Katelyn Elgaaen in Utica New York: 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