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

Monday, January 23, 2017

Week 84: Memories :D

Dear friends and family,

This week was good, transfers happened, Elder Leandro and I are both staying in the amazing city of Tallahassee, church got canceled and we stayed inside because of the "tornado" storm, no one hurt, all is well, time goes fast, taught some people, shared the gospel, ate some good Hispanic food, did some exercise, drove, walked, talked to people and slept. There you go! That pretty much sums up the week!

Our Zone and District, groups of missionaries, have a couple mottoes that we are currently using in our areas which are, 

"Enjoy the Journey."
"TAMMI" the camel. 
     Through work
     Achieve
     Mighty
     Miracles
     In our lives

They have been a really good focus for us to enjoy our mission experience by working hard to achieve the miracles that we want in our everyday mission lives as well as personal lives. This week I had the chance to think of a quote by Thomas S. Monson:

"God gave us memories so we can have June roses in the December of our lives."

As I reflected on this quote as well as our zone and district focus, I began to look back at my "June rose memories." I asked myself, 

"What spiritual moments have I had this past week? month? year?"
"How has my testimony strengthened over these past weeks? months? years?"
"What topics of the gospel have brought me comfort and peace?"

The real question was, "what are my June roses?" I went back through my journal and started to read. I was surprised to see the many experiences I have had, people that we have met, and things that I have learned. As well as be remembered of the uplifting memories as i read my journal. For me, I have a really bad memory, many people tell me, and as i thought of my mission, i am glad that I have been writing those spiritual experiences, mighty miracles, and enjoyments that I have experiences so that during my hard times or sad moments, I can look back at my June roses. It brought me lots of smiles looking back :)

I ask you all today, "What are your June Roses?" and "what are you doing to remember them?" We have been blessed with memories, or ways to remember things so that even during the rough, bumpy and cold roads, we can remember the times we spent in our flower full, sun-lighten fields :) 

I love you all so much and am so grateful for your all of your support! May your week be full of the spirit as we all strive to share the gospel with our beloved friends. 

From the biggest heart in Florida,

Elder Stonely