Spiritual Slap by Elder Holland

Hey Family and Friends!!!

     It's been a great week! I had the opportunity to introduce myself to Elder Holland. It was amazing!! I felt like he looked into my soul! It's probably because he did... He spoke at our mission conference as well as Elder Klebingat (of the 70) and Elder Behesti (of the 70). It was a wonderful day! I learned so much! Elder Holland spoke to us about talking to everyone, and not judging people. The gospel is for everyone, and everyone can be blessed by it. He then talked about how he wouldn't be in the church if some missionaries hadn't stopped his grandma. His grandma was the "least likely convert" according to Elder Holland. However, his dad listened to the missionaries and became a convert to the church. He told us, "I could have been the person you passed on the street without talking too". That was a spiritual slap to the face! I really reflected on what he said. Every person should have the opportunity to hear the gospel. How often do we judge someone based off of how they look on the outside, or where they live, or who their family is? Well, to quote Elder Uchtdorf, "STOP IT!" After he said that, I made a commitment to never judge a person, and to see people as Jesus Christ would. Elder Klebingat also talked with us about Fear vs Fatih and Growth. A favorite quote he said was, "Become comfortable outside your comfort zone." So, my dear friends and family, ask yourself this question, "Are you comfortable?" We are in a day and age where we must be strengthening our testimony and faith daily. The world is going crazy and it gets harder and harder every day to hold to the iron rod. So, if you are not improving and are staying the same, start improving and growing!! Don't be okay with staying the same. We are meant to learn and grow and help others do the same! 

    I also had a cool experience where we (Sister Henley and I ) went out to find a less active member who needed a vist. We drove about 45 mins out and her address ended up being a field.... So, Sister Henley and I decided to tract these 4 houses (they were the only 4 houses next to each other in a 10 mile radius) No joke! We knocked on them and ended up finding Brittany. She's a single mom who had been praying to come closer to God. We taught her a little bit and made a return appointment. When we came and visited her again, we taught her the whole Restoration and she asked us for a Book of Mormon!! We were about to ask her if she would read the Book of Mormon when she asked us for a Book of Mormon! The Lord really does prepare his people to hear the word. He also guides us missionaries to the people he has prepared! 

   All in all, it was a wonderful week full of spiritual slaps! Good ones though! We missionaries were definately rebuked, but rebuked with love! So, my challenge for y'all is to grow. Don't settle to stay the same! And also, love everyone without judgement! We are all God's children! I love y'all and love to hear from you! Have a great week!!

-Sister Stone

1. Zone Conference

2. Picture with Elder Holland (with the whole mission)

3. Me in front of the church

4. Pretty sunset.