July 7, 2014~ I know for an absolute fact that this is not man's work, but it is the work of God!

Happy belated 4th!! I  enjoyed the pics that you were able to send Mom, and Hunter Banks sent some as well.  I'll keep working on keeping up my end of the bargain and sending some of my own!  Pops, thanks for your extended thoughts that you finished up from last week, they were great!  I can't add anything more to them other than an amen and a hallelujah.  Mom this week I did a little bit better health wise.  We're back on the wagon of running each morning, so we got a good mile in at 6 this morning.  Surprisingly I wasn't as dead either as I usually am, I could've gone maybe another 1/4-1/2 mile.  I'll be on the lookout for the package that you sent Mom.  I am excited for the MCO cd.  Elder Whitehead refuses to listen to any type of Mo tab or anything similar, so I'm going to take the opportunity to pull the "it's a gift from my Mom" card on him.  I'll be keeping you in my prayers too Aust as you're getting ready for the MCAT. That's exciting stuff!

Well this week was a blurr.  I feel like I was just barely sitting down to email you all.  I'm with Tyler in saying it was a reality check when we got the email from bishop about getting our topics for our homecoming talks.  We had an exchange with the Guthrie elders this week, and I was down there.  They don't have a car so I was able to get out on the bike and it felt good!  We also had MLC this past Tue.  Some of good friends gave their departing testimonies this go around.  One of the elders said something in his testimony that was pretty interesting.  He talked about testimony meetings and how they're always special because the spirit is so strong.  He then talked about the preexistence, and how during the war that was fought we fought it with the power of our word and testimony, not with sword or spear.  He then tied the two together and put forward the idea that the reason why testimony meetings are so spiritual is because they are moments when we have an opportunity to remember what it was like in the pre existence to fight the adversary and strengthen each other through our testimony.  It was an interesting topic to ponder about.

Anyways, this Sunday was wonderful!  #Miracles.  Sooo I don't know if this is a direct result or not, but for 1.) since my comp Elder Zerkle testified to me and help me understand the importance of paying fast offerings as a missionary, I've been sold ever since!  2.) Since then I've tried to repay the favor to all of my companions.  Yesterday Elder Whitehead and I both paid our fast offerings which is the first time he's paid during our companionship and not a few minutes after we hand the bishop our envelopes, in walks a part member family that we've had the hardest time getting in touch with to church!!  They gave excuse after excuse when we invited them nearly a month ago, and we hadn't brought it up since, but yesterday when we asked why they came they said "We felt the need to finally come."  They also have been reading the B.o.M every day.  This is Greg and Judy Kale by the way. The high priests in the ward wrapped their arms around Greg all three hours and he ate the whole thing up!  So we were stoked.  Also, yesterday elder Whitehead and I fasted for the Flowers family, a recent convert family that's been having a hard time coming to church.  They came in as well to church a few minutes before it started, and they brought an investigator of ours with them. Another mini miracle to share as well, Jason flowers manages a sonic in town, and he agreed that he would chat with two LA priests of the ward, prospective missionaries, and see if he could hire them on at Sonic and give them Sundays off!

Right now they're working on Sundays so that's why they can't come to church.  And last but not least, we taught on Saturday the Flowers best friends, Paul and Amy, and they've agreed to allow us to come over to their home and continue teaching them.  So the work continues!  Haha I know for an absolute fact that this is not man's work, but it is the work of God!  And I know that when we seek to engage in missionary work we are helping in the building of the kingdom of God!  I love y'all lots and will talk to you next week!

Elder Traasdahl

1. We were at a parade in Edmond, talkin with people and handing out otter pops!

2. Chillin in the truck watching fire works. Elder Balch is the one to my left mom. 

June 30, 2014~ The Plan of Salvation is beautiful doctrine isn't it?

What's goin on Traasdahl fam!?!  It sounds like the church is still true and the world isn't coming to an end so we're not doin half bad!  And shoot even if the world was coming to an end that means Christ is on his way so we're really not doin bad!  I love Monday mornings sittin down and being able to read all of your emails and getting to hear the events of the week.  Glad to hear things are back to normal with H Banks cruisin through door, just make sure he doesn't set off the alarm at 5 in the morning!  And heck I still can't wrap my mind around how tall Braden's getting.  Mom, I'll try really hard this week to make a conscious effort to take some pictures.  I know that sounds ridiculous but if I don’t put a sticky note on my forehead about it then I don't do it.  Also I was planning on sending my memory card home this week, but I took a video of an object lesson that we share that's pretty neat, annnnnd I want to do the lesson with the fam when I get home.  And if you see the video then it'll ruin the lesson.  So, sorry about that.

This last week though was a wild one.  In the zone we had 3 emergency transfers, 2 missionaries call us and president and say they've made up their mind and their bags are packed and they're going home, an elder run away from his companion, and we have a district leader that's decided for some reason to go on a disobedience spree/"let's blame everything on the ZL's."  Haha President heard from us a lot this week.  Through all of this however I was retaught and continued to learn where real sustaining power comes from.   I could feel so many times my stress level begin to rise, the tension build in the muscles in my back, the pressure begin to rise in my head, and I knew what that meant.  A migraine was coming.  I can't tell you how many prayers I offered where I said "Father, I can't handle this all on my own.  I don't want to try to do this on my own.  I ask that I be given strength and guidance through the spirit to meet to challenges at hand."  Sure enough, I was able to calm my thoughts, relax myself, and be in a mood that I was able to counsel with my companion about appropriate solutions to all the problems we had at hand.  I know that we won't be left hung out to dry if we reach out in faith and ask for the help and strength of God!

Miracles for this week though!  The English sisters had an investigator who hadn't been inside a church building in 16 years, but decided today was the day and came to church.  One of the sisters wasn't feeling well so we taught the gospel principles class to him and instead of teaching out of the book we taught him (his name is Ezekial) the Restoration instead. He's a non-denomination guy, and was very set in that belief because of  what he's seen in all the churches here in OK. a.k.a the effects of the apostasy.  It was pretty neat because tried to prove his point of "no true church" by the point/question of "what about all those in Africa who have never heard of Christ? Are they condemned to Hell just because of where they were born?" He thought he had us there, but I think we all know the end to this story.

The Plan of Salvation is beautiful doctrine isn't it?  So the sisters will be meeting with him again this upcoming week.  Also, last night at 8:45, we found a family of 3!  We had nothing to do and had a member with us, and instead of going in with an awkward amount of time left, we decided to try a referral that we got from a RC family.  30 min visit short, this family is sweet! Super super Baptist, but they love us and we love them.  Haha our next visit they want us to come over and teach the daughter how to accept Christ to be saved....  That'll be a fun one. It's a single mom and two kids. But! The daughter really wants to be baptized and the son too, the mom we'll have to work with, however she's super interested in finding truth. Krystal, Evan, and Shenoa.

Last other update, the Kale fam. Greg, the husband, is still visiting with us, he's hung up now on Adam and Eve. He's a real Intellectual guy and right now he's searching it in that way, intellectually, rather that spiritually.  So we're working on helping him see the need to make that transition.  I love you all lots and let me know if I can do anything for you! This is Christ's church and the gospel is true!

Elder Traasdahl

June 23, 2014~ The time came or me to give my departing testimony

Another week has come and gone!  Yay for Austin getting another shift at work! $$$ :) $$$ Moving up in the world.  Good to hear that you and Branden made it through scout camp!  The scout troop here just had their scout camp also and they didn't fair as well.... They had come back with their boys having a chipped tooth, a lost tooth, a broken nose, and a few burns. #okiestatus   Mom it doesn't sound like you're going to be able to handle an empty nest very well, a silent home is not for you! It looks like you and Dad are going to have to serve some senior couple missions!  Italy perhaps??  

Well this week we stuck to our word and we were out and about!  We parked our truck and were walking around and in the first 10 min Elder Whitehead said "Wow, is this what real missionaries feel like?"  Haha I about slapped him upside the head!  It was pretty classic though, it was a lovely 98 degrees with probably 90% humidity (I don't know the humidity for sure, that's a wild guess.  All I know though is that it was HUMID) and Mr. AZ was drippin buckets but at least used to sweating a ton while out in the heat.  So it didn't bother me much.  Elder Whitehead though is a born and raised Idaho boy that hasn't had a summer day get over 90.  So it was safe to say he was red as a beat and we got pitty points as we talked to people.  The tactic worked pretty well for us actually!

We had zone conference this Thursday and that was great, as they always are.  The time came or me to give my departing testimony.  I've gotten comfortable standing up in front large groups of missionaries and give trainings, or district meetings, but standing at the pulpit and having to give a talk or bear me testimony still gives me the willies!  I don't see the difference between the two but it's something I know I'm going to need to work at!  President Bowman, the stake president of the Stillwater Stake, gave a training at our zone conference on 3 words:  Remember, Ponder, and Receive.  Those 3 words are used repeated throughout the scriptures and he broke em down to what they really mean.  I don't have my notes on me, but one of the points I remember was that one of the reasons the lord always counsels us to remember is because it's a principle of humility.  He then mentioned this chain of thought.

All sin is rooted in selfishness.  Selfishness is an accomplice (he didn't use that word, but that's the only synonym I can think of) to pride.  Humility is the antidote to pride.  That is why the Lord counsels us to remember it.   Anyways, interesting concept to think about.  I'll leave ya with a scripture I found this week.  D&C 88:40 "For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy have compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgement goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.”   My thoughts on it were, ‘what do I cleave unto, receive, embrace, love, claim, continue in and claim as my own? What am I governed by and do I according to those things I know to be true?’  I knew if looked around myself then I’d be able to see the answers to those questions!  I love you all so much and am greatful for all that you do for me! Thank you for your prayers and support!

Elder Traasdahl

pictures

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