Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson in Norway: 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!

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