Misc notes from dad
December 13, 2024
Once again, it has been a busy week. Insurance and business license renewals along with marketing updates are devouring my days! Worked on the car wash floor heat yesterday and rose early to make sure everything was not frozen up. Now the air compressor has a big leak and yet another item to consume my time. But that said, I thought of you and I began to snicker! See, you bring me smiles and happiness! I drove over to the office and set everything aside to send you a note!
Scripture of the day – Matthew 11:28-30
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I thought this is a perfect scripture for your first Christmas away from home. Yes, you will feel “heavy laden” over the coming days. Yes, you will need to “find rest” and peace and strength over the coming days. The key to survive and enjoy the coming days is to forget yourself and focus on the Christ, and representing Christ in the lives of others who stand in need (every person on life is in need in some way). From verses 4-5 of the same chapter:
Go and shew . . . those things which ye do hear and see:
5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Share those things you have heard, those things that you have seen, those things that you have experienced. Then go and preach the gospel, the “good news” that Christ has come though a lowely manger to bring joy and salvation to ALL THAT BELIEVE and follow him.
If you are having a hard time with others, remember what Christ taught the Nephites upon his visit after his resurrection:
“He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.”
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
President Nelson gave us these challenges:
“One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people. …
“… True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.
“… One of the best ways we can honor the Savior is to become a peacemaker.”
“Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?”
For God to help us, repentance and effort to try and follow Christ is always required. Alma taught,
“And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had … more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.”
So this is my message to both of us this Christmas season. I too, am homesick. Because home is just not home with my little Emma no there. But, just as I promised you in the past, the most memorable Christmases I have ever had have been those where I was able to focus on the Savior and others. Remember it is a blessing to NOT have to worry about the commercial sides of Christmas (spending money). Rather, focus on spending your love, your time, your testimonty, and your light through your beautiful eyes and cheereful smile. And, focus on helping other “try the firtue of the word of God.” I promise you that you will find peace and joy this season.
As you invite others to come unto the waters of baptism, remind them of these things and that the foundation of the Gospel is found in Doctrine and Covenants 18:
“For, behold, I command all men everywhere to repent. …
“For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
“And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.”
“And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name.
“… You must repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ.”
“Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost.”
“And now, after … you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things.”
“Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness.
“And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.”
This holiday season, remember who you are and let it shine! What you have given and who you are will open the doors to the truths for others. Your love, your smiles, your laughs, and your kindness will open the door that allows Christ to enter the lives of others. EVERY CHANCE YOU GET, share your love for and witness of Jesus Christ. And then invite others to follow him. Every chance you get, find ways to serve others through kind acts of service – just as Christ was always serving. Be the missionary that represents the Good Samaritan, the Samual the Lamanite, the person who possess the Liahona, or the person that helps someone cross their Red Sea on dry ground.
This I promise you, you can make great things happen if you “Be not weary in well-doing. For ye are laying the foundation of a great work and out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” (Doc and Cov 64:33)
Merry Christmas Hermana Rigby! Enjoy the “Hermana” part, for this will be the only Christmas that you will be blessed to carry that name. Let you light shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your God who is in heaven! You are filled with goodness and good works. That is why you make me so happy!
Love, Daddy Travis
December 3, 2024
A scripture for today! Something to keep a smile on your face! Hope your activity last night went well!
D&C 64:33
“Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great!”
September 19, 2024
Well DANG! Thank you for sharing your notes! Thank you for sharing such powerful truths! I love you for sharing and thank you for trying to be so good.
We returned safe from our Colorado trip. Along with your notes on covenants, Tuesday evening I felt inspired to share a portion of President Nelson’s talk he gave in October 2021 Sunday morning session -
The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation. Please read this. Parts of this talk were shared in the Cedar City temple (maybe all temples) by the temple presidency. They noted his comments with the recent changes to the endowment. It is really inspiring to see that the changes are focused on our obtaining better understanding of the covenants and the blessings and power that comes from these covenants. These covenants help us maintain our spiritual momentum! Pres Nelson said, “Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward . . . Many actions can ignite positive spiritual momentum. Obedience, love, humility, service, and gratitude are a few.” You know what, these actions are the fruit of mission service – and temple attendance! Also sacrament mtg participation and attendance!
I love the mountains and have always loved the tops of the mountains. The older I get, the more I am growing to love the temple – or as temples are referred to as tops of the mountains! For these places help me drown out the noise of the world to focus on this beautiful earth He has given us where we can learn to grow closer to Him.
Love you!
Dad
July 31, 2024
Hello Hermana!
Just a quick note to let you know I deposit money into your checking account, so the balance is back up to $500 as of today.
I have spent some time thinking about your progress and the different phases and transitions of missions and missionary work. You have by far, gone through the most difficult phase of a mission! No, that does mean that easy days are ahead, but with proper perspective, it will be easier to smile and press forward! I want to encourage you to now begin to start finding other missionaries to support, just as you received support through your beginning phases. This challenge, if headed, will bring you joy and self-confidence. Let me present it to you with a story I listed to from Hank Smith’s Come Follow Him podcast:
“This comes from Elder H. Ross Workman. This is from a 2003 New Era, and he talks about his mission. He was a member of the 70 when he told this story. This was a long time ago. He was in college. He had a good parttime job, he was engaged and was going to be married in just a couple of months. Life was good. The future looked bright. He says, "I was very surprised when my stake president pulled me aside on a Sunday morning and said, "The Lord wants you to serve a mission." He said, "I felt powerfully impressed that this call was from God." I acted upon that impression and committed to serve. I was called to serve in the Southern States mission. I quit my job, I left the university, I postponed my wedding for two years. Wow. I said goodbye to my loved ones. I was leaving everyone and everything that mattered to me.
I traveled by train many hours to Atlanta, Georgia. Two missionaries picked me up and drove me to meet the mission president. He greeted me for a few moments and then told me I must leave immediately by bus to Montgomery, Alabama where I would be given instructions about my area. The same elders who had picked me up took me to the bus station, handed me a piece of paper with an address on it. They told me to meet the missionaries in Montgomery, they would tell me what to do. All right. So, he walks tentatively to the bus station, bought a ticket and got on the bus. It was getting dark and I was feeling very alone. I found an empty seat next to a window and tried to ignore the growing discouragement from not knowing where I was going or what I would do. When the bus driver took his seat, he stared at me in the rear view mirror. He walked to where I was sitting and shouted, "What are you trying to do, boy?" I was shocked that he would shout at me with all the people on the bus watching. I had no idea why he was angry. I barely whispered, "I'm just trying to ride the bus." He yelled, "Are you trying to start something here?" He then pointed to a white line on the floor of the bus that I hadn't noticed. He told me to sit in front of that line or he would put me off the bus. I was terrified and I moved immediately. I did not know until much later that in those days, the white lines divided the areas where the White and Black people could sit. There was segregation in that area, and the driver thought I was trying to start a protest. All right. So, things are not starting off super well. He said, "I rode for several hours huddled in the bus, trying to fight off fear, loneliness, and now embarrassment." By the time I reached Montgomery, my trembling hands could barely lift my suitcases. The bus arrived late at night. The bus station was empty. There was no one there to meet me. The only information I had was an address that the missionaries had given me back in Atlanta. I had no idea how to find the address. There's no GPS, there's no map.
He said, "I awakened a taxi driver who was sleeping in his taxi and asked him if he could take me to the address on the paper. He was irritated. He told me how much it would cost. I promised to pay the fee even though it seemed outrageously expensive." Right? I mean, what other options do you have? He then drove me fewer than a hundred yards and announced, "You're here." He demanded his fee and left me and my suitcases in front of a small white house. The house was dark. I carried my suitcases to the porch, knocked on the door. Nobody came to the door. I knocked loudly. After a few minutes, a very sleepy eyed missionary opened the door. "Who are you?" He asked. When I told him who I was and why I was there, he said he didn't know I was coming and he didn't invite me in. Well, I apologized and told him I was just doing what I was asked to do. "We don't have any room for you," he said. Me, still on the porch, "What do you want me to do, Elder?" I cried.
"I've been sent here, I have nowhere else to go." He finally invited me into the house and told me I'd have to sleep on the kitchen floor. Then he disappeared into his bedroom. Never had I felt so alone, unwanted, and discouraged. I put my suitcases on the filthy kitchen floor and turned off the light. I was too discouraged to sleep, so I stood at the door and peered out the window. I could see the bus station that I had left only a few minutes before. I could just walk there and buy a ticket home. I had enough money left. All of my joys, hopes and dreams were back at home. People there loved me. I could have my old job back, I could go back to my school, I could see my family and I could get married. Over and over again I thought, "Go home. Nobody here cares about you. Nobody here wants you." Then I asked myself, why did I come here in the first place? My stake president's words came back to me, "The Lord wants you to serve a mission." I had felt a powerful impression when he said that to me. I had had that feeling so strong I postponed my wedding. I quit my job. I had left my school so I could serve a mission. I had known that the Lord wanted me to serve. Then he said, "Being in the mission field was not at all like I thought it would be. Looked like nothing on the videos. I had been sure once, but now when I needed divine reassurance the most, those powerful feelings were just a memory. I was in the process of making a very important choice. It was a choice between what I wanted and what the Lord wanted. It was the first time in my memory that I had recognized so clear a choice. I spoke to myself."
So picture this Elder looking at the bus station, middle of the night. Nobody wants him there, no one seems to care, and he says, "I will never, never quit the calling I have accepted. No matter what happens, I will stay on this mission. As I said those words, peace came to my heart for the first time since arriving in the mission field. I will always be grateful for the blessings of that choice. It changed my life forever."
Hermana Rigby, you have had such very hard moments. You too, made a choice to stay and serve. Those were likely the hardest moments and moste difficult decisions of your life to this point. It matters greatly that you decided to continue to follow the Savior – even though your and Christ’s journey was (and is) covered with pot holes and adversitiy on both sides. The fact is this, there is a reason for all suffering and trial in this life and on your mission. The potter’s hands and firey furnace are real. You have been and will continue to be molded into something greater with his hands and through the heat of the furnace. Being tempered (just as the show Forged In the Fire) is the process of becoming stronger so when you are put through the tests, your blade does not have a “catastrophic failure” which takes you out of the competition.
So her is the challenge – YOU ARE NO LONGER A GREENIE MISSIONARY! Hallelujah! You are not done being tempered, but there are others who are now just entering the furnace. Just like the above story, every missionary’s challenge is unique and different. I challenge you to use your experiences in these past months to brighten, encourage, and support the lives of other missionaries that may or may not voice their challenges. Listen to the promptings to lift the lives of others – especially the new missionaries that are comeing to your mission.
I ran into Sister Painter and her husband yesterday monring after my morning run. She asked about you and was sincere in her concern about how you are doing. I shared how grateful mom and I are for your smiles, good experiences, ability to find joy and laughter, and your continued dedication to hard work and enduring your path. I said to her, “I don’t think Emma realizes how difficult it is to be parents of a missionary who is struggleing. It is almost as difficult for parents as it for a missionary.” (one day you will understand this). She then said she cried multiple times each day for the first 4-6 months of her mission. She did not understand why she was having to endure such trial and sadness. Then, months later, she said she finally understood. In the later part of her mission, she found herself in a valuable position to support and care for struggling sister missionaries. She shared how she would have not been able to help these sisters if she had not gone through her furnace of affliction.
There is my message of love and support for you this amazing week Hermana Rigby! I hope the spirit takes this message deep into your heart and mind. You are now better prepared to succor (run to and support) other missionaries, but only because of what you have personally endured. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Your works can help others continue to serve – thereby giving glory to Heavenly Father! The Lord and your mission president, will place you in positions and situations where you can do so – I promise. If you have desires (to help others), you are called to the work. Share with your mission president your desires to do so!
Love your incredible but not so handsome Daddy Travis!
July 10, 2024
Hermana Rigby,
I’m melting it so hot! I hope you are drinking a lot of water and are finding some cool homes to visit! This record heat wave is a beast!
Smoke has filled the Cedar valley these past two days from two big fires on Beaver mountain. I tried running this morning and my lungs burned with the smoke. Likely not a good idea.
I went to Sportsman’s today and picked you up a couple hunting t-shirts (size medium mens). I ended up not having any medium Second East t-shirts – so sad and am sorry!
I will get a package in the mail tomorrow or the next day!
Hope transfers go well this week and know you will face any challenge that is thrown your way! I will print the attached photos/quotes for you and include them in your package! You got this!
Loved the picture of the recent baptism. Maria makes you look so tall!!! Great photo that just gives me the warm fuzzies! I am super proud of you and Hermana Smith!
It is Uncle Bruce’s birthday today. He took gpa and gma Rigby to the temple (cannot believe gma went!). He is serving as the Elders Quorum Secretary and has just moved his “friend” – a 75 year old male ward member – into grandparents basement with him. His friend was getting kicked out of his previous home. Bruce is so kind, but I really am feeling blessed for our family circumstances. Can you imagine having me not be a major part of your life? Can you imagine not having a relationship with your pops? It makes me sad to think about what Bruce is missing – mostly because you make me so happy! We are so lucky to have God’s plan apart of our lives, plans, goals, road maps, etc! I was studying Alma 13-14 this morning where the women and children were being abused, tortured, and killed. Amulek wanted to utilize God’s power to save them, but Alma realized he could not use God’s power because it was not his to use. He was constrained from doing so and directed Amulek to have faith in God’s purposes. Could you imagine seeing that and not being angry with God? The point is – sometimes it is really really hard to understand in the moment. But later we have our eyes opened and even with the Anti-Nephi-Lehis who buried their weapons of war and many perished by the hand of their brethren. We learn that they returned to the God who created them and received their reward in heaven because they stayed true to their covenants and held on to them even though it was terribly hard. Alma 24:18 “Rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives – Rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him – Rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.” It was not just about burying their weapons, they covenanted to serve diligently, avoid sin, and labor abundantly. Sounds like the promises you have made and I REALLY WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT YOU ARE DOING ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! BELIEVE IT AND DO NOT DOUBT!
A few more scriptures that tie into this same area:
Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. 19-21: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither month nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through or steal; FORE WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO!
D&C 84:
83 For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things.
84 Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself.
85 Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.
President Nelson said, “The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But he does as us to believe.”
Don’t let Satan entice you to belive you are not good enough as perfection is not a requirement. In attitude, language capabilities, gospel knowledge, desires, effort, and so on . . . you just keep believing and working hard and your abilities and efforts ARE GOOD ENOUGH!
LOVE YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS!
DAD
May 1, 2024
Sister Rigby,
I want you to consider the challenge Pres. Jones gave you to TRUST in Heavenly Father. My challenge is for you to REACH for Him, our savior! When we reach for Him, we are trusting! I promise that if you reach for him, your situation will improve and you will find strength to not only lift yourself, but more importantly, others as well. Truly, nothing provides the spirit more than fixing our focus on Christ and seeking to serve others.
Think how horrible Joseph’s (sold into Eqypt) life was. How difficult it was. Remember sitting on my lap watching this animated movie years ago! It was said by Potiphar, that everything Joseph touched prospered (Gen 29). Why? Because in spite of the unfairness of life, he chose to have the Lord with him despite his trials, loneliness, and afflictions. He continued to reach for HIM through it all!
Let me give you an idea of what to do to reach for him by using Elder Gong’s recent talk “All Things for Our Good”:
Here are a few of his comments:
This fickle world often feels tempest tossed, uncertain, sometimes fortunate, and—too often—unfortunate. Yet, in this world of tribulation,1 “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”2 Indeed, as we walk uprightly and remember our covenants, “all things shall work together for your good.”
Jesus Christ’s Atonement can deliver and redeem us from sin. But Jesus Christ also intimately understands our every pain, affliction, sickness,5 sorrow, separation.
(Dad’s note: Separation from God/Christ, but also separation from those we love while on missions)
He helps heal the broken and disparaged, reconcile the angry and divided, comfort the lonely and isolated, encourage the uncertain and imperfect, and bring forth miracles possible only with God.
We increase faith and trust in the Lord that all things can work together for our good as we gain eternal perspective;12 understand our trials may be “but for a small moment”;13 recognize affliction can be consecrated for our gain;
When we trust God and His love for us, even our greatest heartbreaks can, in the end, work together for our good.
(Dad’s note: the key an my challenge to you if loose yourself in serving / ministering to others. Become a spiritual first responder and seek those who need His love and care. Search for someone who needs a trusted friend!)
Things work together for good when we minister as Jesus Christ would. “Ministering is when we go from being neighbors who bring cookies to trusted friends, spiritual first responders.” Covenant belonging in Jesus Christ comforts, connects, consecrates.
When life is cluttered and purpose isn’t clear, when you want to live better but don’t know how, please come to God our Father and Jesus Christ. Trust They live, love you, and want all things for your good. I testify They do, infinitely and eternally, in the sacred and holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Wake up every day and focus on your search for those who need to be loved and served! Those who need a trusted friend. Those who need a spiritual responder. For this is one great way to REACH FOR HIM! And when you do, the spirit will abide in you and everything/everyone you touch, will prosper.
Love you! Dad
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 ignor 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
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 . . . . .
Dad
March 19, 2024
Hermana Rigby,
I did not get your package sent off today because I wanted to send something in it. Then I thought I should email it to you as well. I promise the package will be in tomorrow’s mail so you can get it next Tuesday from the mission office. The attached is a digital copy of my message and challenge to you! A physical copy of this will be in tomorrow’s package. The message came from my treadmill run this morning (speed workout) and Come Follow Me study. He loves you Emma!
Study this in order and I hope you absorb the message I am sending to your little - but very strong heart! The message summary - you can DO THIS! But it only happens if we continue to REMEMBER that Heavenly Father REMEMBERS US! Our continued relationship with God, developed through Jesus Christ, is how we become a “delightsome,” happy, and strong people. No, we cannot do this on our own! Here is the big truth – LONLINESS, IS LONELY!
Well, that sucks doesn’t it? So, what is the answer – DO NOT BE LONELY! Do not seclude yourself! Do not find yourself in your bubble – whether it be physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. Most of the time, loneliness always begins with a bubble starting with your thoughts! Yes, alone in a bubble in your thoughts! The answer to avoiding loneliness is found in the attachment (and in the Book of Mormon). Dang, is that not cool or what? I CHALLENGE YOU TO FEEL THIS FOR YOURSELF BY STUDYING THE MESSAGE I FELT TO SEND YOU TODAY (as well as sending it tomorrow in your package with yummy marshmallow blocks, cookies, assortment of suckers, and a jerky slab – heck ya!).
As always – LOVE YOU TO PIECES!
LOVE DAD!
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
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 Arcadia 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 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! L
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
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