Seeing the Hand of the Lord

Howdy Y'all!

This week has been SO good!! Here's some highlights!

Baptism

Exciting news everyone! We have a baptism this week! Eric is being baptized! WAHOO!! He's so awesome! We've been teaching him for about 3 weeks now and he's been turning over his life to better follow the Savior. We're excited for him to enter into the waters of baptism and receive the joy that comes with repenting and coming unto the Lord!

Exchanges

This week I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with Sister Williams! She's so wonderful! I always learn so much on exchanges! It was so great to have Sister Williams with me. She has such a sweet spirit and is such a great missionary! I'm back now with my dear companion Sister DeGraw now! 

Hand of the Lord

This week has been really good. I am simply blown away at how much I've seen the Lord's hand this week. I've had a lot of questions in which I turned to Heavenly Father to receive my answers. I have received so many answers through scriptures, church, and those around me. That being said, I definitely had a lot of trials as well. But, those trials helped increase my faith to help me receive my answers. It's like Ether 12:6 says, "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." I've seen this in all phases of the work here. There's been a lot of finding, and finding and finding. Finding has been a struggle. I felt like we would knock on a thousand houses and have no one be interested. Well, needless to say I had a lack of faith and hope! I saw that things weren't working. I was going out and doing the work but I didn't have the right attitude. So, I decided to change. Since I have changed my attitude and increased my work ethic, we have had more progressing people. I've truly seen that when we do have a good effort and attitude, we might not be able to control the outcome, but we definitely have the Spirit with us, are happier and we find those that the Lord has prepared. I know that we truly do receive a witness only after the trial of our faith and as we are willing to change to become what Heavenly Father has in store for us. 

My challenge for y'all is to see where your effort and attitude is in living the gospel. Are you truly looking for happiness through your trials? Are you doing all you can to fully live the gospel? Now is a perfect time to consider changing our outlook on things. I know that as I have started to do this, I'm happier even through my trials. Living the gospel isn't supposed to be easy, but it can truly strengthen, unify and bring joy to individuals and families. I have seen this with my family and I. We still have struggles, but as we have a positive outlook, we find joy no matter what. And, that joy is full as we live the gospel. 

I sure love y'all! Have a great week! 

Love,

Sister Stone

Pictures:

1.  Zone Conference Picture

2. A walk with Sister Roberts