Katelyn Elgaaen in Utica New York: October 16, 2017 Hello!

This week was unusually warm for October. Sister Baird and I had exchanges, Zone Conference, and just a fulfilling spiritual week.

Something that was pointed out to me during sacrament was 'Believing others testimony is a gift. Children have that gift; There is steps to testimony, it starts by trusting in other people.' Most of the time it is emphasized for people to gain there own testimony, but How wonderful it is to realize that if someone is leaning on your faith- it is just a stepping stone to them receiving there own testimony! Keep a firm faith and foundation so if another needs a place to stand, they will not fall.

To help others gain a testimony they must first come to realize that they need to: 1. Seek- don't be spiritually passive 2. Feel- recognize the influence of the spirit in your daily life 3. Act- have real intent. To go from a basic belief to a deep understanding and strong Faith requires much, but the results are pure and full of light.

One of the results of faith is miracles. We must move forward with faith, for faith proceeds the miracle. If we don't have the belief that good will happen- then it won't for we will not be focused on all the good going on around us. We will be wearing spiritual blinders- and will miss many opportunities and blessings. This sweet old lady let us into her house the other day and told us for 30 minutes that as missionaries we are called to help others realize that they have support and love. I thought it was interesting because, the missionary purpose is to 'Invite others to come unto Christ', but while doing that it usually leads people to discover who they are, that they are SO loved by Heavenly Father, and that they have support- and also building this faith in them.

I hope that this week we are able to lift the drooping hearts and comfort those swollen with grief and help them- not just hope- come closer to there savior and gain a spiritual fire of there own. May we also be strong enough in our own faith, that if others are in need of support or are experiencing a darkening road ahead, we can allow them to lean on us and re-find there footing.