May 22, 2017 Serving The Lord

The weather cannot make up its mind! One day it is in the 90's the next it rains so hard the power goes out. But that is part of the fun of not looking at the weather and Serving with a smile Always! Something fun that happened this week, besides being a missionary, was having Family Home Evening again with a part member family. When I was back home- FHE was almost something we did because we were suppose too. Now that I am one of the people trying to enforce it, I can see the difference that it makes and am grateful that I was in a family that enforced such things.

   From my scripture of the week I actually learned a lot! I picked it at random, but there have been a few times where it has come to mind while I am doing things daily. D&C 108:7 " Therefore ye must Strengthen (uplift, sustain) your brethren (close friends and those you love.) in ALL your conversation, in ALL your prayers, in ALL your exhortations (earnest advise), and in ALL your doings."   I know that as I turn toward the Father in ALL I do, with all my heart, might, mind, and strength- I will be able to uplift, enlighten, aid and strengthen my fellow men. I cannot strengthen someone farther than I am. So as the burden of who the Lord is allowing me to strengthen gets larger, so does y own need for strength increase. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.; I can help people turn to Christ so they can receive strength.   A few scriptures that related to D&C 108:7 were; Luke 22:32 [you must be converted yourself before you strengthen another.], Philippians 4:13 [we get our strength by building it slowly and through Christ. With Him on our side- we will always have the strength to uplift others], Mosiah 3:19 [our actions, exhortations and doings must not be based on the natural man. We have to become as a child. Only then can we humbly accept advise ourselves on how to advise others], D&C 23:3 [this is Heavenly Father speaking to Hyrum telling him that it is a great Duty and responsibility to exhort and strengthen the church. It is not something we can take lightly.]

   I hope that everyone who did pick a scripture to ponder learned a lot and applied it to themselves often. I know that a memorized scripture is like a new candle lite in a dark room- it keeps away the darkness, and allows you to see more clearly what is around you.

   Have a wonderful week!! Remember that when two are gathered in the Lord's name, He is there with you! You are never alone, someone understands and He is always ready to listen no matter what time it is.He is ALWAYS on call... it requires no internet, no money, and no inconvenience to Him. Call upon him, and in His own way, He will answer!

Love, Sister Elgaaen

Short break from the rain.

Railroad we pass daily.

Sister's Armstrong & Elgaaen

Katelyn Elgaaen

Don't you Love my Barbie Gloves?

Rainbow

There is Beauty All Around

On our way to preach the gospel

Getting ready to do some service weeding.

Sister Elgaaen & Armstrong

Hamilton New York

Sitting on some stairs by the cemetery.

Beautiful Sunset

Ready, Set, Serve!

 

May 15, 2017 This Wonderful Week!

This week was full of fantastic things. The largest on was picking up two new investigators! They are an older couple who Sister Armstrong and I have been doing yard work for. We have been going over once a week for about 4 weeks, and every time we go over the couple asks us if they can pay us. Every time we tell them 'no' and continue working. Well, finally I told them that the only thing that we would want from them would be 30 minutes of there time for us to 'practice' our lessons. :)   They agreed, and we taught them on Friday. The lesson touched on about every lesson that we have to teach because they asked SO many questions! They are very involved in there Baptist church, but anything can happen with the Lord on our side.

   Some things from my personal study that stood out were;

*1 Corinthians 14:7-8     "If ever there was a time when the world needs disciples of Christ who can communicate the message of the gospel with clarity and from the heart, it is not." - Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer     We need to be not afraid to speak up and out against the earthly powers of today (D&C 84:88) Christ will go before us if we speak with boldness and out of love. We should be not ashamed of Christ's gospel (Romans 1:16)     True disciples represent the Lord when it may not be convenient to do so. Often it is not convenient or comfortable to stand up for Christ.

*Mormon 8:38     'why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ?'   Today there are many people who focus too much on the small picture, and constantly worry about what others think. focusing on that naturally results in fear, embarrassment, and low confidence. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple an uplifts, perfects and provides understanding. Are attitude about the Gospel should be bled and loving. Fear is the opposite of Faith. If we have fear, we are not being Faithful and putting our trust in God.

   I think all of us can apply the scriptures differently. Taking the same verse and reading it daily, we would find new pearls of truth even then, because we are going through different things every day. I would challenge everyone to find a scripture and do what we were all asked to do two years ago in General Conference- have a weekly scripture to ponder. My scripture for the week is D&C 108:7 "Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings."   I know that studying a scripture weekly will greatly bless the strength to avoid temptation and negativity. After doing this for a month, year, few years- think of all the power that you will have against the Devil. Even the Savior, Jesus Christ, quoted scripture when confronted with temptation and evil. I know that having a list of good well pondered scriptures will create a light that you can use in even the most darkest of times. 

   I hope that everyone has a week full of strength, sunshine in there soul, and a love for all the blessings that Heavenly Father, and Heavenly Mother have given us. Especially the gift of having someone special in our lives to turn to at every problem we face- a mother.

Love, Sister Elgaaen

 

Another Rainy week in New York!

Picture Perfect

There is Sunshine in my soul today!

There Was a Little House

Sharing the Gospel makes us Happy!

Sister's Armstrong & Elgaaen

 

May 8, 2017 Serving the Lord in the Rain!

This week it has poured every day! My umbrella has not been more loved.

Puddle Jumping!

A few interesting things that have happened this week was a relief society activity

that talked about languages of love, words, and of the heart. The decorations were beautiful and everyone who participated dressed up from a different county and had booths with food and everything!

   On Sunday instead of church we had a broad cast from Salt Lake about Repentance, finding light in others, and the Priesthood. A quote that I liked from it said, "We cannot give our children our light through osmosis. A candle is does not light up just by being in the same room as a roaring fire." The person who talked about this was saying how just like in the Book of Mormon, there was a group of people who made covenants to remember the Lord and not fight. Later the generation who did not have the great faith and make those same promises rebelled and drew away in wickedness. Why? Because they were trying to live there whole lives on the borrowed light from there parents instead of getting some for themselves. There is only so far you can travel on the path way of life with borrowed light, before things become too dark and misty.

In my personal study I have started to keep a better record of the things that I learn instead of written on sticky notes that are posted all over my scriptures.

   Something that I liked in my personal study comes from 1 Corinthians 14:10. This scripture says how there are many 'significant' voices in this world. They come from every direction and at times can overwhelm us. But the only voice we should be paying heed to is still and small. To be able to hear the spirit, we must turn down or even off the other voices around us. This is true for everyone. There are times when we feel over loaded with things to do and say, but if we remove ourselves from the worldly worries, we become at peace and in a state where we can commune with Heaven.

   Another thing I liked from my personal study is from Matthew 5:16 and also 1 Timothy 4:12. President Monson said about these two verses, " We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see." Sometimes it is difficult to see where following Christ will lead us. The pathway is narrow, and at times is covered in fog. But I know that if we follow Christ- where ever he directs us- we will be lead to where we can feel pure Joy, and we will be able to know for ourselves the blessings that come from being a disciple of Christ.

  One last thing that I liked from a relief society activity that the Stake put on about the language of the Gospel.    "The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work form progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, will the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." - Joseph Smith

   I add my witness with Joseph Smith. I know that this is the True Church. Nothing can stop the progression of God's work. There is a place for all of us in God's army, and there are things that only we could do- but no worldly group or popular fad could ever distract those who are tuned into the voice of the Lord.

Have a wonderful week full of service, love, and miracles!

Love, Sister Elgaaen

(Happy Mothers Day!!!)



For sure!

Blowing in the wind.

Sister Armstrong & Elgaaen



Sister "Arm" Strong!

Colgate College in New York

2 Amazing Missionaries Sister's Armstrong & Elgaan

Posing at the cemetery.

 

May 1, 2017 Serving the Lord

Hello!

How was Reading the Book of Mormon this week? I know that if you did read it, and you reflect back in this past week- you will notice some blessings that came because of it.

Being a servant of the Lord is the best way to spend one's time. You don't even need to wear a name tag to serve others and uplift those who are put in your path.

It does not take much to bring Christ into a conversation. Even if you do not mention anything church related, if you are talking about uplifting things and would feel comfortable if He was there- then you are fulfilling your baptismal covenant to 'always remember Him' and to 'stand as a witness of Him'.

I know that being a missionary could be difficult at times. Trying to talk to the person who is scanning your groceries is sometimes not very easy when they are upset. But I know that every effort we put out to do what Christ would do, we are blessed.

There comes a time in every person's day when we have to choose to Follow the Savior or bring ourselves 'pleasure'. I know that when we choose the harder right and give up something that we love, we will be blessed with an increase of charity for our fellow men. It is not easy loving everyone. But it is the greatest commandment, and everything else we are asked to do follows underneath it.

Charity never fails, but we do if we don't have it! I know that if each of us prays to have an increase of patience, love, and a desire to serve the Lord- we will be tested, then blessed beyond our understanding. I know from experience that when you pray for patience and love, the day is full of challenging people who slam the door, and problems that seem to come out of no where. But When I do pray for Charity and Patience- I seem to notice my weaknesses and am able to plea for the Lord's help, and everything Always works out. Both times this week that those things happened, we found new investigators! So miracles do happen!

I know that we are all part of the Lord's army. We are fighting an increasing battle! Satan is strengthening his forces, so we must continue to strengthen ourselves as well. We already know who is going to win- so it is our job to Turn to our Commander and ask, 'What lack I yet?'

I know that as we work on becoming more like our big Brother, Commander, and Redeemer, we will have the strength to withstand all of Satan's darts of despair. Pray and ask for directions- If you listen, you will receive an answer!

Have a week full of service, laughter, and charity!

Love, Sister Elgaaen

Typical Day in New York

Great Sign from another Church!

Live Dangerously Share the Gospel!

It's the Good Life Sharing the Good Word!



Sister's Armstrong & Elgaaen

I want to share this book with the whole world!

Missionary Shadows

Street with a very interesting name