Katelyn Elgaaen in Utica New York: 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!!!)