January 16, 2018 So Blessed to Serve the Lord!

So President Roger called us this past weekend and told me and sister Vest to prepare our area- we are going to be whitewashed next Wednesday! That means that both of us are leaving Oswego to two new sisters. I am so excited to see where the Lord needs me next.

In church and my own personal study I have been thinking about Testimonies;

A testimony is a special spiritual witness of what you know.   Alma 32:21-28    Pure testimony borne by the spirit will change lives. It will effect every choice that you make. But having a testimony is not enough, we have to go declare it.    Ether 12:2    

That is why fasting and having an increase of testimony go so closely together.

A spiritual eclipse can block out the light of Christ's gospel and our testimonies. Sharing our testimony often will allow us to polish off our glasses that allow us to see clearly all the love and gifts our Heavenly Father has given us. 

Something else that I have noticed is that Jesus Christ in all of His miracles that he performs He never takes away the agency of others, even though He himself could have easily done the task. Like in the story of Lazarus. Christ asks 'where he is buried', for the stone to be removed from his tomb, and has the family take the binding off of him after he calls his spirit back to his body. Christ already knew Lazarus was dead before being told and could have found his burial place, he controlled the winds and sea- there was no issue with him moving the stone, and the voice that could call the dead back to life easily could have declared him loose of his bindings. But he NEVER would have taken away from the agency of others. If it could of been done by another, he allowed them to exercise faith and do it.

I know that is why he allows us to stand at the pulpit and speak the words in our minds and hearts instead of instantly enlightening everyone at church. He will not take away from the blessing and agency it takes to share something so close and precious to us. 

Let us all prepare for this next Fast Sunday to bear powerful testimony of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I know that it will not only increase our testimony and faith, but it will be what someone in the congregation needed to hear. You will be the angel on mount Zion to them.

I will miss Oswego

Kisses

Doing Service at the Laundry Mate

Alas a package from home!

Modeling my new scarf and hat.

Vogue Scarf Knitted by Dad
Hat Crocheted by Ann

minus 13 degrees cold

A rainy day in Oswego

Heading off to Church

 

Wink

 

January 8, 2018 Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

This past week Sister Vest and I had the wonderful opportunity to really reflect and ponder about the love we had for president Thomas S Monson. I know that He is a prophet of God. I know that He did all that the Father would have him do. I am So grateful for the chance to of shared some of his burden as a missionary of the Lord. 

In Sunday school we talked about how this is the game of LIFE. As member's of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we have the rule book and are able to know exactly how to play. I am grateful for the scriptures and revelation that comes with prayer.

A lady in our ward wrote this new verse to the song I am a child of God, "I am a child of God, I know that my savior lives. This testimony and His love to me he freely gives."

How powerful it is to know that Jesus Christ is our savior, He loves us and that is a gift given to us without a price tag.

I hope that we all area able to continue out this week, and read from the 'rule book' (the scriptures) especially from the book of Mormon.

Can't quite see what I'm cooking!



Cleaning the apartment while trapped inside for 2 days!

Paddle Ball Wizards

Pizza anyone?

 

The Name Tag!

Vanna Pose This is Oswego New York

Paddle board table!

And you thought you had allot of snow!

Paddle board exercise creativity 

Studying hard!

Sister Elgaaen, Vest, Jones, and Wise

Pizza on a snow day

 

January 2, 2018 "Let's Go 2018"

Last year was AMAZING! But this year will be even better.

The low that I have seen this week has been -7 degrees... It has been cold :)

At church one of the speakers gave a wonderful talk. He told how Batman was not like other super heroes. He did not have super strength, nor could he fly. But his power was being prepared for every situation. He had the resources to allow him to go out into the city he loved and make it a better place. As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we also can be like Batman. As a church we have endless resources that will help us be prepared for any situation. (family History, Sunday School, Seminary, Callings, the Priesthood, a Prophet...) One of the main sources that makes us different is the Book of Mormon. 

By reading the Book of Mormon we bring a stronger spirit into our homes, fortify us and our families against the world, and provide excess of love and understanding for God's plan for us. The world is a sponge- soaking up all the negativity and pride that it can. As we especially read the book of Mormon we will become stronger and thus like Batman; able to do what others can't tomorrow because today we did what they would not. We will have the energy and ability to bless those around us. We will be 'Superheroes' to those who are suffering in spiritual darkness this past year.

Let us go. Read the Book of Mormon, and then spread the good word this year to all those who know not where to find relief. I know that as we do our best, the Lord will do the rest.

Have a wonderful week and enjoy the snow!

Bowling with less active family on P-Day

Celebrating the New Year with Sister Vest

Getting ready to go shovel our front porch