Monday, June 25, 2018

June 25,2018 I Know that My Redeemer Lives!

Happy Father's day!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of my family, both earthly and spiritually. 
This past week has been amazing! Four of the people we have been seeing came to church ðŸ˜Š and one of them was a new investigator.  
He is Risen
Now is the time for us to prepare to meet God. Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again. I have prayed to feel the truth of this and Know that it is true. I know that the grave has not victory and death no sting that cannot be overcome with the atoning blood of the Lamb.
1 Corinthians 15
3 Nephi 11
Alma 11: 42-44
"We know from the Book of Mormon that the resurrection is a restoration that brings back “carnal for carnal” and “good for that which is good” .-Elder Oaks
Alma 34:34
"Our temples are living, working testimonies to our faith in the reality of the resurrection."- Elder Oaks
The Savior Ministered to His "other sheep"
Christ loves one by one, he listens one by one, and He ministers one by one.
As an imperfect being, I am so grateful to Him who takes the time to comfort and bless me one day at a time. I know that every person I meet all has the same opportunity to feel uplifted by our Saviors personalized love.
Jesus Christ Organized His Church
Truly only by divine design and intervention could Christ's church and power be here on the earth.
"...the apostolic and prophetic foundation of the Church was to bless in all times, but especially in times of adversity or danger, times when we might feel like children, confused or disoriented, perhaps a little fearful, times in which the devious hand of men or the maliciousness of the devil would attempt to unsettle or mislead." - Elder Holland
The Father and the Son Appeared to Ballard Smith
I love the powerful message that Joseph Smith was able to receive an answer to His prayers. He had a question, he recognized he could not do it all alone, he studied it out and read the scriptures, then he prayed ready and willing to act upon the answer.
I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph Smith. I know that they were aware of his situation, and reached out to him in love and understanding.
Joseph Smith history 1:16-17
It is extremely important that when we prepare ourselves to receive revelation and answers to prayers, we are willing to act and stand as a witness. At all times, doing all things, and in any place.
I am grateful that the Lord works with imperfect people, and is able to make great things come to pass from small things. I know that I am small, but I also know that Heavenly Father is able to accomplish great things from my efforts.
The Savior Restored His Priesthood, Church, and Gospel
"Christ built a home to best accommodate the spiritual needs of His children. It was called His Church. The spiritual blueprint for this Church can be found in the New Testament. Occasionally the Savior made a “change order” to the blueprint. Such a change order came in the form of a revelation... In other words, God’s Church would be governed by divine revelation and by order.    " -What Is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church? Elder Callister
I love that Christ has restored His church. Truly there is good in all churches. But just like in the game of telephone, the story changes and pure doctrines can become twisted as it is passed from person to person.
I am grateful that I know this church is true. Joseph Smith was just a man, but one who was called and qualified by God. He, through revelation Restored Christ's church. The standard of truth has been erected. The power has been restored to seal the family unit for time and all eternity. The restored doctrines of where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life have been answered.
This is The Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. I know it has blessed me and many others, and will continue to do so.
I extend the commitment to pray tonight and sincerely ask if the church is true. I can promise as a representative of Jesus Christ, that when you do so, you will receive an answer.
Celebrating Sister Larsen's 6 months as a missionary.

Sister Larsen and Elgaaen

Exchanges with Sister Allred and White



Searching for slugs in the rain as we tract!

June 18,2018 Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's day!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of my family, both earthly and spiritually. 
This past week has been amazing! Four of the people we have been seeing came to church ðŸ˜Š and one of them was a new investigator.  
He is Risen
Now is the time for us to prepare to meet God. Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again. I have prayed to feel the truth of this and Know that it is true. I know that the grave has not victory and death no sting that cannot be overcome with the atoning blood of the Lamb. 
1 Corinthians 15
3 Nephi 11
Alma 11: 42-44
"We know from the Book of Mormon that the resurrection is a restoration that brings back “carnal for carnal” and “good for that which is good” .-Elder Oaks
Alma 34:34
"Our temples are living, working testimonies to our faith in the reality of the resurrection."- Elder Oaks
The Savior Ministered to His "other sheep"
Christ loves one by one, he listens one by one, and He ministers one by one.
As an imperfect being, I am so grateful to Him who takes the time to comfort and bless me one day at a time. I know that every person I meet all has the same opportunity to feel uplifted by our Saviors personalized love.
Jesus Christ Organized His Church
Truly only by divine design and intervention could Christ's church and power be here on the earth.
"...the apostolic and prophetic foundation of the Church was to bless in all times, but especially in times of adversity or danger, times when we might feel like children, confused or disoriented, perhaps a little fearful, times in which the devious hand of men or the maliciousness of the devil would attempt to unsettle or mislead." - Elder Holland
The Father and the Son Appeared to Ballard Smith
I love the powerful message that Joseph Smith was able to receive an answer to His prayers. He had a question, he recognized he could not do it all alone, he studied it out and read the scriptures, then he prayed ready and willing to act upon the answer.
I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph Smith. I know that they were aware of his situation, and reached out to him in love and understanding.
Joseph Smith history 1:16-17
It is extremely important that when we prepare ourselves to receive revelation and answers to prayers, we are willing to act and stand as a witness. At all times, doing all things, and in any place.
I am grateful that the Lord works with imperfect people, and is able to make great things come to pass from small things. I know that I am small, but I also know that Heavenly Father is able to accomplish great things from my efforts. 
The Savior Restored His Priesthood, Church, and Gospel
"Christ built a home to best accommodate the spiritual needs of His children. It was called His Church. The spiritual blueprint for this Church can be found in the New Testament. Occasionally the Savior made a “change order” to the blueprint. Such a change order came in the form of a revelation... In other words, God’s Church would be governed by divine revelation and by order.    " -What Is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church? Elder Callister
I love that Christ has restored His church. Truly there is good in all churches. But just like in the game of telephone, the story changes and pure doctrines can become twisted as it is passed from person to person.
I am grateful that I know this church is true. Joseph Smith was just a man, but one who was called and qualified by God. He, through revelation Restored Christ's church. The standard of truth has been erected. The power has been restored to seal the family unit for time and all eternity. The restored doctrines of where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life have been answered.
This is The Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. I know it has blessed me and many others, and will continue to do so. 
I extend the commitment to pray tonight and sincerely ask if the church is true. I can promise as a representative of Jesus Christ, that when you do so, you will receive an answer.
Andy And Landyn

Hot Day in New York




Sister Larsen and Elgaaen

Worlds smallest church

Zone conference sisters


Zone Conference
 

Thursday, June 14, 2018

June 11,2018 Transfers again

I am so grateful that The Lord knows each of us and has a plan. Because I am almost complete serving the Lord in New York, and Sister Staheli really wanted to go home the Lord switched me out. I know that this was the best thing for Sister Staheli.  She has such wonderful potential, but me going home, and her wanting to be there was not helping her see all that she was doing to bless the people of Vestal.
Now I am in.... ONEIDA! I am so grateful to be back, it feel right, and I have not felt this type of peace, well in about a week.
I know I was sent here for specific reasons. I am excited to find out what they are.
I have continued learning about my Savior to strive to fulfill one of my concluding mission goals of come closer to Him:
Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament   
3 Nephi 18:1-11, 28, 29
D&C 20:75-79
"This ordinance was introduced so that we can renew our covenants to serve Him, to obey Him, and to always remember Him. President Smith adds: “We cannot retain the Spirit of the Lord if we do not consistently comply with this commandment”
President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “This is an occasion when the gospel should be presented, when we should be called upon to exercise faith, and to reflect on the mission of our Redeemer, and to spend time in the consideration of the saving principles of the gospel, and not for other purposes. Amusement, laughter, light-mindedness, are all out of place in the sacrament meetings of the Latter-day Saints. We should assemble in the spirit of prayer, of meekness, with devotion in our hearts”
"All who officiate in this sacred ordinance stand on sacred ground."-oaks
The Savior Atoned for the sins of all mankind
Alma 7:11-13
"The Book of Mormon is our handbook of instructions as we travel the pathway from bad to good to better and strive to have our hearts changed...
Individual willpower, personal determination and motivation, effective planning and goal setting are necessary but ultimately insufficient for us to triumphantly complete this mortal journey. Truly, we must come to rely upon “the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:8)...
The Savior has suffered not just for our iniquities but also for the inequality, the unfairness, the pain, the anguish, and the emotional distresses that so frequently beset us. There is no physical pain, no anguish of soul, no suffering of spirit, no infirmity or weakness that you or I ever experience during our mortal journey that the Savior did not experience first. You and I in a moment of weakness may cry out, “No one understands. No one knows.” No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of our life. He can reach out, touch, succor—literally run to us—and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do through relying upon only our own power."-Elder David A. Bednar
The Savior suffered and died on Calvary's cross
1 Nephi 19:9
To completely understand how we, as imperfect children of God feel and all times, the Father had to withdraw His spirit from the Son. Christ knows how we feel at all times, with every situation. He has walked the loneliest path any soul who has walked on this earth ever could. 
"But Jesus held on. He pressed on. The goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us....because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel."- Elder Holland
John 14
The Savior Ministered in the Spirit World 
Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, 22,  138:1-37
Our Savior and Redeemer never rested from His labors, and still continues to this day. Being anxiously engaged, even when his mortal body was laid to rest- his spirit went onward. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ went and established missionaries for those who have not heard it in this life. 
Truly this event was the reason Temples were needed.
Just as President Nelson invited the youth to "Gather Israel" we too must remain involved and seek to spread the gospel to both the living and the dead. Temple work is so important! Sharing our beliefs with those we love is also crucial. 
I am so grateful for the opportunity to share what I have grown to know and love with my Bothers and Sisters in new York.
I know that all Christ did was for us. 
I Pray we all strive to Gather Israel and always Remember Him.
Have a wonderful Week!!
Love, Sister Elgaaen

Me in Vestal...


Sister Staheli, Sister Morrey, me, Elder Hanks, Sailor,... and Morrey

Sister Larsen!!!!


Exchanges with Sister Thomas and her companion

June 4, 2018 Studies of the Savior

This week has been truly life changing. I can just tell that by the end of this chapter of my life, and of the Lord's mission I will be much closer to becoming what the Lord needs me to be.
Again my studies of the Savior have taken over the email, but it is amazing how much more there is to learn about my Redeemer and other Brother. I am so grateful for Him and the knowledge that He always understands, and He is always there to listen.
Jesus Christ Jehovah of the Old Testament
He was the driving force behind all that happened before us. He inspired the writers of the scriptures\, and taught them what to write.
Types\, shadows\, and symbols of Jesus the Christ
The Book of Mormon truly is the biggest proof that we have of our Saviors life\, death\, and resurrection. All that Christ did was to fulfill prophecy written in the scriptures. I wonder what Christ was thinking when he read in the scriptures and was taught by the spirit that this was all about Him and His purpose. I know that every word the prophets were inspired to write down either have been or will be fulfilled.
Jesus Christ God\'s only begotten son
Christ was born of Mary\, but He came not to give Mary glory but to glorify His father who is in Heaven.
Jesus Christ fulfilled all righteousness
Because of Him\, we have the perfect example. We can follow His path and eventually see our life as the Savior does.
Come follow me
Christ knows us individually by name. He extends a personal invitation for us to follow Him. He asks us to leave everything behind (Matthew 4\:18-22)
\"He gave us His gospel\, a pearl beyond price\, the grand key of knowledge that\, once understood and applied\, unlocks a life of happiness\, peace\, and fulfillment...
He has given us the gospel—a divine gift\, the ultimate formula for happiness and success...
Discipleship is not a spectator sport...\"- Utchdorf
It takes action to truly apply Christ\'s gospel and grow our seed of faith. I know that over the mission as I have increased my faith\, repented often\, partake of the sacrament and felt the spirit\, my seed has grown.
“Oh\, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves\, He never will.
“We [might] see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. …
“The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities.”-Joseph B. Wirthlin
\"He will ever be at our side. He will fight our battles. He is our hope\; He is our salvation\; He is the way.\"- Utchdorf
I know this to be true.
 
I hope that we have a wonderful week!!! There is no time like the present to better ourselves and come unto Christ. 
The Capners

Sister Elgaaen & Staheli


Ouch


Raymond, Katelyn, Judy, & Duane Magee

Sister Elgaaen, Sabido, Isabella

Sister Elgaaen & Staheli

Sister Farnsworth & Elgaaen

Sister Elgaaen and Graham

Sister Mosier, Elgaaen, Ruth, William


The Reeders

Wil Turner

Katelyn and Sister McDaniel

Elmira Missionary Board

May 28, 2018 I'll go where you want me to go...

I found out that I am being transferred to Vestal! It truly is not that far away :) 
This week was an adventure, and some of my last in Horseheads. We went on Monday to Watkins Glen- it truly is a bit of Heaven on earth! I am so grateful for the beauty of the Earth and my chance this past week to study more about the Creator of it.
There is a study thing in the Gospel Library app, this is just what I have studied so far. It has increased my understanding and Testimony of my Savior;
Jesus is the Living Christ   
All scripture testifies that He lives! (D&C:22-24) I am excited for the day when my head will bow, my knees bend and my tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. My testimony has grown so much over the past... while. 
"A testimony provides proper perspective, motivation, and a solid foundation on which to build a life of purpose and personal growth." -Dieter F Utchdorf 
Jesus Christ is Central to all Human History
Without the Savior, our lives would really have no possibility to a 'happily ever after'. "God will force no man to Heaven" (hymn 240), 
" We must continue to choose to follow the Savior. Eternity is at stake... When we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, or opportunities increase, and we progress." -Robert D. Hales
Jehovah and the Premortal Ministry
Christ was ordained and called into His role as Savior before the world even was. I know that I sustained him. We are saved only after all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23). I am grateful that the war with death and sin has been already won! We have the opportunity every day to put the essential things first. All that is essential and really matters, can be done in the temple. All else is secondary to God's eternal plan, which revolves around Jesus Christ. 
Jehovah created the Earth
"The winds and the waves shall obey" His will (hymn 105). He is there creator and Master. The earth remembers it's creator. Do we? Are we living in such a way that He can speak and calm our troubled souls? I pray daily that that is how I will live my life.
"The earth was created that families might be." -Russell M. Nelson
I hope that we will all be able to recognize the small miracles in our lives and strive to become more like our Big Brother.
I know He lives.
I love Him.
This truly is an opportunity of a lifetime to focus all my time, energy, and talents on Him.
My we all strive to do the same at home or abroad.

Exploring Watkins Glen!!!



Alene Houghton, Sister Williams, Watkins, Elgaaen, Thomas, Sister Houghton

Elders: Bangerter, Bradley, Jensen, Nye, Wakefield, Allen
Sisters: Taylor, Elgaaen, Thomas, and Billin