Transfer 6 Week 4

Hey friends! 

i hope you had an excellent week!

I'm short on time but I'll just give a quick update.

___ we watched la esperanza de la luz de Dios. He just cried and cried. He
told us how he has been questioning if God really exists. He felt so
strongly that God lives and he finally understands what path God wants
him to follow. He has been praying every morning and evening and
reading in the Book of Mormon every day and is already in 2 Nephi 4!
He told us that he feels an empty space in his whole body filling up
with happiness. It was a really cool way to describe it. As he was
telling us it just made sense to me. I never know how to describe it
but it's so true! As we keep the commandments to read and pray, we are
physically filled with happiness! Why? Because we are feeling the
Spirit ~ 1 Nephi 1:12
___(____cousin) called and told us that ____wants to get baptized before he
goes to Mexico in July! They get together until almost midnight every
night talking about all the lessons and baptism. He has decided to be
baptized the 11 of July and confirmed on the 12.

We always tell people to call us if they ever need anything and we
really mean it. We have set apart 1.5-2 years of our lives to serve
the way Jesus Christ would serve. We pray hourly that we can find the
people who need our help and that we can be answers to their prayers.
Opportunities always present themselves and miracles happen so often
that I have to write them down to keep track! It's so awesome. But
where I was going with that first sentence is someone finally called.
We dropped everything we were doing and ran to his house. He is making
some very difficult decisions to align his life with Gods commandments
and Plan of Happiness. He cried and we cried with him. It can be hard
to understand why when we are trying our hardest to live the gospel
life throws every curveball your way. We couldn't understand exactly
what he was feeling and the heavy burden he was carrying, but we know
someone who does. We couldn't take away the hurt the way only our
Savior can, but we could take him out to ice cream with a member and
talk about the surety of the good things to come. Even Nephi a great
prophet and one of my heroes struggled in a moment of despair.
"17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in
showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O
wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh;
my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins
which do so easily beset me
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins;
nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted
20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine
afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the
waters of the great deep
21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh."
(2 Nephi 4:17-21)
He goes on the rest of the chapter, but there are two more verses that
really stick out to me
" 27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why
should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my
heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because
of mine enemy?
28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and
give place no more for the enemy of my soul."

There are 2 very real influences in the world. One that cause feelings
of shame, guilt, and despair, and one that heals and fills our entire
soul with the love of God. I know that the love of God is infinite. He
sent His Only Begotten son Jesus Christ to "go forth, suffering pains
and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word
might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the
sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death
which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities,
that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that
he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according
to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)

I have been comforted and healed in my most painful trials and I have
watched in amazement as those I love and serve have felt the power of
the Atonement of Jesus Christ work in their lives. This true Gospel
changes lives. It heals us and gives us hope to carry on so that we
will live with our loving Heavenly Father again.

I love you all so much and pray that we will recognize the answers to
our prayers and BE the answer to someone else's.

Hermana Stone

Transfer 6 Week 3

Hi friends! 

I hope you've all had a great week! 

Not too much to say about this last week. We've dropped all of our investigators except ____ who is doing awesome! It was pretty sad let the investigators go, but I know that someday they'll have questions and they'll know where to turn for answers. 

We went on exchanges this week and it was my first time ever teaching in English! It was pretty different but really cool to be able to share the same message in my own language! I have to admit that by the end of the day all I wanted was to bear my testimony in Spanish :) I learned a lot about feeling joy and pure love. We spent some time with an elderly lady who lost her husband last year. She is so lonely and just wants to know if she'll see him again. We testified of God's wonderful plan for each of us, the Plan of Salvation. I know that someday Helen will see her sweetheart again and what a beautiful thing it is to have this knowledge. 

Well I'm out of time, but I love you all and hope you have an excellent week! 

LQM,

Hermana Stone

Mormon 9:21

Transfer 6 Week 1

This week went by too fast! I hope your's was as good as mine though! 

Well my new companion is Sister Childs from American Fork, UT and someday she will be the General Relief Society President! This is her last 6 weeks as a missionary and we have big plans for it! The goal is 3 baptisms! We didn't waste any time at all. We have been sprinting and teaching every minute possible! Wow I'm pretty exhausted, but I wouldn't want it any other way :)

This week our investigators have made a lot of progress!

~____ has been an investigator since she lived in El Salvador about 5 years ago. She has been waiting for certain things to get straightened out for a good long while and things are finally falling into place! We're planning a beach wedding and a baptism for the end of July :) We are so excited for her! Her family needs this. 

~____ is the daughter of a member who hasn't come to church in years. She is reading the Book of Mormon and preparing to be baptized June 21. We were talking with her about how she can strengthen her family through her example of living the gospel and she invited her 9 year old brother to be baptized with her! He thought it was a great idea :) We'll be working with the parents and teaching him the things he needs to know as well :) The Gospel Blesses Families!

~____, our investigator who we've been working with for 2 weeks now, came to church yesterday! He told us all week that he really wanted to come but had to work. We explained the importance and power of prayer. Long story short we all prayed super hard and long all week and who showed up at 11:30? ___ did! He sat front row and absorbed everything he heard! He had excellent questions for us when we stopped by last night and is so excited for his baptism the 5th of July! 

Have you ever wondered what the requirements for Baptism are?

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the  manner of baptism— All those who humble themselves before God,  and desire to be baptized, and come  forth with broken hearts and contrite  spirits, and witness  before the church that they have truly repented of  all their sins, and are willing to take upon  them the name of Jesus  Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly  manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of  Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

D&C 20:37 

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I love the peace and happiness that it brings to individuals and especially to families. I have seen it change so many people, including my own family and myself. I know with all of my heart that this truly is the "good news" being sent forth to all the world and I feel so privileged to have this opportunity to serve the Lord and represent Him in New Jersey. 

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." 3 Nephi 5:13

LQM,

Hermana Stone

Transfer 5 Week 6

Hi friends!

I hope this week was amazing and you had the opportunity to serve and
laugh everyday!

We started off with a 7 hour training on hastening the work through
digital media. We are now an iPad mission! We are the 30th and final
mission testing the use of iPads in missionary work. The coolest part
is that it's not about the iPad itself, but that now we can reach out
to soooo many more people in Jersey and all over the world to share
the unique message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!
I have so many notes and learned so much but I'll just share a couple
of my favorite quotes
"Never apologize for being obedient"

"We are not policemen, but shepherds"

"The strength of the church isn't in the numbers, but in the hearts
and personal conviction of the individual members of the church"

"Learn it here, learn it now, learn it for the rest of your life"

"Never give up. Never stop serving with all of your heart. Never cease
to be valiant."
-President Taggart NJMM

Well I get to stay in Red Bank for at least 6 more weeks! Tomorrow
I'll have a new companion and say goodbye to my favorite Brazilian.
Sister Mendonça is going to Utah to figure some things out with her
health and have surgery. I learned so much from her about teaching
with power and authority and applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ
daily. I know she's going to change lives wherever she goes.

I'm out of time but I wish you all the best Memorial Day and I hope you all the chance to serve and be the answer to someones prayer!

LQM,
Hermana Stone

1 Nephi 4:1-2
"Let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord"
"Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses"

we love la familia SantaMaria!

Transfer 5 Week 5

Hi friends!

Holmdel = Heaven

I just want to start off by saying Holmdel, NJ is the most gorgeous city I've ever seen and I will live there someday.

Also, we explored the northern part of our area this week in Union Beach and Keyport and even 40 some miles away we have a view of Manhattan! It's incredible! I will never get tired of looking at that skyline!

Manhattan Skyline

Well the highlight of the week was definitely going to the Manhattan Temple!!!!!! We worked so hard with our recent convert _____ doing Family History and preparing family names and at the very last minute (literally 9 hours before) we pulled everything together and went to the temple!!! She loved it and it was such a special day. I know that Temples are the house of the Lord. There is so much I could say about it but not enough time or space. This website says it better than me anyway.
 https://www.lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng

Other miracles of the week include

* The most spiritual Family Home Evening ever! Our investigator ____ came to our Elders Quorum President's house and we had a lesson on the Holy Ghost. It strengthened my testimony to hear the experiences of the children and the parents and even our investigator! At the end of the lesson, ____ turned to us and asked when he could be baptized because he knows he NEEDS the gift of the Holy Ghost. We put him on date for June 7! He has a lot to straighten out in his life but his desires to keep the commandments are so strong and he has true intention. I know he will see so many miracles as he shows his faith by keeping commitments and repenting!

*We had the coolest lesson with ____ and _____

and their kids about the Plan of Salvation using seashells that the girls brought back from their field trip to the beach. They understood really well! They are starting to make plans to get married (possibly on the beach!), prepare for baptism and be an eternal family! THE GOSPEL BLESSES FAMILIES!

*The gift of tongues is real! I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting yesterday about how we can be cleansed from sin through Jesus Christ, and I emphasized repentance. I prepared well in advance but I was still nervous for some reason that my Spanish would fail me. When I got up to speak everything just flowed out of my mouth perfectly and everybody was reverent and listened! Afterwards, one of the members in our area came up to me and told me que hablo con el lengua de Moroni haha. Miracles do happen, especially during those 3 hours every Sunday in church :) 

There is no greater joy in this world than actively living the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I love you all! LQM,

Hermana Stone

Transfer 5 Week 4

Hi friends!

I could just write "Miracles" and my email would be complete, but I'll include a couple more things :)

This week we had a lesson with our recent convert ____ about family history work. It was the most spiritual lesson we've had with her yet! Ever since her grandpa passed away and she didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye or see him she has felt a heavy sadness. She shared with us that her knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and temple work and eternal families has brought her peace and joy and gives her hope every day. I know that this is true! One day they can be reunited and be an eternal family! We helped her start her family tree on familysearch.org and she has been collecting information to take names to the temple! The Gospel Blesses Families!

The most exciting miracle of the week was that for the first time since I've been here we had investigators come to church and not just one but 4!!!!!! All of these people who we've grown to love so much invited us over because they have family or friends who are members of the church! They are all making changes for the better in their lives and establishing relationships with Heavenly Father through diligent prayer, scripture study, and coming to church. I am so excited to see their faith and testimonies grow as they continue to keep these simple commandments!

I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true! It was lost, but it has been Restored en plenitud! There is nothing that brings more happiness, and I invite you all to share what truly makes you happy with others as well!

Transfer 5 Week 3

Hi friends!

Jersey is learning more about Jesus Christ and His true and simple teachings every day! 

I know that nothing blesses our lives more than learning and applying the principles of the Gospel of our Savior. 

Quote from Boyd K. Packer

"Teaching doctrine will improve behavior quicker and more permanently than teaching about behavior will improve behavior"

I testify that this is true! I hope you all have a wonderful week and learn and apply doctrine in your own lives!

NO more time this week just pics from along the path we ran on this morning!

LQM,

Hermana Stone

Transfer 5 Week 2

Hi friends! 

This week was so fun and we saw endless miracles including, but not limited to...

~ Carne Asada with a recent convert to celebrate his birthday! I love hispanics and their big hearts! "Food is love" ~ Alauna Stone                             

(not necessarily a super spiritual thing but I was super excited about it)

~ Lola accepted a baptismal date! We had the most powerful lesson about God's plan for us or the Plan of Salvacion. Where did we come from? What is our purpose in this life? Where will I go after I die? As we were talking about our purpose here on earth we invited her to take the first step by being baptized by someone who holds the Priesthood on June 7. She was hilarious she looked at us and basically said "Yes of Course! But Hermanas you told me last time I might be able to do it in May! Do I have to wait that long?" So May 24 it is! I know that Lola has sincere desires to show her faith in Christ and follow Heavenly Fathers plan! YAYYYYY!

~ We did service at Camp Evans and had the best time ever cleaning out an old military base warehouse and loading it up with "houses in a box". It's through Lutheran Ministering services to help with the devastation from Sandy. There are still 3500 families who are homeless because of the storm. We may differ in the interpretation of doctrine, but we are united in our love for ALL of God's children. It was such a cool experience to know we were helping Jersey people who are going through some of the hardest trials they'll ever had.
~ We finally made contact with the members of the ward council! This week we had a really inspiring multi-zone conference with President Taggart about how to work more effectively with the members in our ward. We definitely  have our work cut out for us here, but we have been praying so hard and trying everything in our power to help the branch help itself. The missionaries can bust their backs all day every day (and we will happily!), but not much more can happen until the members catch the vision and reach out as well. The Primary President, who we have never been able to speak to before, set up a day to come visit our new investigators who are Primary age and their moms who haven't come to church in years (one of which came to church this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Heavenly Father is definitely softening the hearts of these members and reminding them of the joy of missionary work!

I love you all and I love serving the Lord!!!

Mosiah 4 (change all of the ye's to we's)

LQM 

Hermana Stone

Transfer 4 Week 6

Hi Friends!

I'm completely out of time but I just wanted to share a quick thought about Because He Lives

Easter this year has passed, but the everlasting truth that Christ lives has not! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZqTRSVA1YA

"...Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen..."

Luke 24: 5-6

Where are we seeking Christ? Among the dead - spiritual death - sin? He lives today. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He speaks to us through prophets in the scriptures and our living prophets today! I invite you all to search diligently and prayerfully in the scriptures and the words that are shared in Conference addresses. www.lds.org has everything you could ever want to know. 

I love you all and I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Hermana Stone

Transfer 4 Week 5

Hi friends!

This week has been SO fun! We've been teaching, and preaching, and working as missionaries do!

April is finding month... April showers brings May flowers! Our mission has a goal of finding 1514 new investigators in April and each companionship will baptize in May and June. It's a fact! President Taggart said so :)  We prayerfully made a  goal of finding 26 new investigators for April and this week we found 6! We have 4 weeks left and 20 to go so we are on target! 

Funny lesson we had this week was with ___ and ___. ____is a member who doesn't come to church and ____is our investigator. They are not married yet so ____ can't get baptized. When we went over for our appointment on Friday night we walked in and some random lady was there preaching about some other church and how if you don't live the commandments don't read the scriptures... what. ____looked so relieved when we came in because ____ was just fighting with this lady. It was all pretty wild but we took control and invited the spirit with a prayer. I learned a lesson about age and accomplishments doesn't necessarily qualify you to "preach the gospel."  The Lord calls the simple and weak things of the world and if they receive not the Spirit they shall not teach Doctrine and Covenants 42:14

Saturday was a really good day! 

~Brunch at a Creperie in downtown Red Bank

~General Conference

~Baptism of Victor jr. (members son)

~General Conference

~Chipotle for the first time - a member took all the missionaries! He served his mission in ANACORTES! We had a great time talking about Washington and then next thing I know he hands me the phone and Willy and Kathy Webster are singing happy birthday to me. It all happened so fast but it definitely made my day :) We also found a Jehovah's Witness there and invited him to eat with us. It turned out he was married to a member! His heart will be softened one day and he'll recognize the pure and simple truths and they will be sealed for eternity!

~ Last and best part the day was the post conference birthday/baptism party for Victor. Our lessons for the night were planned with members, but they all canceled because of the party. So we went to the party and they had brought some of our investigators there for us! I was talking with our investigator Angel when everyone turns and stares at me and starts singing this Mexican birthday song that I've never heard in my life and hands me cake which they pushed my face in hahaha. It was a good end to the night!

Personal Study this morning in reflection of Easter and Conference included 1 John 4 and David A Bednar's talk about Fear. I'd always heard the phrase "Godly Fear" or "God Fearing Man" and never understood what it meant, but it turns out that Godly Fear dispels Mortal Fear. It is a deep feeling of reverence for the Lord and His commandments, a willingness to submit our will to His will, and an understanding of final judgment and our agency...When we truly love the Lord we keep His commandments, using our agency. When we keep the commandments, we have nothing to FEAR! I'm running out of time but I highly recommend studying it! 

Last and favorite quote is by Wilford W Andersen from Saturday Afternoon Session "I can teach you to dance, but you have to hear the music"

music = spiritual joy in living the gospel

dance = actions or keeping the commandments

LQM,

Hermana Stone

Feliz Pascua de las Hermanas Stone y Mendonca

Transfer 4 Week 4

Hi friends! 

I feel so bad I never leave enough time to write this email, but some great things happened this week!

~The Easter video came out! helives.mormon.org please check it out right now! Share it with everyone! It will invite the Spirit wherever you are and however you feel. Someone needs to see it and you can be the answer to their prayer! Please share it!
~ Women's Conference! Families. the Gospel blesses families! I know this with all my heart. Also, my favorite part was "lighen someon's burden by strengthening them." Rarely is our burden taken away from us, but Christ will always strengthen us so we can bear it.
~Fun object lesson we did this week. We took 2 cans of soda one empty and one unopened. The full one represented a family who is studying the scriptures and praying and attending church as a family. The other is not. When Satan attacks (as he constantly and relentlessly is) there is great damage and despair...maybe not at first, but ultimately they cannot resist. Whereas the family who is doing these 3 ESSENTIAL things stays whole (see pic below feat. Hermano Martin)

~Alicia and Kayre (recent converts) are progressing really well and had their first Family Home Evening last night with some members of the ward. We love them sooo much!

~Sunday we had a miracle lesson with Lola and through her we found her sister in law and started teaching her! More to come soon with them!

I love my Savior, I love His Gospel and Plan of Happiness, I love Red Bank, New Jersey!

LQM,

Hermana Stone

PS Tulip Festival is coming up in Washington or maybe has already started and if someone could send me pics of that I will love you forever!

Transfer 4 Week 3

Hi friends! 

Well another great week out here in Red Bank!

We started off with a zone activity on THE Jersey Shore. I don't recommend watching the show but it was pretty cool to visit a well known spot and run around in the sand :)

So many good things happened this week and I learned a lot so I'll just make a list

~ ALICIA was BAPTIZED Thursday night! Her brother in law performed the ordinance.

~The Encyclopedia of Mormonism is the coolest thing ever written. (Mama I wouldn't be opposed if this showed up on my birthday ;) . I'm a nerd and when I get home I just want to read it all the way through. 

~ Everything has spiritual significance. Eternal perspective is key. The worldly cares and worries we have are significant to Heavenly Father. Our concerns are His concerns. There is a spiritual connection ALWAYS and doing things that increase and exercise faith in Jesus Christ are always a part of the solution to our problems.
~ The members in our ward told me that I don't sound gringa at all! I didn't really believe them at first, but it did boost my confidence in my Spanish

~ Snow. I thought we were done with that. It's alright though because it's gone now. We actually got snowed in and couldn't use our car because the roads were suuper bad. Sister Mendonca has a lot of health problems so we thought we couldn't go out, but she was super brave and just trusted in the Lord with all she had and we worked our area on foot. We saw so many miracles that night and met so many incredible people who are prepared to receive the Gospel. She did suffer physical after, pero me dijo "vale la pena." Wow my companion is so awesome. 

That same night as we were walking with some of our members, we saw our recent convert who was walking through the storm inadequately dressed. I gave him my hat wishing I had more I could give, put my hood up, and kept going. 15 minutes later our member said he had to stop at a tienda to pick something up. He came back out and put a hat on my head. I was not expecting it at all. This man does not have much and it was definitely a sacrifice for him to buy. I told him he doesn't need to spend money on us and that I could buy it and he told me in a firm voice that he needed to do this. He needed the blessings of serving someone/doing missionary work by helping the missionaries (Mosiah 2:17). I'm not explaining this well, but it was a tender mercy of the Lord and I KNOW that he will be blessed 10 fold for the sacrifice he made. 

I love you all and I love missionary work and I love Jersey!

Be an answer to someones prayer this week! Miracles are everywhere!

LQM

Hermana Stone

#BecauseHeLives

fotito del bautismo de Alicia!

Transfer 4 Week 2

Hi friends! 

No time this week but I'll just hit the high points really fast

~Kayre (11) was baptized! The whole primary and their family friends came out to support her! It was so great to see their excitement and appreciation for the opportunity they/we have to make and keep covenants with our Heavenly Father!

~Our recent convert Jose was really struggling with the Word of Wisdom, it's hard to quit after 12 years, and he really applied the Atonement in his life and no longer has anything to fight! It's been 3 weeks and he doesn't have any desire to smoke anymore! The Atonement is REAL!

~I got to see my mama (trainer Sister Harris) this week at Zone Meeting and Conference and again today!

~Alicia, Kayre's mom, is getting baptized on Thursday! It's a busy week!

I love you all so much! Keep the faith! Keep reading the scriptures and praying, it's the little things that matter most!

LQM,

Hermana Stone

Let's hear it for Brasil!!! Red Bank Transfer 4 week 1

Hey friends!

So this week I was transferred to Red Bank (an area that covers 17 or so cities)! South Jersey on the shore with trees and water :) Union City was a blast, but I am soooooo happy to be in a place that has nature! 

My new companion is from the AMAZONS! Yep Brasil! Sister Mendonca is so amazing, she's fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and learning English and Japanese. Wow so cool. We basically only speak Spanish because she struggles with English and gets frustrated. We're helping each other out a lot :)

Well after Transfer conference we had a little bit of an adventure because Sister Mendonca doesn't drive and it was my first time driving in Jersey. Also, I don't have a GPS so poor planning on my part. Thankfully the last missionary in this area let us borrow hers until we get a new one and it still has the addresses in it! Driving home we followed our Zone Leaders and a huge storm hit. It was tricky, but we made it safely. The next day we basically got snowed in and had to cancel our appointments, but our Awesome branch mission leader and his wife picked us up and the person we were teaching and we had the lessons in the house! I was blown away! They are the MVP's in my book right now!

There is so much work to do here! It's kind of like a treasure hunt finding the people who speak Spanish, but when we do, we find a lot of them!

We just started teaching a dad of a part member family and he is really receptive to the gospel! I know he wants what's best for his family, and that his family can be eternal! It's not just individuals fighting for a spot in the Celestial Kingdom, but families progressing and making righteous decisions together!

We have a mother and daughter on date to be baptized this Sunday and the Thursday following! More info on them next week!

I'm out of time, but I hope life is good :) Ether 12:28

Con mucho amor

Hermana Stone

Last pic with La familia Martinez in Union City ... Love them!

Elysa and her new companion

Union City Transfer 3 Week 6

First area and first pair of boots finished. 

The horrible sad truth came last night around 11. I'm leaving Union City :( I wish I could stay for 12 more months, but this crazy and prepared city has been a dream to work in and I'm so grateful for the time I've had to serve here! I am excited to get to know Jersey a little better though! 

Cosas:

- Oveja de Cerdo... aka pig ear. My companion was a champ and ate it with a smile. That's all I can say 

- Raul and fam are progressing really well! Raul is reading the doctrine and covenants and the family told us that "We are happier than ever before" so that's good. The Gospel Blesses families!

- Hermana Lara gave us watches with footprints across the face that are engraved on the back saying "when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." About that really cool story of footprints in the sand. She's the sweetest. Also, we're planning a trip to the DR. Something to look forward to for sure :)

- I finished the Book of Mormon and started D&C. God reveals His truth through prophets in all dispensations!

-Sebastian blessed the sacrament last week! 

Well this week I've been thinking about altruism (absolute selflessness). In my Psych 111 class at BYU we had a debate about whether is was actually possible to achieve. It's human nature to always think "what's in it for me" and be driven by some reward. Even though it might not be possible, we can definitely try. Well Christ was absolutely perfect and altruistic, so if we follow His example ... oops ran out of thought too many investigators on my mind... I'll let you finish that thought :)

In President Henry B. Eyring's talk "Testimony and Conversion" he invites us to "pray for faith to repent of selfishness and the gift of caring for others more than ourselves." Wow that's so cool! I've been trying it out and I'm definitely still a selfish person, but I have felt an increase in love for the people I'm serving and forget myself a little more every day. I'm so grateful we have prophets that guide us and reveal simple truths that help us become better disciples of Christ. 

Time's up but I hope you all have an excellent week and feast on the words of Christ!

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Stone

Transfer 3 Week 5

Hi friends!

Wow this week was fantastic. First off I just want you all to know that Union City, New Jersey is known and loved by Heavenly Father. He is acutely aware of all of these people, their needs and their desires. I feel so blessed to be here. 

Well yesterday Princesa Evelyn was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and received the gift of the Holy Ghost! What an essential gift to have and a true blessing. I know she will cherish the guidance she receives daily through the Spirit. 

Argus Martinez (youngest son of Carlos) was baptized by Sebastian (older brother). This was the most special thing I have been able to see so far. It all begin one night in December when we talked to his dad who was running out to buy Argus new pants. We asked him if he liked Christmas, he invited us in to chat with his mom, called us back another day, discovered the truth and was baptized himself. Later in January he baptized Sebastian. Yesterday Sebastian baptized Argus. This legacy of righteousness will continue on for generations and bring more light and truth and happiness than anything else in the world could. Wow. I love them so much. 

We have another family we are working with and they are progressing really well! Raul wants so badly for his family to be united and focused on God. Well Heavenly Father put us in his path and His gospel is blessing this family! They come to church and activities, read the Book of Mormon, pray together and want to be baptized in 2 weeks! I'll keep you up to date!

I was reading in the book of Ether this week in the Book of Mormon and I picked up on a cool principle (chapter 12 verse 4). Hope comes from faith which makes an anchor to the souls of men. I love that because en un mundo loco, a crazy world that's always changing, we need something to anchor us. Faith in God, unbreakable faith, is the anchor we need. "which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." I want to be sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, and always being led to glorify God. I know that the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is the fullness of the doctrine of Christ on the earth today. I know that God is my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith was called of God to restore the Gospel in these latter days!

I love you all so much and hope you will spend some time this week thinking of your anchors :)

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Stone

Best Valentine's Day EVER!

Hi Friends! Another great week has come and gone.
True love is ... a lot of things. I'll let you fill in the blank smile emoticon My simple answer is service.
I was sooooo lucky to spend Valentine's Day in the BIG APPLE! Yep that's right! Sister Harris came up from Tom's River and we took C* and S* to the Manhattan temple to do work for their family! They did 5 family names and LOVED IT! It was the most special Valentine's Day ever. They were so happy to help their family accept the gospel! Mi corazon es lleno! It's going to be so hard to leave la familia M*! A* will be baptized this coming Sunday 2/22/15 and that'll [be the whole family now baptized]!
This week a new family FOUND US! They invited us over Saturday, came to church Sunday, and invited us back for tonight!!! Wow! They are so golden! I'll keep you updated on the familia de R* y P* y N* (sus hijas de 14 y 16 anos). Heavenly Father sure loves His children in Union City! So many people are prepared with questions and challenges that help them realize they need something more in their lives. The Gospel of Jesus Christ!

The Best thing that happened this week was that E*'s mom gave her permission to be baptized!!!!! Her faith (and patience) is stronger than anybody else I have met before. She always told us even if I have to wait until I'm 18, I will do what Heavenly Father wants me to do. 1 Nephi 3:7 "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." Sunday 2/15/15 E# was baptized! This 8 year old girl has brought the entire ward together. There's something beautiful about people coming together to support someone in following the example of Jesus Christ (baptism). Our less active member D* brought beautiful cupcakes, the primary prepared a special presentation, the Bishop spoke to her, the Relief Society and Elder's Quorum reached out to her mom. Everyone was just awesome. I know her example to her family will strengthen them and they will continue to see miracles!

The Gospel Blesses Families!

Here's a cool CS Lewis quote! about what it means to see Jesus Christ as a missionary:
“We can say we believe in Christ as we believe in the sun at noon day, not that we can see it, but that by it, we can see everything else”.

I love you all so much and I want to hear about the miracles you see this week!
Con Amor,
Hermana Stone

At Julliard

Princesa Evelyn

At the NY Temple on Valentine's Day

Week 21

Hi friends!

I don't have much time this week but we definitely saw miracles happen!

-_____ our less active friend

who we haven't been able to make contact with in over a month met with us and came to Stake Conference too! He's starting to do family history and has a goal to go to the temple and put his priorities back in order.

-Sister Harris is coming back up and we get to take Carlos to the temple this weekkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so pumped

-I translated Stake Conference for the Carlos, Sebastian, and Argos and it went pretty well! Spanish is coming along!

-Last night we prayed before we left the house to meet someone who is ready and waiting to accept the gospel and be a part of God's Kingdom on the, we do this almost daily, and then the first person we saw accepted a baptismal invite!

That's all love you!

SIster Stone

Week 20 and a BODA!!!

Buenas!

This week has been a good one for sure! We focused a lot on finding members who haven't come to church in awhile. In the process we tried la familia Robles and they were home! We talked about the love God has for each of us. His love is perfect and infinite! They were super excited to come back to church and feel the Spirit more in their lives by praying and reading the scriptures. They couldn't make it to church yesterday, but we're going to keep working with them and we know they'll come! We visited so many people and made a lot of calls and a good number of them said they would come to church, so it was a little sad when it was 10:30 Sunday morning and I was sitting by myself, but miracles happen after the trial of our faith! I saw a woman walk in so I invited her to sit with me . When I asked her name she was a member who we've called and tried so many times but could never see her! She hadn't been to church in years! She felt the Spirit so strongly that she even shared her testimony during the meeting! Right after Hna Zabala came, Dalia walked in as well! She participated actively in the Gospel Principles classes and was so excited to read the scriptures too!

Evelyn is still on date for Feb 22!

So many miracles everywhere!  Sorry I'm out of time!

2 Nephi 25:26

Con Muchisimo Amor

Hermana Stone

Sorry this isn't the clearest picture, but this is Sister Parker and the wedding cake the Relief Society President made!

Week 19

Hi friends!

This week we had transfers and I said bye to my "mama" in the mission (first companion)!

My new companion was my roommate in the MTC Sister Parker! She is so awesome and wow we work so hard!

We have seen a lot of amazing things happen this week! We have 7 new investigators! 4 investigators with a baptismal date and 2 of them have been wanting to be baptized for almost a year. 

Sorry I don't have any time :(

I hope you all have an awesome week!

Hermana Stone

Week 18

Hi Friends!

I'm sorry I don't have much time this week, but I wanted to share a quote with you all. 

"Strength comes not from frantic activity, but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most. Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world."

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I know it's easy to get caught up in our crazy lives, running around and just being frantic. Also, a lot of times we like to saw "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I know that what makes us stronger is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, His grace. Whether it's relying on Him to get through the hard times or just setting goals to change the little things in our life like getting out the door on time, I know that through the Atonement we can improve and become stronger. The way we build a firm foundation is by feasting on the words of Christ (reading the scriptures) daily, praying with faith, and taking the Sacrament each week!

I love you all and hope you will build your foundation a little more this week!

Hermana Stone

Week 17

Hi friends! This week I should just use a song to describe life. It's called Good To Be Alive. I'll try to attach it but if not it can be found on the youth website https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2015?cid=YS-M-youththeme&lang=eng 

This week really stretched us in every possible direction, but I'm so grateful for that. No better way to grow! Humility and prayer are essential. Well New Jersey finally lived up to it's reputation for cold! We are consistently under 15 degrees at night and 25 is about the highest it was this week. Without wind it's okay, but with wind and rain too, oh man. Ain't Texas! Or PNW. Another reason Washington is great, it stays about 30 degrees always haha.. 

One of my favorite parts of this week was a tri-zone conference in Morristown. President and Sister Taggart spoke to us and got us all pumped again! Missionary work is the best! Sister Taggart talked a lot about serving with all our Heart, Might, Mind and Strength (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2). Might Mind and Strength take all our physical emotional mental efforts, and because we're human, drain our energy...But, when we serve with all our Heart, that's what fills us up! Love never runs out. It's an energizing source because God is Love (1 John 4 vs7? I know the whole chapter is about it.) It's so true. On the hardest and coldest days when I focus on just loving the people I'm with I don't feel the weight of the work. How did the apostles and Alma and Parley P Pratt do missionary work for 40 or 50 years? They loved the people they served. If they could do it for that long, we can too :)

The greatest miracle of the week was Carlos! Yes again! If you aren't up to date on his story, it began December 2. We talked to him and began teaching him. December 28 he accepted the invitation to follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins. January 4 he was confirmed a member of the church and received the gift of the holy Ghost. Yesterday 1/11/15 he received the Aaronic priesthood and Baptized his son Sebastian! Wow! Love them so much! I testify that the gospel blesses families! I see it everyday in my own family, in the Martinez family, and everyone else around me!

Sorry I don't have more time. Know that I love you all dearly and pray for you!

Have a great week and look for the miracles!

Con amor

Hermana Stone

Argos Martinez!