Saturday, February 18, 2012
A thankful Heart
I'm at this wonderful point in my life called young adulthood. I've fallen in love a time or two, traveled, studied abroad, served a mission, had my heart broken, discovered several things I'm good at-- and even more that I need to work on, been lucky enough to make a few really wonderful lifelong friends, and blessed with amazing testimony-building experiences which have made completely clear in my mind and my heart that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is 100% true. By every definition of the word I am blessed... Not to mention my fantastic forever family. Seriously, they're amazing.
In an effort to jump back into the blogging world and to continue documenting my young wonderful life, I will be posting at minimum one post a week expressing grattitude for the tender mercies the Lord bestows on me... After all, Izaak Walton said, "God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart."
This week, I am thankful for:
Daily scripture study and the weekly opportunity to partake of the sacrament
The temple that is five minutes up the road from me
Sewing and creating beautiful things
Amazing friends like Jenn S., Bethany H., Rob B., and Aubin P. whom I get to see often
Good music on Pandora
My life experiences which give me wisdom, memories, and perspective.
What are you grateful for? Take thirty seconds and make a list... Try it, you'll like it!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
'Tis the season...
For Christmas lights at temple
Brett and I went with his good friends Steve and Jenna and took in the beautiful twinkling lights which set the perfect tone for this upcoming Christmas season! Carols were being sung, families were spending time together, the spirit was felt-- what a perfect way to spend a Sunday evening!
Looking forward to caroling, making gingerbread houses, enjoying the merriness of this season, and always remembering out wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ.
Only 27 days 'till Christmas!
Monday, July 11, 2011
'till we meet at Jesus' feet
Dearest wonderful, amazing, superb, family,
Wow, what a whirlwind of a week it has been here in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission! Tuesday we began teaching a young man, George. He's 18 and lives in the very tip top of our area-- he was tracted into and accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. He invited us back and we had a wonderful lesson about how the gospel of Jesus Christ can give him exactly what he wants-- things like a happy family, peace, and understanding. There is so much potential with him and his family!
On Wednesday, with everything in line, we were able to commit and begin working towards Kim Valdez and her son David getting baptized this Saturday the 16th of July-- Brother Valdez, Kim's husband, will be able to baptize them both and I couldn't be any more thrilled for this family. They have all been working so hard to get to where they were ready for this amazing life-altering step.
On Saturday, I was privileged to attend the temple as Pat and Greg Smith, from my first area, went through to receive their own endowments and then were sealed together for time and all eternity. This couple has quite a remarkable story-- when I was in Moundbuilders, they weren't coming to church due to work and health-related issues... They had just lost their way a bit and needed someone to reach out and rescue them. Sister (Jenn) Parry (Seiter) and I began working with them and reteaching the lessons and such with them and they began coming to church again. They have continued to grow leaps and bounds this last year and a half and it was one of the most joyous moments of my mission to be able to witness their family becoming a forever family. The Lord's plan is so amazing. In the temple I was blessed to be there with members from all three of the wards I have served in-- Many were there from the Moundbuilders ward in support of the Smith family, Sister Woods from Springboro was in the dressing room and we had the opportunity to catch up on all the good things happening there, and Brother Despain was the ordinance worker in the endowment session. I know that the temple is a glimpse of what the Celestial kingdom will be like when we re-meet all those who were so dear to us in this life!
Sunday was quite a day-- it was the perfect last Sabbath day on my mission. When the sacrament was blessed by Rob Baker (baptized in June), Passed by Jakob Mason (baptized in April), and partaken of by Kim Valdez (will be baptized 16 July), I experienced this moment of peace and satisfaction. All these people were exactly where they needed to be and I was privileged enough to help them get there. At the end of Sacrament meeting, we sang hymn number 152, 'God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again' and the chorister called me up to the stand as we sang the hymn. As I looked into the faces of the people I have loved and served with for the last nine months, I realized how much my heart and my life has been molded by them. There were several with tears in their eyes and I felt like my work here has really blessed more people than I know-- the thing is though, they have also effected me more than they will know. Isn't it amazing how the Lord brings people into our lives to help us become better and many times, they never know how much they touched our hearts? Our Gospel Principles class was on sacrifice and I realized that my perception and understanding of this eternal principle has changed over the last year and a half as I have realized that the Lord really asks so little of us in comparison to what He is willing to give us. Relief Society was about Family Responsibilities and I silently told Heavenly Father, "Ok, I get it... it's time to find a husband now!" and then after church we had a linger longer where the bishopric gave me a heartfelt thank you for my service in behalf of all the members of the ward-- they said I was now in the 'Missionary Hall of Fame' for the time I spent here and the work that has happened. It was too much, but I was really touched by their love. This ward is Zion.
With all this being said-- know this: I am happy and loving life. I love being a missionary, and I am looking forward with faith to the next phase of my life. My 'family' has grown so much while I've been here in The Ohio, and my experiences here will be forever treasured. Ohio has become a part of me, and I know that The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, knew I needed this in my life to become who he needs me to be. I am so very grateful for all the thoughts and prayers and letters and packages offered in my behalf-- I am so very blessed! Above everything, I want to witness to you that I know that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The Atonement is real and it is what will enable us to return to live with our Father in Heaven again. The Lord's kingdom is being established on the earth in these Latter Days and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's true and restored church. Joseph Smith is a prophet. He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and was given the authority and revelations restore the fullness of the gospel with all the ordinances necessary for salvation. Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today. God hears and answers prayers. Families are eternal in nature. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both true books of scripture and they contain the guidelines to happiness. Keeping the commandments brings us joy.
I love you. See you Friday. It's been a privilege.
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Wow, what a whirlwind of a week it has been here in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission! Tuesday we began teaching a young man, George. He's 18 and lives in the very tip top of our area-- he was tracted into and accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. He invited us back and we had a wonderful lesson about how the gospel of Jesus Christ can give him exactly what he wants-- things like a happy family, peace, and understanding. There is so much potential with him and his family!
On Wednesday, with everything in line, we were able to commit and begin working towards Kim Valdez and her son David getting baptized this Saturday the 16th of July-- Brother Valdez, Kim's husband, will be able to baptize them both and I couldn't be any more thrilled for this family. They have all been working so hard to get to where they were ready for this amazing life-altering step.
On Saturday, I was privileged to attend the temple as Pat and Greg Smith, from my first area, went through to receive their own endowments and then were sealed together for time and all eternity. This couple has quite a remarkable story-- when I was in Moundbuilders, they weren't coming to church due to work and health-related issues... They had just lost their way a bit and needed someone to reach out and rescue them. Sister (Jenn) Parry (Seiter) and I began working with them and reteaching the lessons and such with them and they began coming to church again. They have continued to grow leaps and bounds this last year and a half and it was one of the most joyous moments of my mission to be able to witness their family becoming a forever family. The Lord's plan is so amazing. In the temple I was blessed to be there with members from all three of the wards I have served in-- Many were there from the Moundbuilders ward in support of the Smith family, Sister Woods from Springboro was in the dressing room and we had the opportunity to catch up on all the good things happening there, and Brother Despain was the ordinance worker in the endowment session. I know that the temple is a glimpse of what the Celestial kingdom will be like when we re-meet all those who were so dear to us in this life!
Sunday was quite a day-- it was the perfect last Sabbath day on my mission. When the sacrament was blessed by Rob Baker (baptized in June), Passed by Jakob Mason (baptized in April), and partaken of by Kim Valdez (will be baptized 16 July), I experienced this moment of peace and satisfaction. All these people were exactly where they needed to be and I was privileged enough to help them get there. At the end of Sacrament meeting, we sang hymn number 152, 'God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again' and the chorister called me up to the stand as we sang the hymn. As I looked into the faces of the people I have loved and served with for the last nine months, I realized how much my heart and my life has been molded by them. There were several with tears in their eyes and I felt like my work here has really blessed more people than I know-- the thing is though, they have also effected me more than they will know. Isn't it amazing how the Lord brings people into our lives to help us become better and many times, they never know how much they touched our hearts? Our Gospel Principles class was on sacrifice and I realized that my perception and understanding of this eternal principle has changed over the last year and a half as I have realized that the Lord really asks so little of us in comparison to what He is willing to give us. Relief Society was about Family Responsibilities and I silently told Heavenly Father, "Ok, I get it... it's time to find a husband now!" and then after church we had a linger longer where the bishopric gave me a heartfelt thank you for my service in behalf of all the members of the ward-- they said I was now in the 'Missionary Hall of Fame' for the time I spent here and the work that has happened. It was too much, but I was really touched by their love. This ward is Zion.
With all this being said-- know this: I am happy and loving life. I love being a missionary, and I am looking forward with faith to the next phase of my life. My 'family' has grown so much while I've been here in The Ohio, and my experiences here will be forever treasured. Ohio has become a part of me, and I know that The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, knew I needed this in my life to become who he needs me to be. I am so very grateful for all the thoughts and prayers and letters and packages offered in my behalf-- I am so very blessed! Above everything, I want to witness to you that I know that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The Atonement is real and it is what will enable us to return to live with our Father in Heaven again. The Lord's kingdom is being established on the earth in these Latter Days and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's true and restored church. Joseph Smith is a prophet. He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and was given the authority and revelations restore the fullness of the gospel with all the ordinances necessary for salvation. Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today. God hears and answers prayers. Families are eternal in nature. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both true books of scripture and they contain the guidelines to happiness. Keeping the commandments brings us joy.
I love you. See you Friday. It's been a privilege.
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Things i love about the ohio continued...
i forgot these things in last week's list...
lawnmowers and tractors and combines driving down the road
all the shirtless men and boys-- they teach 'em young here in ohio!
sayings like ''couple three'', ''knee high by the fourth of july'', calling vacuums ''sweepers''
all the wildflowers growing everywhere
yard art-- cement geese and such
lawnmowers and tractors and combines driving down the road
all the shirtless men and boys-- they teach 'em young here in ohio!
sayings like ''couple three'', ''knee high by the fourth of july'', calling vacuums ''sweepers''
all the wildflowers growing everywhere
yard art-- cement geese and such
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
And this be our motto: " In God is our trust!"
Dear Family,
I hope your 4th of July weekend has been as spectacular as mine! How grateful I am for this free country in which we live. The Lord has blessed this land for the purposes of bringing about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because we have that gospel in our lives, we have the obligation to live it and share it. We read time and time again throughout all books of scripture that when God's people keep His commandments, they prosper in the land-- but when they don't, they are left to their own strength, and inevitable they become a fallen people. We must live the truth that God has given us and then we can have trust in Him that we will be ok, that He will guide us and protect us, that the things we do every day can and will bring us closer to Him if we do those things that He has commanded us. If there is one thing I've learned in the last eighteen months, it is that in God is MY trust. I am so grateful for this knowledge!
This last week has been really excellent! We had a wonderful lesson with Troy Collins. He's the husband of an active sister in the ward-- The Lord has been preparing him his whole life to accept the gospel, and the last nine months I've been in the area, we've been trying to help him and Sister Collins get closer to her deepest desire which is to be sealed to the man she loves for time and all eternity in the House of the Lord. We watched the movie the Restoration and after the film was over, he told us that he knows that it is true-- that Joseph Smith really did see our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, as two separate and distinct beings in the grove of trees; that the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth now. It was a very spiritual lesson-- Troy's son died when he was only 18, and it has really effected Troy. During the lesson, we all felt, very strongly, Troy Jr's presence. I know he is instrumental in preparing his dad to receive this gospel... Oftentimes the veil is a lot thinner than we recognize. God's plan is great, if we only trust Him!
In working with Angell, we have had some neat experiences too. She's a single mom in her 30s, and she has been talking to this man who she was really feeling a connection with. When we heard about this, we were excited for her, but a little apprehensive, because this man isn't a member of the church yet-- we know what she wants and we were worried that she would give up her dream of being sealed in the temple to a wonderful man for the one who is great and in front of her, but not yet at a place in his life where he can take her there. We were talking about this man though, and Angell, unprompted from us, told us that even if he is 'the one' she will not settle for anything less than a temple marriage. She recognizes the importance of the temple to her eternal happiness, and that is what she's set her sights on. We are so proud of her and the changes she's making in her life-- she's trusting God!
The gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Living it and keeping the commandments is the way to be happy. I love life!
Have a phenomenal week, and go spread the gospel!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
xoxox
I hope your 4th of July weekend has been as spectacular as mine! How grateful I am for this free country in which we live. The Lord has blessed this land for the purposes of bringing about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because we have that gospel in our lives, we have the obligation to live it and share it. We read time and time again throughout all books of scripture that when God's people keep His commandments, they prosper in the land-- but when they don't, they are left to their own strength, and inevitable they become a fallen people. We must live the truth that God has given us and then we can have trust in Him that we will be ok, that He will guide us and protect us, that the things we do every day can and will bring us closer to Him if we do those things that He has commanded us. If there is one thing I've learned in the last eighteen months, it is that in God is MY trust. I am so grateful for this knowledge!
This last week has been really excellent! We had a wonderful lesson with Troy Collins. He's the husband of an active sister in the ward-- The Lord has been preparing him his whole life to accept the gospel, and the last nine months I've been in the area, we've been trying to help him and Sister Collins get closer to her deepest desire which is to be sealed to the man she loves for time and all eternity in the House of the Lord. We watched the movie the Restoration and after the film was over, he told us that he knows that it is true-- that Joseph Smith really did see our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, as two separate and distinct beings in the grove of trees; that the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth now. It was a very spiritual lesson-- Troy's son died when he was only 18, and it has really effected Troy. During the lesson, we all felt, very strongly, Troy Jr's presence. I know he is instrumental in preparing his dad to receive this gospel... Oftentimes the veil is a lot thinner than we recognize. God's plan is great, if we only trust Him!
In working with Angell, we have had some neat experiences too. She's a single mom in her 30s, and she has been talking to this man who she was really feeling a connection with. When we heard about this, we were excited for her, but a little apprehensive, because this man isn't a member of the church yet-- we know what she wants and we were worried that she would give up her dream of being sealed in the temple to a wonderful man for the one who is great and in front of her, but not yet at a place in his life where he can take her there. We were talking about this man though, and Angell, unprompted from us, told us that even if he is 'the one' she will not settle for anything less than a temple marriage. She recognizes the importance of the temple to her eternal happiness, and that is what she's set her sights on. We are so proud of her and the changes she's making in her life-- she's trusting God!
The gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Living it and keeping the commandments is the way to be happy. I love life!
Have a phenomenal week, and go spread the gospel!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
xoxox
Things I love About The Ohio
What are your top 10 favorite "Ohio" foods?
1. Squirrel... seriously, people eat it here!
2. mashed potatoes with chicken noodle soup over it
3. Amish donuts
4. Amish cheese
5. fresh garden veggies
6. fresh berries
7. Mi Fiesta restaurant in Newark
8. homemade pickles
9. sauerkraut and pork
10. apple butter
What are your top 10 favorite "Ohio" activities? (Not in order)
1. Corn hole
2. Being a Buckeye fanatic
3. Talking to people who sit on their porches all day
4. Driving in cornfields
5. Dodgeball at the Diamond Dome
6. Barbecues
7. Eating outside
8. Antique shoppes
9. Trying not to hit the Amish buggies who drive at dusk with no reflectors
10. Making copies at the church library
What are your top 10 favorite things about Ohio?
1. The people
2. The hills
3. The weather
4. The wards with ginormous geographical boundaries
5. The Ohio State University
6. German Village in Columbus
7. Clearfork
8. Springboro
9. Moundbuilders
10. The Amish
11. The trees
12. The seasons
13. The Zoo
14. The history
15. The architecture
16. The people who say words Newark like Nerk, or belafontaine like bell fountain.
1. Squirrel... seriously, people eat it here!
2. mashed potatoes with chicken noodle soup over it
3. Amish donuts
4. Amish cheese
5. fresh garden veggies
6. fresh berries
7. Mi Fiesta restaurant in Newark
8. homemade pickles
9. sauerkraut and pork
10. apple butter
What are your top 10 favorite "Ohio" activities? (Not in order)
1. Corn hole
2. Being a Buckeye fanatic
3. Talking to people who sit on their porches all day
4. Driving in cornfields
5. Dodgeball at the Diamond Dome
6. Barbecues
7. Eating outside
8. Antique shoppes
9. Trying not to hit the Amish buggies who drive at dusk with no reflectors
10. Making copies at the church library
What are your top 10 favorite things about Ohio?
1. The people
2. The hills
3. The weather
4. The wards with ginormous geographical boundaries
5. The Ohio State University
6. German Village in Columbus
7. Clearfork
8. Springboro
9. Moundbuilders
10. The Amish
11. The trees
12. The seasons
13. The Zoo
14. The history
15. The architecture
16. The people who say words Newark like Nerk, or belafontaine like bell fountain.
Monday, June 27, 2011
In league with truth
Dear Stupendous Family,
The gospel of Jesus Christ is true-- it is the thing that drives us to bless others, act in faith, and consecrate our lives. In the new testament, Matthew 7:20, we are told, "By their fruits, ye shall know them"-- what sort of fruits are we producing for all to see?
This week has been wonderful. We had Family Home Evening with an investigator, Angell, and her daughter Kirsten on Monday evening. We talked about self-worth and the importance of recognizing our spiritual gifts and using them to bless others. Tuesday we spent the morning with Kim and Eric Valdez and her son David and Sister Drake cleaning the Boyd's home. The Boyd family had to move to an apartment on one level due to Renee's cancer. Renee was supposed to be there to help, but when we were all there and she wasn't, we found an unlocked window, I climbed in, and let everyone else in! In a matter of three hours, we had the place spotless. We got a tearful phone call thanking us the next day. The chemo had made her sick and she had forgotten about our appointment to help clean. It was nice for them to have one less thing to worry about. That evening, we had a very spirit-filled lesson with Brandon and Amber Niccoletti about Joseph Smith. We watched the movie 'The Restoration' and she knows he's a true prophet. She and Brandon have been praying nightly both individually and as a couple and Amber has been reading and enjoying the Book of Mormon and the gospel principles book. They're doing very well! Wednesday we had dinner and Family Home Evening with Kim, Eric, and David. We had a lesson on David and Goliath and then went to the Book of Mormon class after-- the whole evening was spiritual, and the Book of Mormon-- we read Mosiah 8-- class was probably one of the greatest we've had in the nine months I've been here! Friday was President's last Specialized training (he and Sister Jensen will leave on the 30th) and it was spectacular. Very impacting. Saturday we spent helping at the wedding of a member who has been less active to another member who has been less active. When they got together, they just strengthened each other and came back to church and they will be sealed in the temple in one year. Sunday, Rob prepared and passed the sacrament, then after church, the Bishop's wife had us over for dinner, after which we went to see the temple and on to the mission home fireside. The Valdez family and Angell and Kiersten also came to the fireside. It was amazing. Everyone is just doing so well-- they are the fruits of this true gospel!
I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. The Atonement is real. The Book of Mormon is true. Families can be together forever.
Have an amazing week-- go share the gospel!
I love you!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
The gospel of Jesus Christ is true-- it is the thing that drives us to bless others, act in faith, and consecrate our lives. In the new testament, Matthew 7:20, we are told, "By their fruits, ye shall know them"-- what sort of fruits are we producing for all to see?
This week has been wonderful. We had Family Home Evening with an investigator, Angell, and her daughter Kirsten on Monday evening. We talked about self-worth and the importance of recognizing our spiritual gifts and using them to bless others. Tuesday we spent the morning with Kim and Eric Valdez and her son David and Sister Drake cleaning the Boyd's home. The Boyd family had to move to an apartment on one level due to Renee's cancer. Renee was supposed to be there to help, but when we were all there and she wasn't, we found an unlocked window, I climbed in, and let everyone else in! In a matter of three hours, we had the place spotless. We got a tearful phone call thanking us the next day. The chemo had made her sick and she had forgotten about our appointment to help clean. It was nice for them to have one less thing to worry about. That evening, we had a very spirit-filled lesson with Brandon and Amber Niccoletti about Joseph Smith. We watched the movie 'The Restoration' and she knows he's a true prophet. She and Brandon have been praying nightly both individually and as a couple and Amber has been reading and enjoying the Book of Mormon and the gospel principles book. They're doing very well! Wednesday we had dinner and Family Home Evening with Kim, Eric, and David. We had a lesson on David and Goliath and then went to the Book of Mormon class after-- the whole evening was spiritual, and the Book of Mormon-- we read Mosiah 8-- class was probably one of the greatest we've had in the nine months I've been here! Friday was President's last Specialized training (he and Sister Jensen will leave on the 30th) and it was spectacular. Very impacting. Saturday we spent helping at the wedding of a member who has been less active to another member who has been less active. When they got together, they just strengthened each other and came back to church and they will be sealed in the temple in one year. Sunday, Rob prepared and passed the sacrament, then after church, the Bishop's wife had us over for dinner, after which we went to see the temple and on to the mission home fireside. The Valdez family and Angell and Kiersten also came to the fireside. It was amazing. Everyone is just doing so well-- they are the fruits of this true gospel!
I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. The Atonement is real. The Book of Mormon is true. Families can be together forever.
Have an amazing week-- go share the gospel!
I love you!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Monday, June 20, 2011
Fill our hearts with joy and peace
My dear, wonderful, superb, excellent, amazing family,
What a week it has been here in the Ohio... a good week with lots of emotion--- I'm still exhausted!
It seems like Satan's pattern is this: right before and/or right after something amazing happens he likes to throw a wrench in our lives. Well, with the amazingness that happened last invitation Sunday and all the good work we have happening here in the Clearfork ward, this last week was evidence of his sneaky slimy ways. Things were ok until Wednesday, then-- for whatever reason-- me, Sister Oliverson, Brother Brandt (our ward mission leader), and Rob Baker (our recent convert) just all had our own terrible emotional days! Now that doesn't mean we succumbed. We all took it in stride, and continued working to build the kingdom, but man, it was tough! Friday was probably the worst for me. It is our weekly planning day, I wasn't feeling well, and i was in a grumpy mood and we had an appointment with a sweet sister in the afternoon and because of everything going on, I wanted to be anywhere but that appointment. Sister Oliverson and I pleaded with the Lord before we left the apartment for his spirit to be with us-- we acknowledged our faults, expressed our desires to overcome them, and asked for the negative feelings to leave. When we pulled up to Angell's house in Shelby, we didn't feel miraculously different, but when we went in and began talking about the gospel and encouraging her in the things she is doing to bless her life and her daughter's live-- i was overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and joy. As she said a few things, just in conversation, I knew that my Heavenly Father was using her to answer my prayers and questions I had been having-- Angell really was an angel that day. We are each others angels, and so it is imperative that we listen to the promptings from the spirit to help our brothers and sisters out... even if we don't realize were doing anything! As emotional as it was, we taught a lot of lessons last week and got a lot done. I love being a missionary, because even the 'bad' weeks really aren't THAT bad! I tell you this not to evoke sympathy or what have you, but rather to showcase the Atonement and how aware our Heavenly Father is of each of us. No matter what feelings you're having-- good or bad-- He knows and is either rejoicing with or sorrowful for you. He wants us to be happy and receive His help, we just have to be willing to grab His hand.
Kim Valdez had us over Thursday night for their family home evening, which they planned and executed all by themselves! It was on Noah's ark and for dessert we had rainbow sherbet and animal cookies. I was so proud of them for doing such a great FHE-- It was kind of nice just to be a participant and not the teacher, but to recognize the changes they are making in their lives as a result of them learning about the gospel principles we've been able to teach! They are learning an applying and THAT is the Atonement in action!
Wow, how truly amazing the gospel of Jesus Christ is. I've seen it change lives and heal hearts in the almost 18 months I've had the privilege of being a full-time teacher of it. It's changed my life and healed my heart. How amazing that if we just give things over to the Lord we come out with more than we ever imagined-- we truly do have to loose our life in order to find it.
Jesus is the Christ and He is our Savior. He loves us and through His stripes we are healed. The gospel is true.
Happy Fathers day daddy-- you are an amazing man and the woman I am becoming is because of the daddy you are. Thanks!
Oh, and Congrats Ashley and Spencer on baby #3! I can't wait to meet her :)
I love y'all so much! Have a phenomenal week <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
What a week it has been here in the Ohio... a good week with lots of emotion--- I'm still exhausted!
It seems like Satan's pattern is this: right before and/or right after something amazing happens he likes to throw a wrench in our lives. Well, with the amazingness that happened last invitation Sunday and all the good work we have happening here in the Clearfork ward, this last week was evidence of his sneaky slimy ways. Things were ok until Wednesday, then-- for whatever reason-- me, Sister Oliverson, Brother Brandt (our ward mission leader), and Rob Baker (our recent convert) just all had our own terrible emotional days! Now that doesn't mean we succumbed. We all took it in stride, and continued working to build the kingdom, but man, it was tough! Friday was probably the worst for me. It is our weekly planning day, I wasn't feeling well, and i was in a grumpy mood and we had an appointment with a sweet sister in the afternoon and because of everything going on, I wanted to be anywhere but that appointment. Sister Oliverson and I pleaded with the Lord before we left the apartment for his spirit to be with us-- we acknowledged our faults, expressed our desires to overcome them, and asked for the negative feelings to leave. When we pulled up to Angell's house in Shelby, we didn't feel miraculously different, but when we went in and began talking about the gospel and encouraging her in the things she is doing to bless her life and her daughter's live-- i was overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and joy. As she said a few things, just in conversation, I knew that my Heavenly Father was using her to answer my prayers and questions I had been having-- Angell really was an angel that day. We are each others angels, and so it is imperative that we listen to the promptings from the spirit to help our brothers and sisters out... even if we don't realize were doing anything! As emotional as it was, we taught a lot of lessons last week and got a lot done. I love being a missionary, because even the 'bad' weeks really aren't THAT bad! I tell you this not to evoke sympathy or what have you, but rather to showcase the Atonement and how aware our Heavenly Father is of each of us. No matter what feelings you're having-- good or bad-- He knows and is either rejoicing with or sorrowful for you. He wants us to be happy and receive His help, we just have to be willing to grab His hand.
Kim Valdez had us over Thursday night for their family home evening, which they planned and executed all by themselves! It was on Noah's ark and for dessert we had rainbow sherbet and animal cookies. I was so proud of them for doing such a great FHE-- It was kind of nice just to be a participant and not the teacher, but to recognize the changes they are making in their lives as a result of them learning about the gospel principles we've been able to teach! They are learning an applying and THAT is the Atonement in action!
Wow, how truly amazing the gospel of Jesus Christ is. I've seen it change lives and heal hearts in the almost 18 months I've had the privilege of being a full-time teacher of it. It's changed my life and healed my heart. How amazing that if we just give things over to the Lord we come out with more than we ever imagined-- we truly do have to loose our life in order to find it.
Jesus is the Christ and He is our Savior. He loves us and through His stripes we are healed. The gospel is true.
Happy Fathers day daddy-- you are an amazing man and the woman I am becoming is because of the daddy you are. Thanks!
Oh, and Congrats Ashley and Spencer on baby #3! I can't wait to meet her :)
I love y'all so much! Have a phenomenal week <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Monday, June 13, 2011
Oh what songs of the heart
Dear wonderful and amazing family,
Life is good and I adore being a missionary. I cannot even describe the feelings I receive as I put on the name-tag that bears the name of my family and the name of my Savior. When I get to represent Him all day, every day as I preach His gospel and help Him change the lives of my brothers and sisters, i receive joy unmatched by any other moment of my life. My purpose, as a representative of Jesus Christ, is to invite others to come unto Him by showing them that they deserve better than anything the world can give them. The good news of the gospel is that families can be together forever, and I get to help people learn this wonderful truth each and every day-- how great is my calling?! Preaching the gospel as a full time missionary and helping others the way Christ would if He were here has become the song of my heart :)
Yesterday our ward had an 'Invitation Sunday' where all the talks and lessons were focused on the Plan of Salvation. We made up invitations for the members to hand out to those they have wanted to invite to church for a long time but haven't for whatever reason so make the invitation as unawkward as possible-- it was a great day and we had several people accept invitations to attend church! The two I was most excited about was Troy Collins and Brandon & Amber Nicoletti who all came to church yesterday for the first time. Joy was brought to my heart when I saw them enter the church and then as I was able to watch the fellowship happen with the members, i wanted to sing! Everyone there truly felt welcomed and the spirit was felt so strong. We have our first 'official' lesson with Brandon and Amber tomorrow evening and we will be teaching Troy again on Saturday. These people are so precious to our Heavenly Father and I am so grateful to our merciful God for preparing them to receive the gospel the way He has!
The gospel is true. Living it brings happiness. Families can be together forever. Life is beautiful. I love you all more than life-- keep the commandments and be prosperous!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Life is good and I adore being a missionary. I cannot even describe the feelings I receive as I put on the name-tag that bears the name of my family and the name of my Savior. When I get to represent Him all day, every day as I preach His gospel and help Him change the lives of my brothers and sisters, i receive joy unmatched by any other moment of my life. My purpose, as a representative of Jesus Christ, is to invite others to come unto Him by showing them that they deserve better than anything the world can give them. The good news of the gospel is that families can be together forever, and I get to help people learn this wonderful truth each and every day-- how great is my calling?! Preaching the gospel as a full time missionary and helping others the way Christ would if He were here has become the song of my heart :)
Yesterday our ward had an 'Invitation Sunday' where all the talks and lessons were focused on the Plan of Salvation. We made up invitations for the members to hand out to those they have wanted to invite to church for a long time but haven't for whatever reason so make the invitation as unawkward as possible-- it was a great day and we had several people accept invitations to attend church! The two I was most excited about was Troy Collins and Brandon & Amber Nicoletti who all came to church yesterday for the first time. Joy was brought to my heart when I saw them enter the church and then as I was able to watch the fellowship happen with the members, i wanted to sing! Everyone there truly felt welcomed and the spirit was felt so strong. We have our first 'official' lesson with Brandon and Amber tomorrow evening and we will be teaching Troy again on Saturday. These people are so precious to our Heavenly Father and I am so grateful to our merciful God for preparing them to receive the gospel the way He has!
The gospel is true. Living it brings happiness. Families can be together forever. Life is beautiful. I love you all more than life-- keep the commandments and be prosperous!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
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