Goats, Pulled Over, and a Challenge

Hi Family and Friends!

   This week was amazing! I had the opportunity to hold a goat, got pulled over, saw my trainer again and sing to some returning members. We met this wonderful lady that had 22 chickens and a baby goat. We are teaching her boyfriend. She let us hold her goat!  As for the pulled over part. Don't worry! Sister Fox and I were pulled over for no reason. Literally, the officer pulled us over and we asked why we were being pulled over. He didn't even have an answer. (We are obedient missionaries here in the Tennessee Nashville Mission) :) So, he said he was sorry and let us go on our way. We also had exchanges this week. Exchanges are when you switch companions for a day to learn and grow from them. I had the cool opportunity to be with my old trainer, Sister Henley! It was great to be with her for a day and learn from her. I also had the wonderful opportunity to sing some hymns and primary songs for an older woman in the ward who hasn't been able to attend church due to some health issues. We decided to stop by and when we opened the door her son and daughter in law were there. We have been trying to get a hold of them for a LONG time! Her son and daughter in law were having a rough time and it was really cool to stop in and sing to them/with them. We weren't planning on singing to them. So, you can imagine my surprise when Sister Fox told them we were going to sing to them. I was a little bit terrified but I knew that was what they needed. So, we sang.The spirit was so strong. It was almost palpable. I know that everyone in the room felt it. A nurse came in mid way and heard a small part as well. Heavenly Father gave us music to find joy and feel the spirit. I know that!  

  

   This week I was really pondering the Second Coming. I have the awesome opportunity to teach the Doctrinal Principles class here in the Fayetteville ward. The Lesson we taught was the Signs of the Second coming. Going through the signs I was amazed at how many of them have been fulfilled or are currently being fulfilled. We talked about how things are going to get worse before He comes again. We talked about what we need to be doing to be ready for Jesus Christ's second coming. It was interesting. I've been reading in Alma 43-50. (The war chapters) with the institute manual. It talked about how if we are paying attention to the signs and truly preparing for "war" or the trials to come, we will not be afraid but will be prepared and remain "firm in the faith of Christ."-Alma 48:13

    This made me stop and reflect. We are constantly in a "battle" against Satan. We have trials and are surrounded in a world that is only going to get more wicked. However, we don't have to be afraid of the things to come if we are truly putting on the armor of God and listening/acting on the revelations we receive whether they are personal or from the prophet. 

  

     I also really admire Moroni. He set a great example of what we should be doing. "Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord..." -Alma 43:23 I like this verse because it shows how Moroni was aware of the enemy at all times. I related this to myself. Am I constantly on the look out for temptations/the enemy? Then, Moroni did another great thing. He turned to Alma, a man of God. So then I asked myself, Am I turning to the Lord in all things? Am I aware of what the prophet has declared? Am I truly ACTING on the words of the Prophet? Many of you know the end of the story. "The word of the Lord came unto Alma." Alma told Moroni where the Lamanites were marching. Moroni instantly moved his army to where Alma told him. Moroni and the Nephites won the battle because they were armed with the armor of God. They had the Lord on their side, and acted on the words from the Prophets, immediately. If Moroni didn't act immediately, the results would have been very different. 

   So, my challenge for y'all is to be aware of the enemy. Put on the armor of God and listen/act on the words of the prophets! I know that as you do this, you will be ready and unafraid of all the trials and struggles you'll have. Heavenly Father will give you the strength to endure to the end. He does this for me every day in the mission field! 

Love y'all!

Sister Stone 

Pictures: Temple picture and me with a goat .