knowledge. I think what I realised and saw that day was something special, something that you don't see that often. It wasn't that Bill could really truly say that he understood what we were doing, or teaching. All he said was quite often "I don't know". But the most important thing he did say to us was that "I feel so good when..." going to church, reading the Book of Mormon, whenenver the Elders come around. We would ask him about repentence, and what the steps were...he didnt know. We asked him why he needed to be baptised, and he didnt quite get it. But I remember a lot of the people Peter was preaching to...in the New Testament. He had a massive crowd around him, and it said something to the effect of "The people when they had been pricked in their hearts, said together, What shall we do?" And Peter said "Be baptised". Once the heart is open, the spirit goes in and works its subtle magic. With Bill, his heart is totally open, he doesnt need all the knowledge, wisdom and logic to be the key. It was open, and he felt the spirit tell him what the Elders asked him to do was right. Really an awesome morning. Bill decided to be baptised, and he even allowed us to bring the day up a week to get it done(and give Satan less time to break in)

Right after leaving that I had 5 missed calls from President Munday. So as always, "WHAT THE". Elder Lavender was holdin the phone I guess and didnt really feel it. So anyways, I call him and he's like "Your not dead, great" in his funny way, and went on to tell me that I'd be needing to clean out my flat, move and prepare the old flat for the sisters. No problem President. He also basically told me I'd be training a Zone Leader, and asked "So are you ready?" "Absolutely", and he just told me to get to work. He asked for Elder Lavender, and to my big suprise(NOT) asked him to also be a Zone Leader. It was great, he was shaking and nervous for the next 2 hours. I had even told him the night before, and the whole previous week that he'd be a Zone Leader by transfers. Gift of prophecy for sure! We finished that morning by dropping by another appointment named Jack, and projecting him for baptism as well. Whoooo.

I've also been involved as well with teaching a guy named Martin the past few nights, who will actually be handed over to me as I switch areas and move into my new flat. He's a crazy Hungarian guy who lived in American, in the South for about 7 years. He's got a dark background in life, drugs, just doing stuff stupid, etc...but he's nearly married and has realised it's time to sort things out. We go over, or the Elders go over a few times a week, and talk, and teach him. He's got probably the craziest and funniest personality ever that I've met for a foreign guy. Elder Lavender and Till call him the "Hungarian Joey", like from Friends. He loves me too since I'm American. He's always goin on and on about Southern Racism, and how he saw tons of black people get shot by white hicks. Last night was actually a pretty tough situation, but one that was ultimately resolved. As we went in, he had read the wrong chapter...1 Nephi 2-4, and not 2 Nephi 2. Goofball. Anyway, he read about Nephi slaying Laban, which to him meant The Book of Mormon was wrong, and that he went against a direct commandment from God. It was almost the end for him, at least I thought, because he seemed totally closed to what we were telling him. Then Elder Till, the austrian guy that can't beat me at squash, asked him what he would do if there was a man that was trying to kill your family, to destroy your happiness, would you defend it? Martin said absolutely. Elder Till then went on to talk about the necessity of the situation, in which, for God's marvelous work and wonder to take place, and for the Book of Mormon and God's church to be restored, Nephi needed to kill Laban to fulfill what the Spirit asked him to do. Just like the scriptures say, it's better for one man to die, than an entire nation. After also talking about how Christ needed to die for mankind, Martin was like "So it was mandatory?" "Yes" "Ok, that makes sense". Phew!

We also taught a bunch of other people that I'll probably mention next week and tell you all about Elder Graham once I know a bit more about him.

Thus far I know he's a Member of the Church...!

Just kidding, he's from Provo, Utah, went to UVSC for a little, is a track giant, dad was a Mission President, familys super cool, and he likes long walks on the beach.

Hope everyones week has been going well, and I look forward to telling you about my new flat, my new roommates and life next Tuesday. It'll be a good one.

Love you all,
Elder Smith

I survived the week!!

This past week was probably one of the busiest I have had so far! To complicate matters I came down with a stomach-like flu bug over last weekend and didn't get feeling better until Saturday morning. It reminded me how much I value my health and take for granted the fact that I am almost always energetic and rarely sick. Well, this week was the exception.

Monday evening was spent with The Mission Presidency in the Mission home. It was really inspiring to hear about so many experiences Elder Kukuchi has had with President Hinckley. We all felt a strong spirit there in the dining room and hardly let him eat. Your dad and Pres Parkinson chatted for at least another hour with him after everyone else left.

Tuesday was a normal day at Sage Eldercare with Meetings beginning at 8. I came home and went for a short run and went back for more meetings from 4-7, and then went out to dinner with a few girlfriends-a rare treat. Unfortunately the food was much too rich and I was up again most of the night for the third night in a row. The next few days I just didn't try to each much of anything to let my stomach return to normal.

Wednesday again was packed full of Strategic Planning and Personnel Meetings. I met Gina for lunch in Summit but just nibbled on a salad. I loved the short time together. We were able to catch up on one of our favorite subjects-Jessie and Karim. Afterwards I went back to Sage for more planning meetings and got home just in time to change clothes and head off for New York for a dinner with your dad and Pres Young and John Bolton. It was a really inspiring program but I was glad to head home on the train at the end of the evening! Still feeling pretty lousy with a headache that just wouldn't go away.

Thursday morning I was planning on sleeping in, but was woken up when the phone rang about 6:40 a.m. After a few seconds I realized it was Elder Scott Smith himself! He was surprised that I was still in bed. I think he was just trying to pay me back for all the times I have woken him up. Looking forward to the day that I will have that opportunity again! He was practicing with his new phone card to make sure it would work on sunday for the mothers day call. I hung up and settled back to sleep and the phone rang again a few minutes later! Yes, you guessed it. It was Scotter calling again this time wanting your dad's number. I gave it to him but told him he would be on the treadmill about now and wouldn't likely reach him.

By now I was wide awake and jumped out of bed with a smile on my face. I spent the morning cleaning and weeding the garden. I also had to make a cheesecake for Enrichment. We are submitting our favorite recipes and having a ward cookbook made. I will send copies to all of you. Enrichment was fun. Debbie Goodson demonstrated how to make the perfect loaf of wheat bread and another spanish sister taught us the ins and outs of making Enchiladas and mole sauce.

Friday I returned to a full day of meetings and didn't even make it to my tennis class. So far I have only made two out of the last four weeks. I'll keep trying. Late afternoon I decided to go buy flowers for my garden since I am really behind with my planting. I found a new garden center on Route 22. The prices are much better than Wayside Gardens. I loaded up the landcruiser with 8 large boxes of flowers and met your dad at home. We went to Verizon and bought my mothers day gift-an adorable pink razor phone. Now I just need to figure out how it works!

I went to bed with a miserable headache. I think I may have overdone it. But, Saturday I woke up after 8:00 a.m. and felt like my old self. I am now back to normal! Must have been a week-long bug of some kind. I am trying not to overdo it this time. I spent a good four hours planting all the flowers in the afternoon and then went grocery shopping and tried out recipes for the cooking class that I taught to the Adult-Day-Care clients today at Sage. I finally decided on mini cheesecakes and chocolate molten cakes. Your dad was my taste tester and tried diplomatically to tell me that my chocolate cakes just don't compare with the ones he has had at the nicer restaurants. Since most of the clients have lost a lot of their taste buds, I didn't mind.

Mothers Day was wonderful. Church was really uplifting and before we knew it we were back home waiting for the conference call with Elder Smith. The time just flew by! Can you believe we talked for almost three hours? It was great to hear from him and all of you. Thanks for all your kind words. As usual I had a bit of a meltdown once we hung up. I counted the months until we can talk to him again and cried again. Your dad barbecued some great pieces of meat though and we had a nice relaxing evening. I had a chance to talk to my mom who is visiting Laurel on her way to Las Vegas. I also talked to both K and E once more and decided not to call Jessie since she had a very busy weekdend and really needed some sleep. Imagine my surprise when she told me she had just gone sky-diving! Actually I wasn't all that surprised and really glad to hear about it after the fact.

Today I spent the morning teaching two cooking classes. We split all the clients into two and I had about 15 in each class. It was amazing to see the men volunteering to curl the chocolate and others break the eggs. I really enjoyed myself. It was much easier than teaching in the elementary school (I guess because there were a handful of aides). It was much more interesting than playing scattegories that's for sure!

Hope everyone has an awesome week. Thanks again for making my mothers day so great. Unfortunately I have almost finished off all of Jessies chocolates. I showed Elise's to all the little old ladies at Sage today. They loved them. Almost too pretty to eat.

Love and miss you all.
Mom

Everything I Learned About Becoming a Disciple of Christ, I Learned From My Mother

(Here are some excerpts from my talk today in the Lawrence Station Ward- my "welcome to the ward" talk. It was a privilege to get to talk on Mother's Day. The title of my talk indicates how I feel about my mom- she is INCREDIBLE! I only shared some brief lines about her in my talk b/c I got too choked up to say anything else. I am very lucky... as are all of us in the Smith family. Happy Mother's Day mom!)

David O. McKay once said, “The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give.

We all have mothers who have blessed our lives or have taught us, whether they are our own mothers, a friend’s mother, a teacher, women in our lives who have exemplified mothering/ nurturing characteristics, or other relatives such as a grandmother, aunt, and so forth. Not only do mothers bear children and nurture and feed them (spiritually and physically), but mothers also teach their children.

Our goal in this life is to prepare ourselves for eternal life by striving to become like Christ “for if we are not like him, we cannot become the sons of God, and be joint heirs with Christ.” Our only hope for eternal life comes through the help of Jesus Christ as well as through our obedience to the gospel.

How can we then become like Christ? We can follow the example of our mothers. I believe one of the greatest things a mother can do is to teach her children- directly and indirectly, to become like Christ and develop a testimony of Christ and his gospel. I also believe that through observing the lives of mothers and the characteristics that they exemplify, that we are able to learn about Christ and how to become more like him. The goal of my talk today is to FIRST talk about some of the characteristics that mothers have/or are developing and how they are similar to Christ’s attributes, and then SECOND I would like to talk about how we all can learn from the examples of these great women to cultivate these characteristics ourselves. After all, we want to become like Christ, so we will each need to cultivate these attributes in order to be exalted.

Attributes:
1. Mothers are loving (similar to how Christ is loving)- We all show love in different ways. Mothers show love through their actions and words- through hugs, kisses, expressions of “I love you” or through serving. Mothers not only serve their own families, but like Christ, mothers look outward and seek to strengthen those around them and cultivate lives of charity. Charity, the “love of Christ” is the Lord’s love for us shown through His acts of service, patience, compassion, and understanding. The pure “love of Christ” also refers to our love for the Savior. Mothers not only show us how to be loving to others but they lead us to be more loving and more Christ-like through their example.

(story about Grandma Brown)

Elaine Cannon has said, “A woman’s significant role is that of being an influence wherever she is. It is her role not only to give life, but to shape life.”

So, as we look at the Christ-like examples of our mothers, how can we become more loving/more charitable?

a. We can love those around us and look for the good in them
- Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed: “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

b. We can show appreciation for our family/friends
- In a recent conference address, Elder Russel M. Nelson also recommended that married couples (and I would generalize this to all family/friend relationships) work to strengthen their relationships by showing appreciation to one another, saying “thank you” and “I love you.”

c. We can serve others
My mom is a great example to me of service. Several years ago she began taking time each week to deliver meals on wheels to elderly residents in our community. After awhile she also began volunteering at SAGE, our town’s eldercare organization that provides tons of services to older adults and helps them to stay in their homes for as long as they can. She participated in daily activities with the clients, did shopping for them, and helped organize trainings for families and caregivers. Now after several years of her volunteer work, she is serving as the president of the board of trustees. Many hours of each day are devoted to serving these older adults and running the organization, hiring staff members, doing finances, etc. and yet she still volunteers several times a week to drive around and drop off meals on wheels or go shopping for the clients. I wonder sometimes when she sleeps, because she also spends hours serving members of our ward, sending weekly (if not daily) packages off to my brother on his mission in England, teaching a crazy group of teenagers in Sunday School, calling her daughters or visiting them, and also traveling with her husband on various assignments that he has for church. I often ask myself, how can I be more like my mom? She believes that when you are in the “service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God…” and she loves serving God. Just like my mom, we can become more like Christ by finding opportunities to serve and bless the lives of others.

2. Mothers lead their children in righteousness
Sister Sheri L. Dew
“As daughters of our Heavenly Father, and as daughters of Eve, we are all mothers and we have always been mothers. And we each have the responsibility to love and help lead the rising generation. How will our young women learn to live as women of God unless they see what women of God look like, meaning what we wear, watch, and read; how we fill our time and our minds; how we face temptation and uncertainty; where we find true joy; and why modesty and femininity are hallmarks of righteous women? How will our young men learn to value women of God if we don’t show them the virtue of our virtues?

Every one of us has an overarching obligation to model righteous womanhood because our youth may not see it anywhere else. Every sister in Relief Society, which is the most significant community of women on this side of the veil, is responsible to help our young women make a joyful transition into Relief Society. This means our friendship with them must begin long before they turn 18. Every one of us can mother someone—beginning, of course, with the children in our own families but extending far beyond. Every one of us can show by word and by deed that the work of women in the Lord’s kingdom is magnificent and holy. I repeat: We are all mothers in Israel, and our calling is to love and help lead the rising generation through the dangerous streets of mortality.

Few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of both the mother who bore us and the mothers who bear with us.”

Just like mothers can help lead the rising generation, each of us can help lead with our examples. Some ways that I thought of that can help us do this better is through
1. Working daily to develop our own testimonies through prayer and scripture study
2. Magnify our callings (as teachers, leaders, etc.) and strive to get to know ward members.

(story of Br. McComber teaching Scotter's Sunday School class- magnifying his calling)

I believe as we follow the examples of mothers and we love and lead our families, friends, and other members of the gospel, we will become more like Christ. I am grateful for the example of my mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, aunts, etc. that have taught me how to become a better disciple of Christ. I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ because of their influence. I know that as we look for the good in others, show appreciation for one another, and serve others that we can develop charity. I also know that as we read the scriptures and magnify our callings, our testimonies will grow and we will be led by the spirit to become better members of our church.