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

Monday, May 2, 2016

Week 46: Count Your Blessings


Dear Friends and Familly,

This week was awesome. :) I should probably say that every week cause they are all awesome. And they only get better! We did a lot of service this week as usual and helped a couple members and investigators around the house and cleaning the yards. If any of you have been down here you know that plants grow REALLY fast and if you don't keep up with it, you have a jungle in your backyard. Literally a jungle... there is a type of vine here that someone told me grows 6 inches a day.... Yeah I'm NOT down to cut that thing after a week! HAHA But we definitely felt the spirit and felt good throughout the service. Except for when one member wanted us to set up a new TV for him and the moment he turned it on there was a swear word. Yeah... the spirit left. HAHA

One experience this week that I had was while serving for one of our investigators. Their names are Ana and Beto. They are from El Salvador and are SOOOO nice. They are some of the sweetest people ever. And I credit it to their situation and their experiences. While working in their yard with them we learned of their life and they told us their story. Pretty much I know how blessed I am to be living here in the states. EXTREMELY BLESSED!!!!!!! There are many people outside of the states whom are struggling and who are not able to have great lives. And I thought a lot about how the gospel helps all of God's children grow their lives spiritually which makes up for other things. For many families, the gospel is all they have. And what a blessing to have! I was humbled this week to find out just how blessed I have been and now see with greater eyes the purpose of the gospel. ITS ALL SO WE CAN BE HAPPY!!!! Just be happy! Its easy :0 live the gospel! Its not hard :) and you will be super blessed. :)

My fellow spiritual brothers and sisters, :) I love you all so much. I know that the gospel is true and that it can bless every aspect of your live no matter what your situation is and no matter how bad you have it! Also remember that you don't have to be perfect to receive the blessings of the gospel. It just matters the direction you go! I just now remembered this quote, but not 100% sure whom its from. I believe its Elder Holland. But he said something along the lines of, "you just have to make sure you are wearing the right jersey and are on the right side." Are you wearing the right jersey on the right team??? If not, walk over. :) Its easy. :) I love you all so much!

Elder Stonely
the best town in the United states~!

CAIRO! Yes it is home to the famous baseball player, Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major league baseball! i need to see the monument... HAHA

Love you BIG! with big letters :)

The Beautiful skies in the morning :) literally this is every morning... HAHAH
I was hissing with a cat! Yeah, I'm weird...