Week 89

AREA: Safford, AZ

COMPANION: Elder Inskeep 

Monday: Today was a long and complicating day. For some reason we
choose to do laundry at another Elders apartment which took forever!
Especially since there were about 3 other companionships doing laundry
there too. Next week we are definitely going to the Laundrymat. Other
than that, we did normal pday stuff. In the evening we had family home
evening with the young single adults. We played Disney Sceneit which
was pretty awesome and depressing at the same time because it showed
me how much stuff I forgot with Disney since I came out.

Tuesday: After getting ready this morning we went to the food bank
which was pretty fun. While there a man with barely one foot came in
and was only using crutches too. The food bank also is a thrift store
and had a electric wheelchair that was donated. They gave the chair to
him! I was the one that got it out of the storage unit and brought it
out to him. Driving those things are pretty fun, although I hope I
never have to use one. After food bank we helped pull weeds at a
members house. Finished with that and then went home so we could do
studies and I could prepare for district meeting. Had a couple good
lessons this evening, even though one ended in a less active drop us.

Wednesday: Had district meeting which I felt went alright. For some
reason whenever I put a good amount of time preparing for district
meeting I dont feel like it goes very well... I think in the future
I'm just going to prepare the things for opening up district meeting,
the practice, and the invitation. The rest of it I'm just going to
read the section the training is on then go for it. Whenever I do
that, I feel everything goes better. After district meeting.
Unfortunately we did not have any lessons for the day... they all fell
through which kinda stinks. We did have a coordination meeting with
the YSA Branch Mission Leader. Thought that went well and we were able
to make some good plans for the branch.

Thursday: Started working out this morning after not working out much
since after my surgery. Thought it was time to get the ball rolling on
that. Super sore from doing that... Other than that we had a pretty
good day. Had two lessons, one with a bunch of less active YSA's.
After them we had a lesson with Dellen which was alright... got into
somewhat of a doctrine argument although we did end on a very good
note I felt like. He doesnt know the doctrine very well and thinks of
things from a very logical point of view without faith which can be a
cause for trouble.

Friday: Had an interesting day. Wasn't too bad other than the fact
that we didn't do any weekly planning. Had a couple of really good
lessons which was nice. First one was with Derek and the other was
with Bryce. Derek is an investigator and he is doing great! Bryce is a
less active that is going through some challenges. Other than that, we
had a  good coordination meeting with the family ward.

Saturday: spent some time trying to do some weekly planning. Struggled
to get started on that and then spent a good amount of time figuring
some things out with our companionship and things have been a ton
better since then. Made some visits to some members and that was about
it for the day.

Sunday: Super awesome sabbath:) Once again I'm attending 6 hours of
church plus meetings. It wasn't as bad as it used to be for sure. We
had a few less actives come to church and one investigator which was
super awesome. Dereck came to church! Super solid! We had quiet a few
meetings as well, we went on splits for them though and it was pretty
good. Super tired the rest of the night and did studies till we had an
appointment with our neighbor Dale.

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is
the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in
thereat;
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth
unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns,
or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt
tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree
bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and
cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.

I love this scripture from the Book of Mormon so much! Our loving
Savior warns us of false prophets and how recognize a true prophet
from a false prophet. Prophets by definition are messengers of God
that reveal Gods truth. (Amos 3:7) Now this scripture says "by their
fruits he shall know them." It is important to understand what the
fruits are. The fruits of the prophet are what results from the
teachings of the Prophet. Now we are not perfect and will not be able
to apply the teachings of the Prophet perfectly. The Church of Jesus
Christ of later day saints is Christ's church on the earth today and
only produces good day fruit. I know this because I have studied the
words of the Prophets and prayed. I love this Gospel and I love that
we have continual revelation in these latter days.

Have a great week Everyone! Love You!

Love,

Elder Smith

R.I.P. Mike, you will be missed. See you in the next life. -Mike is a less active I became close with when I was in central ward. He is from Safford and found out from some members that he recently past away. Not completely sure what from although was told it was most likely suicide.