Smith's Situation: God holds us in the palm of His hand

Our friend, Annie, pointed out something in this glorious picture. She mused that it looks as though God is holding the sun in His hand.....and He is. He not only holds the sun in His hand, but He is the light and life of this world, our creator, the Savior Jesus Christ, who died that we may live again. As was pointed out today in General Conference, the Savior not only "suffered for our sins and iniquities, but also for our physical pains and anguish, our weaknesses and shortcomings, our fears and frustrations, our disappointments and discouragement, our regrets and remorse, our despair and desperation, the injustices and inequities we experience, and the emotional distresses that beset us. There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. The Son of God perfectly knows and understands, fore He has felt and borne our individual burdens. He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy. He can reach out, touch, succor, heal and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us do that which we could never do relying only upon our own power. Many things about the Atonement we simply cannot comprehend with our mortal minds, but many aspects of the Atonement we can and need to understand. As we receive the enabling power of the Atonement in our lives, we increasingly will seek to understand and live according to His will. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon. Today is April the 6th. We know by revelation that today is the actual and accurate date of the Saviors birth. April the 6th is also the day on which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized. On this special and sacred sabbath day, I declare that the Savior Jesus Christ is the Redeemer. I testify He lives and will cleanse, heal, guide, protect and strengthen us." (Quote by David A Bednar) We also testify that these things are true, that our Savior loves us and holds us, and all of His creations, in the palm of His hand.

WE HAD SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WEEK, and here it is:

Lynne got to spend a few hours with the Sisters this week doing some shopping!!! This is not something that happens, EVER, since her companion isn't really fond of it. T'was lots of fun!

Found out that Sisters Bennie, Smith Jr. and Grigg like posing for pictures!

They enjoy talking to folks about the gospel!

They found out that they like eating Ricky's "oil down" out of calabash bowls underneath his tarp! Who knew??

We went to Zone Conference in Barbados this week and were taught the WHAT, WHY and HOW of being more effective missionaries! It was incredible!!!

Our Assistants to the President, Elders Anderson and Hatch, included Elder Smith in their presentation. They staged the "HOW" part of being a highly effective missionary.

They pointed out that we only have 2 years to proselyte, but within that 2 years we spend a big chunk of that time eating, traveling, studying, going to meetings, planning, and preparing so that just a small amount of time is left for actual preaching of the gospel. Therefore, we must make our time effective and efficient. Never underestimate the value of a minute in missionary work.

If we aren't effective, all of our work will only amount to sweat.

President Mehr taught us "WHY" our mansions on high are so expensive. The payment we must pay for exaltation is EVERYTHING. The law of justice says we don't have enough in our bank account. Only a God had enough money in the bank to pay for everyone. He spoke to us about using our time wisely because our time is short.

Elder Anderson, one of our Assistants to the President

Sister Mehr taught us the "WHAT" in our goals as missionaries. Always ask what our goal is. Do we lose sight of that goal? Our Heavenly Father has put a tremendous amount of trust in us as His missionaries. When we master setting our goals, and align ourselves with God, we can achieve anything. "Our priorities are most visible in how we use our time." Dallin H Oaks. This is a great testimony of who we are.

This was the final Zone Conference for Elder Dohrman. He bore a tender testimony to us of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atoning sacrifice in our behalf. He asked us to let the Atonement change our lives. "Don't let a moment pass".............What a great leader and wonderful missionary he is. Very selfless.

"IF"

Sisters Grigg and Smith...ever smiling!

Sisters Grigg, Smith Bennie and Smith in our very bold dresses!

Sisters Kime and Bennie, back together for Zone Conference. Sister Bennie stayed on the airplane to Trinidad when we all got off in Grenada. She is on her way to Guyana and then the U.S. to finish her mission there. What a lovely person and terrific missionary she is. Doors open to her that may have otherwise stayed closed. What a blessing she has been. We will miss her.

Waiting and waiting for their interview with President

Not sure who pulls the funniest faces!

Elders Larson and Bechan reunited during Zone Conference

Elders Hill and Smith doing last minute cramming for the interview. We have lots of scriptures to memorize.

Elder Loewen, being a goofy guy!

Family Fun Night/Institute was really great. After Dan Pierce's terrific lesson on Lehi's dream, the Elders planned a crazy relay that involved a truckload of petroleum jelly and cotton balls.

Ryan