Note: For the duration of Riley's mission, this blog will be produced and edited by his parents, Daisy and Todd Stonely.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Week 31: Follow Your Priesthood Leaders

Dear Friends and Family,

If I could share my thoughts and feelings that I have had throughout the week, I could be writing here all day. There was a lot that I learned and a lot that I am going to work on :) For starters, I have again learned a lot of lessons from my companion and I love him so dearly for teaching me these lessons and helping me out. He still doesn't know that I have learned so much, but I thought he didn't need to know and I can express my gratitude when we have to separate. He is such a great companion and I wish the best of luck for him. All my companions have been great so far!

I also wanted to share with each and every one of you just how awesome your priesthood leaders are! I had the chance to just email the mission president, talk with the bishop of the Foley ward, and this week I have an interview with the mission president too. I was thinking about all of the leaders who have affected me and who have been a huge guide in my life! And I know that they are all where they need  to be and they know what they are doing! Take their advice because its gonna help you all! I love my priesthood leaders!

And my last thought is simple today :) I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants section 121 when I read verse 45 which says, 
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
And I was reading this and thought that it was amazing because charity and virtue are the Christlike attributes that I have been working on and really want to improve. And I have found that when I try to be charitable and virtuous, my behavior and attitude around others really changes. And it it easier to be patient with people. I know that to be so true! and I am grateful! 

I thank you all so much for everything that you all constantly do to love and support the missionaries! And I am extremely grateful for you all :) I hope you all have a great week and enjoy your lovely snow back home! its just cold here... HAHAHA
Elder Stonely