GOOD OLD TUCSON LIFE

 hey everyone!


sorry it's such a long email:)

this week went by pretty quick. My kid got his visa to leeds, England so that means I'll get a new comp next transfer. Lowkey sad bc we've learned a lot about each other the last couple weeks. I'm finally getting comfortable and then it changes haha. That's life. I'm still super pumped to see what the Lord has in store for me.

I love being a missionary people. I learn so much about the gospel each day and I'm thriving that way. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Through deep scripture study, we can find truths that not only define us, but can refine us. 

I was studying some verses from Alma 34 this week and found some key principles to why there was a need for an Atonement. I found it fascinating how Amulek describes Jesus Christ in verses 8-14. Now I would explain more in depth but I only read those verses this week. It takes me a whole day to read one verse, but I don't mind because I find extraordinary principles that the spirit teaches me. (It took me two and a half weeks to get through Alma 32-33) 

One fascinating thing that stuck out to me was in verse 14 when Amulek is describing how "every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice." Meaning everything that has ever happened in history or will happen in the future, points to Jesus Christ's Atonement. The Spirit reminded me of Bruce R. McConkie's explanation of this focal point. He said, "It is the most important single thing that has ever occurred in the entire history of created things; it is the rock foundation upon which the gospel and all other things rest." 

Now I stop to take a moment to look at the world around us and how crazy that the "worldy things" are taking control. Whether that be media, school, work, etc. The adversaries main enemy is God. And we can see that clearer and clearer each day. However, I just want to invite you all to further your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is our "rock" (helaman 5:12) in this crazy, turmoiled world. If we hold steadfast to the things we do know, that being that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, the Book of Mormon is true, and Jesus Christ lived and died for us... we won't be moved. 

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
(Isaiah 40:31) 

love you all,

elder smith 






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