Forandring. (Change.)

Baaa . . . This picture describes Haugesund pretty well.

10 kroner ($2 USD) ties each? Yes please!

Kjære dere!

Well, as of Friday last week, only two members confirmed that they were actually coming to A.'s baptism. A. turned to us immediately after informing her of this news and said "Then can we hold it next week? I don't want to have an empty baptism!" After talking it over with her, the risks thereof, and talking with President Evans, and the members, we decided to move her date for May the 4th (Yes, Star Wars Speech Impediment Day :). On Sunday, she was really excitedly talking with all the members about her baptism this upcoming Saturday. Woo! Baptisms never happen smoothly, though. At least not in Norway. Never. We'll be tenaciously keeping daily contact with everyone to make sure those blessings of the Lord are secured for A.

I don't even know if I've given a background story on her though. A. was found in the area book, under the former investigators section. She was originally found by my trainer Elder Passey back in 2011! She had all of the lessons pretty much down, as we reviewed them with her. The timing wasn't quite right back then, though. Now that a reconnection has been made with the missionaries, she's been super excited to enter into the waters of baptism. All we did was call at the right time. The Lord's blessings are indeed over Haugesund branch :).

On Sunday, she sat us down and began discussing a concern about how difficult it is to "fit in" in the church. The lesson that day in church was on the role and importance of the family - and as a single, seeing all of the happy families around you, it can be extremely difficult to feel like you "fit in". Really the only place I've seen singles thrive is at Brigham Young University. And BYU is the greatest of all exceptions in this world. Otherwise, all social units fail to adequately meet the social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, all except for the divinely appointed unit of the family.

The Lord gave us the organization of the family so that we can learn, grow and develop those characteristics to become like our Heavenly Father. I remember in my own family, being the very youngest, I loved nothing more than bugging and irritating my brother. I loved him to death, and all I wanted was his attention! Gratefully, from that, I've learned how to gain attention from others in an appropriate manner. Likewise, I'm sure his abilities for patience and love have improved since then, too! In a family, we are (or ought to be) together so often that we are given daily opportunities to extend a helping hand, forgive, love and serve. It is 

 Krosshaug (Cross Mound)

the laboratory for the development of our individual and collective perfection. All selfish, natural and base wants, desires and passions are presented plainly before us in the family. It is then our responsibility to purge them from ourselves through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, which requires a great deal of practice, personal effort, practice, self-evaluation, practice, cooperation, practice, prayer, practice, forgiveness, practice, repentance and did I mention practice? Indeed, practice does make perfect.

Though, from an investigator's perspective, the whole idea of a family may seem extremely unfair. "My parents never loved me" one investigator may say. "I was abandoned when I was a kid" another may say. And that's hardly the tip of the iceberg - not even mentioning the presence of neglect, selfishness, abuse and addictions causing physical, emotional, spiritual and social damage that can potentially take a lifetime to remedy.

Right  by Harald Haarfagre's Monument :)

I have been really caught up on this thought, while at the same time being exposed to an onslaught of own weaknesses and random lacking of motivation this week. One day was particularly difficult as I pondered "what is to be done with this world, and myself? There are far too many challenges and mountains before us to overcome." While thus pondering, an Elder Jeffrey R. Holland talk was going on in the background. Whether from the talk, or it may have just been in the Holy Ghost directly, the words entered into my mind "You can change." As my mind caught hold upon this thought, it infected my thoughts like a mind virus. Every moment I get down on myself, I can grasp the thought "I can change", and suddenly my being fills with hope and a strong presence of the Holy Ghost.

It reminds me of a story of an old man standing on a giant, dry coral reef covered in millions upon millions of starfish, when the ocean's tide had recently suddenly dropped. Knowing that these millions of starfish would 

soon die outside of water, he would pick up one by one and throw them all the way out into the ocean. A young man approached the man and said "Old man, what is the point in even trying? There are millions of starfish out here destined to die - what difference does it make?" Filled with emotion, with an arm sore and tired from throwing so many starfish, the old man looked the young man in the eyes, picked up another starfish and threw another one in the sea. "It made a difference for that one." And again, picking up and throwing another starfish - "And for that one."

It is exactly the same in our daily efforts and striving towards perfection in a seemingly never-ending struggle of repentance and personal conversion. It is the exact same in our efforts to create the perfect atmosphere and relationship for our families.

Don't ever forget: "I can change." and: "It made a difference for that one."

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

J.'s Dåp! (J.'s Baptism!)

Down in Stavanger this week, I saw S. and R.A. again after many months away - their love and service fill me with joy!

Helleis! (Mmm. Stavanger dialect.)

This week was amazing! Pretty much like every week here in Norway (at least during the summer ;).

If any of you remember back when I served in Stavanger last year, I would come to Haugesund about once per month to support the branch/perform any missionary duties in the area. One of the men that we met with frequently back then, J., made his way to the waters of baptism this past weekend. This man has been attending church faithfully for the past 9 months straight - longer than any other investigator I've ever worked closely with. He has a solid understanding of the church and its doctrines, in addition to a searing, missionary testimony obtained through the witness of the Holy Ghost. My favorite quotes from him go somewhat along the lines of: "If any church read and followed the teachings in the Bible, they would recognize that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follows the Bible best." "This car right here - *as he pats his car* - is a missionary car. Where we off to next?" and "Elder Schulz, I'm going to teach you such good and thick Haugesund dialect that people in Northern Norway won't be able to understand you." (sorry for those of you who don't get it). J. was on cloud nine the whole weekend. The brightness in his eyes could have lit up the whole room. 

 J. with Branch President and us!

If that wasn't enough of a spiritual feast in and of itself, our goal of numbers of people present in church was obliterated from a goal of 25 by an astounding 31. Of course, having the mission president, his wife and the senior couple visiting from Stavanger helped out a ton - but without them that's still above our goal! We were richly blessed by an outpouring of the Spirit, particularly through the sacrament (that "ultimate warm fuzzy" :). 

Finally, after a few weeks of summarizing and organizing my notes from General Conference, I realized just how clearly their messages complemented and orchestrated one with another. According to my notes and revelation it boiled down to 7 talks on praying for, seeking after and performing unselfish service; 6 talks on being obedient to the will of the Lord; 6 talks on establishing stabilizing, strengthening traditions within the home; 4 talks on using the home and the sacrament in order to anchor our families to the Atonement; 4 talks on being not afraid/not fearing, be of good cheer/be at peace. That's not everything, of course, but it gave me a general direction as to where I need to focus these next 6 months. I hope you all received your personal revelation you're entitled to for these next six months, too. If not, go get a pen and paper, say a prayer and log onto gc.lds.org right away!!

Elder Schulz, icing his foot from walking so
much :). "I just can't be bothered to
wipe up the water afterwards - a bag is much more convenient!"

This work is the Lord's work. We are but mere instruments in His hands to perform His holy will. I know that without Him, I would not be able to function physically, emotionally or spiritually in any good or righteous manner. Without Him, we are nothing. With Him, we can become the beings He has created us to become - filled with power, love, understanding, peace, direction and purpose beyond our current abilities to comprehend, let alone even achieve. 

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

The Haugesund State Church . . . we finally got to see the inside :)

Kjaere alle :]

Rain out our apartment window!

Kjære alle :]

While finishing up deep-cleaning in our apartment this morning, Elder Schulz was thumbing through some multi-language pamphlets. And then the thought dawned on me: "Hey Elder Schulz, what language does a front yard speak?" . . . "Uhh . . ." . . . "PORCH-uguese!" . . . . Bah! It's almost laffy-taffy worthy.

This week's events have been wonderful!

For one, it has finally rained in Haugesund since we arrived. Normally western Norway is drenched in rain day in and day out! But do you think for one second that stopped us from taking a bike trek across town?! Of course not. Biking in the rain, in suits, with backpacks on, with lame-looking helmets has certainly got to be one of the largest trademarks and advertising elements of LDS missionaries. And we thrive!

And the resultant drying of clothes. I promise it doesn't normally look this messy  - our closets are just open :P

For two, Elder Schulz had the awesome idea to share the story of Esther with the members of this branch. The Haugesund branch primarily consists of converted female members, with non-member husbands/families. One member in particular, T., was feeling really concerned about future schooling decisions, and her standing in the church, being away from her home-branch. As we shared the story of Esther, and how she bravely faced her challenges before her with faith, T. seemed to beam from an assuring, comforting witness. Poof! Concerns gone. Yeah, Esther is awesome.

As well, Elder Schulz and I have really started performing much better together - teaching, finding, socializing with members, as well as cooking and cleaning :). The Lord is supporting us every step of the way!

Queen Esther by Minerva Teichert

The biggest experience this week I would have to say was inspired by our zone training meeting down in Stavanger. The zone leaders held a presentation on how we need to be "self-starters" at all times - most especially in missionary work. A self-starter is one who can motive his or herself, change the inner attitudes and feelings in order to achieve one's goals and desires, regardless of external circumstances. It is a primary principle of the gospel that stems from both faith and repentance: faith being the belief, hope and action that you can change your circumstances; and repentance being the changing, adaptation and transformation of your thoughts, beliefs and behaviors in order to achieve your goals. Self-starting, therefore, has both an effect upon your motivations and desires, as well as your outward expressions of them. The zone leaders applied it in this way - take the foremost thing that motivates you, and focus on it. It could be your relationship to and love for God, your family, friends, special experiences, music, heroes you look up to (non-fictional as well as fictional), or really whatever is most meaningful to you. Then describe, writing down that thing and why it motivates you. On the side of that description you can make notes and references to extremely powerful experiences (or pictures, names, quotes, etc) you have had with this focus. As you refer back to this notecard, your mind is able to trigger those potent memories in order to fill your self with motivation and desire to succeed.

I know that as I have applied these principles in my relationship to God, there has been a world of a difference in my perspectives, attitudes, thoughts and behaviors. Every personal study, I bask in a pool of rejuvenating thoughts, and suddenly I feel the Spirit in a more real and tangible sense. This then enables me to receive revelation in order to serve those around me (investigators and companion especially).

Perhaps this is what Moroni meant when he asked us to "remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts." (Moroni 10:3)

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Haugesund sunset :]

Bønn (Prayer)

 Our ferry on the way to district meeting

  On the ferry - that's our bus :):)

Hei!

Tate (Cousin)

First off, I heard a little bird whisper to me that Tate has his mission call. Is that true? Since when? Where in the world is he going (literally)? Why hasn't anyone decided to inform me regarding this asap?! If I heard by mistake, my bad :).

Second off, how pleasant it was to see Ken Ken in the background of General Conference Saturday afternoon session! I hope all is well with you, buddy!

Well as for this week, things are definitely coming along here in Haugesund. With the addition of bikes to our missionary tools, we've been able to be 

Bikes! (Thanks Dad for the plastic bag idea!)

much more efficient and effective in our efforts. Efficiency is something I am obsessed with - quite possibly slightly obsessive compulsive. They are an excellent addition to this area, and we are extremely extremely grateful :). Just don't ask for the price tag.

This week's spiritual experiences have much to do with prayer. 

A less-active we've been working with  said that she "finally felt that warm, peaceful feeling again" after saying a prayer aloud, alone, for her first time. Praying aloud is a unique way to show your faith, focus and humility to God. An example of which is found when Joseph Smith prayed aloud for his first time in a grove of trees (JSH 1:14). 

Another less active cancelled one of our appointments because her son had a bunch of rambunctious friends over. Upon our return the next day, his friends were still over, so we decided to teach them all instead! We gathered the whole house around the Book of Mormon, busted out some pictures of Enos from the church, and told the story of Enos. The boys listened intently, and responded in the sweetest, and most intent manner. I wish teaching adults was that special of an experience all the time. "So what do you do when you feel sad?" "Pray!" "What do you do when you need help?" "Pray!" Very good. One of the boys was even Buddhist - and you could tell he had some spiritual connection as well. That was a neat experience.

An email I received from my best friend in China included a story regarding a boy who is frustrated with his prayers, isn't receiving answers and has thereby "given up" on God. I desire to speak to that boy, as well as to all who are having difficulties with prayer right now.

A sign outside of a Christian church read "We know what you want. What does God want?" Naturally, talking comes much more easily to each of us than listening does. This is particularly true when it comes to prayer. How many times have we prayed at night, quickly muttered some repeated phrases and hit our pillows at night without even a thought about who we are actually communicating with, or what we are actually saying? Is it possible that we are posing the wrong problems and questions to Him, that are not in our eternal best interest? Is that the reason why God seemingly "never answers our prayers"? I know that when God answers us, He doesn't "waste" His answer on one who won't (aka does not desire to, or even attempt to) listen.

Second, prayer takes a great deal of personal meditation and inner-stillness in order to hold your heart and mind tender and cultivated to receive an answer. Stress, music, and other noises can interfere with our personal receptors to receive an answer. Be still for once. 

Third, prayer isn't entirely active, nor is it entirely passive. It is a stance that must be achieved at the extremities of your active efforts to dig and find the will of the Lord, as well as hold yourself completely passive to any possible influences you may receive.

Fourth, read and ponder the scriptures - they open the way to revelation. They are an effective tool to remove your thoughts from the worldly "noise". Consider fasting.

"Indeed, I have come to suspect that faith is sometimes developed in the true Christian in spite of, rather than because of,immediate answers to prayer—at least to that type of prayer which we are all too prone to offer, that which admonishes God to do our bidding, that which reduces his role to that of a cosmic servant." - please read all of http://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/01/before-praying?lang=eng

I am not perfect at praying, not even close. I believe it is entirely impossible to hold a perfect prayer - because it is so individual and intimate. And so, through humble searching, and a great deal of patience, I have found access to a large reservoir of peace through the gift of prayer.

"As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings."

Prayer is work. And prayer works.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

A comet? We were surprised to see this thing in the sky. It looked nothing like a plane when it was closer . . . 

Watching conference!

:)

Cookies we made for General Conference :) mmm.

Tom Påske (Empty Easter)

Smågodt! Another Norwegian Easter
Tradition of assorted candies in a paper bag.

Kvikk Lunsj - the Norwegian equivalent (or rather, improvement) of the US Kit Kat. A Norwegian Easter tradition that I adore.

Kjære alle sammen!

Empty easter sounds a lot like empty nester. That's not the idea I'm trying to convey at all, really. Just the fact that out on the street right now - the "busiest" time of day - there's not a soul in sight. Welcome to the Norwegian Easter tradition! Honestly, it's more empty now than it was during the Christmas season.

Avaldsnes Church

I don't blame the Norwegians at all, however. Especially because apparently this is the best weather Western Norway has had for this long since 1951. We're not complaining! It is simply stunning weather - brightly sunny, hardly a cloud in the sky and a nice brisk breeze. Oh I love it here. Recently on our long bus and ferry trips to faraway places, gazing at the fleeting Norwegian landscapes has captured my mind and heart in a nostalgic vice.  

 "Heyy all the sheepies ran away."

The sheepies that ran away . . . .

One of those trips actually brings me to one of our coolest stories this week! Cleaning up the area book is always a fascinating experience. You can get the best experiences, and the worst experiences going through it. Regardless, it's always worth it. We called up a previous investigator and he said he would love to have us over to help him "cast out the demons in my apartment". Uhh . . . figuratively or literally? Upon discussion with Elder Schulz, and our Mission President, we felt it was a good idea and see if we could make it a positive experience. Hold a blessing upon the home, hold a prayer - what could go wrong? Upon arrival, a few hours out of Haugesund, we met him and walked into his "apartment". It actually turned out to be a mental institution, and clear signs of mental instability showed in our previous investigator's behaviors right off the bat. Note to all missionaries: please update your records thoroughly. Stumbling into these situations aren't always this pleasant. Well anyway, we got to know him, evaluated how we could help him, held a simple prayer and got out of there. We felt that we did what we could, and the comforting influence of the Spirit was present, so we felt satisfied. Upon waiting at the bus stop, however, we were unsure if there was even a bus available for our return trip. A nervous trickling on our backs began forming because we knew that it was Easter - all bus routes are completely out of wack for the whole week. We called members, prayed and hoped for a bus to come our way. One member called us back and assured us that bus from a different company would be passing by, so we would make it home. Huge sigh of relief - we were going to make it to church the next day.

The story doesn't end there, though! Elder Schulz and I still felt a little bit "off" after that whole experience. As if there was something "more" to do in the area. Once the bus arrived, it was packed with people, so we filed in and crammed in the back of the bus. Just as we left the station, Elder Schulz turns to me and says "hey, isn't that the preaching humanist who stopped us a few weeks back?" "oh yeah!!" He was sitting there in the back of the bus. Elder Schulz sat next to another young man, who wanted more "religious enlightenment" in his life, and I sat next to our friend, the preaching humanist. This was clearly the purpose behind our entire visit the entire time!

E., the preaching humanist, ended up sparking conversation with us regarding evolution, the existence of the soul before and after death, judgment day and evidence for the existence of God. Most of these questions were actually very simply answered through the restored truths of the Plan of Salvation. He seemed quite satisfied with the answers to those questions, so then he went directly to the existence of God. "How do you know He exists?" "I prayed and asked Him. He also answers my questions and relieves my worries and concerns." "Did He talk to you?" "No, normally He communicates to me through my feelings." 

The accusations that then ensued, much like unto Korihor's argument that these feelings are the "effect[s] of a frenzied mind" (Alma 30:16), began to barrage my mind and directly attack my testimony. His reasoning was that I wanted an answer so much that I "answered myself" through a self-inflicted chemical reaction in my brain and heart. I then began to share a story with him that I have used frequently on my mission with regards to gaining answers to prayer:

When I was in college before my mission, I had a lot of time before I would go and serve my mission. Due to this large amount of time, it was necessary that I pick which major, or direction I would take in order to obtain my degree shortly after returning home. I made it a matter of prayer, because if anyone knew which direction I should go and study for a future career and family, God did. From previous experiences and church situations, I knew that God would only answer me if I had put in my part by "studying it out" (D&C 9:8) and asking (James 1:5). By the process of elimination, then, I began finding different majors, considering them, and asking God if that major was the one I should pursue. It began with the sciences, and there was no divine response. It continued into mathematics, and there was no response. And so it continued through psychology, linguistics, history, so on and so forth with absolutely no answer from God. Pretty soon, by the 7th or 8th attempt in asking God what I should do, I got no answer once again, and I became very frustrated. I knew that God answered prayers, so then why didn't He? My career and future family was something of great importance to me, why didn't God help me?? After a few thoughts along that vein, I took a step back in my frustrated prayer. "Father, does it really matter which one I pick? Or should I go ahead and pick one, and you will see to it that things will work out?" Suddenly a very warm feeling entered into my heart and mind - to a degree at which I had never experienced before. It was clearly from an outer source - for I had not felt such a direct confirmation in this manner before. 

After turning to E. I queried "so why didn't I "answer myself" those first 7 or 8 times? I really wanted an answer. Very much so. It was a determining factor for my entire future. Clearly God had more in store for me, I was just asking Him the wrong question the whole time." 

He responded in a humble, genuine manner, and the Spirit was very strong in our little bus. He accepted a Book of Mormon, to read for "educational purposes", but I know there's more waiting for E. God loves him so much, He set two 19-21 year old boys with name tags on a long-lost bus trip to a flunk of an appointment in the middle of nowhere in order to find him.

God answers prayers - and I am a living witness of that truth.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

If you were wondering why we didn't include pictures of our
apartment before -
honestly there isn't much to take a picture of!

Viking attire.

 Mulan, anyone??

 "Viking" brand soon to hit local stores everywhere . . . .

"Mary's Needle" - legend has it that once this needle finally touches the wall of the church,
 it's the end of the world. Well! Let's hurry things up a bit! :P

Our living room/my desk in the early morning!