My Mission Progress

Hey Guys!

Here are 3 great spots I thought you might enjoy watching! Let me know what you think of them... I love you all!

http://lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng#2011-06-012-moments-that-matter-most


http://lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng#2011-05-010-book-of-mormon-introduction


http://lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng#2009-05-21-hope-ya-know-we-had-a-hard-time


Hey Everybody!

So far my bike is fixed! The only thing I really need with it is that the 1st and 8th gears are worn a bit (we missionaries redefine wear and tear) - but my bike is otherwise doing great!

Lately, we've had a lot of people getting ready for baptism but they can't seem to make the final push. If they did we would have wrinkled skin after being in the water for so long....we're working on it!

Lately my companion and I have been working and getting better at our weaknesses and we're trying to hammer everything out as we go,....it's going great though!

So I'm still sick (just with a cough) but it's all good. We're going to be loading up on things here pretty soon at Walmart tonight....haha!

So I want to talk about my mission so far. What it has done for me and how I've changed.

My mission has changed my entire perspective on my life. I owe all of my help and sanctification to my Savior. My attitude to prayer is different and I continue to change how I feel about communicating with my Father and Jesus Christ.

Regarding my thoughts on returning home one day...I see myself deleting all the music and getting rid of a ton of movies, shows, games, etc. Changing what is in my life and emursing myself deeply in my understanding of my beliefs as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

One thing that has stuck out in my mind is that there are only 2 names I represent. First, Jesus Christ and second, my family name. They are the only 2 names on my tag. I go around telling people that I will help them regardless of their circumstances as Christ would do and as a Richards--family name. So that when people read my name (Richards) they will remember that the Richards' believed and lived the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

It is a heavy burden but one I enjoy because I still hope I can change as much as the Apostle Paul did and make sacrifices when it is needed but seems impossible. So far it's been great! and I am looking forward to seeing how I come up to next in my progression. I don't want to go back to who I was before as the council from an Area Seventy suggested "Don't adjust very much when you return home; the only thing that must happen is your release and nothing else." Adding my own words to that "if I go home with nothing applied than I'm not doing what Christ intended for me from the beginning; to follow Him, to act like Him, in His name, and to sanctify myself. If I stop doing those things then I will not be as close to the Lord ever in my life as I have had the opportunity to be now or in the Temple." I owe everything to Him and I'm seeking ways every day to change and apply new things that will bring me closer to that goal. The phrase we use out here the most should be applied to all..."Set goals AND make plans to ____________."

Everything else is going well.....other than I need to write in my journal more and get feeling better!! I hope y'all liked this email and I hope to hear from y'all soon.

I love ya!

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints!