The Best Trunk or Treat idea Ever...

Mi familia! SO SO SO good to hear from you!(Elder Curry says hi by the way) Dad and Braden, I never got around to that hike y'all went on, so I'm glad you two did! Those pictures were awesome!! Austin, I'm with on the dance party, no me gusta. The punch bowl is my go to position. Stir and pour, Stir and pour. You can never fail with that move! haha. 

Well this week my testimony has been built immensely! Gabriel is such a solid guy, he's right on track to be baptized on Nov. 9th. He came to church yesterday and he also came to a baptism for someone else on saturday. While at the baptism he read the testimony of Joseph Smith the entire time, over and over. On Sunday too he asked us "on our next lesson, I want to go over the things I need to know to make sure I'm ready for my baptism." I'm not sure if I've told you about Mark yet but he was a referral from the OU sisters, and he's the biggest okie talker ever.  I was about to write him off, but at the end we invited him to read and pray about the B.O.M., come to church, and invited him to be baptized on november 30th! The spirit was workin on him because he said yes to all 3! He came to the baptism as well and also to church. And check it out, here's the biggest hand of God moment of the week. So remember how last week I told you how David, former super solid guy kinda just fell off the map? Well we stopped by Jason and Angela's place, since we hadn't seen them in a while, and he was there playing video games. We only had 10 min to visit, so we had a short lesson on things we could do to have the spirit with us throughout the week. David then opened up to us and told us how he told his parents that he was looking into the church and how they frowned upon and starting attacking him for it, so he stopped reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it. 

We then testified of the truthfulness of our message and that God will answer an honest questioning of prayer. It was awesome because the spirit was so strong and we both hadn't born that powerful of testimonies in a long time and after we left it felt like we were walking on clouds. That next morning he told us he took off work and was going to come to church! & then said "I've been a little discouraged the past twoo weeks after I talked to my parents about going to your church but every time you come into our house I can feel the spirit... therefore I know God is with you ... and I've felt like I should go for quite sometime now!" It was awesome!!! 

During Gospel Principles he asked some questions, and the whole class tried to answer and it confused him even more, but afterwards he told us "I'm just trying to find the truth, and I can't deny that the spirit is with you guys. So I've gotta know what's right." I've seen so many times now that God really does work by small and simples means, and by those small moments, small witnesses of the spirit, great miracles and great testimonies come to pass! I also know that any doubt or any question can be answered by an honest, sincere petition to God. 

Last quick miracle we had a lesson with Bobby and Mary, some investigators we picked up because of the boundary switch.  She's been Jehovah Witness her whole life, 60 some odd years. Bobby has been non-denom. She knows JW isn't the way, but is scared to go any other because she believed so much in it. Every scripture we were trying to share with her she wouldn't believe, citing "sheeps in wolves clothing" and thinking that's what this "could" be. The whole time though Bobby is sitting there quietly. He then speaks up and says "I have a scripture to read". Guess which one he read? Moroni 10: 3-5!! And Mary loved it!! Because Bobby found it and not us. The spirit was working on him to find it and prompted him to read it. They commited each other to read those verses each day, each time before they begin to read the B.O.M! I know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live, I know this is their work, and I know they love us and know us. I know that they answer our prayers!!! Love you! 

Elder Traasdahl

Norman OK District minus two Elders

Trunk or Treat!

That's my favorite treat ever.

Only in Oklahoma....  

And any other adjective you want to throw in there....

It was great to hear from everyone! But boy what a week folks! I'm tellin you what! busy busy busy busy.  We worked like crazy in our area, worked like crazy to get all these elders and sisters situated in their new areas, and worked crazy hard with the STL's in our zone to get some unity behind the direction we want to take the zone!  To keep things short, not all is well in zion, and we're making sure we're doing our duties as the watchmen on the tower and not letting the enemy in the gate!  This enemy is a sneaky one though.  Complacency.  Complacency with other missionaries. (elders with sisters and vice versa.)  

Our area though!  Good news.  We didn't loose all of our investigators!  We only lost probably a 1/4 of them.  But we gained some from another area that became ours so it's all good!  One of the investigators we gained his name is Gabriel, he's a Venezuelian man.  He has a baptismal date and came to church yesterday, all three hours.  It's odd though, because as we met with him we were really feeling a ton of desire coming from him.  So we're not sure why he's investigating.  

David, the guy we set a date with my first day here, has slighty fallen off the map.  A good friend of his has died and he's had a rough time coping with it.  We've been trying to get in touch with him so that we can help him through it, but he's been out of it.  Emily, the 9 year old that has the other date, is on the fence right now too.  We've taught her most everything, and now she's just gotta come to church!  She lives with a LA grandpa and non member girlfriend of grandpa.  Well, suffice it to say, pray that Emily and Seth, her brother, who is really rowdy, can behave themselves enough on Sundays to be able to come to church.  

Random shout out but that's awesome to see Tyler was able to help Floyd get baptized!!  Of course we're not supposed to compare ourselves, but regarding the fruit of the harvest there seems to be of a larger quantity for Tyler.  That's how you know you've got yourself a quality missionary!  Ya know, I was looking at myself in the mirror the other day and was soo tired, beat, exhausted, and throw on there any other adjective you can think of that describes being beat, but I was so happy!  It hit me yet again what a unique time of my life this was, and that there was no other time in my life where these same concerns, issues, and desires will need to be my sole focus.  I can't even think of what my life even would've been like, or who I would be, if I hadn't made the decision to serve the Lord and come on a mission.  I know that I would've been much less of the person I am today, or will become.  

The other day, it was 8 at night, and Elder Ravsten and I were sitting outside with the sister training leaders, (because we can't go inside without a third male) and it was probably 40 degrees, and we talking about the issues I talked about above.  Across the street was this frat house that a huge party going on.  It was a funny moment for me because here we were, freezing, discussing how we could help those in the zone, when right across the street sin was running rampant.  The thought came to mind "Why are you not there?"  I responded "Because I Choose not to. I Choose to be obedient."  And right there I was taught how simple obedience is, and how significant and eternal the consequences are.  I'm greatful for the commandments of God, because I know they are there that we might enjoy the greatest amount of joy and happiness in this life.  I've never struggled more in my life, yet I've never been happier!!  I know who I serve, and I know that I'm not alone.  I love you! Till next week,

Love,

Elder Traasdahl

Now is Such an Amazing Time

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!! I know it's belated but alas, such is the way of the mission.  I hope you had a lovely birthday.  Next one we'll be there to celebrate with you! And Dad I haven't read your big email yet, if I have time after I'm going to... I read though briefly the part where you had a goal of 1 1/2 hrs and you got a flat tire or something! And I didn't know that so many other members of the fam were participating either, that's way sweet.

Well ok you ready for the low down? The Norman metro area where we are serving in just got rearranged last night. We just found out about it last night, and same with President. I remember when this happened back home, and of course it's like no big deal right?  Well on our end, it means new areas and investigator swapping and moving missionary apartments and all that good jazz. Nuts! It's all good though, because this is the work of the Lord! 

And it's incredible to see how it's all workin out. My comp and I were looking at the new ward boundaries, and the new areas that would need to be made, and not much would need to be changed, except our area is going to be munched and one other area. If all goes as planned, in the "rough draft" stages, then we'll loosed 90% of our investigators. So to sum it all up we're all in limbo right now... But whatever happens, whether we keep our investigators, or loose 'em all, it's good to know that the Lord is at the helm and he'll open doors for us!! We simply need to obey and apply our faith. 

Here's one of the miracles that's happened. Br. B., stellar home teacher, home teaches a PM/LA family. 3 months ago, when he got assigned, the wife (nonmember) wouldn't even look at missionaries and members that would come over. Br. B. would visit 1-3 times a month, as his schedule permitted and as he felt was needed. Over that time her heart was softened and just yesterday she attended all 3 hours of church,  participated in class and expressed a desire to continue coming and be more active in participation within church. We made maybe 2-3 visits total. However, because of the love and dedication of Br. B. to rescue the less active member, the wife's heart was softened and now she's being prepared for the gospel! 

Now is such an amazing time, because every day miracles are happening. The Lord's work is hastening, and we have to choice to hop on board and enjoy the blessings and joy that comes with it, or to be left by the wayside and always question why we're not as happy as we desire to be. Well I LOVE YOU ALL!! Keep the faith. The Church is true. 



Elder Traasdahl
                   

October 14, 2013

Emailing home... what an awesome sight.

Still an Arizona Boy.

Tee time on Pday

Lovin' Norman, OK

What's good in the hood fam! Well this one's going to be lickity split quick. I'm at the OU campus and there's a million people here so I've gotta make things count! Norman is awesome!! The members here are great, super involved in missionary work. We've got quite a bit of investigators, and only 1 or 2 of them were found from our own efforts. The rest were member referrals, it's pretty sweet! 

My first night here we set a baptism date with a man who's living with a part member, less active family.  We're going golfing with them today.  We set the baptism date with D. D's sweet though. A really spiritual guy, and wants to follow Christ in his life. He's gonna get baptized on Nov. the 2nd! The zone is really cool too. Way different than Duncan. There's 20 missionaries in the Norman metro area and, 8 outside of it. My comp, Elder Ravsten, is a stud. We get along real well. 

And let's just talk about this real quick. GENERAL CONFERENCE?!?! AMAZING!!!! My goodness!! Talk about being floored! I loved loved loved it! What an incredible blessing it is to live in a day and time where we have modern day prophets and apostles. I like Elder Soares comment about meekness being a fruit of the Spirit, therefore to be meek, we must live in the spirit. So simple but so true! Also President Monson, teaching us by example that the best way to receive through troubling times, discouragement, and grief is to respond with gratitude. I learned that then helps us have the desire to draw nearer to God, rather than give in to the natural desire to be angry at Him and stay away from Him. The themes too, about strengthening families, enduring, protecting the sacred nature of womanhood, the laws of God being unchangeable, and of course missionary work stuck out to me most. How many times did we hear "NOW is the time!"? (did you catch that exclamation point? heehee) Well I love you all, keep on fighting the good fight. Live the gospel, because as we learned, that's when conversion comes. Have a blessed week!
Elder Traasdahl

"Only in Oklahoma"

Good Bye to Duncan, OK

Lot's of exciting things are happening to wrap up this month of September and to begin October.  
G-CON!!!!  (General Conference)  Countdown to Christmas is how I see it basically. Two days of awesomeness!!  This email is going to need to be quick as well.  We're going down to Ardmore this p-day, to get things in order for the sister missionaries that are coming and to play laser tag. 

The news has come though. Drum roll please..... I'm getting transferred!  And guess where i'm goin?  Norman baby!!  Haha I was sad about having to leave Duncan, because I love the members here, but hearing I was going back to the Norman zone put a smile on my face!  OU here I come!  My new companion will be Elder Ravsten.  He's a stud, straight up.  I've always wanted to serve with him, so I'm super pumped about it.  He's been in Norman for 6 months already, so I don't anticipate having any troubles with member trust of the ward, but we'll see. 

The Norman zone is the largest in the mission as well, and the majority is within the Norman metro area, so it'll be a stark contrast from the Duncan zone.  Word on the street is too in the Norman 4th ward (my soon to be new area) we get fed almost every day. 

We've had a good go of it this week. We were able to talk with H. and her husband J. yesterday for a good while. It wasn't a formal lesson, more of an informal chat on the porch. More of something I envision myself doing as a regular member of the church.  It was really neat though, to see them have a quizical look on their face, know they have a question in the back of their mind, then finally ask it, and then have the ability to answer their question to meet their needs.  For the longest time I thought that I'd need to have memorized answers for all questions.  As we answered their questions we relied upon our own personal experiences, which was the best for them because we became real people with real experiences that they could understand.  One of J's questions was "have you never felt the need, in a worship service, to just get up and start praisin the Lord and raisin your hands and dancing?" Haha I was about to say something like no, that's irreverent and not how God has instructed us to worship, but that would've gone south real quick.  I just said that when I go to worship God I go to seek guidance and direction, and I know that answers come to me through the quiet thoughts and impressions that come to me in my mind and heart.  I can't feel those when there's whoopin and hollerin and loud music playin. 

This last Sunday we had combined 3rd hour of everyone but the primary, and Bishop let the missionaries have the floor for it.  We played some videos from the Work of Salvation website, had some testimonies from members and bada bang bada boom!  Left hook right hook with the spirit!  Right afterward some members came up to us and said, "Ya know, there are some friends that I know I've been needing to invite to church, but now I understand better why I should.  I'm going to invite them to come next week." That was just one of many comments.  It was awesome!

Final thought, just want to share a testimony builder I had this week.  We were teaching R., and asked her what the ideal conditions she felt would be to restore lost trust.  The conclusion she came to was an example in the old testament. Joseph, who got sold into Egypt.  She made the comment "He was in the most unlikely circumstances, yet look at who he became to be."  Her next example was Moses, when children were being killed.  Her last example was Christ, who also was born at a time when children were being killed. Those examples, men, Christ, of course the Son of God,were called from unlikely circumstances.  And then Joseph Smith. A 14 year old boy, with very little education, and only a desire to know the truth and the faith to receive an answer, called to restore what was lost.  The authority to act in God's name, to administer His church and perform saving ordinances is once again on the earth!  What a beautiful message. I hope you all have blessed week!  Love you!

Elder Traasdahl

He's almost reached fame...  

For a second, Elder Traasdahl thought his dog left home to come find him in OK

Friends in Duncan

It's been a week...

It's just not right now how fast these weeks are flying by. It really did seem like just yesterday I was sitting here at this computer talking to y'all telling you about the week!  Now here it goes again. It's been a week, that's for sure.  Lots of road bumps.  We'll get to that though.  That's so exciting to hear Michelle got baptized!!  

... I'm glad you got my memory card.  Elder Lott is probably one of my favorite companions I've had.  Transfer calls are this next Sunday, so next email we'll know what's happening.  And I have no idea what's happening either.  It's all up in the air.  President Walkenhorst is nothing like President Taylor when it comes to transfers.

 

... Well like I said, this week we've had a lot of road bumps. We had a lesson with M., and it was a follow up on the Law of Chastity.  To sum it up, it went south... The silver lining however is that she called us not 30 minutes afterwards, apologized &, and asked us to come back the next week.  So we haven't lost her. 

 

We also met with R. last night, at the W's home (her potential mother and father in laws.)  She's the Messianic Jew.  We got into a really in depth conversation about the priesthood, all the offices of the Melchizedek priesthood, and so on and so forth.  It was mainly led by Br. W., annnnnnd it was definitely meat before the milk.  Hard part is, R's intellectually capable to understand it all.  Yet we're still trying to help her have that desire to get on her knees and ask God if it's true.  I may turn into a broken record, but because of the experiences thus far in my life, and all the people that I've been able to meet with and teach, I've learned and can't emphasize enough how important having a desire to know the truth is to receiving an answer to the truth.  And not just a weak, feeble, passing desire.  But one that consumes your soul and inspires you to act!  A desire that will push you to change your wrongs into rights. 

 

I'm super stoked too for General Conference in two weeks!! The world needs the counsel, guidance, and direction from the Lord's servants now more than ever.  And we need to listen and obey! Well I love you all, thanks for you emails of love and support!  It's always a joy and bright spot in my week to get to hear from you. Continue to hold fast to the iron rod, because the mists of darkness will only get thicker and darker.  Love you! 

Elder Traasdahl

 

Unless There Is A DESIRE to Know...

Sounds like everyone has had a busy busy busy week! Well, that makes 5 of us! Tyler you best make it 6. Haha nah just messin. Well just so you know, I sent home a memory card today, so it should be coming in the mail sometime this week. If it doesn't, then I think that's the Lord telling me that I need to forget taking pictures and rely on the record that the angels in heaven are taking of my life. This week has been an up and down kind of week.  T. texted us on Saturday, before we were about to go down to Waurika, and said "Don't come by today. Or ever."  She told us too that she wants to go to a church closer to her home and that God loves her unconditionally so that means he wants her to be happy, so it's ok for her to smoke and drink. We replied and said God's love in unconditional, his commandments are not. Clear and simple!  She's going to go to a Church of Christ down there, because her neighbor has been "working with her on the side"...  It also was a check to the gut too because we each spent about 20$ to buy supplies for the Stop Smoking Workshop for her, annnnnnd then she drops us. It's okay though, Elder Lott now has raw unsweetened grapefruit juice, and we've got grapes and carrots to munch on!  Not to mention cinnamon toothpaste, mouthwash, and some other fun stuff.  

We were able to meet with R. twice this though! She's the Messianic Jew I mentioned last week. Man. Those were some intense lessons.  Really awesome.  She's got some great questions.  Our first lesson was at our stake president's home.  We were going to teach the restoration, but it turned into a testimony meeting more or less.  Oh before I forget, the day we had that first lesson, Wednesday, we had 3 meals, one at 12:00, one at 3:00, and then at 6:00.  The lesson was at 6:00.  By that 6 o'clock meal I was about to bust in the seams.  It was a high class problem. 

Anyways, back to R.  We met with her last night and taught the doctrine of Christ, which turned into a discussion on the Priesthood authority.  Just to give you a taste, some of the questions she asked were "what does baptism have to do with the first resurrection?"  "Where does it say the responsibility to baptize falls under the Levitical or Melchezideck Priesthood?"  "Who qualified Joseph Smith to receive the priesthood?"  

We answered most of them, some we've got some studying to do, and some won't have scriptural answers.  I've learned that no matter the amount of knowledge or evidence there is for any principle of fact of the gospel, unless there is a desire to know behind the seeking, then conversion won't happen.  Real intent is so important!  The desires of our heart are so so important.  It's something I've been studying as well this past week.  There's lot's of good stuff about it in the scriptures.  One thought I had this week was "We know we're going to live the law of consecration in heaven. We also know we're not going to have any material goods in heaven. What is it then that we're going to be asked to consecrate?"  Food for thought.

I gotta run though, glad you're doing well!  Keep up the hard work!  Thanks for the example Pops and Aust of being hard workers! Talk to you next week!

Love,

Elder Traasdahl

We Had a Stellar Week

What a week, what a week, jeez!  Can't believe I'm already emailing you guys again.  First off I want to thank Sis. Halcomb for her wonderful email, I thoroughly enjoyed it!  Just so she knows, Enid OK is one of the highest baptizing areas in the mission right now, and has been for a while.  I got the bday package, it was awesome! I know have like two and a half boxes of EmergenC, soooo I finally am gettin on top of it and for the last 3 days I've had one each morning! haha. And hey! I didnt know you were sending out THAT watch! I was stoked! when I saw it.  I only where if for special occasions, like meetings and church. Gotta keep it nice. And don't worry, I definitely rep the ASU shirt. That made my day too.  As you can tell from the picture I sent, we got the other elders in ward pretty good with the silly string you sent.  

And Mom don't worry, that girl that you ran into from ASU at jury duty, I betcha Austin's gonna run into her now, just you watch!  We had a stellar week this week.  Oh wait gotta tell ya before I forget for the 3rd week in a row, last month we had 44 baptisms!  Which is awesome for 3 reasons. 

1. Set a mission record for baptisms in a month. 

2. Previous average was 25 and 

3. Now that we know we can get 44 we can't go back! 

Our vision is still 100 baptisms a month, so we can only go up! With that said I've forgot to mention each week that we've been doing a lot of baptism interviews.  Our zone had 5 of those baptisms, and I did 3 of those interviews.  Two were a couple, K. and C., and the third was a native american named J.  C's was my favorite.  She's a black woman that LOVES LOVES LOVES Jesus.  And she makes it known.  Haha I only had that interview with her but she's for sure one of my favorite people. 

Back to our week though.  We had a ward party, and  H. showed up with a friend and their kids.  We weren't expecting them to show, but they did, so it was game on!  We actually didn't have to do a thing, the ward took care of it all, which was perfect. They introduced themselves and talked with her and helped her feel welcomed.  She also came to church this Sunday too!  Now she walked out with her family 45 min into sacrament meeting, and we don't know why, but our WML is neighbors and he talked with her so we're gonna go find out tonight. 

We haven't been able to get in touch with M. because she's been real sick as of late.  We called her though and we should be having a lesson with her this week.  Oh and check it out.  We might be getting a 3rd set of missionaries here. They'd go down to Waurika and cover all the small towns around there. We gave the idea to the Assistants and we'll see where it goes from there.  We also got a referral from a member this week to teach his girlfriend. She's a Messianic Jew, and is extremely well versed in her Old Testament knowledge.  We'll be teaching her at the stake president's home.  We're excited for the lesson. I know that there's no way I'm gonna "best" her, or anyone really in my knowledge of the scriptures, so it'll be yet again another opportunity for me to realize my own nothingness and rely upon the strength of God and to teach by the power of the spirit! Alma 31:5 talks about that though, how powerful an effect the word of God can have on the hearts of us, the children of God.  Came across that one the other day.  

BY the way, you'd be happy to hear that I've done a much better job at writing in my journal.  And it makes a difference. I'm still trying to pin point how and why, at least personally, but I can tell a difference.  And lastly, that's really exciting to hear that Michelle is getting baptized!  There's nothing better than seeing some that you've worked with for a while, and witnessed their spiritual progression enter the waters of baptism.  Don't let it end there though. Continue to be her friend and help her learn and grow, because the ultimate goal isn't baptism, but the temple!  Baptism is just the gate.  I love each and every one you!  Thanks for you examples.  And your prayers.  There can't be enough said about the power of prayer. 

Love,

Elder Traasdahl

Silly String Attack - The aftermath

Time for Dinner

Elder Traasdahl speaks 'Okie'

Holllaaaaa! I'm trying to get rid of my stinkin okie talk and terrible English.  It's gettin to me!  You'da thunk i'd done did have a childs edumacation after all i's said and dun. I usedsta could speak like a city folk type a person, but them days is gone folk!  Imma tellin ya it's allll gone!  I'm a fixin ta stay like this if aint nothin is done right quick!  Hahaha oh fun stuff. But seriously though. It aint good. 

You want to know what is good though? The good news of the Gospel! Before we get into that though, I want to give a shout out to Uncle Eric and Aunt Marcy! Thanks for you emails! They gave me an extra boost to my sails, I hope you know that!  Aust I hope school and work is going good for you.  B dog way to keep things rolling in scouts!  Don't follow the example of your elder twin brothers and wait till you were almost 18.  Get your eagle as soon as possible!  Less of a pain that way. Haha. Dad!  You're gettin trim check it out!  And mom, your email definitely felt like it was a party.  

Well we couldn't email yesterday. The library was closed, but yesterday we were able to have our zone pday and specialzed training meeting.  We trained on the principles of gospel leaders.  Prepare spiritually, participate in councils, minister to others, teach the gospel, and administer the gospel!  Only two of the 16 elders in our zone knew what they were, so it was very educational for them.  Since Elder Lott and I have been with each other for forever now we gel real well, so I feel like the training went off without a hitch. Really spiritual. 

Mom you had asked about T.  She's doing really good! Her biggest issues right now is not having a job.  Since she has hours upon hours of nothing to do, her mind is her biggest enemy.  If she gets a job and is occupied though it'll really help.  Not to mention the financial bonus.  She's kept true to the W.o.W, minus one day of drinking coffee since we taught her it.  Tomorrow we're going to do the Stop Smoking Workshop, to keep her on track for the 14th of Sept.  Not sure it that will still hold, we may have to bump it back a week or two.  

I had a neat insight this week I'd like to share too.  It comes from the book of St John, and it's right after Christ has the sacrament with his disciples and washes their feet.  He then gives them this commandment.  Chapter 13 verses 34-35.  "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another, 35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."  Of couse we've all heard this a million times, but what stuck out to me is that we're not only meant to love others, but how. We're commanded to love everyone in the very same way that God loves us. I then reflected on the love of God that I have felt in my life, and then the love that I give to others.  The love of God has motivated me to do things that I never wanted to do on my own, nor ever thought I could.  If we love others with that same love, imagine all the good that could be done!  No wonder Christ gave that commandment.  After all those thoughts came together I realized that I could do better at loving people, and having it be more genuine.  

Thank you for all your prayers and support, especially for my health. Haha I loved Aunt Erin's letter when she mentioned that Madi made sure to pray for my migraines.  Made me smile!  Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you! The church is true. Jesus Christ lives. He loves you. 

Elder Traasdahl

 My boy Elder Peterson. If there were any missionary in my mish that acted most like Tyler, it'd be him.

THE DUNCAN ZONE

after specialized training

Finding, finding, finding

It's always a wonderful day when I get to hear that the Traasdahl family is doing good! 

That awesome that Colby is off and away, he'll be a solid missionary.  Shout out to Jace for making it to Brazil.  B dog, hope you're able to get over that sore throat of yours!  Gurgle some of Bazil's water, it'll do you good.  hehe just kidding. 

Well last week we got in touch with some investigators we haven't seen in a while, which was a blessing, and set up a lot of return appointments for this week.  We spent a lot of time also in Waurika, helping one of our investigators, T.  She's been progressing really well.  She hasn't been taking huge leaps and bounds like we hoped, or really like most people would, but for the spiritual, physical, and emotional state she's in, the steps she is taking are huge for her.  We taught her the Word of Wisdom, and helped her understand that to be spiritually clean we need to be physically clean as well.  We text or call her each day to give her a reminder to not drink coffee or beer.  We're going to get to cigarrettes later...  Haha but she did come to church this week, which was good.  She'll come the first two hours, but leaves the 3rd, because she feels uncomfortable because she doesn't feel "holy" enough for the group of woman that meet. 

Elder Lott and I had a neat experience this week too.  I., an LA woman who takes care of J., one of our investigators, told us this week something that really built my testimony.  She thanked us for being who we are, and said that other elders are nice, but the two of us have really helped her have the desire to want to come back to church, and  teach her understanding.  She's been inactive for 20 years, so it built my testimony like I said that there are people that only we can touch in the area's that we serve in.  Other than that Elder Lott and I have hit the pavement and are out finding finding finding!  Now that we've got some great trust established with the ward we're leaning on them now to start going out of their comfort zone and do some missionary work!  Our bishop's family has really stepped it up, it's been awesome.  Thanks for your prayers and support!  Let me know if I can ever do anything for ya.  Love you!!

Elder Traasdahl

I'm in the Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt

Well the doctrine has come.... But before we get to that, let's talk about you!  Glad to hear that you got to get to the temple Mom and Austin! Wish I could've gone with y'all. Tis the place to be. 

Oh, haha pictures... Well here's the dealio.  Remember how I always misplace things?  Good news is what was once lost is now found, but it was lost for a bit. Hence no pictures. Sorry. And yes I got the pic you sent, loved it!  I've been showin it to everyone.  Hey pops, good to hear that you're still pluggin away at work and the training for the triathlon.  I just played basketball this morning with some priests in the ward, and gosh. I'm fat and out of shape, it's pitiful! haha I was huffin and puffin I could hardly catch my breath. Push ups in the morning doesn't really work your lungs I guess.... 

Well aight. Maybe you'll be as shocked as me, but here it is. I'm staying in Duncan another transfer, with Elder Lott. It'll be a transfer of firsts! First 6 month area and first 3 transfer comp. I was looking forward to going to another zone, because I really don't like how spread out the zone is.  We hardly ever get to see any other missionaries, except for DM's or our zone pday, but the Lord has something else in mind for me.  

This last Sunday we did have a great Sunday though! Two of our investigators showed up, M. and T. The ward enveloped them too so we couldn't have been happier!  M. afterwards told us she had issues with using water instead of wine for the sacrament, but that's a concern we can handle.  As we met with T. this week we also had a really good lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  While we were teaching her, near the end actually, she said, "It looks like I need to be baptized."  We invited her to be baptized on Sept. 14 and she committed! It'll be an uphill battle, because she has some Word of Wisdom issues and she's a slower learner, but I know that if she's committed to it then it'll happen.  

The past week or so I've started into the New Testament, because shoot, I'm the the belt buckle of the bible belt and it's probably time I get a feel for the bible.  In PMG it has a neat study idea though.  It suggests that as you read the 4 gospels to write down all the questions that Christ asks.  As you get into it, it's really neat, because you see a trend. 

One story that stuck out to me this week was when Christ asks his apostles who others say that he is (Matt 16) and they tell him that people think he's a prophet, a wise man, maybe even John the Baptist or Elias. He then asks his disciples "but whom say ye that I am?" and Peter responds "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." I wondered, if Christ asked me that same question, what would I say?  Would I think that he was just a good man?  Or would I think he was the Son of God?  And how would I have been able to discern the difference?  Christ then teaches his disciples that it wasn't man that revealed this knowledge to them, but Heavenly Father.  I'm only going to assume that the apostles got their answers through prayer!  And can I give an amen and a halleluyah to Bro. Millecam?   It is so terribly important to have our oil of conversion at the ready. We do that by obtaining a knowledge of the principles and ordinances of the gospel through prayer. Then we live it. Like it says in John 7:17 "If any many man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine."  It was a reaffirmation to myself that we've gotta know for ourself!  Well I love y'all thanks for all you do for me.  Please let me know if I can help out in any way! love you!

Elder Traasdahl

Brother Millecam's words from his talk this past Sunday:   

HAVE YOUR LIGHT BURNING BRIGHT, 

YOUR LAMP TRIMMED, 

AND YOUR OIL AT THE READY

From 1 to 10

Can you hear from the 580 of Duncan OK? What's goin on! Good to hear from everyone this week, loved loved loved the emails! Well let's get right to it...

This last week I had 2 migraines again, which was a downer. It's all good though, because I'm determined this week though to not get any! The power of positive thinking!  And yes transfers are August 21st. This next week is our last full week of the transfer, it's crazy to think about! Time has flown by so stinkin fast. 

The other day I was looking at our board of investigators, and I realized that I've done a poor job at keeping you informed about all of them. At one point we only had one investigator, and now we've been blessed and we've got 10. So here's the quick run down. M. She's been with us for a while and we just had a good lesson with her at the church. Church attendance is our biggest hang up right now because she only feels comfortable coming with A., the LA member she lives with that works on Sundays. 

K. is next. He has LA parents that dont want to be members. He's been divorced and wants to get back in touch with his kids, and realizes that getting his life in order is the way to do it. We're trying to help him get to Church as well. Then there's R. He had a date for Aug. 31, but that just dropped because he didn't come to church. 

D. is next. We haven't gotten in touch with her for a while, because her daughter just got major surgery and she's been busy taking care of her and going to doc appts, etc. We've been helping her understand how the spirit works with her, and the need to be baptized by someone who holds authority. Really promising... just going to take time. 

H. is a lady who goes to the Freedom Biker Church. Our first visit with her she told us it met her spiritual needs for a while, but now she realizes that there must be something more, because she can feel a lacking.  J. is a man who got in a car accident years ago, and suffered some brain damage. When we teach him we teach him like a child.  However he's accountable, so it's been an interesting experience.  He tells us about when he was 14 he went searching for the "right church", because he knew there had to be one.  A LA member, who joined in Mexico, is taking care of him.  So we get two birds with one stone when we teach him. 

The rest live in Waurika. The last two are TK and A. They're friends who ride around on motorized wheelchairs and pick up cans for money. TK, even though she goes to church, we found out has no relationship with God.  So we're starting square one with her.  A. believes you do good, you go to heaven & "it don't matter what building you worship in."  

We had a spirtual lesson about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, so we're excited to see if she's read.  And that's where we're at!  It's been a blessing to be able to see the Hand of God is working in our area to hasten his work. I know that as we adhere to his commandments and strive to be exactly obedient, the Lord will provide! 

Thank you for your love and support and always being willing to send anything I need out, it's been a great comfort!  Love you all and hope you have a stellar week!

Love,

Elder Traasdahl

A miracle was unfolding before me!

My family! This one is going to have to be a shaw-tee one too, as Austin would say. We've got a zone pday planned in Ardmore, and then a STM soo it's a busy busy day today!  Haven't been able to read Ty's email the past two weeks, but I know he's probably baptizing nations over there in CO!  Next week though, next week. What happenin though!  Goodness I love y'all! 

Mom sounds like you're teaching and testifying!  Thanks for you letter, it was a soft, humble rebuke for me.  We've had an incredible week this past week, probably the best yet since I've been here, annnnnnd I've failed at recording these important events in my journal.  However, I will repent!  Thank goodness for the beauty of the atonement.  We had temple conference this past week, and man! I LOVE THE TEMPLE!  

My understanding of the importance of sharing the gospel expanded as well, because it's so so so so so soooooo important that we allow EVERYONE the opportunity to be able to have the chance to return to live with their Father in Heaven too! I know the temple is a house of revelation, and as we make it a part of our lives, be it weekly, monthly, or whatever routine works, I know that we'll be able to make the course corrections necessary to bring our lives in harmony with God's will. As that happens, the blessings follow. I think of temple blessing as super blessings. 

Anyways, I gotta tell you about last night! President Walkenhorst set a goal for our mission of 100 baptisms in the month of August. The mission average has been 25 a month, so this is a big big stretch and act of faith.  Elder Lott and I really wanted to contribute, but the requirements were tough, if we wanted to have someone baptized this month.  We have no one on date, and we've invited all of our investigators but they all have concerns or issues that need more time to resolve.  Last night we were trying a potential investigator, named R.  We've been trying to reach him for a few weeks now.  We finally got to talk with him again, and after a bit of small talk he started breaking down and told us of a nasty divorces he recently went through, and how he knows he needs to get back into church.  He asked us "How do I join your church?"  It took us back a bit but we told him about baptism and then he said "I never felt right about my baptism.  I was sprinkled with water as a child.  Christ was baptized with water, he got dunked.  Do you do it that way?"   I couldn't believe what I was hearing!  A miracle was unfolding before me!  

We taught about priesthood authority and commited him to be baptized on Aug 31, and he said yes!  He then asked, "Can I tithe in your church?  I use to tithe and I know that God blesses you when you do."   Later on he also said, "Can I help in your church too? I want to serve, I love helping others."  So we explained callings and also tithing briefly.  Haha it was awesome!!  He's 1 of the 100, for sure.  We meet with him next Wed.  I know the Lord provides when you act in faith.  As you believe in the promises of God, whether it comes from Him, by revelation, or from His servants, the prophet and the apostles, and act, God will always reward that step of faith.  That belief of mine is slowly turning into a knowledge, because I've seen it time and time again.  I love you, and thank you for your prayers and support! I can feel them! 

Love, Elder Traasdahl