Joyful, happy, glad, smiling. That is the result of repentance and righteousness! This week, we had several people ask “do you ever stop smiling?” “The entire time we’ve talked, you’ve had a smile on your face” “Don’t your cheeks hurt from that much smiling?” “Every time I’m around you, I feel happy” “Joy radiates from you two” And we’re like… JESUS. It is CHRISTS light. It is HIS joy! It is readily available to all who seek it! Honestly, the most difficult times on the mission have been when I think about myself. the happiest of times are the times I forget about myself and look outward. Christ set that perfect example of loosing Himself in the service of others. He literally gave His life to save the souls of all. After His crucifixion and resurrection, He appeared to those in the Americas and seeing their faith in Him said, “Now behold, my joyis full.” Gods work and His glory is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life! He lives for us and we ought to live for Him! He has said, “When you’re in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God!” As we serve others, we are truly serving God! As we smile at others, God is smiling down on us!

I love smiling. It is a universal language that our Creator gave us to communicate love. We are teaching several people who speak English as a second language. One family, Aseeta and her kids, are from west Africa! She is Muslim and her husband is Catholic and their 15 year old son is trying to figure out what he believes. They speak french, Czech, Portuguese and some other African language AND English! But their best, by far, are their beautiful, warm smiles! A smile was the means by which they could immediately feel the Spirit when we knocked on their door and we could sense their genuine love. Keyshla is another incredible girl from Puerto Rico! She speaks great English but prefers Spanish (I don’t blame her). The times we feel closest to each other and God are the times we’re smiling and laughing. It is a powerful thing! A wonderful gift! It softens hearts and opens minds. I love smiling.

This week, please SMILE. Smile till your face hurts. Smile at everyone! Kinfolk and strangers alike! When you want to yell, laugh. When you want to frown, smile. It is medicine for the soul! Sharing our smiles with others will not only heal others souls, but heal our own! As we smile, we express our joy and gratitude to our Heavenly King and offer up a prayer of thanks without words. I am so grateful for the ability to express my joy through smiling- a universal language of love!