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

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

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

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

"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

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

"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

"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! :)

"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

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! :)

(For safety reasons we aren't posting her address here. Please leave a comment with your email address if you want Chelsea's mailing address and we will send it to you!)

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