Elder Cody Ridley: 12-27

Friday, January 7, 2011

12-27

Mom,

Ya! I have heard of it the Dear Elder delivery. It works very well for the missionaries in the MTC. I'll be able to receive it as many as you send through out the day. Lately we have been checking the mail a lot because of the holiday season not so much now. We figured we waist a lot of time checking-hahaha.
This pass weekend was filled with fireside and devotionals. We had three visits from Elder Russell M. Nelson. The first meeting just brought the Christmas spirit, which was nice. The next meeting gave me hope for the future and the last meeting just made me feel like I have so much to learn. I will write in the letter some notes or thoughts I put down. The day itself was pretty relaxing, but we obviously always have a schedule. So we woke up had some egg, sausage and hash browns for breakfast. Went to a talent show that lasted three hours. The MTC has some real talent. When I get back I want to take a beginners piano class. Then we had an early Christmas dinner in the afternoon with potatoes, stuffing and turkey. Later we had our devotional. Our dinner more of a snack lunch. Afterwards we watched a Christmas Carol play. So my whole day was filled with bringing the spirit of Christmas.

Oh I did get your last package, the one that said wait to open on Christmas. I cant go without one day looking through it, so thank you!

I really enjoyed the night Skyler and his buddies came over at Thanksgiving and so I am sure it was load of fun and feeling of the experiences that they had happen.

Facebook, Facebook facebook-now being here it makes me realize how silly it really is....

The book you mentioned, The Infinite Atonement, just the title alone sounds amazing. I have learned a lot in here. I cant wait to sit down one night and read all my journal entries with the family.
I have missed going to the temple. It's going to be about a total of three weeks before I will get the chance to go. I went since I could go, once a week was my goal. Next week it re-opens so we will get back into our normal routine. I am sure Skyler and everyone that went to the Temple, enjoyed the time being in the present of spirit.
Awesome! I am glad that Brooke and Ryan enjoyed it. I figured it was the right thing to get since being out here. Thats what my life is! Thats what my life will be about in the future. Jesus Christ is everything. Well my time is about coming to an end. Cant wait for your letter. Yo amo mi famalia. The church is true I promise. Speak to you soon.

Elder Ridley
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Testimony of Skyler-older brother

My Testimony,

All that I have come to know to be true about the purpose of our existence and the reality of God has been something I have had to personally experience. For much of my life I was taught correct principles by my parents and they with words and by their example invited me to abide by these principles. It is now that I have grown older that I know that the principles and values they taught me are principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These principles are not just things we do but who we become. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. He is our Savior who loves and forgives. He gave his life for us. There truly is no greater testament of his love than the price he paid in behalf of all of us. I came to know him as I lived and served in England. He and our Father in Heaven are mindful of all that we experience. No matter our choices their arms of love and mercy are never closed. They are open and extended always towards us. To receive their help and answers we must and can act in faith. Prayer is real. Our heartfelt desires, concerns, and questions are heard by God and he answers. I know that God answers prayers. I read the Book of Mormon I felt its power and truth and then prayed to have God confirm its truth to me. It was peace in my mind and in my heart at this moment when I prayed that I knew the truth of the Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith was a righteous man and a prophet of God. He was visited by God and his son Jesus Christ. They appeared to him to usher in the time when all the truth that was once taught by Christ and his Apostles to be restored to the earth. I know this event took place. It makes sense. God is not a God of confusion. Division, anger, and contention are not of God. Christ has one true Church that Church is the Church which bears his name in these latter-days: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There is a living prophet. His name is Thomas Monson. He was called by God to receive revelation and direction from him. He like prophets of old has been chosen to bring unity to the body of believers. I love the Lord and know all of us can be happy if we walk in his steps. I know that we are never alone because He lives! All this I share in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Mom's Testimony

I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and that He died for each of us that we may one day return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. He has provided us the way through the great plan of happiness-a plan that gives us guidance and direction for our lives here on earth that if we follow, will bring us peace and happiness here, and the greatest joy for eternity.
I know that the Heavens are still open today and the Lord does hear and answers our prayers and righteous desires. I know that he has given us living Prophets and Apostles for our day who receive revelation and direction for God's children on the earth right now. Guidance and direction that when we heed, helps us to find that greatest peace and happiness in our lives. I know that the revelations and directions from Prophets and Apostles of old were preserved so that we today would have the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ to both the Jews of his days and Gentiles that his Apostles were commanded to take it to. I know that after his crucifixion, Christ had "other sheep not of this fold" to which he went and visited. Those "other sheep" lived here in America, brought out of Jerusalem by the power of God to preserve his people. Those people were called Nephites and Lamenites whom he visited after his crucifixion to call Apostles among them and to teach them his doctrines. Those doctrines are found in the Book of Mormon which witnesses that Jesus lived and left his gospel in it's purity to be preserved for these Latter-days. I know that the Book of Mormon was preserved thousands of years to be brought forth in God's time and to testify as a second witness of His son's life and teachings. I know the Book of Mormon holds God's gospel and that within it's pages are the answers to questions that many are searching for, but know not where to find it. I know that God restored His Prophets to these Latter-days beginning with the boy Joseph Smith and through him also restored His gospel and all the rights to exercise it through His priesthood. I know that today His Prophet on earth is Thomas S. Monson and he, like Jesus Christ, has 12 living Apostles to help in building God's kingdom here on earth.
How do I know all these things? Just like you can come to know such truths- by seeking to know them through humble prayer. I know that God answers prayers today just as He did Noah, Abraham, Issac or Lehi, Nephi and Alma for He is no respecter of persons. I have read the Bible, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price each multiple times, and continue to study, ponder and pray about the doctrines and teachings in each of them. I have had the spirit, Christ's gift to each of us, bear witness to me that they are true. I have asked God and received answers to my questions, just as you might, if you do so with a sincere heart and with real intent to come to know these truths for yourself. If you don't know about God's gospel that has been restored in it's fullness in these Latter-days, ask Him to help you find it. I know He will, for he loves His children and it is His work and His glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of each of us so that we might one day return to live with Him again. I know I am child of God and will live with Him again as an eternal family.
In the name of Jesus Christ-Amen

Elder Cody Nathaniel Ridley

Friday, January 7, 2011

12-27

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