tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722929333581750032024-03-19T05:15:49.239-06:00Elder Ellison - Tennessee Knoxville MissionElder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-37535593285684768972017-08-07T06:47:00.000-06:002017-08-07T06:47:17.221-06:00Called to Share the Truth 7-31-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, just some quick highlights: Anne came to church this week. We also had a dinner and lesson with her. She is making some progress. We had transfers and all 3 of us are leaving
and when we told her, she started to tear up. It was pretty heart touching. We got to give 3 blessings yesterday as well
-all for healing. I gave a talk in
Sacrament that was like my Farewell Talk for the mission. I talked about how we are modern-day pioneers
and how we are the ones who are preparing the way for those people that come
behind us. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had a bonfire last
night where another “dying” Elder and I burned some of our old nasty clothes
before we go home. That was fun. Definitely broke the city limit on how big it
was. Oops. We also did a lot of service and we were an
answer to someone's prayer. We were contacting
formers and this one lady named Pam told us that she was talking to God earlier
that day and was asking where to go and where she can find peace. Then we showed up later that day. We had a great discussion with her. Elder T and I were talking to her and Elder Billman
was having an awesome discussion with her husband. She liked a lot of the things we told her and
we told her she could find peace through our message and this was where God
wanted her to be. Being a missionary is so
awesome!<br />
<br />
I just want to end this last email with my testimony of this gospel. I know it's true. There is nothing that compares to the joy and
peace the Restored gospel can bring into a person’s life. I have seen it change lives. I have seen it empower people. The things I have experienced while being out
here just make me think and know that it has to be true. There is no other way to explain it. Words do not describe my gratitude to my
Father in Heaven for calling me here and letting me meet so many wonderful
people, both members and non-members. I
know the Book of Mormon is true. It has
brought me closer to God just like the Prophet Joseph Smith promised it would. If any of you are not reading the Book of
Mormon every day, then the best time to start is today. It's amazing. It has true power. It exposes the enemies of Christ. It shows us their playbook and how we can
combat against it. Read it. Our prophet today, President Monson, is giving
his last few messages to us and he told us to read it. It is that important. I promise you that you will receive the help
you need if you do. No matter what
misfortune or challenges may come our way throughout life, turning away from God
and the gospel when it gets hard is not going to work. I answer with this wonderful statement I have
heard from an apostle, "It's true isn't it? Then what else matters?" I love you all. I look forward to seeing you and talking to you
soon. Have a wonderful week. Be a pioneer as the Lord has asked us to be
and prepare the way for someone else to receive the gospel in their life too. Again I know this gospel is true. I know we have a loving Heavenly Father who
helps us each day to reach our potential, and I know that my Redeemer, Jesus
Christ, lives. I leave these things with
you in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District Dudes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E. Billman Can Sleep Anywhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Are About To Die - Weird Tradition For Elders About To Go Home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Quilt We Sewed For The Veterans</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-64415839672250829042017-08-02T07:19:00.000-06:002017-08-02T07:19:42.352-06:00The Home Stretch 7-24-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So this week was an interesting week. Not a lot happened because of some things that
came up, but we did have the hottest day of the summer so far at 96 (plus all
that humidity). We just stand there and start
sweating. It's ridiculous!<br />
<br />
We also had a ward activity and our investigator Anne came. She got to meet a lot of the members and had
some conversations with them. It went
super well and when she was leaving we just casually asked, "will we see
you tomorrow?" (Church) and she said, “Yeah, I can probably come for one
hour.” It was awesome because the first
time we had to do a little convincing and this time it was a pretty quick yes. I think she is starting to connect some dots.<br />
<br />
Also, a little word for the wise; don't try to get someone else assigned a talk
for Sacrament meeting or else it will backfire as it did to me. I now have to talk next week for my last
Sunday. Should be pretty interesting. Ha ha<br />
<br />
We had exchanges this week and I was in the trio with Elder Billman and my old
companion Elder Smith. That was so much
fun! I didn't even feel like I was on an
exchange. It just felt like we were
companions again only with a tag along this time.<br />
<br />
We also got to learn a little bit about guitar and how to play. I’ve got a lot of work to do.<br />
<br />
Well, that's about it for this week. Sorry
it isn't too exciting. Next week will be
a much better one. It kind of has to be
right </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">😁</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. See you all soon. Have a great week and share the gospel with
someone this week. Love y'all, bye.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFgOn0dIm0arq0L_ILnqv9czHcug4Z5siGAfBnosWrmoA83toCYPoj0zPU3ujE_pYIJ5AuCE7H6GE4vTFP7PZsZoN2udXlZZkrH94MtqdVkyd7OyFGUA8FnWKoo79E-DoS3koR_lUoaMa/s1600/7-24-17+Sewed+Quilt+for+Veterans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFgOn0dIm0arq0L_ILnqv9czHcug4Z5siGAfBnosWrmoA83toCYPoj0zPU3ujE_pYIJ5AuCE7H6GE4vTFP7PZsZoN2udXlZZkrH94MtqdVkyd7OyFGUA8FnWKoo79E-DoS3koR_lUoaMa/s400/7-24-17+Sewed+Quilt+for+Veterans.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Sew Quilts For The Veterans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hIoUnq_h4Ihyphenhyphen6fyVAAnPiqpbp1iaRS9c3Lf0xgNQlirlR5xpwFLluKyAIQB6Gn3zmeIfDsktC5xa20dyOV5wiv9U8rOOnqp7FVQ-ulrNqxcOKy7baYgoWVhrJkPa1uEqdzgdSa4G8qar/s1600/7-24-17+Sewing+for+veterans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hIoUnq_h4Ihyphenhyphen6fyVAAnPiqpbp1iaRS9c3Lf0xgNQlirlR5xpwFLluKyAIQB6Gn3zmeIfDsktC5xa20dyOV5wiv9U8rOOnqp7FVQ-ulrNqxcOKy7baYgoWVhrJkPa1uEqdzgdSa4G8qar/s400/7-24-17+Sewing+for+veterans.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sew Fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvk1L0uPMPyFHBmcV-7Clzs_wF1tr4aAo0lw6-kpS5P0RwattDZgyhLs63FEnrgzno89hyphenhyphenGUb0aQF2nMfguAhL3ld0MOCezMoK1GvIvy9O1OMjLfJ4l5mpNAzrhqZGDPFX6Q3j2o31iOZ/s1600/7-24-17+Awesome+members+taught+us+guitar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvk1L0uPMPyFHBmcV-7Clzs_wF1tr4aAo0lw6-kpS5P0RwattDZgyhLs63FEnrgzno89hyphenhyphenGUb0aQF2nMfguAhL3ld0MOCezMoK1GvIvy9O1OMjLfJ4l5mpNAzrhqZGDPFX6Q3j2o31iOZ/s400/7-24-17+Awesome+members+taught+us+guitar.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome Members - They Taught Us Guitar - Their Son Can Shred!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exchanges With Old E. Smith</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-10764734527338255792017-08-01T13:37:00.000-06:002017-08-01T13:37:04.010-06:00Choices Have Consequences 7-17-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So we had an interesting week and finally had
some success. After working hard and
keeping our faith strong, the Lord has started to bless us and has helped us
bare our afflictions with patience. <br />
<br />
We had another good lesson with our investigator Anne. We talked all about the Spirit. She is trying to learn and understand these
things because it is a foreign concept to her. In our lesson we invited her to come to
church, and guess what? She came! She is our first investigator at church in a
long time. We even had a missionary
giving her homecoming talk and I think some of the things that were said were
for Anne. She said after church that she
will probably be back again. We still
have a lot of work and teaching to do, but super exciting.<br />
<br />
Another success came from a meeting with a less-active member. They came to church last week and we set up an
appointment for this week. We went by
and had a great lesson with him. He
really wants to change and doesn't want to fall into the cracks like he usually
does. We told him things that would help
him start this change in his life. The
next day we went by to drop off a tie for him to wear to church and the big
huge beard he had the day before was completely shaved off. He said it was a start to the changes he was
making. It was awesome! The second visit, his mother was there who
also needed help and she asked us to give her a blessing. We did and we told her some things God teaches
us that would help her change as well. Both of them were at church on Sunday.<br />
<br />
The last success I want to talk about is with a lady named Shantel. She had stopped the Elders on their bikes
about a month and a half ago and asked for a Book of Mormon. Well they never really got a hold of her again.
We finally did. She said that she has been reading it and even
read some to her kids. She had a
question about eternal marriage and it was something that she said she would
want at some point. We read the Introduction
to the Book of Mormon with her for a bit and explained it. I'm looking forward to meeting with her again.<br />
<br />
We had Zone Conference which was really good. The Picketts (the new Mission President &
his wife) introduced themselves and we had a couple trainings. Then I had the opportunity, with a couple
other missionaries, to give my departing testimony since it was my last Zone
Conference. It was a good conference to
end on.<br />
<br />
So to explain the title of my email: We
were visiting less-actives and we stopped by one who told us not to come by anymore.
She said they had already told the
missionaries before not to come back and that if her husband had answered the
door, it would have been really bad. The
whole situation went downhill from there. We had stopped by because no one knew who she
was and there weren’t any notes about her. Past missionaries, whoever they were, chose
not to update the records or make any notes, for whatever reason. So after this incident, we put notes
everywhere to prevent something like this again. It just goes to show that sometimes our choices
made in the past, result in consequences for others down the road, for good or
for bad. That is why when we make our
choices every day, we should always choose the harder, smarter, and right way than
the easier, not so good, or wrong way. Our choices have consequences whether we like
it or not. We don't always get to know
the outcome, but we can give ourselves a better chance if it is more along the
lines of the gospel and in accordance with God's will. (If you want to know the end of this story and
more of what happened, then ask me when I am home.) I love you all and wish you all a great week.<br />
<br />
You can do hard things!<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS-g2rLqfYdIvsVmXjncPIbQut2nsV4tDAZfKAxRnD7Y7HBP072fC_eRaA0RtlHdNQ_UYMUV69pnHRBIEc41bv1ORmSG4f_7Qe8UcxsN-kC-32IwnStQTBByrfG35IQGhupMFhKfB2Hf4/s1600/7-17-17+Bowling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS-g2rLqfYdIvsVmXjncPIbQut2nsV4tDAZfKAxRnD7Y7HBP072fC_eRaA0RtlHdNQ_UYMUV69pnHRBIEc41bv1ORmSG4f_7Qe8UcxsN-kC-32IwnStQTBByrfG35IQGhupMFhKfB2Hf4/s400/7-17-17+Bowling.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Met Sis. Pickett</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zone Conference - Met our new President Pickett</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYXSWQ0sNiVrZgn7_C7kx8_eY41LjHxujo52Lh3oxg-IowYp4mj2BigOW84Ct-FRPgi4ZZZNhTBHQkbpfEu1ADp_GKcHmRUmh5AKCp28AH0B51-CCuYHcUTj8FfsJxgZFRuvJqfWwkjj0/s1600/7-17-17+Zoo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYXSWQ0sNiVrZgn7_C7kx8_eY41LjHxujo52Lh3oxg-IowYp4mj2BigOW84Ct-FRPgi4ZZZNhTBHQkbpfEu1ADp_GKcHmRUmh5AKCp28AH0B51-CCuYHcUTj8FfsJxgZFRuvJqfWwkjj0/s400/7-17-17+Zoo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Went To The Zoo For P-Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just More Animals At The Zoo - Ha Ha</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-7127000364379293682017-07-31T22:33:00.000-06:002017-07-31T22:33:03.890-06:00Meeting The President 7-10-17<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So this week was another week of hard work, but
only minimal success.<br />
<br />
We met with a referral we got last week. Her name is Anne and we had an awesome
powerful lesson. We have to teach her a
lot differently than most people we teach because she doesn't have hardly any religious
background or a faith in God. It is
really interesting, but really fun. I
hope we can help guide her to receive an answer that God is real and does exist
and care about her. We talked about a
bunch of different things and we were all over the place with the Restoration and
the Plan of Salvation. She had a lot of
questions too. We are looking forward to
our next visit because we gave her a Book of Mormon to read and pray about. We helped her recognize what the Holy Ghost is
as well. In that lesson, she is the
first person I have taught that I told they were feeling the Holy Ghost because
I was too. It was a super cool
experience. We felt just filled with joy
and motivation. It's lessons like that
one that make all of this and the disappointments worth it. Nothing compares.<br />
<br />
We also had an awesome lesson with some members Sunday night. We shared with them Genesis 28 and we talked
about the things that we need to do to get back to live with God. I shared this a few months ago as well. The Spirit was so strong and my companions
said that it was something they totally needed. They said they felt the Spirit in their home
and they told me that there was something different about those members than the
other times they visited and didn’t share a lesson.<br />
<br />
We also got to give a couple blessings to some people who really needed it. Being able to find them just shows that
Planning is more effective than winging it because the Lord will help you plan
where to go and He told us in planning to go to them. It was awesome.<br />
<br />
We also got to meet President Pickett on Sunday. He was at our building for a meeting and so we
said hi for a minute. We have Zone Conference
this week too so we will see him again and his family. He is a really nice guy and I'm looking
forward to getting to know him in my limited time with him.<br />
<br />
That is about it for this week. I hope
everyone had a good 4th of July and I hope you all had missionary opportunities
as well. There is no joy in this life greater
than having the gospel in our lives and sharing it. Just try it and see if it isn't true. Hope you all have a great week. I love you all.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUPr8g67z6qBtCYNLbO_vM6Bu9TC0HAW5LW2GUOXYS0YiE8J5o5uAb3l8ZO-GshWGEl9UFytSt1kyR0hGuI-BEz3CTCx-0I3OysltRLt1jUA9ScUCdshUknkYnXHXXDAabfBmavd_uKoU/s1600/7-10-17+Campfire+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUPr8g67z6qBtCYNLbO_vM6Bu9TC0HAW5LW2GUOXYS0YiE8J5o5uAb3l8ZO-GshWGEl9UFytSt1kyR0hGuI-BEz3CTCx-0I3OysltRLt1jUA9ScUCdshUknkYnXHXXDAabfBmavd_uKoU/s400/7-10-17+Campfire+Dinner.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campfire Dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmVUtsdBYIoay87grpas_lr-Tp2j9gRhG-IvYtlV869QSK5-FYyCX-yHM-ITYVCbGTGpGbP3vAVQXeWe19iKBVhrFS4FsVc1XU8tO3_gKsJVekYSWVJCLR8L7U-I98yRpMuW_Gx22vzDo/s1600/7-10-17+P-Day+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmVUtsdBYIoay87grpas_lr-Tp2j9gRhG-IvYtlV869QSK5-FYyCX-yHM-ITYVCbGTGpGbP3vAVQXeWe19iKBVhrFS4FsVc1XU8tO3_gKsJVekYSWVJCLR8L7U-I98yRpMuW_Gx22vzDo/s400/7-10-17+P-Day+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P-Day Fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoTuyTYIBsBQBD_XpQzI-RDRFwiGkArEBg6edEOA9qfSxPoasRk-75D63hIXd1vhJ-5IhhzAkAhwlJqKwDcZMKH7bBpmFvrCpwzYetIGLF29hDH3CFvDBn5TW5IBPlUk28Gb_Xw6wRZMR/s1600/7-10-17+P-Day+Fun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoTuyTYIBsBQBD_XpQzI-RDRFwiGkArEBg6edEOA9qfSxPoasRk-75D63hIXd1vhJ-5IhhzAkAhwlJqKwDcZMKH7bBpmFvrCpwzYetIGLF29hDH3CFvDBn5TW5IBPlUk28Gb_Xw6wRZMR/s400/7-10-17+P-Day+Fun.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More P-Day Fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Tennessee Rain</div>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-72982856110951678712017-07-31T22:27:00.000-06:002017-07-31T22:27:27.100-06:00God Bless America 7-3-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, I hope everyone has a good 4th of July
tomorrow. We should be having a good one
over here too. Hopefully it doesn't rain
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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So this week we did a lot of finding and less-active work. We didn't have too much success come out of it
unfortunately, but we did have little. One of the biggest was that we found a new investigator
that seems pretty promising. We tracted
into her and she immediately said she would like to hear our message. We shall see where it goes. Another big one was we got a sweet referral
from a member in Nebraska. He is a
convert of a year and a super solid member and super missionary-minded. He referred a friend that hasn't had much religion
in her life and when we went by she was nice and set up an appointment with us. The man that referred her said that was going
to be hard to do. I can't wait to teach
her. One of the smaller ones we had was
while tracting. We talked to a guy who
said he had read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and said he was fine where
he was at, but he did say he would still read it because (in his words) you
never know. Some past missionaries
tracted into him and gave him a Book of Mormon and asked him to read and pray
about it and now we are the follow up.<br />
<br />
This week we also got a new car. A Chevy
Malibu which is really nice and has Wifi in the car. While we were picking it up, we were lucky enough
to be able to say goodbye one more time to the Griffins before they flew home
the next morning.<br />
<br />
Today was my last Fast Sunday on my mission and so I had to get up and bare my
testimony. I used Helaman 5:12 about
building my foundation upon Christ and when I do, then nothing Satan throws my
way will knock me down. I compared that
to my mission and how I have faced a lot of different adversities and had a lot
of hard times, but yet I still am happier than I ever have been and have the
peace I need because of my foundation in Christ. I know this is true because it has happened to
me and I know it can happen to everyone. Do it yourself and build your foundation in
Christ and you will not ever regret it or forget it. It will change your life. And then help others do the same around you. We are always stronger when we work together
to help each other out. I leave this in
the name of Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm King of the World!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYX2jwsV08vxlcvD8Ovm8LGzO6SnlQxZtlLAg1emS-3q6hpph3bInkAWqDwDV2mJcwU09UUUSbTGbT06QGs4XZYRwuFhr62W7W4J6o5ED9IZ0yQKGvLTTlQIUazCaPAonPzOsJIrMEenJ/s1600/7-3-17+Goodbye+Pres+Griffin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYX2jwsV08vxlcvD8Ovm8LGzO6SnlQxZtlLAg1emS-3q6hpph3bInkAWqDwDV2mJcwU09UUUSbTGbT06QGs4XZYRwuFhr62W7W4J6o5ED9IZ0yQKGvLTTlQIUazCaPAonPzOsJIrMEenJ/s400/7-3-17+Goodbye+Pres+Griffin.JPG" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Pres. Griffin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMVvtEQ6QMMUF7JVKIFxGG8HLj2hOh2H1Wdt_XU3F_CKXipmZ1AvSO4aiEItSkMnLDaM04NHi4Ud6oa_sJw20E0-BMTwsglR1o6Dzwpjz9CgTZiTwiSXu3wCl68O_y9e1kInfBE_HLq7X/s1600/7-3-17+Goodbye+Sis+Griffin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMVvtEQ6QMMUF7JVKIFxGG8HLj2hOh2H1Wdt_XU3F_CKXipmZ1AvSO4aiEItSkMnLDaM04NHi4Ud6oa_sJw20E0-BMTwsglR1o6Dzwpjz9CgTZiTwiSXu3wCl68O_y9e1kInfBE_HLq7X/s400/7-3-17+Goodbye+Sis+Griffin.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Sis. Griffin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6jLO6KAnaVBJl_pl4TpV8XGQXv4GYhhTUkOzM4FsDnJmUs-48DD0-eUpFc1OSWMx9b36mijMVyvHl2F-ZALdEDjvqdx-2jAen4ZQsPjtGQ07CvPreRWE13o30epgcw-j4Cyc9UWEOn3q/s1600/7-3-17+Interesting.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6jLO6KAnaVBJl_pl4TpV8XGQXv4GYhhTUkOzM4FsDnJmUs-48DD0-eUpFc1OSWMx9b36mijMVyvHl2F-ZALdEDjvqdx-2jAen4ZQsPjtGQ07CvPreRWE13o30epgcw-j4Cyc9UWEOn3q/s400/7-3-17+Interesting.PNG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-87322864010543731032017-07-30T17:59:00.000-06:002017-07-30T17:59:30.394-06:00Push On In The Work 6-26-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well this week has been a good start for the
last transfer. We have been working hard
and we found some new investigators that have potential. We are working on cleaning up our area and
getting the ward on our side. The
missionaries that I have as companions both have some awesome ideas on how we
can improve and we all have that determination to make this area great.<br />
<br />
My 2 new companions are Elder Billman (been out for 4 months), and Elder Tevaga
(been out for 8 months). Elder Billman
is from Idaho Falls and likes fishing, hunting, cars, and working on engines. Elder Tevaga (pronounced Tevanga) is from West
Jordan, just outside of Salt Lake, and is descended from Samoa. He loves sports, especially basketball,
football, and rugby. It's going to be a
good transfer with these guys. They are
like my escorts kind of, because I sit in the back seat while they drive me all
over - haha.<br />
<br />
So first off to end in Chattanooga, I visited with Caitie who is still working
on baptism. We might have good news this
week so we shall see. Also the 11 year
old from our recent convert family, Kaitlyn, got baptized on Saturday. I'm bummed I missed it, but so grateful to be a
part of their conversion. We also saw
some other recent converts that last night so I could say goodbye. It was a good last day in Chattanooga.<br />
<br />
In the past few days, we have just been working hard here in Grove Park. We passed our goal for new investigators just
in the few days I have been here. We
also saw today the Ward showing some trust with us. We are super excited for what this transfer
will bring. My last 6 weeks and there is
no time to slow down, just keep working hard every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Also the Griffins are headed home this Friday which is sad, but we are excited
to meet President and Sister Pickett as well. That is about it from me. Have a great week.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj9RnyN238c8f8Q02sJmI6dKvyyOqogZ9NnGxpzC99MwUqtN8qGs0ICzVv1TOHSsCiZ7mL-gyfE0-qAEa8u8Os6_tS7EIsUPPvQvewSkNvLE8VUU7HtZYWsz8Al4uQZmmC6TUAffoOJJx/s1600/6-26-17+Tracting+w+New+Comps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj9RnyN238c8f8Q02sJmI6dKvyyOqogZ9NnGxpzC99MwUqtN8qGs0ICzVv1TOHSsCiZ7mL-gyfE0-qAEa8u8Os6_tS7EIsUPPvQvewSkNvLE8VUU7HtZYWsz8Al4uQZmmC6TUAffoOJJx/s400/6-26-17+Tracting+w+New+Comps.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracting With My New Comps E. Billman & E. Tevaga</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijb6HdjBwRYurjmH_gdY2RFwSI6sTaxtgkDMPnnGQl-1zUewidbLPec36nnOqjpTSmooR4kco0WRDCwkTimrBnQJnhQ3aBWysGFNR-k1LkEwfaEs53ht23FlhOlRZZmeH_tI6UuXTtKNeV/s1600/6-26-17+Chatt+Goodbyes+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijb6HdjBwRYurjmH_gdY2RFwSI6sTaxtgkDMPnnGQl-1zUewidbLPec36nnOqjpTSmooR4kco0WRDCwkTimrBnQJnhQ3aBWysGFNR-k1LkEwfaEs53ht23FlhOlRZZmeH_tI6UuXTtKNeV/s400/6-26-17+Chatt+Goodbyes+2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chattanooga Goodbyes </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbS3H_-ub-jQBX5kQ_WG9MrPUS8mEd4KHBm8W9L1st4yqDDAREOiq0tUl6_ZWW-XZ7i-4gCHZYpSwVl-Am66VYjWb-Z7HfFWOPQkm-m3m7C-ByN_amZZIOAC7Wl0NZ77RghxpplkSbatWj/s1600/6-26-17+Chatt+Goodbyes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbS3H_-ub-jQBX5kQ_WG9MrPUS8mEd4KHBm8W9L1st4yqDDAREOiq0tUl6_ZWW-XZ7i-4gCHZYpSwVl-Am66VYjWb-Z7HfFWOPQkm-m3m7C-ByN_amZZIOAC7Wl0NZ77RghxpplkSbatWj/s400/6-26-17+Chatt+Goodbyes.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chattanooga Goodbyes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxZvEaik0fbNDG2aGPfw82dNjkO-X7ZHRJdcITG9PtZJd5vT5u2B3yaPUT-0Ug0H3_Al6_QZKO36PUR7Is9L-4IyiqJro1NNWkIBJXc27ooXk1l9zFCschgdk8HJ11hu22O9cyQnpkfWS/s1600/6-26-17+Grove+Park+Area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxZvEaik0fbNDG2aGPfw82dNjkO-X7ZHRJdcITG9PtZJd5vT5u2B3yaPUT-0Ug0H3_Al6_QZKO36PUR7Is9L-4IyiqJro1NNWkIBJXc27ooXk1l9zFCschgdk8HJ11hu22O9cyQnpkfWS/s400/6-26-17+Grove+Park+Area.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Area - Forest Grove</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-85210826780904958202017-07-30T17:57:00.000-06:002017-07-30T17:57:14.633-06:00One Last Change 6-19-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well I thought I was finishing here, but the
Lord had other plans. For my last 6
weeks I will be transferring to Grove Park. It is an area in north Knoxville. It will be the first area I have had that is
less than an hour and a half away from the city the mission is named after. I will now be about half an hour away. I will be going into a trio with two young
missionaries. My new comps will be Elder
Tevanga and Elder Billman. My last 6
weeks are going to be fun and a lot of working hard.<br />
<br />
Well this week we had a sweet lesson with a lady named Mary Beth. We had tracted into her last week and she
asked us to come back. Well we were
planning on talking to her for a few minutes, but it turned into a long
discussion and we went over the whole Restoration. We invited her to church and she said she
would come. Well sadly we got a text Sunday
from her saying she is good where she is at and will contact us when she wants
to talk again. It was so heart breaking
because she seemed to be the most solid person we have found in the last couple
weeks.<br />
<br />
We also had our last Zone Conference with the Griffins. That was sad. It was a really good meeting. He talked to us about how we have changed on
our missions. We talked about the people
and the area's that have changed us and helped us with certain things. We also had a training from the Assistants on
our Mission Vision, goals, and plans. I'm
looking forward to seeing how this mission will continue to grow and will reach
a new level.<br />
<br />
Well that is about it for me this week. Happy Father’s Day to all those fathers
out there. Have a great week everybody.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI7j64RGo6BXt12WNqGsrlpyXteDhJEfLTvnIBUxcfwZ-xj0-N5IbC_y6tc6Ss3xF8QCCEqaddRLgXDNiAu2hDOWjG49bJ3sUrtnhLJ2T-_MYKgz83r3_Aveyw7iwthdFPThQUvUM9W4Z/s1600/6-19-17+Crawfish+-Just+OK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI7j64RGo6BXt12WNqGsrlpyXteDhJEfLTvnIBUxcfwZ-xj0-N5IbC_y6tc6Ss3xF8QCCEqaddRLgXDNiAu2hDOWjG49bJ3sUrtnhLJ2T-_MYKgz83r3_Aveyw7iwthdFPThQUvUM9W4Z/s400/6-19-17+Crawfish+-Just+OK.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crawfish - Eh, Just OK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCVbj5ngsE1oZTdpmgqnuPAMIudR0gE-BweJve9FB2nxYtMw8XewWjTx7FB1WV4gLVF7TTcbL6ge_pHOXLIX9JxZRbwFc8J6I_ErSGJ5rt4NoHQNsQxV7wg3k0UpwyXaR-w6blBxe5diF/s1600/6-19-17+Dinner+with+Henrys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCVbj5ngsE1oZTdpmgqnuPAMIudR0gE-BweJve9FB2nxYtMw8XewWjTx7FB1WV4gLVF7TTcbL6ge_pHOXLIX9JxZRbwFc8J6I_ErSGJ5rt4NoHQNsQxV7wg3k0UpwyXaR-w6blBxe5diF/s400/6-19-17+Dinner+with+Henrys.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with Henrys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf-MCkYte8FaUWepoxjOh8x0oB2Q_J6_VBZpOqZQ6mFW6hyjX2q4xDIvey5_k7TBMvqmQn7Bjnrl9OCU6qDzYQ8x3HZFQIwPAW_ODXD4OYbL5RaFp7lKvygIIWK9Dt813I9RQEnJvzntU/s1600/6-19-17+FHE+with+Christensens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf-MCkYte8FaUWepoxjOh8x0oB2Q_J6_VBZpOqZQ6mFW6hyjX2q4xDIvey5_k7TBMvqmQn7Bjnrl9OCU6qDzYQ8x3HZFQIwPAW_ODXD4OYbL5RaFp7lKvygIIWK9Dt813I9RQEnJvzntU/s400/6-19-17+FHE+with+Christensens.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FHE with Christensens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhd_SYf5v29GGRTAhCQJF0_ozPmzow7rDIBJ-h2usIiH2YNg8K2epW6WxwDemWYoT-9N01J17nHAkjEkOJv_MNJetxC1oROEGC9a9w9GIvp8MxH9GOx6cSBRtG3Lq5uOYsAQJIO74_JEc/s1600/6-19-17+Last+Zone+Conference.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhd_SYf5v29GGRTAhCQJF0_ozPmzow7rDIBJ-h2usIiH2YNg8K2epW6WxwDemWYoT-9N01J17nHAkjEkOJv_MNJetxC1oROEGC9a9w9GIvp8MxH9GOx6cSBRtG3Lq5uOYsAQJIO74_JEc/s400/6-19-17+Last+Zone+Conference.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Zone Conference with Pres. & Sis. Griffin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX4atfIidfwmnb6Ca-FOipryM0tjyoc0ZxwhfpHbRQ996GqUgGhLA5Q9C60yDwGrg9ncnKIyuiaSc-1v0CtgYc-c5t_WDofdzg_gHAp1WXLemsSdQQL3PPAqmm8DA_TF8pJ66TdgU9ozl/s1600/6-19-17+Pres+Griffin+%2526+Zone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX4atfIidfwmnb6Ca-FOipryM0tjyoc0ZxwhfpHbRQ996GqUgGhLA5Q9C60yDwGrg9ncnKIyuiaSc-1v0CtgYc-c5t_WDofdzg_gHAp1WXLemsSdQQL3PPAqmm8DA_TF8pJ66TdgU9ozl/s400/6-19-17+Pres+Griffin+%2526+Zone.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie with Pres. Griffin</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-48702295067996823312017-07-26T21:14:00.000-06:002017-07-26T21:14:23.681-06:00Families Being Brought Together 6-12-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So this was another OK week just doing a bunch
of “finding” and trying to figure out how to pick the area up even more. We had a couple guys yell at us to go away
which is always different. One of them
was a less-active member. We didn't even
say anything. Not a word and he said
don't ever come back. Twice. Then shut the door. Oh well, that's just how it goes.<br />
<br />
We had our last MLC with the Griffins. It
was a very spiritual meeting. We have
our last Zone Conference this week too. It's so sad that they are leaving, but our new
mission president sounds awesome. We are
told that they are very similar so it shouldn't be too much of a difference. I get almost exactly a month with our new
mission president.<br />
<br />
Transfers are next week so we shall see what the results are for my last
transfer. I'm pretty sure I will stay here
with Elder Frederick, but I will keep you posted next week.<br />
<br />
Highlight of the week: we had a lesson with our recent convert family. They have an 11 yr. old daughter who is a
little bit autistic and afraid of water. Well she has been doing much better with water
lately and we asked her if she wants to be baptized and she said yeah. So we put her on date for Jun. 30. We are looking forward to that. In order for the family to be sealed together
forever, she has to be baptized to go into the temple because she is over 8. It's so awesome to see this family progress
and just knowing that they will be sealed together in about a year brings me so
much joy! Stephanie also got a calling
in the Primary with the 4 yr. olds. She
said that that is what she used to do a while back. So it is something that she likes, which is
good.<br />
<br />
We have been doing a few member visit lessons and talking about the Book of
Mormon. All of the members we have seen
so far have a few people they have in mind to give a book to or to invite to hear
the gospel. Hopefully we can be getting
some referrals from them here soon.<br />
<br />
That's about it from me this week. My
comp keeps telling me how much more time I have left and just a bunch of trunky
comments, but I just let him all the things I will be able to do that he won't
for another year haha. It is sad that
time is winding down, but I am very grateful for each day I'm given to serve
the Lord. I hope you all have a great
week. Love ya.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix_P7fqcOlqKLElZRwVVHDQ9vvBVrnBpRyo1cI_eq-vrrWFgt9V6rY2bWMuoUx_Z8GqLnYpKqViCfJjk6pcoPDvcJSNmwyTZO6O0-_FGlPHSq4fuwlWCsPk4-MeudXP3PO7TvIqGPbZs5/s1600/6-12-17+Facials+-+Mine+Failed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix_P7fqcOlqKLElZRwVVHDQ9vvBVrnBpRyo1cI_eq-vrrWFgt9V6rY2bWMuoUx_Z8GqLnYpKqViCfJjk6pcoPDvcJSNmwyTZO6O0-_FGlPHSq4fuwlWCsPk4-MeudXP3PO7TvIqGPbZs5/s400/6-12-17+Facials+-+Mine+Failed.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facials - Mine Failed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx1J4TzkSIa05Uj5FpLLawwjNY_UwftzJlxmMfjxSAidUKwRZo5gTZqhbWPKwDq9rvNrhtSWePdgvAp7g6iSMYvqvBf-uRv0JUtXgPYUK3uQPBGBiIjCfoYAnzpSSJGR6f_6SdHiyFzoK/s1600/6-12-17+District+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1137" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx1J4TzkSIa05Uj5FpLLawwjNY_UwftzJlxmMfjxSAidUKwRZo5gTZqhbWPKwDq9rvNrhtSWePdgvAp7g6iSMYvqvBf-uRv0JUtXgPYUK3uQPBGBiIjCfoYAnzpSSJGR6f_6SdHiyFzoK/s400/6-12-17+District+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PondqVjfAMMJKaYOH0TdV7MonnOHkvceJdzPFJoqDwEjBAx408aD6odAnidLHKWwj8mjGWUQKOgjslQT-r3e19zfTkyhQChDaeS9oOupUZgqaVdDJ9cadY7NRhrv1Pwmf3YCIs8sPQxs/s1600/6-12-17+Last+MLC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PondqVjfAMMJKaYOH0TdV7MonnOHkvceJdzPFJoqDwEjBAx408aD6odAnidLHKWwj8mjGWUQKOgjslQT-r3e19zfTkyhQChDaeS9oOupUZgqaVdDJ9cadY7NRhrv1Pwmf3YCIs8sPQxs/s400/6-12-17+Last+MLC.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last MLC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5uflS4m-2av8FRnVqM3gFVvZlOQQXUsWVGz5UXr_X-d-gmNBfjCBm7SS6aACRg1IbrHi8mLCUKV32ILLS1AAhFXkk_Ejr-_sDEDHIg3c0bEQXqu8xgvgMQA0yERFb5vSF0SCBfN7wlH5/s1600/6-12-17+Magnolia+Trees+are+Everywhere.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5uflS4m-2av8FRnVqM3gFVvZlOQQXUsWVGz5UXr_X-d-gmNBfjCBm7SS6aACRg1IbrHi8mLCUKV32ILLS1AAhFXkk_Ejr-_sDEDHIg3c0bEQXqu8xgvgMQA0yERFb5vSF0SCBfN7wlH5/s400/6-12-17+Magnolia+Trees+are+Everywhere.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnolia Trees Are Everywhere!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDzYe_kdUvrXw-e9XYoqU374-dC9rc9Cgu-uXPko5sVcrKyFkmgt9ZRycbd0N5Cw9fd3caX2Nlkob1Oi5yQWCUnNOHUy8XrmBazOJQJFHPIlezBFfOBfO9tjmSp9Av-USXODF2lS7raPF/s1600/6-12-17+Only+in+the+south.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1040" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDzYe_kdUvrXw-e9XYoqU374-dC9rc9Cgu-uXPko5sVcrKyFkmgt9ZRycbd0N5Cw9fd3caX2Nlkob1Oi5yQWCUnNOHUy8XrmBazOJQJFHPIlezBFfOBfO9tjmSp9Av-USXODF2lS7raPF/s320/6-12-17+Only+in+the+south.JPG" width="294" /></a></div>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-90037777476599443202017-07-25T00:06:00.000-06:002017-07-25T00:06:33.228-06:00Power In The Pages 6-5-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hey everyone. So this week wasn't the best of weeks. Good things still happened, but the work was
kind of slow unfortunately. May has come
and gone which is just crazy to me. I
just want time to slow down so I can get everything done and learn everything I
need to before this service is over. There
is just something about missions that you learn things and do things you never
would have without it. It is amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So first off Daniel and Stephanie (our recent
converts) went to the temple on Saturday. They said they enjoyed it. They want to go back to be able to do it for
their own family names. They are making
some huge progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Next we had a couple exchanges this week. I was back to my old area for a day with one
of them. That was kind of fun. Brought me back to the good ol' days of
downtown Chatt. We also went with the
assistants (Aps). We had a really sweet
lesson with a guy they tracted into. This
man shared how he is just lonely and needs some company and to feel like he is
wanted and cared about. We got to tell
him about Home Teaching and how a big part of our church is taking care of all
the members. We also asked him about
baptism and he said he had been baptized before, but he would get baptized
again. It was cool to see that for him
it wasn't a big hurdle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This past week there were a few times where we
have had to express the importance of the Book of Mormon. I would like to do the same now. There is a power in the scriptures that we can
feel as we study from them. We have been
told that the Book of Mormon can help us grow closer to God if we live and
apply the principles it teaches from within than any other book. In today's world, we <b><u>CAN NOT</u></b> risk
to go a day without reading our scriptures. When we read the scriptures, especially the
Book of Mormon, we are arming ourselves with the Word of God which is the most
powerful thing we have in this world. We
are spiritually building up a wall of defense every time we read and when we do
it each day we are strengthening that defense. If we miss a day, our walls of defense get a
crack which will grow the more we miss until we are exposed on all sides. Today in church we were told that we cannot
just read the scriptures anymore. We
have to be studying them every day. There
is a difference between reading and studying. When you are studying, you are feasting upon
the Words of Christ. When you read, you
are nibbling on a snack. So I want to
ask all that are reading this entry, if you have only a Bible, read your Bible
every single day and study from it. If
you only have a Bible, obtain a Book of Mormon to further your knowledge and
understanding of our Heavenly Father’s plan and the purpose of Christ's
ministry. If you know someone who
doesn't have both a Bible and Book of Mormon, then get them one and share your
testimony with them of how they have helped you and blessed you. If you have a Book of Mormon, read it and
study it every day. I promise that if
you do this, you will see a difference in your days because I have. It's so much better if you have it every day. Your spirit will be full. Matthew says it the best, "Seek ye first
the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." If you want more peace, joy, love, patience,
charity, kindness, meekness, hope, faith then study the scriptures daily. Every single one of us has at least 15 min. a
day of free time, if not then you are too busy. I share these things with all of you because I
love you and care about you and I want you to be prepared for anything and to
be better off. The scriptures have
changed my life. I am so grateful for
them. I love them and the new things I
learn each day in my studies. I leave
these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqok87o-Iiz7YAROcMqF4nGVdufh5UyXikM7JeOFhbS5rWLBNKcUxbp6XOpDbB4UKyjTPRA8R_o73d9sD_an7L1qXtaJak18M73BnehwQRg187GmQjfgv7E6dXDEpjUg9HlRLhQXln3Trp/s1600/6-5-17+I+should+be+a+model.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqok87o-Iiz7YAROcMqF4nGVdufh5UyXikM7JeOFhbS5rWLBNKcUxbp6XOpDbB4UKyjTPRA8R_o73d9sD_an7L1qXtaJak18M73BnehwQRg187GmQjfgv7E6dXDEpjUg9HlRLhQXln3Trp/s400/6-5-17+I+should+be+a+model.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXfRoRQDuAipw0gGIYrk1-TrCZgqezYhsFDMDC6q98ItNldDLP8bRVW9gCkvUbut5iwdvClUXBUUBBAVKMAE-Wzkf1DnvJXXIwQYRPUS4fKe9y3JYpG-2xCYW5Y8bU93ExK1_Rf4Nu38I/s1600/6-5-17+P-Day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXfRoRQDuAipw0gGIYrk1-TrCZgqezYhsFDMDC6q98ItNldDLP8bRVW9gCkvUbut5iwdvClUXBUUBBAVKMAE-Wzkf1DnvJXXIwQYRPUS4fKe9y3JYpG-2xCYW5Y8bU93ExK1_Rf4Nu38I/s400/6-5-17+P-Day.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P-Day</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-61743942443295176402017-07-23T16:23:00.000-06:002017-07-23T16:23:00.343-06:00Reunited 5-29-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So this week was a pretty good week. We had a couple exchanges and we have a few
people that we are working with right now and getting new ones as the weeks go
by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So first off, I got to go on exchanges with
Elder Bingham, my “son”. It was really
awesome to be able to catch up and see how Bristol was doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The next highlight is Daniel and Stephanie. They are going to the temple this Saturday to
do baptisms for the dead. We are super
excited for them. Also Daniel passed the
sacrament with us on Sunday. He did a
great job. Next up is blessing it. This week we taught Daniel all about the Priesthood
and what it can do. So we are going to
help him get more involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our teaching pool is really low and we don't
have too many solid people to teach right now, but a miracle happened this
week. On Saturday a member called us and
told us about a friend of his that wants to meet with us. He said his friend has lots of questions and
is ready to make some changes in his life. We are really excited to start teaching him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday night another miracle happened. We went to contact a former and in the notes
it said a man answered and told them to never come back. So we went anyway and I was prepared for it
again, but we didn't even need to knock on the door. The lady we were trying to go see was in the
garage. We started talking with her and
had a great lesson over the Book of Mormon and the Holy Ghost. Half way through, her husband came out and sat
down and we talked with him. He was
pretty cool and we got a return appointment with them for later this week. We are pretty stoked to be teaching them. The best part is her mom is a member and she
helps answer her questions and even reads the Book of Mormon with her to help
her out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well that is about it from my end this week. I love you all and I hope you have a great
week. Remember what the Lord has said,
"For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our
land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of
men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.” (Alma 13:24)
“And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for
mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; (D&C
29:7)"<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLKwl4B3YX3Gvb804N04W8brMCWaxgHcJJrWeQKq9WDXlMLjpi8KryGA4hPllw1k2u96kWHSrCJ6XOlNTHYZutYHLOroD98u5lRWjLSBmFvLR_KH3foINnpq91t08Ab6xtLlGUMQFgTmW/s1600/5-29-17+Civil+War+Lookout+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLKwl4B3YX3Gvb804N04W8brMCWaxgHcJJrWeQKq9WDXlMLjpi8KryGA4hPllw1k2u96kWHSrCJ6XOlNTHYZutYHLOroD98u5lRWjLSBmFvLR_KH3foINnpq91t08Ab6xtLlGUMQFgTmW/s400/5-29-17+Civil+War+Lookout+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIFImdXS64yKmeLXyyhe9PJap_BGFT0FoBfYPHKm8WhPiY_LM2xQr8CCS_Fh5bFaXQ8qHZoooOQURaWnaoGaxDtQXkm-sUP-97JVLqWA8G1a9dSoZ_QW7PM5gM3LzhZNWbXOZGKSCW9nE/s1600/5-29-17+Civil+War+Signaling+Lookout++-Service+all+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1600" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIFImdXS64yKmeLXyyhe9PJap_BGFT0FoBfYPHKm8WhPiY_LM2xQr8CCS_Fh5bFaXQ8qHZoooOQURaWnaoGaxDtQXkm-sUP-97JVLqWA8G1a9dSoZ_QW7PM5gM3LzhZNWbXOZGKSCW9nE/s400/5-29-17+Civil+War+Signaling+Lookout++-Service+all+day.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Civil War Signal Lookout Post</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoz8h4KZHzOxqICxpctkoaLBCO5-1Mw5FAwdmNdmuRcBCoUDzc1MqG112fT21wWavqFDMXLTlMSED7FZsJWrCwP7RrWgZ3_E-9PhRBHFM2-CA5hDr8TKGbgJ45nojKo8XA8jYa0pDosZ7/s1600/5-29-17+District+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoz8h4KZHzOxqICxpctkoaLBCO5-1Mw5FAwdmNdmuRcBCoUDzc1MqG112fT21wWavqFDMXLTlMSED7FZsJWrCwP7RrWgZ3_E-9PhRBHFM2-CA5hDr8TKGbgJ45nojKo8XA8jYa0pDosZ7/s400/5-29-17+District+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUz_klJrl4ZqOYxSNnQHCnqjrBF9zoQgi4AsITVxlX-3B7kB8ihYoAAeOAcqU41DksQgPnvSyEe4HAfpKMT8dpEWlGnuF8KOah4JW79GjJiVxWO0t7hSxp0gZ51ziBOtCd8VfZkMKVKxM/s1600/5-29-17+P+Day+with+future+Missionary+%2526+fututre+convert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUz_klJrl4ZqOYxSNnQHCnqjrBF9zoQgi4AsITVxlX-3B7kB8ihYoAAeOAcqU41DksQgPnvSyEe4HAfpKMT8dpEWlGnuF8KOah4JW79GjJiVxWO0t7hSxp0gZ51ziBOtCd8VfZkMKVKxM/s400/5-29-17+P+Day+with+future+Missionary+%2526+fututre+convert.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P-Day With Future Missionary & Future Convert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ktU48y1GZOGVdM_h1Da5gHjlQu-xW2-KzzT7Cyu1cZPatyeCDQx3BsfL0mTS3Gcxeb_l_4D_LdG6vJ5rEFYtka89Yf9p5ntsVloTeYoYD-YZstM0MxZVwEX_8DVGAVYnQwVnmmE_Jha6/s1600/5-29-17+Service+with+Sr+couple+Petersons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ktU48y1GZOGVdM_h1Da5gHjlQu-xW2-KzzT7Cyu1cZPatyeCDQx3BsfL0mTS3Gcxeb_l_4D_LdG6vJ5rEFYtka89Yf9p5ntsVloTeYoYD-YZstM0MxZVwEX_8DVGAVYnQwVnmmE_Jha6/s400/5-29-17+Service+with+Sr+couple+Petersons.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day of Service with Senior Couples</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-11515674246659257962017-07-10T13:12:00.000-06:002017-07-10T13:12:32.053-06:00The "No Title" Email 5-22-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So I couldn't think of a subject title for this
week, so that is what I came up with. This week has been full of exchanges,
interviews, and much more.<br />
<br />
So the first thing I want to share with you is our first exchange. I went with Elder Charles. We had a good day. First off that morning, I was studying out of Preach
My Gospel in chapter 5 which talks about the Book of Mormon, and in that
section it talked about how people who have little to no knowledge of Jesus
Christ will come to know who He is by reading the Book of Mormon. Later that day, we ran into a lady from India
and a young man from China. Neither had
been in the country for very long. We
first talked to the lady from India and she told us that she had been wanting
to learn about Jesus Christ and who he was. So we gave her a Book of Mormon and she said
she would read it. I testified that she
would learn who Jesus Christ was while reading this book. The man from China did not accept a Book of
Mormon, but the interesting thing was that God had placed two people in our
path that day, in the Bible Belt, who did not know about Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
During one of our tracting sessions, we prayed that we would be able to hand
out 3 Book of Mormons. Well, we handed out exactly 3. One lady told us she would take and read our stuff
if we took and read her stuff. We said
OK and she came back with two little books that were the Gospel of John in the New
International Version (NIV). That night
we spent a while comparing that version to the King James version. Some of it was kind of different how they
translated it, but there are also some pretty cool and enlightening parts as
well. One of the coolest things that
happened during this time was when we talked with a man who was working on his
home. He was not interested and before
we left we shook his hand and asked what his name was. He said it was Charles Ellison. I stopped and was like, “Hey, that's my name.”
and we talked a little bit about family history. As we were walking away, Elder Charles was
like "Hey, if you put our two names together that makes his name." We laughed about that for a while. It was pretty cool.<br />
<br />
This week I also learned how to roof a house. We did basically everything from decking to
shingles. It was really fun. It also helped us get to know some of the
members better that we don't talk to very much.<br />
<br />
The big highlight from the week was interviews with President Griffin. It was our last one. In the interview he asked 2 questions. The first was; how have I seen myself grow and
change since I landed in the airport back in Sept. 2015? The second was; with
my time left, what do I want to become before I leave? It was a great interview and it will be sad to
see him go. He has taught me so much and
has helped me through a lot as well.<br />
<br />
That was my week. Have a great week y'all (haha). Love ya, bye.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsfEfajdDC8Nnmag0ERbvDpzX7c1Nm7PEjcUbcSw3zB8hqsKqolHCCulXu2uAUJl3zOYniZhtuFzqYKGj6fac9RU4daurxHHKQ90HmjmKcv00z1qpTSjlwVRTlmooutGW_9AqwiJ-ESuU/s1600/5-22-17+Tracted+in+guy+with+our+names.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsfEfajdDC8Nnmag0ERbvDpzX7c1Nm7PEjcUbcSw3zB8hqsKqolHCCulXu2uAUJl3zOYniZhtuFzqYKGj6fac9RU4daurxHHKQ90HmjmKcv00z1qpTSjlwVRTlmooutGW_9AqwiJ-ESuU/s400/5-22-17+Tracted+in+guy+with+our+names.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Tracted Into Charles Ellison - His Name Is The Same As Both of Ours</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuPp6RmZ6UyATkfzvsIiI2tqaUHfvqPCyLP1wnZ6Tb8ZqcQNVUa2Qxcsr8XzrQjZE4Dvp_cTt0b0asC0MgxM5Tzq9y2ZJDXkd6wGezuUxyV1jQFoQNxWdGp4Egjj7eWzKHkOqHbfsB-BV/s1600/5-22-17+E.+Frederick+%2526+Stevenson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuPp6RmZ6UyATkfzvsIiI2tqaUHfvqPCyLP1wnZ6Tb8ZqcQNVUa2Qxcsr8XzrQjZE4Dvp_cTt0b0asC0MgxM5Tzq9y2ZJDXkd6wGezuUxyV1jQFoQNxWdGp4Egjj7eWzKHkOqHbfsB-BV/s400/5-22-17+E.+Frederick+%2526+Stevenson.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E. Frederick & E. Stevenson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlY-zQI1ooJuCGkcPzmbbfhH9OHXGsdTewLYe1MT_ZKgp6KOnpyoJE9M6UHPTkH4CGT_UnoKGWgOcWey97WGCqbW3iNlPFwGKqsLgh7Ob7aXrtjTe3lHrnyt9La2eZFue8ABXAIW9Ct3y/s1600/5-22-17+E.+Frederick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlY-zQI1ooJuCGkcPzmbbfhH9OHXGsdTewLYe1MT_ZKgp6KOnpyoJE9M6UHPTkH4CGT_UnoKGWgOcWey97WGCqbW3iNlPFwGKqsLgh7Ob7aXrtjTe3lHrnyt9La2eZFue8ABXAIW9Ct3y/s400/5-22-17+E.+Frederick.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E. Frederick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT1_eX7laiDGSK2d73C8yanVjAeQ2o51ZoXhwtEQDBIRKSb7joxDHtKBfFSv19TQHVKFFzRUWcNMvl6Zi6pGWcoP2yLbu2Zr6Uz0N4DmOaKi6i8Ln8hu0dys3v8sjCby1vEJHPtCTl6X-/s1600/5-22-17+Snakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT1_eX7laiDGSK2d73C8yanVjAeQ2o51ZoXhwtEQDBIRKSb7joxDHtKBfFSv19TQHVKFFzRUWcNMvl6Zi6pGWcoP2yLbu2Zr6Uz0N4DmOaKi6i8Ln8hu0dys3v8sjCby1vEJHPtCTl6X-/s400/5-22-17+Snakes.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Found Snakes!</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-90374595280035345212017-07-09T21:39:00.000-06:002017-07-09T21:39:06.302-06:00Last Call! 5-15-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well if you haven't heard, transfers were this
last week and so I am now with Elder Frederick. He is from Glendale, AZ. He is really good at the guitar, at least way
better than me -haha. He has been out
for roughly 10 months. It is possible he
could be my last companion too.<br />
<br />
Well to start off this week we had some awesome lessons with our 2 convert
families before Elder Smith left. It was
super cool to see that one of them is talking about their kids going on
missions, but the mom doesn't want that to happen - haha. Our lessons were on missionary work, repentance
and keeping the commandments.<br />
<br />
I gave 2 baptismal interviews this week. One was a guy I knew back in the Chatt Branch,
but never got to teach. He was going to
be baptized a year ago, but slipped up the night before and then missionaries
lost contact for a while. Well he has
come back again and his interview was one of the most powerful ones I have
done. The man that was sitting before me
was a changed man in his heart. He had a
true desire to only follow God and not give in to temptation. He also had a desire to be sealed to his wife
and kids in the temple. He cried for
nearly the whole interview just because of how much God had helped him. It was an awesome experience for me to witness
someone's conversion.<br />
<br />
The last few days we found a couple awesome people to teach. One of them is a guy named Johnathon who we
tracted into. We had a super awesome
Restoration lesson with him. He told us
he really wants to read the Book of Mormon and find out for himself if it is
true. We are going back to see him this
week again and hopefully he will come to church on Sunday as well. We also hope to have his wife join us in our lessons
and then we can help them progress towards the temple to be sealed.<br />
<br />
We also taught a couple who was a referral whose names are Matt and Azelle. We taught them the Restoration lesson as well
which was super good. The member gave a
powerful testimony at the end. They had
some questions about the Spirit which we were able to help them understand. We also taught them the importance of the Book
of Mormon and why we need it. Those were
the 2 main topics of discussion during the lesson.<br />
<br />
I also just want to share a thought that I bore my testimony on at church. It is the principle of "You never
know." You never know if something you
say or do to someone else will affect them or help them out with something. You don't always know the back story or the
aftermath of these things, but you don't always have to either. Sometimes we do, but the point is, we should
always be an example of Christ and strive to help and serve those around us all
the time. If we can all do this, then
the world will be a much happier place. Always
know that you are great. You can do
great things. And the people who get to
interact with you each day, even for just 1 minute, are extremely blessed, and will
be forever.<br />
<br />
Well that has been it for my week. Full
of lots of blessings from the Lord and I thank Him for them. I am grateful I had the opportunity to talk to
my family yesterday for Mother’s Day. Happy
late Mother’s Day to all the awesome moms out there. I can't believe that was my last one. Time flies by as people say, but on a mission
it really does. I love all of you and I
hope that you have a great week. Always
remember that your Heavenly Father is watching over you and can help you with everything
you ask for.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz-BFDyFkEHh53OIJpq7_FGeajEG7jG7PwINABIYQWFES5_NqNEGKyr3Ogl_oMVAKkrGXoh0v5AXrExzEb_rUe5OvLjeGzAFNKgI1YmAmMsFU4QJ19U2nQk3Awl1lpJZSJZgfNrvSUiLQ/s1600/5-15-17+Hike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz-BFDyFkEHh53OIJpq7_FGeajEG7jG7PwINABIYQWFES5_NqNEGKyr3Ogl_oMVAKkrGXoh0v5AXrExzEb_rUe5OvLjeGzAFNKgI1YmAmMsFU4QJ19U2nQk3Awl1lpJZSJZgfNrvSUiLQ/s400/5-15-17+Hike.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting Some Lost Elders On Our Hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyM0CKZwTYOFlnlHBE1jNa_dEHUofllOV98UqtdFnVkTmfc9SCRRX3HXbnnQV93sbz3GWL5VBftmnsxLb3aGWqdJwyRly2hFrJpR62vo8cN7zRQ8kWdqAEha3AE6itMfgDYI7zRojm0Hy/s1600/5-15-17+Catie+-YSA+investigator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyM0CKZwTYOFlnlHBE1jNa_dEHUofllOV98UqtdFnVkTmfc9SCRRX3HXbnnQV93sbz3GWL5VBftmnsxLb3aGWqdJwyRly2hFrJpR62vo8cN7zRQ8kWdqAEha3AE6itMfgDYI7zRojm0Hy/s400/5-15-17+Catie+-YSA+investigator.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catie - YSA Investigator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBl_3yGanGy8O0-ha2pLrycE8SSMvlFJoZmVe-qaoDPGQ_CqZmCItM4B53RjV5lZ69GfY4dHR3qRP4gr7wIJ1M5Qy51JxpDub8jIEuydSdAkvWkUVHQXFx5eUUq0zv8lVwFvobL5ub6Ho/s1600/5-15-17+Recent+converts+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1238" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBl_3yGanGy8O0-ha2pLrycE8SSMvlFJoZmVe-qaoDPGQ_CqZmCItM4B53RjV5lZ69GfY4dHR3qRP4gr7wIJ1M5Qy51JxpDub8jIEuydSdAkvWkUVHQXFx5eUUq0zv8lVwFvobL5ub6Ho/s400/5-15-17+Recent+converts+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recent Converts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFrqAMqMFX2QTavnljYk_ntAmQg_1jQarOxgd-FAXswNGFsULuw4Hnll-taM1-uk_sG2tNGKAmwt6kpD_A1EjQxMoYhx13GIPIKGKX8QIF2b-nubCn829LkF5FZcRc4_EohOY_9U9q_QF/s1600/5-15-17+Recent+Converts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFrqAMqMFX2QTavnljYk_ntAmQg_1jQarOxgd-FAXswNGFsULuw4Hnll-taM1-uk_sG2tNGKAmwt6kpD_A1EjQxMoYhx13GIPIKGKX8QIF2b-nubCn829LkF5FZcRc4_EohOY_9U9q_QF/s400/5-15-17+Recent+Converts.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recent Converts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFZPkTOHzc6qGceMMY84kG19Feb-QNkXHBYIT_-O_fbB5dy49JR7_3pUL3auQrJVD81RfFmFXoRS4JqauojQG5z7hxT85HgEvd6hkb6c4HlSLuzEmPilyDKTYHUku9ebyip0sST9rRUon/s1600/5-15-17+Sr.+Miss+couple+YSA+-Petersons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFZPkTOHzc6qGceMMY84kG19Feb-QNkXHBYIT_-O_fbB5dy49JR7_3pUL3auQrJVD81RfFmFXoRS4JqauojQG5z7hxT85HgEvd6hkb6c4HlSLuzEmPilyDKTYHUku9ebyip0sST9rRUon/s400/5-15-17+Sr.+Miss+couple+YSA+-Petersons.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Petersons - Awesome Senior Couple in the YSA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-68513026789949769332017-05-25T12:13:00.000-06:002017-05-25T12:13:56.825-06:00Families Are Together Forever 5-8-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So this was another awesome week. It was the last one of the transfer too, so
you know what that means: TRANSFER
CALLS!! Yep, I will be receiving a new
companion. His name is Elder Frederick. I don't know too much about him yet, but I
will after Wednesday. I am staying here in
Chattanooga. It looks like I may finish
my mission here too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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First off, the parents that were baptized at the beginning of April, now had
another daughter, who is 9, enter the waters of baptism this last Saturday. It is so cool to be a part of this family
coming together who will one day be sealed in the temple to live with each other
forever. The parents have really changed
over a month’s time as well. This week both
of them said the best prayers I have ever heard from them. The dad baptized his daughter which was a
really cool experience. We also talked
with this family and another recent convert family about going to the temple. We set all of them on date for Jun 3 to
go and do Baptisms for the dead. So in
the meantime, they are learning how to do family history and are getting names
of their family members to take with them. I can't wait for a year’s time when I get to
hear that they all are going to be sealed as a family. Another cool thing we heard at the baptism was
that Zach, their 5 yr. old boy, was walking around the house with a white shirt
and tie on, carrying a Book of Mormon in his hand. He said that he was an Elder. That was awesome to see that even at his age
he wanted to be a missionary like us.<br />
<br />
Another experience I wanted to share comes from our District Meeting this week.
One of the trainings given was on how
the Holy Ghost can help us missionaries in our work. Well we were told 3 things and were challenged
to figure out 4 and 5. Well in my study
for this, number 4 really stuck out to me that I had not thought of before. One of the fruits of the Spirit talked about
in Gal 5:22 is temperance. I
looked down at the footnotes and temperance can also mean self-control. Wow! So
the Spirit can help me to have self-control? Yes it can! And as I continued my search, I came across 2 Pet
1:5-8 which says to add to temperance, patience and godliness. So patience is also a fruit of the Spirit and something
He can help us with as well as godliness. So if the Holy Ghost can help us to
have self-control, then we will have patience which is also a form of
godliness. So I thought I would share
with you my discovery today.<br />
<br />
Finally we had a pretty powerful moment Sunday. It was Stake Conference and Elder Bluth of the
Seventy was there. He spoke to us about some
pretty awesome things, but the coolest part was President and Sister Griffin
gave there last testimonies at a Chattanooga Stake Conference. They sat down and Elder Bluth called them and
all of us missionaries up. It's funny
because the exact same thing happened to me when I was in Chatt a few months
ago haha. Anyway, he called us up and
then the missionaries and the choir behind us all sang “Called to Serve.” It was super powerful. There were people crying all over. Sister Griffin was a wreck and President was in
tears as well. Can't believe they are almost
done as Mission President. It will be so sad to see them go.<br />
<br />
Well that was my week. I hope you all
have an awesome week. Go out and share
the gospel with someone every day. Be
active in the work of salvation. One
thing that I heard this week that really stuck with me was, "I don't want
to be at the Judgement and have someone come to me and ask me why I didn't
share the gospel with them." -President Evans. The more we have people engaged in the work,
the easier it will be to find the elect of God and bring them back into His
fold. I love you all and hope you can
have a great week. If you have any
missionary moments this week, I would love to hear about them. Until next week.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexis Baptism - Baptized by Her Dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District "Funeral" - That Elder is Done & Heading Home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MLC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Got FRIED Playing Kickball - I Peeled Soooo Bad!</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-51618254117555786682017-05-22T20:36:00.001-06:002017-05-22T20:36:51.410-06:00Baptism 5-1-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hey everyone.
I can't believe the month of April has come and gone. Well this is what happened to end out the
month. First off, we had the BYU head
football coach, Kilani Sitake, come and speak for a fireside. He told us about his life story and his experiences.
It was really cool.<br />
<br />
This week we had an investigator preparing to be baptized this Saturday. We needed to see them before the interview,
but they weren't home. We tried again
the next day and they weren't home. We
had never had any trouble finding them at home before so something seemed a
little strange. We were sitting there
wondering what to do and I said a quick prayer asking the Lord to help us find
them. We wondered if they were at the
mom's work so we drove there and searched the whole parking lot for their car. We finally found it and were so grateful that the
Lord inspired us where to find them. Just goes to show that the Lord does answer
prayers when you have faith.<br />
<br />
Another cool experience we had started the night before. We said a prayer to close our day and we asked
the Lord to help us find people to teach because a lot of our teaching pool
isn't super solid right now. Well that
morning we were in “The HOOD”, and we tried a former. She wasn't home so we just knocked some doors
on that street. 2 doors later we started
talking to a guy for a bit. Towards the
end he told us that the night before he was praying to someone (he claims to be
pagan, but we’re not sure what his beliefs are) and asked to be shown
something: Shown that God is there. Well we came knocking that next day, gave him
a Book of Mormon, and told him we were an answer to his prayer. We are seeing him this week and I can't wait
to see where it goes.<br />
<br />
The last thing was that we had a baptism for Bri. It took some time and persistence, but she
finally joined her mom a couple months later in the church and now the whole family
is in the gospel. There were a lot
of things that worked out just the way it needed to in order for that to happen.
It was a super awesome experience. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost Sunday
too. Daniel, who got baptized a month
ago, got the Aaronic priesthood also on Sunday so that he can baptize his
daughter this next weekend.<br />
<br />
Good things are happening right now and we are so excited. Transfers are next week so we shall see what
the Lord has in store for us next Monday. I pray that you all may have a great week.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bri's Baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' On Our Porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Smolder"</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-29798961451721602672017-05-20T11:25:00.000-06:002017-05-20T11:25:23.146-06:00Missionary Work 4-24-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So a lot happened this week. It has rained
every day at some point for about a week now. We also had our last exchanges of the transfer
so we get 2 weeks to just work our area together.<br />
<br />
First off I wanted to talk about a miracle we have seen over the course of
time. The last couple weeks there has
been a lot of rain. Well for us, the
Lord has blessed us to not get soaked. Every
time it is raining, the Lord provides us with someone to teach during that time
or it will stop raining right before we go out to knock doors and then start up
again after we are done. What a
blessing!<br />
<br />
Thursday we went on exchanges with the Assistants (APs) and I went and did some
YSA work. Not too much success, but we
did get to go to Institute there and we talked about a few chapters in the Book
of Revelation. It was so cool. The scriptures are so awesome to learn and
study, especially prophecies, descriptions, and finding out what they mean. We were in the chapters that talk about the 4
beasts and then went on to the 7 seals.<br />
<br />
Also, we had a cool experience Saturday. We went to go try some investigators we
tracted into a few weeks ago. We have
never been there at the right time. So
we did one last stop and we got in. We taught
the whole Restoration. They liked it and
even asked us questions to help them understand. One awesome question was about the Priesthood.
We explained about Baptism needing to be
done by the Priesthood authority and he asked if getting married would need to
be redone by someone who has that authority. No one ever makes that correlation. So we explained the difference between civil
and eternal marriage. It was just an
awesome lesson.<br />
<br />
Finally our Mission President spoke in our ward Sunday. He talked about how this work is hard. Even though it is hard, it is true. He eventually made his way to talking us
missionaries up a bit and then talked to the members about being member
missionaries. Afterwards we had a lot of
people tell us how much they love our Mission President. It was a powerful talk.<br />
<br />
Well this week should be exciting. We
have a baptism this Saturday and are preparing for that. I hope all of you have
a great week.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party at the Mission Office</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-47785401017995505582017-05-18T12:55:00.000-06:002017-05-18T12:55:00.772-06:00Changing Your Roots 4-17-17So to start off, we had 2 exchanges with some Elders in the Zone. On one of our exchanges the Elder I was with and I tried a less-active couple. They let us right in and we just talked with them for a long time. We showed the Easter Initiative. Before we left they gave us 2 things. The first was some German chocolate because the lady was from Germany and recently returned from a trip there. It was delicious! The second thing required that we buy a ton of ice cream. We were given some Carolina Reapers. If you don't know what that is, it is the hottest pepper in the world. So at the end of the night, what did we do? Oh yes, we tried them. We took very small pieces, but as soon as it hit our tongues, our whole mouth was on fire and our saliva was on fire as we swallowed It went all the way down our throats. The ice cream cooled things a little in our mouths, but it didn't take it away, just masked it. Somehow my finger touched a pepper and so when I rubbed my eye, that was not fun at all.<br />
<br />
Our second exchange we had a cool experience. We were in the other Elder’s area because they just whitewashed in (which is when two new missionaries come in who don't know anything about the area and it is basically starting from scratch) and they didn't have much of a teaching pool. So we worked their area double to help get some things going. The Elder I was with and I went tracting towards the evening and we knocked on the door of an apartment. They answered and we asked if we could share a message about Jesus. So to me it was almost like the story President Uchtdorf told in the women's session in October, fourth floor, last door. The parents were going to say the usual, "we are good thank you," but a 7 year old girl spoke first and said, “Yes.” So the grandma said we could because the girl had said yes. It was really cool and if they progress, then it will all be because that little girl stepped up first.<br />
<br />
I gave a talk in the YSA Branch. Can you guess what on? You got it. Tithing. No I'm kidding, it was definitely the Atonement. I first talked about Satan and the things he does to put us in bondage and related it to how we can only escape if we use the Atonement every day. I had multiple scriptures to go along with it and ended with the survey that I think I have talked about before. It is about the 4 questions asked to temple recommend holders. If I haven't shared that yet then let me know and I will.<br />
<br />
We also had Zone Training Meeting and I gave 3 trainings: One to the missionaries with Elder Smith, one by myself to the missionaries, and one to just the District Leaders. All of them went well. The one to the missionaries was pretty good. Elder Smith and I had a really good one on how to begin teaching and we added getting rid of what we call “eternagators” (investigators that investigate, but don't keep commitments or progress, they just sit there) by dropping them for a while or baptizing them. Either help them progress or help them progress by giving them some time on their own. Then there was my training. I spoke about what the title of this email is, changing your roots. I first talked about how we all want good fruit to come forth from our labors and the only way that good fruit will come about is if we have good roots. I spoke on 4 roots that can be found in missionary work. They are the root of Homesickness, Negativity, Work, and Love. The first two I talked about how we need to change it or use it to help us do our best. The second two I said are things we need and are good for us. I ended with the scripture John 15: 16 and how we have been chosen to this work and we should have the hope that we will bring forth good fruit that will remain as long as we start with good roots.<br />
<br />
We also had a sweet Easter Sunday. We went to some awesome members and had breakfast for dinner. We then did an Easter Egg Hunt because, why not?<br />
<br />
Lastly we had interviews with President Griffin. In the interview we had to teach him about repentance. It was a little different than most interviews, but it was still good. I just want to end with a little writing about repentance. First and foremost, repentance is not supposed to be a fearful, dreadful, scary thing. It is meant to be a joyous experience. There is no better feeling than when you have peace come over you and the guilt of whatever mistake you have made is gone. As our Mission President's son defines it, it is a daily course correction. We need to repent every day or else the Atonement that Christ performed willingly, is not being used by us properly. He is the Prince of Peace and peace only comes when we correct our daily behavior to be more in line with God's will.<br />
<br />
I close this email in the name of Him who is our advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<br />
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVH-4wOpM11KNDP0tOYta8gyWlyRh18jth2vx9RGbnWcJFimbLtCfA-ydA_y4Zk_LcpTpiH7JqAhKElcENfXcuPYRshbz_7MpKenk7W_lO0m1vho6wU68YDCcx2ViceVHQndWgCunHGvD/s1600/4-17-17+They+said+to+leave+a+book+people+might+enjoy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVH-4wOpM11KNDP0tOYta8gyWlyRh18jth2vx9RGbnWcJFimbLtCfA-ydA_y4Zk_LcpTpiH7JqAhKElcENfXcuPYRshbz_7MpKenk7W_lO0m1vho6wU68YDCcx2ViceVHQndWgCunHGvD/s400/4-17-17+They+said+to+leave+a+book+people+might+enjoy.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They Said to Leave a Book For Others to Enjoy - So I Did!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5OlRnLQzi3mksu6XXkIvU6j_Au6KgYsTV2Ie0FNofbXLuQY7l-O2rGTP6XJde1cVypj38queo7cosh9RN27EJCZVWkosfxh0ELDTbSFKkulhS4Ij8X53d8Xs4WmJVwMnncIMb_hQouOF/s1600/4-17-17+Easter+Egg+hunt+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5OlRnLQzi3mksu6XXkIvU6j_Au6KgYsTV2Ie0FNofbXLuQY7l-O2rGTP6XJde1cVypj38queo7cosh9RN27EJCZVWkosfxh0ELDTbSFKkulhS4Ij8X53d8Xs4WmJVwMnncIMb_hQouOF/s400/4-17-17+Easter+Egg+hunt+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Egg Hunt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ-9VQ_7OREBOVpSNNyVInPWfNvVcjJfml4h66OSO5KzWYlX9RhfZFv7uKzckMbTJNgtxp1to1hxFkKSkMRiS669brSrIF2ZO1RlhjMS7YFpBsqwkT7hWzvsYgRtVt4dQFStjZIFykHnd/s1600/4-17-17+Waiting+for+interviews+-balled+too+hard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ-9VQ_7OREBOVpSNNyVInPWfNvVcjJfml4h66OSO5KzWYlX9RhfZFv7uKzckMbTJNgtxp1to1hxFkKSkMRiS669brSrIF2ZO1RlhjMS7YFpBsqwkT7hWzvsYgRtVt4dQFStjZIFykHnd/s400/4-17-17+Waiting+for+interviews+-balled+too+hard.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Balled Too Hard To Stay Awake Waiting For Interviews - I Can Sleep Anywhere Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3XSJrOuynwsQcw3aYD0X24SDMSznV-NB0B8zzb0FH5yfWuhZXOn0yYuliw36w6B4oLJCG9QPRXL-cxBWn9PjdzpBOR4X8IQUk2yQOkVmH-ILnxcLwpHbxPU4I5NIeiW7bm7BTdIU0FjW/s1600/4-17-17+Pday+hike+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3XSJrOuynwsQcw3aYD0X24SDMSznV-NB0B8zzb0FH5yfWuhZXOn0yYuliw36w6B4oLJCG9QPRXL-cxBWn9PjdzpBOR4X8IQUk2yQOkVmH-ILnxcLwpHbxPU4I5NIeiW7bm7BTdIU0FjW/s400/4-17-17+Pday+hike+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P-Day Hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View Was Awesome Until We Decided To Block It</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-88097049289793736072017-05-16T19:00:00.000-06:002017-05-16T19:00:37.177-06:00Unlimited 4-10-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So first off, to explain the title, we have a
car that has no mile limits currently. We
have actually two cars right now. One
that has a mile limitation, and one that doesn't. We have to get one of our cars fixed from a
rear ending a while back and so they gave us another car to drive while it is
in the shop. Well that car is not in the shop yet so we have two cars. OK so the rest of this week we did a lot of finding
and a couple exchanges with other missionaries. We also set two more baptismal dates which was
awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So the first baptismal date is for a girl named Bri. She is the daughter of a recent convert that
was baptized back in February. We have
been working with her for quite a while now and she has finally accepted a date
to be baptized on April 29th. It has
taken her a while to want to be baptized because of certain circumstances, but
she has decided to finally work with us towards that date and we are hoping and
praying that she will be ready for it.<br />
<br />
Our next date is for a girl named Alexis. She is nine years old. Her parents Daniel and Stephanie were the ones
that were baptized last Saturday. She
wanted her dad to baptize her and so we are working with him to get the
priesthood and we are now teaching her the lessons. She will be baptized on May 6th. She is a lot different than most of the nine-year-olds
I have talked to in the past. All of the
others had very small attention spans and didn't always understand all that we
taught, but Alexis has a very good attention span and understands everything. One of the coolest things about our last
lesson was her dad. He had a little
skepticism regarding some of the things that we taught them and he was still
working to believe some things. However,
during this lesson with Alexis he finally decided to be baptized because the Spirit
was so strong and had really touched him. He even helped us teach her one of the principles
of the lesson which we were having trouble helping her to understand. He taught it in a way that she could
understand and it was really cool to see him do that.<br />
<br />
This week we also gave a man a blessing. After the blessing he said he really needed
that and after a couple weeks of not being at church, he finally attended this
last Sunday because he was feeling well enough. Also, as I mentioned earlier, we went on a
couple exchanges this week. We did a lot of finding on those exchanges and I
was with two Elders that were either three or four transfers out. So they were pretty new. Well we had fun and we found a few people to
go back to and try to teach. I also got
to see my old area of downtown Chattanooga which is awesome. It feels like I'm right back at home.<br />
<br />
Well that's it for me for this week. Sorry not too much happened, but I hopefully
will have some really cool experiences to share with you guys this next week. We have Zone Training meeting tomorrow (Tuesday)
and I have to give the closing remarks so we shall see how that goes. I hope all is well for you and I hope to hear
from you guys. I love you and keep the
faith.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've Had a Little Rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice View With the Exception of the Nuclear Power Plants in the Back</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-1606316010763229442017-05-15T08:43:00.000-06:002017-05-15T08:43:24.406-06:00Best Week Ever! 4-03-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wow! So this week was an awesome week. We had
transfers but as you know things are staying the same for this one. We had to help out a bunch of missionaries
though because they couldn't get rides. So Tuesday night we were driving all over, picking
up luggage and driving it to a member’s home who had room. We were out past 11pm. For those missionaries out there, you know
that is no good haha. Then the next day
we had to do the same thing when they got back from transfers. We did so much driving in those couple days
that we were using “approved” miles rather than our own.<br />
<br />
All right, so here is why it was the best week ever. First off the new Easter Initiative came out. It is all about the Prince of Peace. If you haven't seen it then go to Mormon.org. It shares how Christ is the Prince of Peace
and how we can find peace through gospel principles.<br />
<br />
Second it was General Conference. One of
the talks that I liked came from Elder Sabin of the seventy. I really like one of the things he talked
about. He talked about how we need to
stand up inside. If we can be the person
we want to be on the inside then it will naturally show forth on the outside. It all starts from the inside out.<br />
<br />
Ok so highlight of the week: I was able
to witness my first baptism. Daniel and
Stephanie got baptized in between sessions of General Conference. We have been working hard with them and they
finally have gotten to this point. The Spirit was so strong in the service. I gave a talk about the Holy Ghost after the
baptism and before we confirmed upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful that I could be a part of
their journey. It is not over yet
either. One of their daughters, possible
2 of them, will get baptized in the next couple weeks. She wanted her dad to baptize her so we are
working on getting him the priesthood to do that. One of the daughters is afraid of water so
hopefully we can work through that. Again,
I am so grateful I could be able to witness their transformation and dedication
in following their Savior.<br />
<br />
That is it for me this week. Hope it is a good one for all of you.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Homeless man on a beach chair with wheels being pulled by 2 huskies </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">while waving an American flag - For Real! You don't see that everyday.</span></div>
Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-27139248209766637822017-05-11T13:40:00.000-06:002017-05-11T13:40:52.616-06:00Transfers 3-27-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So first start out we had transfer calls today
and Elder Smith and I are staying put for another transfer. This last week we had a lot of meetings and
driving and preparation for our baptisms coming up this next week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
On Tuesday we had a really cool experience:
We were able to go up to Knoxville and listen to David Archuleta. He came and visited our mission. Half of our total missionaries were there and
we were some of the lucky ones that got to go. He talked to us and sang some songs. He talked a lot about him gaining a
relationship with Heavenly Father and about listening to the Spirit. One of the really cool things he talked about
was the very first miracle that Jesus Christ performed in His earthly ministry.
He had heard this from a professor at
BYU. The very first miracle that Jesus
Christ performed written in the scriptures was the event of turning water into wine.
As the professor explained, this event
is significant because it shows that Jesus Christ can change things. As he changed the water into wine, he can also
change you as a person into something better. Not to say wine is good for you or is better
than water, but you know what I mean. This
change happens because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice for all of us is something that
we can use to become better people. The
atonement does many things for us such as helping us to repent, to be forgiven
of mistakes we have made, to have someone there right beside us who knows
exactly how we feel when we go through pain and sorrow, and to provide a way
for us to become better by following His example. We get to start over every day and try to do better
than the last. So that is one of the
cool things he talked about. He also sang
some songs which were really good. He has
a really good voice. He even told us some
experiences he had growing up and on his mission of learning to listen to the Spirit.
We then got to shake his hand
afterwards.<br />
<br />
Later that week we had a lesson with the Miller family who is scheduled to be
baptized soon. It was awesome. We went over the Law of Tithing which can sometimes
be a little difficult, but before we even taught anything, they told us of an
experience they had where they had seen the blessings from it. They had learned about the Law of Tithing a
little bit before in church, they talked about it afterwards, and they calculated
out their expenses to see if they could pay it.
In the end they saw that there was no way they could. Then one day while
shopping, Sister Miller had the thought to look through her gift cards and see
how much money she had with them. She
looked on the first and saw about $20. Then
she looked on some others that she thought only had a few dollars or none on
them. When she added all of the money up
from the gift cards it equaled the exact amount of money that they would have
to pay tithing on that they thought they would not be able to pay. So even with a desire to keep this commitment before
baptism and without even having to live it right now, they already saw that it
works. This next week we are working
with them on their baptism which is on the first of April. We are so excited for them and can't wait for
a great weekend ahead because it is also General Conference.<br />
<br />
The last experience this week I want to talk about is one that happened while
finding. We were about to go tracting
and we said a prayer before we got out of the car. In the prayer we asked that we would be able
to find someone who will listen to our message.
We also asked that we will recognize them as people God has prepared and
that they would recognize us as God's servants. While tracting, we went the whole street until
we were left with one last door. A man
named Jeremiah answered and said that we could share a message with him. We asked when and he said right now so we
taught him the whole Restoration lesson on his porch and was able to set up a
return appointment. We also got to help
teach tailored to his needs because he didn't quite know how the Spirit felt or
how God answers prayers. As we were sitting
there talking to him, I thought to myself, "We said a prayer asking to
find someone to teach because our teaching pool is small. We then knocked into
Jeremiah who told us we could share a message with him right then and it was
someone who wanted a closer relationship with God and wanted to know how he
could receive answers to his prayers and feel of the Spirit." This was a testimony builder to me that God
leads us to His children who are looking for Him and in need of help.<br />
<br />
That was basically my week and so I hope that all of you will have a great week
and will learn something from General Conference that you can apply to your
life as I too will be looking for that same thing. I know as we do that there will be something
in there; a sentence or a whole talk related to something that we need. I love you all and I look forward to sharing
my thoughts with you next week.<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Swole - #6monthstosexy</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-20792326818535634872017-04-10T21:52:00.000-06:002017-04-10T21:52:02.758-06:00Guided By The Spirit 3-20-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some pretty cool things happened this week regarding
the Spirit. Each experience is different
in it’s own way because, well, the Spirit works in many different ways. Also, a quick note; we have another
investigator on date for baptism on Apr. 8. This man, Lee, has been investigating for 13
years now and has finally come to have a testimony of the Restored Gospel. He knows and accepts everything so we are
looking forward to it.<br />
<br />
The first thing I want to share with you happened last Friday. I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with
a newer missionary who is in my District, Elder Battad. He is a great guy who is still learning the
ropes, but will be a great missionary. We had a rough-ish day and had experienced quite a bit of
antagonism. Some of it was stupid little things like people told us that the
picture of Christ we wanted to give them wasn't Him and how He didn't look like
that. We received a lot of criticism in
general and were even asked if we would join a Baptist church. When we tried to answer the question, the man
kept interrupting us until he shut the door in our faces. It was a little bit of a discouraging day
because we had done so much finding and had only found one new investigator
(which was still great of course). However,
at the very end of the day we had an amazing experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We knocked on the door of a man in his 60’s who
lived alone. We introduced ourselves and
said why we were there. He said that we
should probably move on because he worked for a Christian radio station for 7
years and had talked to many different preachers. He said he would always ask questions that he
wanted answers to, but no one was ever able to do it. So I said, "Well sir, I guarantee that we
will have answers to your questions that no one else will." So he said fine and asked us a question we
would all like to know and have a better understanding of: Where did God come from? Did He just appear or what? Well, we told him unfortunately that is one question
we don't know the answer to. He said,
"See, you can't answer my questions." I said we can answer a lot, just not that one.
So he decided to give it one more try
before we left. He asked us, "If
God is such a loving Father, then why would He condemn one of His children to
Hell forever? That's like a parent
telling their child they can't leave their room forever." So I explained the whole thing, mainly because
Elder Battad hasn't had too much experience with this yet and didn't know how
to go about it. I told him about our belief
in the three Kingdoms of Glory and how a loving Father in Heaven provided a way
for us to live in a wonderful place that will be comfortable to us. I explained a lot more about it, but it was a
20 minute conversation so that’s a lot to write. In the end, we were able to answer his question,
which was awesome and I tried to see if we could come back and answer more of
his questions. He declined the offer so I
tried giving him the Plan of Salvation pamphlet that I used to teach him. He said that we might be short one sometime so
we should not give it to him. Well, both
Elder Battad and I knew he was worth it and we would never be short one so I
left it on his porch anyways. Haha - I'm
so sneaky. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Afterwards as we were walking back to our car,
Elder Battad said that he could feel the Spirit and that he had learned a lot
from that experience. I knew when I
looked back on it that it was not me doing the talking, but that the Spirit was
working through me. I don't think I even
had to pause or use a filler word, which definitely means the Spirit was there
because that is something I am constantly working on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another great experience we had was with the
Drake family. I was leading the lesson
and before I even started it, we were already discussing a principle of the
gospel that the family definitely needed to hear, especially the daughter. We talked about the principle of forgiveness. The commandment is to forgive everyone, no matter
who they are or what they have done. We
also need to forgive ourselves for anything we have done. That one can be hard, but it is doable. We then lead into the Plan of Salvation and incorporated
the Atonement and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is another example of how the Lord will
direct these lessons the way they need go to so it can benefit His children. The daughter has had a trouble with keeping her
commitment to read and when I followed up this time, she couldn't remember what
she had read, but she did read and she said it was one of the best night’s
sleep she has had in a long time. So
cool! Another great experience of the
power of the Book of Mormon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lastly, we had a Zone Conference, which is
always awesome, but was a little boring for me this time because I had already heard
the trainings in our MLC meeting, but I still learned some new things. President Griffin was finishing his training
and he had pointed out an Elder that was going home and talked about how fast
your mission experience goes. That impressed
upon me how my time is coming to an end here in a few months. I reflected upon my mission so far and thought
about the time I have left. I want to
leave it all out on the field with no regrets at the end. I want to make sure every day I work so hard
that when I lay down in bed at night, I know that I did everything I could for
my Savior that day. I have had a
glorious time so far and it only gets better. I don't know if I have ever felt so happy
before. Even with the frustrating bad
moments it is still good. I have learned
things I never would have learned before. I still have a lot to learn and I look forward
to that too. The impression I got was to
make sure I keep doing my best each and every day. This is the third way the Spirit works;
through the impressions and revelations you receive that will help you and will
give you that motivational push you need. The Lord wants you to do your best and He will
help you with that through the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Quick note: there is a lot more meaning to the hymn Nearer My God To Thee. If you want to learn more, go study Genesis 28
and compare the lyrics with those verses. You also might need to do some study on the
story in that chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I leave these things with all of you whom I love in the sacred name of Jesus
Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracting In The Rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping some Senior Couples Move a New Apartment in Our Zone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch After the Move</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracting With E. Battad</td></tr>
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Name That Tune</div>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-82183266354720837112017-04-07T16:37:00.000-06:002017-04-07T16:37:50.185-06:00Exchanges For Days! And Dates! 3-13-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So this week I am going to switch up my weekly
email and see how it goes. To give a
little briefing; we drove to Knoxville twice this week. We had 2 exchanges with the Chatt Valley
Elders and the APs. We also have a
family on date for baptism April 1st. No,
it is not an April Fool’s joke. They are
an awesome family. A little funny thing though
about them. We have had about 5 lessons
with them in the past few weeks since I have been here and I have only got to
teach them for 1 of those. It's just
the way it goes when we have exchanges and team up splits with members.<br />
<br />
So some cool things happened this week. On Tuesday we had a lesson with the Drakes. I was going to it with a member and I had no idea
what I was supposed to teach for the lesson. We said a prayer and during the prayer I had
the thought to do a testimony meeting. The
husband and wife are members and the daughter is not. The wife is recently baptized so we are
working with both of them. We started
out by reading Alma 7 and then we started talking about baptism. I asked both of the parents what it meant to
them to have the gospel in their lives. They
both gave good testimonies and so did the member I had with me. We turned our focus more onto the girl at this
point and we talked to her about some of her concerns. In the end, I was able to bear my testimony of
the power of the Book of Mormon. It was
one of the most powerful lessons I have been in. The daughter is not quite ready, but I think she
felt something and made some progress.<br />
<br />
Another thing that happened this week was when I was watching the Youth Face to
Face with Elder Holland and President Eyring. They talked about prayer one time and I took
some of the things that they said and applied them. I have tried to say my prayers by kneeling
upright. Not leaning on or over
anything. And before I even start
praying, I sit there and wait until I feel ready to approach the throne of God.
Then at the end of my prayer I stay
kneeling upright for a time, just listening. Having my mind clear and just trying to focus
on the Spirit and any impressions I receive. The first time I did this I saw a huge change
and I have done it ever since. A lot of
times we say our prayers and then just move on. A prayer is a conversation and it isn't much
of a conversation if we just talk and don’t listen for a response. We talk and then He talks. I encourage all of you to try it. It makes a huge difference. I would also encourage you to take a question you
have to church and pray about it during the Sacrament and then listen to the
talks and lessons given. I did that for
a question I had and during the Sacrament I received my answer through the
scriptures. A scripture came to my mind
after my little prayer and it was definitely the answer I was supposed to
receive. Church is the best place to receive
revelation.<br />
<br />
I love you all and leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_rhwC715SzzfegPAdZRgw-H8gbEJcKxOPiDxX_2JcXdYZjuFjpZ1L910_TcwNhL1eIjfyj4kyW_YjvmEZzg6-rbEbRTAdtcCL3KwZsqbZNYR-EsPCy9NzFrcofwNhy549npcHfX2e0VS/s1600/3-13-17+My+new+Ukelele.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_rhwC715SzzfegPAdZRgw-H8gbEJcKxOPiDxX_2JcXdYZjuFjpZ1L910_TcwNhL1eIjfyj4kyW_YjvmEZzg6-rbEbRTAdtcCL3KwZsqbZNYR-EsPCy9NzFrcofwNhy549npcHfX2e0VS/s400/3-13-17+My+new+Ukelele.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to Play My Ukelele</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvTAiA-DRn6h4ghzhXnGpWAsHQY6P5jZ361P0aNzfnalV9SV4KMdl25pjWEkzayDg_2O1muPHCtmtrdeEwcEqLIJ7rB-WBMXAoh8zjR7hN_K9kJgmDMC-sH1sDYD1nTeXqf1O188XvAqP/s1600/3-13-17+District.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvTAiA-DRn6h4ghzhXnGpWAsHQY6P5jZ361P0aNzfnalV9SV4KMdl25pjWEkzayDg_2O1muPHCtmtrdeEwcEqLIJ7rB-WBMXAoh8zjR7hN_K9kJgmDMC-sH1sDYD1nTeXqf1O188XvAqP/s400/3-13-17+District.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The District</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWvbhmiRaegevHMfTXSwv8VoCgkGibyOeVRvpwQpdLceTIEUSXE5CwvU_OlBNtRhkCOOFCJmPlJB3c8mjz4XO3dsCc2V7NjNd6ig-Maeaq2RDsXya54KuKasPQKyWXRINot_4Zp1zUBNk/s1600/3-13-17+Nice+View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWvbhmiRaegevHMfTXSwv8VoCgkGibyOeVRvpwQpdLceTIEUSXE5CwvU_OlBNtRhkCOOFCJmPlJB3c8mjz4XO3dsCc2V7NjNd6ig-Maeaq2RDsXya54KuKasPQKyWXRINot_4Zp1zUBNk/s400/3-13-17+Nice+View.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxy8_TWSzDMwSYrpF-4JkY55Mamx_jd5CkbL9PUzbAmVcArKnP9P5tuEgJJMmMbpqNbpwXYzpS_UkA5UOYK9uxxEC9OTHPt533SvQsRELuUgsPsHzDKxODbw5aLbe1GIIeeRR3pHlxjAUL/s1600/3-13-17+Transfers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxy8_TWSzDMwSYrpF-4JkY55Mamx_jd5CkbL9PUzbAmVcArKnP9P5tuEgJJMmMbpqNbpwXYzpS_UkA5UOYK9uxxEC9OTHPt533SvQsRELuUgsPsHzDKxODbw5aLbe1GIIeeRR3pHlxjAUL/s400/3-13-17+Transfers.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transfers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdruXV8w9KyVuyo7Kb4jpqJ8N3NfJ4W-21qa7Hd8mag7YIWiQerhDPHAcV1oH_GTZ4Pqzjx6ACJGBiBnrn7g88ypSqlSXS6NvW1RXLeX7kI1T0MsivxLyiLCqEGbCWpdduxSPSQX_gHwbG/s1600/3-13-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdruXV8w9KyVuyo7Kb4jpqJ8N3NfJ4W-21qa7Hd8mag7YIWiQerhDPHAcV1oH_GTZ4Pqzjx6ACJGBiBnrn7g88ypSqlSXS6NvW1RXLeX7kI1T0MsivxLyiLCqEGbCWpdduxSPSQX_gHwbG/s400/3-13-17.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E. Leahman Returned for a Visit</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-56250195307129198652017-04-05T22:19:00.000-06:002017-04-05T22:19:16.118-06:00Building Up Trust 3-6-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So this week was a little bit of a rough week. We had some good things happen, but it just
didn't seem like we had much going for us this week unfortunately.<br />
<br />
Monday it was only our District at the church for P-day. We played a bunch of different games and
sometimes had jam sessions on the ukuleles and the piano. That night we tried a few people, but nothing
was going. We did have a cool experience
though. We had to watch our miles on the
car while we tried a former. It was the
last person we were going to be able to try before we went home. He wasn't home, but his neighbors were moving.
It was dark and late and so we went over
to see if they needed help and sure enough, we were able to help them move some
of the bigger things. It was cool to see
how the Lord provided us with something to do because we were out trying to work.<br />
<br />
Tuesday we had District Meeting. It down
poured that day too. We haven't had a
rain like that in a long time. Well God
is good because the rain stopped right as we started proselyting. We saw Clyde and read from the Book of Mormon
with him. After him we did a bunch of
finding and found a few potentials. That
night, since we are now covering the YSA, we went to Institute which was super
good. It was really awesome to see a few
people from back when I was here the first time.<br />
<br />
Wednesday was an interesting day with lessons. We had 3 lessons that were more about facts
and information. We had 2 lessons where we used one of the
Official Declarations from the church in each one. That afternoon we went with the Senior couple
to see a couple YSA members. That night
we went to our recent converts and had an awesome lesson based off of 2 Nephi
31.<br />
<br />
Thursday we did a lot of finding, but had a super cool experience though. As we were tracting, we came to a four way
stop. Elder Smith asked, "Which way,
boss?" I said, "Press
forward." So we kept on going
straight, but before we got to the first house, I had a thought, "No, we
need to go right." I am working on
following promptings, even if it might just be my thoughts, but it is something
good. So we went right. Well nothing really happened the whole 2 hours
we were tracting until we accidentally knocked on a member’s home. We talked briefly and said a prayer with them.
After the prayer, the husband said,
"I know why you are here. You can help give my son a blessing." His son was sick so we got to give him a
blessing. It was super cool because in the
blessing he was told he would be feeling better in a couple days and this
Sunday the whole family was there. It
was super cool. <br />
<br />
Friday we did exchanges with the Dayton Elders. I was with Elder Charles. We did finding all day. Highlight of the day; I got the cops called on
me again and we got kicked out of a neighborhood for soliciting even though we
aren't solicitors. We left before the
cops arrived.<br />
<br />
Saturday was another lame day. We weekly
planned. Then we drove to downtown Chatt
to contact some YSA, but nothing happened. It was in the projects, but since it didn't
work out, we went to my old apartment.
We went and walked the Walking Bridge and the streets of downtown. Felt like home. It was funny to see that when we were walking
in the projects, I was not walking through with the confidence I used to have. It's weird how that went away after being gone
3 months. As we were walking through we passed
some kids playing and a little girl yelled and pointed at us,
"CRIMINALS!" That was pretty
funny. Also, not racist in any way, just
for your information, the projects in Downtown Chattanooga are all black people.
So she probably called us that because
we were white or maybe just for fun. Boy,
after being in the projects and driving through the streets that I used to bike
everyday, I sure do miss that area and the wonderful people there.<br />
<br />
Sunday we are back to the all-day church now that we have the YSA. My old investigator Olivia was there so that
was cool to see her again. We had a Linger
Longer afterwards. I also got to see former
Elder Leahman again. He came back to
tour his mission with his parents so that was really cool. That was about it for this week.<br />
<br />
Well, to talk about my title briefly, this week may have been rough and hard
and trying and testing, but it was all things for the Lord to see if He can
trust us with someone He has prepared right now. We will keep working through
the tough times, but we know that this is how the Lord builds His trust in us. The same goes for all of us not just in missionary
work. The Lord puts us through things to
see what choices we will make based on what happens. If we can keep pressing forward and keep the
faith, then we will be rewarded with blessings. So DON'T LOSE HOPE! If you start to lose hope and maybe make wrong
choices, always look to the Savior for help and He will give it to you. I love you all and I say this in the name of
Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6xeg_bskSjMlYLnBMNOGmCZJNvrCR6OBhJF8G0tRRcnuQeRfGInvvJrXZcsDoLdaxDddWMNKN1FHZzImH3O5brFE4vL7JEZwhI-YyX_xq5CJOIgpPFSiEARdCJLqIaZDgUr4CnHnYTmv/s1600/3-6-17+Made+a+Jesus+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6xeg_bskSjMlYLnBMNOGmCZJNvrCR6OBhJF8G0tRRcnuQeRfGInvvJrXZcsDoLdaxDddWMNKN1FHZzImH3O5brFE4vL7JEZwhI-YyX_xq5CJOIgpPFSiEARdCJLqIaZDgUr4CnHnYTmv/s400/3-6-17+Made+a+Jesus+wall.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Made A Jesus Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6I5WCmRz_MZqRYKj3mCKTCK6eY5wNyNr0EXfzJVpe6JbJX_ON17hC3GXPBuYPptUH82vRJhwV3LB25SHsT5dTwvLSR9t__twXD0mY3uEMSoOPoCs9ZQVPc_ZMgUG3zWdr97RfudaD7Rmw/s1600/3-6-17+Walking+Bridge+at+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6I5WCmRz_MZqRYKj3mCKTCK6eY5wNyNr0EXfzJVpe6JbJX_ON17hC3GXPBuYPptUH82vRJhwV3LB25SHsT5dTwvLSR9t__twXD0mY3uEMSoOPoCs9ZQVPc_ZMgUG3zWdr97RfudaD7Rmw/s400/3-6-17+Walking+Bridge+at+night.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Walking Bridge At Night</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKVvJCcULpTxjYaj3ogtl1X3VH1yLRQwren7DaGw3FFBgM3bt15qFEoyOnVapw3nH5j1i3nEsDjtp-b93GKB5z5TOIyC9f-MV0j7JD7zeCnFcP9e8GqZ8ZvHCf0QF0gdaD1aOLFywV575/s1600/3-6-17+Back+in+my+old+apt+in+Chatt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKVvJCcULpTxjYaj3ogtl1X3VH1yLRQwren7DaGw3FFBgM3bt15qFEoyOnVapw3nH5j1i3nEsDjtp-b93GKB5z5TOIyC9f-MV0j7JD7zeCnFcP9e8GqZ8ZvHCf0QF0gdaD1aOLFywV575/s400/3-6-17+Back+in+my+old+apt+in+Chatt.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Old Apartment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGB6CsbMKyGa-poNMc7hwrYBmBk093j8QKZ4Zw39VkNK5lu8gVM7pJ4YBNCcFvkSqRYacFL411199_VWb6cJxp0nhF7lCOC45GeqngmETI_DAQWiiLC7DCb3bi5n15s24bTyvC3XJ1Oaa/s1600/3-6-17+Sefie+status+-+missionaries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGB6CsbMKyGa-poNMc7hwrYBmBk093j8QKZ4Zw39VkNK5lu8gVM7pJ4YBNCcFvkSqRYacFL411199_VWb6cJxp0nhF7lCOC45GeqngmETI_DAQWiiLC7DCb3bi5n15s24bTyvC3XJ1Oaa/s400/3-6-17+Sefie+status+-+missionaries.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie Status: Missionaries</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-91228076058430895322017-04-01T08:32:00.000-06:002017-04-01T08:42:18.735-06:0018 Months, Oh Boy! 2-27-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, time has just flown by. I have now served the equivalent of a Sister Missionary’s
mission. I am ready for these next 6
months and it is going to be a lot fun and hard work. My goal is to not start dying off at the end,
but to be sprinting through to the finish.<br />
<br />
Monday we had P-day with our District and a couple other Elders came down too. We just did a bunch of fun stuff except we
started it off by doing the Tampico challenge. The challenge is to be the first one to finish
a gallon of Tampico. [Mom's Note: DO NOT try this at home - most people don't realize it is dangerous and can actually kill people - For Real!] Well, only a few
got somewhat close and those few either puked or almost puked. It was hilarious. That night we had a Restoration lesson with a
lady named Makeeta (pronounced Markeeta). Then we had to stay up super late to plan our
trainings for Zone Training Meeting.<br />
<br />
Tuesday we had Zone Training Meeting. We
also, because of his new schedule, had interviews with President Griffin. It was a quick one for me. So I gave my first training and I was so
nervous. Doesn't help that I was not at
the training where they were taught about the things I had to teach. Plus we didn't train on anything doctrine related,
it was just on the Mission President's new schedule. Then we had a District
Leader meeting after that, but we did get a perk. It was Sister Griffin's birthday so at lunch
we got some birthday hugs. Well after
that we cleaned up and then went and got some ice cream. We did some finding and then did splits. I went to a less-active’s home for a Home Teaching
visit.<br />
<br />
Wednesday we did a bunch of "former" clean up. Then we had a lesson with a guy named Chester.
It went pretty well. Then we went and had a lesson with the Drakes.
We watched the Restoration video and
then talked about it.<br />
<br />
Thursday we did weekly planning. Then we
just did a bunch of finding. At the end
of the day we helped the Drakes move into their new place by moving some
furniture. Also today I got my shoe bit by
a Chihuahua. That is the closest it has gotten to getting my skin.<br />
<br />
Friday we did exchanges and I went with Elder Clavin. We started out with a pretty good lesson with
a guy named Samuel. Then we did some tracting.
After lunch we headed out to the Drakes
again to move in some more stuff for them. Since it was so far out, we did some tracting
while we were there, but it did not bring forth much fruit. Seeds were planted, but that was all. In the ending we had much more success when we
got 3 potentials in about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Saturday was a boring day. We started
out helping someone move and then most of our day was spent putting together
Stake Correlation numbers. At the end of
the day we had a lesson with a less-active that is in the YSA. We just shared a quick thought and got to know
her, especially now that we cover the YSA. I'm excited to get them back. <br />
<br />
Sunday we had church and had a couple people show up. Then later we tried to stop in on some people,
but no luck so we went to the Church of God of Prophecy. They were having a cultural event so it was
just a bunch of singing and dancing. It
was pretty good, just not something you would see in the chapel of our church. Afterwards we talked with some of them and
they were really nice people. They even
gave us a welcome at the event.<br />
<br />
So my thought today is going to be brief. It is a quote that came from Elder Smith's
training he did by himself in Zone Training Meeting. He was talking on happiness and this is a
quote he came up with on his mission. "Success never brings lasting happiness,
but lasting happiness always brings success." I hope that sticks with you as much as it did to
many of us. Have a wonderful week y'all.
I love you all.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxcdfx3lTC69hv-xz2fu168BvTrOQT7iYBJUfdDPxbxl3Bt9yVwrlpqJVL3V-D38vT58dct92a1LIcUqnWpLFNL_x3g89KMG8gz80fQUdtJ9fNDUhc-CEp-b9lZbD9RgHCDfD9r-MaO6m/s1600/2-27-16+Redneck+style+moving+a+bed+-+yeah%252C+we+helped+with+it.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxcdfx3lTC69hv-xz2fu168BvTrOQT7iYBJUfdDPxbxl3Bt9yVwrlpqJVL3V-D38vT58dct92a1LIcUqnWpLFNL_x3g89KMG8gz80fQUdtJ9fNDUhc-CEp-b9lZbD9RgHCDfD9r-MaO6m/s400/2-27-16+Redneck+style+moving+a+bed+-+yeah%252C+we+helped+with+it.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving a Bed Redneck Style - Yeah, We Helped</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQBb-ag8xr1GoVbmz1cT1Z6L6z3bH4A0a9q_k9fjtk-s6YP1p4mOgkblepjo1Td5l0JKp7SzxSTMZCdOcKkFwCWYV-0bB7ftF4KUybdLNYhq53D-LYfxJ7w-8sC6gcYF_BrK_KQ0tcGeg/s1600/2-27-16+Riding+in+style.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQBb-ag8xr1GoVbmz1cT1Z6L6z3bH4A0a9q_k9fjtk-s6YP1p4mOgkblepjo1Td5l0JKp7SzxSTMZCdOcKkFwCWYV-0bB7ftF4KUybdLNYhq53D-LYfxJ7w-8sC6gcYF_BrK_KQ0tcGeg/s400/2-27-16+Riding+in+style.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E Smith and I Riding in Style</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-30159099245538893372017-03-25T00:41:00.000-06:002017-03-25T00:41:08.475-06:00Purification 2-20-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So I will start off by explaining my title
because I will probably mention when we started it later on. So Elder Smith and
I are doing this thing called the Purification Challenge. It is where you come up with a list of things
you want to improve on or stop doing. After that, for the next 40 days you work on
all of those things on the list and you start the first day off with a fast. The goal is to improve yourself and to improve
in the strength of the Spirit. Also, a
little bit about my companion Elder Smith. He is from Washington, but for a year before
he left, his family has lived in central California. We also have a lot in common. He loves sports and we have a good time every
day. He is super fun and is a good
missionary. He has been out for about 14
months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: leelawadee, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Monday we got transfer calls, we got some
haircuts, and then we just hung out at the church. Nothing too crazy.</span><br />
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Tuesday I had my last day at the Richard's farm. I am sad to have to leave it. Good memories. Later we went and saw Dan. Then we saw Zach and taught him about the Word
of Wisdom. I got to say goodbye to them
too. Then we went over and visited with
some less-actives. We gave the husband a
blessing too. That was about it.<br />
<br />
Wednesday was a fun day. So we got up
and drove 2 hrs. to Knoxville and said goodbye to Elder Bingham and then I got
my new companion. I also got to see a
bunch of friends and my son, Elder Thomas. Then we drove down to Chattanooga which was
another 2 hrs. We were headed to do some
work, but got notified that a Sister accidentally took the keys to her old
area's car. We had to drive all the way
back to Knoxville and get the keys. We stopped
in at the Mission Home and got some dinner so I got to see it for the first
time. I also got to say goodbye to some
of the departing missionaries. It's
weird to think that the Sisters I came out with are going home now. Then we drove all the way back to Chattanooga
and passed it to a place called Dalton, Georgia to deliver the keys. We got back home around 9:45pm - 8 hours
in the car was fun.<br />
<br />
Thursday we started off doing a Home Teaching visit to a less-active. Then we did a lot of finding and we found 3
new investigators. We also get to go
play basketball on Thursday nights with a bunch of non-members and less-actives
with some actives.<br />
<br />
Friday we had District Meeting. It was
my first one in a long time where I wasn't in charge of it. This was also the day we started the Purification
Challenge with a fast. We got a few
potentials and a new investigator. It
feels like normal to be back in the Ghettos again. I love it. That night we had a lesson with a recent
convert and we went through the introduction to the Book of Mormon. It was a much better lesson than we thought
it would be.<br />
<br />
Saturday we did some weekly planning. Then we went to a few lesson appointments, but
they fell through unfortunately. We did
have a sweet lesson with a guy named Clyde. We taught him the Restoration. He accepted a Book of Mormon and told us he
was going to study it and cross reference it with the Bible. Then we were going to have a lesson in
Downtown Chatt at the church building there. I was so excited to go back there. I suggested we ride the bus to save miles. It was Elder Smith's first time riding a bus.
As we were on the bus, our appointment canceled
on us. Well that made me sad, but we are
going to ride the bus there again when we reschedule the appointment. That night we had dinner at a member’s home with
one of our investigator families. We had
a lesson afterwards and we taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We also committed them to come to church. The awesome part was that missionaries have
been trying every time they teach them, but because of schedules they couldn’t
come. However, recently things have
changed and they are now available.<br />
<br />
Sunday that family came to church. We
were so excited for them. Also Elder
Smith gave as awesome talk. He said that
half of it, he had no idea what he was talking about, it was just the Spirit. Well, because of his talk we got a referral
from a member after church. That was
awesome. The rest of the day we did some
finding and had a lesson with the recent convert again. We are doing the new Member Lessons with her. We are also trying to teach her non-member
daughter at the same time.<br />
<br />
Well, I have only been here for a few days and I already have learned a ton. One quote I want to share that came from Elder
Smith's talk is, "Satan is voting against you and Christ is voting for
you. You are the swing vote." It is
our choice that determines which side we are going to let win. Are we keeping the commandments and doing our
best to live them, or are we trying to find loopholes to get around them and trying
to see how far we can go before we are in trouble? Do we live the Gospel that we have been
blessed to have in our lives, or do we take it for granted and not think much
of it during the week? We must be fully
committed to the gospel. Standing firm
in it. Standing takes both feet and saying
I am 100% in this, no matter what. The
choice is up to us who we will let win in this election, no one else. Who will we choose? That is my little thought for today. I will end in the name of He who I pray we all
choose, even Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0hivF3iJHnl3pYst8bh9d1wxStZqsqF_jTyHNt7COLA_w76-lNc3fHm24yyDtpNvlWEJ0DOupBCfuyLMlyf_IJQc33UeP2CrNxavIAic2RGUq_DBZOiFcfVEr6GoO_exek0h5aBrX056/s1600/2-20-16+Dan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0hivF3iJHnl3pYst8bh9d1wxStZqsqF_jTyHNt7COLA_w76-lNc3fHm24yyDtpNvlWEJ0DOupBCfuyLMlyf_IJQc33UeP2CrNxavIAic2RGUq_DBZOiFcfVEr6GoO_exek0h5aBrX056/s400/2-20-16+Dan.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Br. Richards</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye My Son, E. Bingham</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoChTFavmnhQzKUSpP4AemHXeWWtOG33wFWMan7NlhiWfBtMQgwIxYoVGjzgGYAatZDEwS00ihzwTqqsBVGPjTXM4h6wrV2kCEn6EeMmldpCR8sD5SqLbltqIbk_QtIfcUPNe6_E7YxMO/s1600/2-20-16+All+packed+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoChTFavmnhQzKUSpP4AemHXeWWtOG33wFWMan7NlhiWfBtMQgwIxYoVGjzgGYAatZDEwS00ihzwTqqsBVGPjTXM4h6wrV2kCEn6EeMmldpCR8sD5SqLbltqIbk_QtIfcUPNe6_E7YxMO/s400/2-20-16+All+packed+up.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Packed Up</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272292933358175003.post-72048932664702326262017-03-20T21:43:00.002-06:002017-03-20T21:43:52.793-06:00Headed Back to Chatt 2-13-17<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "leelawadee" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well as today was transfer calls, we found out
the verdict and something unusual happened. I will not be finishing Elder Bingham's
training. He will be receiving a new
companion as will I. I am leaving
Bristol to go back to Chattanooga and serve in the Harrison Bay area as a Zone
Leader. My new companion will be Elder
Smith. I am sad to leave this area, but
I am excited for what else is in store for me to learn. I have learned a lot in this area alone, some
of which is why I was sent here I think. I could not have learned those things anywhere
else. Well now on to the week.<br />
<br />
Monday we just played a bunch of games with the Sisters. One was Scrabble and I won twice. That never happens, EVER! I think that is the first time I have ever won
that game and I didn't even have to make up words to do it either. Later we did some work on the Ward Directory
to find people to teach through it.<br />
<br />
Tuesday we did our usual service at the Richard's. We pulled up okra and eggplant plants. They have a serious root system. Luckily the roots were mostly dead and it had
rained overnight which made it easier to pull them up. We later had a lesson with Wendi and we helped
her to find times in her busy day to read the scriptures and pray. Then we met with Dan and we were able to
figure out a few concerns of his that have been preventing him from coming to
church. So we were able to work those
out mostly and get him motivated to come this week.<br />
<br />
Wednesday we drove down to Johnson City to do exchanges. We split off and I was with Elder Christensen.
He is from Alberta, Canada. We had a great day. We taught some awesome lessons and found 3 new
investigators as well. We also went to
lunch at a place called, Korean Taco. That
was an interesting place. It was pretty
good though. That night we had a blast
because there was 5 missionaries in one apartment.<br />
<br />
Thursday we drove back and had District Meeting. It snowed that day and was super cold. We mainly just did a bunch of finding and drop-in
visits. Then we went out with Bro Dunn
who is the Patriarch in this Stake. We
gave a blessing to a member who had had some health problems that day.<br />
<br />
Friday we had weekly planning. Then we
went and tried a couple people. We then had another lesson with Dan. We continued to help him understand some
things about the gospel. Then we had a
dinner with some members after that.<br />
<br />
Saturday we did our usual service at the Davison's. After that we did some finding before our
lesson with Zach. We taught him the 10 commandments.
We had to reschedule his baptism for Mar.
11. Then we just did some more finding.<br />
<br />
Sunday was a little uneventful. We had
church and then we got to go give the Sacrament to a member who is in the
hospital right now. Not much else
happened.<br />
<br />
So one of the things I have learned in this area is how to have more faith and
trust in God. The fact that no matter
what happens, I need to have trust in God that things will happen the way they
need to. It can be very discouraging
when nothing is really happening in missionary work and you don't have hardly
anyone in your teaching pool. You are
just going around and tracting or just finding all the time. However, the Lord knows exactly when people
need the restored gospel in their life as well as anything in our own lives. We may face discouragement or have hard times,
but we should always know that a loving Heavenly Father is blessing us with
those things for us to learn and grow from. He is helping us become stronger people. This are His intentions and it is our choice
how we will respond. Will we sit around
and sulk and think "poor me"?
Or will we keep moving forward and look to the Lord always for help and
guidance? This is just part of what I have learned. Sometimes things don't work out the way we want,
but always the way we need. I say this
in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.<br />
<br />
Elder Ellison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome For February!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Dress Code Should Get Approved</td></tr>
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Elder Ellisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751659919235685176noreply@blogger.com0