and...i'm...off

Hi ya Mum, Dad, and family

Well it is Tuesday and you know what that means...Transfers! Well I am being transferred to Bridlington. It is on the coast not too far from Scarborough. I am serving with an Elder Stringfellow. I don't know much about him but I hear he is a good missionary. For letters, now you can send them to my new flat. I don't have the information but I will give it to you next week! It is so sad to hear that Nana Passed away but I know that it was what she needed. Grandma was definitely there! I love that we  have the knowledge of being together forever and knowing that we will see our loved ones again. Without it, what would be the point of being here on earth. Why would we be placed on earth and create such relationships and then when we die have it be erased? It won't be... that is the beauty of it! I know that no matter what happens in life we will always be together and I will see you all again. We will see Grandma Vedana and Nana again. This is not the end...it is just graduation to something greater and way more enjoyable. Now we have another angel looking after us and protecting us! Lets make them proud of what we are doing here on earth! It sounds like it was a very good week all the same. Sometimes I think these weeks are the best...the ones that most people would think are hard. But in a way it brings us closer together as a family and closer to our Father in Heaven! I'm so happy for Kendra! That will be such a good job for her. Kendra you have the biggest heart and I know you will go far in life with it! You have always been such a good example to me, I hope that I will one day come close to have the heart you have! Continue doing good things! I'm glad to hear the family is doing so good! Although it is very busy and sometimes stressful we need to take life one day at a time and look at all the good happening and the blessings...we are definitely doing that! The small things are what will keep us afloat. Going back to the simple foundation of which our testimonies are built, upon Jesus Christ, faith, repentance, prayer, all the primary answers are what we build upon and that is what we need to remember! I love you guys all and miss you very much but I know this is where I need to be and this is where I want to be. More adventures are ahead of me as I go into a new area and so much learning and growing is happening! I love you!

God be with you until we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. Remember we are representatives of Jesus Christ and we all wear his name on our hearts. 

Love, Ty-dye 

Ya alright everyone, 

It is transfers and...he's...OFF...to Bridlington. It is on the coast and not too far from Scarborough. I hear it is very cold there right now!!! AHHHHH I don't like the cold!!!!! I am very excited to start something new. I'm gutted because so much was happening and I don't want to leave it all, but I know the Lord needs me to serve the people of Bridlington and that is where I will be going. "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded for I know that the Lord giveth no commandment unto his children lest he provide a way for them to accomplish the things which he has commanded." For all of you who would like to write me letters...which I know every single one of you are dying to do so, please send them to my new address. I don't have it yet...but I will email it next week! This week there has been so many crazy things...all good...but very very crazy.

This Sunday was perhaps the craziest Sunday I have ever had. We had 3 people confirmed to come to church, all very solid investigators. An hour before Sacrament started they all cancelled on us due to sickness and being called into work!! Well these things happen. Then a half hour before sacrament, President Pilkington called and said he was coming to join us. ARE YOU FLIPPIN' KIDDING ME!!!! The day we had no investigators President decides to come! Well 10 minutes into sacrament we watch mark walk into church, a less active for the first time has shown a desire to sort out his life. He wanted to come to church and did! Well right behind him was his very drunk flat mate, who is an awesome guy as well. We were sitting there with them praying for everything to go okay. Then 2 guys walked in who we have never met before. We talked to them after and they said we saw the church and wanted to come. We have been looking for something more and thought to check it out. We scheduled a time to go back and teach them. That Sunday turned out to be the best Sunday ever. It is so interesting how the Lord works. He knew who had to be to church and through whatever means got them there. Heavenly Father definitely prepares people before hand. 

We visited Mark (the less active) as well as his mate Paul (the drunk guy) We had a very good talk with them and they said that they felt something different on Sunday and it is time for them to sort out their lives. Paul talked to us about how he wants to be like an addiction counselor. He says he knows how to help people because he has been in the same situation. He asked us if he can do the 12 step addiction recovery program, and Mark is going to do it with him. They are lads. I will include a picture. Paul is the shorter guy with gray hair and Mark is the other. I believe that they will get where they want to be, they will become strong members of the church and will do so much good in the world and it is because they have a desire to change. They want to help and are willing to give anything to reach that goal. Good things are happening. 

We were doing lost sheep files, which are members that the church doesn't know if they live there or not. We went to this assisted living home looking for a lady. Well we knocked the door that it gave us and it was not the same lady. The Lady we met is called Dorthy. She looked at us and said you are Mormons...we said yes, she then said I am too!!! Random!!!! She then told us her whole conversion story of her and her husband joining the church. She told us stories and experiences. It was a lovely visit. She is not well enough to make it to church but having that contact with her is good.  As well as I think we made her day because she said she is always lonely. We went looking for one lost sheep and found another! Again it is interesting how Heavenly Father works. 

Well so many blessings and miracles are happening. It is amazing. But this whole week and all the things that have happened have made me think of this and I know that I have said this before but here I go again. Many times we think we know what is best. Because of this we don't recognize the small things that are happening as well as the big things. We then blame Heavenly Father for this, I being one of the most guilty of this! So many times I have not noticed His hand in my life, but it truly is there and always has been there. Trust in the Lord, he knows the way, he is the light and the life. Follow him and by being obedient and trying to do all we can to follow him we will be blessed. We will climb further and further up the ladder to perfection. Yes hard things will come our way but when we are trusting in God, putting all our faith in him, all things are possible. Luke 1:37. I love you all and pray for you constantly. I KNOW this church is true and that Heavenly Father loves us so much. 

God be with you all. On our way. #10sof1000s. Become disciples of Christ. Represent him. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Two guys that came to church!

(Paul and Mark)

Tender Mercies!! Monday, January 5, 2015

Hello Family! :) 

Another good week for me and it sounds like another good week for you! School starts already??? What the heck, time is flying by! Everyday it is faster and faster...I think someone is messing with my watch! The reason why there was no money in my account was because I had to spend it on a bus pass, but I got that reimbursed and it is now in an envelope safely for another time, but I thought I would still ask you to put some money in just to keep if from going in the red! Thank you for that. I know I need to do better with money, I will work on that. I did check with the mission office, they don't have Sister Rawcliffes package but let her know that it safely got to the place that it needed to be! :) Tell her thank you so much for sending it and to count it as a blessing because around this Christmas Holiday you get so many people that go with out, so Heavenly Father blessed a small family who wouldn't have a Christmas, but now because of her they had a Christmas and because it is Peanut butter and Honey it was the best Christmas one could ask for! :) What is Tanner doing for his eagle project? I will definitely say hello to Sister Walters friends if I get to that area! Kurien is here? Do you know exactly where? I don't know if I would recognize him if he came up to me. Tell him to go to the Leeds 5 branch in Morley, The post code is LS27 0EX. :) maybe something will come of it! Well I am glad you are all doing well! I love you all! Sorry I don't have any pictures this week! Say happy and smiling! 

God be with you until we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. We are representatives of Jesus Christ, wear his name on our hearts! 

Love, Ty-dye

P.S. do me a favor? Help austin! He misses Matt and I a lot! Be his friend! :) Thank you

P.S.S. How did you like the Christmas Truce video? and I did tell you about it....I think!

Hello everyone a hope skip and a boat ride away! :) 

How are you all? I hope doing well and I hope you are all starting fresh as this new year is upon us! This week has been a week full of Tender Mercies from the Lord! Loads of miracles happened and I definitely saw the Lords hand in the work that we did. One thing stood out to me this week. We met a guy by the name of Allan. He is really spiritual and is very open to know more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He wants to turn his life around and has been relying on Jesus Christ so much. We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We then invited him to be baptized. He has already been baptized so he doesn't understand why he has to be baptized again. We have gone over Priesthood authority and I know that as he keeps doing what he is doing he will feel the spirit and it will bear testimony to him that all these things are true and he will gain a desire to be baptized. He was reading the Book of Mormon, he likes and agrees with a lot of what it says. The other day we invited him to church and he said he has a licensing issue because he has been to prison so he didn't know if he could come. Well late that night we got a phone call and he told us that he felt something different that night and he got permission to come to church. That was definitely an answer to prayers as well as a tender mercy from the Lord. I know that as he keeps feeling the spirit he will be baptized soon and he will come closer Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, he will be able to partake of the blessings that our Father in Heaven has for him.

Another miracle! Sarah- I think I told you about her last week. We met her going home one night and we just started talking to her. She knows a member of the Church in our branch (which is awesome) We invited her to read the Book of Mormon and Pray about it! She wants to know more and has invited us over tonight to come teach her again. She is very nice! I know that this was a small miracle but a miracle all the same. Heavenly Father places people in front of us who are ready and willing to accept the message of the restored gospel. He does this because he loves us. 

The next miracle was something that helped me. Who knew that we are blessed ourselves as we go out and do the Lords work. Well I was feeling a bit down, feeling like I wasn't doing good enough (now I look back and know it was Satan) But I was reading in the Book of Mormon and this scripture really touched me. I was reading 2 Nephi 9:18 this is what it says: "...the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever." My problem right now is that I am taking everything that is going bad and blaming it on myself. Obviously there will be trials in life but it says if we "endure the crosses of the world" then we will have joy in His kingdom. Enduring to the End is part of the test. All that matters is if we are trying and if we are relying on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. When we feel down, we have got to get up off the ground, brush ourselves off and keep going. Yes we make mistakes and yes we will continue to make mistakes but no one is perfect. Use the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the way and there is no other way. Go forward with faith and a smile. He loves us dearly. 

Well I hope everyone is doing well, I sure am! God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. We all represent Jesus Christ. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

White Boxing Day...Crazy - Monday, December 29, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!

Well this will be short but soooo many things happened this week that were amazing, truly miracles! First things first, Talking to the family on Christmas...I have to say is the best Christmas present one could ask for! 

I went on exchange with Elder Larson. He kind of looks like a younger Eminem, and he is from California! But he is really cool. Well the few days I was with him we saw so many miracles! We taught Lena. She said she got an answer to her prayers and wants to be baptized she knows that with Gods help she can quit smoking and she has the desire to quit. It was one of the best lessons we have had with her. We then went to Grahams. We had a really good lesson with him about prayers being answered and the Atonement and much much more...it was kind of all over the place. But in the end we scheduled him for January 24th. It is a month away but he is working of quitting smoking. I know that he can. We then went street contacting because an appointment fell through. We were talking to everybody and we got 3 potentials out of all of it! they all told us that they were looking for something more and wanted us to come by. With all 3 we got return appointments! SO MANY MIRACLES THAT DAY!

Christmas then came around and obviously I got to talk to the family which was amazing. That day I prayed for a White Christmas! Well it was the hottest day ever! But from what I hear it snowed in Provo so I am counting that! We then got a text from Caroline one of our investigators who has been trying to quit drinking but hasn't been able to. Well we randomly got this text, she said she was 6 days sober and staying strong! What the heck!! She is doing this on her own and told us that she is taking baby steps! Flippin' amazing. 

Time for Boxing day...probably the biggest shopping day in England. Well for some reason the earth has its days mixed up because it snowed that day and it was beautiful. So I am also counting that as a white Christmas even though it was a day late. :) Well many more things have been happening and I love it. I love the mission. Being able to know I am helping hasten the Lords work and building his kingdom is awesome! 

Miracles happen all the time! Ether 12:12, But they only happen when we have faith, when we trust in Heavenly Father and then when we do something about it. Enos 1:12. We miss 100% of the shots we don't take. Miracles happen everyday, we just have to open our eyes, they are right in front of us. Take a leap of faith and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He is the way. I love you all and hope you had a Merry Christmas! Remember to always pray and read your scriptures!! :) 

God be with you. on our way. #10sof1000s. We represent Jesus Christ. I love you all! :)

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Pictures: 

Obviously of the snow

Christmas Eve with the Atkinsons-They asked us about our Christmas Traditions back home and then did them all for us. 

Christmas Dinner with Sol and his family.

Dear Family, 

Well it was really good to see you guys! I loved talking to you and seeing all your faces. I will say though it was weird talking over skype...I felt like I couldn't really talk to you but no matter. I still enjoyed every second of it and to ease your worries, everyone was in the room next to me! I wasn't breaking any rules! Oh Dang...is Kylee and Dad doing better? Just a reminder, if you could put some more money in my account that would be great. I had to take  £80 out for a new bus pass, I will get reimbursed but I won't however be able to put it back in my account. Thank you Kate and Nick for the wonderful email...don't worry you don't have to write me, but it is good to hear from you and I am glad  you are all doing so well! KINLEY HAS HER EARS PIERCED?!?!?! What she is too young! Mila already is so big! It is going to be so weird seeing them  in 2 years. Well I am glad to hear you are all doing well other than a little bit of sickness. DAD DON'T MESS UP YOUR BACK!!! yes that is me cranking you!! :) I love you all and am so grateful to always hear from you and am grateful for your love and support! If you need anything please let me know! I love you and miss you. 

God be with you until we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. We are representatives of Jesus Christ and as such we wear his name on our hearts. 

Love, Ty-dye

p.s. you should tell matt and austin to email me! 

December 26th

"It snowed that day and it was beautiful!"

Christmas Eve with the Atkinson's 

Christmas Dinner with Sol and his family

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

Dear Rife family, 

I got Kynsie's Skype. My name is ty_rife. I'm excited to see you as well. That is so weird for it not to snow during Christmas. Well hopefully you have a white Christmas! :) Here it will be rainy...it is weird for me to not see snow. A lot of things are still green, it is very unusual! I remember that Christmas book, (In our email to Tyler...we had told him about how Tanner had wrapped up some of our books and we opened up one last night and read it as a family.  It was called "Bah Humbug".)   it is good. My favorite one is the Crippled lamb, or the candy cane one! I love those! I still haven't gotten Sister Rawcliffe's parcel. I got the one with peanut butter and honey and loads of sweets, but I haven't gotten the other yet. Hopefully it is just slow because it is around Christmas time. I will keep looking for it as well as Grandpa's. What were the prizes that Tanner and Kylee got? Oh my goodness...Sloane has here mission call??? That is so weird!! When does she leave? How many of my friends have mission calls now?  It is crazy that Matt is leaving in a few weeks! how were they? Probably really good. Did they get my letters? Well sounds like you all are having a fun time and staying busy like always! I won't tell you everything that has been happening because I will see you on Thursday. It will still be 7 o'clockhere...which I guess is 12 there! I love you guys and miss you guys. Merry Christmas!

God be with you until we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. Remember we all wear the name of Christ on our hearts, we are disciples of Christ. 

Love, Ty-dye

Ello, 

This will be short but I just wanted to tell you MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! This week has been pretty awesome. First off...our zone got together in Leeds City Center and we sang Christmas Carols!! Pretty much the best thing ever! We wrapped up Book of Mormons and passed them out and passed out the He is the gift pass a long cards. It is amazing how many smiles we got from people. Another funny thing is as we were singing people would leave money...we ended up basically chasing them down to give them their money back. The look of surprise that was on their faces when they found out we were singing just because was so funny. Obviously they ended up talking to us trying to figure out why a group of young people were singing. Music is special. It reaches out to everyone and can bring a smile to their faces and help them feel the Spirit. It is a language that everyone knows. Speaking of music, President Pilkington showed us a commercial about the Christmas Truce that is really special to him as well as all of us. Look up on Youtube "The Christmas Truce Sainsburys advert" It is very good. 

Sol FINALLY came to church and is trying hard to quit smoking so hopefully he will come around here soon...hopefully! Graham, for the first time prayed in front of us. We have been trying to get him to pray for the longest time. He prayed to know if the Church is true and to know a date that he should get baptized on, it really surprised me honestly. He is doing really well, trying to cut down smoking and everything. We met this really nice lady, her name is Sarah. We were walking down the street going home one night and she was standing outside her door in her robe and Pajamas. So I just said her robe looks good (it had stars all over it) I know I know stupid approach...but I just said what came to mind. But it got her talking to us and we talked for probably 15 minutes she was asking about why we came over to England and the lot. We obviously said we had to leave, and before we could ask to come back she said would you guys like to come back sometime and we can have a cup of tea...we said sure...obviously we can't have tea but we are definitely going to get her baptized!!! :) Be careful what you ask for...especially if it is two missionaries! :) 

Yesterday was an odd day. Started out normal. We went to Sacrament and then Priesthood...then the primary teacher asked if we could help her...we didn't know what we got ourselves into! We said sure, she then said alright we need wise men and shepherds, can you be both. So as you can gather, we were shepherds and wise men for the nativity! :) fun stuff! I was sitting there thinking to myself why do we have to do this with a bunch of primary kids...we have investigators here and less actives. There are not many primary kids so they needed us. It didn't turn out very good but then I was thinking it doesn't matter. Christmas is not about how good of a nativity you can put on or how many gifts you get or how much food you eat, or how big your tree it, how many lights you have. Christmas is about Christ. I invite everyone who reads this to read the First Presidency message in the Ensign. I want everyone to think about how they can make Christmas more focused on Christ and how we can serve other people. This year make someone else's Christmas better, Serve one another, love one another but most of all remember what Jesus Christ has done for us. He loves us. How can we show our love for him? 

God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. We all wear the name of Christ on our hearts. Merry Christmas everyone. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

"Our zone got together in Leeds City Center and we sang Christmas Carols!!

Pretty much the best thing ever!"

Each week we send Tyler an email from home and most times Steve will include what he titles "Dad's Doctrinal Dissertation".  Last week Steve didn't send anything to Tyler and Tyler made mention in his email that he missed it!  

I think that made his Dad feel pretty good...to think that what he usually shared was valuable and worthwhile. 

Well in Tyler's email for this week Steve shared some very insightful Christmas thoughts and I decided I would include it on Tyler's blog this week.

Perhaps those of you who take time to read Tyler's blog might enjoy what Steve shared with our missionary.

Love you all

&
MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Now for Dads doctrinal dissertation.  I’ve been thinking about the true Spirit of Christmas.  One of my favorite Christmas Hymn’s is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”.  It speaks of peace on earth and good will towards men.  True peace comes from aligning with Heavenly Fathers will through obedience to the commandments and repentance.  As the people in the book of Mormon witnessed Christ’s coming… heard His teachings… and exercised their faith, by repenting and being baptized, they experienced complete peace that lasted over 150 years!  The people had all things in common and there were no poor among them (what a great state to be in).  The people were significantly blessed!   As I think of “good will towards men”, I think of the joy that comes through selfless service and giving (exactly what you are doing on your mission).  There is no greater joy than to earnestly and sincerely give of yourself, your time, talents and resources (this is what it means to truly sacrifice).  Peace on earth and good will towards men is wrapped up in the two great commandments – Love God and Love our fellowmen.  As with all blessings this state of peace is dependent upon our willingness to love and obey. I’m sure the extent that we feel this peace is in direct proportion to the level of service that we give and sacrifice we make. 

Below is a little more insight into this hymn.  It comes from my bosses boss, Blaine Maxfield who recently posted the following on his CIO blog:

 “Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet and educator whose works are vast and popular.  His life, however, came with many challenges and much heartache.  His first wife, Mary Potter, died in 1835 from complications after a miscarriage; she was only 22 years old.  His second wife, Frances Appleton, also died under tragic circumstances.

One night she was trimming their daughter's hair and wanted to preserve some of the curls.  She put the hair in an envelope and heated some wax to seal the envelope.  Hot drops of wax fell onto her dress, and a breeze ignited her dress and set it on fire.  To protect her children, she rushed into Longfellow's study.  Longfellow tried to extinguish the flames, severely burning his own face, arms, and hands.  Despite his efforts, his beloved wife Fanny died the following morning.  She was the love of his life.  His grief and injuries were so great that he was unable to attend her funeral.   

That Christmas, he wrote in his journal: "How inexpressibly sad are the holidays."  Devastated by his wife's death, he later wrote that he felt he was "inwardly bleeding to death."  The following Christmas (in 1862), Longfellow wrote: "A merry Christmas—say the children—but that is no more for me." 

The next year, Longfellow's eldest son, Charles, who was in the Union Army, was severely wounded by a bullet that nicked his spine.  In December of 1863 Longfellow made the journey to Washington to care for his son, who was in critical condition.  That Christmas, his journal was silent.

Then, in 1864, something changed: On Christmas day, Longfellow wrote the words to my favorite Christmas carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."  He wrote how the bells ring out the message of "Peace on earth, good-will to men!" 

I have often wondered what could have possibly changed between the previous years and 1864 that altered Longfellow's perspective from despair to peace.  He wrote that the bells play "old familiar carols."  He had heard these bells many times before; they were familiar.  These were the same bells and the same songs that he heard in 1861, 1862, and 1863.   During those years he only heard the sounds of despair: 

“And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’ ”

What was different this year?

We may be able to gather some insight from one of his earlier journal entries.  On the July anniversary of his second wife's death, his journal states: "I can make no record of these days, better leave them wrapped in silence.  Perhaps someday God will give me peace." 

It was in the song of the bells in 1864 that Longfellow was given peace from God:

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.’ ”

This wonderful gift of God's peace was given to Longfellow, as it is given to each of us at Christmas time and throughout our lives.  This message is given by the Prince of Peace, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Many of us, like Longfellow, hear the messages of loneliness and despair ring loudly in our lives.  But the message of the Prince of Peace always rings "more loud and deep."  This is the great message that was heard in the ringing of the bells that Christmas—the message that good will overcome evil, and that Christ will overcome all.  And because of that we have hope.  Because of that we have peace.

As we focus on the message of Christmas, of Christ and his redeeming power, I testify to each of you that Christ was born and that He lives; that He died for us and that He was resurrected; that He made an Atonement for us and that He lives even still, and that because He lives, we will return to live with our Heavenly Father. 

Wasn’t that insightful?  I love Blaine Maxfield’s testimony and I add my AMEN and AMEN to his words…. I now have even a greater love and appreciation for this wonderful Christmas carol. 

Below are a few more worthwhile quotes from my friend’s daily posts that we have been sharing in your weekly letters:  

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'.               (Bing Crosby)

A simplified Christmas isn't about circumstances as much as it is about focus.            (Ann Voskamp)

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.               (Charles M. Schulz)

If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you.  During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God.  Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees – alone or with loved ones – give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that his Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve him and keep his commandments.  He will take you by the hand and his promises will be kept.               (President Howard W. Hunter)

Well Son, have a great week!  May you feel the true spirit of Christmas and the peace that comes from being faithful and true to our Father in Heaven and His Son.  The gospel is true – we believe it with ALL of our heart.  The missionary work you are engaged in is very important… it will not only bless those who respond to your invitation but you are being sanctified as a person and we are being blessed as a family. You are making a difference in this world of ours!  Remember that we LOVE you and are praying for your safety and success!  We look forward to our visit on Thursday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love, Mom and Dad

Everything is flying by! Monday, December 15, 2014

Dearest momsie and Popcicle, and familia, 

President Pilkington allows us to watch Disney films at members houses. So a member invited us over last week and let us watch How to Train your Dragon 2. I'm lucky to have that but I would rather be seeing the sites of England! Well how have you guys been? I like the tree! I loved putting up the tree, it was one of my favorite things to do. I also loved at night when I couldn't sleep going out to the front room and just watching the lights while I would think. It is crazy how it is the small things that I miss the most! So we planned to be at a members house to skype at 7pm over here...I think that is 12 noon in America but I'm not exactly sure....

Has it snowed yet in Utah? What is going on in the life of all the Rifes? It sounds like you are all staying really busy as usual! Thank  you for the Money. Tell sister Carter and Grandma thank you as well! You guys do too much for me and I hardly do anything for you! Dang I missed dads doctrinal Dissertation! I always enjoy those, but it is alright. I'm glad to hear everything is going well. I'm excited to see you guys next week! :) Be safe and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know! What is Kynsie or Kendras skype? or who should I call for it so I can skype you on Christmas? Well I love you all

God be with you till we meet again. On our Way. #10sof1000s. Remember we wear the name of Christ on our hearts. We are disciples of Christ. 

Love, Ty-dye

Hey ya everyone, 

Well I swear it was just December first and in 1 week it is Christmas!! What the heck. Time is flying by and everything is flying by...even birds. There are a ton of pigeons over here and even though it is cold they still fly right in front of your face. I'm telling you they are trying to kill me! I have been lucky enough to not get hit in the face by one, but on very many occasions they almost hit my face and out of pure desperation and a want to live I am able to dodge the killer pigeons! But really like time is going so fast it is crazy! 

This week has been crazy as well. So many things have happened. First the Christmas Truce! Last week Leeds stake was packed so the missionaries weren't able to see it. President Pilkington insisted on us seeing it so he persuaded York stake to let us come. We traveled to York on Friday and sang again for the Christmas truce. It was really good. Then we had to hurry home before we turned into pumpkins! 

Sol-oh my goodness! We scheduled Sol for the 27th of December. He is still working really hard to quit smoking but it is coming really fast. He is just on the E-cig which is a good improvement. He knows that the church is true, he just has to have a desire to do what the spirit is telling him what to do. I'm hoping that everything goes good and I have faith that he will be able to quit smoking and be baptized if he relies on Heavenly Father for help. 

Graham-At first graham kind of lost the desire but we were talking to him the other day and he told us he hasn't had a Cig for the past 3 1/2 hours! OH MY! Miracles are happening everywhere. He then told us he went to the shop to by some beer and he stood there looking at the beer and said to himself why is he doing this and walked out of the shop with out anything. He felt really good about it and I think he has got the kick back in his step and is trying really hard to quit smoking so he can be baptized when he receives an answer. 

The branch threw a Christmas Party this Saturday. Elder White and I were scrambling to get rides for investigators and Less actives and trying to invite more people. Well what happened goes to show blessings come out of diligent work. We got 2 investigators there and 2 less actives! They really enjoyed it and met loads of members and established really good relationships with them. It is really interesting as well, almost everyone of them said that they had a really good time. I know that it was the spirit. You could feel the spirit and the party and the happy feelings. Again miracles are happening, especially during this Christmas season. 

So something I learned this week, 

Someone told me something about the church that sounded really good, and fit perfectly but I didn't feel good about it. Something was wrong. I took the question to a high council men in our branch and asked him. I told him how I felt and asked him what I can do to learn more of the truth. He then looked at me and asked me this question..."what do you ask your investigators to do?" I answered him, "we ask our investigators to pray and read the Book of Mormon." He then turned to me and said "are you not entitled to that same invitation?" My eyes were immediately opened and I realized of course I am. Whenever we have questions, we need to ask them. Go straight to the source. That is how we will find answers that is how we will find truth. We are entitled to the same revelation as everyone else. Heavenly Father will answer our prayers and our testimonies will be strengthened. 

God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. Remember that we wear the name of Christ on our hearts, be an example, be a true disciple of Christ. 

Sincerely, Elder Tyler Rife

The Christmas Truce

"The memorial is really good."

Oh dang how I miss that cute boy!  I think Kynsie misses him too.  Last night while driving home from her concert with the MCO choirs we were talking about Tyler and she asked if I had seen this picture of him and she made mention of how she thought it was such a good picture of him and she said, "Oh I miss him."   Then she asked me, "Mom, don't you sometimes just miss him so bad???"

I also know a week or so ago Kylee asked, 'Mom, when is Tyler coming home?"  I kinda smiled and responded to her, "oh Kylee sweetie, not for a long time!  (Big Sigh!!!)

And... Tanner on a number of occasions has just wished for his big brother to be here with him! 

We are so happy and feel it such a blessing to have Tyler serving our Heavenly Father and the people of England,

BUT, 

Sometimes...

your heart just aches to see your missionary son or brother!  :)

Tea with the DelaCruz and Calonge family.

"They are the best and so I took a selfie!  :) "

Yup...That is still our goofy son!!!  

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....maybe it will happen - Monday, December 8, 2014

Dear Mom, Dad, Grandma, Katelin, Nick, Kynsie, Kendra, Tanner, Kylee, Kinley, Mila, and Maddie!!!

Oh my I did that all in one breath! Impressive right!! :) Is Sister Rawcliffe doing better? Is she out of the Hospital? I got one parcel from her, I don't know which one...everything in it was wrapped in gift wrap paper. I also got the parcel you sent me. The mission office was holding onto all parcels until Christmas but then they decided there were too many so they distributed them out and I couldn't wait until Christmas so I opened them! :) Thank you for it! I hung the tree up and the little note ornaments are so awesome! :) Thank you for the deodorant as well! Tell Sister Rawcliffe thank you for all the things she gave me, as well as say I will still remember 1 for each hand! She will understand it. Her idea is if you eat biscuits (cookies) you have to have one for each hand! :) Well I'm very happy that I got all I did, you really didn't have to send anything..except the deodorant...I needed that! :) I will let you know about skype for Christmas...I think we will do it about 6 or 7pm here which would be 11 or 12 am there..I don't really know. I will sort things out and let you know next week! :) 

We live on £29 a week...I don't know what that is in $. It is sufficient for what I need! I'm doing really well. I have bought some things. I bought some winter boots, and a proper english suit, it was really cheap (£40) which over here is very cheap!!! So thanks for that Christmas Present!! :) um and then your gifts but i'm not telling you what they are!!! I pay for food and grooming with missionary funds and then really everything else that I use for myself is out of personal funds. I don't know if that made sense. I'm glad Mila got her card!! :) I did see the pictures...I thought it was the card but I couldn't really tell, thats why I asked! Well I hope you are all doing awesome! Keep doing good work and I love you all. If you need anything please let me know! It sounds like the week has been very productive! I love you. 

God be with you. On our way. #10sof10000s. We all wear the name of Christ on our Hearts, choose to represent him in all we do. 

Love, Ty-dye

HEY YA, 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!!!!!! I hope you all have been good for Santa Claus to come! I have had the song White Christmas stuck in my head like for the past 20 days!! I don't even know why I haven't heard it over here once!! But I really am dreaming of a white Christmas because it seriously looks like spring time. There are flowers blooming and everything is still green, it is crazy! Granted everything is soaking wet but there is no snow! :( Has it snowed in Utah yet? I like sledding! (there is a random fact for ya). During this Christmas season, remember that Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. He is the first gift. Don't worry about the sales and dinners. Christmas needs to be about Christ. Serve others and love others You can make such a big impact on peoples lives during this season. Always remember Jesus Christ and what he did for us. I challenge you all to show the pure love of Christ everyday. I would love to hear stories of how you helped someone remember Christ this year or how you know you were able to serve someone and help change their lives! Please send me your stories! 

Sol- Well dear sol is taking baby steps, and by baby steps I MEAN BABY STEPS! But I am impressed with all that he is doing. He bought an E-cig to help him cut down smoking and he has told us multiple times that he knows and has seen Heavenly Father's hand in his life the past two weeks. 

Lena (sols mom)-We have been teaching Lena for quite a while now. The other day she was telling us about how stressed she was and that all she wanted was some peace. We started talking about the Book of Mormon and prayer and how it can help. She committed to start reading again and praying because she remembers that it did bring peace to her when she started. She then out of the blue said I think I'm going to come to church next week, I can't come this week but I will come next week! WHAT THE HECK!!! RANDOM! I got this big smile and all I could say is that is amazing we would love to see you there. I was speechless. She has never wanted to come to church! Slowly but surely...even if it is just baby steps. 

We have so many other people that we are teaching, like Caroline, and Sarah, and Drew. Every single one of them are taking baby steps. But something I realized was this: They are coming...although slowly, they are making a difference in their lives and trying to change so they can come unto Christ. I remembered that it is Heavenly Fathers will not mine, as long as I am trying my hardest to help, they will do their part and progress will come. Baby steps people...baby steps!!! Miracles happen everyday! 

The missionaries sang at a Christmas Program yesterday it was called a Christmas Truce that happened during WW1. On Christmas the British and the Germans ceased firing on each other and met in the middle of the field and played a game of Futball. There were many non members there. President Pilkington wanted us to sing two songs to open the program because his family was impacted by the war, his grandfather was apart of the Christmas truce. and this is what I learned from it and now I am telling you! We were singing and it was so powerful. The spirit was so strong and I know everyone could feel it. I then thought of how missionary work isn't just teaching and baptizing. We represent Jesus Christ, we have his name on our hearts and as such we have been set apart as disciples of Christ. Christ asked us to follow him and do as he did. Well the biggest part of his "missionary work" was being an example, loving, serving, doing all he could to share the gospel. As disciples we must do as he did...that is be an example. Missionary work shouldn't be teach teach teach teach and if we aren't teaching than all of our efforts are going to waste. Yes, missionary work is trying to share the gospel, but missionary work is also being an example, loving, serving and doing all we can to represent Jesus Christ and help people understand that they can be happy, that there is a plan for them and that the Book of Mormon is 1000% true, that Joseph Smith restored Christ's church back to the earth, and that we have a living prophet today, but most of all Jesus Christ lives. That is missionary work. As we do all this, when we put it all together and make it not just a two year thing and only do it when we have to but to make it our life. When we do that, when we apply the principles we are trying to teach, that is when we will be able to leave a legacy and help people come unto Christ.

I love you all and hope all is well across the big blue. God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. Remember we all wear the name of Christ on our hearts. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

P.S. Christmas season, calls for Christmas tree from the family!! :) 

We found a cat and I wanted to knock some doors with it and ask if it was their cat and then get talking about the gospel! :) Elder white wouldn't let me....

We sent Tyler a little Christmas Tree with these fancy little ornaments!  

The ornaments are actually notes from family and friends.  

The notes are under the decorated Christmas paper and hooked together with a brad fastener.

I'm sure he enjoyed hearing from us ALL!  

Merry Christmas!

Tyler and the cat he found

SURPRISE...ITS TUESDAY!!!! December 2, 2014

Hola, Come esta, 

They sent me to Spain for a bit and I learned Spanish....ok ok, they really didn't. Well it is Tuesday and not Monday. This is because Transfer calls happened and I'M GOING TO....stay here!! hahaha gotcha! You all thought I was leaving. Well because Transfers are this week preparation day is Tuesday instead of Monday. I'm really happy I'm staying here for Christmas. It is going to be weird not being home honestly but I'm excited.

I'm an awful person...I forgot it was Thanksgiving until someone said, isn't it Thanksgiving this week?!!! But we did something really cool and it was super fun! We were talking to Caroline and her family (some investigators) and we said we will have a family home evening with them at the chapel and we will cook them a Thanksgiving!! It wasn't quite Thanksgiving but it was as close as we could get it. Turkey is very very expensive so we substituted it with chicken and made it look like turkey. We made mashed potatoes, cooked carrots and parsnips and an apple pie. We made this in all under an hour!!! Crazy I  know! Well we sat at the chapel...and sat there...and sat there...and sat there! They didn't show up! We found out later that something came up, don't know what but I will give them the benefit of the doubt! :) But on the bright side we got a thanksgiving dinner and it was quite good if I do say so myself! :) The picture is us cleaning up and I got distracted by the big pot of mashed potatoes!! :) they were good, not as good as Dads, but good! 

On Friday we helped Lena (sols mum and an investigator) put up her Christmas tree! It was basically awesome!! We had a lot of fun and got talking about the Plan of Salvation. I don't know if I told you guys but her sister is a member in Scotland and Lena is moving up there after Christmas! So we won't be able to baptize her here but we are going to get her all prepared to turn over to the Scottish missionaries! She then later told us she was having a hard day and prayed for us to come by which I think is cool because it strengthened her belief in Prayer. She has told us she doesn't pray because she doesn't think Heavenly Father has answered her prayers! Well that will change now hahaha!! But she really is an amazing lady! She made us curry afterward and flip it was so spicy it was making my nose run!!! 

Last week I went on exchange and we went by a less-active. Interesting story but I won't go into that. She smokes and says she doesn't know if she believes anymore. It was stake conference and she came. After I walked up to her and asked her how she was doing and how she liked it. She said that she was doing well and that stake conference was for her. I then asked her what she was going to do now. Right before stake conference she bought a full pack of cigarettes. She pulled them out of her pocket and crushed them and said I'm done. She said I know I'm a hard person and I'm sometimes a nuisance but I believe! I know this church is true! I was astonished, I was speechless! It helped me realize something. There are many people out there, that struggle and seem as though they are not worth the wait and worth trying to bring back because they are long gone! DO NOT GIVE UP ON THEM!! They may need a little extra nudge and help because they can't do it on their own. But no matter what never give  up on them. They are all children of our loving Heavenly Father and have just strayed a little. It is our, I would say, obligation and duty to be their friends and help them realize that they can be happy, help them remember the feelings they had when they were baptized. Never give up on anyone, including yourself. If you struggle and feel lost, don't give up, rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They are there for you, walking right beside you. Keep going, keep trying because in the end, everything you do will be worth it! 

God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. Remember we all wear the name of Christ on our hearts. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

P.S. Selfie with Elder Smith!!!

Dear Mom and Dad, 

Thank you for the emails each week. I know you are busy and life is hectic but you still make time for emails!! :) I'm grateful for that! This past week has looked like a fun week for you all!! It seems like you packed in a lot! Thanksgiving looked good. Where were the Cherry's? Did Mila get her Birthday card? sorry it was so late. Have you got the Christmas parcel I sent? How is everyone doing? What was Tanners PR? I Would love to do the Christmas thing with you guys! I will update you on service, words and attitude, as well as personal goals! I will try my best to do that. Something that I started that you are all welcome to do as well... What is the point of just saying things you are grateful for on just one day of the year? I don't see the point. Everyday I write 2 things that I am grateful for, or at least I'm trying and I think that when we feel down or like everything is going wrong we can look at those things that we write everyday and it will remind us of why we do things and that we have been blessed greatly!! So black friday isn't really a thing here. It was weird. Dang Kylee I want a picture with Elsa!!!!!! You are a lucky girl! Well I hope you are all doing well and are having an amazing week! Look up the Mormon Message the spirit of Christmas. That is a good one! And don't forget to watch Mr. Kruegars Christmas! I love you all and miss you. I hope that you re-read those letters that Santa Clause gave us last Christmas. I hope we can all think about how we can make our CHRISTmas' more focused around Christ. I love you and hope all is well! God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. Remember we all wear the name of Christ on our hearts!

Love, Ty-dye 

Giving the mashed potatoes a try as they were fixing Thanksgiving Dinner!  :)

Trust him!!!  He was ALWAYS trying to grab a taste before the prayer was said here at home too!!!

Only I actually think this was when they were cleaning up so perhaps it was staged!  

Selfie with Elder Smith  :)