Joyous Growth

Hi Family and Friends!

This week has been wonderful! Fayetteville or Fedvull (That's how they say it here in the South) is great! It's definately an adjustment from Hopkinsville Kentucky but it's a good adjustment. The ward here is very involved with missionary work which is great! We're doing a lot of finding right now as the ward had 5 people baptized last month! They were all referred by members! 

I was looking back this week and reflecting on everything that has happened. It was really stressful coming here. I have said many prayers. And, like I mentioned before, we're doing a lot of finding/tracting. I wanted to share a quick experience from that. Sister Fox and I fasted to be able to find those people that are ready to here from us. I also prayed to truly have a change of heart and find joy in finding those people. Well, Sister Fox and I went out and I was actually excited to knock on peoples doors! Don't get me wrong, I love people. Ever since praying, I have truly had an eternal joy in doing the Lords work. Well, we planned a few streets to go, prayed and went out. We came back and had a family and 3 other people that want us to come back. We gave out 3 Book of Mormons and are excited to check up and teach those people as well. When we truly go forth in faith, expecting that Heavenly Father will help us and lead us, He will! I know that this gospel truly brings joy! It is an eternal and godly joy! I really do love this! 

I also was looking back on the past weeks. They have been really tough. But, I've grown more in the last few weeks than any other time. Heavenly Father gives us trials and opposition so that we can grow and recognize/appreciate joy. He also is a God of miracles. I witness this every day in the mission field. I wanted to share a scripture I have been thinking about. I love this scripture in Alma 26:11-12. 

It reads: "I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. " I truly relate to Ammon in this way. I know that through God I am able to be a greater tool in His hands. It is His work. I also know that he truly blesses and watches over me. He loves His children and wants us to grow. When we have trials or I like to call them growth opportunities we can still have joy. I love this gospel! 

My challenge for y'all is to share a joyous experience you've had with someone. Write it in your journal. I would even suggest sharing an experience with a trial you've gone through and how Heavenly Father helped you through it, as well as how you've found joy in it. 

I sure love y'all! Have a fabulous week! Keep growing! Keep finding and sharing joy!

Love, 

Sister Stone

Pictures:

1. Sister Fox and I

2. Smashed spider next to penny (for size reference)

3. Pretty sunset.

4. Spider we found.

5-6. Angel pictures