Letters from dad

February 8, 2024 Ok Ok Ok

 – it is time for funny classroom jokes. What is the difference between a MTC teacher and a train? The teacher says, “Spit out your gum and be quiet.” The train says, “Chew! Chew!” We are hearing that every night Sister Cox always is scared to go to bed! She claims she has a scary monster under her bed! (yes, this is bunk bed joke Hermana Rigby - and you are the one under her bed!) Hee Hee! It is snowing outside and I have two more for these cold temperatures and because you’ve been making snowmen: Why did the snowman hold up his arms? He was told to freeze! How do you know when a snowman is scared? He is sitting in yellow snow! I hope you are getting by since speaking with the family yesterday! Home sick is truly a snickness, but a good sickness that reminds you how much you are loved! Hang in there sweet cheeks! Maleck’s game did not go so well last night. He did not play to his potiential. Thank goodness he has another chance to perform tomorrow for his last game of the year. Keep encouraging him to work hard and maintain intensity! Sometimes we loose our intensity and the game becomes sad (get my point). Keep up your momentum! I am loving you constently. When the dark thoughts start to come, remember how much I believe in you and how proud of you I am. My belief in you rises higer than the clouds and broader than the horizons. Keep the faith and self confidence in yourself and do your best to SMILE, SMILE, SMILE! Love you! Daddy Travis! February 16, 2024 Supper sad you came down with the bug! It is great to have companions, but sometimes we end up sharing that which should not be shared! Hope you can stay out of quarantine! If not, I know you will make the best of it! Mom is in my office cleaning! Oh, I love her! I have been missing you especially every time I’ve look at my dirty office! I keep burning the candles to keep you close! Mom and I enjoyed delivering Valentine treats and a flower to the widows in our ward (there are 23 that are either widowed or divorced). It was probably one of the most memorable Valentine’s ever! There were two sisters that broke into tears. One said she had not heard from anyone and not even her daughter called. It was about 8pm when we rang her doorbell. She asked who it was through the door and when I answered, you could hear becoming excited and running for a robe. She opened the door in a purple robe, and I gave her a flower and mom a chocolate treat. She held both to her chest and just cried. This was the sister who fixed your dress for one of your dances – Sister Tucket. The other, Sister Larsen, lost her husband John last June. She had been visted by a couple other ward members, but she shared how difficult it was to be alone. I gave her a hug and fealt the spirit prompt me to tell her the hug was from John. I can tell you that serving softens the veil as I have felt the love of God and of others for these good brothers and sisters we serve. Truly happiness comes when we forget ourselves and serve others, and as we strive to feel and share that Heavenly Father has for them. It is also the way we develop our love for others. I listend this morning of an interview primary childeren had with President Nelson. They asked how difficutl it is to be a deciple of Jesus Christ. President Nelson responded that it is VERY DIFFICULT. He then shared the example of Moses and how the Lord required Moses to climb to the top of the mountain. He shared how easilty it would have been for God to say, “Moses, you start there and I will start here and we will meet in the middle.” He continued by explaining that is not how it works. Rather, he told them, “The Lord LOVES effort.” Emma, continue giving diligent effort and you will be rewarded just as Moses was rewarded gaining the presence of the Lord! You will feel His presence and just as Moses, you will be blessed to lead others wandering in the wilderness! Remember that even Moses who saw the hand of God had a difficult time meeting the challenges of his calling. You will as well, but as long as we give effort to meet the daily challenges, you will have strenght to overcome and fulfill your calling(s). My heart, my mind, my spirit, and my soul are VERY proud of the cuttest missionary in the field! YES, THAT IS YOU, YOU, YOU!!! Love you, DAD March 12, 2024 Headed south to make it to the track meet. Have the restaurant booths in tow. Southern Idaho valleys are beautiful with the low mountains covered in snow. 38° here so I am sure you would be homesick for California if you were with me. Talking into my phone so I hope this email sounds OK. Just finished reading your last four emails. There is the old saying that a mission is a mini life. If you can survive a mission, you can survive life. It is strange the early phases of a mission have such highs and So many lows. One minute, you’re on emotional high and the next questioning why you’re even serving. This company I just picked the booths up from, is filled with Mexican workers period. Honest hard-working, people trying to support their families in the states and back home. Then you have these young Missionaries, that learn Spanish on their missions being able to work, hand-in-hand and fellowship them into the good ways of life. Your greatest convert in Arcadia will be Emma Rigby! But, your value with the Latin people will last a lifetime. You are right, you need to keep running because he is always there . Your little brother just text me the order of events at the track meet. You know, he would not be running, if he didn’t have such an amazing sister! It is true that your impact is immeasurable, even if you frequently do not realize it. Few things that my mission president always shared. Your mission will impact every day of your life for the rest of your life. In this life, you will never realize the impact and influence you have on your brothers and sisters. We will likely have to wait until we Embrace the souls we influenced on the other side. Remember, President Anderson returned to Denmark 41 years later, having never witnessed the fruits of his labor. In his first stake conference, the father of the stake president stood up, and in tears stated that it was Because of Elder Anderson, and his missionary service that his family had joined the church. His mission produced testimonies turned to bishops, relief, society, president, stake president, and a good portion of the church leadership in one of the two states in Denmark. He always shared that , we will never know the good that our service produces unless you return decades later or see it on the other side of the veil. I listened to a Jeffrey R Holland talk about the merciful plan yesterday. I reiterate to you, my sweet Emma, that God does not expect us to be perfect, only to keep trying. And we are promised that we get credit when we try. Don’t question Yourself, how well you speak or do not speak a second language, why you are in the mission field, and if life would be better, if you were home. Just like in any race, you feel you are alone but, you were surrounded by other individuals that are dealing with their exhaustion, doubts, and inadequacies. Remember the day at GHA where you experienced the real truth that everyone is burdened. It is a heavenly truth that our burdens lightened when we lift the burdens of others. In the book of Mormon, we learn of people living after the manner of happiness, but it is true that they were still surrounded by war and contention. You make me happy, even when I am buried with frustrations! Peace ON! Love you tons! Pops March 18, 2024 This thought about the Book of Mormon came from President Nelson quoting President Benson. “It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.” This quote was given several times during stake conference we had this past weekend. I want to let you know that many who have fallen from our church have stated that “they found Christ” once they left the church. Also, they also argue and claim that we are not true Christians because “our” doctrine states we are judged upon our works rather than us all being saved by Christ regardless of our works (like our good neighbor Clyde). They also say the Book of Mormon is not needed and the bible is sufficient. Well, the truth is that we are all saved by Christ, but faith without works is dead! Salvation requires work no matter what people say. And the Book of Mormon is absolutely needed to lead us to the Savior and his ways. I know these doctrines, this church, and the Book of Mormon bring us closer to Christ than we would otherwise be! I love the fact that the bible professes that God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, but I realize for us to receive salvation, we must know Christ (every tongue shall confess). There is no better way to become acquainted with Christ than my reading and adhering to the teaching of the Book of Mormon! 2 Nephi26:33 - He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. We preach of Christ that our children may know what source they may look for redemption! I could go on and on about passages in the Book of Mormon that lead individuals to Christ. This book is true! I am not blinded and led away by foolish traditions of my fathers. Rather, I understand everyone is on their own journey and like any food recipe, it takes time for us to be stirred, baked or cooked, and rested to become what God wants us to be. I am grateful for time given in this life to be refined, taught, and raised up. Prophets, apostles, the Bible, and the Book of Mormon together provide instructions – the recipe! And every recipe requires one main ingredient – TIME! Enjoy your Arcadi journey and the TIME provided you to become more than you are now! And on your journey, you will be able to share the recipe that leads people to Christ, and to be more like Christ! Love you tons! Dad March 19, 2024 This thought about the Book of Mormon came from President Nelson quoting President Benson. “It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.” This quote was given several times during stake conference we had this past weekend. I want to let you know that many who have fallen from our church have stated that “they found Christ” once they left the church. Also, they also argue and claim that we are not true Christians because “our” doctrine states we are judged upon our works rather than us all being saved by Christ regardless of our works (like our good neighbor Clyde). They also say the Book of Mormon is not needed and the bible is sufficient. Well, the truth is that we are all saved by Christ, but faith without works is dead! Salvation requires work no matter what people say. And the Book of Mormon is absolutely needed to lead us to the Savior and his ways. I know these doctrines, this church, and the Book of Mormon bring us closer to Christ than we would otherwise be! I love the fact that the bible professes that God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, but I realize for us to receive salvation, we must know Christ (every tongue shall confess). There is no better way to become acquainted with Christ than my reading and adhering to the teaching of the Book of Mormon! 2 Nephi26:33 - He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. We preach of Christ that our children may know what source they may look for redemption! I could go on and on about passages in the Book of Mormon that lead individuals to Christ. This book is true! I am not blinded and led away by foolish traditions of my fathers. Rather, I understand everyone is on their own journey and like any food recipe, it takes time for us to be stirred, baked or cooked, and rested to become what God wants us to be. I am grateful for time given in this life to be refined, taught, and raised up. Prophets, apostles, the Bible, and the Book of Mormon together provide instructions – the recipe! And every recipe requires one main ingredient – TIME! Enjoy your Arcadi journey and the TIME provided you to become more than you are now! And on your journey, you will be able to share the recipe that leads people to Christ, and to be more like Christ! Love you tons! Dad April 8, 2024 Thank you for your wonderful emails! Your messages absolutely filled my heart and mind with peace and gratitude. I cannot express how amazing I think you are and how grateful I am for your efforts to press forward! I am filled with thanksgiving for God’s tender mercies that somehow lift our heads above the water allowing us to catch another breath. I am so deeply grateful for your mission president as I personally know how a good connection with him and his wife can bring forth unmeasurable blessings. I promise you will always and forever have a love for both of them that will help bind yourself to faith in this gospel and allow you to have continued strength to press forward. I thank our God above for this connection! I thank Him for President Jones! I thank him for Hermana Rigby (my gorgy! – of course short for gorgeous!). I thought of you in Elder Holland’s talk as he spoke of his tremendous trials, sorrows, pains, and adversity these past years. I think it is astonishing to see how his dedication to the gospel and to the mission of spreading the good word is really what helped him overcome the loss of his wife and his health challenges. It is really faith and family (the 2 F’s) is what provides me capacity to press forward in this life. Yes, hunting, fishing, and the mountains are great – but NOT really unless you have the 2 F’s with you! I was thinking this past week about your fears and the purpose of your fears. Let me take a stab at the reason behind these. As I took Mom and Maleck on a drive, I began to be impatient as we drove behind a slow out-of-state driver. Every turn this driver would slow WAY down well below the caution speed limits posted on the yellow signs. Maleck was barking at the driver as well – you can only imagine – LOL! I came to a point that my foot twitched to press the peddle – than the thought – BE SAFE AS EMMA WANTS ME TO BE. You see Emma, at that point I was reminded of your love and concern and my/our responsibility to pay ear to your concerns. The end result – PROTECTION! I know we are being protected BECAUSE of your service, dedication, and willingness to endure! I am having countless promptings that are keeping me safer. As Maleck and I were building a new front deck for the rental this past Saturday, I began to cut a board with the DeWalt circular saw. Maleck told me to stop, then disappeared for a few seconds, and then handed me safety glasses. You see, the spirit is real and its voice seems to be louder because you are serving and are aware of the need for us to be safe. There is a purpose for all things. In your case, let us press forward and replace fear with caution and a open ear to the spirit’s promptings. And then – TRUST more that He will continue to protect as He always has! Thank you for facing the battles head on! Thank you for providing an example that brings me joy and smile to my face! Love you to the moon and back – and like a ping pong ball – there and back and there and back again . April 30, 2024 Sister Rigby, Message for the day that I recently learned: Question: Have you begun to look at the wrong side? If we focus on what is missing, we don’t see what is already there – what we already have! That was the first temptation in the history of the world! The first temptation ever was focused on lack (the state of being without or not having enough of something). Why? #1 - Satan knew that where attention goes, intention follows! #2 – If you focus on lack, you have to ignore your abundance! God said to Adam and Even in the garden, of every tree of the garden, thou mayest freely eat! Ever tree, FREELY eat – FREE, FREE, FREE! It does not get any more abundant than that. That’s pretty abundant! But they learned there was just one thing they couldn’t have! So they had only one thing lacking. They had everything, but one thing! Satan had them focus on the one thing they didn’t have! When they focused on what was missing, they lost attention on what was available, what they were already blessed with (every tree they could freely eat, but one)! When you focus on what you lack, you miss your abundance! He is reaching out to you, and all you have to do is reach for Him! His hand will help you recognize your abundance, and misery will be replaced with peace and joy!

 Love you my dear angel!

 Dad