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!

Mirakler, Norske Bibel og Intervjuer (Miracles, Norwegian Bible and Interviews)

R.A., me and Sister Floyd!

Hallo hallo!

You would be hard pressed to believe the stuff that has happened this week. But! There's just SO MUCH.

Moves went smoothly - Elder Bitner is safe and sound in the gorgeous city of Arendal, and we welcomed Elder Weaver into the district! As well as the mission (brand new missionary). He's from Irvine (another So-Cal missionary!!), and apparently the cousin of Elder Hart (a Swedish elder back in the MTC days). He's such a stud!! It's awesome to see the willingness, testimonies and fire that these new missionaries have - ready to conquer the world despite the challenges put before them ( contacting in western dialect - let me tell you!). We're stoked to have him with us. (He also says words like "rad", "sweetness", "holy smokes" and "sick" - oh sweet California :] ). We also received a relatively-new-to-the-mission sister Sister Siebach. She's awesome, super-motivated - and way good at the language. This transfer is already and going to be a BLAST.

On Friday we set some good, solid transfer goals. All Preach My Gospel missionaries are familiar with PMG chapter 8 about using time wisely. Under the weekly planning session is the famous "companionship inventory" where you get to open up with your companion in order to discuss the companionship, troubleshoot weaknesses, magnify strengths, and set goals to be more awesome the next week. I've had a few companions that don't take advantage of this opportunity to iron out character flaws and weaknesses and increase strengths - but Elder Levine sure can do the job. I am extremely grateful for a companion who knows how to best help those he is with. I can feel I am growing a ton, and together we're on a journey to become more and more Christlike. A lifetime goal, but a journey we're taking out one week at a time. Missions rock!!

A YSA (young single adult) in our ward is doing a school project/documentary in her film class - so she decided to do it on missionaries! On Saturday we found ourselves in front of a camera being lovingly drilled with questions about our lives before, during and after our missions all in Norwegian.

Interview studio!

Holy mackerel it is nerve-wracking speaking Norwegian in front of a camera. Hopefully I'll get a copy of the finished product though so I can send it home. Next week we'll be recorded while out on the street sharing the Book of Mormon :]. Nothing gets your adrenaline going quite like a world of an audience!

Eep!! :]

My Norwegian Bible was lost in Oslo somewhere, so I finally got around to ordering a mini Norwegian Bible. That may have been the best choice I made that day. It's small, it's convenient, and surprisingly extremely easy to read (much easier than the Book of Mormon in Norwegian). Opening up and testifying of the doctrines of Jesus Christ through the Bible has never been easier! And with the Book of Mormon, they both make a deadly duo :). I testify that the Bible is the word of God as far is it is translated correctly! Christ came down to earth to fulfill the Law of Moses found in the Old Testament, and to restore the Higher Law found in the New Testament (particularly Matthew 5). I am extremely grateful for the Catholics and Protestants who preserved the Bible for thousands of years so that we have the opportunity to read it for ourselves, in our own language, today! Today's living apostles and prophets also witness of its value! http://mormonchannel.org/prophets-and-apostles-speak-today?v=1101415470001

The brunt of amazing events happened this past weekend when we had a succession of appointments right after another. I am not sure how best to express the details of these lessons, but I'll try my best.

K. has been coming to church for the past few weeks due to his good friend. He loves the members, the lessons and especially the way he feels in church. Through our lesson, he had many questions regarding the spirit world - where we came from and where we go after this life. Through the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the questions he had were very clearly answered. However, for a confirmation that our words are true, he needs to ponder and pray about the principles we have shared with him. No one can know of spiritual truths without prayer (PMG pg. 39). Moroni's promise is always valid "Through the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5). At the end, we got him excited for General Conference and promised him that if he comes to General Conference with questions in his mind (or even better, on paper) he will have them answered! I testify that General Conference is an opportunity to delve into the scriptural words of our living day apostles and prophets! If you want to know if that's true, then put them to the test. Come with questions, and open your heart and mind. You shall be answered.

In church we had 5 high school kids drop in to do their school project on our church. Our members were prepared, and enveloped them in a loving manner showing them the building, our activities, classes and gave them little "care packages" filled with copies of the Book of Mormon, For Strength of Youth pamphlets and The Family: A Proclamation to the World pamphlets. It's always a joy to answer questions that it seems everyone has on their mind. Missionaries thrill to answer sincere questions :]

M. brought his friend A. to our meeting after church, and at first A. was extremely defensive. "what is this other Bible you guys believe in??" "why don't you guys drink coffee?" "do all of your members wear white shirts and ties??" etc. We took it very slowly and just had her ask all of her questions. It was one of the best lessons I've experienced. Through the Bible (the new Norwegian one, mind you), Elder Levine and I were able to testify of the wonderful gifts God has given us - Faith, Repentance, Baptism, The Gift of the Holy Ghost. Yet also, we were able to describe the need for more scripture, the need for a prophet and the need for personal revelation now in our day. The windows of heaven are open to our questions, struggles and trials. God loves us; He will listen; and He does answer. "What would you do if you received an answer that the Book of Mormon really is more of the word of God?" "Change my life accordingly. I trust in God much more than I trust in myself." That woman has extremely great faith - and it was sheer joy to share the gospel with her. 

This next week is extremely busy as well. And I'm very excited to live it. The Lord's commandments really do provide us a rich life! The more and more I delve into this gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ, the more richly I am blessed and able to understand the challenges and problems around me. He who trusts in the Lord will be supported by Him! (Alma 38:5)

Without God, we can do nothing. With Him, we can do all things (Luke 1:37). Of this I do so testify!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

A rockin' dinner over at R.A.'s house. Philippino food is SO GOOD.

I never knew that Norwegian canned corn (extremely common in all Norwegian dishes) could look so epic.

Norwegian Brussels Sprouts :P