A Chance To Begin!

A Chance To Begin!

Can you believe it? 

A new year is already here?

There are three hundred

And sixty five days in a year!

Each day's a new start

to act without fear!

Each day to do 

and to act and to learn,

New memories to make,

More calories to burn! 

New friends to meet,

more trials to greet!

New discoveries to be made,

more mistakes to let fade.

New hope to welcome,

more faith to renew!

Opportunities to serve,

to stand tall and true!

To laugh and find pleasure

in just being you!

So on this first day,

of this brand new year,

Make a fresh start.

Have joy in your heart.

By smling a smile

to welcome on in

The blessings that come

from a chance to begin.

~Sister Janel Lewis

Right Where You Are

I love the prophet, Prophet Thomas S. Monson. 

 
Photo Source: LDS.org, The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
He truly is a man called of God. I always enjoy being able to listen to him speak during General Conference! How true this statement is:
"Prayer is the passport to peace." 
- President Thomas S. Monson
 

Right Where You Are

As I sally forth

in my every day cares,

often I pause

and think of worldly snares.

I think even deeper,

of what's in my heart,

I cry out in confusion,

it's always a good start.

Explaining my difficulties,

my fears and my scars,

Telling him what brings laughter,

and what I find bizarre!

And whether you think He's listening,

if you question if He's near or far,

I testify He's there for you,

exactly right where you are.

Impatiently we may wonder,

where's my "sign" that I may ponder?

Where's the answer that I've been seeking?

Where's my answer, the clocks are ticking?

Oh how impatient we are,

oh my proud foolish heart!

Just remember the star

on that glorious night!

For year after year

the prophets of old,

the birth of our Savior,

they foretold!

So what if our answer

doesn't come in a sinch?

In the wait there's a lesson,

it won't come in a pinch!

So diligently, in the mean-time,

I continue to ponder and pray,

In hopes that with the answer,

the lesson I've learned will stay there!

~Sister Janel A. Lewis

Remember The Reason

Remember the Reason

Whether it's snow flurries,
or hay bales on the go,
the whole town is anticipating
the Christmas show.

The shop lights are on,
the carols are being sung
Are our thoughts
centered on the Holy One?

Do our minds
think back on the night
to the beginning of
our Saviors story?

Do we think of the shepherds
and their wonder and awe
that night as they saw
the Christmas star?

Brightly in the distance
beamed the glorious star!
A testament of
our dear Saviors birth!

I trembled in fear,
to think the time we thought
was so near,
was finally here!

Yes, our Dear Savior is here!
The King of Kings,
The Prince of Peace,
The thought fills me with cheer! 

The whole world pauses
as I look up in wonder,
to  hear the words
of the Heavenly messenger!

To think such as he
would come to someone like me
on a night that I watched
over the sheep in the flock.

What precious words
the angel did say
of a babe that was swaddled
and laid in a manger with care!

To think such as He
would come so silently!
On a night,
so like any other.

The glorious star
that shone from afar
testified of His coming
and it caused me to wonder!

What could I give
to a King such as He,
The King of the Heavens
and of the Earth?

No worldly throne
had I
or garments
of fine silk,

But a humble heart
would be the start
of a gift that I'd give
to my Savior.

When we think of a gift
do we strive to uplift,
to lighten the load
of another?

For our Father in Heaven,
in goodness and glory
provided the way
for the Christmas story!

He sent His Son,
to atone for the world,
and as gifts in return,
we offer our pride and worry!

As we go forth,
with the spirit of joy,
Remember the reason,
Remember the Christmas story! 

~Sister Janel A. Lewis

Photo Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

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Hay-day Headache!

Sometimes I find my mind wandering off in all sorts of directions. I'm sure you can relate. I've discovered that my mind is constantly flowing like a river. Every once in a while, my imagination will take hold upon what was simply a passive thought and turn it into a new jumble of crazy thoughts! When this happens, it's nice to just take a step back and see things clearly. It's comforting to know that those outrageous thoughts, in actuality, are not truth! Satan is the father of all lies. We must pay attention to our thoughts, because our thoughts essentially turn into action! 

Hay-day Headache!

Satan's having a hay-day,

he's dancing around inside.

All these thoughts of negativity,

are pounding around, all lies!

The whisperings and wary confusion

can't compare, there's no disillusion,

to the peace and truthful solution,

It brings me to this conclusion;

When Satan's having a hay-day,

when there's banging pots and pans,

To quiet all the clatter,

I need to bow my head and clasp my hands.

When opposition is tight in line,

God the Father of all mankind,

Calms the conjured storms

of my silly mind. 

~ Sister Janel A. Lewis 

I love the sweet peace that comes with prayer. I know that if we continually turn to our Father in Heaven for guidance and direction, we will not be deceived by the adversary. We all have the freedom to choose! 

"Men... have become free forever, knowing good from evil: to act for themselves... they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil" 2 Nephi 2:26-27

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Restoration- to bring back what was once present!

The Restoration

In every early
dispensation
God has seeked  
to bless His Children

He has called prophets
like Abraham and Noah
To spread the "Good News" 
to all the Earth! 

Oh what good news
we have cherished
of our Saviors sacrifice!

Yet when men are greedy
or proud and lofty
the prophets voice we
harken not.

We fall into opposition
or a state of apostasy,
where Gods Priesthood Authority 
is no longer on the Earth!

For everything good
there is opposition
While God seeks to bless
Satan seeks our destruction.

But when we harken
to a prophets voice
we are filled with peace,
joy and happiness at our choice!

God loves His children
so he send prophets
to testify of truth
and to cry repentance.

After the dark ages,
also known as the Apostasy, 
God again reached out
to bless His Children.

 








Because God loves families 
and He wants them to last forever,
He has restored the Gospel
in this Last Dispensation!

Our Savior and Father in Heaven
both came down and 
answered Joseph Smith's
humble and heartfelt prayer!

Yes what Glorious 
perfect love hath our Father 
and His only Begotten Son
That in answer to prayer they did come!
 
He had inquired about
which church to join,
which one had the 
fullness of the Gospel truth?

In reply he 
received and answer
that on the Earth 
not was there.

Joseph was called
as a modern day prophet
to restore the fullness
of the Gospel to the Earth!

Now we can worship 
and Glorify Father 
In the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints!

I testify, with all my heart,
I know Joseph Smith
is a prophet of God.

The Priesthood Authority, 
the power to act in Gods name,
is again, upon the Earth!

You too can know
of the truthfulness of 
the Restoration!

Don't  hesitate to 
ask  the question,
But send a plea
to your Father in Heaven. 

~Sister Janel A. Lewis 


To watch a short video clip on the restoration click on this link! 

 http://bcove.me/3i3ero8n

Part of Who I Am

Part of Who I Am

To every thing

there is reason to reflect,

What was the cause,

did it have an effect?

Was eating a cookie

a sin in itself?

Or was the guilt later

the threat to my health?

Was the smile I smiled

as I waved to a friend,

a conscious deed a kindness

or a part of who I am? 

Do the actions I take

really say all that much? 

In the grand scheme of things,

is what I do enough?

Do the words I say,

read and listen to each day

uplift and strengthen,

or shy positive feelings away?

And what I do with truth,

whether it's relish, treasure and reflect, 

Do I place a priority 

on sharing my Heavenly wealth?

For above all else

we know the greatest blessings come

from sharing not our worldly shrine,

but of testifying of that which is most sublime! 
~Sister Janel A. Lewis

The thoughts that we think, the actions we take, and how we turn outward to bless others is truly what determines whether or not we are following in the Saviors footsteps!  

I am SO thankful for a very loving Father in Heaven who has blessed me with the opportunities that I have been given in life. He has blessed me with the knowledge of who I am, where I came from, why I am here on Earth, and how I can act in Faith and return to live with my family and my Father in Haven for all Eternity! This life is a time to progress! God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but He wants us to continually look forward with hope! I testify that our Savior did come to this Earth. He did atone for our sins. Because of His perfect love, we can return to live with our Father in Heaven again! By following our Savior Jesus Christ, we can find more lasting joy and peace in this life, and Salvation in the life to come!

Prayer of Thanks

Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Prayer of Thanks

Amid all the hustle
and bustle in life,

When we are bombarded
with trouble, worry and strife,
 

We can pause for a moment
to think and to pray,
 

To see the good
in our life today.
 

God's given gifts
and blessings abound.

 

Just take a moment 

to look around, 

In just a few moments 

the blessings are found! 

We can offer up 

a prayer of thanks,

Addressing our Father in Heaven

is the first step we take,

While conversing with Father 

no thought's a mistake

But listen to the whisperings 

think if you're willing to change.

Take a moment to ponder

 hold on to the good, 

Prayer is refreshing,

I know I'm understood.

End in the name 

of the Only Begotten,

The plea you've made

won't go on forgotten,

But Father remembers 

our desires and needs

We'll recognize his blessings

if His promptings we pay heed.  

-Sister Janel A. Lewis

You are not Traveling Alone

 You are not Traveling Alone

Lift your head high

there are mountains to conquer!

There are ponies to ride,

and streams to hop over!

There are apples to eat

when you climb up a tree!

There are stars to wish upon 

in the twinkling galaxy!

There are yummies to munch on, 

and fall leaves to crunch on!

There are smiles to share

and laughter to laugh on!

So before you fret and pout

stop pacing and look about

at the beautiful world

all around!

For you're not alone

in this journey called life,

No matter the trials

that get poured on.

From the pre-mortal  life,

you were sent here to Earth.

To learn and to grow

and to progress.

And although we try and do our best,

on our own

 it's impossible to past the test

Without our Saviors part in the plan. 

To this Earth,

Our Savior, He did come! 

And In Love

He suffered and bled.

He took up the cross

for each and every one.

What perfect love hath our Eldest Brother, 

Our Father's Only Begotten Son!

So don't get discouraged

when the journey gets tough!

For you are not

traveling alone.

But turn to your Father 

in prayer and be strengthened!

Think of the blessings He's given,

and give thanks for every one!  

~Janel A. Lewis

Never Forget

I love little old ladies. I just do! I don't know why, but for some reason I have always just been drawn to them! They are always so full of love and wisdom, and good laughter! There's something special about little old ladies. 

Yesterday we had the opportunity to talk to one of the sweetest little ol ladies that I have ever met! She just welcomed us right on in and we had a wonderful little chat. 

Throughout our conversation with her I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming of Gods love. Concerns that had been on my mind, or thoughts that I had thought were answered as she shared with us some of her experiences. There was such a sweet spirit in her home, and I know without a doubt that she was an answer to my prayers. 

After our visit I wrote down some of the things she had said that I want to always remember. I hope you enjoy her wisdom as much as I do.

Never Forget

Trust in the Lord, 

There's no reason to fear.

Have faith in sunshine,

your loved ones are near.

Don't dwell on the past,

for a moment too long,

But laugh at mistakes, 

feel Gods love and move on.

And most important of all, 

follow the spirit of truth,

Don't yield to Satan, 

stop doubts in their youth.

Never forget,

whose child you are,

For the King of Kings

loves you exactly as you are.

~Sister Janel A. Lewis

(Inspired by the words and testimony of Imogene Smith) 

I hope we never forget who we are, and who we can become. Never forget you are a daughter or son of a very loving and compassionate Father in Heaven who loves you exactly as you are. I hope we always remember that through our Savior, we have the potential to become like our Father in Heaven, and to return to live with Him again. I know this is a beautiful and most sacred truth. A truth which I hope to never forget. 

Gathering Leaves

Photo Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Gathering Leaves

Green, yellow

Orange and brown,

Fall leaves

are falling down.

Leaves that were young

and growing on trees,

Now are old,

and falling in the breeze.

Smoke from a chimney,

is no longer a tease,

But hints at the holiday,

and the cold winter freeze!

We bundle all together, 

happy and full of delight, 

Hot cocoa in hand,

boy is it a sight!

Families together, 

for forever and a day,

Love, life and laughter,

will never fade away.

Love ones have past,

and new babes are born,

And the trials on earth

that hint of a storm

Won't keep us apart,

despite all that we lack,

We'll do our part,

to keep loved ones in tact.

For God's blessed plan 

is Eternal and profound,

Our precious families

are in God's hand.

~Sister Janel Lewis

I absolutely LOVE love LOVE that Families can be together forever! It brings me SO much peace, and really, it makes a lot of sense! It just blows my mind how much our Father in Heaven loves each and every one of us so much- that he blessed us with families! That doesn't mean we have perfect families, but that as we stive to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to live with our families for forever, even after we die. 

 I hadn't been on my mission for very long before I received news that my grandfather, George Albert Lewis, had passed away at the age of 93. Knowing that I will be with my grandfather again has brought my family a lot of comfort. 

Here's a short 5 minute video that I think captures the spirit of how families can be together forever.  

I testify that we did indeed live together with our Father in Heaven before we came to Earth. There is a purpose to life, and I know without a doubt that our families can be together forever. 

To learn more about how your family can be together forever please visit:

 https://familysearch.org/ 

or

http://mormon.org/beliefs/plan-of-salvation