Happy Mother’s Day

 Hiya Family!

It is crazy how much everybody has grown up during this last year. I'm serious! It felt like so much in our family had changed since I've been gone! But you are all looking wonderful and it sounds like things are just happy dandy for the family. And that makes me happy!

This week was fabulous and so many miracles happened; it is astounding! It was amazing to finally get some good finding time with Sister Jones. We started chapping a bit and realized that we have never been chapping together. Heavens no, that is ridiculous! It was nice to be able to just have time to speak with people about their problems and how the restored gospel, particularly the Book of Mormon, can answer each of their questions. It is incredible that the gospel works, and sharing it with others is incredible. 

It's really interesting that in our mission, there is a direct correlation between sisters’ happiness when they are finding and when they aren't. The more people they talk to throughout the day, the happier they are. It doesn't matter if the people accept or reject them usually; it's the act of faith to find that creates the happiness. It's absolutely true of me, and I know that it is a true life principle: when we are obedient we are happy.  When we tell God that we know best, we lose happiness. That's just the way it is!

I went to Ayr on exchanges this week and it was the best thing ever. Seriously, it was absolutely gorgeous. I received a lot of answers to prayers and a lot of revelation. One thing I loved that I heard from a member there, Brother Lang, was this. He said that if you are a good missionary, you will be ready to go home at the end of your mission. You will have put everything on the line, you will have worked your absolute hardest, and you will now have life skills that will prepare you for the future. At the next chapter of your life, you will move forward with faith. I loved that.

We had Scotland West Conference with President Brown speaking, which was obviously fantastic and all about obedience. 

We got to do a blitz in Irvine with Stornaway, which was fun. I was with Sister Lowry, who was the STL in Ireland until this moves. She and I were trained at the New Mission Leadership Training together, and it was fun to be back together again! She is amazing and it was good to see her. 

This weekend was fun because we were able to do a good bit of service. There is a wonderful member, Ann Wilson, who takes us out to lunch once every fortnight. She got really sick and had a killer back. So we went out to her and took some food and got to walk her dog on the lovely Adrossan beach.  It was just a lot of fun. We also took her favorite thing in the world—Marks and Spencer Butter Mints. She loves them, so we picked some up along with some cards. She loved them and it was just a lot of fun. 

Church was great. I love church. And it's true, which is the best part. 

This was a cool thing on LDS.org about Motherhood. I liked it and thought I'd pass it along:

Who helped you tie your shoes or learn a new piece on the piano? When you forgot your science project was due the next day, who made a late-night run for poster board and glue? It was Mom.

Every Christmas, even though money was always tight, who consistently pulled off a miracle and made Christmas morning magical and memorable? It was Mom.

Now that you’re a parent, you may scratch your head wondering how she did it all. Each day is filled with toys to put away and noses to wipe, dinners to make and work to squeeze in. You can’t remember when—if ever—she took time for herself. But now you feel what your mom must have felt as you watch your toddler fall asleep and listen to his giggles in the other room.

You now understand better than ever that mothers are gifts from God. In fact, motherhood is the “highest, holiest service . . . given to mankind.”

I loved that! It's definitely true.  We are so grateful to have the mothers we do, and I just love you so much, Mom! You are the greatest. Everybody in the family should give you a giant hug from me. It's coming at ya from Scotland!

This gospel is definitely true and has the power to change our lives if we will let it. Allowing yourself to be changed = humility. Develop that attribute and we'll be set for the rest of eternity. Sort of. :)

I love you all! 

Sister Ricks

xxx

1 Peter 5:7--so good!