I LOVE YOU FAMILY!!! It was the best to see and talk to you! I hope I helped you feel a little of the joy I feel here. I'm sorry it went by so fast. I didn't want to waste a second. I feel like the best moments just happen as they come. How blessed I am to have you! You are too wonderful for words!
Please keep praying for us to find and teach families. If the Tolentinos are this wonderful and prepared, there have to be thousands more just like them! Please pray to help us find them through the members and bring them to Christ. They need this as much as we do in this troubled, scary world. We need the protection and safety and peace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know the Savior lives. I know the family has a divine role now and in eternity and that mothers are indispensible to that role. WHAT A WONDERFUL MOTHER WE HAVE!!!! We are blessed beyond measure to be "born of goodly parents" who love and serve the Lord above all else, honor their temple covenants, and place marriage and family above all the things of this world. No one could be better, in my eyes. I strongly feel I gratefully accepted the opportunity to be born with such a mother, part of such a family who would help me find joy in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come. Mom, THANK YOU for all you are! Thank you for showing us the way by humble example. Thank you for making each day a beautiful part of our journey, taking the time to help us resolve problems, and for teaching us after the learnings of our fathers. Thank you for being the mother I want to be! Thank you for loving the Lord, then Dad, then us! It's the best thing you could ever do for us! For me personally. Thank you for searching, pondering, and praying daily and constantly to know and do the will of our Father in Heaven. I know He blesses you with inspiration to guide the decisions you make each day. Thank you, THANK YOU, ThAnK yOu!!! You are the best, best BEST!
I have a birthday card for Lou almost finished, Mom's mother's day letter, and still trying to figure out a good idea for Joseph's birthday card as well as Dad's fathers day letter... They're on the way, don't worry! I don't forget you!!!
The work is really good. We're searching for ways to be more effective and bring more souls unto Christ. I think part of it is that we need to let go of the people who aren't particularly progressing so that those who will really accept it and take off can have more of our time. It's hard to not focus on them as much. It's hard to say if it's time or not or if they've had what they need in order to make that decision clearly, but I'm realizing more and more that as we trust the Lord, He will give us what to say and do. He won't let us stray when we are doing all we can to qualify for His guidance and follow it. He'll take care of us and them.
Heavenly Father has carried us through so much. I know there are many more things to come that will help us to learn, grow, and gain experience. I'm sure you feel the same way. I'm glad He has connected us and helped us grow together all this time. We're having adventures and the journey is exciting! There is much to be done and much to enjoy. It's a wonderful life!
Dad, you look super cute with your goatee :D I missed that. Bring it with you if you don't decide to shave it off by then! You are my definition of a man of God. Yesterday we watched The John Tanner Story, which is very touching. We discussed how he sacrificed everything and was a true man of God, whose heart was true. The Lord looketh on the heart and you, Dad, have one that is very pleasing to God.
Maree, I'm so sad I missed you! But your email was sooo happy and full of voice! You are a fun writer to read. You're very good at that. You're very good at so many things. You're especially good at helping me when I need it. Thank you for being such a loving, selfless person. You will continue to be very blessed in life as you continue developing those Christlike attributes. What a woman you are!
Alyssa, it was so goooood to see you! I wanted to squeeze you and tickle your bum! You are such a woman as well! When I think of the scriptures about letting virtue garnish our thoughts unceasingly and to always abound in good works, I think of you! That is you all the way. THank you for your righteous example!
Joseph, what a man you are becoming! And you're still so fun and full of energy! Just becoming such a shining example of humble faith. You exude it in your countenance. I love that. I want to be like that. And tons of wonderful women will want to be sealed forever to that after you've served a faithful mission :D You will be an instrument in the hands of the Lord for much good.
Becca, you warm my heart! I don't care if we spoil you to death 'cause you're the youngest and we're supposed to do that!!!! I want to treat you like the princess you are! You have divine worth and potential that go far deeper and beyond your obvious physical beauty and the exuberance of your personality. You are attractive to people because of your many qualities and features, but most particularly for your valiant spirit. You love your Father, you know who you are, and you know He loves you and you love Him! That gives you a limitless power for good.
It was really fun to see Aaron, too! Though I'm not entirely sure that was kosher... But I'm so glad to see you well and happy! You are so awesome and deserve to be! Keep enjoying the journey and changing the world, one test at a time! You're already a teacher :) Wooooow
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MY WONDERFUL GRANDMAS AND AUNTS AND COUSINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the best mothers I know! It's because of you that I'm where I am today! Thank you for your righteous influence in my life! Happy Mother's Day to all my friends and their moms! You are the best!!!! I love and appreciate you! Thank you for your incomparable support on my mission! I owe you so much!
HUGS AND KISSES!!!!!
love, Sis Richardson
