Hello all!

Dearest friends and family,

This week has been another wonderful week full of trials and growth. (What else is new?) :) The leaves are changing colors and it feels like fall! 

I don't have a lot of time, but I wanted to share an insight I came across this week. 2 Nephi 5: 15-16, 27

Nephi says:

15 And I did teach my people to build buildings, and to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance.

 16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.

So, Nephi teaches his people to build temples.

The result:

27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.

Do you see it? When we go to the temple, when we make sacrifices to worship there, when we center our lives on Jesus Christ, we will live after the manner of happiness.  I was blessed to have the opportunity to hear counsel from the leaders of our women's organizations of the church this past Saturday evening. Many of the messages focused on the temple and the sacred covenants we make there. 

As I listened, I was overwhelmed by deep gratitude for the blessing of having a temple so close to where I live. I am looking forward when I will get to go to the temple with the other missionaries in a couple of weeks.

President Uchtdorf spoke Saturday night as well. To paraphrase, he said: " If you place selfish desires and unworthy ambitions on the altar (sacrifice them for something better), then you will discover yourself--your best self--your real self." 

I love that. God asks us to give of our money, our time, and our talents to further His work. His plan, His glory, is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man". His whole goal is our eternal happiness. He asks us to give ourselves to Him. Everything He does is designed to helps us grow, to help us learn, ultimately, to help us become like Him. What a plan! :) What great love He has for us. :)

Well, I suppose that's all.

I love you all. I know Jesus Christ is the Way to happiness. If you want to learn more "ask the missionaries, they can help you."

-Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

939 W. Main Street

New Lebanon, OH 45345

Write me! :)