Interviews- Week 76

 Hello everyone! This week we had interviews with President Smith! We were able to talk about my family and we talked about my current area and the needs we have. We are currently in a spanish speaking area but there is like nothing hispanic in our area!?!?! So president Smith gave us the opportunity to leave our assigned area and find some "Hot Spots" with the hispanic community. 

Thanksgiving was so fun! We were able to go to the Ho's home for basically the whole day! We shared what we are grateful for and played some spikeball, basketball, talked, and sat around the fire! I really enjoyed it ☺ it felt like a normal Thanksgiving this year! Haha! 

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that it does to help me improve. I have recognized that as I focus all of my efforts on the Savior, He truly blesses me with things that I need in the moment I need it. What a wonderful time and season we are in! Share the light! And be the light! 

Love,

Elder Ricks

Doubt Not, Fear Not

Braeden's Birthday/Thanksgiving- Week 75

 Hello everyone! I hope you enjoy these early emails! It is nice to get them finished early in the day so I don't have to worry about writing them during the day. 

This week was a pretty slow week. But we were able to have someone from the seventy do a mission tour with us from Wednesday- Friday. Elder Ojediran and his wife are from Africa and it was so cool to see them through technology! 

They talked a lot about steps we need to take as missionaries in order to be successful. He said that there is a difference between inspiration and revelation. Inspiration is when the Spirit or others share something that causes you to reflect. Revelation is when you have a question and you study it out and then ask for understanding through prayer. I thought that topic was really cool! I've decided I recieve a lot of inspiration!! But now I need to take that and allow myself to recieve revelation. 

I am so excited for Thanksgiving! It is by far one of my favorite holidays! You guys are awesome and I love you! Keep the faith in all that you do! 

Also, 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAEDEN! You're getting old man! Thanks for your amazing example to me. I really look up to you. 

Love,

Elder Ricks

Doubt Not, Fear Not

true members are united- Week 74

 What a cool week! Elder Calvo and I were able to do some awesome service with the other 4 missionaries in the branch! We love serving the members! Everyone here is getting their Christmas stuff up and it is crazy! I can't believe it is already this time of year. 

I have been able to conduct our church services on Sundays this month and I just love being able to look out at all of the people and feel such a love for them. These members mean the world to me. I am sure most of you look at the missionaries and wish you were just like them, but I also look at the members and wish I was just like them. You have a impact on the missionaries even if you don't feel like they are watching you. 

I was reading in the Bible in 1st Corinthians chapter 1 verse 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

I love that sometimes we need to be broken down in order to learn and understand the things of the Lord. 

I love you all so much and I think and pray for you! Have such an amazing week! 

Oh and uhhh I ripped my pants this week.. that was a very sad day 😢 

Elder Ricks 

Doubt Not, Fear Not

More Missionaries 👨‍💼👨‍💼- Week 73

 Hey everyone!! How was your week?? Write me a letter 🙏 

6265 N. 82nd St. Scottsdale AZ 85250

I have been able to do so many awesome things this week! Just so you are aware! We got another companionship working in the branch this last Monday! So currently we have 6. It's Elder Leonhardt and Elder Frandsen, Sister Cortes and Sister Lindman, Elder Calvo and me! What a crew! Pictures below! 

Also this week was a pretty bad week on the personal study so forgive me, but I love reading the New Testament. The stories of Christ always makes it easy to remember why I am here and what I need to be doing. One of my favovorite stories is the story in John 8. 

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

I love the fact that we can be forgiven of our sins. We do that through the Sacrament (participating of the Bread and Water) each week. I would encourage all of you this week to take 30 seconds each day to think about the covenants (promises) you have made with the Lord and reflect on what you are doing to prepare for the sacrament on Sunday. 

I love all of you guys and am so grateful I get to serve on the earth at this special time! 

May God bless you all in your efforts this week 💜💜

Love Elder Ricks

Doubt Not, Fear Not

Birthday Girl!- Week 72

 Hey everyone! Sorry for such a late email! Today has been absolutely crazy! 

I got to play some basketball today! 🏀 it was so much fun to play with members again. Elder Calvo and I have been super busy trying to get the members to do come follow me every week. It is really cool to go into the members home and do it with them like they would normally do it with their families. The spirit that comes from studying come follow me blows me away. 

We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful time where we receive our own personal revelation. I am grateful for the power of the Sacrament each week in my life. After I'm done partaking of the bread and water I feel so clean. So ready to take on the next week. 

I hope you all recognize the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of you and your families. He wants to abundantly bless you. But needs you to obey. 

Happy birthday to my sister this week!! She's 18 now😅 love you Ashlynn!! 🥳 

Love,

Elder C. Ricks

Doubt not, Fear not