Week 13!!

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has sent letters, packages, and prayers my way. I feel your love and am indeed grateful. I am humbled at my life-I can't comprehend why I have been blessed with so many remarkable people. I cherish all of our memories and think about y'all a lot. So please know that even though I am all the way in Alabama, I have not forgotten about any of you!!!

Secondly, I've been thinking a lot about life. I am living in the Bible Belt, we just had Christmas, and our entire worlds timetable is based off the same thing. Jesus. So what is up with all the hype of Him anyways? WHO was He and WHY does He matter?

This week we've had the chance to teach a few different people the basics of why He matters to each one of us. Even though I am in the Bible Belt, that doesn't mean people know the meaning behind what they say. Talking about Jesus is more of a cultural thing-"oh ya I've been saved!" or "yes, Lord Jesus died for us!". Both of which are true statements, but Jesus matters because He is the only way to happiness.

Think about it-we are humans. Thus 1. we make mistakes (nobody's perfect-thank you Miley Cyrus, who sadly is no longer the best role model...) and 2. we die. We lived with God before we came to earth and we want to return to His presence, but how can we do that if no unclean thing can live with Him? God needed someone to "take the blame" for every mistake we would make. Thus Jesus Christ came to earth. He lived a perfect life and set the example for us all-He was humble, charitable, kind, loving, selfless, patient, meek, knowledgeable, diligent, faithful, gentle, and thoughtful. He took on all the pains, sicknesses, guilt, confusion, sorrow, depression, infirmities, inadequacies, shame, and doubts that we will ever feel. He was able to feel the effects of ALL sin-every person who has ever lived, is living, and will live. He chose to feel these pains so He could better comfort and relate to us when we go through hard times in life. OK that is the best thing ever!!!! He then died on the cross and was resurrected (his spirit was reunited with his perfect physical body of flesh and bones) 3 days later. Thus we will all be resurrected one day. THEREFORE, Jesus overcame the 2 problems that come to all humans! 1. Sin and 2. Death (I drew a little picture so it is easier for people to understand :) ) Thus after this earthly life we can return to live with our Heavenly Father in complete bliss if we but USE Jesus's Atonement (ask for forgiveness and follow His example)!!! This is what brings me so much joy!!! I can't imagine ending life at death and never being able to see all my friends and family again. Luckily I have come to know that families can be together forever. I know God loves us and that is why He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for us!!!! (John 3:16-the classic scripture on the bottom of In-N-Out fries hhaha)

I am sure a lot of people reading this are thinking, ya that could make sense, but Jesus is just someone we learn about in history. There is no way He really performed miracles or rose from the dead, that is just nonsense! I would be thinking the exact same thing if I never prayed about it. There is one source of truth-God. So if we want to know if something is true, who should we ask? I think you answered your own question. Heavenly Father. I have sought this knowledge and now I know that Jesus is so much more than a man in history. He is the reason for my happiness. When I live my life like Him and try to develop His attributes I listed earlier, I am SO HAPPY!!!! It is no secret to why I am always jumping around and being so full of energy and smiles people!!! It really is the gospel.

I know Jesus Christ loves each of us. I know He understands our hearts and everything we are going through. I know that God listens when we pray. I have felt His power and unconditional love. I know that everyone on earth can feel this same happiness and peace, if they but humble themselves before God and pray. I am so grateful that I am here in Alabama sharing these glorious truths!!!!!!! YAAAAAAYYY!!!

With all my love and enthusiasm and smiles and happiness,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen!!!!!!!

 we acted out the nativity on Christmas Eve at the Harrington's home-SO classic and hilarious and fun!!! Real baby Jesus might I add..... hahha

 we slept under (aka next to) our baby Christmas tree! had lights and music playing! so fun! and those are all my Christmas cards hanging up! I loved it!

 colemans classic fire place and food!

 SO MUCH TRADER JOEs!!!! literally everyone knows me perfectly! I even got MOREEEEEE after this! thank you family, fullers, baba and papa, and the young family!

 temple with the old 3 companions :)

 our zone and president and sister hanks at the Birmingham temple!!!!!! best day ever!!!!!!!

sister neufville :)

CHRISTMAS! Week 12

I literally can't believe Christmas is in 2 days! It doesn't feel real. I am so humbled and grateful to be out here serving in Alabama. When I think of Christmas, I usually think about dessert and gifts and family and friends and scarfs and stockings and parties. But this year I don't have much of that. You could say that is sad and lonely, but it is quite the opposite. Of course I miss everyone back home, but I would not want to be anywhere else. CHRISTmas is about Christ. He is the reason for the season. He is our Savior, the man who is "greater than a king", who came into this world in the most humble of circumstances.

How would you feel if you had a birthday party, invited the whole population, and you didn't get any gifts. In fact, all your guests gave each other gifts! That would seem strange. Christmas is about remembering Christ's birthday, so what gifts can we give Him? It is obvious He isn't asking for your new I-pad or boots, so what could he possibly want from us? That is just it, He wants US! He wants us to love those around us and serve them, for "inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40) May we try to forget about our ourselves this Christmas season. May we share a smile, help someone with their groceries, or bake some cookies for a friend.

I feel so lucky to be a missionary because that is all we do! We get to serve all day, everyday. Last night we went caroling with the 4 Elders which was a great time!!! We went door to door and sang Christmas hymns, trying to spread the cheer and love of our Savior. It was dumping rain and we were soaking wet. Yet we just laughed and danced and had a very merry time! At 4 different houses we went to people came up to the door when they heard us knock, we started singing, then they turned off their porch lights and walked away. It was rather strange. Instead of getting disappointed or offended or giving up, we had to realize they are probably struggling with something greater than we can understand. We must stay positive and love all men, no matter what! It was a memory I will forever treasure.

I love my Savior and His gospel. May we all learn to love and serve this Christmas season!!!

Love, Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 Blanca-our friend who works at the yogurt shop! so yummy! she gave us Christmas gifts-SO thoughtful! Love her!

 Breakfast for dinner at the Nielsen's! Sausage, bacon, hash browns, eggs, French toast! Delicious!

 don't post this bc it is disgusting!!!!!! but I have self diagnosed myself with chronic sinusitis! I bought a netti pot and it is wonderful!!! but unfortunately the other day I got gnarly bloody nose-it was dripping blood for 10 minutes straight!!!!!! hahhah

 gorgeous sunset at the local stadium!!

 baking at paula pitmans house! she is southern Baptist and I am pretty sure she is trying to convert us. I love it! hahha

 paulas gorgeous home-it was on the cover of southern living in 1985! we thought it was really cool one day and we saw some men working outside so we walked up and started talking to them! then the wife came home (paula) and she is so sweet. they even invited us over for Christmas eve (but we can't go sadly)

 Christmas party with my favorite sisters!!!! sister Gustafson from the mtc and sister platt from san diego!

elder and sister hatch-the most hilarious senior couple

Week 11

This week we were teaching one of our dear friends Kim. She has a hard time understanding things, but it is amazing to see her learn and change. In July she spotted 2 sister missionaries and tried to hide from them. however, they were able to say hello and start a conversation. at first thought she was disappointed in herself for letting them "catch" her, for she wanted nothing to do with them. however, after there 1st interaction she said they could start coming around. they taught her about what we believe and read the Book of Mormon. she did not grasp what they were teaching, but she knew something was different about them. they were always happy. they had a light about them that she wanted to have around, so she kept letting them come over.

when I got to Prattville I met her and loved her right off the bat. she was so fascinated by my blonde hair and my life back in California. Parallel, I was so fascinated by her black hair and life in Alabama. one day we were at her apartment discussing the Book of Mormon and church and quitting smoking. However, we could tell something was bottled up inside of her that she didn't want to let out. she was quiet and was just nodding her head at the babble we were saying. she seemed very stressed out so we took a step back and just listened to her. after some silence she just broke out in tears explaining how she used to be best friends with her brothers wife (Nicki) but now they never talk. she told us how she said some mean things to her and mistreated her. she was so sad because she knew what she had done was wrong, and had lost a best friend in the process. she said that is why she had been smoking. she just could not handle the stress, guilt, and sorrow the situation had caused her. We asked what she could do to restore this relationship, but she had no clue. We helped her understand that she needed to apologize and ask for forgiveness. She agreed but felt unbelievably scared, for she knew she had been in the wrong. We eventually encouraged Kim to write a letter to Nicki. We dropped the letter off at Nicki's work and the next day we got a phone call from Kim. In the most jubilant voice ever she exclaimed that they had talked! In the letter Kim apologized and left her number, asking for Nicki to call or visit her. the next thing she knew Nicki was knocking on her door. they talked for hours and were able to forgive one another and laugh and have a good ole time. when we went to see Kim the next day her whole countenance had changed. instead of looking down at the carpet in a somber, stressed manner she was smiling. she was so giddy and cheerful for what had happened. she could not believe that Nicki actually came running over with an open heart and mind to forgive her.

it was so beautiful to see this change take place. a burden that had been weighing Kim down for 6 months was finally lifted. she had lost all trust, confidence, and love with one of her dearest friends, but the moment she was brave enough to ask for forgiveness peace flowed into her life.

I love being a missionary because this is what we help people understand all day long. our church is centered on Jesus Christ-the man who makes forgiveness possible. He has suffered for our sins so that we can have those burdens lifted. Repentance, or CHANGE (improving our lives bit by bit), is a wonderful gift we have been given. nothing can compare to the freedom, confidence, peace and joy that come from complete repentance and forgiveness. our savior is merciful to all who come unto him. he is dying to heal us of our scars. he wants to turn our weaknesses into strengths. He has promised: "I will have compassion upon you" (D&C 64:2); "[I know] the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted." (D&C 62:1)

(I GOT THIS FROM A TALK IN THE DEC. ENSIGN-SHOULD I BE CITING THIS? OR IS THAT JUST PCS INGRAINED IN ME?!?!!!)  

I know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love each of us more than we can imagine. They are waiting with open arms to encircle us with their love, if we will just humble ourselves and turn to them. I am grateful to be on a mission sharing these tender truths with the inspiring people here in Alabama.

Until next week!!! I love y'all!!!!!

Sister Madsen

 Alicia-baptized in august. parents just got active when she was baptized! that family treats us like family! I love them! Monday night dinner and scripture study every week! best thing ever!

 lauren!! baptized 8 months ago! she is from the other ward but always comes out with us!!! bless her heart!

 bamboo forest!!! so beautiful! literally the HUGEST bamboo shoots in the world! literally like trees!

 playing in the leaves with some wonderful children! I love it!

 playing in the dumping rain!!! such a grand ole time!!

the gingerbread house!!! iron rod, tree of life, missionary, 10 commandments. holla.

Christmas party with a few of my favorite young women!!

 the grays!!! the cutest little family ever!! I love the mom Brittany-she is so beautiful and nice!!

caroling with the elders. got to love them.

Week 10

What I have learned this week: Teaching by the Spirit

The 1st 6 weeks of being a missionary in Alabama were amazing. I loved it. But I also knew something was missing. I was confused and frustrated because I've always heard that missionaries can follow the holy ghost and know where to go, what to do and what to say. And I had not felt like that was happening. I felt like we were rushing around Prattville logically seeing a bunch of people, without really accomplishing much. The people we visited were not progressing or understanding or feeling the happiness and power we are trying to share. Therefore I studied this topic-recognizing the spirit. I read countless scriptures telling me how the spirit will tell you everything you need to know, how it will guide you, give you what you need to say, where you need to go, and what you need to do. Ok well I obviously want that!!! So I studied what I needed to do to be worthy of that-be obedient (check), read the scriptures (check), pray (check), and have the desire (check). So what was missing?!!!!!

I have come to realize that we were relying on our OWN LOGIC, not Heavenly Fathers power. Heavenly Fathers thoughts and ways are far above ours. He knows what is best for 

His children and we must give ourselves over and do His will. Since we felt comfortable in our teaching situations, we never carefully prepared plans for each persons needs. However, Sister Haws and I have been able to take a step back and discuss everything that had been going on. We have started to sincerely pray with faith about each individual. We have studied productively for each lesson. We are unified and know what we want to accomplish every time we walk in a door. 

Because of this, everything has changed. The level of excitement, happiness and gratitude I feel towards this work cannot be expressed. We have seen people open up and recognize how God has been in their life. They are understanding truth. They see how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn't just a church-IT IS THE WAY TO HAPPINESS. It is not something we just do on Sunday. By actually praying, reading the Book of Mormon and Bible, serving others, and forgiving others you will be happy. We are teaching a handful of people who have felt lost or like they wanted to give up or like something was missing in their lives-but this week it all clicked. They know our message is true and it is sincerely changing their lives. It is beautiful to see people realize that God is real and that He loves them. The smiles these people have on their faces are real. They are astounded by the peace and happiness that has flowed into their lives ever since they met the missionaries. 

It is amazing to see what happens when you actually humbly follow the spirit. That is what moves mountains. That is what connects the dots. Nothing else has that power.  It is so obvious now-the scriptures tell us that if we don't have the spirit we shall not teach. And I could sit here and feel like a failure because the 1st 6 weeks were not 100% by the spirit, but I don't have to. If I hadn't struggled with feeling the influence of the spirit, then I wouldn't appreciate it now. I have learned how wonderful opposition is. I know how crucial it is to have the spirit teach these people, not me! As we read in the Book of Mormon, "I know that 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 mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." (Alma 26:12) 

I am seeing miracles everyday. I am seeing people change, but I am not the one doing it. Heavenly Father is. I am so humbled and grateful to be a servant through whom His power can flow. I love it so much!!!!!!!!!!!

YAAAAAA FOR MISSIONARY LIFE!!! I never want it to end! 

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 we went to the nativity exhibit in montgomery!!! so beautiful! reminded me of you mom!!!!!!!

 at glenda and henrys home enjoying their plants! hahaha

 most incredible couple ive ever met. i have the utmost respect for mr henry james bates. 

 GORGEOUS! totally loving the fog! back to sc baby!!

 wheeeee sister haws and madsen :)

 getting artsy.......ish

  we just had to enjoy the view!!!! oh how i LOVE prattville, alabama!

Week 9: Thanksgiving!

This week our 3rd companion Sister Jensen was transferred to Mississippi. A few months ago she found a family who used to go to church, but hadn't been in over 20 years. They weren't the typical Mormons anymore-they smoked, drank, and lived regular lives. When Sister Jensen and her previous companion showed up the family didn't want much to do with the church. In a Southern hospitality kind of way, they let the 2 girls in. The family opened up and felt the love the girls had to share. Their 19 year old daughter started to be interested in the whole Mormon thing. She knew her parents and brother were "Mormon", but she was never raised in it. Sister Jensen and Sister Card taught her how God loves her. They shared how Christ came to earth not only to die for our sins, but to show us the way. He suffered so that we could find peace, comfort, and happiness. They taught her how Christ's exact church has been restored to the earth. They invited her to learn of these things for herself-to study the book of Mormon, to exercise faith, and to pray about it. She soon knew for herself that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was true. She decided to be baptized and told her dad she wished he could do it, but he had not been living worthy. That sparked him-he saw his daughter changing and becoming happier. He longed to be that example for her and wished he could baptize her. With this "slap in the face" realization, he started coming back to church. Soon the wife and grandmother followed. They were able to quit smoking and drinking sweet tea. They were able to put aside the worldly things because they valued the love, peace, and blessings of God more. It was not an easy process, and they are still learning (as we ALL are), but they are SO grateful for the gospel being back in their lives.

We went over to this families home for dinner on Monday and afterwards we all shared the thoughts of our hearts. It was absolutely beautiful. I can't possibly describe the experience in words, but I will try my best. I don't remember every detail of what people said, but I will never ever forget the feelings. It was like heaven had opened there gates and we were all basking in the love of God. Endless, boundless and scope less love. The Holy Ghost provides these feelings and teaches us what is true. The Holy Ghost was absolutely undeniable. That room was on fire. We were all crying tears of joy. So sweet and so pure. We didn't have a care in the world. Everyone was focused, honest, and open. The only thing that mattered was the love we all felt. When it came time for me to speak my heart was so full I could hardly utter words. I was able to share what I know to be true. The variety of emotions I felt from the Holy Ghost were love, peace, comfort, joy, excitement, happiness, and LOVE.

It was truly unreal to see and feel the power of an entire family get reactivated into the church. They have found the full truth and will never turn back. Like this beautiful family, I know this gospel is true. I know this gospel is real. The power and feelings felt in that little living room in a home in the middle of Alabama were real. No matter what the world says, I will never deny the power of God. Those experiences and feelings make life worth all the pain. I don't care how many doors get slammed in my face or how cold or hot it is outside or how many appointments fall through. Because at the end of the day the gospel is still true. I still have a burning testimony. I know now, more than ever before, that God lives and LOVES us. That love does not even come close to comparing with anything else the world has ever offered me. I am so thankful.

I leave these thoughts with y'all in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

May we all have a blessed (as they say in the south) week!!!

With all my love and conviction,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

 Chandra and i at bass pro (going to be a freshman at byu in January-makena you must be her friend and be nice to her!!!! she has been going to church for 5 years but her parents wont let her get baptized. but hopefully she will be getting baptized dec 28 before she leaves. she is so perfect and i love her so much! she loves the gospel and is SO strong in it! she has zippo support from her family and is working at dollar tree bc she needs $ to pay for college! oh the poor thing i cant believe how hard she works! and her parents would pay for her to go to college in Alabama, but since she went against their will, secretly applied to byu, got in, and decided to go, they are not paying for anything. so basically she is my hero. she is so funny and so fun! )

 oh the good ole south. what is missing? U R !!!! hahhaha

 the beginning stages of my watercolor leaves!!

 my apple pie! oh so yummy!!

 sister fenn cooking up a storm!

 sister fenns mamma. converted 20ish years ago when she met the missionaries in a laundry mat! she was baptized on Christmas! i loved talking to her and making her share her life stories with me! hhahha she is stubborn and hilarious. but i made her open up to me. just got to be yourself and share the love!!!

 my plate :) but we already had another thanksgiving dinner earlier in the week! so we got 2!!!!!!! yesss

    my thanksgiving family! the fenns (in our ward) and their extended family!

 just grooving with my favorite people. too much fun.

3 generations of love! and the missionaries yaaaaaayyy