Sweet Home Ellabama : 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