FIREFLIES!

"There is no witness until after the trial of our faith". AMEN. We have seen this soo powerfully recently. Last last week we worked SO incredibly hard and not gonna lie, it was kind of frustrating that we didn't find any new solid investigators with alllll of the people we talked to.. BUT we don't have time to be discouraged in life. All I could do was pray and remember the past experiences on my mission and pray to be filled with faith and press forward. And pray some more. So basically after that whole week of praying and working so hard we were soooo beyond blessed this week! We continued to pray in faith and act and let me just tell you- miracles galore! It was an amazing week to be in the service of the Lord. We found seven new investigators and sooo many prepared people. Let me just share a few favorites :)

On Saturday we went to check on an unknown less active, who wasn't home.. soo we ended up tracting their circle. And BAM we met Robert! He stumbled out of their trailer, half asleep... He told us right off the bat that there was no hope in talking with him and that he does not believe in God and never will. We ended up talking for like 45 minutes on his porch, testified of soo many gospel truths that were particularly meaningful to him, and he was in tears by the end. It was the best feeling in the world! The Spirit truly worked through Sister Hannah and I and he went from being "atheist" to committing to read the BOM and pray. He also committed to be baptized when he receives his answer. Talk about softening of the heart. He's not so atheist anymore!

Another favorite was meeting Maggie last night. We were heading into the Brownell's trailor (a less active couple we visit) but we saw this lady outside gardening. We had actually met her son previously and taught him so it was perfect to finally catch her home! She was suuuper nice and asked us to teach her what we believe. She continued to garden and we taught and testified of the Restoration. She said "Wow well it must be true! That just makes sense..." It does just make sense doesn't it? God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and he LOVES us! Also, Maggie taught us to catch fireflies! It was the coolest thing!! Sister H and I were freaking out.

We also attended institute this past week hoping Marilynn would be there.... we were majorly disappointed.. BUT I learned something cool. Kind of an a-ha moment. So we read in Moses 4 and something really stood out to me. When Satan deceived Eve, he hid ONE lie with many truths. How often does he do this with us? He sugarcoats sin and we are deceived with one lie and many truths.

Another random thought from my studies was in 1 Peter 4:8 and it talks about having "fervent charity". Being filled with this PURE love for the Lord, others, and ourselves- prevents us from sin. How cool is that! Being filled with charity does not just make us happy and make others happy but it protects us. I know that this is true! I have been working sooo hard at developing charity within myself and it is the most amazing feeling in the world! I know that it is helping me in all aspects of my life and mission. Pray to be filled with this love and then act in a way that the Lord can develop it inside of you. I promise you it will work.

Speaking of love..... I love all of you! Like seriously. God be with you til we meet again :)

Sister Smartt

ps we are having a zone car wash/water fight today.. I.love.pdays.

pps Cheri came to church!!!!! So did Sis Sorenson, the Randalls, the Hoods, Victoria S.. so blessed