Hearing and Heeding the Spirit

Hi Family and Friends! 

This week has been another stellar week full of trials and answers to prayers. But, than again that's every week. We are still doing a lot of finding and I love it! I trust that Heavenly Father will help Sister Fox and I find those people that He has prepared. It might take a little bit of time, but I know it will happen. I know that I must be doing everything I can to be ready and a better vessel for the spirit so when those people come unto us we will be effective teachers for the spirit to testify to them. I love this gospel and love to learn continually and grow continually in it.

For interesting things that happened this week: We had a Sheriff pound on our door at seven in the morning looking for someone else. When we opened the door and asked how we could help him he looked confused and said he had the wrong house. I don't know what it is about cops and us. It's really funny. They just are drawn to the gospel I think. I also had the opportunity to hold a little turtle. I love those little things. 

Now for a more spiritual note. I am continually amazed at how ALL my prayers are answered. Seriously, I love my Heavenly Father. Here's a few examples. (Mom, don't get mad at me for this first one. Love ya) 

1. My companion and I had about 9 dollars to our name for grocery shopping this week due to our own lack of budgeting skills. I really didn't know what we were going to do. Sister Fox is wonderful, she knew it was all going to work out. Well, we got a text from one of the members on Sunday. She said that she wanted to take us out for groceries. When we met her at Walmart she said that she had one rule, and it was get anything and everything we need. We were speechless. She said she wanted us to eat well this week and hopefully the next week as well. Throughout shopping we were trying to get the cheapest things so we weren't a burden. This wonderful member actually grabbed things off the shelf and told us that she doesn't care about the price she wanted us to have good meals. It was crazy! She and her husband truly answered my prayers. I keep asking myself, "Wherefore didst I doubt?" Heavenly Father always provides. (And mom, don't worry, we also talked to that member about budgeting:)

2. I also prayed this week to have more opportunities to be familiar with the spirit and how I feel his presence. And also the opportunity to feel and act on promptings.  Well, we went out with a member to lunch and the member didn't have much time. We were walking out the door and we passed a lady sitting by herself. The thought came to me to stop and talk to her. I knew that the member didn't have much time. We passed her and were about to the door when I knew I had to talk to her. I couldn't NOT talk to her. So, I turned back without telling the member and my sweet companion. I went and talked to the woman.  She said she was thinking about stopping us when we walked by but didn't want to be awkward. It turns out she was  the Relief Society President's daughter who isn't a member. She was "thought" to be against the missionaries. However, I found her very sweet. We are going to go by her house and visit and try to teach her and her husband and kids. I was really glad that I acted on that prompting and was given the opportunity to grow in the spirit. It's interesting to see that promptings usually come at an "inconvenient" time but when we act on them immediately we are blessed and are usually a blessing to those around us.  So I've seen the Lord's hand in answering prayers and in helping mold me into a better tool and disciple in His Hands. 

Another

3. Another cool thing happened where we went to Wendy's to get a 50 cent frosty at lunch. We went and the guy in front of us gave the cashier a 20 dollar bill to pay for our order. It was unexpected and really a nice service. We saw who the man was and went up to him and thanked him. We are pretty sure he was a member as he told us he appreciates what we do. It was super nice! 

4. Today we were getting a few things at Walmart and we were stopped by a person we used to be teaching. I hadn't met this woman yet the other missionaries before me were trying to get in contact with her for a long time but weren't able to. Well, she recognized Sister Fox and saw our name tags and talked with us. She said she still wants to meet with us and wants us to come over next week. We set up a time and gave her our number. She was so happy to see us and we are so glad we met with her. Heavenly Father really puts us where we need to be, even at good old Walmart. :) 

All these events and more are a reminder to me that Heavenly Father always provides for us and allows us to learn and grow. It also reminded me of how we can ALL serve in little ways. We ALL have the opportunity to act on promptings and bless others especially when it is not "convenient." My challenge for y'all is to look for ways to serve. Pray for opportunities to hear and heed the spirit. I can promise you that as you do these small and simple things, you will be stronger. You will be happier. You will see the Lord's hand in ALL things. And He will give you many opportunities to do these things. I know that this is His work! But, it is also our duty as members and missionaries to help spread it. We can do that through example, service, and many other ways. Share the light with others. Share the joy you have from the gospel. Be bold! What do you have to lose? As you do these things you will become the divine son/daughter that Heavenly Father has in store for you. You will grow and help others blossom. I love this gospel! I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He lives! He loves each and every one of us.  I have the best unpaid job in the world!! (Well, the blessings are immense so I guess my payment is insurmountable.) I love y'all!

Love,

Sister Stone

Pictures: 

1. Fayetteville sign

2. My Turtle friend

3. Huge farm equipment! We always have the luck of being behind them.

4. Always turn to Jesus :)