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