Week 46: More Than A Grocery List

This week I met a 10 year old boy named Patrick. Total goofball, little chunky guy. He is a mormon, but his mom doesn't go to church and his dad lives in Oklahoma. We asked him what he knew and he exclaimed, "I don't care what anyone says, I know The Book of Mormon is true!" Shocked, we asked him how he knew. "I prayed about it and was filled with a happy feeling! It made me want to sing 'doo da doo da do yaaaa!'"

hahah how great is that! So simple. So pure. So real. That is prayer. God is our father. He loves us, knows us, and wants the best for us. He wants to talk to his kids. He wants to answer our questions. He wants us to feel the reality of His presence and love.

When I was 9 years old, I learned God was real as I was watching National Treasure at a friends house. As cheesy as can be, I was nervous sick knowing Nicholas Cage was about to steal the Declaration of Independance. In a desperate manner I simply prayed that God would comfort me. The moment I opened my eyes I felt completely calm. I still remember that peace 11 years later.

But to someone who isn't "religious", prayer is a funny thing. We talk to a God we've never seen before and tell Him about our lives. We mention what we are grateful for, what we need, and ask questions. It can be beautiful when we are filled with feelings of peace, joy, and understanding, because this teaches us God is real. On the other hand, sometimes it feels like we are speaking to a wall, leading us to believe there is no God at all. So how do we pray in a way that will teach, lift, and transform us?

The answer comes in Moroni 10:4-we must speak to God sincerely, with the intentions of acting on what we learn, and with the belief that God exists. As we do so, our prayers turn from nonsense to reality. We gain a new sense of who we are and what life is all about.

I've learned that prayer is more than a grocery list. Instead of brainlessly repeating myself or demanding things from God, I've learned to be open and honest. When I think about what I say, then listen and wait to feel His love and answers, my days are truly turned from night to day. I know truth can only be found through prayer. I am only in Alabama because I've prayed to know if this church is true, and I know for a fact that it is.

Love always,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

the 2 cutest blonde girls I've ever met!! they loved what we taught them so much that they knocked on every neighbors door and introduced us!! SO precious!

so great to see my soul sista sister neufville again!!!

zone conference! thank you to all my southern belles who made us bbq lunch! YUM!

Sister Nelson! We are both staying in the zone! whoo hoo!

some of my favs! one of them could be my companion...we shall see!

my bff kamesha. 14 year old who is so rock solid and is loving the book of mormon.

Loretta was baptized!!! Best day ever!!!!!

love me some Loretta :)

Millionaires, Worts, and Questions of all Sorts! Week 45

Yesterday Sister Sheffer and I biked 6 beautiful miles to go to dinner at Jack Gauses home. Brother Gause is a great guy who doesn't go to church but has a son serving a mission, so he feeds us to show his support. We went through rolling hills of green trees, passed some classic roadkill, sweated a lot, and finally arrived at his precious trailor. As the meat was cooking we discussed The Book of Mormon and how it answers our questions.

 

We asked Brother Gause what his biggest question was in life and trying us, he snickered, "how do I become a millionaire?"  We opened to Jacob 2:18-19, "before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches." He was shocked. We all laughed. We went to the next person and she asked, "why does God take young people?" We referenced Alma 14, talking about how the righteous were burned for believing in God. Amulek, a good guy, saw this terrible destruction and wanted to save the people by Gods power. However, he was instructed not to because "the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory". We learn that good and evil are both necessary, and justice will come to those who are wicked. We also learn that people are only taken from the earth when their work is finished (:13). Around we went, answering question after question. When asking one of the guys his question he was confused and asked, "why am I asking a question?" With countless options, we showed him 1 Nephi 15:11 and 2 Nephi 4:35. "If ye...ask...in faith...surely these things shall be made known unto you", followed by "God will give liberally to him that asketh". Another asked, "why do I have worts?" and we turned to Mosiah 17:13,16 talking about how Abinadi was scouraged with faggots. The questions were hilarious, and we all sat in amazement at how the Book of Mormon specifically addressed each of them.

 

This morning I decided to do the same thing for myself! Right now I am serving as a sister training leader, meaning I get to work with a lot of different missionaries. I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, so my question was, "how can I be a better STL?" I closed my eyes, flipped my fingers along the pages of The Book of Mormon, and randomly stopped on Alma 37. WOW! The Lord sure does answer prayers! I gleaned endless insight as to what the Lord would have me do! I need to teach the other sisters to be obedient, diligent, hard working, and humble. I need to be teachable and willing to change. We need to recognize when the devil is getting us down and kick him out! We need to pray hard and work for miracles. Most importantly, we need to go outside and share the joy we have experienced!  

 

It was so cool to see how Heavenly Father answered all of our questions through the scriptures! I've heard this quote, "we speak to God through prayer. He speaks to us through scripture." This is remarkably true! I love The Book of Mormon with my whole heart! It helps us answer the practical and personal questions we each have. God cares about us and the details in our lives, and I am always filled with His love and happiness when I study!!!

 

I love my life more than I can express! Alabama is the best ever!!!

xoxo

Sister Madsen

Sister Gimmesen and I found a cute little pond in Gadsden!

 

PERSERVERANCE lane!!! that is the defintion of missionary work! just keep swimming! thank you dory.

our wonderful district!! whoot whoot!!

Sister Nelson-my sould sister best friend-and I dancing in the rain!!

Blue Bell factory with a few of the sisters!!! They make the most PERFECT ice cream ever. And it is only 50 cents a scoop!!!

we went to a wedding. and sister sheffer caught the bouquet......hahhaha! 

i had to throw down a few dance moves in the parking lot....i just couldn't keep it contained!!!!

The Starfish Thrower: Week 44

Yesterday I gave a talk in church, so fun! I love public speaking, thanks to Greg Madsen being my dad!! I shared a story about the starfish thrower.

A young boy is walking along the seashore amongst thousands of starfish. Knowing they will die on the sand, he starts picking them up one by one and throwing them into the ocean. As he is doing so, a man approaches him and asks, "why are you bothering to throw the starfish back? there are too many, you will never make a difference! stop wasting your time!" the little boy looks at the man, picks up a starfish, throws it back in the water, then replies, "well I made a difference for that one, didn't I?"

I love this story! There are so many lessons to be learned. One is to resist the negative. Oftentimes I am tempted to give into the little voice (Satan) who tries to tell me I'm not making a difference. Stop trying so hard to help people in Alabama...everyone is stuck in their ways and already goes to church...you'll never make a difference. Then I remember how much each starfish, or each person, matters. We are reminded in D&C 18:10, 15 that the "worth of souls is great in the sight of God".... "and if it so be that you should labor all your days...and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy!"

Not everyone is going to accept what we have, but for the few that do, it's all worth it. Two of those special people we are working with right now are Loretta and Jim Nicola. Loretta is the sweet lady from Watsonville whose door we knocked on a few weeks ago! They are doing great. Loretta is flying through the Book of Mormon and loving everything we teach her! They love the peace and happiness that naturally flows from the gospel. It is so darn precious to see their excitement radiate! They went shopping and Jim got 2 new suits and Loretta got 4 new outfits! And boy did they look classy at church yesterday!!! It was Jims first time back in 40 years. Incredible.

I love seeing people learn and grow and change. I am grateful to be a starfish thrower. Each day I get to bend down, pick up peoples hands, teach them the truths I treasure, and help them on their journey back home to their Heavenly Father. I am willing to get a little wet for them, to sweat, to bike, to pray, because I love them. I love everyone in the south. I love the people who hate me. I love the people who think Mormons are crazy. I love the people who are overweight and toothless. Because of this love, I will go out and serve all my days!

I invite each of you to become a thrower. Trust that you are making a difference wherever life takes you. Help people out. Reject the negative and fill your heart with love! In this I promise you joy.

Sending my dearest love back home to yall!

XO

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

young womens activity in the Sylacauga branch! they only have one girl. the other is a friend. so precious.

Sister Nelson. Love this girl.

 this perfect Alabama day in locus fork. we had a district meeting there and I had to soak up the scenery! this is in the church parking lot. hello country! hahha

Opening lovely gifts at Cracker Barrel on my birthday! Huge THANK YOU to everyone for their love and kindness and generosity!!!

LORETTA!!! Love this woman so much!!!!!!!!

The Messervy's made me this delicious cookie cake for my birthday! Best members ever!

hike with the zone to noccolulua falls!!! before this we played capture the flag in a huge forest with flour-filled nylons!! such a rad adventure!!!

sister clark and I at dinner in Anniston! these sweet girls are from Nepal! shout out sister kate hargadon!!

Sister Gimmesen and Allred! two of the wonderful sisters we get to work with!!!

sister sheffer and I. we love each other.

sister Carlson and casperson.....sonic milkshakes on our exchange! hahahha crazy kids!

sister Williams at church....trying to explain taking a selfie.....I guess it wasn't a thing in her generation...hahha!!! LOVE HER! she is such a precious old lady!!!

we walked miles up this crazy driveway in the middle of nowhere to find a house....but then it had a gate... :( so sad. we left a heartfelt note and enjoyed the scenery!

Be One of a KIND: Week 43

"Be ye kind one to another." Great quote, guess where it's found?! The Bible!! The Apostle Paul wrote these inspired words to the Ephesians in the New Testament (Eph 4:32). I think we should all listen to Paul.

 

We are often so caught up in the affairs of our busy lives that we forget to look outside ourselves. But when we do, hearts are changed. Sister Sheffer and I experienced this very alteration this week.

 

We were biking in the insane humidity, so exhausted and deadly dehydrated. We saw a man getting out of his car and tried to strike up conversation, he wasn't interested. He went into his apartment and came out a minute later to get something he had forgotten. I simply asked if he had any water. He curiously looked at us, went back into his apartment, and came outside with 2 ice cold water bottles. He handed them to us with a friendly smile and began to open up. He made a complete 180 degree turn from when we first met him. Because he gave a simple act of kindness, both of us were touched and changed for the better. It was so beautiful!

 

This was only one of the countless acts of kindness I was a recipient of this week. I turned 20, and love was flowing from every direction! Thoughtful packages, sincere words, and genuine love were sent my way. I really can't express how grateful I am to each of you. THANK YOU. The 18 year old Elders fresh from high school baked me a cake with birthday candles, Sister Sheffer surprised me with a southern breakfast and friends, members of the church who don't even know me baked treats and sweets and showed their love. Y'all from home sent goodies galore. Again, thank you.

 

I know that simple acts of kindness can change hearts. They exemplify pure love, which the Savior gives us all. Because of everyones kindness, my 20th birthday was one to never forget. It was truly one of a kind.

 

I love y'all so much! Go be kind!

xoxox,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

lunch with the best district ever! a KIND old man bought it for all of us!!! 

birthday breakfast at cracker barrell!! SO FUN!!

sister gause baked muffins and brownies! 

Week 42

Sister Sheffer and I had a lovely miracle this week!!! We were trying to find a trailer park, got lost, and ended up in this random neighborhood. We had a good feeling about it and decided to knock on doors!

 

We found a cute home, knocked, and met Loretta, a sweet 64 year old lady with gray hair and pajamas. We offered to say a prayer with her and she said no thanks. We continued in conversation and learned she grew up in Watsonville, California!!! WHAT! Totally bonded. Then she told us she didn't go to church, but her husband is a Mormon!!! Double what!!!!

 

Long story short, they invited us over for dinner and we had the best night ever!! Her husband Jim was baptized at 13 when missionaries knocked on his families door, but fell away in his 20s. Jim is a hilarious, joke-cracking old man, but as he reflected on his experience of reading/praying about The Book of Mormon, he choked up. He knows it's true! He felt the sweet spirit he has been missing for 40 years. He gratefully said, "I know God sent y'all here because I haven't had missionaries knock on my door in the 40 years I've been away. I've always seen them on the street, and one time I even tried to chase em' down but couldn't catch em'!" In agreeance, Loretta exclaimed, "we just started talking about how we need to get back into church. I've never been baptized and I need to be."

 

What in the world?!?!? We get lost, knock on a random door, meet a lady who grew up in Watsonville (in perspective, I've only met 1 other person from California the entire 10 months I've been in the south), AND whose husband is a mormon!

 

Now if you want to hear this story and think God ain't real, I am so sorry! Because this was a STRAIGHT UP MIRACLE!! I love my life!!!

 

Love always,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

exchanges with the Gadsden sisters!!!! most delicious lunch ever!!!!!!!! I love my life!

we got to be the judges for this super fun iron chef night at church it attalla! I love exchanges!

my companion can play the piano upside down....no big deal!!! she is so great!!!!!!

just out on the town! such a sweaty day!!! hahha

Week 41

Well this week was fun and exciting! I got transferred to Leeds, Alabama and am serving with Sister Sheffer!

 

On Sunday afternoon we were walking when a car pulled over and said "hey sisters! we havn't seen y'all in awhile!" we didn't know them but they told us they met missionaries a few months ago! we asked if there was anyone who could use a visit and they pointed us to their friend becky johnson. we looked and beheld a huge group of fun looking black people! off we went! there were people of all ages outside eating cake and blasting music and having a good time. we eventually found becky inside the house and she told us about her daughter getting married. in came shandria-the bride to be- decked with huge fake eyelashes, gold glitter, and huge, i mean huge, fake curls all up on that head of hair. she was upset because her pastor of 2-3 years just told her he wouldn't marry her because her fiance wasn't a member of his church! she is trying to turn her life around and do what is right, so she was confused why he wouldn't want to help her with that. she told us how she had just gained his trust and started to like this church, but now she was lost again. 

 

it was the perfect moment. we were able to help her see that god put us in her path for a reason. we weren't even planning on going to that part of town...but had just been led that way. we went in the home to talk to becky....but were led to shandria.

 

as sister sheffer and i told becky and shandria about what we believe and do, you could see their faces light up. they could see our happiness and passion shining as we expresed how much we love our church. we told shandria we have someone who could marry her. in amazement and gratitude they exclaimed, "well we know god sent you here today because we needed this. we went to your church one time and remember feeling something different, it was very beautiful. we can feel that same thing now, y'all are emanating it! we are going to come back!"

 

Oh how I love being a missionary. The Lord always leads us to people who need the hope and happiness we carry. I love helping people who are down on their luck see the purity of the restored church. I know the church is true just as much as I know the sky is blue. this glorious fact wakes me up every morning and makes me happy to be alive! So keep on shining your light!

 

Love always, your southern belle!

Sister Madsen

just a few of my fav sisters!!! i love transfer meeting! so many missionaries!!!

Sister Bush and Sister Woomer!! My first Sister Training Leaders! Bush went home this transfer, I'm going to miss her like crazy!!! Time is flying!

Sister Neufville!!! Oh how I love and miss her! She just got transferred to Prattville, my old stomping grounds! So fun! 

jessica!! she is a super fun girl who isa member of the church but doesnt go anymore. her uncle fed us delicious dinner and she ate this ENTIRE plate of pasta!!! hahahha so funny!

my girl Shantelle! I tried to give blood in both arms but my veins are too small!!!! so so sad. 

jessica!! she is a super fun girl who isa member of the church but doesnt go anymore. her uncle fed us delicious dinner and she ate this ENTIRE plate of pasta!!! hahahha so funny!

The Beauty of a Watermelon: Week 40

On Thursday Sister Downs and I decided we wanted to work for a miracle. We pondered and came to the conclusion we wanted to find a mom and daughter who we could help join the church. This miracle was particularly meaningful because Sister Downs mom was baptized at age 8 when missionaries knocked on their door shortly after her father walked out on them.

So the prayers began. In every individual and companionship prayer we would include our desire to find a mom and daughter, and let me tell you, that is like a million prayers a day for us missionaries!

Sure enough, Sunday afternoon we were painting nails and doing face paint at the park when Renee and Shaylee came up. Renee is a cute blonde mom currently going through a divorce, and Shaylee is her 11 year old daughter. We started painting their nails and soon learned Renee wants her kids in church because she knows it's good, but has a problem with organized religion. She once knew a pastor who beat the kids who didn't want to be there and has seen countless preachers scream over the pulpit to not drink, when they were in the bars the night before.

We helped her understand how this church is different. We told them of the self-confidence, peace, purpose, comfort and unfathomable happiness it has brought to us and our families. Because of this gospel we find direction and solace in the midst of our hardest afflictions. We know God is mindful of us because of the joy and love we feel as we pray. All of a sudden Renee started to cry. She saw our happiness and hope and wanted it for herself. We offered to come over and share more and she gladly accepted.

Because of this, I know God answers prayers. I know miracles happen when we work for them. .........but God didn't stop there!

Minutes later, these 3 bounty hunters having a cook-out offered us half their watermelon. We gladly accepted. They were totally hitting on us but we tried to explain how we were missionaries and didn't do that..... Anyways, a random Chinese man at the park spotted our watermelon and wanted it. His friend Amy told him he couldn't just ask for it, so she decided to help me load the chairs in the car to get the conversation started. We realized he wanted watermelon so we shared. Amy saw our "glow" and started crying. She asked if we could come visit her because she has been praying for direction and strength.

boom! look at that. I love god. the miracles never cease!

love always,

Sister Madsen

the daily grind! got to keep everything updated!

look what I found in my room this week!!!!!! yummy yummy southern cockroaches!!!!!

just your typical day in an Alabamian parking lot! hahha HOW I LOVE MY LIFE!!

going to miss my sister downs!!!

so the other sister missionaries threw a wedding this week.....someone they are teaching is getting baptized but needed to get married first! hahha so fun!

definitely going to miss these beauties! best young women ever!!!

how I am going to miss you sister brock. my skunk smell lover, cat lady, and hilarious friend. much love.

sister Williams bought me this bag as a random act of kindness!!! how perfect can these people get, like really?!?

marissa-the strongest 19 yo recent convert ever!!! she gave up her whole life to join the church! love her!

2 of my favorites in the ward! brother Williams and preston!!

going to miss this crew!!! bye bye Guntersville!

the watermelon the bounty hunters gave us! hhahhah so yummy!!

the rushings!! they are members and they fed us dinner! It was straight up hamburger, instant mashed potatoes, and canned beans with bacon. oh the joys of southern living!!!