An EXCITING week!

A week of great ALARM and great EXCITEMENT!

So this past week has been verrrrrrrry interesting! We had interviews with our Mission President. Our rides for Zone Conference got confused and we ALMOST didn't have one; so we planned out a route to bike to Virginia Beach from Norfolk; BUT we got a ride at the last second! Haha!

We got lost on the city bus transit system and ended up leaving our area. So as we were waiting for a bus we taught some people along the way clear over in the Virginia Beach zone! After we had waited for a while for the bus - as it was pulling up - we saw that it  had a FULL bike rack - soooooo we decided to catch the bus at the light rail station. It was a 2-3 mile bike ride and we ended up arriving there at the same time that the bus got there. The bus driver had this really puzzled look on his face....like 'haven't I seen you guys before'! Hahahahaha! We were sweating BULLETS that day.....it was great!.....but alas! No luck with that bus either, so we just rode home.  I also got my bike fixed a bit!

Our investigator is progressing.....and his girlfriend is somewhat interested.

I almost got KILLED by a car on Thursday....so if any of you ever had the thought to pray for my safety that day.......THANK YOU! I did have a few scrapes here and there but I'm OK....It's all good!

(Don wrote him: Did you fall? Did you get hurt by the bus? Did the driver stop to see if you were okay?????)
(His reply: Uhhhh just my arm and shin got scraped up. My  head is intact; the driver of the car came within a foot of hitting me before they stopped. They got out and said 'I just felt that I needed to stop." I said in a delighted way "Thanks...I'm REALLY glad you did." I will say, at the time I was more worried about my sock that got torn up big time than I was with myself. Haha!)

My companion even said "You handled that way better than I would have. I would be crying right now." Haha! It's all good! No Worries...It's all good! My companion gave me a blessing in the park nearby. Just please pray that I remain focused on what I'm doing and protected as I ride PLEASE.

Don then wrote:
"Remember you are wearing the armor of God. Please be careful. I'm glad you are OK and that you got a blessing. WE pray for you EVERY day plus about 13 million + members!"

Elder Richards responded to his dad: Thanks, I LOVE you Dad! Your the man! Be safe while you're gone too.

*********************
(I sure hope Don and I can get through this mission without having heart attacks!)

More news:

So Norfolk might be changed a bit this next week. There might be some changes made to the areas of Norfolk 1st & 2nd Wards. All of us missionaries here have either served here for 6 months or more (E. Richards has now been there for 7 1/2 months) and the other two Elders are here for their 2nd time on their missions. Chances are I might be transferred, but who knows. We'll find out this next Sunday.

My studies this week have been sweet! I'm learning to put trust in the Lord and relying on Him to make the changes that I can't make. Also learning about how I can apply that trust in my life,

In working with people..what I'll usually do is ask a person about what problems they may be having in life....then I'll ask..."what is usually associated with that behavior?"....i.e. drugs, crime, crummy environment, etc...(these are the major things mentioned) Asking these things usually helps to reveal to us what they need to know about to make better choices in their lives. In return we try to teach them about repentance and show them how that can help their lives be better. We will also talk about how to have hope, faith and Charity and helping them to see how those qualities will ultimately help them in their lives to be happier. So I'm learning how to ask more inspired questions with our investigators and it's WORKING!! Yeah!!  This really helps us to narrow things down for understanding them and if they are going to want to continue with us teaching them or not.

BTW if you were watching the media about Gov. Romney in Norfolk and if you happened to see 2 confused missionaries in white shirts and ties riding in the streets...THAT WAS US....HAHAH! We  had no idea what was going on. We were on our way to get my bike fixed in Portsmouth and we had no idea that they were coming to Norfolk.....HAHA....Plus we were lost...so it's all good!

Anyway...that's been my week so far. It's been crazy and really fun all at the same time. I hope everyone enjoys their week.....this week!

I LOVE you all!

Elder Richards

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


P.S. I would also like to extend my thanks to all of you who pray for our missionary and all the other missionaries from our ward. It helps a TON!!

The Fog of War....and more interesting Thoughts!

More great Saints from Virginia!

We sure enjoyed the 4th this year!

My new, BIG companion!
He's the Man!

This week has been crazy!                             6 August 2012

We were teaching an investigator in their apartment when someone else in the room randomly woke up and wanted a lesson also! So we were nice and busy teaching 2 lessons at the same time and then as we were leaving...we continued to  have a great discussion and thennnnnnnnnn........my companion's tire POPPED! The hole was next to the valve (which was an interesting fix) but it worked! Stem flats are tough but you feel like you can do anything - if it works! Haha!

We also had our young men come with us on exchanges and we blitzed the area! It works if both YM can ride well on bike...but it's all good! We accomplished our goals! :-)

Yesterday (Sunday) was also crazy! We had a random investigator come to church (who we didn't know) and we went to all the classes exorting the youth to pass out the new QR code pass-along cards. (I'm anxious to follow up next week)!

(While Elder Richards was writing his email to us this is what happened!) So the woman that just came to church yesterday just TEXTED us and we're having an appointment this week! YEAH! so uhhhh...just thought I'd share!!!!!!!! :-)

One of the testimonies given yesterday was by a soldier who talked about "the fog of war"; how the fog hampers the soldier fighting in battle.....keeping them from accomplishing their objectives. It includes things like: war cries, shrapnel, explosions, bullet fire and so on. He went on to say that the Church is in a "fog of war" state. Things that distract us from accomplishing our objectives - things like: profanity, disrespect to women, drugs, pornography, addictions and so on.... I really enjoyed that analogy and I believe it makes sense. What in my "fog of war" is keeping me from achieving my objectives and obtaining victory? Interesting thought! I also remember though that I am a supernal being. I've been put here for a reason and I need to understand what that is:

THE PLAN OF SALVATION!

Christ Knocking
at OUR door

Woman at the Well

                               



So today I was studying about repentance and how critical it is every day of our lives. I thought of when the Savior was speaking to the woman at the well and also how Heavenly Father wants us to "seek" after him. I was also studying in the ARP manual, step 3 and compared it with 'the woman at the well' and went on to step 4 - of how to apply that in my life. Along with these thoughts came to my mind the scripture in Revelation 3:20:

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

ANOTHER THOUGHT from the scriptures:

In Matt.5:17-48 Here the Lord is showing the people how to let go of the Law of Moses and their 'hard hearts' and learn to live by a different law. Also, the story of Alma and Amulek as they were in dungeons and treated so badly - because of the hardness of the hearts of the people. In Alma  8:31 it reads

  "And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power UNTIL they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth His power in them."

REMEMBER AND FORGET NOT!  I just need to remain confident that God is with me and act at the right moment and then things will change. People will be converted as they witness God's power.

My studies have been amazing and I'm really trying to internalize the scriptures for me.

BTW Mom, the cd's work great! I've really enjoyed listening to the talks on them.....THANKS!

I LOVE y'all and I hope everyone's week goes well. Thank you for all y'all do.

Beautiful sunset over the Atlantic!

A little mission humor:

Now that I have it all taken apart.....where do all the pieces go......
Tell the young men preparing for their missions to take a
Bike 101 repair class! It will come in handy!!  :-)

Elder Richards

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

http://mormonchannel.org/mormon-messages-for-youth?v=1756076503001

http://mormonchannel.org/

HOPE YOU ENJOY THESE VIDEOS! They're AWESOME!

This is what the work is all about!
The Lord's children!

Some NEW Progress!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Great Family!

GOOD Friends!!!

How do you dry leather?
Yeah...it's hot and sweaty here!

This week has been GREAT! Our ward is now starting to get ward missionaries, and we're developing a ward mission plan. Our youth are asking us all the time to come out with us and teach, bike, tract and so on....!

Our ward is looking up and it's great that we're getting things ignited. It's been a struggle and it took some trials to get here but hopefully we will see some good things come out of this.

Lately my studies have highlighted the significance of Jesus Christ; how great He was/is and His influence in my life. The gospel, when applied brings nothing but GOOD things into our lives; because it's all TRUE principles.

I'm also trying to apply the doctrine found in the scriptures. That's how it is meant to work since Nephi did it in his time and how all the prophets did. I'm likening the scriptures to myself more and internalizing them with the hopes that I will get more out of them; thus giving me a better understanding of life and history also!

One of our investigators broke down to us and said he didn't want to revert back to anger and drugs. We gave him a list of things to help him have happiness! AND HE CAME TO CHURCH!!!!! bOO-YEAH!!!

We also met 2 new investigators who were very nice the first night we met. They gave us a nice drink at their home and we're meeting them tonight for a lesson!!

Lately my bike has been working great! I'll be getting a new cassette here soon that can hold up to the stress I put into it!!!!! (IT'S ALL GOOD!)

The BIKE Man.....He's the MAN!!!
He keeps us on the Road!

Another thing I've realized this week is that even in hard times, optimism is key to living and progressing in the gospel and in our mental health. The Gospel benefits every aspect of our lives all at the same time while applying one principle and then learning to do another. Living one principle helps us to live another and another and another and the only thing that limits us in our progression is in our understanding of the doctrine.

Here are some ways to better look at the scriptures when studying:

1. Doctrine - WHAT is the doctrine

2. Principle - WHY is it a principle

3. Application - HOW do we apply it?

4. Behavior - WHY and HOW does it change our behavior..

I hope that makes sense. Thanks for your e-mails family.

I LOVE you ALL!

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter Day Saints

We're WATCHING you!!

This Week....How I am finding Me!!

Hello Everyone!                                Monday,  July 16, 2012

Things are going well! This last transfer I received a NEW companion! :-)

My new companion is E. Zajac and he is from Sandy, Utah. He's been out for just over a year. I'm excited that we're both excited about working hard and putting things into action here -- together. We're still teaching  two investigators - one named Jeff and the other one Candi. Candi is still holding off on progressing -  so in the mean time we're going through the area book to see if we can find other potential contacts and former investigators who might need help and we're planning on going and visiting them this week.

So regarding my bike....my bike chain just got replaced and the grinding sound went down some - but it's still there....it's never ending!!!!! But it's ALL GOOD! :-)

That's COOL that Bro. Ottoboni is the new bishop! He's the MAN!!!! It's also crazy to hear that the building is going to look super different when I get home.

You mentioned Alma 15 in your last email Mom....funny thing is that I just finished reading it also; but saw some things from a different view than you. I love how that works with the scriptures and thank you for the great insight.

This week has been crazy and fun all around. We had to learn to rely on the Spirit  the other day. We had to determine if someone was accountable to be baptized. It was exciting because of the big decision we had to make. We realized that with an eternal perspective you really need to depend on the Spirit and be firmly anchored with God; otherwise you may not reach your goals.

One thing that I'm noticing is that a lot of people are prideful and they let that type of outlook determine their goals and those things that they seek after in life. We need to be strong - not only on the outside (physically) but also on the inside (spiritually). We need to be teachable. Just as Alma the Elder was when Abinadi came to call his people to repentance and also like Alma, the Younger with the life changing experience he was given. They both accepted the Gospel (the Savior) into their lives. As we do that, we realize that our Spirits need to come out and be allowed to grow and be strengthened. That happens when we turn ourselves over to God and allow Him to change us.

I've learned recently that I need to accept my life, myself, my weaknesses AND my strengths. By doing that I can then move forward improving myself (with the Lord's help) and become the man He wants me to become. We must all learn to build the outer AND inner man! We will all get to the point - after this life - where we will achieve our goals; but what we do in THIS life determines our reward in the next...."this life is a time for men to prepare to meet God...." (Alma 12:24)

I am learning to accept me and I am loving this journey!

I LOVE you all and I hope that everyone enjoys their week. THANKS for the e-mails!

Elder Richards

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

E. Zajac -left and E. Richards - far right.

The other night Don and I were sitting at our dining room table and Don received an e-mail over his phone. As he glanced at it (he EXCITEDLY exclaimed...It's from Virginia! - this picture showed up and the person wrote...."We had your son and his companion over for dinner tonight.....he is a WONDERFUL missionary!"

Our day had been trying and I was kind of 'down' at that moment........but I immediately began to cry tears of joy - especially to see how happy he is!

Enjoy!

P.S. Aren't those children absolutely DARLING!!!  :-)

Transfer Calls!!!!

SURPRISE!!!....I'm staying in Norfolk, VA....Hahahaha!!! It's all good! My companion E. Carlson is being moved to Goochland- just west of Richmond.

I'm going to be serving with E. Zajak (I think that's how you spell his name). He lived here before when I first got here - with all the chaos that was going on before. He's coming back to serve with me in the Norfolk 1st Ward....so he will have served in both areas in Norfolk.

This last week we've been staying in until we have an appointment. We're updating our area map and making some new changes. Now that it's getting into the 80's we're going out more. We've had tons of heat advisories lately....but it's all good.

I gave a ride to some little kids of one of our members and ran all over the yard like crazy! That night we taught someone struggling with addiction recovery and in trusting in God. The lesson went well and we're going to be checking in with them from time to time. Also, the amount of sweat I've had in the past five days has been crazy! Hahahahaha!

We've also been able to meet more with our less-active members and others during the hottest part of the day - to see how they are doing. Our members are AWESOME! People here have such a different understanding of the gospel then others do....I mean when it comes to action. One of our members is under house arrest due to complicated reasons but as we were visiting him - he is reading his scriptures, Preach My Gospel and also a biography of Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. He is still strong in the faith; wanting to come to church - but unable to at this time.

We were also trying to make some fun out of our hot day by riding on the slanted surface under the road because of the breeze and the shade there and it being funnnnnn!  Hahaha!

Our investigators are a bit quiet but we're getting places with them and we're going to start setting them for baptism for this month..so I'll let y'all know how that's going.

Yesterday (Monday) I didn't check my e-mail. Sorry...We were out fishing at the Ocean View fishing pier and we were trying to catch some grub. It was nice out but super windy and I didn't really get to catch any crabs either.. :/ but it's all good and it was really fun!

Things have been going good. I'm looking forward to this Thursday when I see my new companion and we get moving! I'm stoked to get baptisms - hopefully this month and more in our ward this year. I've officially been here for 6 months and this next transfer will be 7 1/2 and I'm hoping to be here for a while still. It's hard and grueling work to be here in the city with a tough area, but it's WORTH the reward....that's what I live for. It feels good to see the fruits of my labors (if only in a small way).

My bike is hopefully going in today for repairs...if not..I'll try these next couple of days...it's all good and I can still ride it.

Also, we're experiencing some thunder and possibly some rain today so that means I'm gettin soaked! WOOHOO!

In my studying I JUST realized that James and John were the brothers of Jesus...in the bible dictionary. I LOVE to read the definitions of the apostles and the epistles of them. That's what I've been studying lately.

Well, I LOVE you all! I hope y'alls week is going well.

Elder Richards

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

Happy 4th of July!

Hello Everyone!                                                           3 July 2012

Thanks for the emails Mom and Dad!

So this last week has been full of excitement! We started the procedures for Emergency Preparedness. Everything worked out fine - although 2 of 7 of our zones lost power. We were ok. We had our power flicker on and off a bit but nothing serious. We took some great shots of lightning and the sky since we had to stay in....a lot! Because of stormy weather, we've also had to stay inside during heat advisories, so things were getting really boring for a while.

Lots of Lightning strikes!

On P-day (yesterday) we went fishing up in North Norfolk at the longest pier in North America. It was great! We caught 10 or 11 fish; mostly Spot and Croakers and also crab....those are fun catching! Haha! We had fun chasing them on the pier after pulling them out of the water!

The Gangs all here!

What an amazing 'Fisher' of 'Men'!

Virginia Crab

As far as our missionary work goes - we made GIGANTIC progress with our ward and the blessings are coming in. Our Bishop is the Man! We asked him what his vision was for the ward and for how he sees us working with the ward. We spent about an hour and a half talking about how we could effectively work with the ward members through the home teachers; and through that to find more people to teach. It's a great thing to be doing one plan that accomplishes many things all at once....so things have been great!

Lately I've been studying in Alma 10 and have had some great experiences learning from that and applying these teachings in my missionary work. I've also been looking at all the 'teaching moments between two or more people' in the scriptures and highlighting those examples. I've also been studying how they communicated and progressed in their lessons and highlighting a lot of these things. I'm sure that makes me weird but I've tried some of those ideas and other modern communication ideas and I've noticed that with the people we're teaching our lessons are going better and we're progressing farther. It's great to see the blessings that come from what we learn in our studies.

I hope everyone is doing great and is enjoying the week and hopefully the great weather.

Love y'all!

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ 

of Latter Day Saints

P.S. More Pics!

Lots of bikes! His is the ORANGE one in front!

Crazy riding this bike!!

As is very normal, there are more bike repairs in my future!! Can't believe how hard us missionaries are on our bikes!


ENJOY the pictures!

My Day...My Week...My Mission...so far.......!

Apartment Community

An interesting Missionary Meal!

The BedBug Bandit! Watch Out!

Warriors on Bikes! Don't they look great!

Maybe he will be a Doctor some day!

A Warrior's Boots

Here We Come....Bed Bugs!!!

So....this last week I twisted my ankle...The one I've messed up 3 times before. We went to the Doc to get some x-rays done...which came back clean. I'm about as healthy as a horse with a twisted ankle and a higher salt diet. Hahahaha....so I've been in the apartment a lot to recover...and it's been driving me absolutely crazy!!! I'm now back on my feet with a set of military navy boots to stabilize my ankle along with an ace bandage underneath to help. I can walk - although getting DOWN stairs is another story. Also, the boots don't breath so I'm sure the other missionaries will love me for the next month or so.

It's great to hear that TJ and Jeff are in the 4th ward now. It's also good to hear that Landon has gotten married and is back in town and with a job! That's great! I hope he and his wife are doing well!

It's good to hear that family life is going well and that things are moving along.

Dad, I hope you have a safe trip and that you enjoy your week, this week. Please always remember to pay attention to the feelings of the Spirit as you travel. I need you to be safe! Thanks!

I also can't wait to use the new system for genealogy when I get home. The church has really made a ton of upgrades to their systems in the past two years. Apparently, there may be ipads  in our mission by August; but we'll see....nothing is for sure yet.

It's good to hear that Amanda is running! When I get back I'll tune up her bike so we can both go biking and everyone can come!

Good to hear that Cory is doing well too! BTW Cory is the man!!!

Amy, it's good to hear that your working so well that you are now full-time at your job. You're AWESOME!

Laura, I'd love some letters or emails. Either way it's all good! I'll have to send you my x-ray to look at it. Don't worry - I'll make my naked leg more modest with my sharpie here at the apartment before I send it to you. Hahaha! JK!

The Norfolk 1st ward is doing well. We're trying to find more investigators because the 3 we had are moving soon - so  no more of them - we're back at Square 1 again! It's tough, but it's all good. Just more to do. there is never a dull moment - just plenty to do.

Mom, there is a scripture in Ezekiel that relates to what your feeling. Missionary work is doctrine and happiness is a direct result to doing missionary work. It's great!

Dad, I hope your enjoying your treats more and NOT sharing them with the cat. LOL Hahahaha! Those peppermint patties are the best. They don't have them at the Dollar store where we go to get our snacks; but they do have junior mints. I put them in the freezer where they get tough but not solid ice and that's the best!

Today I studied in Mosiah 27 where the Angel comes to Alma the Younger and rebukes him but also helps him and his father. I related that to the white hand book in "Missionary Leadership". "The principles of gospel leadership affect the success of every phase of the work" and the leaders "goal is not merely to supervise or motivate; but to lift, encourage, inspire and bless." This studying was great today. I also did a lesson plan I've gotten from another missionary (who is now home from his mission) and some other inspiration from God as to how I should create my lesson plans.

I hope everyone is doing well and that y'all enjoy reading my "exciting week"! Hahahaha!

I love you = everyone!

Elder Richards

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

Good in the Kitchen!

Another view of the Atlantic Ocean,,,Enjoy!

News from the Mission

Home Away from Home!

Must be the FAMOUS bike shop! With E. Richards' bike
right up front!                                                                       

Left: Elder Richards......Far Right: Elder Carlson

These 4 Elders all share one apartment!

This was brought out at their Zone conference and everyone sang
"Happy Birthday" to Elder Richards.....He was totally surprised!

Hey Everyone!                                                                   12 June 2012

Thanks for all the b-day wishes! It was AWESOME and great to read all the emails. (Those are the most emails I've ever had on my mission!) :-)

My b-day was great! I got my bike fixed and we had some taco salad take out! It was great!

We got our apartment cleaned on my b-day and got all the grease off the kitchen floor! (Aha! They better clean up after themselves!) It was awesome; we put the table where it goes and the bikes in a better spot. Also, we had an investigator ride with us in downtown a few days ago and he was yelling out...."Hey, y'all have some blessings, you need a blessing?! Do You?! So I've got the white boys with me today, it's great! Haha yeah boy, that's right!" I got some pictures of us on bikes riding through town and he even found us a new investigator - so it's all good!

Things have been stressful and great at the same time. We're trying to get moving with our investigators and less-actives more; getting them to church and getting the new move-ins settled.

We're also trying to get some of our members involved doing missionary work. This ward doesn't really give us referrals very much at all; so our work consists of visiting less-active members and potentials. It's tough when not one member will give you anything to help with the work. We're trying to get the "missionary engine" started here! The leadership of the ward has given us assignments and we've been reporting to them the next hour or the next day on those items.

At the apartment we're dealing with a small case of bedbugs again...but it's all good. (Oh No! Not Again!) Our bikes are doing great. Everything is working alright - except one of the Elders' tires keeps going flat; so we've been patching it up with him and getting things working better.

Elder Carlson working on his bike!

Elder & Sis. Wiggins (Senior Missionaries in their District) gave us a ride to Walmart yesterday - that was great! We kept running into them and they've been chasing us down to fix any computer problems they have too. Haha - it's an adventure. (The Wiggins' are the ones I called and they arranged for the birthday cake for Elder Richards - they did a wonderful job!)

Well, thanks for all y'all are doing and for the b-day wishes! I love you all and would anything to help all of you with anything!!  :-)   :-)

Elder Richards

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


P.S. I want to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who took a few minutes of their time to wish Elder Richards' a Happy Birthday. I'm sure that made his day - any contact from home help the missionaries who are serving the Lord! Again THANKS from my heart!    Susan xoxoxo

More on the Mission and..............TRANSFERS

HEY EVERYONE!

Beautiful sunset off of Virginia!

Aerial view of Downtown Norfolk, Virginia

Panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean off of Virginia

All Wet...Yes...it does rain in other places besides Washington State!

Things are going well. I'm NOT getting transferred. I'm staying in Norfolk, VA so it's ALL good. I was hoping to stay a while longer and serve. We're making more changes to our ward mission plan here and are in the process of calling new ward missionaries. Getting the support from the Saints is AWESOME and I plan on doing much of it when I return home - to keep me busy in my spare time. So missionaries...watch out, the support is coming.

My companion and I are doing well. We're trying to get back on track with lot's of things and get moving with our work in the ward. We're going to be working a lot today, with moving and also teaching Daniel. He will be moving back to Tennessee due to some personal family matters. Tonight may be our last time teaching him; but we're going to be writing him a lot. I hope he joins the Church. He told me last night that a lot of the things in The Book of Mormon are more relevant to our time now than anything else and I thought that was AWESOME.

We're getting a new district leadcr this coming Thursday. I'm also hopefully getting a new chair for my study........and......this week I may be getting the last major repair to my bike - so hopefully that will be out-of-the way for a while. I decided to name my bike Flo after the girl from the Progressive Insurance commercials...or Natcho...because it's orange........any ideas would be helpful! HaHa!

Anyway, things are going  well lately. We watched "17 Miracles" yesterday and it was awesome. Everyone should watch it - it's great!

That's all about me; we're going to be working much smarter and picking up old pieces of old missionaries and putting them back together.......! HaHa!

Thanks for all you do. Love you all!

Elder Richards
of Latter Day Saints

Enjoy the pictures!

P.S. Everyone....this coming Saturday, June 9th is Elder Richards' birthday. PLEASE write  him a short note on his email which is nrichards@myldsmail.net.  Just a quick note to let him know he isn't forgotten!  Thanks Everyone!  Susan

Current District in Norfolk, VA

WILDlife in Virginia!

More wildlife....they sure have FAT cardinals!

Great family in Virginia
Elder Richards, Elder Carlson

Down on the beach at Norfolk, VA

A Mission Update and the Glory of God

Hello Everyone!                                                    22 May 2012

L to R. Elder Richards, Bishop Cluff & Elder Carlson

We were working with our Bishop on Sunday and trying to find ways for some people to get to church if they don't have a car. Here in our area (the city) there are city buses going everywhere; so we're encouraging these members to use the public transit system.

The Bishop kind of bragged about us in Ward Council about our investigators and how we are finding them through ward members. Our investigator Daniel, came to church on Sunday; and he came on the city bus system.

We recently went to find one of our referrals in jail! We received the referral by text from BYU. In the referral there was a number attached to this person's name. As we were meeting with the guard at the prison, we told him this person's name; but he couldn't confirm it; however, when we gave him the number that was attached to that name - it confirmed this was the correct person and we met with our contact. Missionary work---fighting crime one referral at a time! HAHA!

A thought on God's Majesty:

So as I was getting ready for bed last night my mind caught hold of the thought;....of brain neurons. How they drive our bodies to do great things.....our limbs to move and our eyes to see and our mouths to speak.

But where do these impulses come from or how are they started? Neurons transmit energy from one to another but which neuron is the original one...starting the signal to start the chain reaction? They drive our bodies but our decisions are also determined from these little things...started in the same way.

Blood carries energy from our food and lungs to our brain to start this process - but what tells the brain or the neuron to begin taking the food and oxygen to make the energy to start the chain reaction?

"......The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yeah, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." Alma 30:44


The Spirit, I believe, drives the tiny motions in the body from the power of God. Our characteristics and personalities indicate there is a Spirit with our talents. The Spirit is who we are. It's a miraculous thing to think about the body and the spirit and how one would not work or function without the other.

I know there is a God and He wants the best for us.Our purpose in this life is to come back to Him through Jesus Christ; because that is the only way.

I choose Christ!

I hope we all come to ponder on the majesty of God and recognize His creation.

I love you all!

Elder Richards

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

Turtle in Tree!

Hey Everyone!

As you can see, there is a dead turtle in my plant that one of the other Elder's put there. Haha! It's sad that it's not alive - but it's all good. If only I were afraid of dead animals........!

So these last few days have been great!

Thank you for all your emails today. It's great to hear that Mickey is Dad's HT companion. There is a video on lds.org entitled "On the road to Damascus" about how people are waiting for something big to happen when they will not SEE it. How they need to just commit to the gospel and look at the BIG picture of how the gospel will affect people's lives.

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#waiting-on-our-road-to-damascus  Click here and watch this great video!

It's great to feel the wonderful fulness that the principles of the gospel brings, to see what happens when we give to others. When giving something valuable to others, even when we really don't want to but do it anyway, there is a feeling in our hearts. Something that fills (an empty space) we didn't know was there. A satisfaction that fills every facet of our minds and bodies. That is the gospel. Read Alma 1:30, Alma 7:23-24. (BEAUTIFUL scriptures!)

It's AWESOME!

I'm grateful that the lessons in the Relief Society are so good (Mom) and hope they continue to be (inspiring). Being able to see how the gospel has effected people's lives is AWESOME! Even after so many years; and yet it's the small moments that those people remember and the fact that someone listened to the Spirit in order to follow that prompting and blessed someone's life. It made an impression (mark) on them and they remembered that. It's great!

So I am stoked to hear that the Sisters are coming over and planning what to do with investigators and the less active. Dad, one thing that will really help with the ward growth is matching members up with investigators for fellowship. Someone they can relate to, someone they can call anytime and explain something about the gospel to them. 

That fellowship is KEY; and inviting them to activities is great also.

So this week is hopefully going to be more fulfilling. I hope that we're able to get our lessons in with the people we're teaching. We're meeting with Daniel tonight. I just spoke to him over the phone last night and he's ready to meet tonight. We're going to be trying to help him overcome his addiction to smoking and possibly help with his drinking; so keep him in your prayers that there will be distaste for those things.

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed these things. I hope you all enjoy your week!

I love you all!

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter Day Saints

Hello Everyone!                                   8 May 2012

So this week is going really well!

We're getting more people to teach; greater trust from our ward where we are serving and things have gotten better because of repentance.

I know that our immediate situation improves because of repentance, understanding the Atonement. Our relationship to God is so important to our repentance. When we understand Deity, our repentance is far more significant.

We can feel the Spirit more in our lives and we can know, through the Spirit, our purpose in this life and what we should do if we want righteousness; the Spirit works for that goal in our lives.

When opportunities come; which they will, we need to tell God what we're going to do, what we're doing and what we did. We should also share our thoughts throughout the experience. I can promise that the more we do these things, our trust and relationship will improve with God.

So this last week we got the chance to meet Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. His words to us were AWESOME! We also got to meet Elder Jensen of the Seventy. When they were in the room - there was so much light! Things were GREAT!

For those who wonder if The Church is true, you don't need to meet an Apostle or the Prophet. Simply repenting and praying and attending Fast and Testimony Meeting will bring even more light - if not the same light as meeting a 'Called Servant of God. The witness is still the same from the Spirit. It's been amazing to me to see that and experience it.

I love you all. I'm going to send some recordings to y'all of my spiritual experiences. Enjoy!
(I tried to put them on here and they didn't work......Sorry!)

Elder Richards

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

Hey Everyone!

It's good to hear that everyone is doing well! Things here are going well! We are continuing to gain more trust with the Bishop of the ward and we're having appointments with people who are in part-member families and it's going good...a little slow...but hey.."no worries"!

Other than my latest bike spill last week things have been good. I have a GREAT companion to work with and some good roommates!!

Recently, we've been doing service for this family in our ward. Actually it's a HUGE family and only 1 person is a member. My companion and I both had a good talk with this member about how GREAT the Church is and how it's good to set the example for the coming generations. I loved being able to talk about a subject that I am very passionate about. Sometimes when you know a person it's easier to converse with them about things of great importance because there is already a trust built up with them. It's so nice to see someone's face light up; to see their smile and the look in their eyes. Great to see and feel that connection with them about what you are teaching. You can tell they need and want what you have (as far as the gospel)and it's a great feeling to know that you can give/share that with them!!!

My weakness is sharing that knowledge effectively and expressing it in a good way! I guess being a 'gamer' all those years didn't serve me very well. I know I won't be doing much of that when I get home; I'm going to stay busy fixing everyone's bikes.

Fixing my bike and helping other Elders with their bikes has been a great way to relieve stress for me. It makes me feel great to be able to help others; knowing that I know how to do it. Also, I'm learning that when I run across something I don't know how to do - I Ask someone that does to teach me. It's helped me to realize how important education is. Knowledge is soooo valuable! Not only can it further my skills...but down the road - I can fix it myself and save myself $20-40 dollars!!

The Scriptures are the same way! Has anyone ever played the telephone game? One person says one thing and by the end - it's something not even close to what the first person said.

Well, the Navy does something interesting that is similar. Once they get information, they ask for it to be verified from the last known source - to make sure that there are very few mistakes in the message.

The Gospel is the same way! Once we receive a message (i.e. a talk in General Conference, lesson, etc..) We need to take the initiative to pray to the Lord and verify the message we received. Once we do that, we can then ask Him for directions on how to apply that message (teaching) in our personal lives; or for a father, how to apply that teaching in our families. That way we have gained a witness that the message (teaching) is just and true.

Another analogy:

Regarding adjusting the Derailer on my bike! (the guide arm with two cog wheels on it in the rear of the bike!)

When the Derailer is out-of-line on the cassette (the rear gears) the chain can ruin the gears and eat away at the metal over time. It can also wreck the front gears. All because the derailer arm is not where it should be. It needs to be exactly in the right spot in order to work properly....spacing is everything!! There is much more damage that can happen when the derailer is not where it should be or lined up correctly.

So it is with the Gospel. We need to be in alignment with God in order to ride smooth, straight and true. We don't want any unnecessary breakage or miscommunication and we want to make sure the spacing is just right (i.e.the frequency of our prayers, scripture studying and honesty). The more we are consistent with our prayers, scriptures and in being honest, the more knowledge and inspiration we're going to get from the Lord.

So my question is: What adjustments do we need to make in our lives (how can we improve) so that we can be closer to the Lord? How can we go about finding out? Good questions...hope you search for the answers! I hope you enjoyed those simple analogies and that it made sense!

Following is a short summary of this past week:

* Got dirty while fixing our bikes! :-(
* Got in a 'hairy' discussion (lesson) with a Pastor! :-)
* Had another Pastor pay to fix our bikes! :-)
* Came at a perfect time in someone's life! :-)   :-)
* Saw a cadaver lab and got a human's dead body juices on our hands!!! YIKES!  YUCK!! AWESOME!
* Got rained on all day on our bikes and were SOAKING WET! and finally....
* FOUND A SWEET BIKE SHOP!

ENJOY...we did!

I love you all,

Elder Richards

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

Mission Update

VIRGINIA BEACH ZONE CONFERENCE

December 2011

Elder Richards - Front Row - 4th from our right. RED TIE!
So good to see his smiling face!

I found this picture on the facebook page for the Virginia Richmond mission. Sis. Perry takes a lot of pictures and then posts them on there! It's great to see what is going on. ENJOY!

Hey Everyone!                                                               Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Today is a very nice and sunny day. Warm weather and a nice bike ride for the day.

So we just had transfer calls come and I'm staying and my "greenie" companion is leaving to go to Richmond. Lately we're getting much more out of our work than before. Our investigators are slowly progressing. Also, we're doing pretty good when it comes to safety! (They better be safe!)

Yesterday I got a flat while riding under the freeway and had to carry my bike to the gas station and pump up my tire...but it's all good! I still really enjoy riding my bike. I hope to take it home with me at the end of my mission. I have this little pouch that is attached to the bottom of my seat that has an extra tube and some patch equipment and I've also got a small bike pump on my frame, so I'm set to go if I have a flat, that way I don't have to go back to the apartment in the middle of the day.

Lately, we didn't think we were getting anywhere with our teaching pool until last night when we discovered that our investigators are still reading The Book of Mormon and still have an interest. Hopefully we're going to be getting somewhere with all of this - during this next transfer.

Our ward has been getting better and we're also getting somewhere with our bishop and getting the trust back even more.

Yesterday (Monday) we sat in on a World Religions class and answered questions from high school students. It was really fun and informative. I would LOVE to do it again!

We have a new Senior couple in our ward from Florida. They are amazing! They are going to be helping out with our less active work in the ward and with callings also. They helped us out the other day when I got sick (which I'm in recovery for :-( but it's all good!). Because of being sick we were at the store and we found some (less active) members there that expressed a desire to come back to church again....so being sick was worth it! :-) It's all good!

I hope that everyone is doing good. I can't wait for the temple when I get back home! It's going to be sweet! I hope everyone enjoys this week......even when there is sun in Washington!

I love you all!......and remember, IT'S ALL GOOD!  :-)

Elder Richards

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

Hello!

New Photos of Nick in downtown Norfolk, VA

Look at those cobblestone streets! Cool!

Always close to the Ocean!

Hey Everyone!                                                   10 April 2012

Today after my interview with our Mission President in Virginia Beach - I left that room feeling very grateful! President Perry reminded me of my time left on the mission (me just getting worried) and asked how I was doing.

Things are going well. They continue to get better. We're here at our senior missionaries' apartment e-mailing and today we are going to be doing alot of our shopping after being in downtown Norfolk all day yesterday. The EXTERMINATORS came to fumigate our place and rid us of all possible BED BUGS, so now I'm happy!! (We hope this takes care of this aggravating problem!)

Me personally - I'm doing good! I'm learning how to have more structure with my learning and my teaching with the members in dinner appointments. I'm also really taking a great interest in the scriptures when it comes to relating (my own) personal experiences to investigators. It's great learning new things and seeing myself progress in different areas.

I'm also working at this time with one of the counselor's in the Mission Presidency regarding the Addiction Recovery Program - since I've had some experiences in that field. As we work with this program with other Elders we have noticed some changes and we are reporting that information, from my observations here in the field, to Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City. It's really great to hear that my studies and feelings about the program are being taken into consideration at Church Headquarters and we're hoping to see some good results from our study in the near future. I hope that from what I'm doing here in Virginia will help those on a national and world-wide scale some day.

We have some new people that we're working with. Sam and Jacob and Lois. They are all really GREAT people and are very open to hearing our message. They're reading and committing to our message.

I will be sending some clothing and some papers home in the next couple of weeks (hopefully days) which will really help with clutter and with the bedbug problem. (I do hope he doesn't send ME any bedbugs home in his box!!) I also plan on reducing my notes and re-copy them into smaller journals.

Some great scriptures I've had recently are:

2 Tim. 2:1-4
John 20:31 AWESOME ONE!

I hope these are really good for you; they really were for me. I hope you all get this and also enjoy your week.

Thank you for all you do. I LOVE you all! :-)

Your Son,

Elder Richards

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