All things point to Him

"...And all things denote there is a God..." :) Alma 30:44

 

     I really loved that verse as I was reading my Book of Mormon this morning. I thought about how yesterday I saw a beautiful pink flower and an amazing sunset. All things, especially beautiful things, denote there is a God. And He loves us so very much! I know that He loves me individually and has created things to add light and happiness to our lives. Such as that simple, single, pink flower that I saw as I was tracting. I don't know why, but it really did bring me joy.

 

Another verse from Chapter 30 also stuck out to me as I was reading today.

"And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only." (v40)

 

    We have so much more evidence that there is a God than not. Einstein himself said "Perfect Science proves there is God". Many can try and try to prove otherwise, but have you noticed, how unhappy they make themselves?

    I know with my whole heart that God exists, and He has a Son, Jesus the Christ, who came to earth and suffered for our sins; that we may have peace, that we may be happy, than man might be and have joy!

I've never been happier in all my life :)

 

Love yall!

Sister Madsen

Conference Weekend! :D

I loved conference this weekend!

While many of the speakers said things that touched me; the talks by

Sister Bonnie L Oscarson and Richard J Maynes addressed and confirmed many of the thoughts I have had since before my mission. I wish to share these thoughts with you all this morning :)

Sister Bonnie Oscarson began her talk with the statement: "If you do not have a testimony of the church, now is the time to do what it takes to find that testimony!"

A couple thoughts crossed my mind when I heard that statement. First, she is right. NOW is the time for us todevelop our testimonies, because, as Elder Ochoa expressed, "The perilous times are now upon us!" At a younger age, children need to find their faith because of how crazy the world is becoming! 

My next thought was a question: How do we find our testimony? I then thought about the word 'find'. It is a doing word. To develop faith we must act. I believe the word "faith" to be an action word, a verb. If we wish to have a stronger testimony then we must exercise faith to obtain it. 

"Dedication"

"Perseverance"

 and "Self-discipline"

are verbs that Richard J. Maynes says will help us find and strengthen our testimonies. The best way to gain a testimony of somebody is to LIVE it, according to Sister Oscarson. What better way to gain a testominy of Christ and His gospel than to live it? 

Sister Oscarson challenged us to choose a principle of the gospel and apply it more fully to our lives. If our desire is to know/become like Christ, then we must emulate the characteristics that He has.

Hope

Charity

Love

Virtue

Patience

Diligence

Obedience

All of these attributes of Christ are action words!

As Elder Maynes discussed how we can keep our testimonies in shape, I was reminded of the famous Nike catch-phrase "Just Do it". This gospel is a doing-thing! I will be working harder to live the things taught in church so that I can have a stronger testimony of it. I invite all to join me :) We are promised that as we strive to "Develop spiritual stamina," then we will find peace and strength to endure any trial given to us, which is something that we all need to face these perilous times that are upon us!

I know that is true. I love you all! Have a fabulous week!

-Sister Madsen

Met the Mission Pres. on J-Day :D

This week has been pretty eventful. We got to see our dear President and Siste Cottle :) We love seeing them because they're like our parents away from home. They love us like we're their own children and we love them back :)

We also had companion exchanges this week. That's where we trade companions with another set of sisters for 24 hours. I always learn a lot about how to be a better missionary/teacher on exchanges. I went to work in their other area and we saw lots of little miracles. I always love my assigned companion even more after exchanges too :)

We are so fortunate in this area, because we have a member who likes to come out with us as much as he can. He is going to the mission field soon and he wants to do as much missionary work as he can before he gets there! Its so wonderful because he knows everyone in the area, so the people are more receptive to us. His testimony is a great addition to our lessons as well. I know that we have seen God's work unfold here at a faster pace because of his help!

The three of us like to wear our glasses to work because it makes us look smarter, haha. We call ourselves the "Four-eyed Three Amigos".

Hope you all are doing well this week! If you didn't get to watch the Relief Society Broadcast, I highly recommend it. Even if you're not a part of the Relief Society :)

Here's a link:

http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/general-relief-society-meeting/2013/09?cid=HPTH091213087&lang=eng

Scripture of the week: D&C 88:115