Making a creative title for my email is really hard for me!

This week was one of those my-companion-is-learning-a-LOT-and-I-am-along-for-the-ride kind of weeks. Honestly, I'm so grateful that I get to be with her for it. I'm learning quite a bit about myself and about how to help people. I'm growing a lot as my companion is growing so much, and it is a huge blessing.

 

1. I've learned very powerfully that the only way to gain salvation is to help others along the way. I can't just secure my ride back to Heavenly Father and leave others by the way side. It often seems easy to get my own life in order and just do what I am supposed to do, but that is not all that Heavenly Father intended for us. He put us in families for a reason! We are supposed to help the ones closest to us- that is the only way back to Heavenly Father. "If ye have not charity, ye are nothing." (Moroni 7:46)

 

2. If someone that you know randomly comes to your mind, CONTACT THEM! Do not leave that thought left alone. The Holy Spirit works in very subtle, quiet ways and often he speaks to us with "random" thoughts. If you are having a "random" thought, act on it! I have had the privilege of contacting a few people this week that seemed to be out of no where. But I quickly discovered that the Spirit knew that they needed to be contacted and he sent me their way. Do not ignore these "random" thoughts.

 

3. "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf "Come, Join with Us") Satan is the father of lies. He is just waiting to convince you of the newest lie that he has created. He will feed on your weaknesses and bring you down just to watch you be miserable. Don't let him do that! He is a coward! When doubts arise, do not feed into them. Recognize that Satan is very crafty and will sneak you these doubts to convince you to doubt your faith. When you have a doubt, recognize it and then replace it with faith.

 

I love being a missionary. It gets more fun and more exciting and more difficult every day! I'm so glad to be out here. I love watching lives change through the beauty of the Atonement. If you don't know yet for sure, ask God to let you know that Christ lives. Ask God to let you know that the Church is true. Ask God to let you know HOW the gospel applies to your life. He'll let you know. I promise that.

 

I love you all!

 

Love, Sister Amber Flower Ricks