Week 33 - General Conference Week - Spring is all over Alabama!

Hello!
Spring has thrown up all over Alabama by now :) Our car is covered in a green film of pollen every morning. But it sure is pretty! 

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This, however, is quite bothersome. It's barely April. I am truly terrified
for summer.  

So it was 90's a couple days ago, and then last night we had CRAZY weather.
I don't think I even slept, because the lighting was SO bright and the thunder was so loud the windows shook all night. The rain was just coming down in sheets. I finally got up and filmed some of it in the wee hours of
morning. 

I'll send some clips. YAY TORNADO SEASON!

So we got transfer news Saturday night.. I swear every transfer goes by faster than the last! I'm staying, Sister Mathis is transferring out, after being in Hoover for 5 months! She's definitely ready for the change. My new companion will be Sister Wright :) I have no idea who she is, so that's
exciting!

The last District meeting: Elders Layton and Haselton, Hermana Thayne, Me, Sister Mathis and Hermana Mitchell. Down in front is Elders Featherstone and Krupa (District Leader). Just missing the AP's, which are in our district, but were away doing "Assistant-to-the-President" stuff.

I LOVED conference. There were so many powerful talks! Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Jesus listening can hear the songs I cannot sing." -Hymn #227 from Elder

Jeffery R. Holland's talk. "Come as you are, but don't plan to stay as you

are." He plans to make us more than we ever imagined possible. That entire

talk was amazing.

"It is far better to follow the Creator than the crowd." -Gary B. Sabin

"There is no fear in Christ's love." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. This

entire talk was amazing, and so perfect for the South.

I don't think the following are direct quotes, but these are some

principles that really stood out, from my notes:

The gathering of the family of God has been happening since "the

beginning." Brother and Sister are expressions of Eternal truth. -President

Henry B. Eyring

The Savior sees our sins as wounds that need healing. We are not our sins.

We can be healed through His Atonement. Latter-Day Saints are NOT to

persecute any who do not believe the same. We will not treat others the way

the early Saints were treated. -Dale G. Renlund

"Wherever there is life, there is the light of Christ." Help others see the

light in themselves, and our light will increase. -Mark A. Bragg

Virture takes us from "I believe" to "I know." -Robert D. Hales

"I have the strength of ten because my heart is pure.." It is time to stand

"all in" and defend His plan *again*. As we have once before. -Gary B. Sabin

We are imperfect people trying to learn a perfect language. He understands

our flawed mumblings, and is patient in His teaching us to be fluent. Be

diligent in giving your children a strong modeling at home. If they cannot

keep the Sabbath day Holy, fast 2 meals, or study the scriptures, how can

we assume they will be strong enough to withstand the evils they *will *face.

-Valeri V. Cordon

Those overcoming the world know that they will be accountable to their

Father. Because of their acceptance and use of the Atonement of Jesus

Christ, they will stand confident and pure. Those who live of the world are

like adolescent children partying in their parents house while they are

away. (HA!) -Neil A. Andersen

Goal is a destination, plan is the route we take to get there. The key to

happiness is understanding which destinations really matter. "Seek ye first

the kingdom of God." -M. Russell Ballard

Do everything you can to obtain and maintain your testimony! You will have

Heaven's help in resisting temptation, receiving spiritual guidance, and

raising a family in this hardened world. -President Thomas S. Monson[image:

Inline image 7]

"Covenant keeping is the heart and soul of our purpose on this earth."

Teach children while they are young to keep their promises. Hold them

close ❤ give them a good example. -Joy D. Jones

We have a responsibility to pass all that we receive spiritually down to

the generations after us. There are generations before and after us

depending on US to remain an eternally connected family. When things get

hard, and when it rains, *look up* to Jesus Christ. -Yoon Hwan Choi

The spirit speaks in words that are familiar to you, that makes sense to

you. It will come in words that you feel. "First promptings are pure

inspiration from heaven!" -Ronald A. Rasband

It is the basic daily acts of obedience that bring answers and miracles to

specific problems, even when they seem entirely disconnected. Mary knew of

Christ's capacity to solve *any* problem. "Whatever He say unto you, see

that you do it." -L. Whitney Clayton

Though it may be "a great while after you have passed through the veil

before you know all.." there is SO much to know here, even now. Seek after

that understanding. -Dallin H. Oaks

Fear does not have the power to change our hearts. The antidote to fear is

the pure love of Christ. "The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold

your peace." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

To "warn" does not mean to only focus on the destruction.. but also to

testify of the joy, peace, and light. -D. Todd Christofferson

TAKE THE MISSIONARIES SERIOUSLY (😁) Don't worry, understanding will come.

Pay attention to your feelings. "Let these things trouble you no more."

Instead, experience the joy and peace of repentance. -Juaqin E. Costa

Christ says to us "Because I love you, I invite you to change the things

which are hard for you, an become who you are meant to be." "*Let it go*,

and follow Him." Thank Him for inviting you to become more. -S. Mark Palmer

As you heed promptings of the Holy Ghost you may be saved, even

unknowingly, from devastation. -Gary E. Stevenson

"Though the words were first spoken by others, they are now mine." We must

gain and maintain our OWN testimony. -C. Scott Grow

The Book of Mormon, and Restored Gospel are standards unto ALL nations.

-Benjamin De Joyos

Make the sacrifices, and have the humility necessary to strengthen your

faith. -Quinten L. Cook

Wow.. SO much direction from our Father in Heaven. I'm grateful beyond words. I want you to have my testimony that I know these things truly come from a Supreme Being, who is the father of our spirits. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and is our Savior and brother. I know that the Holy Ghost is
a gift from God, and that he testifies of eternal truths. I *know* because I have felt His influence for myself, acted on promptings, and had my understanding expanded and love increased.

I hope you all have a wonderful post-conference week :)

Love Teirs
a.k.a. Sister Smith

A quote I found on Samford campus this morning 💚