I have learned a lot this week about changing myself and I have been focusing on becoming better. One thing I read this week that was good was about how we CAN'T be perfect yet. None of us can be perfect until after the resurrection so right now we just need to focus on trying and pressing forward, waiting for the day when we can reach it.
One quote I really liked this week by Dieter F Uchtdorf: We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that sometimes we struggle as humans. We doubt our ability to do things. We doubt the existence of a Savior. We doubt others. We are prone to doubt. But doubt holds us captive and holds us back. As we choose to exercise a little particle of faith, and just DESIRE to believe, we start to break free from that captivity, and we see love, peace, and gifts from God because of our choices. Alma 32 everyone.
Well, my investigators are doing okay. the work is hard, but it's His work and He knows what needs to be done. Keep the prayers coming.
I love you all!
--
Sister Smith
Letter to Mom:
Wow, that is crazy that Savanah is leaving. It's crazy how many of us are on missions now. And I know someday we will all look back on these years and think how short they are and miss them. I can't believe Keaton is coming home. I saw in my scriptures earlier this week that I had marked the scripture he chose as his mission scripture. It was funny to think he is coming home. Give him a hug for me haha.
I am glad you share the local news with me. I have really struggled lately because I'm missing so much that is so important to me, but I am trying to focus on what really matters. Even though it's really hard.
I'm getting tired of some things with food here. It's so unhealthy and it's so expensive to eat healthy. Also, there's a lot of things I can't control (like the way others cook for me) that make it really hard to be healthy. But I'm hoping I just don't get cancer or diabetes or something because I'm really trying to be healthier.
I am feeling a lot closer to my companion now.
I'm really grateful you taught me to be obedient. It is so hard for some people, but it is so natural for me to have the desire to be obedient. Yesterday a young man spoke in church. I'm guessing maybe 13. but Idk. He reminded me so much of Cooper. He talked about preparing for a mission and at the end he bore his testimony and cried a little. It reminded me so much of Cooper I was just crying haha.
My scripture is 2 Nephi 9:52. I think. I found it one day and I liked it.
Oh yeah, so one bad thing this week, I will send you pics. We woke up this morning to HUNDREDS of worms all over our kitchen/living area. I about died. So I thought I'll just go outside and wash my garments. I almost dumped them in a bucket, and there was a giant bug. so it wasnt the greatest morning.
Well I love you a lot. I miss you so much that it feels like it's killing me. But I guess if I don't die I'll see you in 14 months.
One thing. If Cooper can write a short email next week for my 14 year old investigator, just share his testimony and how he feels the spirit. Keep it simple but try to relate to him.
Thanks! Love you lots.
