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

Monday, November 28, 2016

Week 76: Gratitude!

My fellow brothers and sisters,

This week was the Longest week, yet the shortest week. It was long because our investigator pool is getting smaller. Since Trump won the elections, most of the illegal Hispanics are working 24/7 to try to save up some money. which means they are never home... So we moved our time over to finding legal Hispanics! And we have had some great success! The week was short, because I, like many of you have probably done, started to be more grateful for the many blessings that we have in our life. Though as i thought about it and as i listened to people give talks during sacrament meeting, one of the speakers shared this quote from the Prophet Thomas S. Monson in the May 2000 Ensign:

"Let us follow him. Let us emulate his example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude. My sincere prayer is that we may, in our individual lives, reflect that marvelous virtue: an attitude of gratitude."

I thought that the phrase "an attitude of gratitude" is applicable to not only thanksgiving, but ours lives as well. I am so grateful for all that I have. And it being that on the 3rd of December I get officially fat and old by turning 20, here is 20 things/lessons that I have learned throughout my 20 years of living that i am grateful for:

1- The Atonement is the greatest gift of all.
What other greater thing to be thankful for. I have the healing and purifying power to be cleaned from sin, lifted up in trials, and resurrected to be able to return to our Heavenly father. All because of the love of my Savior. 
2- Service brings Joy.
Not just missionary service, but when we are serving others in any form, we experience the love the savior has for them. Which is the Joy that we strive for. We are never happy when we think of ourself.
3- Our Heavenly father is only a prayer away.
4- Family is important. They wont always be around.
5- My mom REALLY does do a LOT!
6- Avoid comparing yourself to others.
Everyone has different temptations and circumstances, and i should be grateful for mine. I am grateful for what I have been given and can continue to improve myself to become more like Christ.
7- Magnify your calling.
The lord needs us wherever we are and whoever we are. We have talents that He needs to grow His kingdom.
8- The best leader is a Follower.
The best leader is him who is following Christ.
9- Seeing Others Happy makes me happy.
10- Be yourself!
We all are weird, so just get over it! I'm a lot happier when i can be weird and be ok with it :)
11- Dads always have the BEST advice.
12- The Sabbath is a delight. 
13- How to Crochet. 
14- Take care of your back.
15- Laughter makes all days better.
16-The Book of Mormon not only answers the questions to the soul, but is the best spiritual doctor ever! (right behind the savior)
17- I really love ice-cream. 
18- There is always a special bond between Mothers and Sons.
19- I live in a beautiful world.
20- I am a child of God. And he truly does love me.
No matter what happens, this is something no one can take away from me. My true identity of who i am and where i am going. I am grateful for this knowledge.

We are all so truly blessed! And I am grateful for everything that I have been aloud to learn in this life. i am grateful for the people that I have been able to grow up with and meet along my journey. I love you all so much! Have the best of a week and enjoy your Christmas Holiday!

Elder Stonely,
Much love :)

PS> Birthday Shout out to the twins! Sam and Ashlyn Ellis! They are also fat and old like me now that they are turning 20! HAHAHAHAHAHA totally kidding. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

On FSU gameday everyone does a tailgate party. So we went to Checkers and had our own "tailgate" ice cream party. HAHA
Driving selfie. HAHAHAH