Just to see if emails still go out to followers now that the blog is private. Let me know if you get this. Thanks,
Steph
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Week 25 - Trying times will come
So, one little note. As a kid I loved birds, and I do not doubt that this love came from Gram (my beautiful grandma on my mother's side). So, going on about that, I loved reading and studying everything about birds. Though I do not do that anymore, nor have I done that for years, a little piece of my childhood comes out deep within me when I see a Cardinal, which was without a doubt my favorite bird in this world. I don't know what it is, but I still have strange connections with this bird. And what do you know? Michigan has Cardinals! They aren't everywhere but enough to let you know that they are still there.
On to the week though. This week I tracted (a word for knocked doors) down on of the hardest streets I have ever done in my time here in Detroit. From gangbangers to faith shaking questions from the bitter. But I say "faith shaking", because that is truly how I felt when we stopped by a specific door. What caused this shake of my faith well one, this rather unpleasant man asked questions that I had never thought of, nor did I know the answers to, but also the fault and cause is my own. I allowed my faith to be shaken. This experience made me sick. Though this man placed these questions like a knife to the heart, how could I just pack all my bags and leave the gospel? I know in some situations some may choose to do so, that even though this gospel is the only true and full gospel in this earth, because it seemed for a moment, imperfect, incomplete, and unanswered they would pack their bags and leave. They would quit. Because for a moment we had a stumbling block, a stupor of thought. Well, I ask you brothers and sisters, if you have had, or are currently experiencing this kind of event in your life whether the situations are similar to mine or not, how could you just leave something that has brought so much love and light in your life? How could you just quit on yourself and your God? Do you not know that if you lack wisdom to ask of God? That by faith, patience and diligence all may be revealed? I encourage you that if you are backed up to the wall of faith, DO NOT JUST QUIT. Trying times will come, prepare yourselves, take arms, and put on the full armor of God. These times are meant to be endured and given to us that we may have more strength in He who is the source of all strength. Don't give up the eternities because of few short moments. Test the promises of the gospel, find the answers that will be given us. And prepare yourself more than I, that when that time comes you may fully be able to testify of the truthfulness of this gospel.
So, a question you may ask. Has Elder Alger now received his answers? He must have! Look at how he defends his faith! I can tell you no, I have not received my answers but they will come, in God's time. But because He hasn't given me answers does that mean He is not there? No, He is there, and He has told me so, through scripture study and prayer. And answers will come. But until then He comforts me.
Take comfort in Him, even in your trying times and He will carry you.
Until next time,
Elder Samuel Afton Alger
Bon Jovi, Santana, Stevie Wonder and many more have walk through this store.
On to the week though. This week I tracted (a word for knocked doors) down on of the hardest streets I have ever done in my time here in Detroit. From gangbangers to faith shaking questions from the bitter. But I say "faith shaking", because that is truly how I felt when we stopped by a specific door. What caused this shake of my faith well one, this rather unpleasant man asked questions that I had never thought of, nor did I know the answers to, but also the fault and cause is my own. I allowed my faith to be shaken. This experience made me sick. Though this man placed these questions like a knife to the heart, how could I just pack all my bags and leave the gospel? I know in some situations some may choose to do so, that even though this gospel is the only true and full gospel in this earth, because it seemed for a moment, imperfect, incomplete, and unanswered they would pack their bags and leave. They would quit. Because for a moment we had a stumbling block, a stupor of thought. Well, I ask you brothers and sisters, if you have had, or are currently experiencing this kind of event in your life whether the situations are similar to mine or not, how could you just leave something that has brought so much love and light in your life? How could you just quit on yourself and your God? Do you not know that if you lack wisdom to ask of God? That by faith, patience and diligence all may be revealed? I encourage you that if you are backed up to the wall of faith, DO NOT JUST QUIT. Trying times will come, prepare yourselves, take arms, and put on the full armor of God. These times are meant to be endured and given to us that we may have more strength in He who is the source of all strength. Don't give up the eternities because of few short moments. Test the promises of the gospel, find the answers that will be given us. And prepare yourself more than I, that when that time comes you may fully be able to testify of the truthfulness of this gospel.
So, a question you may ask. Has Elder Alger now received his answers? He must have! Look at how he defends his faith! I can tell you no, I have not received my answers but they will come, in God's time. But because He hasn't given me answers does that mean He is not there? No, He is there, and He has told me so, through scripture study and prayer. And answers will come. But until then He comforts me.
Take comfort in Him, even in your trying times and He will carry you.
Until next time,
Elder Samuel Afton Alger
Graffiti picture of the week!
Bon Jovi, Santana, Stevie Wonder and many more have walk through this store.
Just a cool looking church that a lot of people got to out here. It's called Holy Redeemer.
Gotta love this book!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Week 24 - Love is the answer
So, I have some new insights to share with all of you. I don't know if any of you have noticed this before but the phrase "faith, hope, charity, and love" pop out to me all the time from scriptures in the Old Testament all the way to Doctrine and Covenants all the way to talks given by modern-day prophets. I have been thinking about what are the significance of these words and attributes of Christ in comparison to all the other endless qualities of Christ we need to learn? What makes these four things so important? Well here we go, this is what I've learned as I have studied and applied these things for myself.
So we have been asked to live as Christ lived and to apply His countless attributes to our own lives. Unfortunately we all come to the bitter realization that it is impossible for us to ever be like Christ in this life. No matter how great and pure our passion and desire may burn in our hearts, we will fail. But God knew this would happen. So He gave us a simpler task to forgo. He gave us "faith, hope, charity, and love", that if a man was to apply these four simple and great things man would have the best advantage to become more literally like His Son.
And I have seen this by experience, that a man can become more like Christ by even just applying but one of these things. I have been trying to truly live with love in my heart and actions and by doing so with honest effort I have seen part of the Heavens open unto me. And I know and have testimony of how important, precious, and desirable these principles are that we can become even as Christ and have access to all of His attributes if we would just but apply these four principles.
However... we have been told it would take more than a life time to truly understand these things, don't lose hope in your efforts, that's why God has given us eternity.
But what are the blessings I have seen then? As I have tried to lose myself to love I find myself quickly passing the day by with a light heart, clarity of mind, desire to continue to work, and a love for this gospel. Love truly is the answer to everything. With love I find action, meditation, and fulfilled purpose. I lose my weaknesses and find new strength. I become more confident in myself and my works. I become a righteous man with righteous thoughts. I become a priesthood man, a faithful man, a tender man, a missionary man, a man of God. I become like my Savior in word and deed. I become that man I know I want to be. Blessed be our Loving Heavenly Father and everlasting His glory. And everlasting be the man who not only has love but lives and becomes love.
May we all learn to live by "faith, hope, charity and love" and in doing so see the blessings of heaven open to us.
Here's a quote that has helped me act with love:
"When you judge a man or woman, judge the intentions of heart. It is not by words, particularly, nor actions, that men will be judged in the great day of the Lord; but, in connection with words and actions, the sentiments and intentions of the heart will be taken, and by these will men be judged." BUT, "If I judge my brethren and sisters, unless I judge them by the revelations of Jesus Christ, I have not the Spirit of Christ; If I had, I should judge no man."
-President Brigham Young
Until next week, Loves!
So we have been asked to live as Christ lived and to apply His countless attributes to our own lives. Unfortunately we all come to the bitter realization that it is impossible for us to ever be like Christ in this life. No matter how great and pure our passion and desire may burn in our hearts, we will fail. But God knew this would happen. So He gave us a simpler task to forgo. He gave us "faith, hope, charity, and love", that if a man was to apply these four simple and great things man would have the best advantage to become more literally like His Son.
And I have seen this by experience, that a man can become more like Christ by even just applying but one of these things. I have been trying to truly live with love in my heart and actions and by doing so with honest effort I have seen part of the Heavens open unto me. And I know and have testimony of how important, precious, and desirable these principles are that we can become even as Christ and have access to all of His attributes if we would just but apply these four principles.
However... we have been told it would take more than a life time to truly understand these things, don't lose hope in your efforts, that's why God has given us eternity.
But what are the blessings I have seen then? As I have tried to lose myself to love I find myself quickly passing the day by with a light heart, clarity of mind, desire to continue to work, and a love for this gospel. Love truly is the answer to everything. With love I find action, meditation, and fulfilled purpose. I lose my weaknesses and find new strength. I become more confident in myself and my works. I become a righteous man with righteous thoughts. I become a priesthood man, a faithful man, a tender man, a missionary man, a man of God. I become like my Savior in word and deed. I become that man I know I want to be. Blessed be our Loving Heavenly Father and everlasting His glory. And everlasting be the man who not only has love but lives and becomes love.
May we all learn to live by "faith, hope, charity and love" and in doing so see the blessings of heaven open to us.
Here's a quote that has helped me act with love:
"When you judge a man or woman, judge the intentions of heart. It is not by words, particularly, nor actions, that men will be judged in the great day of the Lord; but, in connection with words and actions, the sentiments and intentions of the heart will be taken, and by these will men be judged." BUT, "If I judge my brethren and sisters, unless I judge them by the revelations of Jesus Christ, I have not the Spirit of Christ; If I had, I should judge no man."
-President Brigham Young
Until next week, Loves!
You can't really tell in the picture but this is a Pitthuahua! It's a super buff little ankle biting machine!
Graffiti picture of the week, this one is one of my favorites!
I guess this is called the sorority squat, I've never participated in such acts before my mission but, I guess now I have, it's not a new thing apparently though. haha
Monday, March 9, 2015
Week 23 - Groundhog
Well I apologize to everyone who was expecting a large letter today but unfortunately that is not so. I had to settle and talk about some specific things with family and more specifically my mommy! I call her mommy just so that she knows I love her more than I care about being embarrassed :)
But I will say a few things. Groundhog's day in Detroit doesn't "tell" us whether or not spring is waking up. It's "tells" us how soon the gangsters will be waking up! So gang activity is going to be skyrocketing now that it's warm out. I'll tell you one thing, if 40 is feeling warm now, I'm not sure how I'm going to handle Arizona when I get back!
But one thought I'll leave you with that I'm going to live by is.... It is hard to fight with someone if your only motivation is love, likewise, it is hard for someone to fight with you if your only motivation is love.
Te amo mucho!!
Elder Alger
But I will say a few things. Groundhog's day in Detroit doesn't "tell" us whether or not spring is waking up. It's "tells" us how soon the gangsters will be waking up! So gang activity is going to be skyrocketing now that it's warm out. I'll tell you one thing, if 40 is feeling warm now, I'm not sure how I'm going to handle Arizona when I get back!
But one thought I'll leave you with that I'm going to live by is.... It is hard to fight with someone if your only motivation is love, likewise, it is hard for someone to fight with you if your only motivation is love.
Te amo mucho!!
Elder Alger
A district picture from almost a month ago!
now her sister got baptized!
Got a guitar from Wonderland Music in Dearborn, MI. Stevie Wonder and Bon Jovi used to go there to get all their music supplies! SOOOO COOL!
From long hair...
...to short
Some crazy rabbit thing, here's the graffiti picture of the week!
They're made from spray cans but I'm not going to use them as my graffiti of the week pics, I just wanna share! :)
Monday, March 2, 2015
Week 22 - Teach like you are dying
So just an off topic thing I'd like to say; I've officially gotten down to 196lbs so that's 34 pounds lost in total on my mission!
But now to the week! This was the most successful yet gruesome week I've had yet. From near dog bite experiences to horrible rejections to getting a person to the temple again (just the entryway). Let me start off by saying, I fear no man nor beast, God knows the commitment I have with Him and because of that I have His protection with me. Of course I am not doing anything to abuse that gift or act stupidly but because of this we have been able to speak with more people. With that I am going to quote a story from my journal of an experience to show a situation of what I'm talking about.
"However, we did have a rather bad experience today. So first off we went up to the gate of this house and their was a nasty, fang bearing German Shepard growling at us. God has given me a gift to know whether or not a dog is serious. So without hesitation I went in the gate with the dog (this was the 2nd time today I had done this and there have been many other days when I have done this as well) Elder Sawyer said, 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!', I just told him what I normally tell him, 'He's all bark, no bite.' As usual the dog despite his rather convincing act backs off whimpering or barking from a distance. And also as usual Elder Sawyer says, 'Whatever man, I'm staying right here.' I just tell him 'There are families and people to save Elder, and the priesthood is over all things on the earth.', Normally what will happen is I'll knock and when the people in the house answer Elder Sawyer will scurry on up behind me (but I'm not bagging on Elder Sawyer any Elder that's with me does that.)"
Because of experiences like this we have been able to talk to more people, but we have also gotten some ugly remarks from people. Most of the ugly remarks are because the owners are mad that their dog isn't as vicious as they want or because they don't want the real bad guys out there to see that their dog is a total wimp. But I am determined to find and teach as many people as I can, if we get remarks like that even when we explain who we are, these people just aren't ready for the gospel. If they really knew who we are and what only we can specifically bring to them then they would greet us with open arms. We as missionaries just have to try our hardest to find those who are prepared and ready for the gospel, because there are people out there.
Speaking of which we found a great family we are teaching. Unfortunately only one of the girls in the family is really keeping her commitments BUT, she is a superstar! She's 14. So as you can see she is really progressing! She has been able to find out that what we are saying isn't just a tradition passed down by our ancestors but that what we are saying is very real. The Lord asks so little before He opens His door to us and this girl has been able to figure that out for herself and even right in front of her family she has received direct answers from God! But her family members can understand what exactly is going on because they themselves are not keeping their commitments and by doing so are keeping so much from themselves. Luckily even though the mother isn't progressing right now she is completely supportive of us and what we are doing for her daughter. Hopefully she herself will come to realize what her daughter has come to realize.
My loved ones, do not let yourself become like this family. When we do what God has commanded He is bound to His words and WILL bless you. God has required little, but He gives much.
I pray that you all will take heed to God's words and apply them to your own life and come to see that what I am saying is true! I love you all very much.
Until next week,
Elder Samuel Afton Alger
But now to the week! This was the most successful yet gruesome week I've had yet. From near dog bite experiences to horrible rejections to getting a person to the temple again (just the entryway). Let me start off by saying, I fear no man nor beast, God knows the commitment I have with Him and because of that I have His protection with me. Of course I am not doing anything to abuse that gift or act stupidly but because of this we have been able to speak with more people. With that I am going to quote a story from my journal of an experience to show a situation of what I'm talking about.
"However, we did have a rather bad experience today. So first off we went up to the gate of this house and their was a nasty, fang bearing German Shepard growling at us. God has given me a gift to know whether or not a dog is serious. So without hesitation I went in the gate with the dog (this was the 2nd time today I had done this and there have been many other days when I have done this as well) Elder Sawyer said, 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!', I just told him what I normally tell him, 'He's all bark, no bite.' As usual the dog despite his rather convincing act backs off whimpering or barking from a distance. And also as usual Elder Sawyer says, 'Whatever man, I'm staying right here.' I just tell him 'There are families and people to save Elder, and the priesthood is over all things on the earth.', Normally what will happen is I'll knock and when the people in the house answer Elder Sawyer will scurry on up behind me (but I'm not bagging on Elder Sawyer any Elder that's with me does that.)"
Because of experiences like this we have been able to talk to more people, but we have also gotten some ugly remarks from people. Most of the ugly remarks are because the owners are mad that their dog isn't as vicious as they want or because they don't want the real bad guys out there to see that their dog is a total wimp. But I am determined to find and teach as many people as I can, if we get remarks like that even when we explain who we are, these people just aren't ready for the gospel. If they really knew who we are and what only we can specifically bring to them then they would greet us with open arms. We as missionaries just have to try our hardest to find those who are prepared and ready for the gospel, because there are people out there.
Speaking of which we found a great family we are teaching. Unfortunately only one of the girls in the family is really keeping her commitments BUT, she is a superstar! She's 14. So as you can see she is really progressing! She has been able to find out that what we are saying isn't just a tradition passed down by our ancestors but that what we are saying is very real. The Lord asks so little before He opens His door to us and this girl has been able to figure that out for herself and even right in front of her family she has received direct answers from God! But her family members can understand what exactly is going on because they themselves are not keeping their commitments and by doing so are keeping so much from themselves. Luckily even though the mother isn't progressing right now she is completely supportive of us and what we are doing for her daughter. Hopefully she herself will come to realize what her daughter has come to realize.
My loved ones, do not let yourself become like this family. When we do what God has commanded He is bound to His words and WILL bless you. God has required little, but He gives much.
I pray that you all will take heed to God's words and apply them to your own life and come to see that what I am saying is true! I love you all very much.
Until next week,
Elder Samuel Afton Alger
Graffiti picture of the week!
We bumped into this cute guy when knocking doors nobody was home but these guys were more than willing to give us their attention!
I'm pretty sure he's a husky- Pitt bull mix, totally adorable!
We treated ourselves with a little dinner at Nuestra Familia!
Well we got to bring another investigator to come to a devotional right next to the Detroit Temple! She LOVED the temple and we got to take inside to the entry way! (she's the shorter one, the other was an investigator I used to have in Detroit River North!)
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