Katelyn Elgaaen in Utica New York: January 16, 2018 So Blessed to Serve the Lord!

So President Roger called us this past weekend and told me and sister Vest to prepare our area- we are going to be whitewashed next Wednesday! That means that both of us are leaving Oswego to two new sisters. I am so excited to see where the Lord needs me next.

In church and my own personal study I have been thinking about Testimonies;

A testimony is a special spiritual witness of what you know. Alma 32:21-28 Pure testimony borne by the spirit will change lives. It will effect every choice that you make. But having a testimony is not enough, we have to go declare it. Ether 12:2

That is why fasting and having an increase of testimony go so closely together.

A spiritual eclipse can block out the light of Christ's gospel and our testimonies. Sharing our testimony often will allow us to polish off our glasses that allow us to see clearly all the love and gifts our Heavenly Father has given us.

Something else that I have noticed is that Jesus Christ in all of His miracles that he performs He never takes away the agency of others, even though He himself could have easily done the task. Like in the story of Lazarus. Christ asks 'where he is buried', for the stone to be removed from his tomb, and has the family take the binding off of him after he calls his spirit back to his body. Christ already knew Lazarus was dead before being told and could have found his burial place, he controlled the winds and sea- there was no issue with him moving the stone, and the voice that could call the dead back to life easily could have declared him loose of his bindings. But he NEVER would have taken away from the agency of others. If it could of been done by another, he allowed them to exercise faith and do it.

I know that is why he allows us to stand at the pulpit and speak the words in our minds and hearts instead of instantly enlightening everyone at church. He will not take away from the blessing and agency it takes to share something so close and precious to us.

Let us all prepare for this next Fast Sunday to bear powerful testimony of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I know that it will not only increase our testimony and faith, but it will be what someone in the congregation needed to hear. You will be the angel on mount Zion to them.