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!

God Påske! (Happy Easter!)

 Haugesund after nightfall

Hallo!

Elder Schulz and I read in the white handbook this morning, as per tradition, but this time we replaced all of the "you"s with "ye"s and "your"s with "yon"s. Olden day English has never seemed so hysterical in my life.

This week rocked! Last P-day, we had dinner over at K.'s home (who was previously baptized in Stavanger, but is originally from and currently lives in Haugesund). We had a very pleasant time discussing his life, our missionary work and his personal efforts with missionary opportunities. New converts are on fire when it comes to desire to share the gospel! It was very inspiring and uplifting talking with him. For our spiritual thought, he ended up sharing his conversion story, which I'll try to paraphrase as best I can:

K. had been meeting with us for a good number of weeks by now, reading and praying, but not really showing a whole lot of progress. Once we got to the commandments, the Word of Wisdom caught his attention due to his habits of drinking alcohol socially and coffee nearly every morning. K., up to this point, had been suffering from insomnia, as well as some stomach pains for a few years now. Once we shared the Word of Wisdom, he was a little hesitant to try it. "Just try it for a week and see what happens" we encouraged him. A few days later, his work had a little "get-away" where alcohol and coffee was abundant and free of cost. He had nearly forgotten his commitment to hold the Word of Wisdom when right before he left his hotel room, he received a text. "Hey K.! How's it been going this week holding the Word of Wisdom so far?? - Elder Levine and Elder Johnson" In response: "It's been going fine so far - but now I'm off to a work party where there'll be free coffee and alcohol. I'll do my best to hold out - thanks for the reminder!" A few days later we met with him, and he hadn't broken the Word of Wisdom yet. Strangely to him, after a week, it made him feel a lot better than he had before. After two and a half weeks straight of holding the Word of Wisdom, his stomach pains, as well as insomnia had both miraculously disappeared! With such a powerful experience, K. began testifying to us of the divine law of the Word of Wisdom and how Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet in our day. Soon, K. will be married to J. in Stavanger, and they're both looking forward to marriage in the temple and deciding where they'll finally settle down - Haugesund or Stavanger. Very exciting!

One really neat thing about serving in Haugesund is that we take the "Hurtigbåt", or ferry, every week for district meetings down in Stavanger. 5 am boat rides are slightly miserable, but it's definitely worth actually seeing your district face to face (unlike the North). Elder Holden came back to Haugesund with me for splits. He arrived in Elder Schulz's group, so it was cool to see how another new missionary has handled the mission! In companionship study we read Preach my Gospel chapter 9's "Teach when you Find, Find when you Teach", which helped us refocus our methods of contacting and bonking. That night we went from door to door testifying of the truthfulness of Joseph Smith's call to be a prophet - and of God's love for us today through a prophet. Rarely has bonking ever felt so inspiring, despite what others might consider a return home with a "low-result" number-wise. We felt amazing.

Our Mission President has recently encouraged the missionaries to dig their roots deep into the Norwegian culture, and even recommended that we read some Norwegian fairytales. You don't have to tell us twice! Elder Schulz and I have made it a nightly tradition from 10:15-10:25 to read a Norwegian fairytale before bed. Trolls, billy goats, hags, princes, princesses, talking cursed polar bears, giants and rolling talking pancakes have been garnishing our dreams at night ever since. It's fascinating to imagine these characters in the local forests, mountains, bridges and waterfalls in our area. I feel like I am a part of the culture now - it's awesome!

 Prim and proper!

As well earlier this week, Elder Schulz and I took a bus up to the city Stord where a member family lives. Places I would want to live in Norway are 1) Stavanger 2) Bergen 3) Stord. This place was beautifully quaint - with a western-Norwegian feel. I loved it! The family hasn't come to church for a long time now, primarily due to lack of transportational means. The two boys there, in the early teens, really hit it off well with us. You know, from the beginning of your mission you always wonder what different things up to that point in your life has prepared you for your mission. These kids love to jump on the trampoline, do martial arts and play piano. If I could name the top three things I did as a kid, they were those exact three things. Needless to say, we got along extremely well and had a blast showing off/getting to know each other :P. The other hilarious thing was that they were begging their Mom, "Mom, please can we go to church! You promised we would go this year - please Mom!!" We were very excited to meet this family. We'll see how these go with them these upcoming busy weeks.

"Why yes, I do have the captain in me, thank you!"

Speaking of which, it's Easter! Happy Easter everybody. Hope you enjoy the pictures from our hike this morning. Yes, the yellow pants are in commemoration of Easter. Apparently pastelles aren't the color of Easter here in Norway - just yellow.

How blessed we are to know the true reason for the celebration of Easter - the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God be thanked for His Son Jesus Christ, and His triumph over the mortal predicaments of both sin and death.

God Påske!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

p.s. Don't ever play Clue with people who don't speak your language, or know how to play the game. It just plain doesn't work.

 No snow, but tons of ice!

Vitnesbyrd. (Testimony.)

Elder Schulz and I :)

Heisann!

Whew - there isn't much to say this week other than we are filling our planners with appointments with all of our members to establish deep roots in the area, and when their schedules don't match with ours, we go knock on doors! The snow and wind have been strong, but we love every minute of it :)

This week we had zone conference in Stavanger on Saturday. It was such a blast to spend the night at the Stavanger apartment with 14 of us missionaries - talk about a packed apartment!! Gratefully, the Stavanger church had 4 showers for us all to pack in and out of.

A special walk around Stavanger - oh I love that place!!

As for spiritual experiences this week:

Zone conference was very good and inspiring, with a good balance between working on skills and also personal testimony and faith. Though I didn't feel all that much refreshed near the closing of the meeting. I thirsted and hungered for more spiritual nourishment. By inspiration, instead of holding a closing hymn as was common, two companionships performed a quartet. That song touched my heart immensely, and I was able to write down a few last lines of revelation in my notebook in order to have a stronger faith and better plan for the coming months. It brought a healing to my troubled spirit that words and discussion could not reach. Music is an extremely powerful tool for spiritual nourishment and enrichment. Just being there for that experience made the whole zone conference worth it for me. I know that my Heavenly Father switched that song just for me. "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." - Doctrine and Covenants 25:12
 

Another experience that touched me this week was the importance of bearing testimony. We may not all recognize how important the bearing of a testimony is. I know that for me, I lost sight of how important testimony bearing is to investigators, members and most especially my own testimony. As our living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson put it "Regarding one's testimony, remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses . . . . Teach and testify. There is no better combination." (Preach My Gospel pg. 198). I realized that I did not bear my testimony often enough in many aspects. So I decided to study the missionary lessons anew, and gain a refreshed testimony of every point. I know that God is my loving Heavenly Father. I know that through spiritual confirmation by the Holy Ghost, as well as through personal experiences in my past. God will not leave us helpless in this life, nor in the life to come. He is always willing to pick us up, brush us off, and/or send a person your way to help build you up. Due to this testimony, I also know that God loves every person upon this entire planet. That is a love that I cannot now understand, but my faith allows me to believe in it. And that belief is delicious to me.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Some pics found in an underpass on the way to a member's home :)

"Follow the dream, not the stream!" :)

Alice in Wonderland! Mario Kart!

For you spanish-speakers out there, this is a banana-cream spread for bread. Ewww. :P