Colored Ribbon Packages

Post by Leslie Smith (Mom):
When Jordan was still in the Provo MTC, I sent him a small package that was wrapped and tied with 12 different colored ribbons.

This is the note that was attached to it:

The following is a picture of what I sent each month for his first year. It was so much fun to collect colored things over the months. I always kept my eyes open for fun ideas everytime I went to the store. I made sure they had a long shelf life in case it took a while to get to him and also so that I could buy them in advance and send them when it was time. Some colors were more fun to put together than others, but they all included treats and a special favorite item from home.

Inside the ribbon box was a matted picture of our Savior, Jesus Christ. On the back of the picture, I glued the following letter. The italicized words were the ones that I had to change from the original scripture to make it sound right and to personalize it just for Jordan:

"BEHOLD my servant, whom I uphold,1
Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained? To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth.2

And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Jordan Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.3

VERILY, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Jordan Smith, I am well pleased with your offering and acknowledgments, which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth.4

Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Jordan, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations. But this generation shall have my word through you;5

And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.7 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.8

Now continue to serve with all thine heart and with all thy might for the remainder of thy mission amongst the people of the land of Guatemala.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.9

Until the day you are to return to your home and I will say to thee, Well done, thou good and faithful servant.10 Therefore, hold on thy way. . .therefore, fear not. . . for God shall be with you forever and ever. Amen."11
1 Isaiah 42:1
2 D&C 50:13-14
3 D&C 124:15
4 D&C124:1
5 D&C 5:9-10
6 D&C 38:41
7 D&C 4:6
8 D&C 121:45
9 Ps. 128:2
10 Matt. 25:21
11 D&C 122:9
I can't wait to hear how he liked it and if it was worth all the waiting. Hopefully he was able to receive it with the same spirit in which it was sent.