"It is better to be standing 10 feet from Hell and walking away from it, than to be 1,000 feet from Hell and walking towards it," Stake President McMaster. I know that whatever our past is like or whatever circumstances we are in, there is one thing that will not change: our divine nature as children of God. Do you ever ponder this statement, "I am child of God"? You are a special son or daughter of a Heavenly Father. He loves you. On Sunday, President McMaster pleaded with us to "Remember who you are." He told us of the story in Lion King, when Simba looks into the water at his reflection. Simba forgot who he was, he forgot his divine heritage, and he forgot that he was the son of Mufassa- a royal king. I invite you to look at your own reflection and to remember who you are, a son or daughter of God- a Royal King.
We received a text from someone in the ward that Jennifer was in the hospital! With panic overwhelming us, we called Jennifer immediately. She didn't respond and we were very worried. Thankfully we were able to get a hold of someone who had more information about what happened. Around 3am Sunday morning, Jennifer was sitting alone in her room contemplating suicide. Thankfully, in that fear moment, she called a suicide prevention hotline. The cops came, handcuffed her, and took her to the hospital. She was then transferred to a mental hospital, where she said she prayed and prayed. Her own prayers helped her to return home later that morning. There are moments like these where Satan tries everything he can to get you to forget your self worth and divinity as a child of God. Satan and his followers will try to deceive you and dissuade you from your chances of eternal life!
DON'T FORGET! Please do not forget how important you are in the sight of God. Don't forget how much Heavenly Father loves and cares about you. Not for one second. Don't even think about it. And if you do, PRAY. Pray with everything in you that you will remember who you are.
There is no greater joy, that I can think of, than the joy of sharing the gospel. Being a missionary brings me so much joy. On March 18th, 2017, we watched Rylee enter the waters of baptism. I can't tell you how happy I was to see this beautiful daughter of God covenanting with the Father. There were huge smiles all around. Rylee brings so much joy to me and to all those around her. Thankfully Rylee's mom, Lauren, was able to come and support her in this life-changing step. After the baptism, we asked Lauren if she would like to take the missionary discussions. Her eyes swelled up with tears and she replied, "Not right now. I am angry with God." Choking back her grief, Lauren told us that her husband passed away just last September. Sister Duering and I testified of the Plan of Salvation and the Christ understands her completely. Then something miraculous happened. Rylee exclaimed with all the joy inside her, "Mom! I can go to the temple and help him to be baptized!"
The next day, we had a missionary fireside taught by me and Sister Duering, as well as the elders. We taught about having the shield of faith to protect us against the adversary's fiery darts. I'm grateful that I was able to quote Joseph Smith's experience in the grove of trees...not only the first vision, but also the part that maybe some of us forget (JSH 1:15-17). Joseph was tempted by Satan. His tongue was bound so that he could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around him and he seemed as if he were doomed to sudden destruction and despair. But like Jennifer, he kept praying. He did in fact see a light. He saw a light over the brightness of the sun exactly over his head! Joseph said, "I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said pointing to the other: 'This is my Beloved Son, hear Him'!"
I will never forget what happened next. Sister Duering and Elder Wilde got up and sang Joseph Smiths First Prayer. They sounded like angels. During the musical number, Rylee leaned over to me with tears in her eyes and asked, "Can I go up and share my story of faith?" After the glorious song, Rylee stood up and bore her testimony of the gospel. When she did, the room was silent and still. The spirit was the most incredible feeling ever. She said that Joseph's experience really touched her. She knew that when she was in the darkest moments of her life, God had saved her and guided her to the light. Prayer has given her faith and hope. I love Rylee Johnson. I am beyond grateful for the miracle of finding her.
When you feel lost, confused, ashamed, or afraid, REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! You are precious child of God.
--
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Rylee is Getting Baptized

We are so happy for Rylee as she is getting baptized this Saturday!!! SHE IS SO EXCITED.
Yesterday we received a very shocking and heart-wrenching text from Jennifer. We were very confused why Jennifer didn't show up to church, and I even got a very unsettling feeling in my stomach. I felt that something was very wrong and we needed to see her. We both felt discouragement. She texted us saying that she no longer wants to be a part of the church anymore, that it isn't her time. We were absolutely devastated, but determined and faithful to bring her back, to help her feel the spirit, and most importantly to help her feel the love of the Savior. While sitting on the floor of her room, Jennifer told us that "it's too hard." We both sunk to the ground where she was and testified of Jesus Christ.
I have never had so much doubt in my entire life as I did yesterday. It was one of the worst feelings in the world. My companion and I testified of Jesus Christ. We testified of his life, the miracles, his atonement, his resurrection! As Sister Duering boldly testified of the suffering Christ went through, I felt the power behind her words. I knew in that moment that although Jennifer felt like giving up, she can find forgiveness and hope. The Savior was spit upon, beaten, whipped, scourged, persecuted, hated, rejected, betrayed, hung on a cross, and even mocked by the thieves crucified next to him. I know that Christ suffered it all. Christ had it way more worse than we ever will. And because of His great and infinite sacrifice, Jennifer can be strengthened and feel the power of the atonement. I know that Satan is real. He wants all of us to fail miserably and not get back up. He wants us to let go of everything and give up. He wants us to make the wrong choices, to feel guilt, and to doubt our self-worth. He wants us to even doubt the eternal love that our Heavenly Father has for us. Turn to the Savior! Look to Christ! James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." I just wanted to tell Jennifer, "Don't give up! Heavenly Father loves you and knows that you can get through this! Don't give up now! I know it's hard, but all things are possible through Christ!"
This reminds me of the story of Christ walking on water.
Matthew Chapter 14:
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Sometimes we, like Peter, feel like we can't do it, that we are too afraid, or even doubt. Peter had so much faith that immediately he stepped onto the waves of the sea with his eyes fixed on the Savior. But as soon as he look away from Christ, his faith began to diminish and he started to sink. Even I, a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints started to doubt. I know that when we look to Christ and keep our eyes on Him, eternally, faithfully, and fervently, with all believing, WE CAN DO ALL THINGS! I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know that we are children of God. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. And by faith, we can see miracles. "Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has offered clear counsel against giving up on ourselves. “However many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”
The elders came by and gave both Jennifer and her twin sister, Erika, a priesthood blessing! Afterwards, Jennifer said that she still wants to come to church. She said she will be at Rylee's baptism on Saturday. I pray that whatever happens with Jennifer, she will remember how much she is loved. We love her more than we can even explain, and her Heavenly Father loves her so much more than that.
Please pray for Jennifer.
Remember, JESUS is THE SAVIOR.
--
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

This week was miraculous- full of miracles

Hey Family,
So I'm sorry if this email doesn't make sense...I'm emailing at the library and I got stuck with the jacked up keyboard. (: This week was miraculous- full of miracles. We came to Jennifer's apartment one day and found her sitting around the laptop with her entire family, showing them the Restoration movie! We literally walked in right as they were watching the scene of the First Vision. Afterwards we were able to testify of the Savior's love and of the prophet Joseph Smith. Like a diamond on black velvet, the restoration is so brilliant, so important, and so necessary. We needed a restoration. We needed the fullness of the gospel in order to make it back to our Heavenly Father. We were so happy to see our sweet investigator sharing the gospel with her family.
Rylee is just loving coming to church!!! She is always telling us how happy she is and how much the gospel has already blessed her life. This Sunday in particular, Rylee told us with a huge smile on her face, "I can't wait to be baptized! I'm so much happier here." She is so amazing and full of love. We are so excited for her baptism on the 18th of March! One of Rylee's motives to be baptized is that she really really really wants to go inside the temple! What a great motivation! It is so important to spend your time in the temple! You will find joy there. We had four nonmembers at church this Sunday!! Jennifer, Lylah, Rylee, and Fabre (a guy from Haiti who speaks French, little English, and more spanish).
This week was Jennifer's birthday (as well as Erika's...her twin). At first, we gave Jennifer one of those green primary ctr rings but for her birthday, we "upgraded." We got her one of those cute cursive ctr rings. She loved it. I'm so grateful for Jennifer's commitment to the gospel. She's not even a member of the church yet and she got up to bear her testimony on fast Sunday!! Not only that, but she also brought her little sister Lylah (13 yo) with her to church! Lylah has loved listening in on the lessons we've been giving Jennifer! After church, she even mentioned how she would like to be baptized as well! It is incredible how the testimony and example of one person can make the whole difference! Jennifer is bringing so much joy into her own life and also the lives of her family. When Jenn bore her testimony on Sunday, she beamed so much light over the congregation. This is what I love about being a missionary. 1, I love hearing my investigators or recent converts pray, and 2, I absolutely love seeing the light shining through them. They are all full of so much light. Just think to yourself, "Am I full of light?" Or as Alma asked the people of the church, "...Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"
I know that when we turn our hearts to our Heavenly Father, our hearts will be changed. We will receive more strength, guidance, peace, and more light in our lives. We will become more like our Heavenly Father wants us to be. I know that no matter what, we can always pray. God will always hear your prayer, and he will answer you. TRUST HIM!
Please pray for Erika.
Love you.
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

IM 20!!

I'M 20
This week was crazy. We saw so many miracles despite the changes in what we planned. Turns out that Jennifer did not get baptized on Saturday. She still wants to be baptized but she needs more time to make this commitment. We have been visiting Jennifer every single day to help her feel the spirit and strengthen her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She didn't feel like coming to church this Sunday but she came! I'm so grateful for what she told us afterward. She said that this Sunday was one of her best experiences at church that she ever had! Jennifer said she felt the love from every member and she felt the spirit so strong. We had the opportunity to teach Relief Society this Sunday and we kinda put Jennifer on the spot. We called her up to sit in a chair and we tried to lift her up (literally). Then we called up the relief society presidency, then all of the sisters to help us lift her up high in the air. We taught them that we need the help of every member! President Thomas S. Monson said that "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together." Rylee also came to church and although she was very nervous and overwhelmed, she LOVED it. She leaned over to me and Sister Duering saying, "Sisters, I am so happy!" The gospel brings joy!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes! It has been a great!
I know that the gospel can heal us. Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. If we are ever feeling unhappy, stressed, or alone, CALL UPON THE LORD. Prayer is real. If you pray for desire, keep the commandments, pray for inspiration, and COURAGEOUSLY ACT...to share the gospel, you will see miracles. It is so important to share our light with others. There are others out there who truly need the gospel. Reach out to them!! Share the joy that you feel with them. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet who did in fact see God the Father and Jesus Christ. He got on his knees and prayed out loud. He took a simple step of faith, he courageously acted. I know that we can do the same thing. We are loved. We are children of God. We can make a difference.
Remember to:
PRAY FOR DESIRE
KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS
PRAY FOR INSPIRATION
COURAGEOUSLY ACT
I love you all.
--
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

I got a pickle, I got a pickle, I got a pickle, hey hey hey hey

This week at Zone Conference, President Thomas shared one of his precious memories of when he pickled cucumbers as a kid. He was so amazed when he heard this talk by Elder Bednar because he connected with it so well. We discussed the importance of having our investigators be completely and totally immersed in the gospel. Not one foot in and one foot out, but experiencing the complete conversion. Conversion, like the steps of becoming a pickle, does not happen over night. It takes time, diligence, and faith. President and Sister Thomas even gave each companionship a huge jar of pickles to remind us of the importance of our conversion!
"A cucumber becomes a pickle as it is prepared and cleaned, immersed in and saturated with salt brine, and sealed in a sterilized container. This procedure requires time and cannot be hurried, and none of the essential steps can be ignored or avoided. My beloved brothers and sisters, I pray this parable of the pickle may help us to evaluate our lives and to better understand the eternal importance of spiritual rebirth. I witness the reality and divinity of a living Savior who invites us to come unto Him and be transformed. Through faith in Christ, we can be spiritually prepared and cleansed from sin, immersed in and saturated with His gospel, and purified and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise- even born again" Elder David A. Bednar "Ye Must Be Born Again" May 2007.
I had an awesome experience this week! On Wednesday morning, I prayed that we would be able to hand out a Book of Mormon and share the restoration with someone who needs it that day. I had never prayed for something specific like that before. At lunch time, Sister Duering suggested that we have a picnic at the "Hasta La Vista Park," and I exclaimed that that is a great idea! Immediately after getting out of the car, the spirit guided me to open the trunk and grab an extra Book of Mormon. Just seconds after, we were greeted by a yappy chihuahua and his friend Jermell. He was kind and willing to hear our message. As we testified of the blessings of the restoration, he listened intently and asked us sincere questions. He didn't want to give us his number or address but he wanted to keep the Book of Mormon. I hope that he will come in contact with missionaries again! That was a great experience for us!
We also found another little miracle and her name is Rylee. Rylee came up to the sisters booth at MeraCosta College and was seeking truth. We picked her up as an investigator a few days later and have found so much joy in teaching her! Rylee is definitely very unique. She has gone through a lot of hard things in the past and wonders whats the point of even living. She has attempted suicide before, has a baby at a very young age, suffers depression, and just needs peace. "Something told me to talk to you sisters, and I hope you can help me," she said as were teaching her the Plan of Salvation. I know that this is what she needs. She needs the knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father and of the Saviors atoning sacrafice for her. She needs to know that she is here on earth for a reason, she is important and precious in God's eyes.
I love sharing the gospel, it brings me so much joy! If you read anything from my email, read this: I KNOW THAT CHRIST LIVES! HE LOVES YOU! YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE ENABLING POWER OF HIS ATONEMENT IN YOUR LIFE.
-- p.s. it was raining so hard. the storm was actually called "Lucifer."
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Hey Yall!

Soo hey yall. The sound of the water running in the font is a great sound. After searching through "secret tunnels" in the sketchy Escondido church buildings (the Washington building in particular) we finally found a white jumper that would fit Marilyn. We showed up to the Bear Valley building a couple hours early to set up for Marilyn's baptism...we were so excited and smiling from ear to ear. This was such a special day for Marilyn.
It was already ten minutes past 5:00pm and there were still a ton of people filing in. We had to move to the chapel!! There were so many people there in support of Marilyn and her boyfriend Chandler (the one baptizing her). This was Chandlers first time baptizing anyone (they're both 18) and he was extremely nervous. To top it off, he forgot to bring a white suit, so we quickly went in search for a suit his size. Turns out there wasn't one his size, so he had to wear a ginormous suit but it worked out. Marilyn was baptized two times because of a mistake, but hey, double the blessings...I was baptized twice too.
We all felt the spirit so strongly. Especially when we were able to share the Restoration with all her friends and family. I love it when we can testify of the fullness of the gospel. This was my first time doing it at a baptism; it was very special. Marilyn is the only member in her family, but her parents and sister came! I know that they felt the spirit!
Our investigator, Jennifer, is ready to get dipped on the 25th! We are so excited for her. She came to Marilyn's baptism and said that she can't wait for her own baptism! She was a little scared to tell her whole family that she is going to be baptized, but she has so much faith and love for the gospel. I know that she can do anything with that testimony of hers! It's so cool to see her growth not only in the gospel, but as a person. She is much happier! I can see it. Jennifer is such an amazing missionary already. And she's only been investigating for three weeks! She was so good at helping Rebecca feel comfortable at church.
YES. Rebecca came to church for the first time on Sunday! Our investigator was fellow-shipping our other investigator. It was awesome. "Do you have any questions? Did you like the sacrament? How are you doing so far?" are some of the questions that Jennifer was asking Becca. Becca responded that it is very weird and still something to get used to. Quickly, Jennifer told her that that's exactly how she felt when she first came to church! "But it gets better, it gets easier!" said Jennifer. I'm so grateful. Rebecca stayed for ALL three hours! During Sunday school, Becca was reading ahead in the gospel principles book and studying all the footnotes. She even had to borrow my triple combination so that she could look up scriptures in D&C. Rebecca has strong desire to learn.
Becca grew up being an atheist and not believing in hardly anything. Her faith has grown incredibly over the past two weeks. After teaching her the Plan of Salvation, she was filled with peace and even said that she would be willing to be baptized when she receives the truth! Becca is preparing herself to be baptized on March 4th! This is a miracle. Although she knows very little about the gospel, very little about Jesus Christ, and about this church, she has faith that she will receive an answer to her prayers. YES. She prayed! I love her so much and I know for a fact that Heavenly Father loves her.
Also, we met an awesome girl in our complex named Allie. She is actually a member but her entire family is less active. She let us come in and get to know her a little more. After teaching her the restoration, Allie asked us if we could come over every other day to read the Book of Mormon with her! "I know that this church is true, but if you asked me what my testimony is, I couldn't tell you. I don't know hardly anything, but I know it is true," she said. She feels the spirit when we come over and she misses that feeling. Allie wants to come back to church and to learn more about the gospel. I'm so grateful for that cute girl. I love hear already and I know that we will be best friends after the mission. ♥
Anyways, it was a great week.
Remember this:
"19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." - 2 Nephi 31:19-21
I LOVE YOU ALL.
ps. the cute curly hair girl is Marilyn, right after her baptism!
and this is our group at FHE, we made spider man out of tape. each part of spider man includes a part of us. (MY feet, Rebecca's leg & waist, kid's head, Sis Duering's neck, Zion's arm, Jack's butt & arm). lol fun stuff.
--
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States

Half Way Mark!

It was really hard to leave Murrieta, but I love my new area!...Palomar YSA.
Sister Traci Rodriguez (my mom of the mission) drove me down for transfers. I'm so happy that she, being one of my favorite people, could take me to my new area. It almost felt like she was dropping me off at college or something, she agreed.
Sister Duering is my new favorite companion. She is a happy, energetic theater girl in a nutshell. I love her guts. On our very first night as companions, we taught our investigator Jennifer, without having practiced together. And we taught in so much unity!! That is something that I have struggled with on my mission...being unified with my companion. But Sister Duering and I have so much unity, which is so important in the work! Not only is she an incredible teacher with a unbelievable testimony, but she is LIGHT! If you ever need some joy and happiness in your life, come into the same room as Sister Duering; you WILL smile. She makes me laugh all the time and helps me to stay positive and happy every single day. I'm glad she is my companion.
I am super blessed to have jumped into an area with already 7 investigators, which is totally opposite of what I am used to! Marilyn is getting baptized this weekend, on the 11th! It was such a great feeling to see her after she passed her baptismal interview! Her eyes were filled with tears and she had a huge smile on her face! I could see the light and joy in her eyes! This is the joy that I want all of God's children to have. I also saw it as we were teaching Jennifer. She knows that this is the truth. She knows that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. She knows that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that Joseph Smith really did see both the Father and the Son. She know it's true and so do I.
Jennifer isn't even a member yet and she is already a bomb missionary. Although she love love loves coffee, she was so quick to quit drinking it after we taught her the word of wisdom! She is sharing her testimony with her parents and has a huge impact on her twin sister. Even though her sister isn't interested in investigating, Jennifer has influenced her to pray! She was so excited to tell us that she prayed with her sister and they both felt the spirit! I love her so much!
Rebecca, our other investigator, came to the Moore family baptism on Saturday. She had a lot of questions, and thought the baptism was really long, but we think she really enjoyed it! Rebecca is struggling right now with drugs and alcohol. On Sunday, Rebecca didn't come to church because she was going through a really rough time. She told us, over text, that she is ashamed, sad, and alone. We went over that night and "heart attacked" her door and gave her some cupcakes. She loved it. She says that she is atheist, but we know that somewhere deep inside her, she believes. She is willing to do what it takes to receive an answer. She said that she is coming to Family Home Evening tonight! We are excited!
Anyways, I am doing very well. The ward is great. I love being missionary.
THE CHURCH IS TRUE. <duhhh.
Love ya.♥♥♥
ps...sorry so many pics.
-what is this statue? can you tell me?
-we got ice cream for my 9 month mark <<halfway done
-went on a district hike this mornin
--
♥ Sister Alexis Skabelund
451 W Bobier Dr
Vista CA 92083-1906
United States