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

"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

"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

"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

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

"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