& Happy Birthday Maddy Patty Cake...
This week was a party. In other words, we worked really hard and saw great results...and we had fun with it. On Tuesday, we finally got into the Millward home (a less-active family) and taught them the importance of the Sabbath day.
The oldest boy broke the ice when he brought out his Halloween costume
and let us try it on. lol. "I am Sister Zogg the Dog." Afterwards, we
went to the Thunstrum's mansion for dinner. They have an app on their
iphone that can control the whole house! They can turn all the lights on
& off (or dim them), lock the doors, speak through an intercom, and
play music with their phones. I was like a little kid on Christmas day
when Bro Thunstrum told me, "There are speakers installed in the walls
of every single room." I told them that I would seriously have a dance
party every day of my life if I lived here. Honestly, I felt like I was
in Tomorrowland.
We picked up three new investigators: Hannah, Norma, and Gabriela.
Norma is Gabriela's grandmother and they are such an awesome family. We
taught them about the power of the Holy Ghost and it's role in prayer.
We shared 3 Nephi 11:3 and the spirit was so amazing. Norma talked about
her experiences with the spirit and when she has felt it most in her
life. I'm so grateful for all the people I meet on my mission; they have
truly influenced MY own life. We also had many "glorified contacts"
this week. Almost every day we left the apartment, we would immediately
find someone willing to hear our message. We talked to "John" at the bus
stop who had never heard about our church before. He was stoked to come
to church and to read the Book of Mormon, but right as we were about to
get his info, the bus pulled up and he hopped on. I was about to leave
Sis. Zogg and get on that bus with him. Ahh well, at least he has the
book that will change his life. The next day we talked to Michael Lee,
who was walking down the street with his briefcase and box of work stuff
in his arms. He told us that he just lost his job and his car broke
down a few blocks away. "Seeing you sisters is a sign from God that I
need to start reading your book again," he told us. I felt prompted to
have him read the same scripture we shared with Norma out loud, and when
he read it, he told us, "That is a dope scripture." haha. I hope the
elders can continue to teach him.
On Friday, we went to the SAN DIEGO TEMPLE to do an endowment
session with the missionaries in the Murrieta Zone. This was my 2nd time
going to the temple as a missionary in CA, and it was even better than
it was the first time. It was BEAUTIFUL! The sun was glowing through the
clouds and onto the smiling faces of the sister missionaries. We were
greeted inside by two happy old men at the counter, checked our
recommends, and smiled with joyful, wrinkled eyes. We asked one of the
men where he was from, and the sweet gentleman replied with a kind grin
on his face, "I am from Heaven." The lobby was filled with small
chuckles and they granted us permission to enter the House of the Lord.
The four of us sisters stopped to admire a painting of Jesus Christ
calming the sea. If you look closely, you can see that the fishermen who
are looking away from Christ are terrified by the storm and are
gripping onto the oars and sails of the boat. But those who are looking
towards the Savior are peaceful and comforted. I know that when we look
to Christ and Him in our lives, we will find refuge from the storms of
life and we will feel joy in times of sorrow. The Savior will protect us
and He will lift us up. The temple is the house of God and is
ultimately where we need to be. I was reminded of my purpose as a
missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am
incredibly grateful for the privilege I have to bring souls to the
Master and to enter His heavenly home on Earth. FAMILIES ARE FOREVER. We
will be with our Heavenly Father again. ♥
This morning, Sis Zogg, Sis Richie, and I hiked pride rock again.
We admired the sunrise and studied 3 Nephi 17 together. We had such a
spiritual experience as we pondered and discussed our feelings and
testimonies of the atonement of Jesus Christ. In verse 5-6 it says, "And
it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round
about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did
look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little
longer with them. And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled
with compassion towards you." This is when Christ is about to leave
the Nephites in America...but they beg him to stay. And what do you
know, HE STAYS, and he heals the sick and blesses the children. Then he
prays unto the father..."and no one can conceive of the joy which
filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.
And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the
Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they
were overcome." I testify that the Savior lives and loves us. He is
pleading with our Heavenly Father whenever we make a mistake or whenever
we are sorrowful. He weeps with us! He rejoices with us! I'm grateful
for what three sister missionaries experienced on the top of a mountain
early this morning. I encourage you all to READ 3 NEPHI 17!!!
For those of you who just scrolled through all of this... here are some pictures of the week.
Have a great week you guys. (:
P.S. mom, i may need a new camera...mine fell of the side off the mountain this morning.
-- ♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906United States
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