April 24, 2017 Another Marvelous Week!

Wow! Time seems to speed by when you are doing good things! This week was full of finding new people to serve, searching for investigators, and learning new things that have pulled me closer to my Savior Jesus Christ.

The most exciting thing this week was finding 2 new investigators Sunday! One of them is a young women named Louisa who just walked right into church and said that she was interested in meeting with us! Miracles do happen when you prayerfully and carefully prepare yourself for them. I know that if Sister Armstrong and I were not doing our best to serve the Lord this past week, we would have missed the opportunity to have such a blessing walk into our path.

Something that I really came to understand this week during Zone Conference was the Commitment cycle. The cycle starts with a specific and direct task, like "Will you read the first Chapter of the Book of Mormon?" Then blessings are told, "I know that if you do read, you will feel a greater peace in your life and your ability to recognize the positive will be amplified." A true and powerful testimony is then bared, "I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that if you have desires to have this same witness, all you have to do is read the book. I know that Joseph Smith really did translate the book through divine power given to him by our Loving Father in Heaven. I know that you are so loved by Him, and He and all of your ancestors on the other side all desire for you to come and know of this truth for yourself." Lastly you follow up a while later.

This is an important cycle to remember. It is something that can be used daily when talking with anyone! I have seen the difference in the percent of those who actually do what you ask when you do, and don't use this method of inviting someone to do something.

I know that when we invite someone to do something specific and promise them blessings- Heavenly Father will not let them down. If you promise someone greater peace or that they will to better in school; they Will if they do what you invited them to do. Following up is one of the most important steps because, when you follow up you show that you truly care and know that what you asked of them is important. I know that if people would implement this method of inviting to get others to accomplish something- they will notice the change of heart from many, and they will witness miracles. 

I know that this gospel is simple and perfect. Those who have been assigned to live by its principles are far from perfect themselves- but through the atoning sacrifice of our brother and Savior Jesus Christ, we will be made perfect.

I challenge everyone to do what the Prophet Thomas S. Monson asked and read the Book of Mormon, individually and with there families. I can promise that if you do start now or you continue to do so, you will be able to withstand the despair and difficulties that are around you daily. I know that reading the Book of Mormon will answer questions of the soul, it will provide deeper understanding of our purpose here on this earth- so far away from our Heavenly Family, and it will bring us closer to Christ who desires all of us to listen to his voice and come unto him.

I know that there are people who are watching you and looking for you to trip over the rocks in this path back home. But with Christ as our guide- we will never become lost, even if we do stumble and fall. (He will always offer his scared hands and lift us back up)

Have a wonderful week and keep smiling and defying the negative world! We are as the Army of Helaman! We are strong and full of courage! We can do anything with Christ's help!

Love, Sister Elgaaen

 

 

At Bell statue on Way to Contact people 4-24-17

Making weird faces! 4-24-17

Sister's Elgaaen & Armstrong! 4-24-17

Another Beautiful Sunset in Hamilton 4-24-17

I want you to read this book! 4-24-17

 

War Memorial for People who fought in Hamilton New York

 

April 17, 2017 Easter!!!

This week went by so fast! Where has all the time gone? I have been in Hamilton for about 7 weeks! Each day is different and full of wonderful things, but everything really does start to mesh together when you are more focused on others and there salvation instead of yourself.

One of the scriptures that Sister Armstrong and I shared with people was 1 Nephi 21:15-16. It says, "For can a women forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.          Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

I love this scripture! It is asking, could you forget something or someone that you really loved? The correct answer is NO! But, there are things like dementia and other mental things that could eventually cause you to forget. But Christ says that he will NEVER forget us- He loves us to much. He states that he has graven you on the palms of his hands. Your name, is written there. He knows what trials you have gone through. He hears every plea for help. He died so each Individual could Return back to Heaven. 

He knows exactly how you feel, what you need, and more. He suffered so he could understand you. In John 15:13 it states, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Christ knows you by name and calls you friend. He literally laid down his life for you. We in turn only have to come unto Christ, Repent and live everyday with gratitude.

We can 'lay down our lives' but putting to rest things such as grudges, harmful habits, and negative thoughts. I know that even if it comes to putting down your phone for a few moments to read the scriptures or serve another- you will be greatly blessed. 

God so loved the world, us all, that he sent out brother Jesus Christ to save us. I know that Christ lives, I know that he loves us all and that he is willing to take any of us where ever we are at. He will heal all that needs healing. He is the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the World, my Best Friend and Big Brother.

I love him more than I could ever express through words. My Faith in him is greater than sight.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and keeps in mind how precious a gift this life is, and has an attitude of gratitude.

Love, Sister Elgaaen

 

Sister Armstrong & Elgaaen

Was Moses buried in Hamilton?

Another Rainy Day!

Sharing the Gospel is our life and we love it.

 

April 10, 2017 Transfers! New Companion Sister Armstrong

This week was crazy! Sister Armstrong and I get along really well, but we had most of our appointments fall through. The only one that was not canceled was out service that we did for an elderly man on Thursday, in the pouring rain. It was lots of fun, but very wet!

   This week the main thing that stood out from my studies was a talk we listened to in the car. It was about being hungry. When you are in need of food, your body gives you warning signs; stomach growling, constant thoughts of food... and over time the signs get more drastic; negative thoughts, wanting to curl up in a ball and not move... until if things get too bad you become malnourished. The speaker compared this to being Spiritually hungry. He said that your spirit gives signs of being ready for some nourishment. Some of the signs are; having negative thoughts, comparing yourself to others, not wanting to draw closer to Christ... until eventually you could even become spiritually malnourished. When this happens it is not something that you could read the scriptures for an hour and overload yourself with uplifting things. Just like being physically malnourished, you have to build up to the 'feasting'. 

I know that as we daily feast upon the words of Christ and continue to recharge our spiritual battery, when the time comes that we need it- we will be able to stand strong, be not afraid, doubt not, and know that we are on the Lords side. We will be able to withstand all of the devils mighty storms and we will be a more cheerful and Christ like person.

I know that with this Easter season, people are trying to draw closer to Christ (at least for a day). But I know that Christ is waiting and ready for us to listen to his voice and follow him. I know that as we do so we will not be lead astray, for Christ truly is the Good Shepherd, and he knows his Sheep.

Have a wonderful Easter Day and keep doing the little things to hearken to the saviors voice.

Love, Sister Elgaaen

 

Knock, Knock Anybody Home!

Sister Elgaaen & Sister Carruth

You want to read an amazing story?

Hey this should have been my last name.

"W" Tree stands for Wisdom

A Book of Mormon in every home?

Molly the Trolley!

Sister Elgaaen & Armstrong

Cold Winter Night



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April 3, 2017 Serving the Lord and Conference

This week was abnormal. Sister Stowell was preparing to return home so we were fed every night by a member who wanted to say 'good luck', we hardly tracted, and there were quite a few tears shed. All of the lessons that we did teach were powerful and I felt that every time Sister Stowell was bearing her testimony, she was talking to me as well.

I LOVE serving the Lord and being an instrument in his hands! There is nothing else that I would rather do at this time. There is a time and a place for everything, and God has not asked that we 'run faster than we have strength'- but after conference I have more strength than I did before. This coming week will be amazing.

There were many talks which a person who is in the vineyard that the Lord has given me control over came to mind. It is amazing to think that even if you personally did not feel a particular talk applied to you, someone else felt that Heavenly Father was talking directly to them- because He was. Heavenly Father knows each of us perfectly and personally. He hears our prayers, knows our thoughts, and inspired the men and women who spoke to talk in a way just for you. 

   I felt touched by Elder Hollands talk about 'sunshine in my soul'. I have loved every moment out in New York, and have often felt sunshine growing and shining in my soul. But I have also seen others who appear to be without such joy. It is a wonderful experience to witness someone who was dark inside become bright with hope and the joy the gospel brings. I like the part when Elder Holland stated, 'All God's critters have a place in God's choir... That does not mean that we can sing our own tune...God wants us to sing in out own voice his tune of love and hope.'

   Elder Rasband's talk about the Holy Ghost was also powerful, and one that I felt was just for me. his steps were; Striving to live worthy of the spirit, being willing to receive the spirit, recognizing the spirit when it comes, and acting on the first prompting.  I felt a personal call to become better after hearing this talk. I have made a personal Goal to strive to be worthy of the spirit, desire it and plead with God to help me have it during the day, understanding what I am being told to do- then acting.

   Elder Uchdtorf's talk about fear was also wonderful. The opposite of fear truly is faith and hope. It is not possible for someone to be 'faithful' when they are also being 'fearful' about what is going on around them. I found power in his call to action of finding courage in the face of fear. And his statement that there is not fear in Christ's love.

I know that Christ loves all of us, therefore we do not have any need to be afraid or fear the worldly things that go on around us. Joshua 1:9- we were commanded to come to earth to gain a body and experience, not cower or make others afraid. I know that as we are strong and have courage, listen to the promptings of the spirit, and have 'sunshine in our souls'- we will be fulfilling our purpose as Loved children of God.

I hope everyone watches the new Easter Video on mormon.org and shares it with anyone and everyone. Christ did rise from the dead, he did suffer for us, and he does love us all. I know that my Redeemer lives! And oh, what a sweet sentence that is!!

Love, Sister Elgaaen