July 9,2018 Amen!

This week has come and gone. I can hardly comprehend how quickly time speeds by when you are in the service of your fellow beings. 

I know that tomorrow starts a new chapter in my life. Each day truly is a gift and another chance to strengthen and recognize our divine potential. 

My missionary purpose was, and still will be, "to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end." (Preach my Gospel)

I know that truly the mission is the training center for life. 

Nothing worthwhile is Ever easy. The mission was the hardest thing I have ever done. The mission is the most life Changing and worthwhile thing I have ever done.

I am so grateful for all the experiences that have been presented to me. My life's course has been corrected and more perfected. I know so much more about myself,  but more importantly I know more about my Savior. He has been my closest friend, best companion, and biggest support. There was never a moment when I called out that He did not respond. 

I am excited to return to Utah and apply all I have been learning. I have committed to stay on the Covenant Path. I know it will never be easy, for salvation is not a cheap experience. But it will always be worth it. I have been teaching those I love in New York to keep the end in mind, and I plan on doing the same. 

I am going to do that by: focusing on the doctrine of the next ordinance (partaking of the Sacrament and attending the temple often), striving for deep conversion (by daily studying and feasting upon the book of mormon), and following the prophet (for he knows the way).

When we step through the veil after all is said and done, all we can take with us is our Character and our Covenants.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has blessed my life. I have grown so much and know that it will continue to be a place where I can become whomever God needs me to be. 

Jesus Christ; the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind- is at the helm of this church. I know that He is directing and leading President Russell M Nelson. I know that the Book of Mormon was preserved for this day and is true. I know that the Priesthood Power has been again restored to the earth, and the work of salvation is being performed in the Temples.

May we all recognize the growth that we have made this past while, and continue to live the gospel and share it with those around us. I know that there will be daily opportunities to live our faith.

I can promise that as we live what we believe, we will continue to grow and stretch towards The Son

Love, Sister Elgaaen

Fireworks

Keith Mitchell Baptismal Date 7-14-18

The Jacob's Family in Oneida

Keith Mitchell and Sister Elgaaen

Painted toes

Ice Cream

Hot Weather

 

 

July 2,2018 The Church is True! The Book is Blue!

I feel so blessed to be in the New York Utica Mission! President and Sister Rogers completed there three year mission this past Saturday, and joined all the departing missionaries on there final temple trip. It was such a spiritual uplift.

We attended a temple session, visited the sacred grove- along with Joseph Smith's home, saw the Hill Cumorah, learned about the Printing Press, then concluded at the Whitmer Farm. 

Truly each individual place felt similar to the first. I know that each area is a dedicated place for the Lord. 

I know that this church is true. Standing in the place where the Angel Moroni appeared, Looking out to the grove of trees where our Savior and Heavenly Father descended, being in the Whitmer home where the Book of Mormon was completed, All have increased and built my testimony.

I know that Joseph Smith saw what he said he did. 

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me... When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

...I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it..." JSH 1:16,17,25

I know that the book of Mormon is truly a Keystone to Christ's church. It is another witness. It is true. 

The Priesthood Power of God was restored almost a year before the Church was organized. Why wait so long when the power and authority was there? Because the book of Mormon was not completed! Without that second witness fulfilling and clarifying, the Restored Church of Jesus Christ would have fallen.

I am so grateful that this Church has been restored. With its restoration the power and authority to perform baptisms, sealings, and other ordinances for time and eternity came with it. 

I know that I can live and be with my family forever. I have left them for almost 18 months so others can be together forever. Oh, how great is my joy in this work.

I encourage each of us to strive and nourish our testimonies of the book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. 

I know as we each take the time one by one to do this, our Heavenly Father will answer individually and personally, one by one.

Sister Larsen & Elgaaen

The Oneida District

President and Sister Rogers