Muddin'

Muddin'! I'm slowly becoming more and more redneck. We've been doing service for a member family. We've been helping them get a blazer rock crawlin' ready. Pretty rough service right? Just kidding, I love it! Working on cars is the best! It's a great stress relief and always brings back memories of working with my dad. Plus he invites over non member neighbors to work with us and we're able to answer some questions for them. Well, it's finally off road ready! On our P-Day we went with him on a little trail run and had a lot of fun! It's been rainy/snowy here, so there was plenty of water to turn all the dirt to mud. It was a blast!

On the same topic, we had another service project up on a ranch. In order to get there, we had to drive 10 miles down a dirt road. This dirt road was very wet from the precipitation that we have been receiving. We were going along and by the time we got to there house our truck was more brown than blue. It was hard to seeany blue on it. It was a good time!

We were finally able to get in contact with one of the referrals we received from the lady we cut wood for. The referral is 94 years old. She is a sweet heart! We went over and she took us in as her own grand children. She sat us down, fed us cake, and wanted to hear all about us. We were able to help her out around her house and yard right then, and she invited us back to help her some more. She's a little hesitant to talk about religious things, but hopefully that'll come with time.

"You'd look great with a shotgun over your shoulder. Or maybe even a .45 on your hip." This is what I was told by our gun smith friend. We did service for him a few weeks back, and now we go and visit him occasionally. His week he decided I needed a gun. Especially as a missionary. He told us that he would give me a 50% off deal. Unfortunately as missionaries we aren't even allowed to handle guns, let alone own one. I informed him of this, and he assured me that he wouldn't tell anyone. Haha he's a really funny guy and he's starting to get more and more interested in the church!

“For some reason we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us” -Boyd K. Packer

I love this quote. It gives me so much hope and joy. It reminds me to think of Christ at all times, and helps me develop greater gratitude for me savior and all He has done and continues to do for me. We read this quote this week when we went to the Addiction Recovery Program that the church does. We have lovingly nicknamed the program the Atonement Recognition Program. (Both are acronymed ARP) This program is so incredible. Even as a missionary, studying and testifying about Christ all day every day, I grow and gain so much from going to these meetings. If you've never looked at this program, I'd encourage you to do so. See what strengths you can gain from utilizing the Atonement more in your life. I promise that you'll only find more peace, joy, and fortitude to carry on.

I love you all!

-Elder Toph Tribe