"I'm sad to leave Noble"

This seems to happen to me every week, where I know I've got a thousand things to say, and then I get maybe five things said cause I forgot the rest. Haha but I'm getting smarter! I made a list... because this week was a really neat week.  And to start off same dealio as Ty, this next transfer is going to be only 5 weeks, but I have no clue what day it is that I'm going to be coming home.  I'm not as trunky as he is... haha. Anyways. While we were out finding this week guess who we talked to? A WWII purple heart veteran! It was super cool. He was like 94 years old and was a windbag.  But I didn't mind, because he told some pretty awesome stories that I don't think even History channel could've given you. 1st hand acount baby! Best part about it too was that he knew everybody on the block, so when we asked him if knew anyone that could use a prayer he gave us the lo down on the entire neighborhood! Nothin like non-member referrals.

Right after that though we went and talked to this man who was loading up some junk into a trailor. And it's always interesting the responses you get from people. This guy was nice and friendly. We offered to help and he declined, and then we asked to give him a card (mormon.org card) and he said sure.  So we did and first question out of his mouth after we did was "who is Jesus Christ??!" and this wasn't an honest question.  This was a forceful I'm quizzing you question.  I replied "Jesus Christ is my Savior".  And he then just went off on this rant about how we only need to be cleansed in the blood of the lamb and we're saved and because of Christ's love he requires nothing more and yada yada yada.  This dude was no joke gettting red in the face. So we of course answered the questions he asked us, and then we testified of the doctrine of christ.  He then said "can I pray for you?"  and Elder Andersen said "only if we can pray for you." So he put his hands on our shoulders and prayed that we would stop being deceived and would see that right path and would stop leading others astray-- ya know, the works.  Best part about it was that we ran into this same guy two days in a row after that, in two different towns!  So for three days straight the three main towns we cover we ran into this preacher guy. 

Another story, not that important, well kinda is since Elder Andersen straight up layed down the law with him and it was sick! This guy named C. invited us to come back to talk with him. Turns out he just wanted to bash trinity.  Now we could've argued with him... but rather we listened.  And then Elder Andersen testified of the First Vision, and I'm telling you what, the Spirit there was like an elephant in the room, and we were outside!  And then I talked about how he could know by the Book of Mormon the turthfulness of our message, and he said "I won't pray about it, because God should just reveal his truth to me."  Then Elder Andersen said "Then C., you're passing up one of the greatest gifts God has ever given us.  And whether it be in this life or before the judgement bar of God, you'll come to know of this." Moral of the story, bashing gets you nowhere, and when you testify of the Gospel it completely disarms them.

But kay listen to this. Remember the P. family that Elder Townsend and I found last transfer? That we never could get back in contact with? Well just on Saturday we went back there, and heck ya, they let us back in! And in two weeks, after they move down the road, they want to start taking the lessons again, and coming to church.  They've been talking about it since we tracted into them and they've come to realize that they need to start coming to church! Oh and J! The lady who lost her husband in the Fort Hood shooting. We taught her twice this last week, the 1st and 2nd half of the Plan of Salvation.  It was awesome! Talk about elect.  It was funny though as we were starting the lesson we had planned to teach the 1st discussion, but E. Andersen after we said the prayer said "now what we're going to be talking about today is called the Plan of Salvation."  Haha, totally threw me for a loop but I recovered soon enough. Turns out we had answered some of her questions she had been pondering that day.

And check this out. Saturday night we were planning, and we didn't have anyone that we could turn into a new investigator. But I hate planning for zeros. So kinda kiddingly, but somewhat serious, I said "lets plan for 1, and we'll plan in faith that someone will show up at church tomorrow and then we'll get to teach them". Well guess what. Haha ya. Someone came off the street because he was frustrated with his pastor and he had known a mormon in his younger years so he decided that today he would go to the Mormon church!  Now we didn't get to teach him but we've got an appointment set with him on Tuesday. It's moments like that where you can't deny that Heavenly Father works by faith and answers prayers.  And there's another potential investigator who called us, which surprised us, since people never call us, that wants to meet with us Wednesday. So things are looking good!

Now with that all said, I'm getting transferred. To Burkburnett.  Its some town in Texas.  Found out Saturday.  President Taylor called us and he talked to Elder Andersen first and then we talked for a few minutes.  I'll be getting Elder Robison as a comp.  It'll be his last transfer. I'm not worried though, because he's a former zone leader, so I know he'll want to finish his mission off strong.  I've been really lucky to get Elder Andersen (former zl) and then now Elder Robison. I'll also be serving as the District Leader down there. I'll have an 8 man district.  It's a set of sisters, 3 elder comps, (including mine) and then there's also 2 senior couples in that district that I'll be serving in.  President also told me that Burkburnett in 2010 used to be the highest baptizing area in the mission, and since has fallen.  He's challenged me with Elder Robison to get it back to it's former glory.  The scripture Alma 26:12 keeps on coming to mind.  I feel like that's the theme of my mission so far.  Inadequacy is something I'm always feeling.  Anyways, thats what's going on. Oh, and not to mention, I'll be the youngest missionary in my new district.  

I'm sad to leave Noble.  There's a lot of work here, a lot of work and I want to see through to the end. But like Tyler mentioned two weeks ago, or referenced from Bishop's emails, we're all on the same team.  This is the Lord's work.  It should not matter where we go if we all have an eye single to the glory of God. I know the Lord is aware of our circumstances, and I know that like you were talking about Mom, we have to go through storms in life so that when we make it through them we'll be seasoned captains, ready to take on the storm, because the path to perfection isn't sunshine and lollipops.  I love y'all, and keep on keepin on!

Elder Traasdahl

p.s. Rumor out here is that every missionary that's ever gone to Texas has come back with some narly Texas pride.... Not too sure how I feel about that.

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father

If you've ever wondered How God feels about you, here's a great video to ponder...

A new Nickname

We've been enjoying a nice few days of 60 degree weather! And then of course craziness -- the weather decides to change its mood and this morning it was back to high 20's low 30's. One of these days I'll get used to it. Or not. Well I wish that I could give you some awesome updates about everyone that I had told you about last week, and all the lessons we had taught them, but gosh dang this week was rough. Is it just Oklahoma or is it a universal phenomenon for people to choose to not hold appointments? Funny too how I just talked about Hope and Patience, and then the very next week, our most promising week, is the most patience trying week. All the appointments we had set up with our investigators had fallen through. They either cancelled on us, or when we showed up weren't home, or were there and just didn't answer, etc. etc. So of course that gave us more time to do some finding.  At the end of last transfer I thought I really had talked to nearly every person in town, Purcell, Lexington, and Noble. Well, I'm learning such is not the case. I almost have talked to most everybody. Haha nahh just kidding. But I do think I have talked to some people twice. Before I was scared of that, but Elder Andersen one day when I mentioned that fear said "So what? Ask them 'are you now ready to listen to our message about the Gospel of Jesus Christ?'" 

We did find though a women who's husband died in the Fort Hood shooting. That was a tender experience praying with her. We're supposed to meet with her tonight actually, so if all goes well I'll let you know next week. And while I'm on the subject it's incredible how powerful prayer can be, and how quickly prayer can invite the spirit. It's through the prayer of faith that we invite the spirit. I know too that I just quoted a scripture but I'm not Tyler sooo I can't tell ya where it's at. Haha action item for the week: retain scripture verses!

Quick funny stories. We were riding through Purcell, and passed the local drug house. I passed it up cause I've talked to the peeps before and they're crazy, but E. Andersen hasn't so there was a woman outside and he stopped and talk to her and she was as high as kite.  She asked us what our names were and when I told her my name she couldn't ever begin to say the Traaz part of it so she stopped, looked at the ground for 30 sec, and then said triumphantly, "I'm going to call you twilight! you look like twilight!"   Ha, sooo I've been stuck with that dang name since. Half the zone calls me that now too. Joy. 

Spiritual thought for the day too. I was reading in Mosiah 23. It's talks about how the people of Alma were being righteous, following the ways of the Lord, and doing everything right. Get the picture? They were following the commandments! But then, again, it says somethin like "the Lord chooses to chasten his people to try their patience and faith". When I read that I was like 'man! Here we go!' Even if we're doing everything right, Heavenly Father still will give us trials, to try our patience and our faith, to see if our hearts are really pure. Are we obeying out of fear or love?  Those who obey out of fear will fold under the trial, but those who obey out of love will endure.  And I thought "which do I obey out of? Love or fear?" Great self reflection! Anyways gotta run. LOVE Y'ALL!!!! keep on keepin on, and the church is true through and through!

Hurray! Memory Card came Today!

A fall leaf fell while Elder T. was out knocking on doors one day...

A big 'ol dirty truck to one up' Elder Tyler's Cat.

What the roads in winter look like in Noble, OK

What a really cute Missionary looks like in Noble, OK

I know it's not too surprising...  Elder Traasdahl found a nut on his mission.

And I just couldn't leave this picture out although it obviously didn't come From Elder Traasdahl's memory card.  Kelsey and Paige came by a few days ago for Paige to say 'goodbye'.  Sigh.  Once inside they walked right over to look at the twins pics.  So I documented their friendship via technology.  Paige will shortly be called Sister Tingey as she is leaving for the Phillipes this week to serve as a sister missionary (you can follow her blog listed in the Favorites section).   I kind of want to take a trip there now just to see how good of a job she does.  She will inspire many to follow Christ and come to know of his love because she is so full of  His light.  I'm blessed to call these two girls friends and I just love them to pieces!~  Kelsey -- after Wednesday it's you and me.   Salsa & home made tamale date soon!   Paige -- we will write you and pray for you!

"What a week what a week!"

I just want to start off by saying that I love you guys. Man!  What a week what a week! The work is moving forward!  We're finding people and we're teaching!  And with that I'm learning that I have so much room for improvements that I need to make when it comes to teaching.  But this week:  We went on two exchanges, back to back. One with the elders in our district (because Elder Andersen is the District Leader) and then one with our Zone Leaders.  I went to Norman on the first exchange, and then for the second exhange stayed in Noble.  It was kinda nuts because while up in Norman I didn't have time to plan for the exchange with our Zone Leaders in Noble, so I basically did some planning on the fly and made things up as we went.  Haha it was interesting.  Oh! And we also had a priest from our ward with us do a mini-mission, from Friday at 4 pm to Sun. 4pm. Never heard of one before but basically it is what it sounds like. He gets it approved by the mission pres. and stake pres. and bishop and then comes with us for 48 hrs and lives the missionary life. Sleeps in our apartment and everything. I actually thought it was a really neat idea because it gives you a more realisitic idea of what a mission is going to be like.

 

During the exchange with our Zone Leaders, like I said I was planning on the fly... So cool story. I had nothing planned for like two hours.  Elder Hendersen and I, on a previous exchange, probably two months ago, when I was comps with Elder Townsend, had tracted into a guy and he said he was busy for a few weeks but come back later.  So I remembered that and was like what the heck--  Why not?  So we went back to this guy's house and his wife actually answered the door but let us in, and we taught them.  Long story short, you could see the desire in her eyes and kinda maybe his --invitation to baptism and she said I'd like that and he said I don't believe in baptism.  No worries though!  It gives us something to work with! 

 

Yesterday we taugh another couple, who also has a newborn child (notice how we keep on finding families? It's awesome!!).  They let us in after we prayed with them a few days ago and they never had any type of religion in their life ever.  So this lesson was really different for me, because we started basic basic square one. But man let me tell you what, end of lesson, invitation to baptism, and the husband, who mentioned to us that he keeps "getting in trouble" said ya and the wife said she wants to understand more.  No worries!  Haha we have somethin to work with!  They've got the desire!  Man it's awesome.  I love it.

 

Oh and I gave a talk yesterday at church. Only had Saturday to prepare for it.  Iiiiiiiit was interesting. I didn't write it out. I went the bullet point method. And then tried the expound on it. The talk was on Elder D. Todd Christopherson's talk in the January Ensign titled "Reverence for God is the Beginning of Wisdom".   Not your everday sacrament meeting talk but I enjoyed speaking about it.  In the talk I made mention about Tyler, and afterwards half the ward was like "you have a twin?!" And I had the thought "I've been having dinner in your homes for the last 4 months now... how do you not know?" Ha I love this ward though.  Good good people here.  A lot of characters. 

 

In our studies this week I've been studying Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel, the Christlike Attributes. Ha man I've never been more rebuked in my studies before in my life. Two of my favorite attributes that have really stuck out to me are Hope and Patience. It says that Hope "is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance" (courtesy of lds.org) and Patience "is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious". Haha I'm not nearly as hopeful or patient as I need to be. So Elder Andersen and I made a goal to work on hope and patience this next week.  Because boy howdy do I need to work on those.  Alrighty, well I've gotta skidaddle. I love y'all, and pray for you each and every night! Keep on keepin on! The Lord's hand is ever present in our lives, we just have to seek him!

Elder Traasdahl

Your Potential, Your Privileges Video

Where to find True Hope...

Elder Traasdahl and his current companion, Elder Andersen spend hours and hours each week knocking on doors desiring to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here's  a door they came across one day.

Some people think you can find Hope in a cardboard sign but it really comes from the truths of the restored gospel.

It brings joy to this angel missionary -- snow angel missionary -- to share
his testimony when he gets a chance.

& Elder Andersen too.