Fwd: March 5, 2012

Dear Family.

This week was another interesting one. The work is about the same but we had a couple miracles happen. On Friday we had a "car fast" in which we gave up the car for a day to save miles. The whole mission did this because we will be having a mission conference in Ventura on Thursday in which L. Tom Perry will be speaking. Pretty Neat. Anyway, because of our obedience a guy in a taxi pulled up to us when we were walking. He told us to get in because he wanted to talk, a little unnerved Ii was hesitant,  but we got in. We taught him and he gave us a free ride to the church. (his name is K..., from Africa, about 24ish, and has been in the states for about 5 years) He is really faithful and we gave him a tour of the church. Taught him a little more about the restoration. Then he generously gave us another ride to this old lady's house where we were going to do some service. When we told him about it he asked if he could come help, so we said sure. Then after that he took us to his house,gave us a drink and we taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ. Talk about tender mercies!

We also talked to a guy who's name is Fire-Penguin Disco-Panda. Legitimately.

As far as my attitude goes, I am working on it. It is difficult to be positive when you have no support from your senior companion and he is constantly tearing you down. THAT is why I am depressed and in a bad mood. I was fine with Thomson. I am mostly obedient. I am getting up and exercising and studying. Learning stuff. But when push comes to shove, sometimes i just want to get away. I can handle it, and i understand why the rules are important. But under stress, i naturally default to pessimism. I'm sorry.

Got the Package, cookies are rock solid. Thanks for the shirts. and stuff. I'm trying to avoid sugar though so i will take it easy on the candy. I have completely cut soda out of my diet this transfer.  And not to brag but i have 15.5 inch biceps. (going around) HAHA!

Anyway, i have got mail from anyone (besides you guys) since the new year. Did you ever contact Casey?

Also, can you send me my priesthood line of authority? Thanks!

On Mon, Mar 5, 2012 at 7:36 AM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Good morning!

Hope this email finds you doing better!  I am sitting in the waiting room while Mason is having his MRI.  Dr Foulk said he ruptured his ACL and damaged his MCL.  We are thinking he will be having surgery Friday.  He is a bit bummed to say the least.  He has a long road of therapy ahead to get the leg and knee healed and strong again.

Weston is getting ready to get approval for his eagle project.  This is the fourth attempt.  Pray it goes through!  He also will be having an MRI of his shoulder.  They both took the first ACT and realized they need to study!

Otherwise life is the same here.  I still have a sore throat and little energy.  I hope to get some oatmeal mix made this week and get it sent to you.  We received an email from "Uncle Bob" that the package was found.  The cookies will be hard and gross but everything else should be fine.

How are things going?  Did you get Dad's email with his advice and letter.  Take it to heart son. Know that we are not lecturing, we just want you to succeed. I hope things are improving.

So tell me about what you are doing?  Who are you teaching?  How long has your companion been out?  Where is he from again?  Are you enjoying Santa Barbara?  I hear it is beautiful!

We really enjoyed all the pictures.  Some of the videos were pretty funny too.  Make sure to follow all the mission rules with cameras.  But we love getting pictures, do keep them coming.  Are you doing better on your journal writing?

Well son, I need to close for now. I pray for you daily and so do many. My only advice this week is to pray. Talk with your Heavenly Father daily.  Be grateful, express gratitude and then ask those things you are in need of. You can do all things with prayer.  Remember how many times the prophets in the Book of Mormon had struggles and trials.   What did they do to overcome? They were obedient, repented and prayed!  There are the answers-- always.

I love you,
Mom

Fwd: Happy presidents day

***He sent us new Pictures today**  -->

Dear Fambam,

So a lot of crazy things happened this week. Wednesday night we received a call from the APs informing us that we were getting another companion. We were way stressed about that because first our apartment is barely the size of a studio apartment. And i haven't been here very long to really help with the area. So on Friday we got Elder Humphrey from the Mtc. He is with us until he gets his visa to Argentina. He is Argentina Salta Mission. He is a pretty cool guy from St George Utah. He is ripped, because he is a swimmer. Its Ironic because we have started this workout program with brother Shipley (a member who owns a gym.) He told us to do 100 pullups everyday, even if you can only do them assisted. Apparently people will think we are on steroids. I will have done 450 by the end of today and i am SORE! But results are beginning to show up.

The work here is not to spectacular. We have had a lot of Greenie luck in the last couple of days but we don't have any solid investigators. :(

Its hard being in a tripan. [ Tri-panionship, 3 elders together instead of 2 ]

Sorry you have been sick. My health is SO much better, the air ALWAYS smells like flowers it is pretty cool. (my letter probably sounds choppy because i am under a lot of stress so i am sorry about that)

My New address is:

843 CHELTENHAM RD

SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101

Yah the mission office stinks. I will call and find out where that package is if I can. I have no idea whats going on in Bakersfield, I feel like I abandoned them, and it was a very abrupt change. Grr...

My original companion (Nielsen) and I have had a couple feuds, nothing to serious, but i hope it doesn't blow up in my face. Its starting to wear on me...  I am doing better with the rules now. I am on my best behavior to be a good example,  I a actually studying and getting something out of it. YAy!  Anyway, that's the report...

On Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 9:35 AM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:

Elder Scott,

Santa Barbara sounds nice.  Never been there.  This week has been no
fun at all here at home.  Mom and I gave both had the flu and have
been rather worthless all week.  I was in New York sick as a dog
trying not to infect the whole population.  The flight home on Friday
was definitely one of the worst experiences of my life.

So here we sit on presidents day wishing we were in the mountains but
struggling to keep our heads from exploding during the cough attacks.

So on to the details, what is your new address?

Did you get your package we sent over a month ago?  At this point the
cookies will be a science experiment.  We wont send them to the
mission home anymore, it takes too long for you to actually get them.

Oh, mom reminded me, Jeffery Smith got his mission call to San
Bernadino, CA Spanish speaking.  He leaves in May.

How are you feeling health-wise?  Better now that you are back near the coast?

What happened to the families you were teaching in Bakersfield?  Did
the end up being baptized?

Who are you teaching now?  What is the ward like there?

He long has your companion been out?  Are you 2 a good match?

How are you doing personally with the mission rules? Are you finding
them easier now?

So I have to tell you about the mini-MTC that bro. Bright and the
young men's leaders put together for the boys last weekend.  I was
able to attend their mock zone meeting during which ex-president and
ex-sister Ludwig spoke to the "zone".  Sister Ludwig shared some songs
that she wrote while they were presiding over the Denver South
mission.  They were pretty clever.  Here is the first one sang to the
tune of "great big gobs of greasy grimy gopher guts"

Work will win when wishy-washy wishing won't,
Wishy-washy wishing wont,
Wishy-washy wishing won't,
Work will win when washy-washy wishing won't,
So work hard and if you don't....

You'll become a lazy bum who sits around,
Doesn't help the work abound,
Never know where joy is found,
If you work you won't be sad and need to fret,
You'll live life with no regrets.

Another one was to the tune of popcorn popping:

I looked at my behavior and what did I see?
A need to change to be the person I should be.
I know inside that I must change my heart
The lord will help if I do my part.

I must stop bad habits so they will cease,
Do everything I should so my faith will increase,
I know it will be hard...
But watch me you will see...
I'll become the person I was meant to be.

President Ludwig cited president Benson when he said (paraphrasing)
"when obedience ceases to be a irritation, rather our quest, in that
moment we are endowed with great power"

The mini-MTC was a great experience even though it was a mock up, I
think they learned a lot.

Well Elder, we love you and are rooting for your success.  Remember to
work hard and leave nothing undone that you could have done.

Talk to you soon,

Mom &Dad

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

Fwd: February 12, 2012

Hello Family!

Im here in Sunny Santa Barbara in the American Riviera! Its gorgeous here and the weaher here is wonderful. My new companion is Elder Matt Nielsen from Soda Springs Idaho. He rides snowmobiles and owns an orange tuxedo like the one in dumb and dumber. He is a hard worker and baptized 4 people last transfer. We get along pretty well and were both pretty geeky. We live with a member in this cool house. His name is Bob Hankinson and he has been a convert since 2003. Hes Pretty cool and we like him a lot. Most of the work we do around here is with members. Tracting is useless. But i think it will be. 

No i havent got your package yet. waiting stil.... :\  anyway. Have talked to Casey recently? i wanted to write her but dont have an address. We rode with a member to Santa Barbara and it wasnt a very long drive, about an hour from ventura. Elder Thomson (i mean Nathan) is HOME NOW!!! :( Its so crazy how quick  those 5 months were... Wierd . Will send pics soon. forgot usb today. My bad.

On Sun, Feb 12, 2012 at 8:42 PM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Elder Scott,

Happy Valentine's day this week!

So how is Santa Barbara?  Are you settled? How is your new companion? Santa Barbara is apparently very beautiful!

Did you get your package? I sent some candy for Valentine's day.  Do the shirts fit? Is there anything else that you need?

I bet you had a busy week. How did you travel to Santa Barbara?  How long was the trip?  Our week was the same.  The boys took the ACT Saturday.  They were a little freaked about it.  They had the mini MTC on Friday night.  Dad was the picture taker, so he will tell you about it. It sounded pretty cool. The boys are definitely excited to go on a mission.

Well, hopefully you have more to share this week.  I look forward to hearing from you.  For now, I'm off to bed.

I love you,
Mom

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

Fwd: Re: February 6, 2012

IM GETTING TRANSFERRED!!!!!!! noooooooooooooooo! Im going to Santa Barbara. So we are getting white washed and I am way stressed out! Things are the same here as last week. I've only bought ties. will send more pics later. Got a lot to do today so I will talk to you next week I guess sorry for being brief.

On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:29 AM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Good morning Elder!

How are you doing this week?  It sounds like you have more people to
teach and serve.  That is great!  I hope Victor is doing better.  That
is neat about the couple that has the non member woman.  Lots of
potential there!!!

I am glad to hear that your health is improving.  I also love to hear
that you love Bakersfield and the people.  So when hearing about you
and the Romero's, it makes me think that you might be missing your
brothers a bit!   The wrestling anyway.  Although, Mason is stinkin'
tough with playing Rugby now.

So do you know what will happen this week with transfers? I know Elder
Thomson is going home, but will you be staying??  Give us the scoop.

So did you get your package?  We saw that you purchased some stuff at
JC Penney and TJ Maxx I think?  Did you buy some shirts?  I sent you
two shirts, but if you need more, just let me know and I can send some
more.

This week has been more of the same.  BUT, I wasn't sick this week!
WHEW!   January was a tough month for me.  Mason and Weston registered
for their Senior year.  They take their first ACT this Saturday.  WOW!
 I can't believe they are going to be seniors.  Last week I got the
mail and I hadn't picked it up for several days.  There was a ton of
mail and almost all of it was for them---colleges.  We had a major
snow storm start Thursday night.  School was canceled on Friday.  We
probably got about 20 inches or so in our yard.  We had just finally
had the snow from Thanksgiving time melt.  However, there hasn't been
much snow in the mountains.  So the skiing isn't great yet!

Well, not much else new.  I am working a lot this month.  I am
covering charge nurse, so pretty much full time this week and the next
two weeks.  I am on a break right now, so I am going to have to get
back to work.  Take care son, and work hard.  Good luck with the
changes this week.  Make sure you are keeping your journal.  And,
thanks for the picture.  We would LOVE to get more!!!

I love you,
Mom

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

Fwd: January 30, 2012

Dear Mom and Dad,
This week has been a good one. Victor is still struggling with stuff but we are still working with him. We have 8 progressing investigators, 4 of them are from a family we have been teaching. They are awesome! they ave really good questions and are the most promising investigators i have had my whole mission. We taught them the Plan of Salvation this week. We also have another Part Member family we are stoked about. A young couple, Husband was Less active, wants to come back to church. His wife is not a member and is really interested and is doing all of her homework! Woohoo! finally some people that are more interested in learning the gospel than talking to us! But of course, we are pretty cool so i am guessing that has something to do with it. ;D Anyway, Maxene we are teaching again too! Lots of miracles! Anyway. My health is improving, and yes Bakersfield hasnt been good to me but i like the people here. One of the members families, the Romeros have 3 boys (teenagers) and their tradition with missionaries is to wrestle them. So, being the type of people we are, Elder Thomson and I engage matches with them sometimes. Its fun  being a missionary.

On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 7:20 AM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:

Elder Scott --

Just a reminder -- President Grover has asked for a few quality pictures of our missionary doing missionary work -- we don't' have have a lot of good pictures with YOU in them, so please send me something that you want him to have.  They are putting together a slideshow of the stake missionaries for the upcoming Stake Conference.  If you don't send me something, I'll pick and choose from what you have sent us several months ago, there is not a lot to choose from.

Speaking of President Grover, we had Stkae General Priesthood meeting last night.  President Grover told a story about the murder of Joseph Smith.  Apparently when the mob was plotting against Joseph, they were meeting secretly to devise a plan to kill him.  There were a couple of young boys in the meetings, who were sympathetic towards the Prophet, and recounted the meeting minutes to the prophet after each one.  Joseph Smith prophesied to them that at the next ( and final ) meeting, they would be required to take an oath to join the mob to carryout their evil plans to murder Joseph Smith.  The prophet asked these boys to be courageous and to attend this final meeting, to not commit to join with them, but to stand strong -- he warned them that their lives would be threatened because "they new the mobs plans",  The message President Grover was conveying was that the young men are to stand courageous, even when their lives are on the line.  It was very touching and a nice reminder for all of us that the world is heading fast down a road that we do not want to be on -- so we need to muster courage to stand for what is right, no matter what. 

President Hammond relayed a story about a football team in Texas who showed love and compassion toward another team which happened to be made up solely of inmates of a maximum security prison --- during the game the community rallied around the visiting team and cheered them on.  The home team still one like 33-14, but the team made up of hopeless teens with nobody in their lives to support them, stood tall because for one night, there were citizens, parents and good people cheering for their success.  At the end of the game, the coach of the visiting prisoner football team took the home team's coach aside and told him "you will never know what this has meant to these boys, to have a glimpse of hope in their lives"  President Hammond's message was that God is Love, Love is Charity, and we should conduct our lives with the sole purpose of demonstrating love to our fellow men -- even those who are struggling to stay on the straight and narrow path ( like this football team from prison )

Seth Guthrie gave his farewell talk yesterday, he was apparently set apart as a missionary last night and leaves for the MTC on Wednesday -- he makes #11 from our ward.  Bishop Olsen reported that the Stake Presidency calls our ward "The Missionary Machine" because of how many missionaries are currently serving, and how many are still shortly upcoming.

Austin Hansen should be leaving for Argentina tomorrow ( I believe ) -- I'll let you know what comes of that adventure if I hear anything.

Keep us informed of whats going on in your week -- we love to read the details about your mission work. 

Love Dad

On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 6:33 AM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Good morning Elder Scott,

I hope the email finds you doing well.  I unfortunately have not been well!  I was doing fine on Monday and then wham!  I got the stomach bug and was super sick.  So, I did not get your package in the mail.  I had gone and got your shirts on Monday and planned on getting it sent Tuesday.  So I will now get it sent this Tuesday. 

Everything else is the same.  The pinewood derby was Saturday.  Dad did great, but he is glad it is over.  He learned how to do it better next year.  Some of the cars were so cute.  Ben Rawlings did his in the shape of a baseball bat with Rawlings on it.  Dylan Lawson did his in the shape of a block of cheese with little plastic mice on it.  I was the judge.  You could totally tell which ones Dad's did and which ones boy's did. 

So, I am sorry to hear that Victor didn't get baptized.  I hope you can continue to work with him and that he gains a testimony of tithing.  I am glad to hear you were working hard.  I bet that makes the time fly!  I hope you are feeling better and are over the cold you had.  You have been sick a lot in Bakersfield, that is not like you.  Have the other elders been sick too?

Well, I need to run and get ready for work.  I know this is short, but I spent the week recuperating, so not much to share.  President Monson shared the first presidency message in the Ensign this month.  He talks about courage and he says "Sometime courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, "I'll try again tomorrow"."  Always have courage son.  Keep trying with Victor and those you teach.  Let the spirit guide you in what to say and teach.

I love you,
Mom 

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

Fwd: Re: January 16, 2012

Dear Readers,

This week has been great. We are teaching a lot more. Victor will be getting baptized on the 27th still and everything is going smooth. We are teaching a new family and getting tons of refferrals. Im doing fine with my mood and yes there is a CVS near me. Wow, you finally got released. Weird.I have dropped the ball with my journal writing, haven't wrote since before Christmas... ill try harder, and i am getting better about waking up and exercising and stuff, but not perfect yet. Other than that we do a lot of tracting now looking for more peeps to teach we only have like three investigators now that are progressing. several dropped off the face of the earth. :(

On Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 9:45 AM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Good morning Elder!

I hope you are doing well today!  I have been sick all week.  I finally got on antibiotics Saturday.  However, I am still not well enough to go skiing.  Dad and the boys went today, no school. 

Well, big news.  I was released yesterday.  I am now in Activity Days.  It will be a nice break.  It is every other Wednesday.  I am excited to work with the girls.  Phoebe just got put in the new RS presidency! 

I saw President Walker yesterday.  He said to tell you hello!  He asks about you all the time. 

So is the Jan 27th baptism still on?  How is the teaching going?  Don't get too trunky, it is way too soon for that! 

I haven't been out to shop for you shirts yet because I have been so sick.  I was literally in bed most of the week.  I missed work and everything.  But I will get them this week and get a package off to you.  We also got the new insurance cards.  Are you sure you have a CVS pharmacy near you?

So how are you doing---really?  How is your mood?  Are you trying to get up on time?  Are you trying to exercise?  What is a typical day like for you?  How is your journal writing going?  Do you need a new one yet?  Any new pictures? 

Weston and Mason are signed up for their first ACT in Feb.  Weston is slowly working on his Eagle, and I mean slowly!!!  Argh!  His headaches seem to be gone finally!  Dad is Dad.  He has been getting up every morning at 5 to go to the gym.  He has been doing it for two week now!  He is a little tired, but does feel better.  He is winning in the Biggest Loser contest so far! 

Well, I don't know what to say---you haven't given me much to reply to lately.  I pray for you daily.  I think of you a lot!  I know you are on the Lord's errand, and of that I am so proud.  I know you will become the man you are to become if you are serving the Lord with all of your heart.  Love the people, love your companion and the the rest will come easier.  President George Albert Smith said "Do not forget no matter how much you may give in money, no matter how you may desire the things of this world to make yourselves happy, your happiness will be in proportion to your charity and to your kindness and to your love of those with whom you associate here on earth.  Our Heavenly Father has said in very plain terms that he who says he loves God and does not love his brother is not truthful. (see 1 John 4:20)"

I love you son!  Keep up the good work!

Mom

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

Fwd: Re: January 8, 2012

Dear Readers,
This week was still pretty slow due to the plague. Elder Thomson Caught what i had on Sunday on tuesday. By Wednesday i think we were all good. One of our Investigators, Victor, has shown more progression than any of our previous. He will be baptized on the 27th. So were pretty stoked, it will be the last baptism for Elder Thomson, and my first. A month from today he will be home in Canada. Its weird being his companion, i feel more trunky than he does! Haha but were still working hard and kickin butt and takin names. Ive learned why people get so confused with the bible now haha. We also are teaching this new family who are surprisingly interested to listen to us. We went over to share a little message, and ended up teaching the whole restoration, and some background on the BoM. It was pretty cool being able to recognize the spirit as we testified of the power of prayer and earnestly seeking out the mysteries of god. Oh we found them tracting the Sunday before Christmas. So overall, we are just truckin along doing what missionaries do. And its getting easier to have a good attitude about all the crap going on the longer i am in it. ;)

On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Elder Scott,

I hope this email finds you feeling better.  Bummer that you have been sick!  I feel like I am coming down with a cold this weekend.  I have that sore throat, headache feeling starting!

Life here is the same.  The boys went back to school this week.  All jazzed about keeping straight A's.  Although they are already complaining about how hard math is!  Weston went back to swim this week.  He already started having headaches again.  We go to a new doctor tomorrow, a chiropractor that a doctor that I work with recommended.  Mason is gearing up to start in his Rugby season.  Weston is starting the process for his Eagle!  Man he needs to get it DONE!!!!  Tired of driving him around!  Both are working, but Weston not so much.  He just started back after being off for about a month, because of his headaches.

It has been pretty cold here.  Snow still hasn't melted from the first weekend in December.  We had a little snow yesterday.  Not much in the mountains, so no need to be jealous.  We haven't even been up really.  Dad has gone twice I think.  The boys only once.  It is mostly ice up there!  So....

So we all joined this Biggest Loser contest with Steve and Mary.  We each put $20 in and whoever loses the biggest percentage of weight by Feb. 14th wins.  Dad has been going to the gym every morning at 5 am!  Weston has already lost 8 pounds.  So we are all trying to watch how much we eat and to get more exercise!  Wish us luck!

Dad forwarded you the email you got from President Walker.  I hope you got it ok.  I also will send your package of shaving stuff when I get your white shirts.  I need to go get those this week sometime.  So I will most likely get it in the mail next week.  Is there anything else you need?  I will send it to the mission home.

Well, I don't have a lot to say tonight.  I am really tired from a long day.  I will leave you with a thought.  This years study is President George Albert Smith.  He was known for being exceptionally kind and being a great example of living the gospel.  He could always lighten the mood and make everyone a friend.  Truly someone to admire.  One of his quotes is "...Are you doing your duty? are we performing the labor the Lord has entrusted to our care? do we sense the responsibility that is upon us? or are we idly floating down stream, going with the tide taking it for granted that in the last day, we will be redeemed?"  "Now let us examine ourselves.  Are we doing as much as we should? And if we are not, let us turn around and do better.  If we are doing as we should, if we are reaching out in all directions to do good to the children of our Father, then we will bring to ourselves the blessing of an all wise Father, and we will rejoice in the good that we accomplish here..."

I think that is something we should ask daily---in our morning and evening prayers.  Don't idly float along.  Do as much as your should.  Reach out in all directions and do good to those around you.  Perform the labor you have been entrusted to do.  I know that if you do as President Smith suggests, you will rejoice.  You will have success.  You will experience blessings. 

I love you and I am proud of you~~Mom

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott