Miracles!

Good morning!

If you're wondering why I'm writing today, we had leadership council at the mission home yesterday.

Friday I went on an exchange with Sister Smith! We saw miracles as we talked to everyone! We were able to find 4 new people to teach! At the very end of the day, at 8:30 we decided to contact some referrals we had received earlier in the week. One of those referrals was a mom and her daughter! They were happy to see us, and said we could come back!  We have really been focusing on finding families to teach. Saturday I had a wonderful exchange with Sister Abrams, again, we talked to everyone! The weather was beautiful, so there were a lot of people outside putting up Christmas lights. :) We were able to see some people that we hadn't seen for a long time, and we ended the day by having dinner and a powerful lesson with a member and his non-member wife. By the end of our wonderful day, my voice was gone. 

Sunday morning I woke up and my voice was still nonexistent. ...I had a great time at church. I greeted people with smiles and waves, Sister Syndergaard was my voice. Heavenly Father definitely has a sense of humor, because I LOVE talking. He probably gave me this experience so I could spend some time listening. I've never thought I was a bad listener, but it was a good reminder for me. :)

Sunday afternoon the Assistants to the Mission President called us and asked us to do a training at leadership council. We would have 20 minutes to train the leaders of the mission on revelatory studies. When they called us, I just laughed--I wouldn't be speaking any time soon. But, we agreed. Sunday evening we prepared for the training, and I went to bed. 

Monday morning I awoke and my voice was ... still gone. We went through the first half of leadership council and I still had no voice. I ate lunch. No voice. When I told Sister Syndergaard to prepare herself to speak, she kept saying "Oh, you'll talk." And then I thought, why not? :) I have been asked to give a training, and I am going to give a training. I thought of my patriarchal blessing. In it there is a sentence that talks about how I will have the health and strength to do all that I have been called to do. I shared it with Sister Syndergaard, and she said "you were literally called (on the phone) to do this!" Heavenly Father surely does have a sense of humor. :) So, we were nearing the end of lunch, and I said a little prayer. I asked Heavenly Father to help me to give the training. :) I said hello to someone. I squeaked. It sounded awful, but I could talk. :) So, Sister Syndergaard and I got up and gave the training (including some jokes about my voice.) I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. He loves us and gives us challenges and opportunities to grow in faith. And stand with Nephi in saying, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

Miracles happen! :) I am a witness!

Other exciting news: This Friday in Time Square, advertisements for "He is the Gift" the new Mormon.org video will be playing all day. It's awesome! Everyone will be getting pass-along cards for the  video in the December Ensign. More info about He is the Gift, click here

The video will be launched in 2 hours! :) So everyone should go to christmas.mormon.org to watch it. (We got to see it yesterday, it's awesome.) #SharetheGift

I love you all! Have a wonderful day!

:) Oh! and Happy Thanksgiving! Here's a Thanksgiving Video. :) Enjoy! 

-Sister Lewis

Oh, the joys of being sick. :)  Luckily, I've been joyful anyway.

This week in the OCM!

Hello all! :) I hope you had a spectacular week! Mine sure was!

This Thursday we had the opportunity to hear from Wilford W. Andersen of the 2nd quorum of the Seventy. It was a wonderful and uplifting meeting. In a leadership meeting prior to  the main training he talked about how disciples of Christ are different leaders than those of the world. In the world power flows from leaders. In the Lord's Kingdom power flowsto the leaders because they are meek, humble, hopeful, faithful, and filled with charity. We talked about Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-46 as the model of good leaders. I have a lot to work on! :)

  41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion (sharing knowlege and listening to one another), by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

 42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

 43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

 44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

 45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

During the main training meeting we learned about head knowledge, heart knowledge and soul knowledge (putting head and heart knowledge to action).

I was honored to be able to sing "Savior Redeemer of My Soul" during the meeting. Elder Seegmiller played the violin and Elder Smith played the piano (he arranged the whole musical number.) I love singing the hymns because it brings the Spirit so strongly. :) 

I wish you all could have heard the arrangement, it was beautiful. (it was a lot like the one in Seventeen Miracles).

Have a lovely week!

Love, Sister Lewis

We woke up to snow this morning.. here's my view.

Exchanges with Sister Rolfe

Photos of a Pretty Spot on The Side of the Road:)

Agency and Service

This week has just flown by! It's been a great week.

Tuesday we planned for zone meeting and I went on my first exchange as a sister training leader! Guess who I went on exchanges with?? Sister Carlson! (she was my 2nd companion in the field). It was awesome! 

Zone meeting on Wednesday went really well! Sister Syndergaard and I trained on how to set expectations with those we teach (Why are we there, what do they expect from us, etc). It really helps focus the relationship between missionaries and the investigators. Also, we trained the zone on how to be a consecrated missionary. How obedience leads to sacrifice, which leads to consecration. :) There's been a lot of hard work going on here the past week. It's great! :)

Thursday I had an exchange with Sister Martineau. Together we found 2 new families to teach! It's awesome. Heavenly Father is preparing people for us to teach. 

One of my favorite things that happened this week: We were on our way to contact a referral in an apartment complex, and while we were walking in the parking lot we came across an old lady (she was probably 90 years old- she reminded me of my Grandma Carr). She was going to check the mail, but was having a hard time staying steady. The wind could have blown her over! So I offered her my arm and we checked her mailbox and walked her home. Her name is June, and she was so sweet. :) Sister Syndergaard and I decided that if we hadn't been there, she probably would have fallen.  It was pretty cool being at the right place at the right time. :) Heavenly Father prompted us to go where June was, because he looks out for his children. :)

:) I hope you have a lovely week!

Love,

Sister Lewis

205 Sycamore Ln. #62

South Lebanon, OH 45065

Letters are welcome. :)

Here's the picture I tried sending last week. Sister Syndergaard and me on Halloween:

Photos with a Bear, Sister Syndergaard and Sarah

Here's a picture of me and my new companion!!

One of the members in our ward collects stuffed animals. :) His wife bought this for him at Costco this week. :) haha

My Birthday Week and Photos!

My Birthday was AWESOME! Thanks to my family, friends, and ward members! :)

I'm getting transferred.. but! we had a great week. I have learned so much while I have been here in Eaton. I am happy that I could serve here with Sister Worthen. She helped me learn a lot about forgiveness, patience, and obedience. I am leaving her as a more diligent, obedient, and faithful missionary. :) I am excited for a new transfer! I know there will be a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I'm up for the challenge, because I have Jesus Christ on my side.

This week I have been focusing on praying with faith. I had one morning where I prayed specifically to be led to someone who was prepared to receive the Gospel. That afternoon we contacted a referral (his neighbor thought he might like some help with his yard) and we met Steve. He had great questions for us, and I could tell that he had really thought about religion, and his relationship with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. We had a great lesson with him about the Restoration. On Saturday I prayed specifically to be able to find a new investigator, and when we went to teach a current investigator family, they had invited their cousin over and she joined the lesson. It turns out she's always wanted to visit a Mormon church. She's a Sunday school teacher at a Methodist church, but she has been prepared. :) It's been a great, faith-building week for me. :) 

Now for the fun things!

My birthday was great! I made a "birthday cake" (pumpkin pie bars) to take the the ward Harvest Party. Sister Worthen and I judged the pumpkin carving contest, and we made little pumpkins that look like us. We had a great time eating delicious chili, talking with members and their friends, and ended the evening by passing out candy for the trunk-or-treat. (Thanks to Jordan for providing the candy!) We had a lot of less-active members show up and an investigator family came as well! I'll be sending pictures! :)

I love you all!

-Sister Lewis

If you write to me this week, please send letters to:

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

c/o Ohio Cincinnati Mission

P.O. Box 11671

Cincinnati, OH 45211

CHANGE IS GOOD.

Hello!

I moved! :) I am now serving as a sister training leader in the Little Miami Ward in the Cincinnati East area. :) The ward is HUGE! There are about 265 people who come each week on average. The members here are very focused on sharing the gospel with their friends and it's exciting to be serving here! I'm serving with a new companion, Sister Syndergaardfrom Roosevelt, UT. :) She is an amazing and powerful missionary, I will definitely be learning a lot. She's been really patient with me as I have been trying to learn the area and the ropes of being a sister training leader.

As a sister training leaders we are responsible for working with the zone leaders to motivate, uplift, and train the missionaries in our zone. We are in charge of arranging all the exchanges for the 4 companionships of sisters in our zone. :) It's awesome! One of my previous companions, Sister Carlson is in the zone, so that should be a lot of fun. :) 

On Halloween we drove down to the mission home for an all-day leadership council. (For pictures see the Ohio Cincinnati Mission page). It was a wonderful experience! I love learning from President and Sister Porter and the Assistants.  I took so many pages of notes. We talked a lot about being a consecrated missionary. But really, this applies to any member of the church who has made covenants with Heavenly Father.  It takes discipline to be obedient to the commandments. We  must offer something to live a life of sacrifice. We must give of ourselves (give our will) to set apart and dedicate ourselves to Him--to live a consecrated life. The greatest sacrifice we can make for Heavenly Father is that of changing ourselves. Heavenly Father wants us to give up whatever it is we don't want to give up. Why? Because that's when he can change us.

Sacrifice is an act. Consecration means changing your nature. You are the sacrifice.

We were given the example of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham waited years and years for Isaac. Isaac was pure and clean, he was the best son ever. Abraham was a wealthy man, he had land and riches. But God didn't ask him for his riches (though that might have been a sacrifice for him). He asked him to give his son--the person dearest to him.

(*funny side note: President Porter said it should have been Sarah--his wife should have been dearest to him.)

It just made me think, whatever it is in our lives that we are least willing to give up, that is what Heavenly Father wants from us. If it's a hobby that takes precedence over church service, or an addiction that takes time away from family, or even career pursuits that take our minds away from being a disciple-- He wants whatever we don't want to give up.Mosiah 7:33 helped me put it into perspective. 33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put yourtrust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure,deliver you out of bondage.

This weekend I have been working on giving a few things up. And let me tell you, it's not easy. But I have seen a change in myself already. Little things that might have distracted me or kept me from being effective are diminishing. In my own life I have seen how the Savior has helped  deliver me from bondage.

I know that Jesus Christ is the key to overcoming any weakness. He suffered it all for us so he can help us through it.  

11 And [Jesus Christ] shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Jesus Christ suffered for our sins. But he suffered for other things as well, not because he had to, but because of his love for us. He did it so he could help us through our infirmities (weaknesses) and through our temptations and pains. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so happy that I can repent daily and change each day to become more like Him. :)

I hope everyone has a spectacular week! :)

Love,

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

205 Sycamore Ln. #62

South Lebanon, OH 45065

Isn't it funny? I moved from NEW Lebanon to SOUTH Lebanon. :)

Letters and packages are welcome!!

Thoughts from a wonderful week.

It has been a great week! Wednesday we went to the temple! :) I am so grateful for the temple and the opportunity to learn there. Each time I go, I am overwhelmed by the feeling of love from Heavenly Father that I feel there. I love the way we are taught in the temple--there is something new to learn each time, whether you've been going for 8 months or 80 years. As I was taught in the temp this week, I was reminded of the covenants I have made--and the blessings of happiness, peace, and security I enjoy as I continually strive to live up to them. 

I know that as we make sacrifices to put Heavenly Father's will first in our lives, we are happier. When we start our day with prayer--a conversation with the most glorious Being in the universe-- and scripture study, our ability to meet the challenges of the day is increased! Our charity towards others grows, and we are more patient with ourselves and others. When we focus on what the Lord thinks of us, our goals and aspirations change.

I was reading a talk this morning about gaining spiritual confidence from October's General Conference. As I read, the 4th of 6 points stood out to me: 

4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out. Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. In doing so, beware of the temptation to procrastinate, and don’t expect the world to cheer you on. Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow. Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I added the bold lettering. :) 

I loved this talk! Of all the lessons I've learned on my mission (so far) I've learned that repentance is a GIFT! I love repenting. I find joy in repenting. It's not always easy, but it brings me peace as I make an active choice to follow God's will and plan for me. Isn't it great? We have a Heavenly Father who cares for us enough to send His Beloved Son to atone for our sins--to take the penalty for our wrongs and the grief that accompanies them. Our Heavenly Father cares enough for us that he gave us the gift of agency--to choose eternal life and happiness, if we wish. 2 Nephi 10:23Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

We are so blessed! We can change! We can choose to follow God's plan! :) In church yesterday a speaker from the Stake shared a story: A mother, in an attempt to calm her upset and naughty little son, said to him "Why don't we think of some words from "The Living Christ"?" (The family had been memorizing the words of this beautiful document.) The son's response was "NO! I don't want to be happy!" He had made the connection--when we think of the Savior and all he has done for us, we are happy. How can we not be? He loved us enough to give his life for us. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

I love you all! I hope you have a great week! :) Be good!

Love, 

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

939 W. Main Street

New Lebanon, OH 45345

Fwd: Sheep in Wolves Clothing

Here's my companion's email. she might have shared some things that I didn't. :) She was more thorough. :)

-------

The other day, I was talking to Sis. Lewis and we were discussing how the area that we work in has the potential for several units to be created--there are enough people to make about 3-4 units in the land area of the 1 small ward we have.  We were talking about how if the people would just listen, and then join, that the growth in the area would be amazing.  But unfortunately, the people see and think we are wolves in sheep's clothing, that we want them to become polygamists, and that they should throw out the Bible.  But the truth is, we are sheep in wolves clothing (these skirts) and we want them to throw out the polygamists and become Bibles.  Hahahaha

But the truth of it is that we have a huge area, and there are a lot of people, but we can't talk to them all, and get them to listen.  We have to learn how to work with the members to bring others into the fold.  As we as missionaries and members work together, the fold increases.  The Work Hastens, and the Lord is pleased.  I have come to love working with the members in my ward or branch.  They are the family that I create to help me while I am away from my family at home.  It is only when I try to work with them that anything really starts to happen in our work.  I cannot work without them, and they cannot progress without the missionaries. 

This week has ben FANTASTIC!!!!  I had an interview with President Porter last week, and we had a really good conversation.  As I walked out of my interview, he told me he doesn't think he has ever had an interview with me when he hasn't' laughed at me.  I told him that it's true, and in fact, I expect him to do so.  Then he laughed at me some more. 

I was also blessed to hear from President and Sis. Porter yesterday in a special sisters' conference.  President was asked by the Sister Training Leaders in the mission (kinda like zone leaders) to talk about the Doctrine of Women.  So President Porter broke down 2 Nephi 13 where it talks about women and how they, in these last days, are selling themselves for nothing.  Some of the translations for that chapter are super interesting.  I wish I could tell you everything that he told us.  And then he told us about the Creation, as told to us in Moses. 2.  So when you read Moses 2, you will see a pattern of how the Lord created the world.  He started with the Earth, and then the water, and then the sky, and the land, and I'm skipping things in here, but then he got to the plants.  He started with grass-not very complicated at all, and then the bush, and the tree, and so on an so forth.  These were followed by the animals.  He started in the water, and created the amoeba, and the fish, and randomly the bird (I say randomly, but we all know God is not random), and whatever else grows in the water, ending with the Whale.  What is so important about the Whale do you ask?  It is a mammal-it has the ability to create life within itself.  And then the day ends.  And then God created the land animals, the one more important and useful than the last.  So, we see a pattern of creation here.  And last of all, He had 2 more creations:  Adam and Eve.  But, which was created last of all?  Eve--Woman.  She is the crowning creation of all things, because she is the last. 

And then he talked a little about Priesthood.  It has 3 meanings:  1)  To Teach, 2)To Bless, and 3) To Set in Order.  The Priesthood was given to Adam to protect the crowning creation:  Eve.  A Priesthood Holder has 3 tasks given as part of the Covenant of the Priesthood:  1) To Protect,  2) Provide, and 3) Preside.  But what does that last word mean?  It also has 3 meanings:  1) To Teach, 2) To Bless, and 3) To Set in Order. 

And when Eve was created, she was created as a helpmeet for Adam.  What does that word mean?  It does not mean helper.  Throw that idea out.  In Hebrew, it means to 1) Save and 2) To Be Strong.  Eve was created to save Adam, and her posterity.  Without Eve, humanity could not exist.  As women, we are vital in the role of saving children from Satan.  Without life, there can be no chance of inheriting a kingdom of glory.  If children are not born, then they are subject to the Devil for eternity, but because Eve took of the fruit, she could bare children, and save them from eternal damnation.  We are co-creators with the Atonement and Christ, in the Salvation of souls!!!!  How powerful is that!?  And more than that, when a woman raises her children in righteousness, she can save them from living in the Terrestrial Kingdom, so that they can live as a family in the Celestial Kingdom!!! 

I hope this makes sense, but it blew my mind when he explained this to us.  I wish you could all hear him speak!  President Porter is one of the most wise men I have ever met, and he cares so much for each of us.  And the reason he cares so much for each of us is because he cares so much for the Savior, and in return, the Savior blesses us through him.  I learned a lot about myself yesterday.  I know how much I am a valued daughter to my Father in Heaven, and a beloved Sister of Jesus Christ.  I am so blessed to be a part of the Lord's Kingdom here on Earth.  I know this is the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and if we hold to the Rod of Iron, we can be with our families forever. 

I love you all, and I know that the Lord watches over us.

Sis. Worthen 

Hello All!

Hello!

What a wonderful weekend we've just had! :) I love General Conference as much as I love Christmas and Easter.

After all that I heard and learned today, I am just overwhelmed by the incredible sense of love I feel from the Prophet and all the General Authorities. They carry such a strong spirit of charity. I know without a doubt that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. He has been called to lead and direct us on this earth today, and if we follow his counsel, we will not go astray.

Elder Scott took us back to the basics, giving us 4 ways to handle mortality's challenges:

1. Pray. Tell Him everything that concerns you, your full range of feelings and experiences. Include Him in every aspect of your daily lives. Pray morning and night. 

2. Study the word of God in the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. (He said, if you need to rearrange your priorities: DO IT! His prophetic promise: As you dedicate your time daily to study God's words, peace will prevail in your life. It will come from within your own heart.

3. Weekly Family Home Evening. "Have a marvelous time together."

4. Go to the temple often. Pray about and ponder the temple ordinances.

It was a good reminder to me that challenges help us grow and become more like our Heavenly Father. 

Have a super week! :)

-Sister Lewis

939 W. Main St. 

New Lebanon, OH 45345

Busy! But life is good.

Hello! 

This week has been full of great things! We had zone meeting, interviews with the mission president, and yesterday we had a sisters' conference. It has been a week of learning!

President Porter shared some insights with me to help me in the work, and yesterday he gave a great talk about the doctrine of women. He had us read in Moses 2, when it talks about the creation. If you read it, it goes through the different creations, starting with grass. Next, herbs (shrubs). Then trees. Each creation is a little more complex than the creation before it. Then, on the 6th day, mankind is created. Adam first, then Eve. Eve was Heavenly Father's crowning creation. :) 

I definitely know that women have a special role in Heavenly Father's work-- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Heavenly Father chose women to bear children. In bearing children, women are co-creators with the Savior and his Atonement. Without mothers, Heavenly Father's spirit children would not be born. If they are not born, they do not receive a body. If they do not receive a body, they are  subject to the devil. 2 Nephi 9:6-10. The moment a child is born, they are recipients of immortality. They will inherit a place in a kingdom of glory--never again to be subject to the devil. 

Fathers play a special role in the eternal scheme, too. Providing, protecting, and presiding. To preside is to "teach, bless, and set in order." Fathers provide and protect--both spiritually and temporally. The priesthood covenant helps them as they strive to become the men Heavenly Father needs them to be. Both men and women have a noble heritage! We are all children of God, we all have a divine nature and inheritance. Knowing this motivates me to be better--to do  more to help others reach their divine potential. 

I know Heavenly Father loves his children. I know that He has a special plan for each of us, and that we can know of that plan as we seek inspiration and guidance by the Spirit. :) I love this work! It's hard, because, as Elder Holland once said "I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience.Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?" But, it is entirely worth it. I have seen the gospel change lives. The gospel makes good men better. It inspires us to reach higher. To forgive more freely. To love deeper.  I know Jesus Christ is our Savior, and through His Atonement we can be cleansed and we can return to live with our Heavenly Father again.

I love you all. :) 

Be good.

Love,

Sister Sarah Jane Lewis

939 West Main Street

New Lebanon, OH 45345

P. S. Shout out to my nephew, Braxton! Congrats on all your achievements! Way to run a 5K! Also, Happy Birthday to my big brothers, Sam and Thomas. I love you! :)