Woodstock Letter #22

 



I must admit, my thoughts are not quite collected enough to give you a final entry. I think I will have one more opportunity to write next week. I'm not sure. No matter what, I will be sure to sit once I get home and write the things that I would really like to share with all of you. I'll do it without a time limit....oh, how glorious that will be.

My thoughts cannot really form a final letter, because my thoughts aren't there yet. It feels like a normal week of mission life-it's just another Monday. I like that. I am grateful that I feel this way. I will love going home when the day arrives; but, for now, I am here-heart, body, and soul.
This is a repeat from my mormon.org profile. I wanted to share something simple, but direct; sure from my heart, and clear.

I am a Mormon because I've come to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior; and, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His Church-the exact Church that He established when He was on the earth thousands of years ago. As such, His Church is guided by a living prophet who is the Lord's mouthpiece for each of us. Countless times I have had experiences which have proven to exchange what I used to know and who I used to be for something far better than I ever could have imagined-all due to elements of this, Christ's Church.

Currently, I live my faith by putting lots of my life on hold, traveling to the bi-polar weather of Chicago, Illinois where I am a missionary. Day-in, day-out I have the privilege of representing Jesus Christ by inviting God's children to do the things I've done in my life that have brought me unforgettable joy and peace-the joy and peace that are only found through Jesus Christ.

I could type until my fingers literally would not obey the commands of my brain and still not fully explain each statement made above. There are countless experiences-sacred in nature-that have given me the foundation to say each of those things. I hope that over the course of my blogs I have been able to share a small number of those experiences. Many of those experiences will stay in my heart, too sacred to share. I pray that my words have conveyed enough so that you have been able to feel, not just read. These words are me. They are my spirit, my life, my heart.

God's goodness, manifest in my life over these past 18 months, cannot be put into words. It is impossible. I hope it is enough to simply say this:

God is good.

Woodstock Letter #21

Hermanas Hoer & Rasmussen with the district elders.

Hermanas Rasmussen, Hoer & Alvarez

Hermanas Rasmussen, Alvarez & Hoer working out at the gym.

Leshelle & friend...

Dinner time!

Second to last email....we only have this one and one more next Monday. The following P-Day is the day of transfers. I assume that we won't have email time among the group leaving, since we fly home the shortly thereafter. We'll see. I have no idea.

I sprained something in my hand and wrist last week. It is on video. Of course.....haha.

My companions are great.  We exercise every day.  Thank goodness for the gym!  It's owned by a member of the church so we are able to attend for free!

I get to see Hermana Stuart next week!  She is coming to our area for a baptism.  Very special -- both seeing Hermana Stuart and the baptism.

My mission has been a very spirtual and personally sacred experience.  I know Heavenly Father is making something out of me.  I think and hope as He is, he is also using me to help others along the way. 

I have developed a beautiful, personal testimony of prayer and personal revelation and learned that Heaven is not very far away.

I'm thinking back about a talk Elder Ellis shared at a Zone Conference.  He spoke of personal revelation -- what the Spirit does, what God does and what we do in that process.  He used the example of Nephi, when Nephi was tied up in the boat.  Nephi followed the Spirit and prayed for strength to break the bonds, rather than to be untied or something.  Nephi was granted that strength by God.

My binders for letters are nearly full.  Thank you for the prayers and letters.  They have been a consistent, constant source of light and strength for me. 

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #20



Hello,

God has given me many gifts as a missionary that I didn't have before I came, at least not in the same way: a deep & tested testimony of the Book of Mormon, the ability to ask inspired questions, the ability to apply the scriptures in the lives of the people we teach, and an increased knowledge of doctrine & the scriptures.  I am thankful for these gifts.

Not long ago I studied Alma 10:11.  We are promosed that as we are on the Lord's errand He will bless us, our homes, our families, our every need.  This is a wonderful and true promise.

When I get home and before I move to Utah I would LOVE to go with the missionaries in the Auburn Stake who need Spanish speakers. I was thinking I'm willing to make myself available to them in any language. Dutch even. Ha, ha!  I just really want to be continually involved with missionary work and I want to really keep up with Spanish. It's hard to believe that it is almost time to return home from my mission. 

I feel behind with letter-writing, and realize I may never catch up.  Missionary schedules don't allow a lot of time for letter-writing and such, but that's not the main reason that I am here.  I am here to testify of Jesus Christ, so that is my focus.  However, to everyone who has written me, please know how very grateful I am for your support and thoughtfulness. 

Love,
Leshelle

Editor's Note: Leshelle will be speaking about her missionary experiences on Sunday, September 9th @ 1:00 p.m. at the LDS Auburn Stake Center (1255 Bell Road) for anyone who would like to attend.  

Woodstock Letter #19

Editor's Note:

There wasn't much time this week for Leshelle to write her blog letter, but she was able to share a few quick things about her new companion (see below after the photos).  Leshelle will be coming home in a four weeks, so she is traning two companions, neither of who have been on their mission long, (Hermana Alvarez is brand new and Hermana Rasmusssen has been out only a few months) to have them ready to take over their area when Leshelle comes home. 

 Hermanas Rasmussen, Hoer & Alvarez with (new) President & Sister Fenn

Leshelle, Hermana Alvarez & Hermana Rasmussen

 Picture Leshelle scetched on the place mat of the above photo in front of the restaurant.

From Leshelle:

Hermana Alvarez is our new companion. She is from Colombia, then Ohio, then Utah (for the past 3 years).  She is very strong, and an angel. She is so tender and kind. She is silently very thoughtful.

Leshelle with Hermana Delis, her companion from the MTC.  Hermana Delis completed her mission and went home last week.  Leshelle was able to see Hermana Delis at the mission home right before she left, when she and Hermana Rasmussen picked up Hermana Alvarez.



Woodstock Letter #18

One of my favorite Book of Mormon stories is the story of the people of Jared in the book of Ether. They are directed to leave one area and travel to a "promised land", a land full of promise and potential.  They face some obstacles along their journey.

They arrive at a body of water and have to make barges to travel in. They had no source of light in the barges. The brother of Jared makes little stones and asks that the Lord would touch them and make them provide light. The Lord does. Ether 6:3 says "that the stones would shine in darkness to give light to men, women, and children, so that they would not travel the great waters in darkness". I got to thinking: What are the "stones" that give light to me in my journey on this great water called life, so that I do not travel through life in darkness?
My "stones of light" include people, scriptures, experiences, memories, physical objects, and so much more. It was a fun activity. (hint hint hint)

Here is my FAVORITE part of the story: Ether 6:5 says that "the Lord God caused that a furious wind blew ... towards the promised land".

What "furious winds" (difficult experiences, challenges, sacrifices, etc.) have blown you towards a "promised land" (a better experience, a better you, a new opportunity, blessings, etc.)?

This part really helped me to see how the Lord has been intimately involved in all of my difficult experiences, proving true the Lord's promise that: "I, the Lord God, visit my people in their
afflictions" (Mosiah 24:14); and His promise to prepare the people of Jared against the winds, storms, and trials as they are pushed towards the promised land.

The Lord does not leave us alone nor unprepared. Let Him prepare you, push you by the waves, and shape you. The Promised Lands He has to offer are greater than any lands we can find without Him.

Have a great week!
Leshelle

PS:  Our investigator Aline is planning to be baptized on August 25th! Aline is terrified of water (she nearly drown as a child) yet she is willing to put that fear aside and be baptized! What a joy that I will be able to see Aline baptized before I conclude my mission.

Woodstock Letter #17

 Hermanas Rasmussen & Hoer with Rocio's daughter.



Hermana Hoer with Rocio and family at the Chicago Temple.



In district meeting we were invited to share our experiences with the Book of Mormon: of our experiences and other's experiences gaining a testimony of it.

I spoke about Eliuth. She found answers to deep concerns regarding women and the Priesthood and gaining forgiveness. She put the promise to the test in each case: the words may not spell out your answer word for word; but words WILL appear in your heart and mind which undeniably address your specific concerns, if you will but have faith to search the Book of Mormon. Drink it. It will nourish freely.

Eliuth never told me how her concerns were answered. She simply said that it was an experience just for her - too sacred to share. She read the Book of Mormon nearly twice before being baptized.

The Book of Mormon did not just lead to her baptism. It lead to her conversion. Frankly, it was more important and more valuable to me to see her come to discover Heavenly Father than to attend her baptism. I think I got the better end of the deal. I saw her - I stood by her side spiritually -  as she discovered her divine identity; she found her relationship with Christ grow to depths she'd previously been unaware of; she learned that God is HER Heavenly Father, and that she is His daughter. In the pages and power of the Book of Mormon, she found God's love. She found Christ's forgiveness. She found her eternal identity. All of that through the Book of Mormon.

She found what I find daily; she found what I also have found to be an undeniable and eternal truth: that the Book of Mormon is literally the tool in God's hands. It does exactly what God would do were He seated beside me. It comforts, guides, speaks, listens, loves, helps, pacifies, teaches. It wipes away tears and offers a shoulder. It directs important choices and speaks answers to our questions according to our understanding. It says what mortal mouths will never be capable of uttering. It proves that God knows me. It answers questions that no other human being knows of. It is Jesus Christ in my life.  I've seen the Book of Mormon give peace to a hurt, sad, confused young girl; I've seen it listen to a teenager cry because she's sacrificed everything to do the right thing, yet confirm to her a difficult to swallow will of the Lord, with the promise that everything will be okay.

It speaks to me. It hugs me. It has the same intimacy which I share with my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON! And, it loves me back.

Have a fantastic week!

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #16

 Leshelle & Aline's daughter

Hermana Rasmussen & Leshelle

Zone Meeting was great. I had a one on one interview with President Fenn. He is bummed that I will only be with them for a little longer (I am as well). He is a GREAT man. He gave us permission to use a P-Day to go to the temple with a less active family whose marriage is on the rocks. He also gave Elder Chicavivas (our district leader) permission to watch the best two years as a district activity. That's what we will be doing today at the church. I'm going to make salsa.

We had FIVE miraculous MEMBER PRESENT lessons this week. That was a first for me. The branch is small, making it difficult at times to have members accompany us to lessons. However, we worked really hard to make them happen - I waited on the street praying one day in full faith that Rocio (a branch member, with no phone, never having been to Aline's house before,with no plan to come that day) would drive by and see me so she could visit Aline with Hermana Rasmussen and me. I waited longer than I probably should have. However, I refused to give up. I knew that Heavenly Father could and would work a miracle. I prayed to know if I should stop waiting there. I felt I should stay. I did. Hermana and Hermano Calix pulled over to tell us hello. She had seen me on the side of the road. That was my first time meeting Hno Calix. Rocio eventually DID come, making a forever impact on both her and Aline (as you can see in what I will write below about their friendship). Heavenly Father really does answer prayers of faith.

I truly believed that two weeks ago had been the peak of the Sunday miracles. Well...yesterday FOUR INVESTIGATORS WENT TO CHURCH!!! (plus four children). I have to start from the beginning:

Aline had been looking forward to attending Church all week. She had plans to attend, and all was well. She texted us Sunday morning to say that she would arrive late. Her car was in the shop because her battery had some problems. She would be able to arrive for the last hour. Not so. Later she texted to say that her car was still acting up after she'd got it back. Rocio (member) overheard us in the hall when I called her, and offered to go pick up Aline and her three kids. Aline didn't want to have Rocio go all the way into Woodstock. Rocio insisted, and off she went. I went in to play the piano for Sacrament Meeting. Aline arrived with Rocio a bit later, three kids in tow. We occupied the kids with my kid-pack  (crayons, stickers, paper, cards, etc, etc, etc.). Then, the English Elders showed up in our Spanish meeting with a phone, telling me that I needed to give Paz directions. Several times before Paz said that she would attend Church, but had yet to come. She arrived just three minutes later, with both of her kids. Carlos, the older of her two children, is the one who read the entire illustrated Book of Mormon in just one week (we left him only one chapter to read); he not only read it - he understands it. He knows more about the Book of Mormon than several adults in the Church. Jose was also able to go to Church yesterday; even with his knee injury, he made a great effort to be there at Church. 

To top things off, the Elders had an investigator attend all three hours of Church, and Hermano Calix (the member I met while waiting in the street for Rocio)  was there as well! He has been inactive for many years. His sweet wife comes to Church faithfully. I was so happy for her.

The man from the High Council that came to speak in Sacrament Meeting did a wonderful job. He frequents our branch and speaks Spanish. He is one of the sweetest men I've ever met. He shared a beautiful message from his genuine, tender heart. His message really touched Aline and Paz. I was very grateful for his words and how they effected these special friends of mine.

We left Church overcome with joy! These people have become my friends - my family. To see them come to Church, and to see them grow closer to their Heavenly Father, has been the highlight of my experiences here. They are wonderful people. I love being able to share with them. I think I am a bit closer to understanding the joy that comes solely because of the joy of someone else. The good in their lives - the changes and growth - are more important to me than my own!

Rocio texted us after Church to thank us for her new friend, informing us that she and Aline had become fast friends. It is as if they are sisters, she said. (It's true - once I saw them together, I laughed. They are adorable. Their kids get along really well, also). The idea to have Rocio come to an appointment with us had come to my mind as I prayed for both of them one night. I realized that they needed to meet. The Lord is so good! He was able to answer the prayers and needs of two of His daughters through one another.

We fasted on Sunday for a family who really needs their papers. They are really struggling. The father just informed us that his papers are two weeks away! We  are still praying that his wife will be able to get her papers soon, also.

After church the branch president pulled me aside and told me that I have done a wonderful job here, making a difference and having a great impact. Boy, seeing him so happy was a very happy moment for me. The hope in his faith is something that I will not forget.

I know that the Lord is using me to the fullest capacity in these last weeks of my mission. The stretch marks are already showing on my soul - I feel it daily. Yet, I know that He is working me into something greater than I could ever mold myself.

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #15

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Leshelle in her bridesmaid outfit

to wear on her sister Monica's wedding day.

Leshelle, in Woodstock, matched her mom and sisters, in San Diego!



President Fenn, our new mission president, shared TONS of awesome things with us. He is a great leader and a great man.

"Love is an acquired virtue. You don't always have it. It must be earned", he said. He then added, "it comes through prayer (Moroni 7:48); you acquire love as you are righteous" We receive power from heaven when we are righteous. Perhaps we can specify that we receive the heavenly power to love when we are righteous, and when we ask for it. The greatest things we can do in this life are to learn to 1-love as the Savior loved; and, 2-think as the Savior thought. In other words: Charity and Virtue. Virtue is a laser-like focus on that which is of eternal significance. It is the determination to focus on things that do not distract from faith, but develop faith. It is to be constantly, unceasingly trying to put our lives in harmony with the Savior.

As I was studying this morning, I was not able to continue past a particular verse: 3 Nephi 20:26 after I read it,  I was prompted to keep studying and pondering it. Knowing it was the Spirit, I went with it. I followed footnotes and the mental footnote to Preach My Gospel, page 4: The power and authority of your calling. I've always had a little thing for the words "set apart". It is far more than having hands laid on your head. Spencer W. Kimball covers some of my feelings about it: "The setting apart may be taken literally, it is a setting apart from sin, apart from the carnal; apart from everything which is crude, low, vicious, cheap, or vulgar; set apart from the world to a higher plane of thought and activity. The blessing is conditional upon faithful performance" (PMG, pg.4). In my copy of Preach My Gospel, I've added a few things. One particular addition is that we are set apart from ourselves; we are set apart from the person we used to be; set apart from habits, thoughts, words, or actions of the past that distract us from our ultimate goal of living in complete harmony with the Savior's will. We are set apart from who we once were, thereby beginning the conversion into who the Lord sees in us.

Spanish is what caught me up in this process: in Spanish, 3 Nephi 20:26 says "apartado" (set apart), while it says "turning away" in English. So, I combined the two, substituting the Spanish version of "set apart" in the following two scriptures:

3 Nephi 20:26
the Father "sent me [Christ] to bless you in SETTING APART every one of you from his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the covenant"

Proverbs 16:6
"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged, and by the fear of the Lord men are SET APART from evil"

As missionaries, we are not simply set apart so that we can wear a badge for two years or 18 months. We are set apart for life. For eternity. We are set apart from ourselves - our own evils and iniquities; set apart from anything which falls short of celestial glory. However, just as President Kimball said: "This blessing is conditional upon faithful performance". We need to do our part. As we follow the Gospel, and follow the Spirit's individualized promptings, we change our hearts -  thereby confirming the setting apart which we have received. Alma 19:33 reports such a group of people who took the action necessary in order to allow themselves to be set apart in the Lord's way: "their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil".

That was my fun study this morning. I've added these thoughts into my Preach My Gospel. I was not set apart to merely be a missionary for 18 months. I was not merely set apart for each of my previous callings in the Church. Each time, I am set apart to be more like Christ. We are set apart each time we attend the Temple, and every single week as we partake of the sacred Sacrament. If we will but follow Him in order to confirm this, we WILL be set apart in every way that He has designed.

Have a great week!
Love, Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #14

Hermana Hoer with her new companion Hermana Rasmussen

Our new mission president arrived this past weekend.  I will meet him, his wife, and their 15 year old son this Thursday. They are traveling to each of the zones in the mission, and we have two hours with them. I'm excited.

Yesterday at Church....THREE INVESTIGATORS CAME!!!!!!  That has never happened during my mission. Never. We are seeing miracles!

Aline and her three kids came.
Tello came.
Jose came.

And...Sori (an inactive) came for the second time in two years! She's come twice in the last month and a half.

And...a couple - la pareja Parra - came. They're inactive members who live in Harvard.

And...Alicia was there. We visit her weekly. She was a missionary who has become inactive but still has a love for the Gospel. She just needs some help realizing that what she taught to others applies to her as well.

I was so happy. It was crazy, with two of us missionaries and three investigators (plus three kids). I had put together a big pack of "kid stuff" to take to Church. It was a lifesaver! The kids really enjoyed it, allowing Aline to listen to testimonies more. She was a little stressed when the kids made noise, but she seemed to like attending. I have never seen the Chapel that full in my two, going on, three transfers here! It was joyous!

We've been teaching Aline since the week I arrived here. We've been teaching her since I was transferred here. She has certainly made her way into my heart. I love her so much. She is a sweet mother. She is protective of her children. She's worked really hard to change her life for the better. She made specific decisions on how to change, and then followed through. I admire her SO much for who she is. I feel so blessed to be part of her finding the other half of real change: the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She's never been baptized. She agreed to be baptized over a month ago. We're waiting on a specific date because she wants her brother to be able to attend. He will be visiting sometime in August. It was a HUGE blessing for Aline to attend Sunday as it was a fast and testimony meeting, and we had a break the fast following Church. It was wonderful! She was warmly welcomed in by the members. Her kids enjoyed their classes. I was overjoyed.

Tello is the neighbor (more or less) of the English-speaking Woodstock Elders. They taught him a little on their porch one day (one Elder is from Ecuador, and speaks Spanish; Tello speaks a bit of English as well). We taught him one night, and he fed us. We have another appointment to eat and teach this evening. He is confused about so many religions. We taught a powerful lesson on the Book of Mormon, and our investigator (Brenda) came with us. She  testified of the Book of Mormon, and she was able to be a HUGE support to Tello; she had the EXACT same questions and concerns, and she's found answers in the Book of Mormon. Incredible! God is SO good! Amazing!  I invited Tello to Church and to the Break the Fast. He said he had lots to do. So, I encouraged him to come just for Sacrament Meeting and the Break the Fast. He said maybe. We called. The Elders stopped by and called him. HE CAME! He was a bit late to Sacrament Meeting, but he was there! Oh my goodness, my heart sang to see him and Aline's family there.

I want to share about our investigator named Brenda: Brenda lives with less active members of our branch. She's 17. She didn't believe in God. She always avoided talking to us about anything religious. Until one day. She  asked about what we do, which ignited a long conversation in which we shared about the restoration and the plan of salvation (generally, with not too much detail). We especially shared the Book of Mormon. When we left, she said that she had a new purpose: to discover God. She read the two chapters we left her, and found specific answers to her questions. Really specific - and we knew very little about her doubts and concerns when we gave her the reading assignment. We had nothing to do with the answers she received. It was the Spirit, and the power of the Book of Mormon. Since then, we have had INCREDIBLE lessons. She basically taught us principles of the plan of salvation. She talked about science being merely information that God lets us have, and truth being things that we knew before this life but we are just remembering. She doesn't know much about Jesus Christ. We left her scriptures about Him. After we left she texted us before we were even able to arrive at our apartment to explain what she'd read the scriptures we gave her and learned about Christ, His suffering, why He wants us to be good, and what it means for her. She is soaking up the Gospel like I have never seen another person do. She prays sincerely, honestly from her heart. I love to hear her pray. I have faith that, as she continues discovering Christ, God, and the Gospel in her life, she will continue to move in the right direction toward baptism.

Last night we taught Nick/Caspar - he is a friend of Brenda's. He is very involved in gang activity. He is also 17. We taught him the plan of salvation. Later, a phone call informed them that a high school classmate had just died in a car accident. He spent some time on the phone while we talked with Brenda. He came into the room later and stated "I want to pray. I want to pray for Jake". Pray, he did. A gang-banger prayed with us. That's a statement.

Have a great week. We're playing tennis today with the Elders. It's really humid. So gross. HumidHeat is making his comeback. What a punk.

Love,

Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #13

Leshelle & a silo with a face

Here is something neat that I thought of as I studied this week:

I've known since I was young that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ enables me to be forgiven of mistakes. He died for my sins. If I change my ways and repent, I will be forgiven.

My understanding of that sacrifice has grown over the years.  Consequently, I now know that His sacrifice covers far more than mistakes; that His sacrifice isn't only about allowing me to be free of guilt but also about empowering me to do what I cannot do alone - in essence making possible all things that are impossible for me personally. I've come to see how essential that sacrifice is. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I can be happy in this life as well as in the life to come. Without Him and His sacrifice, there is NO WAY that I could ever return to God.

I love that, as I study, I understand things in new ways and from new angles. Jesus Christ's sacrifice clicked for me again the other day, beginning with a word that has been common to me: merits.

I read a scripture in Helaman 14: "repent and prepare the way of the Lord". (verse 9)

My thoughts immediately went something like this: He doesn't need me to prepare His way. He has the power and ability to make a way even if there was not a way initially. So, why do the scriptures often speak of "repent and prepare the way of the Lord" ???

He doesn't need us to prepare His way for the world. However, He does need us to prepare the way for Him to enter our hearts. He respects our ability to choose - He won't force us to do anything, even if it is a good thing. He knows that we need to apply His sacrifice in order to find joy, and to eventually be able to return to our perfect God even though we are imperfect. Even knowing our essential need for His sacrifice, He won't force us to use it. He's made it available. He's made it clear how to apply it in our lives. But, He won't force it to be applied. That, only we can do.

I took it this way: repenting is how we prepare the way of the Lord and how the power of His sacrifice may be applied in our individual lives. Each one of us must do that. I cannot prepare the way into your heart. Only you can, just as only I can prepare the way for Him to enter mine.

"And if ye believe on His name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his bmerits." (verse 13)

It's established that repentance is necessary. Beginning with a belief that He - because of his sacrifice - has the power to free us of pain caused by our sins as well as those of others, we repent. In other words, we change. Then, through His merits we receive that liberation.  I looked up the word merits, wanting to understand more because it was intriguing me so.

Merits:
-something that entitles reward
-state or fact of deserving well
-that which is deserved
-be worthy of; deserve

So....repentance allows us to receive a remission of sins through the merits of Christ. Repentance is somewhat like charging it to His pre-paid tab; it is His qualification in order to use his "tab", which tab is the entitlement to remission of sins. This tab is His worthiness to receive forgiveness. He deserves no guilt, no pain, no sadness because He is perfect. Because He was perfect, He gave His life to create that "tab". By doing what He asks (repenting) He allows us to receive what only He deserves - that which only He is worthy of.

Imagine walking into a restaurant. You are hungry. You need to eat in order to keep living. There is no other option for food. But, you don't have enough money for anything. You believe in the words of those who have told you that there is a tab that you can use. There is such a tab. The waiter needs to know that you are authorized to use that tab - he needs to know what kind of connection you have to He whose tab you intend to use. The waiter needs proof that you have permission to use Christ's tab. Christ has instructed the waiter that, in order to keep justice and order, people must show by their actions (repentance) that they have received permission. That is how the waiter will know. Then, you are given the menu of endless options. It doesn't quite seem like a fair trade; but, Christ wants you to use that tab in order to enjoy, progress, and be able to go forward. He doesn't ask much in order for Him to give you access to things that you and I don't deserve. Yet, through His mercy, he allows us the way to access His merits.

This way, justice is satisfied while Christ can still give us His mercy. It doesn't always seem easy - frankly, it isn't easy to follow what He has asked. But it is clear. The way He provides is clear. He's given us each step. Only you can move your feet. Only you can choose to follow the steps that He has shown you. Each step you take paves one more brick of the way - the way of the Lord-into your soul.

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #12

Hermana Hoer & her district

Hermana Stuart is getting transferred this week. I'm really going to miss her, until we meet again, but I'm not sad because we are going to be friends for a very long time.  My new companion's name will be Hermana Rassmussen. Transfers will be tomorrow.

Zone Conference was great last week! They are every other transfer. So, I believe that I'll have one more Zone Conference before I return home. That's it. This one was great in general, and great personally.  Here is an excerpt from my notes when President Doll spoke to us:

"You may not be the best; but, you are good enough, and you know enough. What you're short on, the Lord will bless you with. He's blessed you with enough to do this.

Whatever "this" is for each of us will be different from one another. Your "this" may change monthly, daily, or hourly. You may have several in one day. Whatever "this" is right now, the Lord has blessed you with enough to do your personal "this".

If you've chosen to have faith in God, choose to have hope in His promise - choose to continue trying until His promises to you are fulfilled. They will be. This is possible."

I don't have much time today to expound on those notes, but hopefully each of you reading this blog can gain something personal from it like I did at Zone Conference.  Point is: the Lord can help each of us to be/do whatever we need to be/do.  If we do all that we can, He will make up the difference and qualify us.

I felt prompted to share the parable of the 10 virgins with a gal the other day. She's a single mom and just broke up with her boyfriend because he didn't have the same commitment to God and they really just weren't on the same page. We read the parable, thinking from the perspective of the five who had enough oil to attend the wedding. We often look at the parable from the other side, of those who didn't have enough oil to attend the wedding. 

Well, this is what came to me: those ten spent travel time together. They must have grown close. They could have been  blood sisters for all I know. I imagine that the five that did attend the wedding sat in their places as the festivities began, with a bit of sadness in their hearts. I imagine it was bitter sweet even walking through the door to enter initially, knowing that their siblings or their friends were not there. Those feelings would certainly be in my heart.

However, the Lord did not intend for the wedding to be a sad event. For those five who were not prepared, it was a hard lesson to learn - for us and for them. For the five who came prepared and entered into the wedding, there is another lesson to be learned: Enjoy the wedding. Leave the pain, stress, who or what may be lacking, outside. Set it aside. Enter the wedding and enjoy it. Experience it. Live it. Breathe it. I think that is what the Lord wants us to do. When we've done the right thing and when we prepared to arrive at a certain point, He wants us to enjoy it. So, I say: Enjoy the "weddings" that the Lord invites you to!

Love,

Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #11

 Hermana Stuart & Hermana Hoer



Hermana Hoer & Friend



Hermana Stuart and I spoke in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. I shared the story that Mom and Dad sent me, and a lot from the wars in Alma 40something to 50something. Here's part of my talk:

A man mowed half of his field when his mower broke. It took him a week to fix it, during which time the grass on the un-mowed portion had grown considerably taller than the mowed portion. As he began to mow the tall area, a little field mouse emerged from the tall grass. The man was concerned that if the mouse returned to the tall grass, he would go unseen and be mowed over. The man thought that the best way to save the mouse was to chase him away from the tall grass. So, chase him he did. With the mower blaring. As he was barreling along behind this poor mouse, he thought to himself "Does this mouse know that I am trying to save him?"

Much of life works the same way. God likely asks himself frequently, does he/she know that I am trying to save, not threaten? Sometimes all we see are giant lawn mower experiences, chasing us. We're tired, exhausted, confused, feeling that the world is working against us. When, in reality, God is trying to push us into a safe place - He is trying to save us.

President Eyring said: (excuse my translation if it's off) "If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the most difficult times of life, along with the easiest times, can be a blessing".  A giant lawn mower can be a blessing or a monster. A challenge can break us or build us. A tragic loss can drown us or breathe new life into us. An injustice can lift us or stomp on us. The choice is ours - the choice is faith.
If we spend our time and energy building a foundation of faith, we will be supported by that foundation even when we no longer have energy or time of our own.

Life will bring challenges. God gives us the way to turn those challenges, potential stumbling blocks, into stepping stones. The way is Jesus Christ. Faith in Him is the choice that determines whether those stones will be obstacles that stunt us or steps that lift us.

One of my favorite stories that illustrates this is in the Book of Mormon, in Alma chapter 57 (and 56). Helaman has an army of young, inexperienced soldiers - boys really. Though they were boys in age and experience, they were men of God. Why? Because they, with the help of great parents, had established a foundation of faith beneath themselves.

After an intense and bloody battle, Helaman "immediately gave orders that [his] men who had been wounded should be taken from among the dead, and caused that their wounds should be dressed" (Alma 57:24). He quickly learned that "there were two hundred, out of [his] two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood;" (Alma 57:25). Here is the kicker:

"nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds" (Alma 57:25).

Every single one of that army was wounded. Badly. Yet, every single one left that battle alive. This life is a battlefield. We will be wounded. We will lose blood. We will even faint at times because of the incredible challenges and wounds. However, so long as we have a foundation of faith in Christ, those wounds will NOT kill us. We will survive the battle because of our faith.

"And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power. Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually" (Alma 57:26-27).

That is what determines whether the lawn mowers of life will push us to safety or mow us down after exhausting all our strength.

We spoke with Jose' (investigator who was to be baptized but his wife said no). He'd not come to Church in a month, after attending regularly for 6+ months prior. Every time we spoke with him about it, he said he was busy with this or that (which he was, but it just wasn't like him). He admitted finally to us that someone at Church had offended him. I was so sad! Our mini missionary shared a beautiful testimony which really touched his heart. The following day, Jose came to Church! After more than a month of not attending, and a really hurt heart, he took it head-on and came back!

We've wanted to work on getting a semi-active couple to come to full activity and go to the temple. The father has come by himself with his daughter twice in the last month while his wife had to work! He didn't come often, even when his wife could attend. We'd done a little service at his house while he and his mother-in-law were trying to fix her car. The following day, there he was at church -by himself- bringing his daughter to Church. She "helped" me play the piano during Sacrament Meeting. Despite the distraction, I was just happy they were at Church.

We had three people in Relief Society yesterday...haha (six if you include us). 

Thank you for all of your love and support.

Woodstock Letter #10

 Hermana Delis (Leshelle's MTC companion), Hermana Stuart (Leshelle's current companion)

& Hermana Hoer

Watching the game!



Hermanas Hoer & Stuart at Wrigley Stadium in Chicago



Time is short today.  Here are some photos from our trip last week to Wrigley Stadium to watch the Chicago Cubs!

Heavenly Father answers our prayers. I asked such specific things, and I received them. He cares. He answers.

Thanks for your all of your love and support. Please keep it coming.  :)

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #9

Go, Cubs!!!





Hello!

I'm in CHICAGO!!!! I miss the city! A lot. I didn't realize just how much until I got down here and LOVE it. It will be SO MUCH FUN to come back to Chicago after my mission!!!

After Hermana Stuart and I email, we'll head over to the stadium for the baseball game.  Can't wait!

I don't have tons of time, and I FORGOT my notes!!! I'm bummed about that. We wanted to keep our load light, since we'll be walking and traveling all day. I have miracles to share, but I don't remember all of them at this exact moment. I'll quickly share what I can remember.

We (missionaries) suggested a branch party in an attempt to help our struggling branch. We planned a birthday party to celebrate all of the birthdays of all who would attend. We decorated cakes in groups, smashed pinatas, and had music going. Dancing followed, of course. IT WAS A HUGE HIT! I was so happy, I could not contain it! It was a wonderful blessing to see the joy and unity with those that attended. We thought that one family was not going to be able to attend, and they were going to provide the music. But, they came! They have just recently come back from a long time of inactivity. It was such a blast! 

We arrived for our coordination meeting a bit early to get things organized and to eat dinner. When the Elders in our Branch arrived, also early, they informed us that our Branch President was going to be late. At just about the same time, a young woman from the English ward (who meet in the same building as our spanish branch) invited us to their Mother/Daughter dinner. They had lots of food and not as many people as they'd expected. We four missionaries accepted, and went to eat. As I returned from chatting with Sister McGreggor (who use to live in my ward in Grass Valley, CA!) a Ypung Women leader informed me that my companion was in trouble...she'd volunteered me for something. Immediately, I assumed I was doing dishes. No problem, I love dishes. Not so...apparently the YW were having an auction. They needed an auctioneer...I became the auctioneer for the night, and had a BLAST! It was so fun to play that role.

Man, I am bummed that I don't have my notes! Suffice it to say it's been a fantastic week!  I'll write more next week.

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #8

Hermana Hoer

Guess what??? We are going to A BASEBALL GAME!!! Next Tuesday is our P-Day  because of the holiday, and President Doll gave the mission permission to go to the game! I am so stoked! I have the perfect companion for this opportunity: we're both softball players and avid baseball fans, and we have a great district of Elders to go with.

The last several days have been full of miracles! And great experiences!

Both Aline and Martha (our miracle women) have been avoiding us! We are so sad! We have worked so hard with them, and we're doing all we can. It's a sad point for us, but the Lord blesses us even in those times.

We had a really neat lesson with Mariah Rodriguez. We taught the plan of salvation, really focusing on Temples. The lesson was full of inspired questions and testimony. She is receptive and open hearted. She was waiting for us with her Book of Mormon for our appointment. She double read her chapter, and marked it with a highlighter. I had a personal experience during the lesson in which I felt so confident to testify that part of her individual mission in this life is to find the Book of Mormon, this Church, and that doing so will change the course for her children, grand children, and great grandchildren, as well as her parents, grand parents, and great grand parents, etc. She knows that she will come closer to Christ through the things which we have taught and will teach - she expressed such knowledge as she closed our lesson with a prayer. SHE IS AWESOME!

On the way leaving that great appointment, Hermana Stuart suddenly told me to pull over. I did so, and she ran out of the car. Obedient to the White Handbook, I followed (don't worry, I locked the car first). She'd seen a man and a young girl propping up a camera to take a picture. She offered to take the picture and we all got to chatting. The girl was so certain that she'd seen Hermana Stuart before. I spoke a lot with Martin, who happened to be her uncle. He is only in the States for a few days, and has not been here for over ten years. We had a great conversation, and he committed to sit down and meet with the missionaries when he returns to Mexico. What are the chances?!?! Of the few days that he is in this country, that he would be outside (giving us an excuse to help), and we would be driving by at that exact moment. Pretty cool. We had felt prompted to visit another investigator, and had been on our way to their home when we saw Martin. The investigator was not home; but, we think we were only headed there to find Martin anyway.

Sunday after Church, we met with Liz. She set a baptismal date for August 4th. It was quiet and the Spirit was strong as we stood there sharing testimony that came straight from the Spirit out of our mouths. She basically put herself on date!

Sori Jimenez has been inactive for over a year, and she came to Church yesterday! She was crying tears of joy. She talked to us about her next step: baptize her son, and help her other son get on a mission.

Two weeks ago we met Vicencio and Jaime. They told us to return not the following week (Mother's Day), but the next (yesterday) at 7:00 pm. A member of the branch happens to be friends with them, and he accompanied us to the appointment. We arrived to a herd of cars and a dinner party. Hermano Jimenez said, well, they'll invite us to eat too. So, we borrowed from his courage and entered their party. (Hermano Jimenez later told us he was actually really nervous about going in.) We introduced ourselves and sat down without putting ourselves in the spot light or drawing excessive attention to ourselves (as much as possible...we stand out a bit). Vicencio and Jaime's sister - jokingly - told us to walk over to all the men, tell them to set their food and drinks aside, and listen to the Bible, because that's what they invited us to do. So, we did. We boldly put ourselves in the center of attention and announced that we were going to share a message and discuss God's word. We began with a prayer. Things were still a little rowdy as we began, but, with time, everyone began to settle a bit and really listened and participated. There were 17 people there! Most are from other areas. We ended up giving out a Book of Mormon, and being invited by the hosts to return. I think they were really impressed that we were so courageous and firm even though some were making fun of us at first. One woman came up to us as we were leaving. With tears in her eyes she told us that we came at just the right time, and she knew that we were sent by the Lord. Another ran to get her kids so that she could introduce us, as did another with her daughter.

I loved our recent Zone Meeting. I was especially impressed with our Zone Leaders, Elders Valdez and Fisher. They are both humble and strong leaders, full of faith and hope in their callings. They are inspirational leaders. I also loved President Doll's session about finding people to teach. Hermana Stuart and I are both really pumped up for this area.

I was reading in Alma recently and something new stuck out to me in chapter 32. Verse 40 says something about looking forward with an eye of faith on the fruit. Alma 32 uses the analogy of a seed growing to a tree and then producing fruit to explain faith - planting faith, then continually nourishing it, and then eating of the fruit it provides. As I read verse 40, that line stuck out and I asked myself, "what is your fruit?"

What is your fruit? That's a good question. What is your goal? What is your expected result? What are you hoping to come of your faith and actions? What are you working towards? Know your fruit. Know what you're working towards and focus on it - keep your eyes on it. Keep your heart, mind, and actions directed towards it. Recognize small and large bits of progress towards it. Don't get distracted from your fruit. Sometimes, we don't have an eye of faith on the fruit, so we end up satisfied with the sprouted seed or a budding tree. Even a large, powerful tree. Know your fruit, so that you don't settle for the seed or the tree without the fruit. Of course, it isn't bad to plant the seed., to see it sprout. It isn't bad to see the tree begin to grow, and strengthen. However, each of those steps is not all that you can have. Know your fruit, and stay in the game until you partake of it.

Proverbs 29:18  "where there is no vision, the people perish". Know your fruit. Have a vision of what you can accomplish, of what you can receive with God's help. Without a vision, we're stuck with only part of the potential. Know your fruit, then work to eat it!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Love,

Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #7

Leshelle & Hermana Stuart

Friends & Family,

Leshelle's computer time for P-day was cut short this week, so she didn't have time to write her blog letter.  However, I received the above photo on my cell phone on Mother's Day, taken by a member of the LDS Spanish Branch where Hermanas Hoer and Stuart are serving in Woodstock, IL.  The member sent the photo along with this message: "Happy Mother's Day from Hermana Hoer.  She will be calling you around 7 pm California time".  And, she did!  She called at 6:40 pm and we all had a wonderful phone visit with her.  She only had time to call our home in Grass Valley, so we called all of her sister's who live away from home on a cell phone and let them "talk" to her, phone to phone.  It was a real treat for Leshelle to hear everyone's voices.  She's doing great!

Signed,

The Editor (aka: Carolyn)  



Woodstock Letter #6

Hermana Hoer

As I was reading in Alma chapter 19, I had a really interesting ponder moment/realization/whatever you want to call it. King Lamoni "fell". His fall was spiritual and physical, and not the point I intend to make. What struck me most was not his fall, but the circumstances surrounding when he got up from that "fall".

He got up stronger than he was when he fell. He got up with a stronger testimony, more confidence, more conviction, more surety, and with more joy than ever before.

"FALLING DOWN" IS NOT THE END!

Christ, too, "fell down" in His own way. He went beneath all things in order to rise above all things. Now, Christ's "going down" was much different than King Lamoni, or any of ours. However, the concept is the same. We may fall or go down for many reasons: because of the actions of others; because of our own mistakes; because we are helping another person; because life just took that turn. Whatever the cause may be, it doesn't matter. Satan wants us to focus on the falling down more than anything else because he has discovered what I have uncovered: there is beauty in getting back up; and if we focus so much on how we got down in the first place, we will miss the full potential and miracle of being lifted up once more. 

"...and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father" ~3Nephi 27:14

Let Christ lift us, and we will rise stronger and happier. Don't give up. Let  Him lift you up, no matter where you currently are. Maybe you haven't fallen at all. Christ can still lift you. If you've fallen, let Him lift you. If you've accomplished much on your own, let Him lift you. If you're in a tight spot, let Him lift you. If you're in a great place, let Him lift you higher. But, if you are in a "down"...do not think that you are out of hope. Being "down" simply means that you have upwards to go - with Christ! Do not think you are stuck. Do not think you HAVE to stay "down". Do not think that your case is hopeless, because Christ Himself said that "mine arm of mercy is extended towards you (3 N ephi 9:14). You are NEVER out of His reach. You are NEVER out of the reach of the hope He offers.

He will raise you up stronger, with increased faith, more sure, more secure, and more full of joy.
Just think: all that started with "falling down".

I share this not to encourage falling down.  My intention is, however, to encourage getting up in the right direction, with the right help, in order that we get up on a higher plain than we fell from.  His grace is sufficient. No conditions. No "if...". No "and...". No "but...". No exceptions. HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.

Woodstock Letter #5

Here is one cool experience (of many) that happened this week:

Two weeks back, at the end of a long day, we decided to knock one more door. We got in, and taught a young man (Marcos), his girlfriend (Felisha), his uncle, and his little sister. Marcos doesn't believe in God. Felisha isn't sure what she believes. Still, it was a good lesson. We talked about faith and the Restoration. We spent most of the time on the topic of faith. We left feeling good, but not feeling that anything spectacular had taken place.

Fast forward two weeks: At Church yesterday a girl came up to me, with an envelope in hand. She gave it to me, saying "this is from Felisha". (The envelope deliverer was one of the McGreggor twins -- who just so happened to be a neighbor 10 years ago back in California!). Felisha had written a letter to Hermana Stuart and me. In it she told us that we'd asked about faith. She expressed how she felt empty because everyone else seemed to have an answer, while she did not. She wants us to teach her more. She has several friends that are members of the Church. Ever since we met her, wheels have been turning in her heart and mind. 

What a tender mercy.  Wish I could tell you about others, but I am short on time today. Look for tender mercies this week in your life.  They are always there, if we're looking!

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #4



Hermana Hoer in Illinois

This is from my journal:

Ines is a contact who said we could return to visit her. When we returned her mother was there, and began to rip her apart. The mother called Ines lazy, unhappy, and all sorts of things that would never make anyone feel good. Truth be told, Ines is depressed...but, she is also a wonderful mother and hard worker. Our visit with her was among the greatest lessons of my mission - it's how I want to feel always. I felt such care and sincere empathy towards her.

Talking to her, teaching her, and testifying to her was a beautiful experience. The message I shared with Ines came directly from my heart. Not one word was empty or meaningless. I DO know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can pull us from depression, from numbness, from emptiness. I testified that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can take away any feeling that are difficult for us. THAT is what I came on a mission for. I came to share how the applied Gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ save us, even from ourselves and to tell people that change is possible.

What a great opportunity. Ines was a complete stranger to me. Yet, as we sat with her and spoke of the most intimate things, this stranger became my sister. When I sat with her, I didn't worry once about what to say. It was about her and the words came that she was suppose to hear. 

A talk by Brad Wilcox entitled "His Grace is Sufficient" has shed some light for me lately. The part of his talk I really identified with is about "practice". Like learning to play the piano, we aren't expected to immediately play really well or to become a professional pianist. You simply keep practicing and improving.  This applies to learning an instrument, as well as it applies to life.

Well, I'm practicing playing the piano and practicing to become a better person. I play the wrong notes on some days. On other days I don't practice with as much diligence or dedication. Sometimes it's a rather unimpressive practice, but every day I practice becoming better. Although my practice has not brought me to perfection, and not even to professional pianist or perfect missionary status, it is making me better. I can play, can't I?  Progress is occurring even though sometimes I neither see nor feel it.

Sometimes we fear that because we didn't play the piece on the piano exactly right in a recital (aka we didn't succeed the way we wanted as a person today) that we've ruined the opportunities of the future. It doesn't work that way. Christ paid for it all, so get back up and try again. Keep practicing. Keep trying.  Christ will make up the difference.

Yesterday was our Stake Conference for Buffalo Grove. It was AWESOME. It was one of the most powerful conferences I have attended. It was exceptional. It was full of powerful messages, shared in a powerful way.

I had a neat personal experience reading and studying Proverbs 3:5-10.  Read it and see how it can bless your life, too.

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #3

Hermana Hoer and the Relief Society Presidency

Another story about our ward mission leader:

After our Ward Correlation Meeting we asked him what he wants for his birthday (we gave him a cake and a big card at our meeting). His response was to share some personal things with us - some very pure desires of his heart. At the same time, he shared some personal struggles and obstacles.
I felt strongly impressed to write him a note. It was short. It went something like this:

Read Alma 36. I know from personal experience that joy can replace any emptiness, guilt, or pain. Because of Christ, nothing is impossible. Let Him help you.

I have not felt so clearly in awhile that I should do something that specific.

When we arrived home that evening, I was bombarded with tender mercies. I'd received the Easter package from home (the highlight of which was a TAPE!), 5 letters (after two weeks of nothing due to my transfer), and a phone call at the very end of the day...

The phone call was from our ward mission leader. I figured he had a question of some kind. Nope. He called to say thank you. He said that note, that scripture had helped him immensely. He said he's felt spiritually empty for a long time, and he now knows what he needs to do. He had an experience unlike he's ever had before - all because of that scripture.

The scriptures have an indescribable power to change and bless our lives for the better. The scriptures are conduits for the Lord to influence us. I see it time and time again. The best part is that it wasn't me - I told him as much. I was an instrument in God's hands. I am grateful that He confirmed to me that I was acting under the direction of the Spirit to help this man, my brother.

Missionary work isn't just about baptizing - it's about helping ALL people become more converted to Jesus Christ, no matter where they are in their conversion process. All of us have room to increase our conversion and commitment to Christ. All of us. 

Love,
Leshelle

Woodstock Letter #2

Leshelle with the Saldana family



We met a kid named Carlos. We invited him to read the first chapter (two or three pages) of the kid's illustrated Book of Mormon. When we returned, he had read THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!! Then, he sat down and basically told us the entire story of the Book of Mormon. He asked questions and understood things that I've just learned in the past few years! He told us that if people would read just the first part (about Joseph Smith) they would know that this book is important. He also told us that had any one of the Book of Mormon prophets not done their part, we wouldn't have all the records, nor would we have all of this book. What an insight! He is only 10 years old! He taught US the power of the Book of Mormon.

The other day, as we left a lesson, a man was sitting on the back of his truck, waiting for us. Joseph is his name. He told us that sometimes he doesn't feel worthy to go to Church. We started talking to him. He showed us a few of his 12 bullet wounds from his involvement in the drug cartel in Mexico. He left it and doesn't want to go back. He knows he needs to find new friends and to change his life. He has the sincere desire to change. He just isn't sure exactly where to begin. Hermana Stuart shared powerful, pure testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - and shared with Joseph that we can change. Anyone can change. When we began visiting with him there was no hope in his eyes nor his voice. We left him with hope in his heart.

That's what I want to get across this Easter season - I want you to know that I know Jesus Christ is the Savior. Because of Him, hope can be restored to a hopeless heart, a hopeless life, a hopeless moment, a hopeless world. Because of Him, there is no impossible. What is impossible to us is realized through the Atoning Sacrifice of our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, our Brother, Jesus Christ.

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. Reading the Scriptures, I feel the Spirit testify to me that the scriptures really are true and the Savior, of whom they testify, is truly the Son of God, the Redeemer and Savior of the world. I know it.

Jesus Christ was resurrected. He suffered and atoned for us all .He did all that for me - for you. I cannot completely explain my feelings regarding this. Yet, I can say that I am one of the miracles of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He gives me opportunities to start over daily.

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, hope returns when we think hope is gone for good. We are able to forgive ourselves and others, freeing ourselves from pain and sorrow. We give sins, and He gives peace. We give pain and He gives love. We give guilt and He gives forgiveness. We give sadness and He gives joy. We give what we cannot do, and He fills the emptiness in us.

I have had so many experiences - I cannot even tell them all - through which I know that Heavenly Father watches over me and loves me. Through these experiences, He shows me what only He can possibly know. He answers my prayers, shows me His love, shows me miracles, makes me feel His presence and love, all according to MY UNDERSTANDING.

Let Him work in your life. Let Him in and you will see His love according to YOUR understanding.  

One morning this week our ward mission leader called us and said that he hadn't been able to find anyone to go with us to our appointment a few hours later. He'd been looking for days. We finished our Personal Study. Literally, as we both ended our personal prayers, the phone rang (just five minutes or so after he'd called). The ward mission leader had just contacted someone to go with us. He called in the VERY MOMENT that we were both praying that he would be able to find someone. Tender mercies. Prayers are answered.

Happy Easter.

Love,
Leshelle