A nice reminder: God doesn't expect you to become like anybody else except His son Jesus Christ 

People have been asking how I feel about talking to my family every week. To be honest it threw off my game for a little. After talking with God about all the feelings He taught me some really awesome things I will try to articulate. As a set apart missionary you get the opportunity to be so separate from the world! I have learned irreplaceable things being hyper focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love it. Now that we get to be so in touch with "reality" by talking with our families every week we can really refine our ability to overcome the world. God says "Sister Smith, you have nine months to be focused on your missionary purpose. The privilege of being aware of what's happening at home will help you when your mission ends. Nine months to develop the habits necessary to truly be in the world but not of the world." Thx, God 😊💛

Here is a nice mission scripture. I love love love love the book of mormon!!! 
Alma 29:9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
       12 Yea, I have always remembered the captivity of my fathers; and that same God who delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians did deliver them out of bondage.
13 Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full.

Read here for a cool miracle!!! 
Once upon a time there was a man named John who lived in Ethiopia. He did his studies in Norway and taught world history in his country. One day he was out walking when two young elders stopped him and talked with him about the gospel. John went to church and met with the elders a few times. After a chain of events he ended up leaving Ethiopia and landed in Lorton, VA. Can ya guess what happens next?? (Yes, we are now teaching him. But that's not the miracle I want to talk about.) He works at the 7-11 down the street from his house. A member of a different ward was in his store last week and decided to follow the promptings of the spirit to share that he was a member of our church. John got so excited! "I've been in America for two years and haven't known where to keep learning about the mormon church. Can you help me find the missionaries?" And now we are teaching him and he is so excited to have found the truth again. Be brave and follow the spirit!! 

I love being a member of this church. It's my greatest joy. I love you all! 

Much Love, Sister Izzy Smith 

5242 Lyngate ct
Burke, VA 
22015 







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