Stepping Stones vs Stumbling Blocks

Danielle & Sister Osmond

So I love this concept of Stepping Stones .vs. Stumbling Blocks!

In life we are given experiences (stones) & we must choose for ourselves (agency) what we want to do with them!

Take every stone you have to the Lord & He will make it a stepping stone for you.

I have to always keep 2 Nephi 32:9 at the forefront of my mind-

"But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the FIRST PLACE ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."

This was an incredible week! We found some very prepared people as we prayed in our hearts to have the Spirit guide us. Excited to meet with them this week! We are teaching so many young women right now!

It's amazing to meet so many people our age and share with them simple truths that have given purpose to my life!

#1 Truth: YOU HAVE A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER.

Fast and Testimony meeting was one of the Best!

(Probably because I have learned how to be a better listener as a missionary. :)

Sister Weber shared a story of a man who felt he needed to take this girl a dozen yellow roses... He knew this was such an out-of-the blue prompting and he needed to follow it even though he didn't know why!

He showed up at her door and said, "I don't know why I'm here but I'm here."

At her baptism someone had given her a yellow rose... now she had a dozen at her doorstep.  She had just been praying to know if Heavenly Father loved her-

& with tears steaming down her face- she knew He did.

Sister Checketts shared a beautiful follow-up testimony with this story.

She said that when we pray to our Heavenly Father for answers...

"Sometimes roses don't show up on our doorstep or a warm loaf of bread from a neighbor... But that doesn't mean He doesn't love us. He does. His love is manifested in many ways- often the ways we least expect. As we humble ourselves, we will see His hand in our lives."

I know this is true! I know that when we feel like we aren't receiving answers it is usually because our Heavenly Father has something better in store for us. Our job is to be open and ready to receive. So cool!

Another testimony from Brother Houdek: He and his wife paid their tithing for the first time!

He said, "Usually you hear incredible miracles that happen from paying tithing!  But for us within a few weeks my wife and I both lost our jobs. It was super scary- definitely a trial of our faith for the law of tithing. But right after we found out I'd be losing my job... the missionaries showed up! & they shared a scripture we really needed to hear. So.. Be patient and Good Things will happen."

WHAT?! We had no idea until this moment that the strong prompting we had to go and visit them was an answer to their prayers!! I remember growing up and hearing stories about missionaries being in the right place at the right time and this time... They were talking about Sister Zebley and Sister Osmond! 

My eyes filled with tears.

There were a lot of investigators that didn't show up to church yesterday and I was sitting there praying about if I was doing enough and what I needed to improve on as a missionary.

Heavenly Father answered my prayer with that testimony.

Sometimes we may not feel like we are making a big impact--- but if we are living by the spirit, we are.

Whether known or unknown, the impact of our decisions to follow the Savior will always extend beyond us. It will radiate out and bless the lives of those who know you.

Remember:

#1. YOU HAVE A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER.

He knows you and is aware of your needs.

Pray to Him first, before you do anything else.

He'll turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones. :)

SIMPLE TRUTHS SAVE LIVES...

Steadfast and Immovable in Christ!

Love,

Sister Osmond

Also: I think I told you this but everyone in Wisconsin puts the word YET in the weirdest places. it doesn't make sense.

"The nectarines will soon ripen Yet."

"The shoes are in the closet Yet."

"How are we doing-------Yet?!"

Like what?! haha

I am seriously so happy! 110% emotional honesty.

I LOVE being a missionary! I have grown so much.. not size wise yet... but in my testimony and charity for others! It's so cool how the Lord can change us from the inside-out!

Look at this GIANT Brownie we made during our lunch hour! One way to Get'er done!

Time is the most precious resource Heavenly Father has given us- so we decided to save some time. haha!  We made them for the neighbors we are teaching and took them over with Danielle- where she shared her favorite scripture (Alma 32:28-30) and her powerful testimony of the restored truths of the gospel!