Hello family and friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that you were able to spend some time reflecting on our Savior and His birth and the true meaning of Christmas!
It was a white Christmas up here in Galion-- There was snow on the ground AND the Saunders were dressed in white baptismal suits on Christmas eve for their baptismal service! It was a beautiful service, and Lee and Marla were just glowing that whole day!
When we called one of the members in the ward to invite them to the baptism, she said, "Christmas Eve, that's a terrible day to do this... We can't come. I have to get ready for my family to come over." Well, I told her, that we didn't plan it, the Lord did, and we were just following what he told us. Then I was thinking about it, and what better thing could you be doing on CHRISTmas eve than make covenants with Christ-- the one who's birth we are celebrating! Even though this particular member didn't come, we had a wonderful turn out, and I feel so privileged to be able to work with the wonderful members of this ward. They are all so good to each other and I have no worries about the Saunders' being fellowshipped!
We had a wonderful experience last week when we were getting some lunch at a little hamburger diner. Our waitress was Judy and she asked about our name tags-- we told her who we were and why we were here in Galion. She told us a little about herself and how her husband was laid off and how they didn't have enough money for a tree thus year... We talked about how she was disillusioned by the church she grew up attending/raised her children in, and then we talked about the Book of Mormon. We gave her a copy and she agreed to read it. When we left, I just couldn't stop thinking about how she didn't have a tree-- this just wouldn't do. So we ran home when we had a break in our schedule and put the little three-foot tree mama sent me back in the box it came in. We drove back to the diner and gave Judy the tree, explaining that it wasn't much, but she could at least have a little tree up this year and for every year in the future where money was a little tight. She began crying and told us that we made her Christmas. She also told us how she had been ducking into the back all day long to read "that book" we left her with... It was a wonderful Christmas experience and just another piece of evidence how our Heavenly Father is constantly preparing everyone around us to eventually receive the fullness of His gospel-- we need to pray to have the eyes to see and the ears to hear the missionary opportunities placed in front of us on a daily basis. I know that if you do this, you will be more aware of those around you who are being prepared to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ!
I am so grateful for this wonderful gospel and for the opportunity I have to be here in the Ohio to share it with my brothers and sisters. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know He lives. I know our Heavenly Father loves us much more than we can comprehend and that we love him much more than we can remember. I know that families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan. I know that the priesthood is on the earth, and that we are blessed by it and miracles are wrought by it every day. I love the Book of Mormon, it truly is the word of God. I know we have a living prophet on the earth today, and his name is Thomas S. Monson. He is the mouthpiece for God and we must listen to the words he is making known to us. The gospel is SO true, and everything that is good in my life comes from this wonderful gospel.
I love you all-- happy 2011 almost. Go out and be missionaries!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men!
Hello all you wonderful people! Merry Christmas!
I want to tell you this week about a Christmas miracle that happened this weekend with the Saunders--
This whole last week the Marla and her three little boys, Nathan, Eric, and Elijah have been sick. They went home after church last week and something hit them like a ton of bricks. I was frustrated because we had to cancel all our appointments with them last week-- I felt like the adversary was trying to keep this family from the waters of baptism through physical sickness. Friday when they were all sort of on the mend, we went over there with Bishop Andrews to review everything we had taught so far. We spent quite some time talking about the priesthood and how it is the power and authority God gives to man to act in His name. Bishop talked about how being a priesthood holder has strongly blessed his family and the privilege it is to be able to bestow blessings upon his children. We reaffirmed with them that they still have a desire to be baptized this Friday and they said yes-- of course! Marla told us about how the day we knocked on her door (less than a month ago) she was looking for an excuse to quit smoking and we gave her one! She quit smoking and they quit drinking coffee (unbeknownst to us) without us having to ask! We knew the coffee was in the home, but we had no idea she smoked. She went from a pack a day to none and she hasn't smoked for a week now!She also began crying as she talked about the difference the gospel of Jesus Christ has made in their family. She and Lee are working through marriage difficulties, they are both more patient with the boys, and those little boys are learning how to be reverent. The spirit was palpable as she spoke-- The gospel truly does bless families! After the lesson, we made plans to meet Saturday at 2:30 and left.
2:30 Saturday comes and we knock on their door. Marla's sister Carla answered the door and told us they had to take the baby, Eli, to the ER. He had a fever of 102 and was having a hard time breathing. She told us which hospital they were at and we headed over to meet them there. When we got there, the poor little guy could hardly move, and was covered in red splotches. We reminded them about the priesthood we were talking about the night before and asked them if they would like Eli to receive a priesthood blessing. They jumped on that, and within minutes, we were on the phone with Bishop and we had arranged for him and his first counselor, Brother Miller, to meet us at the Saunders' home after the ER at about 4:30, just before the ward Christmas party. The doctor came and wrote a prescription and said he had bronchitis, a viral infection, and an ear infection and sent them home. When Bishop Andrew and Brother Miller came, they explained a little more about priesthood blessings and Lee asked if they could bless the other boys too (they were getting worse at this point, not better). Of course the answer was yes. After the blessings, the boys slept, Eli was visibly breathing better and his fever broke, we taught a short lesson on the Word of Wisdom and The Sabbath day, left and went to the Christmas party.
Sunday morning, this cute little family, all dressed up, came to church, and not one of those boys were sick. Marla and Lee were so quick to point out that it was the Lord who made it all happen and because they are all feeling better, we are able to catch up in teaching them! Truly, it is a Christmas miracle performed by the power of the Priesthood-- and this miracle will be completed when Lee and Marla are baptized at 1:00 Friday December 24th. The gospel is true and so incredibly wonderful! I can just see them being sealed together as a family in a year, and in 15, 14, and 13 years, thole little boys won't be so little anymore. They'll be big and they'll be serving missions of their own... then they'll be married in the temple, and I'll be there all along the way :)
Please keep them in your prayers this week as they continue to prepare to be baptized! We're having Family Home Evening with them tonight to teach them how to do it-- I'm so pumped... I LOVE FHE!
This time of year is wonderful and filled with blessings and miracles. Enjoy it. Celebrate Christ's birth. He truly lives and loves us. I am so grateful for this wonderful truth! Hosanna!
Merry Christmas!
I'll TALK to you guys in FIVE days-- probably around 1230/100 Ohio time-- Can't wait :)
I want to tell you this week about a Christmas miracle that happened this weekend with the Saunders--
This whole last week the Marla and her three little boys, Nathan, Eric, and Elijah have been sick. They went home after church last week and something hit them like a ton of bricks. I was frustrated because we had to cancel all our appointments with them last week-- I felt like the adversary was trying to keep this family from the waters of baptism through physical sickness. Friday when they were all sort of on the mend, we went over there with Bishop Andrews to review everything we had taught so far. We spent quite some time talking about the priesthood and how it is the power and authority God gives to man to act in His name. Bishop talked about how being a priesthood holder has strongly blessed his family and the privilege it is to be able to bestow blessings upon his children. We reaffirmed with them that they still have a desire to be baptized this Friday and they said yes-- of course! Marla told us about how the day we knocked on her door (less than a month ago) she was looking for an excuse to quit smoking and we gave her one! She quit smoking and they quit drinking coffee (unbeknownst to us) without us having to ask! We knew the coffee was in the home, but we had no idea she smoked. She went from a pack a day to none and she hasn't smoked for a week now!She also began crying as she talked about the difference the gospel of Jesus Christ has made in their family. She and Lee are working through marriage difficulties, they are both more patient with the boys, and those little boys are learning how to be reverent. The spirit was palpable as she spoke-- The gospel truly does bless families! After the lesson, we made plans to meet Saturday at 2:30 and left.
2:30 Saturday comes and we knock on their door. Marla's sister Carla answered the door and told us they had to take the baby, Eli, to the ER. He had a fever of 102 and was having a hard time breathing. She told us which hospital they were at and we headed over to meet them there. When we got there, the poor little guy could hardly move, and was covered in red splotches. We reminded them about the priesthood we were talking about the night before and asked them if they would like Eli to receive a priesthood blessing. They jumped on that, and within minutes, we were on the phone with Bishop and we had arranged for him and his first counselor, Brother Miller, to meet us at the Saunders' home after the ER at about 4:30, just before the ward Christmas party. The doctor came and wrote a prescription and said he had bronchitis, a viral infection, and an ear infection and sent them home. When Bishop Andrew and Brother Miller came, they explained a little more about priesthood blessings and Lee asked if they could bless the other boys too (they were getting worse at this point, not better). Of course the answer was yes. After the blessings, the boys slept, Eli was visibly breathing better and his fever broke, we taught a short lesson on the Word of Wisdom and The Sabbath day, left and went to the Christmas party.
Sunday morning, this cute little family, all dressed up, came to church, and not one of those boys were sick. Marla and Lee were so quick to point out that it was the Lord who made it all happen and because they are all feeling better, we are able to catch up in teaching them! Truly, it is a Christmas miracle performed by the power of the Priesthood-- and this miracle will be completed when Lee and Marla are baptized at 1:00 Friday December 24th. The gospel is true and so incredibly wonderful! I can just see them being sealed together as a family in a year, and in 15, 14, and 13 years, thole little boys won't be so little anymore. They'll be big and they'll be serving missions of their own... then they'll be married in the temple, and I'll be there all along the way :)
Please keep them in your prayers this week as they continue to prepare to be baptized! We're having Family Home Evening with them tonight to teach them how to do it-- I'm so pumped... I LOVE FHE!
This time of year is wonderful and filled with blessings and miracles. Enjoy it. Celebrate Christ's birth. He truly lives and loves us. I am so grateful for this wonderful truth! Hosanna!
Merry Christmas!
I'll TALK to you guys in FIVE days-- probably around 1230/100 Ohio time-- Can't wait :)
Monday, December 13, 2010
God will force no man to Heaven...
Dearest, wonderfullest, most excellent family,
It's 12* outside, but the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ keeps me warm!! We have had quite the snow storm the last 30 hours... It started snowing at about 7:00 yesterday morning and snowed all during the day. After sacrament meeting, they sent everyone home because of the winter weather advisory we were under-- well, everyone except those in the choir practice and tithing settlement :)-- When we finally slipped and slided our way home, we got a phone call telling us we were 'grounded' and not a lowed to drive. Fine by me- It's scary driving over snow! Haha, however, a missionary apartment isn't the most entertaining place to spend your time being snowed in. We napped, played a rousing game of Stratego, wrote Christmas cards, ate dinner, and studied. Not too bad-- but I was definitely happy when the 'grounding' was lifted today!
So, Jeff isn't getting baptized on the 24th-- he just couldn't quit smoking in time. I think he's holding onto his cigarettes as an excuse to not get baptized yet. I think he only half wants it-- and like the hymn says, "God will force no man to heaven". He has to want it and work hard to get it. He needs to be truly converted and he just isn't quite there yet.
BUT-- we prayed about a date to extend to the Saunders and the 24th of December is the date Heavenly Father told us to have them work towards. They were excited about that and they are making such HUGE strides as a family. I just know Heavenly Father has big plans in store for them! Marla and Lee told us they hardly fight at all anymore and those sweet little boys now fold their arms, close their eyes, and say "amen" when we pray! The gospel of Jesus Christ truly DOES bless families! They want the blessings and are willing to work for them!
I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospel is true and families are FOREVER! <3
Merry Christmas---12 days :)
Happy Birthday tomorrow, Daddy. LOVE YOU!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
It's 12* outside, but the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ keeps me warm!! We have had quite the snow storm the last 30 hours... It started snowing at about 7:00 yesterday morning and snowed all during the day. After sacrament meeting, they sent everyone home because of the winter weather advisory we were under-- well, everyone except those in the choir practice and tithing settlement :)-- When we finally slipped and slided our way home, we got a phone call telling us we were 'grounded' and not a lowed to drive. Fine by me- It's scary driving over snow! Haha, however, a missionary apartment isn't the most entertaining place to spend your time being snowed in. We napped, played a rousing game of Stratego, wrote Christmas cards, ate dinner, and studied. Not too bad-- but I was definitely happy when the 'grounding' was lifted today!
So, Jeff isn't getting baptized on the 24th-- he just couldn't quit smoking in time. I think he's holding onto his cigarettes as an excuse to not get baptized yet. I think he only half wants it-- and like the hymn says, "God will force no man to heaven". He has to want it and work hard to get it. He needs to be truly converted and he just isn't quite there yet.
BUT-- we prayed about a date to extend to the Saunders and the 24th of December is the date Heavenly Father told us to have them work towards. They were excited about that and they are making such HUGE strides as a family. I just know Heavenly Father has big plans in store for them! Marla and Lee told us they hardly fight at all anymore and those sweet little boys now fold their arms, close their eyes, and say "amen" when we pray! The gospel of Jesus Christ truly DOES bless families! They want the blessings and are willing to work for them!
I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospel is true and families are FOREVER! <3
Merry Christmas---12 days :)
Happy Birthday tomorrow, Daddy. LOVE YOU!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, December 6, 2010
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing...
Dear family,
What an amazing time to be alive-- especially during the cheery days of this Christmas season! I just love all the love that is being expressed between neighbors and strangers alike at this time of year. Certainly people are at their best right now and certainly this should inspire us to be at our best! Let us not get caught up in the "stuff" that is so abundantly present everywhere we look. Let us remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, through whom we can be cleansed from all sin and healed from all pain. In these days leading up to the commemoration of His birth, let us be filled with and express the love that He so freely gives us. Les this season be a time of covenant-keeping as we comfort those that stand in need of comfort, mourn with those who mourn, lift the hands of those who hang down, and remember Him always as we are more obedient to the commandments He's given us. How grateful I am for those commandments, for they truly are a source of happiness... He wants us to be happy-- we just need to come unto Him and do what he has asked us to do! He knows us, He loves us, and He hears our prayers... Let us be sure of that this season, and let us help others know this wonderful good news too. There is no better gift you could give to anyone than the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Truly, that is the 'reason for the season'. I just love this time of year!
So, speaking of Christmas-- we had sort of a Christmas miracle yesterday at church. Brenda and Tyson came to church and felt the spirit strongly. Marla and Lee and their three little guys game to church and Heavenly Father answered our prayers and helped their little boy wiggles stay REALLY calm during sacrament meeting and then they had a blast in nursery! Jeff was sick, so he wasn't there, BUT three of our members brought people who are interested in hearing more about the gospel to church yesterday.
Brother Minner, an elderly recent convert of two years, brought Becca to church-- Becca is an architect drafter who just moved into our area and brings B. Minner his meals on wheels. When he asked her to come to church with him, she accepted and she was very welcomed and fit right in! Brother Hawk brought the Vanbuskirks to church-- he works with the dad and is good friends with the rest of the family as well. They have a daughter who turns 12 on Christmas and she was a little nervous to go to YW yesterday, so she had gospel principles with us and her mom and then came to RS with us too. It was perfect because the YW were in RS for the beginning and they got to hear the YW theme which, I think, was the perfect introduction for them!
One of our young men brought his best friend to church, and it just so happened that we were over at their home Saturday night for dinner... Imagine our surprise when on Sunday morning, Alejandro (the member) and Gabe (the nonmember) came up to us and Gabe told us his mom said he could come to church every week and then asked us what he had to do to become a member... Ahh! It was really neat. Then after church, Gabe and Alejandro came and practiced for the Christmas Cantata with the choir. We told Gabe to invite his parents to church on the 19th so they could come and feel the spirit. We plan on teaching their whole family.
So many tender mercies from the Lord! He knows us and loves us and is so aware of us and our needs :)
The gospel is true. Christ lives. The gospel has been restored!
I LOVE YOU!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
What an amazing time to be alive-- especially during the cheery days of this Christmas season! I just love all the love that is being expressed between neighbors and strangers alike at this time of year. Certainly people are at their best right now and certainly this should inspire us to be at our best! Let us not get caught up in the "stuff" that is so abundantly present everywhere we look. Let us remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, through whom we can be cleansed from all sin and healed from all pain. In these days leading up to the commemoration of His birth, let us be filled with and express the love that He so freely gives us. Les this season be a time of covenant-keeping as we comfort those that stand in need of comfort, mourn with those who mourn, lift the hands of those who hang down, and remember Him always as we are more obedient to the commandments He's given us. How grateful I am for those commandments, for they truly are a source of happiness... He wants us to be happy-- we just need to come unto Him and do what he has asked us to do! He knows us, He loves us, and He hears our prayers... Let us be sure of that this season, and let us help others know this wonderful good news too. There is no better gift you could give to anyone than the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Truly, that is the 'reason for the season'. I just love this time of year!
So, speaking of Christmas-- we had sort of a Christmas miracle yesterday at church. Brenda and Tyson came to church and felt the spirit strongly. Marla and Lee and their three little guys game to church and Heavenly Father answered our prayers and helped their little boy wiggles stay REALLY calm during sacrament meeting and then they had a blast in nursery! Jeff was sick, so he wasn't there, BUT three of our members brought people who are interested in hearing more about the gospel to church yesterday.
Brother Minner, an elderly recent convert of two years, brought Becca to church-- Becca is an architect drafter who just moved into our area and brings B. Minner his meals on wheels. When he asked her to come to church with him, she accepted and she was very welcomed and fit right in! Brother Hawk brought the Vanbuskirks to church-- he works with the dad and is good friends with the rest of the family as well. They have a daughter who turns 12 on Christmas and she was a little nervous to go to YW yesterday, so she had gospel principles with us and her mom and then came to RS with us too. It was perfect because the YW were in RS for the beginning and they got to hear the YW theme which, I think, was the perfect introduction for them!
One of our young men brought his best friend to church, and it just so happened that we were over at their home Saturday night for dinner... Imagine our surprise when on Sunday morning, Alejandro (the member) and Gabe (the nonmember) came up to us and Gabe told us his mom said he could come to church every week and then asked us what he had to do to become a member... Ahh! It was really neat. Then after church, Gabe and Alejandro came and practiced for the Christmas Cantata with the choir. We told Gabe to invite his parents to church on the 19th so they could come and feel the spirit. We plan on teaching their whole family.
So many tender mercies from the Lord! He knows us and loves us and is so aware of us and our needs :)
The gospel is true. Christ lives. The gospel has been restored!
I LOVE YOU!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, November 29, 2010
Out in the desert they wander, hungry, and helpless, and cold...
Dearest fabulous family,
I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you are all reflecting on the many blessings our Father in Heaven has been bestowing upon you. Remember, it isn't a blessing unless you notice! So, cultivate within your hearts an attitude of gratitude and take time so see all the wonderful blessings around you!
We had a way neat experience Saturday... We were looking up former investigators and we had two we wanted to look up on South Union Street here in Galion and the one had moved and a less active member now lives there and the other house number didn't exist. Well, we were about to get into the car and keep looking up other formers when I felt the strongest impression that we needed to knock on doors on that street... So we did. It was 20* outside and the first door was an argumentative man, but the second door the lady answered and right away said, "It's freezing out there! Come on in!" so in we walked and we introduced ourselves to her and she introduced us to her husband and three little boys ages 3, 2, and 1. We talked about the Book of Mormon and how the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families between excited show-and-tells from the 2 and 3 year olds... They listened and when we asked them if they would like to learn more, they said that they are willing to listen to anything which will lessen the tension in their home. When we invited them to church, they gladly accepted the invitation and ACTUALLY CAME Sunday morning! All three hours were perfectly suited to their needs, and I KNOW Heavenly Father planned everything out to help these little sheep of His come into His fold. I am excited to continue working with Lee, Marla, and their little ones. I know the gospel WILL bless their family, and I am so grateful that we listened to that prompting to knock on doors on that very cold day! Surely Heavenly Father is aware of all of us and our needs and if we are obedient, we can be the answer to someone's prayers!
Ooh! And, Jeff Boyd accepted a baptismal date of December 24th. He's quitting smoking by the 3rd to be smoke-free for three weeks-- that's his one hang up. When he is baptized Christmas Eve this year, his family can be sealed together the day after Christmas next year. I can't think of a better Christmas present in all the world :)
I love you all so much and I know the gospel is true!
26 days 'till Christmas <3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you are all reflecting on the many blessings our Father in Heaven has been bestowing upon you. Remember, it isn't a blessing unless you notice! So, cultivate within your hearts an attitude of gratitude and take time so see all the wonderful blessings around you!
We had a way neat experience Saturday... We were looking up former investigators and we had two we wanted to look up on South Union Street here in Galion and the one had moved and a less active member now lives there and the other house number didn't exist. Well, we were about to get into the car and keep looking up other formers when I felt the strongest impression that we needed to knock on doors on that street... So we did. It was 20* outside and the first door was an argumentative man, but the second door the lady answered and right away said, "It's freezing out there! Come on in!" so in we walked and we introduced ourselves to her and she introduced us to her husband and three little boys ages 3, 2, and 1. We talked about the Book of Mormon and how the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families between excited show-and-tells from the 2 and 3 year olds... They listened and when we asked them if they would like to learn more, they said that they are willing to listen to anything which will lessen the tension in their home. When we invited them to church, they gladly accepted the invitation and ACTUALLY CAME Sunday morning! All three hours were perfectly suited to their needs, and I KNOW Heavenly Father planned everything out to help these little sheep of His come into His fold. I am excited to continue working with Lee, Marla, and their little ones. I know the gospel WILL bless their family, and I am so grateful that we listened to that prompting to knock on doors on that very cold day! Surely Heavenly Father is aware of all of us and our needs and if we are obedient, we can be the answer to someone's prayers!
Ooh! And, Jeff Boyd accepted a baptismal date of December 24th. He's quitting smoking by the 3rd to be smoke-free for three weeks-- that's his one hang up. When he is baptized Christmas Eve this year, his family can be sealed together the day after Christmas next year. I can't think of a better Christmas present in all the world :)
I love you all so much and I know the gospel is true!
26 days 'till Christmas <3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Oh there's sunshine, blessed sunshine, when the peaceful happy moments roll!
Dear wonderful family,
I love life. It was a beautiful sunshiney day on this, the 23rd of November. Heavenly Father loves me!
Thank you so much to all of you who have sent me birthday greetings-- I've felt an abundance of love this last week with all the mail that has come my way... Can it be my birthday every week? ;)
Just kidding-- we've been teaching the Plan of Salvation a lot this last week, so I know perfectly well that if it was my birthday EVERY week, it wouldn't be as cool. "There must needs be opposition in all things"! I get it-- but it has been nice, so thank you. Really, thank you :)
I went to send Cam a birthday present this last week and the only tape I had was duct tape to keep the brown paper package together... When I got to the post office, the lady looked at me funny then said, "next time you send a package, try not to use duct tape..." When I asked her why, she said, duct tape is the preferred tape of bombers. Haha-- that's me. The missionary mail bomber. Ha, it made me laugh. Don't worry, Cam, it won't explode upon opening. Scout's honor! :)
New awesomeness this week includes Jeff Boyd asking us about the logistics of being baptized and the epiphany he had that he doesn't have to be perfect to be baptized... HUGE developments with him this week and we're going over there tonight to teach him more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is SO CLOSE! Pray for him?
Brenda and Tyson are struggling right now. They have amazing experiences and then question them-- it is heart-wrenching to watch! I can only imagine how Heavenly Father feels when we vacillate between righteous and unrighteous choices.
Really neat experience Sunday when our 12-year-old recent convert, who was baptized right before Sister Lillywhite and I got here, was ordained into the Aaronic priesthood this last Sunday and his dad came for the ordination! He really enjoyed church, and sat in on Xavier's recent convert lesson which just happened to be on the Plan of Salvation which just happened to be PERFECT for what he needed. We gave Xavier a family proclamation and asked if he would read it with his family and HIS DAD, Joe, said they would! That was so amazing to hear. After the lesson, Sister Lillywhite and I were comparing notes, and as we were teaching them, we BOTH could picture Joe in white getting baptized. It'll happen :)
I love being a missionary. The gospel is so true. Jesus is the Christ. Families are forever.
Go be a missionary in your corner of the world <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea-a-Lynn LeSueur
I love life. It was a beautiful sunshiney day on this, the 23rd of November. Heavenly Father loves me!
Thank you so much to all of you who have sent me birthday greetings-- I've felt an abundance of love this last week with all the mail that has come my way... Can it be my birthday every week? ;)
Just kidding-- we've been teaching the Plan of Salvation a lot this last week, so I know perfectly well that if it was my birthday EVERY week, it wouldn't be as cool. "There must needs be opposition in all things"! I get it-- but it has been nice, so thank you. Really, thank you :)
I went to send Cam a birthday present this last week and the only tape I had was duct tape to keep the brown paper package together... When I got to the post office, the lady looked at me funny then said, "next time you send a package, try not to use duct tape..." When I asked her why, she said, duct tape is the preferred tape of bombers. Haha-- that's me. The missionary mail bomber. Ha, it made me laugh. Don't worry, Cam, it won't explode upon opening. Scout's honor! :)
New awesomeness this week includes Jeff Boyd asking us about the logistics of being baptized and the epiphany he had that he doesn't have to be perfect to be baptized... HUGE developments with him this week and we're going over there tonight to teach him more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is SO CLOSE! Pray for him?
Brenda and Tyson are struggling right now. They have amazing experiences and then question them-- it is heart-wrenching to watch! I can only imagine how Heavenly Father feels when we vacillate between righteous and unrighteous choices.
Really neat experience Sunday when our 12-year-old recent convert, who was baptized right before Sister Lillywhite and I got here, was ordained into the Aaronic priesthood this last Sunday and his dad came for the ordination! He really enjoyed church, and sat in on Xavier's recent convert lesson which just happened to be on the Plan of Salvation which just happened to be PERFECT for what he needed. We gave Xavier a family proclamation and asked if he would read it with his family and HIS DAD, Joe, said they would! That was so amazing to hear. After the lesson, Sister Lillywhite and I were comparing notes, and as we were teaching them, we BOTH could picture Joe in white getting baptized. It'll happen :)
I love being a missionary. The gospel is so true. Jesus is the Christ. Families are forever.
Go be a missionary in your corner of the world <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea-a-Lynn LeSueur
Monday, November 15, 2010
I believe in Christ, so come what may...
Wow, dear family, it has been an amazing week here in the great OCM!
It all started Monday with an amazing lesson with Jeff Boyd where we invited him to pray daily, even if it is just to say, ''hi''. We had the former bishop and his wife, the Goodwins, with us, and they were the perfect people for the lesson. Before Bishop Goodwin was a member he had lived a little riotously and he helped Jeff understand how the Atonement can change people. It was an amazing lesson, but with so many people who love talking (and lots of good things to talk about) we left a little later than we had hoped and didn't get home 'till 915. Well, now let's rewind to the night before, Sunday. Sister Lillywhite had left the dome light on in our car without realizing it. So, when we got a knock on our door at about 1010, we weren't quite sure what to suspect. It was our neighbor from the building by where we park and he told us about our lit light. We thanked him, he said, "no problem, the boys used to do it all the time..." and took care of the light and when we came back into our apartment, I felt the strongest impression that we needed to teach him the gospel. I told Sister Lillywhite this and we were in agreement. So, now fast-forward to Monday night at 915 when we pulled into the parking lot, there was our neighbor, standing outside smoking. I have never been so glad to see someone smoke in all my life! We went and talked to him, and in so doing, found out that he wants to get married and have a family but there "just aren't any girls with morals anymore". We also found out that the way the country is operating now makes him nervous. He told us how he has been watching Glen Beck and totally agrees with much of what he says. Then he said, "I've actually been looking into his religion... do you know anything about mormons?"
AHHHH!!! YES!!! Thank you Glen Beck! We talked about how hope and faith in God allows us to do good things which will make the world a better place (Ether 12:4) then we asked him if we left him with a copy of the Book of Mormon if he would read it. He said, "Yes, I've actually been online looking at religion and where I could find one of these". There's no doubt in my mind that he has been prepared by a loving Heavenly Father to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ-- part of his preparation was all these missionaries who absent-mindedly leave the car light on!
This weekend we had stake conference in which the choir sang 'I Believe in Christ' arranged by Mac Wilburg. It was the most powerful rendition I have heard of the hymn I have ever heard... I got chills when they sang, "I Believe in Christ, so come what may... With Him I'll stand at that great day." As tears welled up in my eyes, I realized that no matter what happens, as long as I believe in Christ and let my actions show it, everything will be alright. I believe in Christ, so come what may...I am so grateful for our Savior who knows how to love us and take care of us perfectly. The Atonement is real and we must understand how it applies to us and the change it can bring about in our lives. I believe in Christ!!
I love you guys so much... Next preparation day we're taking on Tuesday instead of Monday... Tuesday just happens to be my birthday (23 on the 23rd) and we're going to the temple. I can't think of any better way to spend my birthday than in the service of the Lord serving my brothers and sisters beyond the veil. It will be marvelous :)
Have a great week-- smile, the gospel is true!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
It all started Monday with an amazing lesson with Jeff Boyd where we invited him to pray daily, even if it is just to say, ''hi''. We had the former bishop and his wife, the Goodwins, with us, and they were the perfect people for the lesson. Before Bishop Goodwin was a member he had lived a little riotously and he helped Jeff understand how the Atonement can change people. It was an amazing lesson, but with so many people who love talking (and lots of good things to talk about) we left a little later than we had hoped and didn't get home 'till 915. Well, now let's rewind to the night before, Sunday. Sister Lillywhite had left the dome light on in our car without realizing it. So, when we got a knock on our door at about 1010, we weren't quite sure what to suspect. It was our neighbor from the building by where we park and he told us about our lit light. We thanked him, he said, "no problem, the boys used to do it all the time..." and took care of the light and when we came back into our apartment, I felt the strongest impression that we needed to teach him the gospel. I told Sister Lillywhite this and we were in agreement. So, now fast-forward to Monday night at 915 when we pulled into the parking lot, there was our neighbor, standing outside smoking. I have never been so glad to see someone smoke in all my life! We went and talked to him, and in so doing, found out that he wants to get married and have a family but there "just aren't any girls with morals anymore". We also found out that the way the country is operating now makes him nervous. He told us how he has been watching Glen Beck and totally agrees with much of what he says. Then he said, "I've actually been looking into his religion... do you know anything about mormons?"
AHHHH!!! YES!!! Thank you Glen Beck! We talked about how hope and faith in God allows us to do good things which will make the world a better place (Ether 12:4) then we asked him if we left him with a copy of the Book of Mormon if he would read it. He said, "Yes, I've actually been online looking at religion and where I could find one of these". There's no doubt in my mind that he has been prepared by a loving Heavenly Father to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ-- part of his preparation was all these missionaries who absent-mindedly leave the car light on!
This weekend we had stake conference in which the choir sang 'I Believe in Christ' arranged by Mac Wilburg. It was the most powerful rendition I have heard of the hymn I have ever heard... I got chills when they sang, "I Believe in Christ, so come what may... With Him I'll stand at that great day." As tears welled up in my eyes, I realized that no matter what happens, as long as I believe in Christ and let my actions show it, everything will be alright. I believe in Christ, so come what may...I am so grateful for our Savior who knows how to love us and take care of us perfectly. The Atonement is real and we must understand how it applies to us and the change it can bring about in our lives. I believe in Christ!!
I love you guys so much... Next preparation day we're taking on Tuesday instead of Monday... Tuesday just happens to be my birthday (23 on the 23rd) and we're going to the temple. I can't think of any better way to spend my birthday than in the service of the Lord serving my brothers and sisters beyond the veil. It will be marvelous :)
Have a great week-- smile, the gospel is true!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Monday, November 8, 2010
Zion readies us to see the Savior come again
Dear mi familia,
Another wonderful week has passed here in the great Ohio Columbus mission-- It seems like I turn around once and already it's a new week. Can we please slow down! I don't appreciate time passing so quickly!!
SUPER exciting news-- Brenda and Tyson came to church yesterday!! They felt the spirit intensely, and we're still working towards the 27th of November for a baptism- we had a lesson with them Friday afternoon and Tyson received a blessing to help him with his Word of Wisdom struggles and we told them that they can't be hot and cold anymore. They're either progressing towards making baptismal covenants or they're not. They're either on the Lord's side or they're not. There is no grey area in the Lord's kingdom. They agreed and have been on fire ever since! We're meeting with them tomorrow night and then they'll be coming to the Book of Mormon class we teach Wednesday night... We'll meet with them Saturday after we return from our sister's sleepover at the mission home and then they'll be able to be fed spiritually at Stake conference on Sunday! I know the Lord loves them and if I do my job right, they will show the Lord how much they love Him back!
We also had an amazing opportunity to talk to a less active sister who wants to come back to church... There is so much rescuing to be done. Sometimes we need to be creative in how we do it, but it must be done and it it priceless work.
It is amazing to me how willing the members here are to help out each other. There are no 'clicks' really in our ward-- its nice! The members are also so willing to come help us teach or provide us with anything else we may need. It occurs to me that this is what Zion is. Zion is unity and being of one purpose. Our purpose is to prepare each other to see the Savior again and I am so grateful I have the opportunity to see Zion in action!
The gospel is true. Being a missionary is amazing. Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world <3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Another wonderful week has passed here in the great Ohio Columbus mission-- It seems like I turn around once and already it's a new week. Can we please slow down! I don't appreciate time passing so quickly!!
SUPER exciting news-- Brenda and Tyson came to church yesterday!! They felt the spirit intensely, and we're still working towards the 27th of November for a baptism- we had a lesson with them Friday afternoon and Tyson received a blessing to help him with his Word of Wisdom struggles and we told them that they can't be hot and cold anymore. They're either progressing towards making baptismal covenants or they're not. They're either on the Lord's side or they're not. There is no grey area in the Lord's kingdom. They agreed and have been on fire ever since! We're meeting with them tomorrow night and then they'll be coming to the Book of Mormon class we teach Wednesday night... We'll meet with them Saturday after we return from our sister's sleepover at the mission home and then they'll be able to be fed spiritually at Stake conference on Sunday! I know the Lord loves them and if I do my job right, they will show the Lord how much they love Him back!
We also had an amazing opportunity to talk to a less active sister who wants to come back to church... There is so much rescuing to be done. Sometimes we need to be creative in how we do it, but it must be done and it it priceless work.
It is amazing to me how willing the members here are to help out each other. There are no 'clicks' really in our ward-- its nice! The members are also so willing to come help us teach or provide us with anything else we may need. It occurs to me that this is what Zion is. Zion is unity and being of one purpose. Our purpose is to prepare each other to see the Savior again and I am so grateful I have the opportunity to see Zion in action!
The gospel is true. Being a missionary is amazing. Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world <3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, November 1, 2010
I know that my Savior loves me...
Dearest Family,
Happy November and happy month of Cam, Beau, Sister Lillywhite, Sister Lewis, Bethany, and my birthdays-- and a whole lot of other cool people too! Wow, I can't believe November is here. 22 days 'till my birthday :)
Yesterday was the primary program, and our cute little primary of about 20 kids sang touching songs about the theme (which is also the new song this year) "I know that my Savior loves me". They did a phenomenal job and I had to laugh as I watched the overly-enthused 4 and 5 year-olds and the 11 year-olds who looked like they were about to keel over and die of embarrassment . The best thing about the whole day/ordeal? Jeff Boyd, one of our investigators was there with his wife and kids who are members, and I KNOW he felt the spirit bear witness to him that his Savior loves HIM. He has been struggling to understand just how infinite and eternal the Atonement of Jesus Christ actually is... What better way for him to learn than from the simple and completely true gospel principles taught through the primary songs. I love primary songs and I am so grateful to my mama for instilling this love in me! Thanks Mom!
It really has been a wonderful week here in Galion. We're beginning to get our bearings-- the GPS has been an invaluable tool (once again-- thanks Daddy!) and we have been able to meet some great people. There are a ton of less active members on the ward roster, and so we have been trying to systematically visit them all and assess their needs. It is difficult with how HUGE our ward boundaries are to see everyone and mesh schedules, so we're still looking for a system that works for us. Another thing we're finding is EVERYONE here works during the day it seems-- this hasn't been the case in either of my other areas, and so we're working on adapting to these new challenges we're finding! Any ideas? Email me :)
We had an interesting experience when we had dinner at Sister Weidinger's home on Saturday night. Her daughters (who are both members) were both there with their kids (and grandkids) and so was her son-in-law who is not a member of the church. He was a nice guy until the subject of religion was brought up and then he became very contentious and argumentative. He talked of the lack of 'evidence' surrounding our faith in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and because he is relatively well-read in the Bible he feels that he knows everything he needs to in order to get into Heaven and in order to know that we are wrong in our faith. Things between him and his sister-in-law were getting heated when Sister Lillywhite said, 'whether you read the Bible or the Book of Mormon, Christ tells us that contention is not of Him... I feel like there is a lot of contention right now, and I think we shouldn't talk anymore about Him like this." It was perfect and exactly what needed to be said and I was so proud of her. After sharing a scripture, we left and the spirit was beginning to come back into the home. When we were in the car, I felt this overwhelming sadness for him because his heart has been hardened and he won't believe until Christ Himself reveals the truth to him... and even then, I wonder if it will be enough... It also dawned on me that I want my family and extended family to share in the knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel. I am grateful for the opportunity Heavenly Father has given me to strengthen my foundation so I will be worthy of a man who has an equally strong foundation so that "when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds... it shall have no power to drag [me] down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which [we have] built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if [we] build [we] cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12) How grateful I am that I have been given this opportunity-- and to think that I came so close to missing out on it. God's plan for each of us is perfect, even if it includes something we never thought we would do... like serve a mission!
I love this gospel. It is true. I love my Savior. He lives and he loves me. I love my family. We can be together forever as we keep the commandments. I love being a missionary. It is the greatest thing I have ever done-- Go share the gospel with those around you. You will be blessed and they will be blessed immeasurably. Be happy-- The gospel is true <3
LOVE YOU TONS,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Happy November and happy month of Cam, Beau, Sister Lillywhite, Sister Lewis, Bethany, and my birthdays-- and a whole lot of other cool people too! Wow, I can't believe November is here. 22 days 'till my birthday :)
Yesterday was the primary program, and our cute little primary of about 20 kids sang touching songs about the theme (which is also the new song this year) "I know that my Savior loves me". They did a phenomenal job and I had to laugh as I watched the overly-enthused 4 and 5 year-olds and the 11 year-olds who looked like they were about to keel over and die of embarrassment . The best thing about the whole day/ordeal? Jeff Boyd, one of our investigators was there with his wife and kids who are members, and I KNOW he felt the spirit bear witness to him that his Savior loves HIM. He has been struggling to understand just how infinite and eternal the Atonement of Jesus Christ actually is... What better way for him to learn than from the simple and completely true gospel principles taught through the primary songs. I love primary songs and I am so grateful to my mama for instilling this love in me! Thanks Mom!
It really has been a wonderful week here in Galion. We're beginning to get our bearings-- the GPS has been an invaluable tool (once again-- thanks Daddy!) and we have been able to meet some great people. There are a ton of less active members on the ward roster, and so we have been trying to systematically visit them all and assess their needs. It is difficult with how HUGE our ward boundaries are to see everyone and mesh schedules, so we're still looking for a system that works for us. Another thing we're finding is EVERYONE here works during the day it seems-- this hasn't been the case in either of my other areas, and so we're working on adapting to these new challenges we're finding! Any ideas? Email me :)
We had an interesting experience when we had dinner at Sister Weidinger's home on Saturday night. Her daughters (who are both members) were both there with their kids (and grandkids) and so was her son-in-law who is not a member of the church. He was a nice guy until the subject of religion was brought up and then he became very contentious and argumentative. He talked of the lack of 'evidence' surrounding our faith in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and because he is relatively well-read in the Bible he feels that he knows everything he needs to in order to get into Heaven and in order to know that we are wrong in our faith. Things between him and his sister-in-law were getting heated when Sister Lillywhite said, 'whether you read the Bible or the Book of Mormon, Christ tells us that contention is not of Him... I feel like there is a lot of contention right now, and I think we shouldn't talk anymore about Him like this." It was perfect and exactly what needed to be said and I was so proud of her. After sharing a scripture, we left and the spirit was beginning to come back into the home. When we were in the car, I felt this overwhelming sadness for him because his heart has been hardened and he won't believe until Christ Himself reveals the truth to him... and even then, I wonder if it will be enough... It also dawned on me that I want my family and extended family to share in the knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel. I am grateful for the opportunity Heavenly Father has given me to strengthen my foundation so I will be worthy of a man who has an equally strong foundation so that "when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds... it shall have no power to drag [me] down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which [we have] built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if [we] build [we] cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12) How grateful I am that I have been given this opportunity-- and to think that I came so close to missing out on it. God's plan for each of us is perfect, even if it includes something we never thought we would do... like serve a mission!
I love this gospel. It is true. I love my Savior. He lives and he loves me. I love my family. We can be together forever as we keep the commandments. I love being a missionary. It is the greatest thing I have ever done-- Go share the gospel with those around you. You will be blessed and they will be blessed immeasurably. Be happy-- The gospel is true <3
LOVE YOU TONS,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, October 25, 2010
...And pray for strength that we may say, as He, "Thy will O Lord be done."
Well, "The time has come,"President Jensen Said, "to transfer you again."
"You'll be doubled in to whitewash an area, and be prepared to train!"
"What?" I cried! "Doubled in again? But I just got here and I don't want to go! What will happen to those I've grown so much to love!? And surely there are so many more qualified to train a new missionary than I. Nevertheless, If this be the Lord's will, Here I come..."
And here I am. Galion, Ohio in the Columbus North stake with the amazing Sister Kelly Lillywhite from Salt Lake City, Utah. I love it here. Hah, I'm in another mushroom hut like I was in Moundbuilders-- but the tossing and turning I was doing Wednesday night before transfers was all in vain. The amazing Elders Conley and Hepworth cleaned that apartment up really well-- Mad props to them. I think a question I will ask my future spouse will be what shape his missionary apartments were in... But I don't even have to think about that for a really long time! :)
So, Sister Lillywhite is going to be a preschool teacher, was a theatre major, loves music, her birthday is 11 days before mine (Nov 12th) and is a HAPPY person! I am SO excited for this transfer!
Galion is a tiny town and our ward has huge boundaries with only about 80 people that come regularly. Most of the ward is related to each other in one way or another, there are two active laurels to come out with us and they are both the bishop's daughters! There is definitely some good work to do here!
We have been trying to meet the members and all the current and former investigators. Friday we met Brenda and Tyson. Tyson is Brenda's 32 year old blind son. They live together and have been meeting with the missionaries for about a year. They had some huge concerns after family members showed them lots of anti literature... We sat down and explained through the spirit the doctrine behind their concerns. After they felt the spirit, we felt prompted to invite them both to be baptized on the 27th of November. Tyson LOVED the idea of being baptized near Thanksgiving and they both accepted. They still have a long way to go, but we are excited to be their guides!
Thursday night, we met with Jeff. Jeff's wife and two sons are members of the ward and he's got some big things to overcome before he will be baptized, but I think that he needs sisters... We've heard that from a lot of people-- that sisters NEED to be here right now. Well, I'm happy to oblige, and it is a nice change from Springboro where the bishop and the WML were mortified that the Lord would send them sisters. Haha, that turned out to be fine, we won them over-- but It it neat to see the contrast :)
Well, dear family, I feel so blessed to be a missionary. I feel blessed to have a testimony of the gospel. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be with you for all eternity. Lets keep our covenants so that will happen!! Go out and find someone to lift up today-- You have the power to be an angel in someone's life :)
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
"You'll be doubled in to whitewash an area, and be prepared to train!"
"What?" I cried! "Doubled in again? But I just got here and I don't want to go! What will happen to those I've grown so much to love!? And surely there are so many more qualified to train a new missionary than I. Nevertheless, If this be the Lord's will, Here I come..."
And here I am. Galion, Ohio in the Columbus North stake with the amazing Sister Kelly Lillywhite from Salt Lake City, Utah. I love it here. Hah, I'm in another mushroom hut like I was in Moundbuilders-- but the tossing and turning I was doing Wednesday night before transfers was all in vain. The amazing Elders Conley and Hepworth cleaned that apartment up really well-- Mad props to them. I think a question I will ask my future spouse will be what shape his missionary apartments were in... But I don't even have to think about that for a really long time! :)
So, Sister Lillywhite is going to be a preschool teacher, was a theatre major, loves music, her birthday is 11 days before mine (Nov 12th) and is a HAPPY person! I am SO excited for this transfer!
Galion is a tiny town and our ward has huge boundaries with only about 80 people that come regularly. Most of the ward is related to each other in one way or another, there are two active laurels to come out with us and they are both the bishop's daughters! There is definitely some good work to do here!
We have been trying to meet the members and all the current and former investigators. Friday we met Brenda and Tyson. Tyson is Brenda's 32 year old blind son. They live together and have been meeting with the missionaries for about a year. They had some huge concerns after family members showed them lots of anti literature... We sat down and explained through the spirit the doctrine behind their concerns. After they felt the spirit, we felt prompted to invite them both to be baptized on the 27th of November. Tyson LOVED the idea of being baptized near Thanksgiving and they both accepted. They still have a long way to go, but we are excited to be their guides!
Thursday night, we met with Jeff. Jeff's wife and two sons are members of the ward and he's got some big things to overcome before he will be baptized, but I think that he needs sisters... We've heard that from a lot of people-- that sisters NEED to be here right now. Well, I'm happy to oblige, and it is a nice change from Springboro where the bishop and the WML were mortified that the Lord would send them sisters. Haha, that turned out to be fine, we won them over-- but It it neat to see the contrast :)
Well, dear family, I feel so blessed to be a missionary. I feel blessed to have a testimony of the gospel. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be with you for all eternity. Lets keep our covenants so that will happen!! Go out and find someone to lift up today-- You have the power to be an angel in someone's life :)
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, October 18, 2010
Time flies on wings of lightning; We cannot call it back. It comes and passes forward along its onward track...
Well hello all-- It has been another amazing week here in The Ohio as a servant of the Lord! How blessed I am to be a part of this great work!
Yesterday (the 17th) was the day I designated as my 9 month mark since I left home on the 27th of January and will be leaving my new home on the 7th of next July. Improve the shining moments was the opening hymn in sacrament meeting with the second verse quoted above, I felt that it was an incredibly appropriate hymn for the occasion. Wow... Time sure does fly.
As I sat in the first hour of church yesterday after greeting all the members as they arrived, I was looking around the chapel and I realized that I truly and completely love everyone who was sitting in that chapel and so many who weren't. I love this area. I love this ward. I love the members here. I love the people we're teaching... I am so filled with love. What an amazing '9 month mark' present from the Lord :)
Earlier this week when we were volunteering at the Springboro Food Pantry we met this wonderful 89-year-young woman, Louise Rugland. She has been receiving help from the food pantry and decided she would come help out before picking up her food. When she saw us, she asked us what ward we were in... When we told her, we asked her if she was also a member of the church-- she explained that she wasn't, but she took lessons from the missionaries in California years ago. She was almost baptized 'till someone she worked with who was a bishop of his ward was found to be a polygamist :-/ Hah, so we talked to her for a while and set up a time to come by and learn more about her... When we went to her house, we got to learn more about who she is and I think she will one day be baptized. She needs to work to be more secure temporally first, and we will help her with that, but when she gets more stable, the Lord and the gospel will be there!
Ahh, time is up-- but there was lots of good things that happened this week. Look for a letter coming soon!
I know the gospel is true. I know it with all my heart and mind.
I love you all so so much-- Have a really great week :)
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Yesterday (the 17th) was the day I designated as my 9 month mark since I left home on the 27th of January and will be leaving my new home on the 7th of next July. Improve the shining moments was the opening hymn in sacrament meeting with the second verse quoted above, I felt that it was an incredibly appropriate hymn for the occasion. Wow... Time sure does fly.
As I sat in the first hour of church yesterday after greeting all the members as they arrived, I was looking around the chapel and I realized that I truly and completely love everyone who was sitting in that chapel and so many who weren't. I love this area. I love this ward. I love the members here. I love the people we're teaching... I am so filled with love. What an amazing '9 month mark' present from the Lord :)
Earlier this week when we were volunteering at the Springboro Food Pantry we met this wonderful 89-year-young woman, Louise Rugland. She has been receiving help from the food pantry and decided she would come help out before picking up her food. When she saw us, she asked us what ward we were in... When we told her, we asked her if she was also a member of the church-- she explained that she wasn't, but she took lessons from the missionaries in California years ago. She was almost baptized 'till someone she worked with who was a bishop of his ward was found to be a polygamist :-/ Hah, so we talked to her for a while and set up a time to come by and learn more about her... When we went to her house, we got to learn more about who she is and I think she will one day be baptized. She needs to work to be more secure temporally first, and we will help her with that, but when she gets more stable, the Lord and the gospel will be there!
Ahh, time is up-- but there was lots of good things that happened this week. Look for a letter coming soon!
I know the gospel is true. I know it with all my heart and mind.
I love you all so so much-- Have a really great week :)
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Hello!
Hello dear family!!
Como Estas?
Today is the day we're celebrating my 9 month mark... but it's actually on the 27th. but I'm going home on the 7th. so we split the difference and decided it would be yesterday/today for p day! How's AZ/TX? Was Trev's birthday good?
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Lord has said a heartfelt song by righteous ones is prayer
Hello all you wonderful people!!
I am one of the luckiest people alive because I get to share the gospel with my brothers and sisters here in The Ohio, do lots of wonderful service, and meet and serve with so many wonderful sisters in the gospel whom I have a lot to learn from. Am I not just incredibly blessed?!
It has been an amazing week which got interesting when we got a phonecall from the assistants on Tuesday night telling us we would be going on EXCHANGES with the Beaver Creek sisters the next day. Well, for some of you returned missionaries who were elders, this might not be anything special-- but for me, this is the first time in nine months I have had the blessing to learn from a temporary companion! I was thrilled! Sister Iottita came to Springboro. She's from Kidibest (spelling? a tiny island by the marshall islands) and she is so humble and gave me a good dose of humility. My goodness-- she's a canvert since 14 and the only member of her family. She has no support from her parents and she went to the MTC with a pair of flip flops and a backpack. The MTC hooked her up with clothes and suitcases... She's only been speaking English since April and she's amazing. We went tracting that night after a few appointments, and she was fearless-- people just LOVED her. It was an amazing experience. Sister Angell learned a lot from Sister Seibel in Beaver Creek, and when we got back together on Thursday, we were both rejuvenated with a lot of great ideas to implement here in Springboro and with our companionship!
I am one of the luckiest people alive because I get to share the gospel with my brothers and sisters here in The Ohio, do lots of wonderful service, and meet and serve with so many wonderful sisters in the gospel whom I have a lot to learn from. Am I not just incredibly blessed?!
It has been an amazing week which got interesting when we got a phonecall from the assistants on Tuesday night telling us we would be going on EXCHANGES with the Beaver Creek sisters the next day. Well, for some of you returned missionaries who were elders, this might not be anything special-- but for me, this is the first time in nine months I have had the blessing to learn from a temporary companion! I was thrilled! Sister Iottita came to Springboro. She's from Kidibest (spelling? a tiny island by the marshall islands) and she is so humble and gave me a good dose of humility. My goodness-- she's a canvert since 14 and the only member of her family. She has no support from her parents and she went to the MTC with a pair of flip flops and a backpack. The MTC hooked her up with clothes and suitcases... She's only been speaking English since April and she's amazing. We went tracting that night after a few appointments, and she was fearless-- people just LOVED her. It was an amazing experience. Sister Angell learned a lot from Sister Seibel in Beaver Creek, and when we got back together on Thursday, we were both rejuvenated with a lot of great ideas to implement here in Springboro and with our companionship!
On Friday we were blessed to be able to help the Leisz family dig potatoes. This might not sound like much, but we have been trying to teach this very less active family since I got here FOUR months ago. We really have been wanting to get into their home and help reactivate them and teach the dad/grandpa the missionary lessons, but there are always excuses... Finally through the over the top enthusiasm I had at the prospect of helping them dig the potatoes on their farm, Sister Leisz agreed to let us come help... So help we did, and we had some good conversations while doing so. We'll be back to help Wednesday. I have never been so grateful to be out in the dirt in 80* weather in my life! haha, Through small things are great things brought to pass.
Happy birthday this week Trev... and Happy Columbus day today!! Ohio COLUMBUS mission represent!
I love the Lord, I love this gospel, I love the scriptures, I love you guys, and I love being a missionary. Life is good :)
Have a good week and go do some good!
Love,
Happy birthday this week Trev... and Happy Columbus day today!! Ohio COLUMBUS mission represent!
I love the Lord, I love this gospel, I love the scriptures, I love you guys, and I love being a missionary. Life is good :)
Have a good week and go do some good!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, October 4, 2010
Priests of heaven's royal line bear the keys of truth devine!
Wow Wow Wow... What an amazing weekend we've had. After listening to/reading the conference talks, is there any question that Heavenly Father knows us, loves us, and guides us today? We are so incredibly blessed to be a part of this last dispensation with living prophets and apostles to guide us through these perilous times. I know that Thomas S. Monson is indeed a prophet of the lord, just as Adam, Noah, and Moses are prophets of the Lord. I know we can be happy and eternally blessed when we keep the commandments He has given us for our protection. I know that it is when we have an attitude of gratitude that we can feel more deeply of God's love for us. The gospel is true!! Yes, The gospel is true!
Earlier in the week we had a really wonderful experience volunteering at the Springboro food pantry. With the new Relief Society presidency, this is one of the community organizations they have chosen to become involved with. As we filled bags with food for families to pick up and organized the back room where they keep all the food, it really hit me just how good people are. After we had been there about an hour, a lady came and knocked on the window of the storage room we were working in-- we went to meet her at the door. Her church had spent a Saturday at various grocery stores collecting donations for four different food pantries and she had a CAR FULL of food she needed help unloading. We were happy to assist her in this and as we began to sort the food into the places it needed to go to, I realized that people helping people selflessly really does still happen today. Then my thoughts drifted to the church's welfare program. Isn't it amazing that the Lord has put in place a program to keep members of His church watched over and provided for? Yes, the people in this particular community are lucky because someone took it upon themselves to start this program-- BUT not all communities have things like this, and not all the needs are able to be met in other communities that do have similar programs. I am grateful to know that no matter where I am, the Lord has a system in place through the channels of stewardship that I will always be able to survive temporally.
We received a referral for a house we needed to just tract into about a week ago. By the time we were able to do it, it was Friday and we knocked on all the doors on the street. When we got to 'the' door we were nicely rejected and Sister Angell said, "well, that was a waste of time..." I said "no... you never know what seeds we have planted. Lets keep going." So we did and the next door we knocked on we got a return appointment with. I know the Lord is preparing people to receive the gospel in our lives, though it isn't always who we might expect. Sometimes he just needs us to exercise faith and do the things we know we need to do before we see a result. I don't know if anything will end up happening with Isabella, but I do know the Lord lead us to her for a reason through a referral that someone faithfully passed onto us after they were prompted to do so. We MUST pay attention to our promptings!
I love you all so so much, I know if we heed the council we received in general conference this weekend, we can be a forever family. Nothing brings me greater joy! Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world this week! You will make your Heavenly Father and this missionary very happy-- plus, you will affect generations :)
Love,
Earlier in the week we had a really wonderful experience volunteering at the Springboro food pantry. With the new Relief Society presidency, this is one of the community organizations they have chosen to become involved with. As we filled bags with food for families to pick up and organized the back room where they keep all the food, it really hit me just how good people are. After we had been there about an hour, a lady came and knocked on the window of the storage room we were working in-- we went to meet her at the door. Her church had spent a Saturday at various grocery stores collecting donations for four different food pantries and she had a CAR FULL of food she needed help unloading. We were happy to assist her in this and as we began to sort the food into the places it needed to go to, I realized that people helping people selflessly really does still happen today. Then my thoughts drifted to the church's welfare program. Isn't it amazing that the Lord has put in place a program to keep members of His church watched over and provided for? Yes, the people in this particular community are lucky because someone took it upon themselves to start this program-- BUT not all communities have things like this, and not all the needs are able to be met in other communities that do have similar programs. I am grateful to know that no matter where I am, the Lord has a system in place through the channels of stewardship that I will always be able to survive temporally.
We received a referral for a house we needed to just tract into about a week ago. By the time we were able to do it, it was Friday and we knocked on all the doors on the street. When we got to 'the' door we were nicely rejected and Sister Angell said, "well, that was a waste of time..." I said "no... you never know what seeds we have planted. Lets keep going." So we did and the next door we knocked on we got a return appointment with. I know the Lord is preparing people to receive the gospel in our lives, though it isn't always who we might expect. Sometimes he just needs us to exercise faith and do the things we know we need to do before we see a result. I don't know if anything will end up happening with Isabella, but I do know the Lord lead us to her for a reason through a referral that someone faithfully passed onto us after they were prompted to do so. We MUST pay attention to our promptings!
I love you all so so much, I know if we heed the council we received in general conference this weekend, we can be a forever family. Nothing brings me greater joy! Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world this week! You will make your Heavenly Father and this missionary very happy-- plus, you will affect generations :)
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Monday, September 27, 2010
Firm as the mountains around us, stalwart and brave we stand...
Dearest family,
Wow, it has been quite the week. Holy cow, I'm embarking on my 6th transfer out of 12. Where is all the time going!? ...And conference is about to happen in 4 and a half days... And fall is here. I officially opened up my suitcase and grabbed a heavy sweater this morning! Before we know it, winter will be here and this sister missionary will be freezing for four months!
I just love this time of year though. People are getting excited for the upcoming holiday season, and they are ready to make changes in their lives. We have met several wonderful people who are curious about who we are and why we are out walking around carrying books and wearing name tags. I love what a good conversation piece the little blue Book of Mormon we carry around all day is! I wish every member everywhere would carry around a copy of the Book of Mormon with them everywhere they went. Maybe you should try it this week!
We had a really amazing thing happen on Thursday-- We took Kent Haisley on a tour of the church building. We were waiting for our member to show up and sitting in the foyer talking to him when he informed us that he likes what he's heard from us and read in the Book of Mormon but he just can't leave the people of his church. They're depending too much on him. Well, we talked about covenants and the service opportunities in the church, and then Brother Clark showed up and so did the Middletown missionaries (who were coincidentally there to get things ready for their church tour later in the day) so we all began our tour of the church together... In the primary room, our district leader, Elder Savage, made the comment that the Lord always looks out for his children and he will always provide someone to pick up the slack -- Elder Savage didn't know what was going on with Kent, but he said, "there will be someone to watch over the people in your church that you're now in charge of, but nobody can make your covenants with Heavenly Father except for you." It really struck Kent... and when he came to church yesterday, he felt the spirit strongly and was moved to tears-- despite all the noisy children! He'll be snow birding down to Florida for a month, home a month, then gone two months, but maybe the distance is what he needs to help him not feel so unseverably connected to his church. Oh, and he's at the end of the Book of Mormon-- when he finishes, he plans on going through the index then starting all over again. He is truly an amazing man!
I love this gospel. I love my savior. The things that he did for each of us on an incredibly individual level are truly amazing--- we must let the Atonement work in our lives! We must seek for the personal revelation we need. It's there for each of us if we will but ask for it. The gospel is true!!
Enjoy conference this weekend-- take notes, and try to understand what Heavenly Father wants you to know personally!
Love you so so much,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Wow, it has been quite the week. Holy cow, I'm embarking on my 6th transfer out of 12. Where is all the time going!? ...And conference is about to happen in 4 and a half days... And fall is here. I officially opened up my suitcase and grabbed a heavy sweater this morning! Before we know it, winter will be here and this sister missionary will be freezing for four months!
I just love this time of year though. People are getting excited for the upcoming holiday season, and they are ready to make changes in their lives. We have met several wonderful people who are curious about who we are and why we are out walking around carrying books and wearing name tags. I love what a good conversation piece the little blue Book of Mormon we carry around all day is! I wish every member everywhere would carry around a copy of the Book of Mormon with them everywhere they went. Maybe you should try it this week!
We had a really amazing thing happen on Thursday-- We took Kent Haisley on a tour of the church building. We were waiting for our member to show up and sitting in the foyer talking to him when he informed us that he likes what he's heard from us and read in the Book of Mormon but he just can't leave the people of his church. They're depending too much on him. Well, we talked about covenants and the service opportunities in the church, and then Brother Clark showed up and so did the Middletown missionaries (who were coincidentally there to get things ready for their church tour later in the day) so we all began our tour of the church together... In the primary room, our district leader, Elder Savage, made the comment that the Lord always looks out for his children and he will always provide someone to pick up the slack -- Elder Savage didn't know what was going on with Kent, but he said, "there will be someone to watch over the people in your church that you're now in charge of, but nobody can make your covenants with Heavenly Father except for you." It really struck Kent... and when he came to church yesterday, he felt the spirit strongly and was moved to tears-- despite all the noisy children! He'll be snow birding down to Florida for a month, home a month, then gone two months, but maybe the distance is what he needs to help him not feel so unseverably connected to his church. Oh, and he's at the end of the Book of Mormon-- when he finishes, he plans on going through the index then starting all over again. He is truly an amazing man!
I love this gospel. I love my savior. The things that he did for each of us on an incredibly individual level are truly amazing--- we must let the Atonement work in our lives! We must seek for the personal revelation we need. It's there for each of us if we will but ask for it. The gospel is true!!
Enjoy conference this weekend-- take notes, and try to understand what Heavenly Father wants you to know personally!
Love you so so much,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Monday, September 20, 2010
You can make a pathway bright, fill the soul with Heaven's light, if there's sunshine in your heart! ...
Dear wonderful family,
What a blessed time to be alive! Five days 'till the Relief Society broadcast and twelve days 'till General Conference! I encourage you to look inward and pick a question or two you have for Heavenly Father-- something you need help with or guidance on-- and prayerfully ask to receive the revelation you need during the conference broadcasts. Your prayers will be answered and you will know the will of the Lord in your life. Also, make sure to have something handy while you watch to write down the impressions you receive... the more you write, the more you'll get! Heavenly Father is so wonderful like that!
We have had a wonderful week... A new man we began teaching this week is Doug. Doug is divorced and has custody of his 11 year old daughter Hannah. He has an amazingly pure spirit. We taught him on Saturday, he came to church yesterday, and we're teaching him again next Saturday. He is a member referral-- His boss at the Y is a member of the Little Miami ward and she has really taken Doug and Hannah under her wing. She has been an amazing example to them and when the time was right, she turned him over to the missionaries! You never know who the Lord will place in your life who is ready to hear the gospel. Always be ready and willing! Doug will be an amazing member of God's Kingdom one day soon, and I just know it is what Hannah needs as she enters the scary world of middle/high school!
Another wonderful thing happened this week when a less active family we have been visiting previously, but not in the last two weeks, kept their appointment on Saturday AND asked if we could teach them the missionary lessons. I know the Lord has been working on softening their hearts and I know being fully active in the gospel is what will bring their family happiness and safety. So, Next Friday, we will be going to the Harries home with a member of the ward and work to remind them of the testimonies they once had. I'm optimistic :)
This is an amazing work of which we get to be a part... I feel so blessed to be a full time missionary in the wonderful Springboro ward. I love my savior, Jesus Christ, and I know we are all children of a very loving Heavenly Father. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ has indeed been restored to the earth in these Latter days and we can come to know this through reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know of its truthfulness. I love you guys, and I know our family can be together forever. Have a great week!
Love,
What a blessed time to be alive! Five days 'till the Relief Society broadcast and twelve days 'till General Conference! I encourage you to look inward and pick a question or two you have for Heavenly Father-- something you need help with or guidance on-- and prayerfully ask to receive the revelation you need during the conference broadcasts. Your prayers will be answered and you will know the will of the Lord in your life. Also, make sure to have something handy while you watch to write down the impressions you receive... the more you write, the more you'll get! Heavenly Father is so wonderful like that!
We have had a wonderful week... A new man we began teaching this week is Doug. Doug is divorced and has custody of his 11 year old daughter Hannah. He has an amazingly pure spirit. We taught him on Saturday, he came to church yesterday, and we're teaching him again next Saturday. He is a member referral-- His boss at the Y is a member of the Little Miami ward and she has really taken Doug and Hannah under her wing. She has been an amazing example to them and when the time was right, she turned him over to the missionaries! You never know who the Lord will place in your life who is ready to hear the gospel. Always be ready and willing! Doug will be an amazing member of God's Kingdom one day soon, and I just know it is what Hannah needs as she enters the scary world of middle/high school!
Another wonderful thing happened this week when a less active family we have been visiting previously, but not in the last two weeks, kept their appointment on Saturday AND asked if we could teach them the missionary lessons. I know the Lord has been working on softening their hearts and I know being fully active in the gospel is what will bring their family happiness and safety. So, Next Friday, we will be going to the Harries home with a member of the ward and work to remind them of the testimonies they once had. I'm optimistic :)
This is an amazing work of which we get to be a part... I feel so blessed to be a full time missionary in the wonderful Springboro ward. I love my savior, Jesus Christ, and I know we are all children of a very loving Heavenly Father. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ has indeed been restored to the earth in these Latter days and we can come to know this through reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know of its truthfulness. I love you guys, and I know our family can be together forever. Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, September 13, 2010
My heart shall triumph in my Lord and bless His works and bless His word ...
Dearest Family,
I just adore fall... and living in a place where the leaves actually change colors makes it even more magical! I LOVE The Ohio!
I just adore fall... and living in a place where the leaves actually change colors makes it even more magical! I LOVE The Ohio!
This week Sister Angell brought home a tummy bug from one of the many homes we visited and she was out of commission Tuesday then Wednesday it was my turn. You know, I'm all about companionship unity but... this was a little much. Luckilly on Wednesday we had a Zone meeting before which we received a blessing from our zone leaders, Elder Hansen and Elder Harris. I am so grateful for the healing power of the priesthood, and I am grateful for the council we receive from Heavenly Father in blessings! In the blessing I was told that I would receive what I desired... It made me think about what I really want and at this point in my life, it was exactly what I needed to reevaluate what I want and what I'm doing to get there.
We met a wonderful woman Friday night. Her name is Kelly-- we were looking up former investigators and came to her home. Her son was outside painting the fence and told us that she would definitely be interested in talking to us again but that she wouldn't be back from work for another three hours. He asked if we could come back and we said, of course! When we came back, she was excited to see us and we began talking. One of her bestfriends is a member in Kentucky and that was how she got in contack with the missionaries three years ago. Then she started taking classes to get her RN and got insanely busy, but would love to talk to us more now as she has a little bit more of a set schedule that isn't jam-packed with reading anatomy books! We're excited to get to know her better!
The gospel is true, I love our savior, Jesus Christ. Through Him all mankind can be saved, and I am so grateful for that knowledge-- it truly changes lives :)
Have a superb and wonderful week<3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure!
Hello family and Happy almost fall!!
Our preparation day yesterday began with a brisk 3 mile bike ride in Waynesville with the wonderful Saige Magley-- a laurel in the ward who is amazing. Hah, the elders couldn't believe we actually WANTED to ride bikes on our preparation day... We told them that for us, it is a recreational activity. They sort of grunted at that-- but nonetheless, it was a wonderful thing to do on a cool 60* morning :)
This week we had the wonderful experience of seeing the evidence of being in tune with the spirit. As a missionary, you study the scriptures, spend most of the day with a prayer in your heart to be where you need to be, and practice strict obedience so you can be worthy of feeling and recognizing the promptings of the spirit-- sometimes when you've followed a prompting you're able to say, "I know that is where we needed to go/what we needed to do/what we needed to say", but many times we just trust that good happened even if we didn't see it as a direct result. Well, this last week, we felt prompted to drop in on certain members and it seemed like we were there right when they needed help or right when they were visiting with a less active member or a friend who needed to feel the spirit through us. It was amazing because as a result of following promptings this week, we were able to say several times that we were right where we needed to be. I was grateful for those experiences this week-- it was just a little reminder from Heavenly Father about how great a privilege His spirit and guidance is, not only in our lives, but our influence in the lives of others as well!
How grateful I am for the spirit of the Lord. I am grateful for His guidance and the outpour of love from him I feel daily. I am grateful that we know that God speaks to us today-- personally and as a church. I'm grateful that He can use us as angels in the lives of others-- we just have to be worthy of and listen to the promptings He sends our way! Who can you serve today? Just ask Heavenly Father... You will be used :)
The gospel is true!! I love you!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, August 30, 2010
O thou who changest not, abide with me!
Hello wonderful family!
It has only been a few short days since I was last able to email you all... Not many new developments except for that I decided that Sunday is definitely NOT a day of rest when you are a missionary! It's probably our BUSIEST day, and I love it... But I am very grateful they put preparation day on Monday-- a day to recoup from the Sabbath!
I thought today, I would share with you parts of my testimony-- It's strong and growing every day.
I am so grateful for the never-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the Atonement and the change we can all bring about in ourselves through it and with the Lord's help. I am grateful for prayer and for the chance we have to communicate with the Lord through it-- He answers us, I know he does, and he always answers us with exactly what we need. I know there are angels among us, and many times it is you and I who get to me those angels! We must be worthy to receive the promptings from the lord to do the things he needs us to do! I know the Book of Mormon and the Bible contain the words of the Lord and His prophets-- I know that when we study it, we can come to know Him and what we need to do to return to live with Him again. We must study the scriptures and work daily to improve our conversations with the Lord through prayer-- that is the nourishment our spirits need!! I know we lived with our Father in Heaven before we came to earth-- He is the literal father of our spirits. I know we can return to live with him again some day if we are worthy and faithful. I know families can be together forever through the priesthood ordinances performed in the temple... I am so grateful for this knowledge! The gospel is true-- live it and love it!
Have a really great week-- look for the opportunities you will have to help one of the brothers or sisters placed in your path on his or her way back to our Father in Heaven. I know you will be blessed with the opportunity if you truly want it!
Love you tons,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Families can be together forever-- through Heavenly Father's plan...
I feel so blessed because today I have had the chance to be spiritually fed as I attended the temple with my district. It is just amazing to have the opportunity to attend the temple quarterly as a missionary. So many missionaries aren't able to go at all on their missions. Some people laugh that I prayed to go on a mission to somewhere that has a temple, but there is an undeniable power that the temple has-- we have been working with several less active members to turn their sights toward the temple, and I know it is because I have had the chance to attend regularly that I understand the importance of having a goal like that. I am not a missionary to baptize people, I'm a missionary to bring families to the temple so they can be together forever through faithfulness to the covenants they make there. Ahh! The gospel is true and the priesthood power Heavenly Father entrusts us with is amazing and real and what can bind us to him and to each other for eternity!
We have been working with this wonderful woman, Linda, this week. She is a friend of Julianna Schaefer in the ward, and she is one of the kindest, most genuine people I've met. She has a hard time with organized religion-- so we've been serving and loving her this week. I know she will someday be dressed in white making covenants with our Heavenly Father-- in the mean time, we will teach her as we serve her!
We have been teaching a man, Kent, who is baptist and was saved about 5 years ago. When we explained to him the Plan of Salvation, he got teary eyed as he explained that his son who died a couple years ago hadn't been 'saved' and he was told by his preacher that he is in hell because of that.. He explained that the Plan of Salvation made so much sense beacuse he KNEW his son wasn't damned. It just didn't make sense to him how that could be. We asked him if he would be baptized by someone holding the propper priesthood authority when he came to know the gospel is true and he said, "absolutely!" Now we wait for him to get his answer-- he is an amazing man who is so sincere in his desire for knowlege. Keep him in your prayers :)
Life is good. Ohio is amazing. Being a missionary is awesome. The gospel is true. Families are forever.
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, August 16, 2010
And when the tempest rages high I feel no arm around me thrust, but every storm goes rolling by when I repose in him my trust
Dearest family,
What a great day-- the gospel is true and it's only 85* outside! Fall is indeed on its way!
We had a really neat experience with a new investigator last night-- Her name is Robyn and she was vacationing in San Diego with her daughter. While they were there, they went to the new Mormon Batallion Visitor's Center and she requested a copy of the Book of Mormon. When we delivered it to her last night, she was sincerely interested in knowing if the church is true and was excited to receive her own copy of the Book of Mormon. The lesson was only mediocre as far as the actual teaching went, but the spirit was so strong, I know He was the real teacher there. It just reminded me, no matter how flawed we are, if we're where we need to be, doing the things we need to do, Heavenly Father--one way or another-- makes up the difference. I know I am so inadequate in this work, but through God, my shortcomings are smoothed over and He is able to use me as a tool to bring my brothers and sisters unto Him. That's what happened last night, and that was amazing to be a part of.
I am so grateful to be a missionary and to be able to share the truthfulness of the gospel with The Ohio! I am constantly amazed by the miracles and tender mercies of the Lord in our lives... Sister Schaefer is one of the ward missionaries. Her husband has had quite a lot of medical difficulties and she has been forced to be the provider for their family these last seven or so years-- so she opened a bakery and is the cake lady now! Things are rough as his health continues to go up and down, and financially they have a hard time every month, but she is always so quick to point out the blessings she has received on an hourly basis. I want to be like that, and that is what I will focus on this week... noticing all the things Heavenly Father blesses me with constantly throughout the day. I invite y'all to join me... Let's take time to notice all the good things and silver linings in our lives!
The gospel is true, Christ is our savior, and Heavenly Father loves us :)
Have a phenomenal week <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Monday, August 9, 2010
"Does the journey seem long, the pathway rugged and steep? ...Take his hand and with him enter in."
Helloooooo Family!
Wow, what a week it has been...Transfers came, and we were so sure we would be unaffected by them-- but the Lord had different plans for us! Sister Lewis was transferred to the East Gate in Batavia, Ohio, and Sister Stephanie Angell (who came from the MTC with Sister Lewis) got transferred into Springboro with me from Lancaster! I was sad to see my blonde twin go, but Sister Lewis is fantastic and I just know we are going to do amazing work together!
There's a new sister in our ward-- Grace Hsu. She just moved here two weeks ago from Taiwan. She is speaks Chinese and Japanese fluently, and we have begun reading the Book of Mormon with her in English so she can get better at the language which she is surrounded by. She was baptized in September 2008 in Taiwan, and she has one of the sweetest testimonies I have ever heard. This just proves that the spirit speaks in a universal language... I am so impressed by her-- she has come faithfully to church these last two weeks even though her roommate is opposed to Christianity, even though she has no car, and even though she can barely understand what is being said. She said she looks forward to church every week because of the peace she feels there. I just love her, and she has no idea of the influence she has had on me this week!
I know this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it was restored to the prophet Joseph Smith. I know the Book of Mormon is the true word of God and I know we can come to know Him and His plan for us through studying it.
Have a wonderful week and know how much I love you all!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, July 26, 2010
Count Your Many Blessings, Name them One By One...
Hello Dear Family,
I love you tons and completely think the world of you... Thanks for being so amazing!
We were blessed to hear from a youth speaker in church yesterday and in his talk he challenged us all to make a list of 50 things we're grateful for every day for a week, then at the end of each day, say a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for these things and His wonderful benevolence. He promised that in so doing, we would be more aware of our blessings and the Lord's tender mercies in our lives... then, at the end of the week we would have a knowledge of at least 350 things we're grateful and Heavenly Father would know of our gratitude! I loved this challenge and I will be doing it this week-- I invite all of you to do this with me and notice all the blessings you have in your lives. One thing has become abundantly clear to me in these last six months and it it that Heavenly Father is so aware of us and merciful towards us--- He blesses us with things daily, but... is it really a blessing if we don't notice it?
The Ohio continues to be amazing. I love it here and with each day I come to a more perfect knowledge that this is right where I am supposed to be right now in my life!
We began teaching Alice this week. She requested a Book of Mormon while visiting Temple Square. When we delivered it to her and asked her to if she would read and and pray about it, she said, "Of course! That's why I ordered it!"
I LOVED that response! We have a return appointment this Wednesday with her! I feel so blessed to be a part of this great work!
The gospel is true and families are forever-- Of this I am SURE.
Smile... Life is too short to be grumpy. Just count your MANY blessings!
All my love,
Sister LeSueur
Monday, July 19, 2010
"In ancient days, the gospel plan was giv'n of God to men; In latter days, the gospel is restored to the earth again"
Hello wonderful family,
Wow, I have felt a particular dose of love from you all this last week-- for no in particular reason that I can see, I have just felt extra love. So, thank you for whatever you're doing... Keep it up!
Good news-- At zone conference on Thursday, President Jensen came up to Sister Lewis and me and said, "Congratulations on converting your bishop!" Well, when we looked at him with puzzled faces, he explained, "About a week after you got to Springboro, I got an email from your bishop telling me that the Springboro ward needed elders because they have 16 priests! Well, earlier this week I got another email from him telling me how wonderful the two of you are and thanking me for being inspired to put sisters in the area. Congratulations on converting your bishop!"
Pretty much, Sister Lewis and I were floating when we heard this tidbit and it was just a further testimony that prayer works and mission assignments are inspired. When we were in PEC on Sunday morning reporting about the week's work, we found out that we had gotten into two different homes that (we didn't know) are on the 'Do Not Contact' list. In both instances, we had wonderfully positive conversations with these sisters, and we look forward to serving them more and loving them back into activity. Missionary work is wonderful and inspired and I am so grateful to be a part of it!
Last night, Richard (just baptized last Saturday the 10th) and his momma, Sheila (an investigator), came with us to the Dayton Stakes Mission Fireside where President Jensen and members of the stake presidency spoke. It was a wonderfully positive experience and I know Richard and Sheila felt the spirit strongly. They have such a strong relationship and they both just want to do what's right. Despite opposition from Richard's sister, he is strong and unwavering in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Saturday night the Clawsons invited Richard's family and several other ward members over for a barbecue-- several of Richard's friends got together and bought him a leather quad and gave it to him that night. He was so excited!! Good friends are the best! Next Sunday, Sheila is having us over for lunch after church... There was talk of biscuits and gravy. I'm excited!
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored and I know that it's on the earth today. I know we are happy when we live the commandments. I know families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan. I love our Savior, Jesus Christ, and I am so grateful for His atoning sacrifice. Be happy-- The gospel is true!
Love you all TONS,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, July 12, 2010
"The pow'rs of heav'n are opened wide to men of God below; The knowledge, gifts, and keys are ours, all blessings to bestow"
Hello wonderful family!
What a glorious day it is here in Springboro, Ohio! The sun is shining, it's delightfully humid, and a mere 87 degrees! I know you Texans and Arizonans are jealous. Don't worry-- I'm wearing nylons and between that and the humidity it feels more like 107. I'm sure I'm in good company!
It has been quite a wonderful week filled with new investigators, visiting less active members, and crowned with Richard Patterson's baptism on Saturday.
We were teaching Ed and his Fiance Carolyn this last week. We had planned just to teach about Jesus Christ and how our faith in Him affects our lives. We watched with them Finding Faith in Christ and our discussion/Carolyn's questions led perfectly into talking about the restoration. This in and of itsself is really nothing miraculous-- what is really amazing though is how Sister Lewis and I had just planned earlier that day for teaching this lesson to another investigator (Rene) right after our lesson with Ed and Carolyn. We had the lesson fresh in our minds. Right before we headed over to Ed's, Rene called and rescheduled our appointment. Because of this, we had the time to teach Ed and Carolyn the restoration, we were unified because we had planned it earlier in the day, and the spirit was in abundance. Sister Lewis bore and awesome testamony of the Book of Mormon, and Carolyn committed to read and pray. Currently, we're trying to track down a large print copy for Ed-- meanwhile, Carolyn agreed to read it to him! They invited us back for dinner this Wednesday, so I'll report on that next week!
As for Richard's baptism, what can I say? It was amazing! He had an outpouring of love and support from the ward-- particularly the youth. I was incredibly imressed with his mom who came to the baptism and was so supportive and felt the spirit in abundance. Sunday, when he was confirmed, his mom and step-dad came for the first hour and it was wonderful to see the love they have for him. We are planning a barbecue with their family and some of the other families in the ward for this saturday at the Clawson's home.
So many wonderful miracles this week... Here's some food for thought to consider this week-- a pearl of wisdom found on the wrapper of a dove chocolate: "It's only a blessing if you notice it". Take time to NOTICE your blessings this week-- then thank Heavenly Father for them :)
I love you tons!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
ps-- BETHANY HELDT-- I need your address! :)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
"We love to share thy holy word with quiet thought and prayer. We humbly bear thy witness, Lord, of thy redeeming name."
Hello wonderful family,
What an amazing week it has been here in Ohio! Happy July, Happy belated Independance Day, and Happy Ohio Columbus mission now including Cincinatti as of July 1 day! Isn't it amazing how much can happen in a week?!
Some more exciting news from Springboro-- Richard Patterson, an 18 year old who has been attending seminary for the last half of the year, has decided to be baptized. We met with him, asked him what the hang up was, and invited him to be baptized this Saturday the tenth of July! He accepted, and we are now working towards that day! He has invited several of the youth to participate in his baptismal service and I know it is going to be a wonderful spiritual experience for his family who is really quite supportive of his religious endeavors! His baptismal interview is today :)
We are learning how to work with this ward's leaders... I would love advice on what tactics missionaries have used in your wards to win the leaders over. I think everyone is excited that we're sisters, but no one knows what to do with us!
The time is far spent and we have a lesson at 11:00-- sorry for the terseness of this email, but I love this work, I love this gospel, and I love my savior!
Consequently, I would also love some mail...
Have a super week and do some missionary work in your corner of God's vineyard :)
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
What an amazing week it has been here in Ohio! Happy July, Happy belated Independance Day, and Happy Ohio Columbus mission now including Cincinatti as of July 1 day! Isn't it amazing how much can happen in a week?!
Some more exciting news from Springboro-- Richard Patterson, an 18 year old who has been attending seminary for the last half of the year, has decided to be baptized. We met with him, asked him what the hang up was, and invited him to be baptized this Saturday the tenth of July! He accepted, and we are now working towards that day! He has invited several of the youth to participate in his baptismal service and I know it is going to be a wonderful spiritual experience for his family who is really quite supportive of his religious endeavors! His baptismal interview is today :)
We are learning how to work with this ward's leaders... I would love advice on what tactics missionaries have used in your wards to win the leaders over. I think everyone is excited that we're sisters, but no one knows what to do with us!
The time is far spent and we have a lesson at 11:00-- sorry for the terseness of this email, but I love this work, I love this gospel, and I love my savior!
Consequently, I would also love some mail...
Have a super week and do some missionary work in your corner of God's vineyard :)
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, June 28, 2010
As I walk daily here on earth, give me thy sprit as I seek a change of heart, another birth, and grow, dear Lord, to be like thee.
Well hello dear family!
I hope this email finds you all healthy, wealthy, and well! I have been thinking a lot about you all lately-- I have definitely felt your prayers this week with the news of the transfer and the calling to train. All the insecurities I have felt about being doubled into a new area have been calmed by the kind hand of the Lord and by my knowlege of the amazing family I come from with "strong & in-de-pen-dAnt wo-men" who can do anything that comes their way! Thanks for the strength, ladies!
Here I am in Springboro, Ohio, training Sister Aubin Lewis from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Elders have been here for the last two years, and for the most part have done a stellar job. It made us feel really loved though, because most every one was thrilled that there were new sisters in the ward! That's what it means to be 'doubled into' an area-- both missionaries who have previously been serving there are transfered somewhere else and two new missionaries are put it. Being an elder's area for the last two years, I'm sure you can imaging what kind of condition the apartment was in... Boys are gross is all I will say about that.
This is my address... I LOVE/NEED mail! :)
The ward here is wonderful and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with these wonderful people! It's a cute area with big houses that remind me of those in Texas. Very different from Newark, but I know this is where I need to be. The Lord is so wonderful how he works that out--- Even though I wasn't ready to leave Moundbuilders, He knows this is what I need at this point in my life/mission!
Sister Lewis and I both feel very strongly about reactivation efforts. Because she's a new missionary, she has a lot of faith that we can move mountains here and her enthusiasm is contageous! It's really refreshing to have that brand new missionary perspective... Like I said-- The Lord knows exactly what we need if we will just quit fighting against Him, he'll lead us exactly where we need to go!
I'll definitely have more specific events and people to report on next week... But as for now, just know that I am happy and well. I love being a missionary. I love the gospel. I love my family... The gospel is so so true!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, June 21, 2010
"In the Name of Christ Our Savior, Did You Sue for Loving Favor as a Shield Today"
Hello everyone from The humidly HOT Ohio!
This week has been quite a week... and this next week is going to be crazy too! We have transfers this Thursday and I can't believe I have been out here for four and a half months! I don't feel like a 'greenie' anymore! I just hope I don't leave Moundbuilders yet... I feel like I'm just getting started-- but just in case, if you have any mail, send it to the PO box:
PO Box 939
Powell, Ohio 43065
This week we had a Stake Priesthood Leadership Training meeting and I was in attendance. It was kind of funny being one of two women there... but as a sister missionary, I'm getting used to being outnumbered!
It was really a wonderful meeting-- We're formulating new ways to help our ward mission program more successful and there was someone there who previously had implemented a ward plan that emulated a real mission with zones and zone leaders who's focus was the less active members in the ward. I thought that was genius and I'll spend the rest of my mission being a cheerleader and promoter of that!
WONDERFUL NEWS-- Tevon is getting baptized THIS Saturday! She went to girls camp last week and received the answer to her prayers that she should get baptized on the 26th. I know this is going to be exactly what she needs and I'm so excited! There's even talk about her going on a mission in two years! If for no other reason, I needed to be here in Ohio to meet that wonderful girl!! Keep her in your prayers--- Satan works really hard on people the week before they make covenants with our Heavenly Father!
I am so encouraged. The gospel is wonderful and SO VERY TRUE! I am so grateful I have this knowledge and I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who answers prayers. I know He is there and He knows what we need. I know if we work really hard in this life we can be happily with our families for eternity! I love being a missionary for the Lord-- He is so good to me! Who will you share the gospel with this week? Your brothers and sisters are waiting...
I love you!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
This week has been quite a week... and this next week is going to be crazy too! We have transfers this Thursday and I can't believe I have been out here for four and a half months! I don't feel like a 'greenie' anymore! I just hope I don't leave Moundbuilders yet... I feel like I'm just getting started-- but just in case, if you have any mail, send it to the PO box:
PO Box 939
Powell, Ohio 43065
This week we had a Stake Priesthood Leadership Training meeting and I was in attendance. It was kind of funny being one of two women there... but as a sister missionary, I'm getting used to being outnumbered!
It was really a wonderful meeting-- We're formulating new ways to help our ward mission program more successful and there was someone there who previously had implemented a ward plan that emulated a real mission with zones and zone leaders who's focus was the less active members in the ward. I thought that was genius and I'll spend the rest of my mission being a cheerleader and promoter of that!
WONDERFUL NEWS-- Tevon is getting baptized THIS Saturday! She went to girls camp last week and received the answer to her prayers that she should get baptized on the 26th. I know this is going to be exactly what she needs and I'm so excited! There's even talk about her going on a mission in two years! If for no other reason, I needed to be here in Ohio to meet that wonderful girl!! Keep her in your prayers--- Satan works really hard on people the week before they make covenants with our Heavenly Father!
I am so encouraged. The gospel is wonderful and SO VERY TRUE! I am so grateful I have this knowledge and I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who answers prayers. I know He is there and He knows what we need. I know if we work really hard in this life we can be happily with our families for eternity! I love being a missionary for the Lord-- He is so good to me! Who will you share the gospel with this week? Your brothers and sisters are waiting...
I love you!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, June 14, 2010
"Yes, Say What is Truth? 'Tis the Brightest Prize to Which Mortals or Gods Can Aspire."
Hello!
It's the middle of June. Can you believe it? It's the middle of June!! The first day of summer is coming up next week, though based on the humidity here, I thought summer set in a long time ago... Never mind that though, I'm a Texan and I thrive in humid weather! I just need to realize that long sleeves and sweaters don't so much fly anymore as fare as wardrobe choices go! When will I learn?
So, we have been trying to meet with Whitney Stevens and her husband-- I can't remember if I told y'all about her-- we met her tracting and she said she really wanted to meet with us but she was completely taken down by the flu... She told us to come back, so we did about a week or so later. When we talked to her that time, she wasn't too interested in the message, but you know me-- I can talk for ever to anyone, so I did and it was after we really got to know her she invited us back. When we came back for the third time, we taught her and her 4 yr old and her 20 month old the restoration-- despite all the distractions that come with the little ones, we all felt the spirit really strongly. We left her with a copy of the Book of Mormon and asked her to read and pray about it. She told us that her husband (whos mom is a recent convert in Oregon) was interested in meeting with us but his work schedule is crazy busy-- we set up an apointment for yesterday to meet with their whole family all together. Well, when we got there yesterday, we found out that her little girl has a highly contageous staph infection... she had been in the hospital for the last three days. So, we had to reschedule. Whitney's husband made the comment that he thinks the new home they moved into is cursed because it's just been one thing after another since they moved in... When we got in the car, we decided the adversary is just trying really hard to keep them from learning the things that will make their family happy and together forever. Well, he isn't going to succede without a fight... Please keep the Stevens family in your prayers!
I love you all. I love this gospel. I love being a missionary-- Thanks for all your prayers and examples... Now, go out and do some good wherever you may be today!
Love,
Siste Chelsea LeSueur
It's the middle of June. Can you believe it? It's the middle of June!! The first day of summer is coming up next week, though based on the humidity here, I thought summer set in a long time ago... Never mind that though, I'm a Texan and I thrive in humid weather! I just need to realize that long sleeves and sweaters don't so much fly anymore as fare as wardrobe choices go! When will I learn?
So, we have been trying to meet with Whitney Stevens and her husband-- I can't remember if I told y'all about her-- we met her tracting and she said she really wanted to meet with us but she was completely taken down by the flu... She told us to come back, so we did about a week or so later. When we talked to her that time, she wasn't too interested in the message, but you know me-- I can talk for ever to anyone, so I did and it was after we really got to know her she invited us back. When we came back for the third time, we taught her and her 4 yr old and her 20 month old the restoration-- despite all the distractions that come with the little ones, we all felt the spirit really strongly. We left her with a copy of the Book of Mormon and asked her to read and pray about it. She told us that her husband (whos mom is a recent convert in Oregon) was interested in meeting with us but his work schedule is crazy busy-- we set up an apointment for yesterday to meet with their whole family all together. Well, when we got there yesterday, we found out that her little girl has a highly contageous staph infection... she had been in the hospital for the last three days. So, we had to reschedule. Whitney's husband made the comment that he thinks the new home they moved into is cursed because it's just been one thing after another since they moved in... When we got in the car, we decided the adversary is just trying really hard to keep them from learning the things that will make their family happy and together forever. Well, he isn't going to succede without a fight... Please keep the Stevens family in your prayers!
I love you all. I love this gospel. I love being a missionary-- Thanks for all your prayers and examples... Now, go out and do some good wherever you may be today!
Love,
Siste Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, June 7, 2010
"Awake, ye Saints of God, awake! Call on the Lord in Mighty Prayer..."
Hello!
I hope you've been worried about me-- there has been a lot of tornadoey weather! But never fear... I am still alive! There are a lot of broken trees and such all around Newark, a lot of people need new roofs, and many a tree-dented car, but your cute sister missionary withstood the storm :)
Yesterday was fast Sunday, and as happy as I was for the opportunity to fast and such, I knew Dave Moran and Tevon would both be at church, and sometimes us Mormons with our loose cannon mouths can make a missionary worry! I prayed that it would be a great uplifting testimony meeting and, indeed it was! The Lord hears and answers our prayers, and awesomely enough, there seemed to be a theme during the meeting about prayer! That is exactly what both Tevon and Dave need right now. The Lord knew what they needed and prompted our wonderful ward to share their testimonies of prayer! How grateful this simple experience made me for a loving Heavenly Father who is so involved in and concerned with His children's lives!
Sister Seibel and I continue to find... I'm liking tracting more and more-- they say you get your best stories from tracting and I think that is definitely the truth! I continue to learn a lot from my wonderful companion... I know that we really are supposed to be together right now. Come to find out, she's a lot like my lovely sister and once I realized that, I knew better what to make of a lot of the situations we find ourselves in! I really love her and I'm so grateful for mission companionships!
I know the gospel is true with all my heart. I know we can be completely changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know families are together forever.
I love being a missionary! Thanks for your prayers, they are SO felt! <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
I hope you've been worried about me-- there has been a lot of tornadoey weather! But never fear... I am still alive! There are a lot of broken trees and such all around Newark, a lot of people need new roofs, and many a tree-dented car, but your cute sister missionary withstood the storm :)
Yesterday was fast Sunday, and as happy as I was for the opportunity to fast and such, I knew Dave Moran and Tevon would both be at church, and sometimes us Mormons with our loose cannon mouths can make a missionary worry! I prayed that it would be a great uplifting testimony meeting and, indeed it was! The Lord hears and answers our prayers, and awesomely enough, there seemed to be a theme during the meeting about prayer! That is exactly what both Tevon and Dave need right now. The Lord knew what they needed and prompted our wonderful ward to share their testimonies of prayer! How grateful this simple experience made me for a loving Heavenly Father who is so involved in and concerned with His children's lives!
Sister Seibel and I continue to find... I'm liking tracting more and more-- they say you get your best stories from tracting and I think that is definitely the truth! I continue to learn a lot from my wonderful companion... I know that we really are supposed to be together right now. Come to find out, she's a lot like my lovely sister and once I realized that, I knew better what to make of a lot of the situations we find ourselves in! I really love her and I'm so grateful for mission companionships!
I know the gospel is true with all my heart. I know we can be completely changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know families are together forever.
I love being a missionary! Thanks for your prayers, they are SO felt! <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Count your many blessings every doubt will fly and you will be singing as the days go by!
Hello all you wonderful people! I hope you're all doing well and feeling the Lord's smile on you in whatever little corner of the world you may chance to be in right now!
Ohio is wonderful-- Although, I thought I was back in Texas last night with our Tornado warning, super strong winds, and power outage last night! Hah, we were at the church for our correlation meeting and so were all the kids for mutual and it was so funny to hear them talk/freak out when the sirens started going. I very calmly tried to explain to them that the sirens are only a precaution... it doesn't actually mean a tornado is heading straight for us! But... It's more fun to freak out, so I wasn't too offended when my advice wasn't whole-heatedly taken! When we got to our apartment, we were surprised to find that we had no power! So we watched the storm for a while and then talked as we were in bed... the power didn't come back on 'till 3:00 in the morning! This morning, we saw several trees with big branches that had been broken off. That always makes me feel so sad to see that! We must have had some pretty strong winds!
This week was great! David Moran came to church on Sunday. He was only able to stay for Sacrament, but he loved it! We extended July 3rd as a baptismal date to him and he's praying about it-- so, Ill keep you posted! He's really moving right along in his reading... He's at the end of 2 Nephi already!
We have started teaching a woman, Joyce Heckmann, and she seems really interested. We'll be teaching her the Plan of Salvation on Friday!
There's this interesting phenomenon up here... It's called 'Summer Snow'. Any guesses as to what it is? it's the 'cotton' from the Cottonwood trees! It's the craziest thing... It blows around up here like crazy and if you're just looking out the window, it really does look like it's snowing! I <3 Ohio!
I love this great work. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the healing power the Atonement has in our lives. I love my family. I have so many blessings!
Love you tons!
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Ohio is wonderful-- Although, I thought I was back in Texas last night with our Tornado warning, super strong winds, and power outage last night! Hah, we were at the church for our correlation meeting and so were all the kids for mutual and it was so funny to hear them talk/freak out when the sirens started going. I very calmly tried to explain to them that the sirens are only a precaution... it doesn't actually mean a tornado is heading straight for us! But... It's more fun to freak out, so I wasn't too offended when my advice wasn't whole-heatedly taken! When we got to our apartment, we were surprised to find that we had no power! So we watched the storm for a while and then talked as we were in bed... the power didn't come back on 'till 3:00 in the morning! This morning, we saw several trees with big branches that had been broken off. That always makes me feel so sad to see that! We must have had some pretty strong winds!
This week was great! David Moran came to church on Sunday. He was only able to stay for Sacrament, but he loved it! We extended July 3rd as a baptismal date to him and he's praying about it-- so, Ill keep you posted! He's really moving right along in his reading... He's at the end of 2 Nephi already!
We have started teaching a woman, Joyce Heckmann, and she seems really interested. We'll be teaching her the Plan of Salvation on Friday!
There's this interesting phenomenon up here... It's called 'Summer Snow'. Any guesses as to what it is? it's the 'cotton' from the Cottonwood trees! It's the craziest thing... It blows around up here like crazy and if you're just looking out the window, it really does look like it's snowing! I <3 Ohio!
I love this great work. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the healing power the Atonement has in our lives. I love my family. I have so many blessings!
Love you tons!
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, May 24, 2010
"Awake, ye Saints of God, awake!
Hello wonderful family!
It's your little Ohioan here bragging about the beautiful 70* blue sky I get to admire today! Oh man, these last two days have been gorgeous, and after the last week of solid rain, everyone is just soaking up the sun! I just love Ohio! There are so many trees that driving we get to enjoy a sea of different shades of green! It's kind of like Ireland, but a little more redneck :)
Sister Seibel and I had an amazing week and we're really teaching each other a lot! She has taught me a lot about exact obedience, and I have helped her come out of her shell a bit. I just love her and I know she is who I need in my life right now!
We've been tracting a lot-- and since that wasn't Sister Parry's forte, I have learned a lot in this last week and a half! We have found four new investigators, and actually, I use the term 'found' loosely. Heavenly Father lead us to them because of our faith and obedience. It is just amazing the way the Lord works! Dave Morin was a man we contacted in downtown Newark on the square Sister Seibel's first day here! We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon and told him we would call him in a week-- well, when we called him this last Thursday he apologised that he was only on chapter 5 but said he was enjoying it. We set up a meeting for Sunday (yesterday) and when we got there, he wasin the middle of reading chapter 14! We had a wonderful first lesson and we have another teaching appointment for this Wednesday!
We came across Andrew at a dinner appointment. When we went to the door, Sister Crook came to meet us and seemed very frazzled. She said, "I hope it's ok, but DarrLynn's friend Andrew wants to come over and talk to you. Is that allright?!" Of course we were super excited and said yes! Andrew just graduated and is reading the Book of Mormon now. We have an apt wth him the beginning of June! :)
Peggy and Abby are a mother/daughter-- we went to their address because it was a referral from Mt Vernon members for Drew Spalding. But when we got there, Drew didn't live there-- But Peggy and Abby were really enthused about hearing the gospel! We have another apt with them this Wednesday! It's truly amazing the way the Lord works-- Alma 16:16-17
I love being a missionary. I love serving others. I love the Lord and I am so grateful for the gospel!!
Love you bunches,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
It's your little Ohioan here bragging about the beautiful 70* blue sky I get to admire today! Oh man, these last two days have been gorgeous, and after the last week of solid rain, everyone is just soaking up the sun! I just love Ohio! There are so many trees that driving we get to enjoy a sea of different shades of green! It's kind of like Ireland, but a little more redneck :)
Sister Seibel and I had an amazing week and we're really teaching each other a lot! She has taught me a lot about exact obedience, and I have helped her come out of her shell a bit. I just love her and I know she is who I need in my life right now!
We've been tracting a lot-- and since that wasn't Sister Parry's forte, I have learned a lot in this last week and a half! We have found four new investigators, and actually, I use the term 'found' loosely. Heavenly Father lead us to them because of our faith and obedience. It is just amazing the way the Lord works! Dave Morin was a man we contacted in downtown Newark on the square Sister Seibel's first day here! We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon and told him we would call him in a week-- well, when we called him this last Thursday he apologised that he was only on chapter 5 but said he was enjoying it. We set up a meeting for Sunday (yesterday) and when we got there, he wasin the middle of reading chapter 14! We had a wonderful first lesson and we have another teaching appointment for this Wednesday!
We came across Andrew at a dinner appointment. When we went to the door, Sister Crook came to meet us and seemed very frazzled. She said, "I hope it's ok, but DarrLynn's friend Andrew wants to come over and talk to you. Is that allright?!" Of course we were super excited and said yes! Andrew just graduated and is reading the Book of Mormon now. We have an apt wth him the beginning of June! :)
Peggy and Abby are a mother/daughter-- we went to their address because it was a referral from Mt Vernon members for Drew Spalding. But when we got there, Drew didn't live there-- But Peggy and Abby were really enthused about hearing the gospel! We have another apt with them this Wednesday! It's truly amazing the way the Lord works-- Alma 16:16-17
I love being a missionary. I love serving others. I love the Lord and I am so grateful for the gospel!!
Love you bunches,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ne'er despairing though defeated, God speed the right!
Hello everyone... I love you!!
It's been a great week... crazy busy and super long, but wonderful nonetheless!
Transfers were Thursday-- Sister Parry got transferred down to Greenfield and Sister Seibel got transferred up from Greenfield! Sister Seibel is wonderful... She's from Boise, Idaho and she's been out 10 months. This is her third area, Miamisburg over by Dayton being her first. She has a fraternal twin and is the youngest out of her three other sisters-- the only one to serve a mission. She's known she has wanted to be a missionary since she was 14! She's an amazing cellist and will be finishing her degree at Boise State when the mish is through. She's got a guy, Ted, back home... They met three months before she left for Ohio and they're really cute together. She's wonderful and very diligent and we've already done some wonderful work together... I'm so excited to work with her!! :)
Friday was our first full day together and it was so weird... I've spent 2016 hours during the last 3months with one companion and all of a sundden she was gone-- CRAZY!! But we got our weekly planning done and then went out to Pataskala to visit our people out there. We had an amazing lesson with Nancy about Family history and temple work. She got all excited to participate in it, it was wonderful! Then we tracted. Oh man, I wish people knew what they were turning down when they say they're not interested. Does anyone have any tips for a tracting missionary?
We found out that Sister Schofield ( a less active member) needed help disinfecting her house from the hand foot and mouth disease her little ones had contracted, so that's what we did for a good chunk of time Saturday... Disinfected!
Sunday was wonderful... but time is now out. I love you all... Thanks for your love and prayers!
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
xoxox
It's been a great week... crazy busy and super long, but wonderful nonetheless!
Transfers were Thursday-- Sister Parry got transferred down to Greenfield and Sister Seibel got transferred up from Greenfield! Sister Seibel is wonderful... She's from Boise, Idaho and she's been out 10 months. This is her third area, Miamisburg over by Dayton being her first. She has a fraternal twin and is the youngest out of her three other sisters-- the only one to serve a mission. She's known she has wanted to be a missionary since she was 14! She's an amazing cellist and will be finishing her degree at Boise State when the mish is through. She's got a guy, Ted, back home... They met three months before she left for Ohio and they're really cute together. She's wonderful and very diligent and we've already done some wonderful work together... I'm so excited to work with her!! :)
Friday was our first full day together and it was so weird... I've spent 2016 hours during the last 3months with one companion and all of a sundden she was gone-- CRAZY!! But we got our weekly planning done and then went out to Pataskala to visit our people out there. We had an amazing lesson with Nancy about Family history and temple work. She got all excited to participate in it, it was wonderful! Then we tracted. Oh man, I wish people knew what they were turning down when they say they're not interested. Does anyone have any tips for a tracting missionary?
We found out that Sister Schofield ( a less active member) needed help disinfecting her house from the hand foot and mouth disease her little ones had contracted, so that's what we did for a good chunk of time Saturday... Disinfected!
Sunday was wonderful... but time is now out. I love you all... Thanks for your love and prayers!
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
xoxox
Monday, May 10, 2010
You can live a happy life in this world of toil and strife, if there's sunshine in your heart!
Hello, dear family!
What a beautiful day it is here in Newark-- sunny with clear blue skies and it's about 60*. We are so blessed to be able to live in such a BEAUTIFUL world!! I just love springtime, although, I'm sure for you Arizonans summer is a little more near than you would like. Just remember y'all get 60* winters whilst I'll be donning a parka and long johns under my skirt!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I sure enjoyed talking to my family yesterday... Family is so important and I am so blessed that I have such a wonderful one! Families truly are eternal and I am grateful for this plain and simple truth!
This week went really well! This last Saturday we dubbed it our 'Super Service Saturday'. We spent the whole day performing service-- some of the things we did include lawn work for Sister Hull, stripping wallpaper for Sister Brunn, and helping Sister Neville pack and move. Sister Hull is wonderful and we really enjoy helping her out-- I really do quite like edging! Sister Brunn has been stripping wallpaper for the last year and a half, so we were happy to be a small part of that ongoing project-- plus she's hilarious and a really cool lady to know! Sister Neville moved from a big house into a timy apartment-- plus she doesn't throw anything away ever. Her apartment is packed from floor to ceiling with boxes and such and she is moving to Michigan on May 15. I don't feel like we got too much done there, but we made a little dent! Service truly is wonderful, it helps you get a small slimse into the savior's life and it helps us see others as Heavenly Father sees them... even if it is only for a split second. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve!!
Friday we came to our apartment and there was a desk by the dumpster... We have been wanting a desk in our room since I got here, so it was like divine intervention. Sister Parry was a little embarrased to be bringing up a desk from the dumpster, but she did and carried it up the stairs and it looks great in our room. Well, Saturday, we decided it was actually a changing table. So we have a changing table in our room. But I write in my journal at it every night... Ahh, the life of a missionary!
Transfers are this Thursday... So next Monday I'll let you know of the outcome. You never can tell what's going to happen even if you really really think you know. The Lord likes to shake things up every so often, or so I hear!
I love being a missionary. I love Ohio. I love the Lord, and I Love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Never stop smiling, singing, or praying. They're all of great importance!
Love you all tons,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
What a beautiful day it is here in Newark-- sunny with clear blue skies and it's about 60*. We are so blessed to be able to live in such a BEAUTIFUL world!! I just love springtime, although, I'm sure for you Arizonans summer is a little more near than you would like. Just remember y'all get 60* winters whilst I'll be donning a parka and long johns under my skirt!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I sure enjoyed talking to my family yesterday... Family is so important and I am so blessed that I have such a wonderful one! Families truly are eternal and I am grateful for this plain and simple truth!
This week went really well! This last Saturday we dubbed it our 'Super Service Saturday'. We spent the whole day performing service-- some of the things we did include lawn work for Sister Hull, stripping wallpaper for Sister Brunn, and helping Sister Neville pack and move. Sister Hull is wonderful and we really enjoy helping her out-- I really do quite like edging! Sister Brunn has been stripping wallpaper for the last year and a half, so we were happy to be a small part of that ongoing project-- plus she's hilarious and a really cool lady to know! Sister Neville moved from a big house into a timy apartment-- plus she doesn't throw anything away ever. Her apartment is packed from floor to ceiling with boxes and such and she is moving to Michigan on May 15. I don't feel like we got too much done there, but we made a little dent! Service truly is wonderful, it helps you get a small slimse into the savior's life and it helps us see others as Heavenly Father sees them... even if it is only for a split second. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve!!
Friday we came to our apartment and there was a desk by the dumpster... We have been wanting a desk in our room since I got here, so it was like divine intervention. Sister Parry was a little embarrased to be bringing up a desk from the dumpster, but she did and carried it up the stairs and it looks great in our room. Well, Saturday, we decided it was actually a changing table. So we have a changing table in our room. But I write in my journal at it every night... Ahh, the life of a missionary!
Transfers are this Thursday... So next Monday I'll let you know of the outcome. You never can tell what's going to happen even if you really really think you know. The Lord likes to shake things up every so often, or so I hear!
I love being a missionary. I love Ohio. I love the Lord, and I Love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Never stop smiling, singing, or praying. They're all of great importance!
Love you all tons,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, May 3, 2010
I am a child of God... Rich blessings are in store!
Hello all you beautiful people!
It is a beautiful May day here in Ohio, and things are so brilliantly green it is so amazing to think about the contrast of the white deadness that ensued when I got here three months ago!
Things continue to go wonderfully up here. I have definitely felt your love and prayers this week, as well as the love and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
We had a wonderful experience this week as we visited with a less active family in our ward. Their granddaughter is living with them and she has had such an incredibly hard life for the short nine years she's been alive. When we got to their house, Brother Dowell asked us if rather than discussing the Book of Mormon chapters they had read this last week if we could talk to their granddaughter, Ravon, instead. He briefly told us that there were some custody issues going on and told us about the rough time she is having at school and he feels like it would do her some good to talk to us as an objective third party. Of course, we said yes. We went in the house and sat there and listened to this bearutful little girl cry as she talked about the meanness of her other grandma, of the fear she feels at her mom's house because her boyfriend has tried to choke her mom before, and of the loneliness she feels at school. My heart ached for her, and I had to hold back tears of my own. Sister Parry cleared her throat and asked Ravon if she knew she is a daughter of God who loves her perfectly and has a plan for her life. She said no. As we continued to tell her about her divine nature and individual worth, we told her that she can always pray to Heavenly Father no matter what and He would always be there to listen to her and comfort her. We then kneeled down with her and taught her how to pray. The three of us each said a prayer out loud asking for the strength, comfort, and guidance Ravon needed. Sister Parry and I said a prayer first and when it was Ravon's turn, she offered the sweetest most innocent prayer I have ever heard asking for help with this hard thing she was facing. After we prayed, we talked a little more and then she got quiet. When we asked her what she was thinking, she smiled and said, "That Heavenly Father loves me!"
I am so thankful for the knowlege I have that we are children of God. He loves us all and cares for us all and it is our job to remind one another of this simple truth. Who will you share this gem of knowlege with this week?
On a less spiritual note, I could really use some stamps... I sure do love writing my wonderful family, but--- the post office requires stamps before they'll deliver them!
I love you all a ton and I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's Day!
Have a happy week and remember to smile-- You're a child of God!
Lots and Lots of Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
It is a beautiful May day here in Ohio, and things are so brilliantly green it is so amazing to think about the contrast of the white deadness that ensued when I got here three months ago!
Things continue to go wonderfully up here. I have definitely felt your love and prayers this week, as well as the love and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
We had a wonderful experience this week as we visited with a less active family in our ward. Their granddaughter is living with them and she has had such an incredibly hard life for the short nine years she's been alive. When we got to their house, Brother Dowell asked us if rather than discussing the Book of Mormon chapters they had read this last week if we could talk to their granddaughter, Ravon, instead. He briefly told us that there were some custody issues going on and told us about the rough time she is having at school and he feels like it would do her some good to talk to us as an objective third party. Of course, we said yes. We went in the house and sat there and listened to this bearutful little girl cry as she talked about the meanness of her other grandma, of the fear she feels at her mom's house because her boyfriend has tried to choke her mom before, and of the loneliness she feels at school. My heart ached for her, and I had to hold back tears of my own. Sister Parry cleared her throat and asked Ravon if she knew she is a daughter of God who loves her perfectly and has a plan for her life. She said no. As we continued to tell her about her divine nature and individual worth, we told her that she can always pray to Heavenly Father no matter what and He would always be there to listen to her and comfort her. We then kneeled down with her and taught her how to pray. The three of us each said a prayer out loud asking for the strength, comfort, and guidance Ravon needed. Sister Parry and I said a prayer first and when it was Ravon's turn, she offered the sweetest most innocent prayer I have ever heard asking for help with this hard thing she was facing. After we prayed, we talked a little more and then she got quiet. When we asked her what she was thinking, she smiled and said, "That Heavenly Father loves me!"
I am so thankful for the knowlege I have that we are children of God. He loves us all and cares for us all and it is our job to remind one another of this simple truth. Who will you share this gem of knowlege with this week?
On a less spiritual note, I could really use some stamps... I sure do love writing my wonderful family, but--- the post office requires stamps before they'll deliver them!
I love you all a ton and I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's Day!
Have a happy week and remember to smile-- You're a child of God!
Lots and Lots of Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
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