I shared with her about God and Christ telling him not to join any of them. I shared about Moroni. I shared about Peter, James and John. I shared about John the Baptist. I shared that the Restoration was necessary because of the Apostasy. I shared that Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration. I shared that we have a Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, on the Earth today and that he receives revelation from God to guide the church and the inhabitants of the Earth. I shared that each of us can receive personal revelation to guide us and our families through prayer. I shared that we have 12 apostles on the Earth today just as it was when Christ walked and taught before he was crucified. I shared more of my testimony with her that I won't go into details here. I shared with her

She accepted the Book of Mormon and said she would read and pray about it.

I tracked down the Elders for her area and they said they knew who I was talking about. (She had told me they stop by from time to time.) I gave them her phone number. I called her this evening and let her know that I had given the Elders her number and that they would probably call her tomorrow. She said that would be fine.

Now we let the Spirit take over.

Oh yeah... ...I also talked with her about the Scouting program as her son is 13. I shared with her about the Temple Christmas Lights, Easter Pageant and Visitors Center.

I love the Gospel!!!


And I love ewe.

Papa 

Date: January 24, 2010
Subject: Parenting

Parker, 

I love you and love where you are in life. I am proud to have you as my son. I am thankful to you for choosing me to be you father and I am thankful to God for sending you to me. I am honored that you have come to me for advice and I will do the best I can to give you good counsel. There will be times when I will come to you for advice and I know you will do the same for me.

As I read your email the first thing that came to my mind was the word 
"discipline". Too many of us are under the impression that "discipline" means "to punish" and this is not true. So; what does it mean to "discipline"? Anyone? Anyone? Let us examine the word "discipline" . It comes from the same root as the word "disciple" - the Greek word "discipla" which means "to teach". Think about it, Christ did not punish his "disciples" but he did "discipline" them - he did teach them, and he certainly did not beat them. 

Quote #1 - A Christian is God Almighty's gentle hand. - J.C. Hare

Ask the father "What method did Jesus, the greatest teacher of us all, use to teach?" One method He used was parables. And what are parables? No, not two Toros from Mountain View but nice try. The Bible dictionary states that a parable is a story wherein divine truths are presented by comparison with material things. In Luke 15 we have the parable of the prodigal son which teaches repentance by way of confessing with a contrite heart. This parable also shows that the father of the prodigal son did not beat him for doing wrong - he showed him compassion and love, welcoming him home with arms wide open, thankful that his son was no longer lost, just as our Heavenly Father does for us.

Quote #2 - Discipline, like the bridle in the hand of a good rider, should exercise its influence without appearing to do so; should be ever active, both as a support and as a restraint; yet seem to lie easily in the hand. It must always be ready to check or to pull up, as occasion may require; and only when the horse is a runaway, should the action of the curb be perceptible.

Brother Goss, now 1st counselor in our Bishopric, was supposed to pick me up at 5:30 pm to go home teaching tonight but called at 5:34, still in the tithing office and said he would be here in 15 minutes for our 6:00 pm appointment. 6:30 pm rolled around and he had still not showed so I called his home and talked with Sister Goss as he had not yet returned home. I explained to her about your email and I had planned on asking his advice while we were together that evening. She said she would have Brother Goss call when he got home. 

He called and apologized for not being able to do the home teaching, explaining they were short handed doing the tithing due to Brother Johnson, the new 2nd Counselor having family commitments he needed to attend to. We will be getting together next week for the home teaching.

I read Brother Goss your email to me and my email to you up through Quote #2. He likes what I have so far, about the definition of discipline, about what method does Jesus use to teach etc. He said that if the man is open to modern day revelation to go with that as well citing the following examples:

President Thomas S. Monson's October 2009 Closing Talk of the Priesthood Session - "School Thy Feelings, O My Brother" - November 2009 Ensign - Page 62 
Doctrine & Covenants 121:38-42
I pointed out another talk from this last Conference Priesthood Session and he agreed. This one is Elder M. Russell Ballard's talk - "Father's and Sons - A Remarkable Relationship" - November 2009 Ensign - Page 47 (It states Fathers and Sons but it would fit just as well as Fathers and Daughters - A Remarkable Relationship" and replacing such words in the talk as Priesthood with Young Women's etc

He also stated that by trying to point out scriptures wherein children are revered by God would probably be to no end as the father would probably come back with other scriptures to back him up. I, looking up the word "rod" in the Bible Dictionary it states that in the scriptures we find several meanings:
A shepherd's rod for beating away wolves 
A staff, sometimes called a rod, is longer and used for walking, resting and guiding sheep 
Moses' and Aaron's rods represented authority 
A rod was also used for punishing a wayward child as we find in the following scriptures: 
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
There are more examples of the use of rods that you can look up in the Bible Dictionary if you so wish.

Now looking at the statement from the Bible Dictionary that reads: 
A rod was also used for punishing a wayward child 
it makes me think of Quote #2. It also makes me think of the only time I would think of spanking a child would be if a young child, young enough that they could not comprehend the danger of running into the street, were bent on trying to do so at every opportunity. I would not use a rod or a belt, but an open hand with one quick, stinging swat to the thigh or buttocks while telling them no. It's much better to have hold of their hands when near a road, keeping them safe until such an age where they would understand the danger. Did I spank you when you were a little less than two years old, on your skateboard on a median just a couple feet from traffic doing 55mph+ on McKellips? No, I scooped you up in my arms and held you close, thanking God for keeping you safe until I was able to find you.

Well... Here's some scriptures where children are revered in the eyes of God in the event that you would like to share them with him:

Mark 9:36-37
Mark 10:13-16 
Matthew 18:10-14

There are many more - look in Bible Topical Guide under child/children etc. 

Ask the father what it was like when he was a child... what he wish would have been different the way he was raised... what he liked and didn't like in the ways of being disciplined. Ask him to pray and pray with him. 

Ask President and Sister Fry for advice - discuss these things I have shared with you - with them -before proceeding, if you can.

More next week!

Now on to other various and sundry items:

Mother/Daughter convert baptisms last night - confirmed today.

I told you about handing out a Book of Mormon to Sheila when she and her son James and daughter Danielle came by selling toys. If you don't remember, scroll down to my previous email. Anyways, she's called a few times and I called her and come to find out that her husband, Tim, has been out of work for five months or so. I told her about the Church's employment program and so she put Tim on the line. 

I told him about the Church's employment program as well. He filled me in on his area of expertise. He's a journeyman electrician. A journeyman is one who has the necessary skills of his trade to have completed his apprenticeship. They, many times, will be the leader over a team of others within their same field of craftsmanship. Which is what Tim has the experience of doing. 

I invited him to Stake Employment Night which is held every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm at the new Lehi Stake Center that was rebuilt after the fire two years ago. He came and picked me up on a rainy Tuesday evening. (More on the rain below.) We went to the Stake Center and I introduced him to many of the Ward Leaders before heading to the West end of the building where he was able to fill out a skill sheet, and get a referral for a job. 

On the way home I shared my testimony with him and he shared with me how he likes his church very much - he really likes his pastor and hearing him speak on Sundays. I explained to him how it works in the LDS Wards with different members of the congregation being called upon to prepare and give the talks in Sacrament Meeting each week. I let him know that I would like him and his family (He loves being a father.) to come to church with me sometime. I told him I would be following up with him to see how the referral went.

I called him last night (Sat) and talked with him a bit. So far the referral hasn't been a success. I invited him to go again on Tuesday - he said yes. I invited him to church for today and he said he would be attending his own. I said cool but said I would like him to still attend with me some Sunday and see what it is like. We'll see.

In case you haven't heard - we've had much rain - so much that a) I know on one of the days this past week we set a record of rainfall that day beating the prior record of 1962. State of Emergency declared for the state which will help with funds to get things fixed. The wood fence across the street blew partially down and into the street. My room mate Scot and I went over with rope, hammer and nails and spent an hour getting it put back up while the wind and rain were still going strong.

I love you...

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Parker Smith" <ElderPMSmith@myldsmail.net>
To: <brettsmith@everon.info>
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 1:10 AM
Subject: Re: Handed out another Book of Mormon


Dad, I love your experiences, in case I haven't told you already. I am once again turning to you for advice on something... I'm not sure exactly what you have to say on this subject, but when this came up, I thought I should go to you just to see what you think.

So there's this family that we are working with. Great family. There are the two parents and then the six kids. They are way active in their church (Word of Life), and they absolutely love the Bible. Well recently (after putting together several occurences), we concluded that the father is... well... physically punishing the children I guess you could say, and looking at Proverbs 23, I feel that he feels that he has some scriptural support for his action. What do you have to say about the situation? Like I love the family and the dad is great too. I just want to help him understand that there are better ways to help teach the children (like making them right a full page paper about their actions).

I love you dad.

Date: February 8, 2010
Subject: Hey You!

Yeah I mean you Parker,

I love you!!! That's right I love you so there.

Going with the Elders Last week was really special. The Spirit was ever present as Elder Porter and I visited with an investigator, Diana and shared our testimonies of the restored gospel. To see this young lady as she yearns to learn more about God's Plan of Happiness is beautiful. We shared stories of our lives, and the lives of our ancestors, where the Power of Prayer was needed and called upon, and because of faith, these prayers were answered. When Grandma Jennie ran out of food and... ...hold on... ...she can tell it better than I.

I have had many faith promoting instances in my life. Many times the elders of the priesthood have been sent to our home in time of need and sickness. Once we had a very sick baby. The doctor had done all he could. My husband and I knelt in prayer that evening. Then when a knock came at our door a bother, John Ray, stood there. He said he had taken off his shoes in preparation for bed when a still, small voice had told him to go at once to our house. He knew not why. We knew however, that he had come in answer to our prayer. With my husband’s assistance, he administered to the baby and blessed her. The child was so much better the next morning that the doctor would hardly believe it. 

Another time I was left to care for and feed my family as well as my sister’s children. {Jennie cared for and helped to raise these children (Olivia LaVon, Alfred & Thelma Harris)} Their mother (Olivia Stratton Harris) had died in 1918 with the flu. It was during the depression and my husband had gone to California to obtain work. On a certain morning I had given the children the last food I had and had sent them off to school, not having anything to eat myself. I knelt in prayer and told the Heavenly Father that I had done all I could and that I needed his help to feed my family. About 10 o’clock the bishop drove into the yard and said he had started to go to his ranch but something impressed him to go to our home, as we needed help. He left me with supplies to tide us over until my husband could send us a check."

We shared of calling upon the Power of Prayer when it was needed at work... I remember one time in particular although I know there have been many. I was leading the team on the Boeing Sampling Project for Honeywell Aerospace. Boeing is the largest global aircraft manufacturer by revenue, orders and deliveries, and the third largest aerospace and defense contractor in the world based on defense-related revenue. If the Quality Assurance Sampling Process for Boeing was not modified to their specifications by a given deadline, they were going to stop purchasing from Honeywell. That deadline was approaching fast and the project was at a standstill as we were trying to find the source of program failure. We had done everything we could think of, working overtime - hours and weekends - trying to find the cause to no avail. I sat at my desk, and humbly bowed my head in prayer. I expressed my gratitude for my job, remembering that it was truly a gift from Heaven when I got it. I talked about how important this project was, that we had done all we could, and asked if He would please help me find what was causing the program failure. After ending in Jesus' name I picked up my keyboard and made some programming changes that corrected the problem. The project was continued on to a successful completion. I don't know what I did to the programs when I picked up that keyboard... ...but I do know that the Power of Prayer is Real and I am thankful to God for it.

Elder Porter asked Diana if she would say the prayer to close our visit with her. She declined and expressed her fear. I asked her if her child were in need of help or someone to talk to, would she want that child to come to her. Diana said of course she would. I told her that Our Heavenly Father is the same. She then felt as if she would be able to say the prayer. We taught her how to pray,

1) Open by addressing Our Heavenly Father
2) Give Thanks
3) Ask for help
A) For Others
B) For Ourselves
4) Close in Jesus' name

and she declined again because of her fear. Elder Porter asked her to practice praying through the week. We explained how she could pray out loud or silent, in a crowd or in a closet - anywhere. Elder Porter asked if she could maybe try again the next time we came to visit. She said she would.

I talked with Elder Porter last evening and he said she has since then, on a subsequent visit, been able to work through her fear and say a prayer. YAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! That is so awesome... ...to know that someone who didn't know how to pray is now praying!!! I love it. And she went to church yesterday, enjoying Sacrament Meeting and Gospel Principles - leaving either before or during Relief Society. (A three-hour block for someone new may be a bit like eating a whole cake in one sitting.) 

I will be going with the Elders again this week to visit with Diana. Elder Porter is going to call her today to set up a time and will call me and let me know when.

I called Robert and Andrew, brothers who joined the church last year, and left a message introducing myself as one of the Ward Missionaries that would like to come and visit with them. I left my phone number and asked them to call me so we could set a time for that visit. I ended by asking them to call me if they needed help with anything. I will check back with them as well.

How are you doing Parker... ...It seemed a bit strange that you ask for advice but then hold off on reading it. But then again it may have just been my perceptiom that the time frame you would be waiting between the email arriving and the physical letter arriving from DearElder.com could be up to 6 weeks. It also seemed that you may have been a bit saddened to leave Petrovski. Is that true... ...I mean, I can see how it could be... ...Elder Tilgner is your son right? And to leave him in the hands of another to raise? Will the new father be a good teacher? Have I taught him well enough so he knows the closer he flies to the Son the better his life will be? Will the investigators continue to investigate? Who will help the great father become even greater by learning there is a better way to teach his children? 

Talk to me Parker... ...let me know what your feeling about your mission, about Deandra, about me, about coming home. Speaking of coming home- what are your plans? Having you live here would be my choice if I were me, which I am.

Don't be afraid to talk to me... about anything!!! I love you - Do YOU "feel" the love? I really mean that - Do you feel my love for you? There is nothing on Earth or in the Heavens that can measure this love... ...and nothing will ever change it... ...it is unconditional and eternal.

Love,
Dad

Date: February 23, 2010

Date: March 8, 2010

Date: March 8, 2010

Date: March 15, 2010
Parker, 

I love you... ...Sorry about the short birthday email last week. First the good news and then my explanation. I have received the pathology report, and the good news is that the skin cancer surgery was a success. Last week I was still recouperating from that surgery so I wasn't feeling my normal self (well, as normal as the inner child will let an adult be.) I had even thought that I had emailed you about the surgery and not until Kristi called to ask how the surgery went did I realize that I had not, as well as had not called Kristi to give her the results of the pathology report. I was in a bit of pain and didn't feel up to going to church last week either. Although I was still recouperating, when the full-time missionaries called me Monday to go with them for a couple hours to meet with Diana (I've told you about her - the one that just recently learned how to pray.) and to meet with Hester, (A wonderful lady who I have now met for the first time.) I was more than happy to go with them. When they brought me home I had them give me a blessing of healing and I'm doing much better now. I'm sure at least one of the surgical team has been praying for me as well... ...at the hospital I had my usual Preach My Gospel, copies of The Book of Mormon and El Libro de Mormon, pass along cards for the upcoming Easter Pageant among various and other sundry LDS related items with me and was asked if I was LDS and I in turn asked him if he was and he replied yes - he would be Scott Gordon. That, along with other prayers, the blessing, faith and last and of most importance - God's graciousness, are some of the many pieces of the wonderful membership in the great organization known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I should have let you know that the surgery was coming up but didn't want to worry you... ...I wanted you to stay focused on bringing others to Christ and continuing to magnify your calling as Zone Leader, which I must say that yours and Elder Duffy's endeaver in this leadership position is exemplary. 

It's late... ...I hope your near a computer and get this as quick as I send it... ...and know that I love you, I'm proud of you, you said forgive you for not being a better writer - nothing to forgive son - your emails are beautiful, poetic and inspiring - we can feel the love you have for those of us here, for the people you are reaching out to in the Ukraine, for your fellow missionaries and leaders, and most of all, your love for God and for our Savior, Jesus Christ. If you are near it - just a quick reply that you got the email will ease my mind.

Happy Birthday again son... ...every time when your's and Kristi's birthday comes near, I think that it must be my birthday - because you and her are two of the greatest gifts that I, or anyone, could ever hope to receive. I love you now - and forever!!!

Dad 

Date: March 15, 2010

Oh yeah... ...I meant to tell you Happy Pi-Day - so Happy Belated Pi-Day. I'm still having a problem with that Pi R Squared thing - I mean are not pi round... ...Cobbler R Squared... ...I guess Pi could be R Squared and Cobbler could be R Round or R Triangled or R any shape one would exercize their agency to make it. I guess the only time it must be Pi R*R is in mathematical equations such as finding the area of a circle as in: 

A = pi*R*R

Well, circles r round and pi r squared - must be either the new math or the new Betty Crocker recipies 

Anyways Happy Belated 3.14 Day 

Date: March 28, 2010

Hey Parker,

Sorry I didn't email you last week. I had my computer apart because I'm re-doing my bedroom. No more holes in the walls... ...no more green walls. Tore down the wall where the closet was so now the room is BIGGER. Spread joint compound over the walls so it looks like the OLD houses did with cement walls and marks in the cement left from the trowel. Painting it a cream color... ...not finished yet... ...two walls nearly finished... ...two walls to go.

Been going out with Elder Porter and Elder Harris quite regularly but now Elder Harris has been transferred. He's been out nearly as long as you... ...November 19... ...and went from trainer to Zone Leader as well. Now I go with Elder Porter and Elder Gilbert... ...both from Idaho. I like going with them... ...I get to see what you go through by going with them... ...it's a bit different being as you're in the Ukraine but still... ...you know what I mean.

Well... ...Kristi and I had Elder Porter and Elder Harris over for dinner last week before the latter was transferred... ...Pizza from Dominos... ...good fun. They discussed faith and used a visual aide of "Missionary Paper" that they put in Kristi's hand and lit it on fire and told her to have faith that it would not burn her. After getting Kristi to be calm enough to hold it in her hand they lit it and it burned closer, and closer to her hand... ...right before the flames reached her hand, the paper leaped off her hand in flames.... ...awesome. It turns out the "Missionary Paper" is actually a tea bag and not just any tea bag - Bigelow brand tea bag is the only kind that will work I'm told.

Remember Diana who learned how to pray for the first time... ...well... ...she started dating a muslim who wanted nothing to do with the LDS faith... ...any time she tried to bring it up he said No... ...your trying to turn me into a Mormon. And then she said that she was looking on the internet and the Mormons are trying to overthrow the government... ...so she doesn't want any more lessons. I think it's the guy she's dating but what can ya do... ...just pray that the discussions so far will come into play later and she'll change her mind.

Yesterday (Friday) we (Elder Porter, Gilbert and I) met a guy as we were leaving a discussion that didn't happen. His name is Neil and he was moving a bed from his truck, not the truck bed... ...a bedroom bed from his truckbed to his apartment so we offerred assistance and he accepted. When we were done we talked with him about different things LDS related. I brought up the Easter Pageant and the Elder's gave him a (Jump forward to Sunday Night) ... ...to finish that last sentence pageant pass along card. 

okay - still friday night - I'm home with Neil 's email address - gonna email him - instead of retyping what I was gonna send him - I'll just copy it to here

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maybe with an underscore between the name and 2000???

----- Original Message ----- 
From: c]:{ 
To: ýNeil Eichhorsk 
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2010 7:23 PM
Subject: Fw: Karaoke, Fun & Dance Sat Mar 27

Neil,

Sorry I had the original email address wrong... ...didn't have the 2000 at the end of your name... ...any ways the dance is still on tonight if you get this in time and want to go... ...and the rest as well. Give me a call 480-306-4360.
Brett

----- Original Message ----- 
From: c]:{ 
To: ýNeil Eichhorsk 
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 9:32 PM
Subject: Karaoke, Fun & Dance Sat Mar 27

Neil,

The dances are at different locations and not necessarily each week. 

If you want to go and would feel more comfortable if I went too, let me know. I don't have a vehicle that is in working order (3/4 Ton 4x4 454 GMC Suburban - Head Gasket, Jeep CJ5 - Rod Cap) or a driver's license but I could possibly get Sandi to go dancing with me and we could meet you there, or I could ride with you. This counts for the Easter Pageant as well, which runs through April 3. If you would like to attend church with me on Sunday, it starts at 1:30 pm. 

Country Boy Extraordinaire
Brett M. Smith

480-306-4360

I got this off the calendar at the web site I wrote down for you. http://endure.com 

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Karaoke, Fun & Dance 8-11:20pm 

8pm Karaoke, Fun Games 

9:15 Dance Lesson 

9:45 Dance and Super Refreshments 

Location: 1st Ave & Center Chapel (between Country Club & Mesa Dr., directly W. of Main Temple entrance) Mesa 

Address: 15 W. 1st Ave. (SW corner 1st Ave & Center), Mesa 85201 

Dress: Nice casual 

DJ & Karaoke Master: CJ (Craig Johnson) 

Donation: $4 

Go East on Mckellips to Center (1/2 Mile)

Go South on Center through the light at 1st Ave (2.7 miles)

Turn Right into the parking lot.

This is the church building on the SW Corner of 1st Ave/Center (One block South of Main)


And visit here:

http://everon.info/parker
http://everon.info/testimony 

Well... none of those email addresses were right... ...we wrote it down wrong but we are on for meeting with him next Friday night

Now back to Sunday... ...I go to church... ...Brother Goss testifies of the Savior... ...I'm crying cause the Spirit is so strong... High Councilman Brother Gardner speaks and testifies of the Savior... ...I'm continue to cry as the Spirit is so strong... ...I go to the investigators class and continue crying... ...and why? Yup... ...the Spirit is so strong... ...and off to Priesthood I go and stop crying long enough to get another copy of the Book of Mormon as I just passed out my last one to Kurt from Dominos on Friday night, shared that experience plus the experience with the Elders and Neil plus the experience with Pastor David Joy Elcarte from the Philippines from the facebook chat. 

Came home to rest.... .but what do my wondering ears then hear... ...the phone ringing... ...Brother Smith This is Elder Porter... ...would you like to come withj Elder Gilbert and I to the Temple Visitors Center at 7:00 to meet with Kelly, Kelly and Neil. I'd Love To... ...I'kll be ready @ 7:00. 

We get to Temple... ...Watch the hour long movie Joseph Smith: Prophet Of The Restoration - I'm crying all the way through - why? Yup - escpecially cause we're on Temple Grounds - in The Visitors Center and the Movie - wow... ...I knew I HAD TO Bear my testimony AS SOON AS the movie ended... ...I felt if I had to wait another minute I would explode... ...so as it came to an end... ...and the lights slowly came on and Sister Brox came in to start talking... ...I said "Please... ...I need to bear my testimony now..." She said sure... ...I stood up and through my tears I looked at each one in the room and said Neil... ...Kelly... ...Kelly... ...Elder Porter... Elder Gilbert... ...Sister Brox... ...and now you my son Parker... ...I want, I need you to know, that I know that Jesus is the Christ, That He lives...

To be continued...

Date: April 04, 2010 
Subject: Have I done any good in the world today...

This week...

First... Wednesday was your mother's 47th birthday... ...I brought her Easter Lilies and Roses. I haven't told anybody yet but when I dozed off to sleep that night... ...and woke up a little later... ...as I awoke I heard a woman say "Thank you for the flowers." I'm not sure if I was still in a dream state or if I was awake... ...or somewhere in between...

Love,
Dad

Date: April 04, 2010
Subject: Line upon line. precept upon precept

.
Next Sunday, April 11th, Temple Prep Classes begin in Hillside Ward...
...I will be in attendance.

Love,
Dad

Date: April 04, 2010 
Subject: Meow... 

Snofur says hi! 

Date: April 05, 2010 
Subject: Called to serve...

Gave a Book of Mormon and Easter Pageant cards to Kurt from Dominos Pizza

Still trying to get one in the hands of Pastor David Joy Elcarte in the Philippines - I've sent one by filling out the forms at Mormon.org, and another a couple-few days ago by calling and talking to a Sister RM at the RC... and today I told him to look for Missionaries as they would be able to give him a copy. Elder Porter has a friend or relative - maybe a cousin - on a mission in the Philippines - I will find out if he is near Azumis City. 

Elder Gilbert has a friend on a mission in Kiev - Elder Christian F. Schmutz - been out since January

Dallin comes home in June

Kristi says you get home the day before Thanksgiving (Is it okay to say YIPPEE!!!?)

I say you are awesome - Your son is a District Leader already - you trained him well!!!

More Missionary Experiences Later... ...I already have them... ...just not typed up.

Love,
Dad

Date: April 7, 2010

And when it was learned, that is to say, when Kristi, the sister of Parker, also known to the people as Elder Smith, that is to say that Parker is also known to the people as Elder Smith, for he is a full-time missionary serving in the Ukraine Donetsk Mission when Kristi informed the multitudes of the day of his return, which is the day before Thanksgiving, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Ten, there was much excitement, yea, even rejoicing among all the people throughout the land for the space of many days. 

And when I, Brett M. Smith, being the father of Kristi, and also of Parker, had heard these things, I too began to rejoice exceedingly. 

And verily, verily I say unto you that I, although not a visionary man, yet having been blessed with wisdom from our Father in Heaven, yea, even enough wisdom to know that the rejoicing of which I have written in this record shall continue, yea, even until the day before Thanksgiving, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Ten, which is the day that has been foretold of Parker's, that is to say Elder Smith's, return.

And after I, Brett M. Smith, pondered upon this subject, for it is wisdom in me to ponder such things, that it was made known unto me by the Power and Gift of the Holy Ghost, for it is by this Power that we may know the truthfulness of all things, as promised by the Prophet Moroni, that this rejoicing, of which I have written in this record, shall continue beyond the day of his return, which is the day before Thanksgiving, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Ten.

And verily, verily I say unto you, that this day before Thanksgiving, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Ten, shall also be a day of Thanksgiving, and also the days following Thanksgiving, for we shall rejoice and give thanks to our Father in Heaven for Parker's, that is to say Elder Smith's, return, for he has been gone for the space of many days, yea, even twenty days longer than two-years on the day before Thanksgiving, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Ten, for he left on the fourth day of the month of November, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Eight, and the day before Thanksgiving, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Ten is the twenty-fourth day of the month of November, making the length of his absence, from beginning to end, a total of seven-hundred and fifty days, which is longer than the length of his full time mission by one day, for he traveled to the city of his Aunt Jennifer, which is also the city of the Missionary Training Center to which he was assigned, that is to say he traveled to the city of Provo, in the state of Utah, in the United States of America, which is a part of the North American continent in the Western Hemisphere on the fourth day of the month of November, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Eight.

And this is the end of this record, as written by I, Brett M. Smith, on this, the seventh day of the month of April, in the Year of Our Lord, Two-Thousand and Ten, which is one day beyond the One-Hundred and Eightieth anniversary of the organizing of Christ's church restored to the earth, which was done through the Prophet, Joseph Smith Junior, on the sixth day of the month of April, in the Year of Our Lord, One-Thousand Eight-Hundred and Thirty.

Date: Sunday, April 11, 2010 11:23 PM
Subject: Hero and Heroine

Let's see... ...where are we... ...you just finished watching General Conference this weekend... ...Last week I watched 4 sessions on TV and your Uncle Roger came by and we went to the Priesthood Session together... ...what a joy this sweet sentence gives... "I KNOW that my Redeemer lives!!!"

Today I fasted that we may have the Spirit strong with us, that we may preach the Gospel with the Power and Authority of God, that our tongues may be loosed, that we may deliver the message of hope to those who need it, that the Missionary Experiences will come, that we may magnify our callings as Missionaries.

Last Monday we (Elder Porter, Elder Gilbert and I) drove by Bishop Little's house and I dropped off my tithing and fast offering... ...we were in the neighborhood... ...He was not feeling well... ...The Elder's were in the car... ...I offered to grab them so they could exercise the healing powers of the Priesthood but Sister Little said he would survive... ...just needed some rest... ...I apologized for stopping by on a Monday night and promised we would pray for him... ...we did... ...he survived... ...I can't hardly wait till you meet them... they are an awesome couple... ...she is the organist sometimes.

It's Sunday night here... ...although it's the 11th and not the 13th, I went outside looking for the moon that I saw on that beautiful night that your sweet mother returned home... ...time for me to go change the songlist being played at Ever On... ...for some reason I am being prompted to put, instead of the Captured Angel songs by Dan Fogelberg, A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief. 
More later...

I love you and you are my hero as well... ...and Kristi is my heroine.

Dad

Date: Monday, April 12, 2010 12:19 AM
Subject: Holy Ghost

Elder Smith,

(Sometimes I just like addressing you that way, sometimes as Parker, sometimes as my son, sometimes as Lizard Lips or Twirp... ...maybe an occasional Gecko Breath... ...and I have been known to call you Pookie and Parkner... ...but in this email I want to address you as Elder Smith... Why? Because I love you.)

I know I'm preaching to the choir when I tell you that as Missionaries or otherwise, no matter how much we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ - "WE" do not convert anyone... ...the Holy Ghost does... ...but it's nice to be there when the conversion takes place. The following is from the Bible Dictionary under the heading "Holy Ghost".

When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth into the heart of the hearer (2 Ne. 33: 1). 

Love, 
Dad

----- Original Message ----- 
From: c]:{ 
To: Parker Martin Smith 
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 12:23 AM
Subject: Re: Meow...

Leather-Bound edition of Jesus, The Christ???????????
Got the labels from Roxolana so I plan on UPSing to them this week.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Parker Martin Smith 
To: c]:{ 
Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 11:57 PM
Subject: Re: Meow...

Got the ring. I'm wearing it at this very moment.

Thanks for all the thought that is going into my birthday package, but just so you know, not all of that will have to be sent (I do appreciate it however). Jesus the Christ is abundant in this mission...

Well actually to make things easier, I'll just say the things that I would truly enjoy the most.

Those handwritten letters.
Pictures of you and I.

I love you. I'm proud to say you're my dad. The temple is going to bless your life immensely.

On Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 10:12 AM, c]:{ brettsmith@everon.info wrote:
Back at ya!!!

ps... Did you get that ring yet?

...I'm waiting for Roxolana to send me labels and whatever I need to send your birthday package... ...but I'll let you open it now.

Handwritten autographed letters from Kristi and Briana and Grandma
Goodies to munch on
Leather-Bound edition of Jesus, The Christ
A writing pen with the intial "P" from Deseret Book
A-Scripture-A-Day - LDS edition (2 inch by 3 inch approx)
Wallet Size Priesthood Ordinance Cards - Hey wait... ...these are in English - I'll send them and I'll look for the Russian version
24 Month Missionary Calendar - Missionary Humor
Some LDS related bookmarks
Pictures of you and I

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Parker Martin Smith 
To: c]:{ 
Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2010 11:44 PM
Subject: Re: Meow...

I'm so proud of you.
And I love you.

Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 12:40 AM
Subject: Re: Meow...

Kristi picked out the Leather-bound edition of Jesus, The Christ so... you just better tell her how AWESOME it is that she did... ...every thing that she suggested as we looked at Deseret Book I made sure that we got - she wanted a better Pen or at least one that had Parker instead of just the "P" but they didn't have that - she also wanted to send Girl Scout Cookies but the Council for this area and the one in Thatcher had finished the cookie drive for the year---but we'll find a suitable alternative... she wanted to send another Journal (matching of course) but Spencer at Deseret Book on Mesa Drive said that being as you were sent one at Christmas that you probably would not need one - Spencer served in Ukraine - said Roxolana used to smuggle packages across the borger to missionaries - I asked the guy I talked to a Roxolane if they still do that - he said no - that I will be able to track the package all the way along till it get's to you... ...just like in the States with 
FedEx or UPS.

Love, 
Dad

Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 1:04 AM
Subject: Shared my testimony at church today

Shared my testimony at church today. I almost chickened out with the Stake President (Craig Ahlstrom) on the stand.... ....as Brother Goss finished his testimony and turned the time over to the congregation... ...I got up and tried to be the first one up there... ...you should have seen me... ...I was like an Olympic athlete... ...with the Word of Wisdom backing me up I ran like the wind... ...long-jumping Triple-Combinations and Bibles laid end to end, leaping Quadruple-Combinations in single bound... ...but, alas, it was not to be, for I was beaten to the Pulpit by Sister Little, the Bishop's wife... ...well, second isn't too bad... ...after all... I had run as a Saturday's Warrior and learned a lesson... ...it's hard to out run someone to the pulpit when they start out in the front pew and you are running from mid-court in the cultural hall.

Love,
Dad

Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 2:43 AM
Subject: phone call

To Parker Smith’s Dad,

I called and talked to Elder Smith. He sounded really good. I told him that you sent your love. He said, “Yes, I have a great father.” He said that just having zone conference and general conference really has made it so that all was well. “It helps one get through it all”, he said. I told him to call if he needed anything at anytime. 

We really enjoy Elder Smith. He is a great missionary and full of enthusiasm for doing the Lord’s work. He is a son you can be really proud of. He always brings joy to the office when he comes in to get materials etc. 

I hope that you too are receiving comfort from the Lord on this day. It must be hard. I do know though that those from the other side are near and doing all they can to help us in our daily lives and to further the Lord’s work.

Take care. 

Sister Salomonson
Office Secretary
Ukraine Donetsk Mission

Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 7:25 PM
Subject: My comments to Kristi on not receiving an exact answer when praying

Sometimes we look at the world and our choices in it from a flat-earth perspective... ...we feel that if we make the wrong choice we will fall off the end of the earth. Know this... if we live righteously, having faith in Christ, faith in the Power of prayer, doing our part for "Faith without works is dead"... we will make the right choices. Remember who you are... A beautiful, intelligent daughter of God... ...you have His DNA within you... ...your family tree, whether you follow it through your maternal or paternal lineage can be traced through Adam and Eve to Our Father in Heaven who sees the big picture... ...never the flat-earth perspective. Remember, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that you have as a constant companion that third member of the Godhead known as the Holy Ghost... ...and we know through the Prophet Moroni that the Holy Ghost is the testifier of truth... ...and by the Power of the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of ALL things... ...we will not be led off the end of the earth. Sometimes when we come to a fork in the road, and we pray to know which road to take but do not "seem" to receive a clear answer - that may in itself be the answer. God can see where each path will lead us... ...the end from the beginning and it may just be that either path is good in the eyes of God and if we could see as He sees we might see that either path will ultimately lead us to the same destination. If that is the scenario then you need not worry... ...God has your back either way. You have done right by listing the pros/cons of each path. I love you daughter - Always remember to travel a path of heart as opposed to a path of convenience.

Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2010 10:26 PM
Subject: Praying with "real intent"

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. 

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. 

I only learned this week what it means to pray with "real intent". I had always thought that it meant to be sincere. In Moroni 10:4 it already states to "ask with a sincere heart". Following that it states "with real intent". In Preach My Gospel, page 73, it gives the definition of "real intent" as being committed to act upon the answer that we receive.

Love,
Dad

Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 12:06 AM
Subject: You know what the definition of happiness is?

I love you and I am proud of you. I use your story of the Arrow with the Bible and The Book of Mormon as nails that point the Arrow to Christ on a regular basis - as guided by the Spirit.

You know what the definition of happiness is? Serving the Lord!!!

Love,
Dad

Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 12:22 AM
Subject: The Higher You Climb

The Higher You Climb

The higher you climb, the more that you see
The more that you see, the less that you know
The less that you know, the more that you yearn
The more that you yearn, the higher you climb

The farther you reach, the more that you touch
The more that you touch, the fuller you feel
The fuller you feel, the less that you need
The less that you need, the farther you reach

The higher you climb, the more that you see
The more that you see, the less that you know
The less that you know, the more that you yearn
The more that you yearn, the higher you climb

The higher you climb, the more that you see
The more that you see, the less that you know
The less that you know, the more that you yearn
The more that you yearn, the higher you climb

~~~ Dan Fogelberg ~~~

Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 12:26 AM
Subject: ;-)

Hey, how come I have to wait till KT sends me your weekly update? I'm gonna write my congressman - wait - better yet - I'll write an apostle - let's see , which one hmmmmmmmmmm Jeffrey R. Holland - yeah - that's it - boy are you in trouble now!!! 

;-)

Love,
Dad

Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 6:22 PM
Subject: It's a missionary thing...

Last week - 

Teal = On My Own
Blue = With The Missionaries

TTIs (Teach Testify Invite) = 47 

Teal
Scot Ferguson (My Room Mate)
Andrew (Sears Salesman)
Pastor Elcarte x5 (Pastor in Philippines)
Stephanie Farren(Inactive-Twin Knolls Ward-I Called Bishop Pickrel)
Jose (Mi Amigo)
Elliot Clevenger (My Friend-LDS-Inactive)
Red (Ian/Diana Bought House Across Street-Room Mates)

Blue 
Deanna-(Lamanite-Explained Importance of Going To Church)
Joshua(19 Years Old, Recently Had Teeth Pulled-Referred to YSA)
Mike Gatlin Mrs. Gatlin (My Friend And His Mother-2 Pass-A-Longs)
Isaac (Neighbor To Mike and Mrs Gatlin, Classic Blue Camaro White Stripes)
Anna x2 (David)
David x2 (Anna)
George, Sergio, Billy (Recently Moved In on Juniper)
Ededina (Getting in her truck, Grand Canyon Key Ring)
Serena, Nancy
Barry-Casa Carranza 175(Replacing Serpentine Belt Tensioner)
Hector/Beatrice (Sonja is Hector's Sister-230 W. 8th Ave)
Ray (Janitor, Needed Extension Cord, Listened To His Truck)
Scott (Barbecuing, Catholic, Not Interested)
Gabby's Mom (Come back another day)
Molecule Man (Not Interested)
Zach and Friend (Removing Govenor On Blue '91 Camaro) 
Young Guy (Just Prior To Inactive LDS Woman)
Inactive LDS Woman (Not Interested) 
Kelly C., Kelly J.
5 in Apartment (Threw Out Furniture Boxes, Not Interested)
Guy With Pony Tail (Not Interested) 
Spanish Lady


Handed Out:

The Book of Mormon = 4 - David, Pastor Elcarte (Chapter a Day), Red, Hector

El Libro de Mormon = 3 - Andrew, Ededina, Spanish Lady

Restoration DVD = 2 - Andrew, Hector

Discussions = 10 - Scot, Deanna, Joshua, Pastor Elcarte, Anna x2, David x2, Kelly C., Kelly J.

Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 9:02 PM
Subject: Gotta Love It!!!

Isn't it a great blessing to be a member of Jesus Christ's church restored to the earth in it's fullness!!! It may sound like a question... ...but it's not... ...it's a true statement for I am truly blessed!!!

Now read the following and rejoice for the people of Ukraine.

Love,
Dad

Dear Kyiv Ukraine Temple Mailing List subscribers:

The First Presidency has announced the dates for the open house, cultural celebration, and dedication of the Kyiv Ukraine Temple. They are as follows:

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, August 7 - Saturday, August 21, 2010 (except Sundays)

CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Saturday, August 28, 2010

TEMPLE DEDICATION
Sunday, August 29, 2010 (in three sessions at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 3:00 p.m.)

TEMPLE OPEN FOR ORDINANCES
Monday, August 30, 2010

What a wonderful blessing this House of the Lord will be to the Saints!

Sincerely,
Rick Satterfield
LDSChurchTemples.com 

Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:32 PM
Subject: I posted this...

At President and Sister Fry's blog...

-------------------------------------------
"Elders Steele, Shipp, Duffy and Smith talked about ACCOUNTABILITY. Some of their comments were: Be accountable to 1) self (moral agency - moral discipline - sometimes we do what is easy - not necessarily what is right."

Muriel Strode said:

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." 

To which I say: 

"If Muriel strode where there was no path... ...what did she leave a trail of?

Some paths are good, others not so good... now the question is; Are we really following a path or are we forging our own as we view the paths left by others, borrowing that which is good, for we see that it may help to bridge future uncertainties?"

To paraphrase one whose path I have borrowed from many times...

"Travel a path of heart... ...as opposed to a path of convenience." ~~ Daniel Grayling Fogelberg

-----------------------------

Oh what a beautiful email I received.

-----------------------------

Dear Kyiv Ukraine Temple Mailing List subscribers:

The First Presidency has announced the dates for the open house, cultural celebration, and dedication of the Kyiv Ukraine Temple. They are as follows:

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, August 7 - Saturday, August 21, 2010 (except Sundays)

CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Saturday, August 28, 2010

TEMPLE DEDICATION
Sunday, August 29, 2010 (in three sessions at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 3:00 p.m.)

TEMPLE OPEN FOR ORDINANCES
Monday, August 30, 2010

What a wonderful blessing this House of the Lord will be to the Saints!

Sincerely,
Rick Satterfield
LDSChurchTemples.com
-------------------------------

Thanks for all that you do.

Brett Martin Smith
Hillside Ward ~ Ward Missionary

PS... Let me share a missionary experience. Tuesday morning as I readied to go give service at the Bishop's Storehouse I thought that I need not bring my carrying case with copies of The Book of Mormon, El Libro de Mormon and other various and sundry LDS related items because, after all, would not all those who are there be LDS? But the Spirit reminded me that I was raised as a Cub and Boy Scout and that I should always "Be Prepared". So I took it with me. The first person I'm assigned to serve with is NOT a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints but Catholic. Her nickname is Country... ...My nickname is Country Boy Extraordinaire because although I wear what some would say is a Cowboy Hat, Boots, Wranglers... ...I am not a Cowboy... ...I don't brand cattle etc... ...but I grew up in the farming community of Lehi, Arizona with ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, horses, dogs, a "Thundering Herd" of cats as my mother would call them, pigeons and although we did not own a cow... ...I assure you that I do know how to milk one and how to strain it in the event the bovine animal happens to put her hoof in the pail. Now, I start sharing the gospel with Country and she says to me: 

"Now you Mormon's think that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate Beings... ...but everyone else says they are one. Explain that!!!"

As guided by the Spirit I said:

"Okay. Who did Jesus pray to in Gethsemane? Himself?"

Country said:

"No... ...okay you got me on that one... ...but what about the Holy Spirit?"

Once again, as guided by the Spirit I said:

"When Jesus was baptised by John, The Baptist, did not the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove? Was there not a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased?"

She smiled and said:

"Yes."

I told her I would be right back and I went and grabbed a copy of The Book of Mormon, put my testimony in it. I shared with her Moroni's promise, Helaman 5:12, 1st Nephi 3:7, John 10:16.

When Country left that day she came to me and gave me a hug, and she left with a copy of The Book of Mormon.

I am a Ward Missionary... ...and I am thankful to God for the Holy Ghost... ...for without that member of the Godhead to guide me and my words... ...I am lost with nothing to say... ...with Him... ...I can speak with the Authority of God for "WE" do not convert anyone... ...the Holy Ghost does... ...but it's nice to be there when the conversion takes place. The following is from the Bible Dictionary under the heading "Holy Ghost".

"When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth into the heart of the hearer (2 Ne. 33: 1)."

The following day, I returned to the Bishop's Storehouse and was assigned to work in the cannery. I met a young man from the Navajo nation by the name of Lorrison... ...we shared poetry with each other along with stories of our beliefs... ...I talked with him about The Book of Mormon and he agreed to read it and pray.

Pray for Missionary Experiences and they will come... ...but when you pray for them, be committed to act upon the answers you receive for that is the definition of praying with "Real Intent" as described on page 73 of "Preach My Gospel."

What a joy this sweet sentence gives... ...I KNOW that my Redeemer lives!!!

I say these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen

Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010
Subject: It's a missionary thing...

----------------------------------------------------

Last week - April 19-25, 2010

----------------------------------------------------

TTIs (Teach Testify Invite) = 31

On My Own
Country(30 Year old Catholic woman at Bishop's Storehouse)
Lorrison (Young Navajo man at cannery)
Kenny Hammar
Pastor Elcarte x2 (Pastor in Philippines)

With The Missionaries
Shawn(Mudbogs Trucks)
Clemeesha x2 (Book of Enos)
Tamra(20 Year Old Navajo Woman, Uncle is Morgan)
Morgan
Kenny Hammar
Heather (Kenny's Daughter)
Young Hispanic couple on our way to stake center
Kelly C. x2 
Kelly J. x2
Miguel
Hispanic Lady (Casa Carranza)
Mrs. Gatlin 
Hispanic Lady (Mrs. Gatlin's Neighbor)
Two Hispanic Men (Workers at Casa Carranza-Catholic-Not Interested)
Terry (Terrance) Smith x2-Casa Carranza-B-day May 13, 1952-Disabled-Legs Amputee
Barry-Casa Carranza 175
Hector
Sonja (Sonja is Hector's Sister-230 W. 8th Ave)
Brandon
Chris (Ears Pearced)

----------------------------------------------------

Handed Out:

The Book of Mormon = 4 

On My Own = 3
Country
Lorrison
Pastor Elcarte (Chapter a Day)

With The Missionaries = 1
Terry (Terrance) Smith 

El Libro de Mormon = 2 

With The Missionaries = 2
Hispanic Lady @ Casa Carranza 
Hispanic Lady (Mrs. Gatlin's Neighbor)

DVD = 2 

Clemeesha (Faith In Christ)
Hector

----------------------------------------------------

Discussions = 8 

Clemeesha
Mrs. Gatlin
Kenny Hammar
Kelly C. x2
Kelly J. x2
Miguel

Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 12:30 AM
Subject: Re: Temple Prep Classes 

Oh yes... ...I forgot to tell you what was on the 3x5 card.

-------------------------------------------------
Brother Smith - Mortal Life 
-------------------------------------------------
Would you look up the 
-------------------------------------------------
following scriptures for next 
-------------------------------------------------
week & briefly summarize 
-------------------------------------------------
Alma 34:32 
-------------------------------------------------
Abraham 3:24-26 
-------------------------------------------------
2 Nephi 2:27 Thanks
---------------------------------
                                               
So I got Alma 34:32 read tonight - let's see if I can remember it:

For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God, yea, behold this day is the day in the life for men to perform their labors.

Close but no banana...

For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God, yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

That's better.

Love;
Dad

----- Original Message ----- 
From: c]:{ 
To: Elder Parker Martin Smith ; Kristina Smith 
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2010 11:28 PM
Subject: Temple Prep Classes 

I LOVE YOU and I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Temple Prep Classes were originally to start on April 11 but they changed that to May 2 probably because the teachers, Bruce and Melany Bair, were going to be out of town on April 18 and Stake Conference was this weekend April 24/25.

Soooo... Earlier this evening, wait, first, I've known Bruce since I was a teenager... ...Not real well because he is Mont's age, which is four years older than I. Okay, so, I'm reading Jesus, The Christ (I decided to keep this one for myself and get you one when you get home.) and I stop when Bruce and Melany come by and Bruce comes to the door and hands me a 8.5x11 sheet of paper, folded in thirds. Hand written on the outside it reads " Brother Smith". He invites me to Temple Prep the next week and asks me to read the information regarding the class and to prepare as outlined on the paper and the 3x5 card inside. I thank him and come inside and open the paper and it reads:

We would like to extend an invitation to attend the Temple Preparation Class.

Brother Bair and I are excited to teach this class to help you in your preparation to go to the Temple. We would like to ask you to bring with you each Sunday your scriptures and the booklet which you will receive in the first class. Please prayerfully read the materials for each class and be prepared to join the discussion.

We will meet each Sunday, beginning next week. The class will be held during Sunday School time in a room yet to be determined. The following dates are the dates for the class.

May 2nd
May 9th
May 16th
May 23rd
May 30th
June 6th
June 13th

We hope you will be able to attend the class each week and be prepared to enter the Temple in a few weeks time.

Bruce and Melany Bair

What a joy this sweet sentence gives....
... I KNOW that my Redeemer Lives!!!

Love,
Dad

I sent this to President Klepinger after he gave me a ride home from Stake Conference.

President Klepinger, 

Thanks again for the ride home after the Sunday morning session of Stake Conference and for the time we shared getting to know each other a little better. 

I had been anxiously looking forward to Stake Conference and I am grateful that I have such a wonderful Stake Presidency to learn from. It's such a blessing to know that I can count on my Priesthood Leaders to guide me in the ways of righteousness as directed by the Spirit. 

The conference was beautiful, the Spirit was strong, the teachings were clear. I came away from it a better man. My testimony increased, my wisdom added upon, my armor of God strengthened. 

I pray that my comments in Priesthood Leadership meeting were in line with the Stake Presidency's curriculum of Team Teaching With Boyd K. Packer. What a joy it was to be invited, as a Ward Missionary, to attend and take part in that meeting. 

Meet my children... 

Kristina Lauren Smith is 19 and attending Eastern Arizona College on her way to becoming a nurse... ...She is dating a return missionary by the name of Shannon King.

Elder Parker Martin Smith is a Zone Leader serving in the Ukraine Donetsk Mission scheduled for return the day before Thanksgiving.

Here is a quote by him: 

I love seeing the Spirit work with people. 
A change takes place. 
It's magical...but it's not magic. 
Just the love of God being felt by those present. 

Here is something I wrote this past December. I sent it to President Ahlstrom shortly after I wrote it and now I share it with you.

Twas The Day Before Christmas

Twas the day before Christmas and all across the world
The Kingdom of God was being unfurled.

Missionaries of every kind were spreading the word;
“Jesus is The Christ!” to those who’d not heard.

The Book of Mormon placed in each backpack with care,
With faith there’ll be someone to receive it out there.

The missionaries that morn knelt in prayer by their beds, 
While visions of baptisms danced in their heads.

And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
With presents on the floor we continued to wrap.

When outside on the steps there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the floor to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The sun on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster like diamonds to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But two young men in suits, with a smile ear to ear.

I opened the door and invited them in.
They taught us of Jesus and repentance of sin.

Of how Joseph, in the grove had knelt down to pray.
Of Christ‘s church being restored in these latter-days.

Of Moroni, of Peter, of James and John too.
Of John, The Baptist, our testimonies grew.

They came back and taught us again an again.
We wanted to be baptized, they asked us when.

We now are members in a ward that’s close by.
Each year, 'round Christmas, tears of joy fill our eyes.

Thankful those young men came to our door.
And taught how our lives could be filled with much more.

Knowing Christ was born and will banish Satan’s strife
A Merry Christmas to all, Exaltation, Eternal Life. 

Written By Brett Martin Smith
A "Hillside Ward" "Ward Missionary"

I want to share with you the following Missionary Experience. I have tried to word it in a way that it will be understood by those who are not familiar with The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as well as those who are. Feel free to share it with whomever you like. 

Sunday before Easter-I go to church-Brother Goss testifies of the Savior-I'm crying because the Spirit is so strong... High Councilman Brother Gardner speaks and testifies of the Savior-I continue to cry because the Spirit is so strong-I go to the investigators class because I am a Missionary who shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with investigators and this is a special Sunday School class for them to learn more about God's Eternal Plan of Salvation where-in Christ's Atonement is an integral part-and I continue crying-and why? Yup-the Spirit is so strong-I then attended Priesthood Meeting because I am an ordained Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and have the same Authority as John, The Baptist and have been commissioned of Jesus Christ to baptize in His name. 

After, I came home to rest-but what do my wondering ears then hear-the phone ringing... 

Brother Smith-This is Elder Porter-would you like to come with Elder Gilbert and I to the Temple Visitors Center at 7:00 to meet with Kelly, Kelly and Neil? 

I'd Love To-I'll be ready @ 7:00. 

We get to the Temple-Watch the movie Joseph Smith: The Prophet Of The Restoration-I'm crying all the way through-why? Yup-especially 'cause we're on Temple Grounds-in The Visitors Center and the Movie-WOW! 

The Spirit of God like a fire was burning within me-I knew I HAD TO bear my testimony AS SOON AS the movie ended-I felt if I had to wait another minute without doing so, my heart would burst-so as it came to an end-and the lights slowly came on.. ...and Sister Brox came in to start talking-I said... 

"Please-I need to bear my testimony now..." 

She said "Sure!!!" 

I stood up and through my tears I looked at each one in the room and said Neil-Kelly-Kelly-Elder Porter... Elder Gilbert-Sister Brox... 

I want... I need you to know... 

that I KNOW... 

Jesus is The Christ, that He lives!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His church!

Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and The Prophet of the restoration of Christ's church to the earth-which was necessary since the Apostasy left the world in darkness!

I KNOW there is a Prophet on the earth today! His name is Thomas S. Monson and he is the mouthpiece of the Lord.

I KNOW this movie we have just seen is true! 

It's not because I was raised in the Church that I know these things to be true-it's because I went away from it. At age fifteen I moved out of my mother's home because of some problems I was having with my first step-father. I've long since forgiven him. After I moved out I fell away from the Church. When I was in my darkest hour after my first divorce, I prayed for the first time in twelve years, pleading with God to show me the way to happiness. I heard the answer, not with my ears, but with my heart... 

"Go back to church!" 

This is not the answer I wanted so I kept praying, asking for some other way to be happy. Again, and this time, more than before, I heard the answer as it rocked every fiber of my being, yet still as soft as velvet... 

"GO BACK TO CHURCH!!!" 

The answer was not go to church or go to any church-it was go "back" to church. I started attending LDS church dances where I met who would become the mother of my children. I could not have written or invented Kristi or Parker any better than the way they are-I'm thankful they chose me to be their father. 

I've been blessed in every aspect of my life since I "went back to church". 

I say these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen! 

I sat down and Kelly the investigator looked at me and I at her. With both of us in tears she said... 

"It's really true, isn't it?" 

I said... 

"Yes. It's really true-It's not just a story-it's really true." 

Her baptism is scheduled for May 8th. 

Pray for Missionary Experiences and they will come. 

Love,
Brett 
480-306-4360

PS... I will be sending more if you don't mind.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

"Elders Steele, Shipp, Duffy and Smith talked about ACCOUNTABILITY. Some of their comments were: Be accountable to 1) self (moral agency - moral discipline - sometimes we do what is easy - not necessarily what is right."

Muriel Strode said:

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

To which I say:

"If Muriel strode where there was no path-what did she leave a trail of?

Some paths are good, others not so good... now the question is; Are we really following a path or are we forging our own as we view the paths left by others, borrowing that which is good, for we see that it may help to bridge future uncertainties?"

To paraphrase one whose path I have borrowed from many times... 

"Travel a path of heart... 
...as opposed to a path of convenience." 
~~ Daniel Grayling Fogelberg ~~

Brett Martin Smith
Hillside Ward ~ Ward Missionary 

PS... Let me share a missionary experience. Tuesday morning as I readied to go give service at the Bishop's Storehouse I thought that I need not bring my carrying case with copies of The Book of Mormon, El Libro de Mormon and other various and sundry LDS related items because, after all, would not all those who are there be LDS? But the Spirit reminded me that I was raised as a Cub and Boy Scout and that I should always "Be Prepared". So I took it with me. The first person I'm assigned to serve with is NOT a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints but Catholic. Her nickname is Country-My nickname is Country Boy Extraordinaire because although I wear what some would say is a Cowboy Hat, Boots, Wranglers-I am not a Cowboy-I don't brand cattle etc-but I grew up in the farming community of Lehi, Arizona with ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, horses, dogs, a "Thundering Herd" of cats as my mother would call them, pigeons and although we did not own a cow-I assure you that I do know how to milk one and how to strain it in the event the bovine animal happens to put her hoof in the pail. Now, I start sharing the gospel with Country and she says to me:

"Now you Mormon's think that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate Beings-but everyone else says they are one. Explain that!!!"

As guided by the Spirit I said:

"Okay. Who did Jesus pray to in Gethsemane? Himself?"

Country said:

"No-okay you got me on that one-but what about the Holy Spirit?"

Once again, as guided by the Spirit I said:

"When Jesus was baptized by John, The Baptist, did not the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove? Was there not a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased?"

She smiled and said:

"Yes."

I told her I would be right back and I went and grabbed a copy of The Book of Mormon, put my testimony in it. 

I shared with her: 

THE
BOOK OF MORMON 
THE BOOK OF MORONI 
CHAPTER 10 
Moroni's Promise 

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. 

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. 

I shared with her:

THE BOOK OF HELAMAN 
CHAPTER 5 

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. 

I shared with her:

THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI
HIS REIGN AND MINISTRY 
CHAPTER 3 

7 ...the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. 

I shared with her:

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
ST JOHN 
CHAPTER 10 

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 

The other sheep that Jesus was referring to were the people on what is now known as the American Continent. 

When Country left that day she came to me and gave me a hug, and she left with a copy of The Book of Mormon.

I am a Ward Missionary-and I am thankful to God for the Holy Ghost-for without that member of the Godhead to guide me and my words-I am lost with nothing to say-with Him-I can speak with the Authority of God for "WE" do not convert anyone-the Holy Ghost does-but it's nice to be there when the conversion takes place. The following is from the Bible Dictionary under the heading "Holy Ghost".

"When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth into the heart of the hearer (2 Ne. 33: 1)."

The following day, I returned to the Bishop's Storehouse and was assigned to work in the cannery. I met a young man from the Navajo nation by the name of Lorrison-we shared poetry with each other along with stories of our beliefs-I talked with him about The Book of Mormon and he agreed to read it and pray.

Pray for Missionary Experiences and they will come-but when you pray for them, be committed to act upon the answers you receive for that is the definition of praying with "Real Intent" . 

What a joy this sweet sentence gives-I KNOW that my Redeemer lives!!!

I say these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen

Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2010
Dear Kansas City Missouri Temple Mailing List subscribers:

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kansas City Missouri Temple has been scheduled for Saturday, May 8, at 10:00 a.m. Attendance at the temple site is by invitation only, but plans are underway to broadcast the event to area meetinghouses via webcast. An architectural rendering of the 4-level temple will be presented at the groundbreaking.

Kind regards,

Rick Satterfield
LDSChurchTemples.com

Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2010 
I sent this to my Ward Mission Leader,Bishopric,Stake Presidency&Bishop Rowley

"Every Member A Missionary"

~~ David O.McKay ~~ 

In Priesthood Leadership Meeting on Saturday I had this thought-if the Missionary's Guidebook is "Preach My Gospel"&if every member is a missionary-well, put "Preach My Gospel" in the h&s of each family&have them teach out of it for Family Home Evenings.Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching could also go that route. 

What a joy this sweet sentence gives...
...I KNOW that my redeemer lives!!!

Brett Martin Smith

480-306-4360
"Hillside Ward" ~ "Ward Missionary"

PS...I decided to look at LDS.org on this-In October 2007 at the 177th General Conference Elder Erich W.Kopischke Of the Seventy referred to "Preach My Gospel" as the "Unifying Tool between Members&Missionaries"

Missionaries&members must become one in our efforts to proclaim the gospel.

Not long ago, we invited two sister missionaries over for lunch.After we finished eating, we asked them to leave a spiritual thought with us.They were well prepared&introduced a scripture reading&marking exercise to us.They had brought a fresh copy of the Book of Mormon&a set of colored pencils.We accepted the invitation of the missionaries.Since then, our daily Book of Mormon family scripture reading has changed.In every chapter, we mark with different colors the passages related to Jesus Christ as we discover them.Every time, this little exercise reminds us of our missionaries.When the missionaries presented this, we immediately recognized it as a scripture study exercise suggested in Preach My Gospel.As a family, we are so thankful for this great&powerful missionary tool.For the past three years missionaries have been using Preach My Gospel all around the world.It has truly revolutionized missionary work.The great vision of President Hinckley is being fulfilled: Missionaries “master the concepts of the lessons.” They “teach the concepts in their own words under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit” see “Missionary Service,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan.11, 2003, 19.As the missionaries become immersed in Preach My Gospel, they learn&apply important doctrines&principles which make them more capable in their important service.Despite this, they still need all of our help&support.Only together can we fulfill the great charge given to the ancient&modern Apostles: “Go ye into all the world,&preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15.In order to be successful in these efforts, we must be one with the missionaries,&we must underst& one another.Do you always underst& the missionaries? I do not refer to language but rather to how they do missionary work.We see&observe them inviting people to listen to their message.They teach gospel principles&invite those who are interested to change their lives&be baptized&confirmed members of the Church.If we want to underst&&help our missionaries, we must have faith as missionaries have faith, we must think as missionaries think,&we must feel as missionaries feel.How can we achieve that?One important way, of course, is to be with the missionaries&see them do what they do.But another way for us is to get acquainted with Preach My Gospel&learn more about missionary work.Ever since President McKay said, “Every member a missionary” in Conference Report, Apr.1959, 122 , members have been striving to become more active in sharing the gospel.With Preach My Gospel, we have a marvelous guide to better help us act upon this invitation.Our own study of Preach My Gospel will not only help us to develop a greater underst&ing&appreciation for our missionaries, but it will help us in our own day-to-day life.Every member of our family owns a copy of Preach My Gospel.Studying this guide is a great support in developing a strong testimony.It helps us underst& fundamental gospel principles&the desire to serve.Allow me for a moment to highlight some of the headings of Preach My Gospel [2004], iii ,&you will underst&.

They read:How Do I Recognize&Underst& the Spirit?How Do I Study Effectively&Prepare to Teach?What Do I Study&Teach?What Is the Role of the Book of Mormon?How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?Aren’t those the things that all of us want to learn? For everyone who wants to become a better member missionary&who wants to know how to support the missionaries, Preach My Gospel is full of powerful ideas&insights.We learn how we can help the missionaries find people to teach&how we as members can work h& in h& with the missionaries to help those who are investigating the Church.We learn to underst& why strong invitations to act are helpful to increase faith in Jesus Christ&how we can st& with our nonmember friends who are moving through this wonderful, life-changing process of conversion.Along with studying the scriptures, missionaries study Preach My Gospel every day.They learn principles&skills,&they apply them.They especially learn how to use the guidance of the Spirit in their work.If we want to learn as missionaries do, we too must carefully study Preach My Gospel&observe the missionaries in their daily work.In the introduction to Preach My Gospel, we read: “Preach My Gospel is for the full-time missionaries of the Church.However, the principles&doctrines taught herein are also applicable to ward missionaries&leaders as they seek to build the Lord’s kingdom.Frequent study of this manual will enable them to fulfill their responsibilities as member missionaries&will foster unity with the full-time missionaries” xi.Elder Richard G.Scott taught that all members should carefully study Preach My Gospel.He said, “Much good has been accomplished since Preach My Gospel was introduced, but the best is yet to come as we all become more proficient in the use of this extraordinary missionary tool” “The Power of Preach My Gospel,” Liahona&Ensign, May2005 Our time may seem limited to do this study, so therefore let me give a few suggestions that may help.Youth preparing for a mission should carefully study Preach My Gospel along with the scriptures.Invite the missionaries to your home.Ask them to teach you&your family a principle or doctrine from Preach My Gospel.Every once in a while, use Preach My Gospel for family home evening.Let your teenage children teach your family as missionaries would do.In our home, we have had some surprisingly great lessons given by our children.We have been astonished at how well they taught simple principles.Sometimes we have invited friends to those lessons.Gospel teachers could use the simple but effective principles of gospel teaching as outlined in Preach My Gospel as a support to the prescribed courses of study.Preach My Gospel has been translated&published in almost every language that our members speak.In countries where the Church is still young, Preach My Gospel may be used along with the scriptures as a resource&foundation for all gospel learning&teaching.Elder Scott encouraged local Church leaders “to use these materials in presidencies, priesthood executive committee meetings,&ward councils” Use Preach My Gospel as a resource for training, talks, spiritual thoughts, lessons, firesides,&personal study.I bear witness that this missionary guide is inspired of God.We must study it more carefully, that we may underst& our missionaries&their work better.Missionaries&members must speak one language.We must become one in our efforts to proclaim the gospel.It will better enable us to become tools in the h& of the Lord, for He said, “& even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me,&hearken unto my voice” D&C 33:6 .As members of His Church, we are expected to be a part of this glorious gathering process.Of this truth I testify in the name of Jesus Christ,amen.

Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2010
In the last letter I needed to reduce the amount of characters due to restrictions at dearelder.com.

Sooo... ...every 

"and" was changed to "&" 

and 

every " & " was changed to "&"

sooo.....

h&s = hands

st&s = stands


You&I = You and I

Good&Evil = Good and Evil

Kapeesh? Good!

Love, Dad

Sent: May 1, 2010

Hey Elder Smith Junior,

Just a quick note to tell you I love you and that I didn't notice until today that you had signed that email dated March 22, 2010 "Elder Smith Junior". Thanks!!! That "really" made my day... ...somehow I missed seeing how you signed it beefour. ;-)

Love,
Soon To Be Elder Smeet Senior  

Sent: May, 1, 2010