Hasta Luego

Title: Hasta Luego!

Last Friday I received my flight plans to Argentina and I leave on Monday!!! I have had a life changing experience at the MTC. I have learned so much and it has just really begun. While being here I have had the  opportunity to hear from 5 Apostles. Russell M. Ballard, Russell M Nelson, Quentin L Cook, Todd Christofferson, and Dallin H. Oaks, along with the feeling of much love and the power of the Spirit. 

On Tuesday, Janice Kapp Perry, (creater of the song, "As Sisters in Zion, " and "Army of Helaman") spoke to us at Devotional. She had previously created one with both of these songs together. At the devotional, we got the opportunity to sing it in the congregation. 

As we were all singing, towards the end an Elder stood up and then, one by one all of the congregation stood up. Before you knew, it felt like hundreds of elders, presidents, sisters, and leaders were standing and singing in unison. It was sooooo POWERFUL. As we sang, tears filled my eyes and all I could picture was,"Gods army."

God's work is real!!!!! I feel it. I know it. I want everyone to feel it. God's plan is real. WE need to stand up and be a part and understand his work. Not yesterday, Not tomorrow, not later, but NOW!

JST, Genesis 14:31

• Joseph Smith Translation

To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God 

Quote of the Dia: Two of the elders came walking into our class the other day and said, "I wish we could share a mormon message from online for our lesson, Hermana Johnson, you are the mormon message." 

Homework: To make one goal to better yourself in the hands of The Lord. 

Birthday cupcakes and balloons from my "fun" Aunt

Travel Plans!

The Lion King

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Your own reflection staring back at you? Do you look right at you and see right through? Or do you see something else? 

Today I wanted to share a story about the good old Disney movie "The Lion King," With a little kick to it! 

When Simba was little, he loved the thought of becoming like his father. He was king and Ruler over all the land. He looked up to his dad and wanted to be just like him. As he grew older, Simba loved to play and eventually forgot about what was going on around him. It was as if he got "bumped" in the head and started singing "hakuna matata." Eventually Simba faces trials, temptations, and struggles in his life. He felt lost in the world and forgot who he was. One day Simba came across a pond and noticed his reflection. As he looked at his reflection in the water, his first glance was himself. He then cried out, "What am I doing here?" "Why Father have you abandoned me?" As his Father looked back at him in his reflection, his Father said, "look harder." In that moment he hesitated and began searching for answers. He looked harder and" REMEMBERED," REMEMBERED  who he was and knew what he needed to do to change his life and get back to pride rock and become King like his Father. 

Repent, Repentance

• The Guide to the Scriptures

A change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general.Repentance implies that a person turns away from evil and turns his heart and will to God, submitting to God’s commandments and desires and forsaking sin. True repentance 

As we live our everyday lives, let's not get caught up in the worldly things like Simba did that pulled him away from his Father in Heaven. There are always going to be times in our life when we struggle with temptation, so let us watch out for Mountains that block our view from returning to the Savior.  We need to find ourselves and repent like Simba did and get back to pride rock. Let us help people REMEMBER who they are by coming unto Christ through repentance. Although we cannot help others unless we find ourselves first. REMEMBER who you are and who your Redeemer is, and change our lives for the better. When we REMEMBER the Father, you can return to Him on the other side as we all can become Kings and Queens like Simba!!! 

Alma 29:10

• Book of Mormon

And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me. 

Time is flying by, week five and we already receive our travel plans tomorrow!!!! Our Zone is starting to split up and go their ways. Last week 7 missionaries in our zone were called to Ukraine. As many know Ukraine isn't the safest place for missionaries to be right now. 4 weeks into the MTC they got called in to say that their mission was now reassigned to the Lima Peru mission. They started speaking Russian and then had to learn Spanish. They have now been at the MTC for about 11 weeks and just left on Monday. They have been a great zone and we will miss them! We wish them the best of luck and know they will change lives in Peru! 

I also wanted to say Happy Father's day to my Dad and all of the Men out there. I love you all.

FUNNY STORY OF THE DIA......In the MTC with our District we say "Como esta?" you replay back and say "Super Mega Bien!" 

HOMEWORK FOR ALL YOU AT HOME: Read ACTS in the New Testament, it will change your life as it did mine.  

District B! They left on Monday, and we're all still in mourning. They were the greatest, goofiest group of elders (plus Hna. Mackey) and our districts got so close. But they're going to do amazing things in Peru and we couldn't be happier for them!

MTC Week 6-9-14

Title: Life At The MTC  "What were you thinking that very first day?  When you walked through the doors, what did they say?  Did they warn you to leave, before it's too late?  Did you know that here you can't even date?  Were you told you'd study ten hours a day?  And the missionaries lose their sanity that way?  Did they say it's compared to jail?  And that six discussions was minimum bail? Or did you talk to those who love it here,  Who hold the experience as one most dear?  They'll speak of the Spirit, not of the strife. The wonderful people and the change in their life. They won't grump or gripe for the loss of hair,  but with tear-filled eyes tell of those who cared.  Take courage Sister, and do your best.  The sky's the limit; don't settle for less.  Because at the end, my friend, you'll see,  The M.T.C. is what you made it to be!" On May 21@ 12:25 crammed in the back seat of Grandma Openshaw's suburban, as we pulled up into the MTC Provo), It finally hit me. My heat sank, feeling uneasy I thought, "What did I get myself into?," "What was I thinking?," "Once I go in, I'm never coming back out!" So many thoughts going through my head, I couldn't think, and I felt so lost.  As I kept moving forward not knowing where it would take me, I found myself surrounded by friends, brothers, Elders, and Sisters. The next think I knew, I had my very own missionary tag on, it read, "Hermana Chesler, La Iglesia de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias." This is where I belong.  Life @ the MTC(West) has been the craziest three weeks of my ENTIRE life! I've never learned so much in such little time. It's like being in College, but 4 years all crammed into 5 1/2 weeks! Literally! It has been a life changing experience, the Spirit resonates in every corner, and so many hard working missionaries striving to fulfill God's purpose.  Out on the West side of the MTC....aka the cool side. We all speak Spanish and are going to Spanish speaking missions. I have grown the biggest appreciation for the Spanish language, though it may be hard at times we are all here together learning from our mistakes and most importantly we are here for one purpose. To bring the gospel to all the earth. One of my favorites things thus far is to teach, but learning how to teach with the Spirit.  The other day me and my companion got done with lunch early and decided to go study outside before our next class. As we sat down a girl about 20 years of age was talking to someone on the phone next to us. As she finished she took a double take and then inched her way over. I noticed she didn't have a missionary tag nor was she a teacher. As we got talking, she said she worked at the MTC cafeteria.  She had just moved here from Mexico and hardly knew any English. As we got to know her a little bit more she started asking questions about the Chruch. I had no idea she wasn't LDS!! It was the coolest experience to be able to have our first little teaching experience, even here at the MTC!  We continued to inch our way through the Spanish we knew with her. We still keep in contact with Mariana and we are so excited to follow up with her!!!!  Since I have been at the MTC, I have grown a bigger appreciation/love for the scriptures. As I was reading in Acts Chapter 1-2 (I encourage all to read!!!!) Peter testifies of Jesus' resurrection and how to gain salvation: Peter lifted up his voice to testify to those who didn't know about the gospel. Not only did he share it with others he INTERNATIONALIZED the knowledge of Christ's gospel and understood its words. By doing so......3 thousand souls were saved. Let us all be Missionaries and understand the gospel and share it with others as Peter did.  * FUNNY STORY OF THE DIA.........(DAY in Spanish) As I was teaching an investigator I ended up making the mistake by saying,  Jesús murió por nosotros para que podemos superar nuestros pescados. Which in English is: "Jesus died for us, so we can over come our fish"    Fish is pescados in Spanish Sins is pecados in Spanish Obviously, it's important to remember there isn't an "s" in the word for "sins"!! HAHA! Ooops.... Still rusty on the Spanish. There are always days of ups and downs but just remember...."When you get discouraged you lose your faith" - PMG  Yesterday, today, and everyday, I think about the people of Argentina, I know not who they are but I love them and I desire more than anything to bring them the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this Church to be true and I have felt the power of the holy ghost and its truthfulness.  HOMEWORK FOR ALL YOU AT HOME.........Wahahahaha I invite all to read Joseph Smith History, in the Book of Mormon and fully understand the doctrine and truthfulness of the prophet Joseph Smith. 18 days until I'm ARGENTINE bound!!!!! Times a commin.... The District

Called to serve

The last 5 months have been a whirl-wind of preparations, farewells, and many “see you later's.”  I never thought that my departure date of May 21 would arrive, but now it is just around the corner.

I have noticed that many people have asked me the question, “What made you decide to go on a mission?” I have always heard that going on a mission changes lives. People always told me about how much I would learn and about the person that I would become. Although as many of you know, just a couple years ago many young women didn’t go on missions, it was always something that the “young men” had the responsibility to do. As time went on I always loved listening to returned missionaries and hearing all of their amazing experiences, knowledge of the scriptures, and testimony of the gospel. I wanted what they had and HUNGERED for it!!! The desire to go on a mission began to grow in me. This was something that I wanted. 

Many people ask, “Are you nervous?” “What are you most scared of?” or “Are you ready?”
I know that there will be hard times and that it will take a lot of effort. I am wiling. I know I will have to walk countless hours, carrying heavy books, wearing out many pairs of shoes. I am prepared. I know I will have to learn a new language and communicate this precious message of the gospel in a way that I have never done before. I know that many people will not listen. I know that many of my brothers and sisters that I come to rescue will close the door in my face, and by doing so, reject their savior. I know I am going to have moments of fear, discouragement, and loneliness. But I also know that the Lord will help me.

Another question I get asked frequently is Why I am choosing to leave my family when it is not my "duty," or why I am choosing to go when I am so old.........almost 22. HaHa My answer to them is quite simple. Love. I LOVE my Savior, Jesus Christ and I want to SERVE Him full time. I LOVE God's children and want them to feel the same joy that I feel by coming unto Jesus Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. I LOVE the Temple and want people to be sealed to their families for all eternity. I LOVE the gospel of Jesus Christ and am humbled that I have the opportunity to share it with others and a great desire to open my mouth and declare the truth to all of the Argentine people.

All of you who have thought of, thinking about, or haven't even thought of a mission. Get down on your knees and just ask. Even if it's just once. I was in your same shoes. For almost 5 years a little piece of serving the Lord was waiting deep down in my heart. I felt lost, until that moment I began to fall on my knees. Don't worry about the little things, don't worry about being the best missionary, talking in front of millions of people, or being that person that knows all of the bible stories. Christ knows your worries, he knows your strengths, and he is willing to help. There is nothing greater then the moment I decided to go on a mission. My world had changed. When you love the Lord so much that you will do anything for him, that there is nothing else in this world that would change your mind, because you Love Him more then anyone else.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on the earth today. I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I love the scriptures and study and ponder on them daily. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today, President Thomas S. Monson, and that he leads and guides us. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He is the center of my life. Because of His great sacrifice, I know that I can return to my Father in Heaven as I repent and strive to be better. I know that the Temple is the House of the Lord and that families can be together forever. I know that the family is ordained of God. I know that The Church is true. I have made the big decision to go to Argentina and preach the gospel because I have a great desire for everyone to hear the truth. I know it will be difficult. I know that I will be doing things that I have never done before. I know that the Lord will be with me and as I am worthy of it, He will give me His guidance and direction. I know that this is the Lord's work and He is letting me be but an instrument in His hands.

Thanks for following my journey on this Argentine Adventure.