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June 16, 2014~ These changes can happen all day, every day, for the rest of our lives!!

Let's get first things first outta the way -  HAPPY (belated) FATHERS DAY PAPPA TRAAZ DADDY T!  Yesterday in one of the talks that were given, one of the sisters in ward gave 4 attributes that she felt she has seen all the righteous men in her life have. 1) Temple Attendance  2.) Consistent prayer and scripture study  3.) Honors the priesthood  4.) Honors women. As I was sitting there thinking about those attributes during sacrament meeting I couldn't help but be grateful for a father who has already taught me those principles simply by the way he lived his life! 
It sounds like  you all have a wonderful celebration of fathers day too.  I'm looking forward to takin a good book in my hands & slipping into that chair you got dad!  B that's pretty sweet that you get to go to scout camp this week!  Just remember that twinkies are for eating, not putting in scout's shoes.  And even then, you shouldn't eat twinkies... 

I'm happy to report that the work continues to roll forward!  We were able to talk with the grandmother of the potential families that we have, and she actually seems to be more interested that the rest of the family, so we gained a potential and she's one of those grandma's that when grandma speaks, you listen!  On Saturday morning we went to Boomer Lake, and walked around it for 2 hours, talking to the people that were out and about.  It has a 5 mile concrete path all along the edge. It's pretty scenic.  We talked to a solid girl that had a really weird Greek name that starts with an S....   She goes to a church that was made for people that have been hurt by churches. Prime individual for the gospel!  We had a great conversation about Christ's earthly ministry, the apostasy, and the need for the restoration!  She accepted the fact that God would call a prophet today, since he has in the past.  Downside for us is she's a single student, so we'll need to pass her off to the OSU sisters.  It's a big blessing for them though because they're having a rough go of it since school's out right now.  Other than that Elder Whitehead and I have been focused on working with those who have a desire to change and accept the gospel, rather than working with those who enjoy our company.  We've been cleaning up the investigator pool because of that so we've been left with some time to get out and Okie talk with the people of Stillwater!  Haha we've had some good laughs this past week, and I know we'll continue to have em. People are great!

I've had the chance this past week to begin to read through the journal entries that I made at the beginning of my mission.  I've expressed over the course of my mission my lack of ability to keep a steady journal, which I still have yet to get down, but I'm grateful for those moments which I was able to write.  I struggle to find the right word to describe what it feels like to re read your entries from 2 years ago. 

It was interesting because as I read I identified so well with the thoughts and feelings that I expressed.  The moments came back to mind in an instant as if they just happened yesterday. What was hard about it though was that what I wrote wasn't always the best.  I spoke poorly of my companion.  I was negative about the area in which I was serving.  Haha there were a lot of comments that had the "poor me!" attitude behind it.  I continued though, hoping of course that I would change!  Haha no one wants to see themselves like that.  I could see small changes through each entry, through each change of a companion, and as I was transferred from my first to second area.  I haven't gotten much farther than that in my reading. 

I've come to understand better this past week what a blessing the Doctrine of Christ can be as we apply it in our life. Ta dah I know that's the classic answer to most every gospel question  but I learned it this week from a different perspective.  I saw who I was and couldn't deny it.  However, I know who I am today and I have changed.  I know that I have only been able to do so because of the grace and atoning power of Jesus Christ. He has asked us to act in faith, makes changes in our life to follow him by repenting, promise to do so by baptism, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.  I'm so grateful too that this isn't just a "mission gig", special changes that only are allowed to happen if you have a name tag on and wear white shirts and ties all day.  These changes can happen all day, every day, for the rest of our lives!!  We just have to choose.  Haha Mom I caught your rambling bug :)  I love this gospel though, I know it's true!  Thanks for all your love and support, and all trunky thoughts aside I do look forward to being able to see y'all!!

Love,

Elder Traasdahl

Peter's testimony...

http://www.mormonchannel.org/bible-videos?v=2275240757001

June 9, 2014~ "And in the 4th Watch..."

Annnnnd another week comes and goes!  Life continues to roll forward, like the stone cut out of the mountain.  Well it sounds like the big news of the weeks is Austin got a new car!  Yippee Kai Yayy!!  I'm likin this idea Tyler has, that's definitely the designated date car :)  B dizzly dog, what's goin on with your summer!?  Are you loving life?  Mom was telling me about your visit you made to Aunt BJ.  You won't forget moments like those I can tell you that much.  And shoot I never got to tell you this but a few weeks ago mom sent a video of you at your piano concert and I can't believe how good you've gotten at tickling the ivory!  Keep up the great work!  You guessed right Dad, I'm stickin around here in Stillwater for my last full transfer.  I'll have two weeks after this transfer which we'll be in a trio, which will be interesting, but that experience is yet to be had. Like Tyler I appreciate all your words of encouragement and support that y'all have been giving as time wanes down.

My time is shorter now because it seems like half of Stillwater has chosen to all of a sudden show up at the library all of a sudden and check their facebook, soo I've gotta be quick now. As you saw from the pictures I sent I was able to attend two baptisms this past weekend.  Actually 3.  Another was in Edmond for an investigator the sisters there were teaching for 7 months that knew it was true but was a fence sitter.  Anyways, Anthony, the boy, we met with 1-2 times a week for 3 months, and Marlene we visited with once a week for 3 months and the twice a week my last 3 months in Duncan.  I got to know both of them really well, and while I was there I offered up many prayers on behalf of them.  There was much time during my personal study each morning that was spent on their concerns and needs.  I asked myself plenty of times "what more do I need to do?  What am I not doing?"  And questions of the sort.  

In Matt 14, which is becoming one of my favorite scripture passages, when Peter has the opportunity to learn about acting in faith and looking to Christ, it says simply in vs 25 "and in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." Now I'm not a scholar, but my understanding is that the Jews reckoned their time in "watches", the 4th being the last.  1-3 the 1st, 3-6 the 2nd, 6-9 the 3rd, and 9-12 the 4th.  S. Michael Wilcox gives a talks about this and talks goes more in depth about it all.  The principle learned here though is that God is a 4th watch God.  Sometimes we expect him to come and in the 1st or 2nd watch, because we know that God answers prayers, and when we ask answers come right?  Well at times we wait and wait, and that might put us in the 3rd watch, and that could get very testy.  That's when we learn where our faith lies.  And then the 4th watch comes. 

Both those baptisms were special experiences because I learned that not all the time, even if it is a righteous cause, is our will the Lord's will.  I don't know why Anthony or Marlene didn't get baptized when I was there.  But I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to go back, and I know that my prayers were answered, just not in the way I was looking for them to be answered.  I love this work and I know what time I have left is going to be great!  Keep on loving the commandments and praying for the desire to live them! Love you!

Elder Traasdahl

 1. Anthony Ray Jones, worked with him in Norman for 3 months

2. Marlene Pekins McSperit, Elder Zerkle and I found her, and then Elder Lott and I taught her for the time I was in Duncan

June 2, 2014~ "If I had a nickle..."

Good morning Arizona!  It was good to hear from you this week!  The first week of summer is done and gone!  Braden it sounds like you're having a good ol' time babysitting!  Enjoy the job!  Mom I'm sure your lesson went really well.  I enjoyed the photo that you sent me that you used in the lesson.  The church has really stepped up it's game in the media department.  And yes I have seen the Mormon Message about bullying, it's super good!  We've used it a couple times for our dinner messages with families that have a lot of youth.  Austin, keep up those smokin skills!  Of meat that is... haha and keep on workin on those wing recipes.  And pops!  Mom mentioned that you were going on a walk this morning.  What's the word on this triathalon you wanted to try to do in October?

Well this week, we had a pretty neat miracle.  We found the son of one of the active members of our ward, who's not a member!  His name is Rick.  Apparently he's been through lots of sets of missionaries.  He came to church this Sunday, and in our gospel principles class it was father (Rick) son (Rick Jr.) WML who taught the class, and 4 missionaries.   Haha so our WML, Br. Murray, essentially focused the whole lesson on Rick Jr. and in so many words said "why haven't you been dunked yet?"  Our sacrament meeting yesterday was really good too. Every testimony in one way or another testified of Christ as their Savior.  Except one little boy who walked up there and bore testimony how it's ok to lie sometimes, because his mom lied to and old woman to help her think she was safe.  Funny enough the little boy was the son of a member of the stake presidency, who was sitting on the stand.

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to go back to a baptism in Norman, for a girl named Annie Witter.  I didn't mention much about her while I was in Norman, because I only taught her twice.  She has a really neat story though.  She was intro'd to the gospel by her boyfriend at age 16.   Her parents said she had to wait till she was 17 to get baptized, to make sure it was her decision, and not a romantic decision.  17 came around, and her parents said she had to wait till she was 18. May 30th was her 18th bday, and she was baptized May 31st. Throughout the whole time her family wouldn't come to church or talk to members or missionaries.  However, her family came to the baptism!  Annie bore her testimony after she was baptized, and she said some things that hit home.  She said "If I had a nickle for every time in my life that I've felt whole, complete, and adequate, and worth something, then today I could tell you that I would have one nickle.  Because today I took upon myself the name of Christ and promised to follow him for the rest of my life.  I know too that this is his church, the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-Day Saints."  

It made me sad to see that she didn't feel adequate most of her life, however what she said deepened my understanding of a principle of the gospel.   It's in making and keeping our covenants that we receive a fullness of joy!  The promises we make with God are meant to enable us and help us become better people, not burden us down with tasks and restrictions. We can recognize our divine worth and potential when we choose to respect each promise we make with God.  What a blessing it is that we have the opportunity to do so!  Could you imagine what life would be like if we didn't have that chance? Man!  Talk about being tossed to and fro.  Anyways, I also am so grateful for and know of the special blessings of strong family relationships.  I love you all so much, and am grateful for all the help you've been to me!  Keep on keepin on!  Love ya

Elder Traasdahl

May 27th, 2014~ Top Ten List of Mission Life in Stillwater

Well hey  hey familia!!  It's good to hear that you enjoyed your time in California, it's even better to hear that we still want to keep our roots in AZ!   Haha.  B dog!  I hear that you've grown up a ton.  That's not cool.  You're not supposed to grow up! Haha just messin.  Someone needs to keep Austin in line.  Way to go with the flag routes too.  I remember those days.  Fun fun. That picture of the auditorium you sent was incredible!  That would've so cool to have been there to listen to the choir record!  I don't doubt that it gave you chills, I get chills only thinking about it!

Mom I really enjoyed the top ten of the trip that you shared, and you asked for the top ten of my week, so here you go!

This weeks top ten 10!

10.  Getting to help Zach and Ila Edens move into their new home.  They have a dachshund.  A dog like Basil that's got the funniest personality, her name is Rue.  Super awesome. I guess along with that helping the Wall's family move too.  Solid family.

9.  Getting condemned to hell and declared as false prophets and deceivers by 3 different people in the same hour last night :) (That's a good story for another time, probably after the mish)

8.  Watching Elder Whitehead almost throw up 4 different times at dinner this week as we were eating pozole.  (it's a hispanic dish, I'm sure Austin will know what it is.  Basically water, pork, and hominy all boiled together.) I thoroughly enjoyed it! haha

7.  Having time  yesterday to clean the apartment.

6.  I was able to do the baptism interview for a 75 yr old woman named Cecilia.  It was really special experience.  The lord has definitely prepared her for the gospel.  She was baptized in the Cushing ward on Saturday, and that was the first baptism that ward has had in years.

5.  Emails today!  It sounds like you had a wonderful time in California!

4.  We have 2 priesthood blessings this week.  The power of God is real!

3.  I think I'll have to go back to last night's experience.  In our conversation with this group of people a man had his own copy of the B.o.M that he's had for years and he said "I've read this book, and it doesn't talk about Christ anywhere!  Show me one place where it talks about Christ!"  So we did :)  I know the principles in D&C 11:21 correct and true.

2.  I was on exchanges in Cushing, and we Okie talked with 3 people that were drunk out of their mind.  If you want to laugh, talk to a drunk Okie.

1. Getting to go to temple on Saturday as Justin Duren received his endowment before he left for his misson!

Dad to answer your question, Robin and Michelle's date is for June 21st.  Their situation got a little more interesting this past week.  Michelle kicked Robin out, and he's now living in a homeless shelter.  Soooo we're trying to figure out the best way to go about teaching the both of them and having the both of them come to church, while at the same time keeping the peace between them.

This Sunday too the Flowers family came to church!  I'm not sure if I've told you much about them... they were found a month before I came into the area, and were baptized the Sunday before I got here.  They didn't get confirmed until a week and a half later, because they wouldn't come to church so we got them to come down on a Wednesday night.  Since their baptism they hadn't come to church.  My personal opinion is that their baptism was one of those "I'm going home, so we need to baptize them now!" on the part of the missionary that was here before me, rather than "what's best for flowers family?"  Anyways, they came to church for the first hour, which was a mini miracle.  The next hurdle to climb is to have them stay for the 2nd and 3rd hour, because they haven't ever stayed for those, even when they were investigating the church.

I love you all lots, and I continue to pray for you!  Keep on with the CPR!  Going to Church, saying your Prayers, and Reading the scriptures!

Elder Traasdahl

May 19, 2014~ "I can't see anything to love."

Good morning America!  Here's an Okie classic for you that happened this week.  We were visiting with a recent convert, and during our conversation we were talking about Christ's life and his ministry.  In the middle of our conversation, our recent convert said "and you see, that's just wrong! That's what Christ did to Jesus!"  #Trinityfail.  It's safe to say that there's some confusion to clear up.  It's also safe to that I had a hard time trying not to bust up laughing when she said that.  

Yayyy for Austin's graduation though!!  That's super exciting! That was a really neat poem/quote you shared too Aust. "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul!"  Love it. And what's this rumor I hear about a trip to California?  Fun fun! Well shoot this week.  Lot's happened.  There were many fiery darts and shafts in the whirlwind flung my way as well. Small example to illustrate that point, we were talking with a guy on the street and during a few minutes of a conversation he wouldn't look us in the eye.  It wasn't a "I'm scared to talk to you" but rather a "I'd rather look at dirt than you" type deal. Haha and it's happened before and it'll happen again, no big deal.  But this time my guard was down and I let it get under my skin.  So the new battle to fight now is not giving in to the "well heck I don't care anymore I'm done with this" attitude.  Because in the words of my Samoan friend Elder Tommy "aint nobody got time for that!"

This week we were able to set 2 baptismal dates with Robin and Michelle, the couple I was telling you about on Mother's day.  To be honest we're not sure about Robin's desires, we think he's more interested in becoming converted to the gospel of Michelle rather than the Gospel of Christ, however we have high hopes for Michelle!  This week we also had the special opportunity to volunteer for the Special Olympics!  Apparently it's always held in Stillwater and it's the big deal here.  My biggest regret was that I forgot to bring my camera!  It was a definite moment to remember though.  We also were able to do some service and chop some wood this week for the first time.  Pictures to come.  Sad to say, after the experience, I felt like my man card needed to be revoked.  Haha if only you could've been there.  So Pops, you should get some wood, and axe, and a chopping block in the back yard, so we can practice chopping wood.

1. Chopping wood. Here I go mid swing! 

Yes, I could have better form, I know... haha

2. #teamwork myself and Elder Whitehead.

Scripture thought and experience of the week:  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. vs 6.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."   I was on exchanges this weekend with one of our DL's.  At the end of each exchange, we do what's called an exchange report, to help ourselves focus on a goal that we want to work on or a skill/attribute that we want to obtain.  Throughout our conversation and exchange noticed some things about this elder.  He is a great missionary and I've served around him for 6 months of my mission.  Whenever he did something good or someone complimented him however he would disregard it and then proceed to point out a fault or weakness of his.  As we were talking I had the thought "I wonder if he loves himself?"  It thought that was an odd thought to have but it lingered, so I told him, "Elder, I've never asked someone this before, and you don't have to answer this. But think to yourself.  Do you love yourself?"  There was a pause as he thought, and I fully intended for the conversation to continue.  This elder answered the question though, and said "No, I don't think I do.  I can't see anything to love."  I was taken aback by his answer, but tried not to show it.  He then asked, "Elder Traasdahl, how do you learn to love yourself?"  How would you answer that?  Haha because in the moment it was on my shoulders to answer!  And I knew that this was a serious and real concern.  Prov 3:5-6 came to my mind, and I said a serious prayer.  I said "Heavenly Father, I'm calling one in for the team.  Let me know what to say to help this elder out!"  I trusted in the Lord and fam I'm tellin you what, he directed my path.  

What came out of that conversation was a daily 6 step process that this elder needs to take to learn to love himself.  After looking at it I thought to myself "wow, I never would've been able to come up with this on my own.  Ever."  Alma 26:12 at the beginning of my mission became one of my favorite scriptures and continues to be.  I know that we all are nothing, yet I know that in the strength of the Lord we can do ALL things!  Be it help a member of our ward gain a testimony, serving a fellow deacon, taking the MCAT :), helping a comp, and on and on.  My testimony continues to be strengthened through the daily experiences of living the gospel and keeping the commandments.  I love you all so much and thank you so much for you support and love!

Elder Traasdahl