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!!

Faith Without WORKS Is Dead!

As ALWAYS.......working on his bike (transportation)!
Exercising  FAITH that the bike will work!!

Just can't get away from Girls!! They are on my every
'footstep'  Haha!!

E. Richard's new companion E. Zagac (sp?)

I'm sorry that it is in here on it's side. I saved it to my photo program the correct way; but this is how it copied into his blog. Just wanted everyone to see the size difference in the 2 Elders!!!!  :-)

Hey Everyone!

This week my companion is going to Richmond for leadership training. I'll be with the Norfolk 2nd ward Elders for that time. There are always trips and events going on ever now and then. I think of Dad when he goes on a business trip and I marvel that I can deal with such changes these days. It's a great experience for me to go through and I welcome it....although it is scary at times. I look back and am thankful for what I experience.

Ferry Ride

Looks like he's a little WET!
Rain or Perspiration?? Both??

This last Saturday, I had my bike repaired and we traveled by ferry and light rail across Norfolk and Portsmouth. Again, I thought of Dad with his trips he takes all the time and also that we all must make these epic trips throughout our lives. It was great to look out over the Elizabeth River and see the naval ships getting worked on and the other ships traveling to and from locations.

I really enjoy talking to random people about their day and how they came to be here in the Norfolk area. It's great visiting and the conversation always comes back to what I am doing and why I'm here! :-)  So I figure I'm planting seeds and loving every minute of it! That particular day (Saturday) it rained on us all afternoon. The storm started in Portsmouth and followed us to Norfolk. As we took the ferry to Norfolk we stopped in the McArthur Mall to get some vitamins for my companion; and I've got to tell y'all - the sight of 2- soaked head-to-toe, treading water missionaries was a site to see! I'm sure that the custodians (at the mall) had fun using their mops that afternoon! After we left there we rode on the light rail where we shared the gospel with a young man looking to attend vet school in the near future. He was really nice and we enjoyed the conversation with him.

So my recent studies have been about FAITH. There seem to be 2 kinds of faith:

1. "Seeing is believing". EXAMPLE: The sun will rise tomorrow because it rises every day - or the plants grow and I will prepare for harvest. However, the other type of FAITH is found in Ether 12:6

"And now I Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show the world that  faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until AFTER the trial of your faith."


2. Believing something will come from my ACTIONS. Waiting for it while I WORK, things that are hoped for but not seen 'yet' but from OUR WORK it happens. EXAMPLE: A homeless person wants to live in a house, have a job and continue to better themselves. They must first believe they can obtain those goals and secondly they must put their beliefs into ACTION. As they actively seek employment; get a job and work, those goals are still in the 'belief' stage (hoped for; but not seen) and as they continue to work, they are exercising their faith as they actively HOPE for the end result. As time passes and they continue to work towards their goals, the rewards begin to come and they realize it's because they have EXERCISED THEIR FAITH. They have received a WITNESS after the trial of their faith.


James 2:17-26 clarifies the understanding of faith even more. Also read Moroni 7:33. Moroni gives us the direction we need to follow in order to have more success with faith.

Thanks for the scriptures you sent - those were AWESOME! It's good to hear that everyone is living life. I hope that this email helped and also that y'all know that I LOVE YOU!

Elder Richards

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


More photos:

What a  SWEET face for a family to see!

Ready for the Day!

His companion as a 'Babe in Swaddling Clothes'! Haha!

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!