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
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