Dalsnuten, Dyprengjøring, Banking, Misjonærforberedelse, Splits og Misjonærkonferanse! (Dalsnuten, Deep Cleaning, Bonking, Mission Preparation, Splits and Mission Conference!)

The best panoramic picture ever. Elder Levine = Morphius :P

Heleissen!

Words cannot express what has taken place this week. It's incredible!! The Lord is truly at the helm.

Last week, we did some deep cleaning (and boy did this apartment need it. Whew! P.S. mildew is easily destroyed by a chlorine/water solution) and hiked Dalsnuten. Gorgeous fall colors were everywhere!

Fall colors!

ON TOP OF THE WORLD feelings.

The sign we didn't follow at first . . . Read your scriptures!

And as a side note, make sure to always follow the signs to the trail. It was strangely symbolic that we went the exact opposite way the sign told us to go, and we found ourselves in a slightly precarious situation once we actually stopped. We repented and found our way back. It turned out well in the end :D.

Follow those sign posts!

While out bonking we received the age-old classic "from the second floor" answer. The man came out on his balcony "Yeah??" "We're missionaries out to share a message about Jesus Christ!" "Well I'm christian!" "Then this is the book for you!" "Hold on a sec, I'll be right down!" Whaa?? Hehe. It is always refreshing to be so well received.

Did you know that Alma 2 is basically the War in Heaven just redone in a different setting? Yeah, it blew my mind too. Thanks be to Elder Levine :)

Due to a letter earlier this week (Thanks, Austin :), I have felt that I should share some mission preparation advice for all of you preparing to go. Here goes!

1. Go to seminary (You told me not to include this, but I did anyway :P)
2. Establish solid scripture study patterns NOW. I would recommend at least 30 minutes per day. Mornings are best. Always include some of the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel. Study that which is most relevant to you now. (For example, I remember reading PMG chapter 13 before my mission and falling asleep multiple times. Now, I am giddy to read that chapter. "OH. THAT'S what the ward mission leader is supposed to do." or "Wow, our Bishop is awesome at his job!" etc etc.). For BoM studies, I highly recommend going from beginning to end with a certain topic in mind (Christ's strengthening power, or patterns of good vs. evil leadership, etc) and underlining everything according to that topic. I one day want to have a bookshelf filled with copies of the Book of Mormon according to topic.
3. Take prayer seriously NOW. No body likes getting information-dumped. Neither does God. He wants to hear your feelings and your thoughts, not a grocery list of concerns and worries that may perhaps not be in your best interest in the long run. He knows what you ought to pray for. He can help and let you know. To everyone I recommend prayerfully considering and applying this articlehttp://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/01/before-praying?lang=eng&query=before+praying+bassett

   

   Classic Joseph Smith First Vision pose :D

4. Approach Preach My Gospel less like a manual and more like scripture. Meaning: pray beforehand and during your study of that book for understanding. It was written by prophets and apostles - it IS scripture. Treat it like scripture.
5. Start writing down your personal testimony and experiences of each of the principles of the Gospel. Missionaries are MUCH more powerful when they can testify of something personally. Whether it's tithing, chastity, the word of wisdom, the Prophet Joseph Smith, President Monson, prayer or scripture study - have a personal experience of each in order to testify boldly and undeniably for your arsenal. How did we defeat Satan before we came down to earth? By the blood of the Lamb (Christ's Atonement) and our testimony! Keep it sharp.
6. Go on splits with the local missionaries. Practice teaching with them. Ask for suggestions as to how you can improve your teaching skills.
7. Eat well and stay in shape. It'll help keep your energy and spirit's up - even when things are tough-
8. Date! In groups, of course. We need missionaries with social skills - most of which are best learned while on a date. Missionaries work best when they know how to work with people and help them feel comfortable. 
9. Don't forget who you are. Do not bury yourself and become a missionary robot. God gave you your talents and personality for a reason - don't hide them. Remember, it was YOU who the Lord called and prepared beforehand so that you could go on this mission. Hold all of the rules, be 100% obedient, and watch your personality blossom. I've seen it in my fellow MTC group and previous companions. It's amazing.
10. Expect to change for the better, despite the difficulties of missionary work. The Lord will shape and form you to be well on your way for the rest of your life and on into the eternities. God is in control. Trust that.

On Wednesday, we had too many appointments one night for the both of us (first time in my mission ever!!), so Elder Levine and I went on splits with members. Elder Levine went with Bro. R. to help an investigator to stop smoking (the missionary stop smoking problem is awesome - highly recommend it! He hasn't smoked since he began :D). I went on splits with a priest in our ward to meet with our investigator D. The Spirit was present the whole time, the testimony that the priest bore was perfect, and it was focused the whole time. I couldn't have asked for a better splits! 

Thursday and Friday we had a mission conference with President Teixeira from the Seventy. It was a wonderful two days to recognize our weaknesses, and how we could overcome them and achieve great things in this mission. Our big focuses right now are finding new investigators, reading PMG everyday, using the new PMG DVDs (which are great by the way), and involving members in our missionary work. I cannot tell you what a difference it makes when a member his or herself finds someone and introduces to the missionaries. A system of support is already in place, and the relationship between the missionary and that investigator is already solid in a teacher/student relationship. Members ought to be friends, and missionaries ought to be inviters (we are to Invite - and teach when necessary. Notice that to teach isn't anywhere in our purpose!). So go on out there to your local investigators at church and invite them over for dinner. That makes a world of a difference.

Our MTC district at mission conference - our last chance together! Elder Williams couldn't make it because he was helping out another missionary that had to go to the hospital.

Now it's time for a huge story that I'll try my best to recount:

Motorhomes are extremely convenient . . . .

The sisters here have an investigator named M. She lives all the way up in Haugesund. She was prepared and ready and excited for baptism on the 27th, but due to some complications, by Thursday she suddenly had certain fears and doubts. The baptism was supposedly "called off", but on Friday night we prayed together and felt extremely peaceful and comforted. We knew that things would work out. Sure enough, the next morning we were driving up the coast toward Haugesund without much of a plan other than going to surprise her. After a few calls, and a while out in the city, scouring it to find her, we got a call back from her that there was an emergency situation at her work so she had to work today. She wouldn't be off until 3 pm. My companion and I had an appointment back in Stavanger that evening, and had to leave by 2 pm. Now unsure of what to do, and that peaceful reassuring feeling gone, we scrambled for ideas of what to do. After another good prayer, we felt that we needed to stay and support M. We made certain arrangements that evening so that our appointment would work out that evening. 3:30 rolled around, and we sat down with M. at a picnic bench with a stunning backdrop of rolling green hills and the ocean (Western Norway, I tell ya!). Through much inspiration, and an influx of the Spirit, the lesson was extremely uplifting and inspiring. We read Alma 7 together and discussed concerns and needs. The sisters were awesome with questions and timing - it was so cool! By the end, you could cut the Spirit with a knife, it was so thick. "So can I be baptized tonight?" "Of course!" Haha! Through some arrangements with members, we got in a motor home and made our way to Sagbakken (gorgeous little bay - perfect for baptism). At 7:30 that evening, 0 degrees celsius, we stepped out into the water with car headlights and moonlight showing the way. Shivering and shaking, we made our way further into deeper water. However, once she was under the water she described it like this: "as I was under, I felt this warmth and comfort like I've never felt before. I may have been under the water for 10-15 minutes it felt so refreshing." She came out of the

 water not shivering whatsoever - and we made our way back to the motor home to warm up. The Spirit was present throughout the whole day - it was such a quaint, lovely experience! With some chili and dry clothes, we warmed ourselves back up, then my companion and I drove home :D. We were so amazed and stunned as to how everything played out and worked in the end, even though we had no idea of what to do to begin. We were "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand what we should do." (1 Nephi 4:6). Despite all odds, the Spirit led, and God moved with us. After hearing her experiences receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, she said she had never felt anything quite like it. Warm, and peaceful. God always holds His end of the covenant.

Baptism is a sacred promise that God provides to each one of us. An opportunity to allow Him to bless us in an even greater degree. We can all feel this power when we attend a baptismal service or partake of the sacrament on Sunday - IF we reverently approach it and open our hearts.

If we so desire His comfort, God will never leave us comfortless.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

 Baptism is a sacred promise that God provides to each one of us. An opportunity to allow Him to bless us in an even greater degree. We can all feel this power when we attend a baptismal service or partake of the sacrament on Sunday - IF we reverently approach it and open our hearts.

If we so desire His comfort, God will never leave us comfortless.

                 ~Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Harald Haarfagre's tombstone - now with good lighting :)

I recommend looking up Harald Haarfagre's story. It's pretty epic.

Elder Weaver, while playing farkle, rolled 6 1s. Is that insane or what?

Ei flott uke :D (a great week!)

 Kjære alle sammen!

Heya! This week has been amazing - another God-given week to us extremely privileged and blessed 19-21 year olds :D (soon to be 18 ;)

Our rockin' ward mission leader skyped with us at our usual time for our missionary correlation meeting! SKYPED us - while he was on a business trip to the states. We are so blessed to have such a hard-working, dedicated ward mission leader on our side.

Stavanger sunsets. Oh man.

Like sunsets at home.

On Wednesday, I was graced to have Elder Donahue come join me here in the busy town of Stavanger! Elder Donahue just arrived a month ago (with Elder Weaver's group) so we had some good learning opportunities there. I have never trained, so it was a very good experience to see what it's like being companions with a new missionary. They're on fire - filled with desire to go out and share the word. I love getting that fire riled up in me, too! Even when it rains the whole entire day :P . . . like it did that day. Haha. I learned from him that I should probably slow down a bit in my speaking, because people think we're just out to sell something - which we're not! We're on a mission to save souls! Love is the most important thing a missionary can share. And when you're speaking a million miles an hour, people usually have difficulty feeling that love. Did Christ speak very quickly? I don't believe He would.

We had a very interesting discussion with a leader of one of the local churches here while on that splits. He was testifying to us of how we are all a fallen, sensual people due to the fall of Adam and Eve. True! And also how we cannot do anything by our selves to become saved. True! And how Christ paid the price for every weakness, sin, misdeed and pain that ever would be experienced by mankind. True! And how because He did that, everyone in the whole entire world is saved and will live with God again. Not quite. I testify that God will not force any individual in the least amount to make them come to heaven. He has provided us our ability to choose for ourselves, and He will do nothing to infringe upon that gift. That is why He has provided the Holy Ghost to influence us in a positive way (just as the devil influences us in a negative way), so that we may be able to choose fairly (2 Nephi 2:27-28). We must yield ourselves to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and put off the natural man in order to prepare ourselves for heaven (Mosiah 3:19). Christ continually knocks on our heart, begging for us to open up, so that He may come in and change us. Remember, it truly is as simple as choosing to look to Christ, and we will be healed. (Alma 33:19-23 - "if ye will")

Oh yeah, we found a lizard on the sidewalk. I didn't think lizards even existed here. Norway surprises me everyday!

Lizard!

MMM lizard.

We finally got some Julebrus (the seasonal Christmas soda). I must try each type that exists (much like my root beer connosieur moments with Jared :P). Thus far, Hamar julebrus is the best!

Julebrus! The one to the far left, is the best red one. The 4 glass bottles - the award-winning Hamar Julebrus.

On Saturday, I was able to accompany Elder Earl in the area of Sandnes (15 minutes south of Stavanger, 70,000 people) (Stavanger population: approx. 110,000 I think?). It was on a slow, rainy day, but the gågate (walking street?) still had a few people on it. The restaurants were packed with people. I was back in Mo i Rana! - few people on the street, and plenty of people to wave at in the restaurants. I was in my element! We had a great time. We taught this one girl whose father is atheist and mother is Christian. Norwegians believe very strongly in holding beliefs independent of one another (therefore, as a parent, you should not influence your child one way or another - let them choose for themselves, etc). So we were hosted by this very interesting family to teach them how we believe we can find God. The girl was willing to pray and read to find out, but the father wasn't. I want it absolutely clear that God cannot be found unless we are willing to humble ourselves before Him and accept the counsel and guidance He will provide us. God will not force an unwilling heart. It is up to us to find Him. That is the test of this life - will we find and follow God and His commandments? We are here to walk by faith - not sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). That was a great experience. 

The second person we taught together was this woman who was blasting gospel music when we walked in. Haha! I love gospel music. As we sat down and began teaching her, she opened right up about her previous spiritual experiences regarding prayer and receiving answers. What an amazing woman! Her heart was truly prepared, for when we began to relate to her the message of the Restoration, a blazing Spirit filled the room. It was one of the more powerful moments with Joseph Smith's First Vision experience I have experienced in my mission. I testify here and now that I felt the Spirit confirm to me that night that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to that 14 year old boy. 

Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. Amen.

On Sunday, it was a wonderful and refreshing Sunday filled with the busyness of mission life :). That woman I just told that story about wasn't planning on coming to church the next day, but something prompted her to come. She began clapping at the end of each talk during sacrament meeting. Haha! It is so wonderful to have lively, spirited people to church! 

This gospel IS exciting. It is the way back home. The more we understand this journey back - the less it becomes a marathon, and even less than a race. But instead a giant exodus or pilgrimage through the journey of life - all helping one another back to God. He is willing to help us - but are we willing to accept that help?

The choice is simply ours.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

P.S. the last people I got letters from (very recently) were Mike and Carissa. I heard that some of you haven't heard back from me - I always write back! Hopefully your letters didn't get lost :[

Kjøttkaker, poteter og urter. Very common Norwegian dinner.

Høst ferie, kaldere og farger, sonekonferansen, D.!, pepperkaker og Drammens første stavskonferanse! (Fall break, colder and colors, zone conference, D.!, ginger snaps, and Drammen's first stake conference!

Stavanger, of course!

Hei!

Ok I have 15 minutes. Ready go!

It's fall break here in Norway! Everyone gets a week off - and the weather has been gorgeously brisk. Bright blue skies, and a nippy wind. The colors make it all worth it.

Red, yellow, green oh my!

Winter is definitely coming on - and we're pretty excited. We've already busted out the Christmas music in our apartment (Halloween isn't generally celebrated here in Norway . . . .)

On Wednesday, President Evans came down and gave us a big push for going from good to great! We

Our weekly planning session battle plans!!

were all spiritually uplifted and enriched from the experience. A big presentation was given on contacting on the street as yourself, not as a robot. We, as children of our Heavenly Father, have been given certain personality traits, and have experienced certain things in our lives that make us more effective in the areas in which we serve. Therefore - use those gifts God has given you in your missionary work! I know there are few missions that actually go out on the street for most hours in the day (Norway is one of them), but use your God-given talents in any possible way you can!! Also at the conference, the sisters in our group gave their burnimonies (or in other words, their final testimonies at a zone conference before returning home.) Our MTC district's sisters are going home already?! I was super surprised. But just seeing the growth that we have all made - in amazingly positive ways - is a testimony to me of missions. The Spirit was warm and comforting through the testimony meeting. The Lord's work is on the earth!

Our investigator D., who had the neat General Conference experience has been doing awesomely this week. We had him over at a member's home for dinner, and they all happened to speak the same

Norwegian language studies (I'll have to explain later)

language! Norway has to be one of the few countries where you have so many language barriers. Here you have people from all over the world trying to find a better way of life by moving to Norway - and it's full of Philippinos, Africans, Spaniards, Brazilians, Americans, Iranians, Chinese and the list goes on. Especially here in Stavanger. So when we have a member who speaks the same language as your investigator, it helps a LOT. D. has been progressing very well - and despite the language barrier, he's got some deep, well thought out, sincere questions. Those types of questions are candy for missionaries :)

Our pepperkaker bins beginning to pile up :D

Pepperkaker are ginger snaps in Norway. They come out every Christmas time. And they are amazing. And our apartment has busted through 9 bins so far. After 3 days since we began. We're trying to see how many we can go through before the season's over. Hahaha - they're so good!!

The Drammen Stake had its first stake conference this past weekend! A historical event indeed. The Lord has established Zion in western Norway :). It was a wonderful experience - they even received a patriarch! What a great strength to all of the members and new converts here in western Norway. As well, our Bishop here in Stavanger spoke in

Personal study journals (topic, chronological, and meetings)

Stake Conference and gave us missionaries a shout out. It was hilarious, because he made one of our inside jokes 10x funnier. Our inside joke is that everyone knows one of our investigators as "the doctor" and hardly remembers his real name at all. As if his title as "doctor" gives him credibility to investigate the church or something. Haha. Anyway, in the bishop's talk he mentioned how we all prepared for general conference and how the doctor was scrambling with his notes because of the answers he was receiving to his questions. Haha! 

This gospel, as well as this church, is true! It is a bright shining ray of hope in this ever darkening world (taken literally here in Norway!). My testimony of missionary work grows every day because I continually realize how much it has changed me, and continues to change me, on my eternal progression, eventually leading back to my Heavenly Father. Pray for God's love - and He will fill you to the brim :D

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

A deadly duo for confounding false doctrine :) - used extremely frequently

18 og 19

I love this place.

Å Heisann!

I am absolutely thrilled at the announcement for earlier departure ages for men and women to enter their missions! We have a few younger missionaries of the "test groups" here in our mission, and they are doing awesome. This announcement must have floored almost all of the church membership (especially BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson :) ). The Lord will provide all of you with the necessary tools and opportunities to prepare all of you to faithfully serve when you do. Whether leaving at age 18, or older, as always, take a prayerful approach to this matter. The Lord will not leave you helpless. But do remember that at times the Lord expects us to act, and then the confirmation will come :). I'm so pumped to welcome in this new generation of missionary work!!!

Was General Conference not the best one yet since the dawn of time? Every talk was filled with immense power. And how could they not be, considering that almost every talk covered the topic of following Christ, submitting our loyalty to Him, His teachings, and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

The responses of our investigators to General Conference, though, was a very special experience. Elder Levine and I decided to prepare all of our investigators for the General Conference experience by providing them with notebooks, pens, and some words of advice. Before conference, we prayed and we each established "questions of the soul" specific to our individual needs, questions, concerns and desires. Then, during conference, we held a prayer in our heart, and a blue and black pen close to our notebooks. Black pen = what the speakers say. Blue pen = personal ideas and inspiration we receive from their words. Then at the bottom of each set of notes, we wrote "To Do:" in order to establish the precedent that we must be "doers" of the word "and not hearers only" (James 1:22). Each investigator who pursued this course of action with a sincere heart found themselves scrambling to take notes, to grasp onto the precious nuggets of truth delivered by God's chosen apostles of prophets. We were all richly blessed!

gc.lds.org - just listen to your heart, and you won't be able to help feeling the warmth and comfort of the Holy Ghost confirming the truth to you! And specifically to you!

Everything else that happened this week pales in comparison to the spiritual feast available through thorough preparation for and experiencing of General Conference. I'm struggling trying to decide a favorite, but I'd have to say President Uchtdorf's Saturday Morning Session had me flying with my notebook the most.

Model poses!

:D

Earlier this week, the sisters and we had a dinner over at a part-member family's home. The home was built in the 1920's (very regal!), and the non-member husband had just purchased a new electric keyboard. The secret got out that I play piano ( *sigh* companions . . . . :] ), and so we were able to gain a greater connection with this family. Isn't it amazing how the Lord takes our individual talents and strengths in order to reach out to others? I am sure this is what the Lord intends. The Lord expects us to use our strengths in order to improve our missionary efforts. And, unlike President Monson, I am so very grateful that my Mom had me stick to the piano :). It's a blessing constantly used in the mission.

Stavanger Breiavatnet - we walk by this every day :)

It was announced that the next monthly theme for our Mission Training Plan will be "The Spirit of Urgency", Accountability and Using Time Wisely (Preach My Gospel chapter 8). At first, I was a little hesitant at this announcement, due to some past observances that burned out some missionaries in their service because they were so constantly worried and concerned over not being "completely urgent". After some thought, and revelation received at General Conference, I realized just how vital these concepts are. During Christ's short 3 year ministry, He did not rush from appointment to appointment, figuratively looking at His watch and planner every few seconds because He wasn't "completely urgent". Rather, He took the time with each individual, building personal relationships with each, and encouraging them in the very best way - out of love - to bring them closer to the Father. Also, without accountability, we simply can not progress. Infractions on the principle of accountability actually cause you to digress than to progress. After all, most sins begin with dishonesty. Therefore, by Using Time Wisely, we can hold ourselves in a persistent immersion of the Spirit as we are completely obedient, yet also focusing on Christ's teachings of love, patience, peace, hope and diligence only being a few. Hopefully that made sense.

I testify that the Lord leads this church, with His servant being a living prophet - even Thomas S. Monson. I pray that we all will take a few moments this week to ponder the words and feelings we felt at General Conference, and find a couple ways we can apply them to our lives these coming 6 months. Remove your "pavilions", and reach out to those beside you. 

That's what Christ Himself would do!

 -Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Norwegian Clouds :)

Look at that sun!

Whew gorgeous.

The path to the beaches :)

District: Sandnes :)

Views toward the beach!

The beaches of Jæren and Sola :)

KUER!

Sheeep!

Sheep hunting! (not really - they're too darn cute)

Sverd i Fjell, Eldste Holland, Arendal, Patriarkalske Velsignelser, Nye Konvertitter Leksjoner, Haugesund (Three Swords, Elder Holland, Arendal, Patriarchal Blessings, New Convert Lessons and Haugesund)

Norway. In one picture.

Fall has fallen :)

Hallo!

It's going to be a complete miracle if I can fit in everything that's happened this week.

Last week for P-Day we took a trip to the Sverd i Fjell (literally Swords in Mountain) which is a monument here in Stavanger commemorating the famous viking battle where Harald Haarfagre finally unified all of the viking kingdoms under one king! That's got to be in an awesome history book somewhere. For now, I'll enjoy the swords :)

These swords are HUGE!

The new Sandnes District :]

Elder Holland's CES fireside this past month was amazing! His topic was one that I have pondered on very much recently. Where is the balance between complete tolerance and defending our standards and rights from the corrupting and degenerative influences of the decaying world? It is impossible to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24) and a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (Jacob 1:8). He described it perfectly, and I very much desire EVERYONE to watch that talk. It is imperative that we understand this principle directly from a servant of the Lord (and therefore, God Himself)(Doctrine & Covenants 1:38-39) in this rapidly crumbling world. We must hold fast to our values and standards, despite the popularity and even danger of opposition. And if any of you are wondering which values and standards I am referring to - begin with this: https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng

10 hour round trip train ride to Arendal was amazing this week! 10 hours to pray, ponder and study is basically any missionaries' idea of an incredible holiday.

Eldste Davidson in the flesh :)

And having stunning views outside the whole time keeps you glued to your window! God DOES exist - and you can see it in every living thing. Imagine this: Orange meadows, red tree bark, green pine needles, yellow leaves, blue water, white clouds, black stone, and explosions of red every once in a while because of a changing tree. Doctrine & Covenants88:47

Stunning train ride to Arendal. "It's like forests of Narnia out there!" - Eldste Bitner

Arendal itself is a very interesting city. Stunningly beautiful - it's like a quaint gnome town filled with color and beautiful buildings. But you can tell there is a deep complexity about it - present within the lives of the people who live there.

Arendal on a cloudy day!

It's a rather tough area for missionaries, but nothing that 100% obedient missionaries and the Lord can't handle. It was an absolute honor to be on splits with Elder Davidson (the very same missionary who replaced me in Mo i Rana back in May!). We had so many connects and similar quirks, it made the splits a blast. I learned a ton from him - especially regarding difficulties on the mission. I don't think I could go through the same trials that he has on his mission - but that's why we're here for different reasons and different times. The Lord prepares our missions for us to bless us on into the eternities. http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-opportunity-of-a-lifetime?lang=eng . My mission will be different from all of your missions - because the Lord has prepared it and you since the foundations of this world. What an honor to experience that which God has given specifically and especially for you.

We all got matching Dressmann sweaters. Who can deny 25 kroner sweaters? (approx. 5 USD)

A patriarchal blessing is a special gift given to baptized members of the church who qualify. They are direct revelation (much like a blue print) given to you in order to help you on your eternal journey from the pre-earth life, during the present life and on into the after-life. On lds.org, if you are a direct descendant, you may order copies of your deceased ancestors' patriarchal blessings for your own personal enrichment and spiritual development. I ordered some of my ancestors' patriarchal blessings, and they are absolutely incredible. The amount of the Spirit of Elijah (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-hearts-of-the-children-shall-turn?lang=eng&query=spirit+elijah) felt after reading and pondering these blessings was so very strong, I was led to sing with joy (1 Nephi 5:17). After which, I reread my own patriarchal blessing and realized how honored and blessed we are in our time to have such access to knowledge from God. If you have not yet received your patriarchal blessing - do so. If you're not yet a member of the church, become one. Eternity hangs in the balance, and your joy shall exceed the presently comprehensible.

The new convert lessons for new members of the church are extremely important. It is vital that members teach them, perhaps with the additional assistance of the full-time missionaries. I experience this past week the perfect example of how the new convert lessons need to be taught to new converts. A father and mother testified of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel, and how it has blessed their family to the newly baptized convert RA. It was VERY powerful. Us full-time missionaries could not give anything more to RA - but this family was able to show her through word, example and their kids, how much the gospel can bless a family. It was astounding. I simply cannot wait to be that same example with my own eternal companion and children - and from there to the rest of the world. It was also strangely symbolic as the rain and storm outside pounded on the windows and roof of the home, as we were warmly, comfortably situated in a light and Spirit-filled dry environment. By the end, RA was beaming.

 Pho before.

Pho prepared.

Pho after.

Purple yams on a bed of frog eggs. I mean tapioca.

And the family's food was SO GOOD too! Traditional pho from Laos and Vietnam (hope you had fun in Vietnam, C.!)

Over the weekend, Elder Earl and I visited the Haugesund branch to encourage and support them. They desperately need missionaries. Go and prepare yourself for your mission! The blessings of eternity await you!!

Harald Haarfagres burial mound in Haugesund

Moster Kirken in Haugesund.

I testify of the reality of Jesus Christ as our loving, resurrected Savior! He took upon Himself Death, Weakness, Sin and all forms of Affliction so that we may be loosed and freed from the gripping chains of the Dark One. Our Lord and Savior championed the Atonement that we may be filled with love, patience, peace and comfort, despite any circumstance or challenge placed before us.

If you want this knowledge too - ponder upon the word of God found in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Feedin' the pigeons after a soft-is :)'

White northern lights in the fall!

The clouds were SO COOL!