Sister Ann Elgaaen in Houston, Texas South: July 30, 2019 Welcome to the MTC

Hey family and friends!!

I am so happy to be a missionary today in the MTC!

My companion sister Nufer (New-fur) is the best companion in the world!! She is so kind and compatinate. She has such a love for the gospel; she has already taught me so much!

This week I have learned so much more about Heavenly fathers perfect love for us and how we can reciprocate that love for each of God's children.

I was reading once again in the Book of Mormon first Nephi 2: 9-10 where Levi speaks to his sons Laman and Lemuel. I wanted to better understand what lehi was truly saying when he asked for his sons to be as the river, continually flowing into richiousness as well as being as the valley, firm and steadfast.

For the river I understood how a river can seem small, but when it runs into lakes or oceans, the river becomes something much bigger. Alone we see small, "yeah I know I am nothing: as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold many might miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." (Alma 26:12) Ammon is this chapter is realizing that alone his is nothing, but with God he can perform many might miracles. We need to rely and trust in God so we can be spiritually strengthened and bring many might miracles to our homes, families and those in need.

The phrase standing firm and steadfast made me think of the story of Peter where he was beckened by Christ to follow him by walking on water. The task seemed impossible, but through faith in Christ, Peter was able to step off of the boat and walk towards the savior.

Think in your life: when is a time I stepped out of the boat to follow my savior?

It may have been through a mission, a calling in the church or maybe just staring a family or serving others.

Water is not a solid foundation unless frozen, but if you remember from the scriptures it tells us of the way the storms had been tossing up the waters all night. The water Peter walked on was not still, it was wild and terrifying , but Peter still had the courage to step out of the boat.

When we are standing firm and steadfast in holy places, it may not be easy or look as simple as crystal clear water. Often times we take a look at the world and realize we are struggling. We get upset, brokenhearred, stressed, made fun of, angry and terrified. It is hard to stand continually in a holy place where the spirit can be present 100% of the time, but it is possible. How do I know? Because Christ did it.

Yes, when Peter stood on the water and looked around at the waves and the storm he lost faith in Christ by the slightest, allowing him to begin to sink. But Peter, quickly realizing he was sinking, called out to Christ who came to lift him back up.

Christ will always be there to lift us up, but he is not going to force himself into our lives. We need to call out to him! He gave us our agency to choose to reach out to him, and once we do, he will be there immediatly

We cannot lose faith in Christ!

Standing firm and steadfast isn't always easy, but it is necessary for us so we don't sink into temptation.

Anchor yourself to Christ! He loved you enough to suffer bleed and die for you so there is no reason why he won't help you when you feel you are sinking.

I hope you all had a good week and continue to study and pray. We can learn a lot when we just take one simple scripture, read it and then ask a question about maybe a simple phrase or idea that relates to the scripture.

I have so many more uplifting experiences with the scriptures when I ponder them every couple verses.

I invite you all to pick one scripture, read it and find a phrase you like in that verse. Think of an experience you have had that could relate and share it with someone you love.

I love you All so much!!!!