Graduation!

What happened to Christ's admonition " take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself...." Good Luck Brea!!!

Sister Sayling, Our mission president's wife shared an experience that I want to apply for the rest of my life. One of her six children LOVES to tease. She turned to the scriptures specifically for guidance on how she might teach her son how to become more like Christ. Sure enough the next morning the teasing began. She found that because she sought specifically for the guidance she needed and prepared before hand; She was able to say exactly what her son needed. She felt the guidance of the spirit as she spoke calmly and without frustration. She saw her son reflect on his actions and feel his Heavenly Father's reproving love as well.

I know that we can turn to the scriptures for any answer. That a casual desire for answers is not sufficient but by hungering and thirsting for righteousness comes the desired guidance that we want. This desire but then be followed by exact obedience to the truths we have learned and then be willing to "stand as witness" I've learned there are certain "certitudes" that we need to go through our trials with faith: A knowledge that God exists, a knowledge of His nature, attributes, and his plan, and a knowledge that we are doing his will.

Spencer can tell you the story of a man we met this week who did not know the true nature of our Loving Heavenly Father.

The package you sent me was wonderful tell sister Hintze thank you I have felt a difference.

Good luck with graduation!! Give Grandma and Grandpa a big hug for me!! Love you!

P.S. STILL DON'T HAVE BREA'S E-MAIL --- tell that girl i'm taking the next flight to Utah and we are going to sit and eat pumpkins while she apologizes to me why she hasn't emailed yet.

Love,

Sister Tuckett

Diligence

Good Afternoon!

It feels like it has been years since we have talked. It was a busy week for us as well. I loved your insights on neighbors mom you are amazing.

This is me answering questions:

Mom: How are you?

Me: FANTASTIC

Mom: Can you believe only a week has past since we spoke?

Me: We must be doing wonderful things with our time

Mom: How much have you crammed in your week?

Me: A lot! but never enough :)

"Life is like eating a grapefruit. Fist you have to break though the skin; then it takes a couple of bites to get used to the taste; and then when you begin to enjoy it...it squirts you in the eye!"

Not funny?

I have just began to experience an attribute of Christ I have never really experienced before. In school- I recieve grades and admittance to a higher level of classes after the end of a semester. I was paid for my work efforts at my job every month or on salary. Horseback riding, mountain biking or running always proved for a good after workout high.

But on the mission- diligence proves to be a diamond in the rough that I am beginning to understand. Working out does not bring a level of fitness that maintains itself but we msut continually exercise to improve or we digress. Faith and charity are no different. A misconception of what success is quickly becomes revealed and tests faith. I know that the powers of heaven can only be controlled and handles upon the principles of righteousness. Success is not a target to be aimed at but is ensued through diligent effort for something higher than oneself. Then I found this quote:

" When Mother Teresa recieved the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa was reportedly asked, " So how do you feel now tha tyou have been working to feed the poor and ease their misery for decades, and things are still just as bad- or worse- in Calcutta as when you started?" - Her profound response is an example to us all. She said that we hav enot been called to be successful but to be faithful." -Elder Sorenson

I know that we might not always see the results of our efforts and that is what we aim for and search for in our work- But as our lives become more centered on Christ and we desire only the Glory of God- Our faith carries us through anything.

I love you all so much- remind me I have a story next week about scriptures!!

Sister Tuckett

Happy Mothers day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

I was so excited to talk that I forgot to tell you how amazing, wonderful, nice, patient, humble, willing, forgiving, and...cute you are :) Thank you for your example- and there is a letter coming.

It was so great to hear all of your VOICES.

Marian you sing like that lady on Hocus Pocus- it's a good thing!

Spencer- you are growing to fast- write me and we'll plan some stuff to do when I get back.

Josh- YOU'RE AMAZING. I love ya

Caleb- I want some pictures.

Dad- Thanks for the words of comfort.

Mom- I was going to ask you how your class was thanks for letting me know.

Bungalo- PARTY! I want a picture like we did when Grandma and Grandpa came to mine and then photo shop me in and send it to me. What is your e-mail so I can e-mail when you go to school.

Know that I love you all so much!

***this is me confirming that I read the previous e-mail and correctly responded.

I will keep eric in my prayers I just sent him a letter too. I wish I could help your class! Prayers are better than being there though I know that much.

Galations 6:8 "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Tell me what you like about this scripture.

**Acutally I would really like Brea's e-mail because I have a really important story for her.

Love you so much!! Next week I'll have more stories

Sister Tuckett

May 3, 2010

I still haven't seen a bluebonnet... I'll keep you posted.

We walked into a washateria to talk to some of them- it is great way to start up a conversation and they can't get away while their laundry is in washer...just kidding...but seriously.

I walked in to see an old friend (as of three weeks) Rosemary. She is a regular washer on saturdays and comes to wash with all five of her kids. We began talk about what is new since last week and I offered to fold her clothes ( how my mother taught me to serve) She said no it's alright out of politeness but I saw the need and began to fold (also how my mother serves). We began to talk about her family and husband. I have been taught that there is gospel truth that can tie into any aspect of another's lives and I began to search and listen to the spirit as to what I might say because three weeks ago she was't interested in the church. Because of her faith and desire to learn Heavenly Father blessed me with the inspiration of what I might say... I testified of the divinity of a role of a mother. Motherhood is a way that we can see God's potential for ourselves instead of just looking through our eyes. The Mundane chores of folding laundry, cleaning, wake up and do it again, is not wasted. It is the foundation of service and love and through righeous principles we may see the joy in the journey and enjoy our time with our children.

The spirit was so strong and she recognized it "I've never seen it that way..." I quickly testified that what she was feeling is the Holy Ghost so she could recognize that Love Heavenly Father has for her. We finished folding and packed it in the car. She agreed to have us come over this time and share more of Heavenly Father's plan for us.

I'm so grateful for my mother who taught me how to show how Heavenly Father loves us to others.

Speaking of Mother's day I will be calling at 4:00 pm en punto Texas Time from 281-232-3120. I'm Excited to hear all of you! I want everyone to tell me one new thing they have been doing....and a joke.

CONGRATULATIONS MOM! on your classes i'm excited to hear how they go....

Love you all talk to you soon!!

Sister Tuckett

April 12, 2010

Hola Familia!

The Area is fantastic- I'm starting to get attached to Texas (I was already attached to the people)

Carlos Torres is a 24 yr old convert from our branch that has been a member for 2 years. He just recieved his mission call to serve in FORTWORTH, TEXAS! He only speaks spanish so let Grandma and Grandpa get a head start on their accent. He will be in the MTC in June and I'd love to send some stuff to him in the MTC if we can Mom- He is the only member in his family and his parents just cried when he said he was leaving for two years so he''ll need the support.

We are writing a little later today because we went out to Brazos Bend State Park where Sister Wright and I went texas hiking (utah walking). It was Beautiful- reminded me of virginia except for the alligators you would walk around on the trail- we took some pretty good pictures I'll send them to you.

Sister Wright is from Washington- This is her second area so she is still getting used to things. Our branch has about 100 members but only 30 come regularly- we are working on getting many back to church- feel the rhythm feel the rhyme get on up it's baptizing time.

I never realized how different we really are as missionaries. Simple, beautiful truths of the Gospel are almost unnatural and uncomfortable for some of our investigators.

Our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is real. Christ truly is at the head of this work and I'm so grateful to be a missionary.

Betty Rojas is going to be baptized in about three weeks- she has a 4 year old daughter in Mexico right now because she couldn't afford to bring her across but needs to work to provide. She will be here in July- we are excited.

This Gospel changes lives,

Love you all,

Sister Tuckett

March 29, 2010

Conference will be amazing!!!! We have some investigators that are really excited about coming too. Don't send the package until next week please. I get the results from the doc today- i'll let you know. Yes i'm still in the same area and I love it- mi companera se va esta semana ( she leaves this week ) we talk to so many people every week I think i know everyone in the city so we are starting to oym the cows. Mom the temple is amazing we were so blessed to go this week as a mission. I'll write more about it later. We are teaching so wonderful people.

Love you!!

Sister Tuckett

March 22, 2001

Hello!

I've learned to pray just for the strength to do His will. I love you.

"For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody." 2 Nephi 8:3

A study of true principles changes behavior more than a study of behavior changes behavior. I just want to share my testimony: I know this is the church of our Savior Jesus Christ. Our prayers are answered; the Holy Ghost comforts, and blessings are given only through His merits, mercy, and grace. I know that faith takes away all fear. I know that no matter what problem we have, living the Gospel is the answer. I know that humility is obedience. I know that revelation continues today through a living prophet to guide the church and that we can recieve personal revelation for our families- we just have to ask. I have prayed many times about the Book of Mormon and every time I have recieved an answer of it's veracity. I know it is true.

With much Love,

Sister Tuckett

March 8, 2010

Mom and Dad,

Thanks for the quotes I love those, I actually crave family council and family home evening- it is essential to our happiness!

"I spend half my time counting my blessings and the other half thanking the Lord for them and that leaves no time to feel sorry for myself." The Lord had poured out blessings on this area- we have seven people preparing to be baptized out here in the country- buenas noticias. I have truly felt the joy that comes from the promise of King Benjamin- that if we have used the Atonement in our life we should ALWAYS remember our own nothingness and the greatness of God THEN we will always rejoice...along with many other amazing, uncomprehendable blessings. "There are times in our lives when it seems easy to be grateful. We feel so blessed and cared for." President Mckay said " We find in teh bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude; and that is true gratitude, which, triumphing over conditions merely physical and external, fidns its ground of thankfulness in God Himself. It is independent of circumstances. It goes beneath the surface fo live, whether sad of joyous, and founds itself upon God."

I have truly felt the comforting reassurance in hard times as I humble myself and work with faith. I used to think I had something to do with this work.. but as Alma testified to Helaman I know these things to be true as of no worthiness of myself. There is nothing I can do or have done to merit myself being here except for obedience to Heavenly Father's commandments and humility. I realized for myself that as I pray to do Heavenly Father's will even in the hardest of circumstances he will always send help. Just as Christ prayed for the sustaining help to do Heavenly Father's will in the Garden of Gethsemane.

We met a store owner the other day that has been working in the same store for 17 years- he doesn't know much about God and three years back he was robbed, beaten and lost everything so he had to start again. He has worked his whole life to make a living but is beginning to find out another realm of Joy. I'm truly proud to be a missionary of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I was talking to a man the other day who feels that we are amazing people and do amazing things but our doctrine is wrong. What?! you might as well say that is our Doctrine- to live as followers of Christ! But as much as we try and speak and tell it is not sufficient...a true seeker of truth has their heart open to the spirit. Heavenly Father has said that he reveals little by little and then will add more according to our faith. He counseled Nephi to not write more at one point as "to try the faith of my people" Sister Clifton and I have seen this in the work we have been counseled by the spirit to stop at points because their hearts are not open.

Time to go- I love to teach!

I hope you all are happy I'm so grateful for you and your support I'm glad to hear all is well. I miss those quotes too. Jeep still not fixed then?

****Dad you should incorporate Preach my Gospel into Family council and Family Home Evening it is perfect for teaching Gospel Principles I love it!

Feb 22, 2010

Buenos Dias!

Caleb would fit right in with the little boys in sunnyside- their mom's shave swirls into their hair it was great. I recieved the family letters!! I loved to hear from everyone. Thanks for the pictures Brea, you two are a good-looking couple and you look so elegant in your dress! I'm glad to know i'm not the only one in the family with bad handwriting.
Brea I sent your letter I hope you have it. Spencer girls are the devil stay away from them. Caleb I LOVE YOU!!

Honestly many things have happened this week but they are not coming to mind. My Joy comes from teaching, everytime there is hard spot the scriptures guide me. Jose Delcia is a man that we are teaching right now that is very interested in knowing if this is the true church of Christ- but he is trying to use his knowledge of the Gospel to find out if the Book of Mormon is true. Just as Paul testified "For I neither recieved it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." The Only way someone can testify that Jesus is the Christ is through the Holy Ghost as well as if the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet. Brigham Young remarked along the lines that even if all of the eloquence and wisdom of the world presented the Book of Mormon to him is would be as smoke that disappears but as a simple man without a way with words can testify that by the Holy Ghost he knows that Joseph Smith was prophet- that illumination of the soul by the Holy Ghost is incomparable. As it is with us in our lives. Why do we adorn ourselves with things that have no live- but that life only comes through Jesus Christ.

I just got a little sidetracked...

Marian: You are doing so great at taking care of all the puppies I love your drawings I have kept every single one!

I'm so grateful for all of your support and love! All for now,

Sister Tuckett