I've been reading Face to Face by S. Michael Wilcox lately. It's all about how we can have a "face to face" experience with God just as Moses and Jacob did. He talks a lot about the story of Enos from the Book of Mormon and his "wrestle before God"(v. 2). It just so happens that this is my favorite story in the book. To paraphrase the 27 verses of The Book of Enos chapter in the Book of Mormon: Enos, a prophet and son of the prophet Jacob, goes to the wilderness to hunt for food. While hunting, the words of his father concerning, "eternal life, and the joy of saints, sunk deep into [his] heart." (v. 3) He then "[knelt] down before [his] Maker, and [he] cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for [his] soul,"(v. 4) and conversed with God. Now looking at the phrase "wrestle before god" implies that Enos was struggling with himself in front of God rather than with God. It is a spiritual wrestle with himself. The words "sunk deep into [his] heart" imply that Enos had a real intent and a strong desire to resolve whatever it was that concerned him inside. Not all of us have such an experience with God, as Enos did, but we can all fall humbly on bended knees before our Maker and search for the same relief or answers.
I know that we will always receive an answer to our prayers. How do I know with such surety you might ask? Well it's simple, because I have experienced it. I have, and continue to, fall before my Maker in mighty prayer. I also know that He loves all of us and therefore He wants to answer our prayers. I challenge all of you to do as Enos did and humble yourself to mighty prayer and supplication before God. Even if you don't believe He will answer you, just do it. Have faith in your Creator.
I testify that the gift and power of prayer is divine and eternal. I say that in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Trotman
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Christmas Message
My dear brothers and sisters,
"...Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
May The Lord be the center of our Christmas this year, just as He was in the center of that small manger at His birth. I pray that you may love one another just as "God so loved the world..." (John 3:16) and that this Christmas you may truly experience the Spirit of Christ in your home and heart. That you may experience a spirit of giving, forgiving and humility. A spirit of love, kindness and encouragement. A spirit that, I pray, will forever be amidst your family. As you make Christ the center of your Christmas, you will make charity, virtue and patience the center of your home. I wish a Merry Christmas to all and pray that the love of God may be ever present in your heart this Christmas season.
"May the joy of those tidings of the angel to the shepherds near Bethlehem be yours at this Christmastime and in the unending tomorrows ahead. May yours be the joy of knowing the reality of a resurrection for each of us and of the opportunity of eternal life—all through the Prince of Peace. Most of all, we wish for you and yours the blessings and enduring happiness that come through keeping His commandments. Indeed, in His gifts are joy for the world!" (The First Presidency, December 1975 “Ensign”)
Love,
Elder Trotman
"...Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
May The Lord be the center of our Christmas this year, just as He was in the center of that small manger at His birth. I pray that you may love one another just as "God so loved the world..." (John 3:16) and that this Christmas you may truly experience the Spirit of Christ in your home and heart. That you may experience a spirit of giving, forgiving and humility. A spirit of love, kindness and encouragement. A spirit that, I pray, will forever be amidst your family. As you make Christ the center of your Christmas, you will make charity, virtue and patience the center of your home. I wish a Merry Christmas to all and pray that the love of God may be ever present in your heart this Christmas season.
"May the joy of those tidings of the angel to the shepherds near Bethlehem be yours at this Christmastime and in the unending tomorrows ahead. May yours be the joy of knowing the reality of a resurrection for each of us and of the opportunity of eternal life—all through the Prince of Peace. Most of all, we wish for you and yours the blessings and enduring happiness that come through keeping His commandments. Indeed, in His gifts are joy for the world!" (The First Presidency, December 1975 “Ensign”)
Love,
Elder Trotman
Monday, December 16, 2013
Be Bold
There is a family in our ward and they have twins that aren't baptized, anyway, one of the daughters is named Shalyn!! (That is how she spells it.) Straight cray cray haha! It's so weird to call her name.... I miss my Shay Shay!
I am singing in the choir for our Christmas Program next Sunday. I'll send you the name of the songs next week so you can look them up. A girl is playing the Viola while we sing one of the songs, as well. Pretty cool stuff might I say.
We are going over to the bishops house for Christmas at 4:00pm our time.
Well something I've learned thus far in this area is too be bold but not over-baring. As members of His church we need to be bold (teaching with a firmness of The Spirit but with all love) with those that want to know. We need to stand up for what is true. Jesus told us in the Book of John to not be ashamed of Him. He is our advocate with the Father and stands up for us. Let us, together, stand up for our Savior and His gospel in this prideful world against all those who are stiff-necked and wicked with hardened hearts. We should also be there as a witness and resource for those that are honestly seeking to know of the truth. We will get nowhere if we beat around the bush or sugar coat this gospel. Be straight, bold and loving with brothers and sisters. This gospel is true and it is the only thing to bring eternal happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Trotman
I am singing in the choir for our Christmas Program next Sunday. I'll send you the name of the songs next week so you can look them up. A girl is playing the Viola while we sing one of the songs, as well. Pretty cool stuff might I say.
We are going over to the bishops house for Christmas at 4:00pm our time.
Well something I've learned thus far in this area is too be bold but not over-baring. As members of His church we need to be bold (teaching with a firmness of The Spirit but with all love) with those that want to know. We need to stand up for what is true. Jesus told us in the Book of John to not be ashamed of Him. He is our advocate with the Father and stands up for us. Let us, together, stand up for our Savior and His gospel in this prideful world against all those who are stiff-necked and wicked with hardened hearts. We should also be there as a witness and resource for those that are honestly seeking to know of the truth. We will get nowhere if we beat around the bush or sugar coat this gospel. Be straight, bold and loving with brothers and sisters. This gospel is true and it is the only thing to bring eternal happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Trotman
Monday, December 9, 2013
First Transfer
The weather is straight up ridiculously cold and stupid out here. The weather man says it will snow a ton and it snows two inches... I'm like, "Bro, get a real job!" haha it's funny because they'll cancel school and then it doesn't even snow. Whatever...
So I'm in Freeport. Just north of Pittsburgh. It’s a small ward but in the last six months they've had nine baptisms. My companion is way cool! I'll get a picture of us and send it to you next week. We are super similar in personality and our teaching methods. It's awesome! Oh and there is another black kid in my district. Funny stuff.
Well my spiritual message for the week is the following:
Last night we were blessed with the opportunity to listen to the kind words of our church leaders in a Christmas Devotional. President Monson, as always, showed up and delivered an inspiring message of the Spirit of Christmas. However, one message that really spoke to me was President Rosemary Wixom's address. She talked about a little boy named John and a lesson on Christ where he possible felt the warmth of the Spirit for the first time in his life. She looked at John and said, "John, Jesus Christ died for you." He replied with, "Really? He did that for me?"
Those questions along with the thematic question of, "What happens next?" struck a very sentimental chord within my heart. I remember just six and a half years ago when my dear brother, Chance, passed away. The question, "What happens next?" drove circles in my head night after night. I yearned for the Spirit of Confirmation to testify to me, that what I had been taught concerning The Plan of Salvation was true. Brothers and sisters, I can now with the upmost assurance, testify unto you that The Plan of Salvation is true. It is a divine gift from our loving Father in Heaven. It is an everlasting plan of peace, comfort and love. A plan that is centered around the atoning sacrifice of The Lord, Jesus Christ. You may, now in your life, be asking yourself, "Really? He did that for me?" To that question, there is one answer, "Yes my friend, Jesus Christ died for you."
I witness unto you my brothers and sisters, that our beloved brother and Savior loves each and every one of us. He is the Prince of Peace. He atoned for our sins and transgressions so that we may return to the Father's presence, to return home. Never forget who you are and where you came from. Strive to feel the Spirit of Christ in you, always. I love you with all my heart and pray for your safety and divine guidance daily. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
So I'm in Freeport. Just north of Pittsburgh. It’s a small ward but in the last six months they've had nine baptisms. My companion is way cool! I'll get a picture of us and send it to you next week. We are super similar in personality and our teaching methods. It's awesome! Oh and there is another black kid in my district. Funny stuff.
Well my spiritual message for the week is the following:
Last night we were blessed with the opportunity to listen to the kind words of our church leaders in a Christmas Devotional. President Monson, as always, showed up and delivered an inspiring message of the Spirit of Christmas. However, one message that really spoke to me was President Rosemary Wixom's address. She talked about a little boy named John and a lesson on Christ where he possible felt the warmth of the Spirit for the first time in his life. She looked at John and said, "John, Jesus Christ died for you." He replied with, "Really? He did that for me?"
Those questions along with the thematic question of, "What happens next?" struck a very sentimental chord within my heart. I remember just six and a half years ago when my dear brother, Chance, passed away. The question, "What happens next?" drove circles in my head night after night. I yearned for the Spirit of Confirmation to testify to me, that what I had been taught concerning The Plan of Salvation was true. Brothers and sisters, I can now with the upmost assurance, testify unto you that The Plan of Salvation is true. It is a divine gift from our loving Father in Heaven. It is an everlasting plan of peace, comfort and love. A plan that is centered around the atoning sacrifice of The Lord, Jesus Christ. You may, now in your life, be asking yourself, "Really? He did that for me?" To that question, there is one answer, "Yes my friend, Jesus Christ died for you."
I witness unto you my brothers and sisters, that our beloved brother and Savior loves each and every one of us. He is the Prince of Peace. He atoned for our sins and transgressions so that we may return to the Father's presence, to return home. Never forget who you are and where you came from. Strive to feel the Spirit of Christ in you, always. I love you with all my heart and pray for your safety and divine guidance daily. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Space Bags
Transfers are tomorrow so I will give you my new address next week. I SpaceBagged all my clothes, by the way... Greatest invention ever!! I'll send you some pics next week as well.
I'm glad you were able to see some pictures of me from Thanksgiving and indeed, I gave much thanks. I am very happy to be out here and have found exceedingly great joy in watching my brothers and sisters find happiness in this gospel. I know this gospel is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to return back to His presence - our home.
I have come to love being a missionary and the work I do for my Savior. Being a servant of The Lord has changed my whole perspective on who I am and what my purpose is here. I am a Son of God. I have the opportunity to bless my brethren every day and bring them happiness. The gospel is the greatest message anyone will ever hear. It is a message of hope and peace and a message of salvation and eternal joy. I testify that Christ lives, that He can change the hearts of the wicked and lift the burdens of the oppressed. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to be happy. I love my Savior as He has proven to me that He is in fact, the Prince of Peace. He has brought peace to my heart and it is my wish that He will do the same to yours.
I love you and am grateful for your support. In the name of the Beloved Son, my dear brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I'm glad you were able to see some pictures of me from Thanksgiving and indeed, I gave much thanks. I am very happy to be out here and have found exceedingly great joy in watching my brothers and sisters find happiness in this gospel. I know this gospel is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to return back to His presence - our home.
I have come to love being a missionary and the work I do for my Savior. Being a servant of The Lord has changed my whole perspective on who I am and what my purpose is here. I am a Son of God. I have the opportunity to bless my brethren every day and bring them happiness. The gospel is the greatest message anyone will ever hear. It is a message of hope and peace and a message of salvation and eternal joy. I testify that Christ lives, that He can change the hearts of the wicked and lift the burdens of the oppressed. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to be happy. I love my Savior as He has proven to me that He is in fact, the Prince of Peace. He has brought peace to my heart and it is my wish that He will do the same to yours.
I love you and am grateful for your support. In the name of the Beloved Son, my dear brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Transferring Out of State College
Hello,
So this week was by far our best week this transfer. A woman we’ve been talking to has a baptismal date for December 14th. The high school kid I mentioned and his whole family (two sisters, a brother and his mom) want to learn more and come to church. Someone else wants to invite his family to listen to the discussions. Man! It was a great week...until we talked with our Mission President at Stake Conference in Altoona. It went something like this:
President: "Elders, can I talk with you really quick?"
Us: "Of course! What can we do for you president?"
President: "Well, this may come as a surprise to you, but I'm doubling you out this transfer and replacing you with sisters. You've got a week so clean up the apartment and organize the Area Book."
Us: "......"
President: "We'll find somewhere nice to send you both."
Us: "Thanks President..."
UGH!!! The last few days I've been thinking a lot about the song lyrics, "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord, I'll be who you want me to be." The Lord knows what He is doing and to tell you the truth, we don't! I can't put it any better than Isaiah stated it, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8) that is beyond true. It is the truest thing I've learned out here. Trust in The Lord. Always.
I have a week and then “Adios, State College!” I have no clue what I am going to do because I absolutely love this area and the people here, but I know that The Lord knows what He is doing so I just have to accept it. Let me just say, that's easier said than done. Nevertheless, I love this work. I love my Lord and God. I love all the Lord hath given me. This is His work and His glory. This is the straight and narrow path. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
So this week was by far our best week this transfer. A woman we’ve been talking to has a baptismal date for December 14th. The high school kid I mentioned and his whole family (two sisters, a brother and his mom) want to learn more and come to church. Someone else wants to invite his family to listen to the discussions. Man! It was a great week...until we talked with our Mission President at Stake Conference in Altoona. It went something like this:
President: "Elders, can I talk with you really quick?"
Us: "Of course! What can we do for you president?"
President: "Well, this may come as a surprise to you, but I'm doubling you out this transfer and replacing you with sisters. You've got a week so clean up the apartment and organize the Area Book."
Us: "......"
President: "We'll find somewhere nice to send you both."
Us: "Thanks President..."
UGH!!! The last few days I've been thinking a lot about the song lyrics, "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord, I'll be who you want me to be." The Lord knows what He is doing and to tell you the truth, we don't! I can't put it any better than Isaiah stated it, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8) that is beyond true. It is the truest thing I've learned out here. Trust in The Lord. Always.
I have a week and then “Adios, State College!” I have no clue what I am going to do because I absolutely love this area and the people here, but I know that The Lord knows what He is doing so I just have to accept it. Let me just say, that's easier said than done. Nevertheless, I love this work. I love my Lord and God. I love all the Lord hath given me. This is His work and His glory. This is the straight and narrow path. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Patience and Obedience
We had our interviews with our Mission President this week in State College and he said that our mission is being much more obedient and looking a lot better. We have four progressing investigators that will all be baptized at the beginning of next year. Two of them are brothers and they are singing in our Men's Christmas Choir with us, they are so funny! They both dance and sing!
The ward is becoming even more involved in mission work and the work is hastening. I've learned that the key to success on a mission is obedience. So guess what I have been studying the last few weeks? Patience and obedience. The number one thing I have learned is totally a Primary answer but it is the correct answer: trust in The Lord and do His will.
So what's the moral of this email? Do everything you were taught in Primary and by your parents - IT WORKS!! Read your scriptures, pray daily and go to church. You want to be happy? Do those things. You want answers? Do those things. You want peace? Do those things. You want to grow? Do those things. Just do them. Don't hesitate. Don't procrastinate. Just do them. Pray fervently, feast upon the words of Christ and attend church with a purpose. I promise that your questions will be answered, you will experience the peace of God, you will grow spiritually. Keep it original and "Just Do It.” I bear my testimony that this church does bring happiness, it does bring comfort and it helps with everything. The only reason that is true is because it is the church of Jesus Christ. This is His doctrine. I know that through the Atonement of Christ you will experience the "peace of God that passeth all understanding.” You will find answers if you just ask. He will not hold back His love from you, He will comfort you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
-Elder Trotman
The ward is becoming even more involved in mission work and the work is hastening. I've learned that the key to success on a mission is obedience. So guess what I have been studying the last few weeks? Patience and obedience. The number one thing I have learned is totally a Primary answer but it is the correct answer: trust in The Lord and do His will.
So what's the moral of this email? Do everything you were taught in Primary and by your parents - IT WORKS!! Read your scriptures, pray daily and go to church. You want to be happy? Do those things. You want answers? Do those things. You want peace? Do those things. You want to grow? Do those things. Just do them. Don't hesitate. Don't procrastinate. Just do them. Pray fervently, feast upon the words of Christ and attend church with a purpose. I promise that your questions will be answered, you will experience the peace of God, you will grow spiritually. Keep it original and "Just Do It.” I bear my testimony that this church does bring happiness, it does bring comfort and it helps with everything. The only reason that is true is because it is the church of Jesus Christ. This is His doctrine. I know that through the Atonement of Christ you will experience the "peace of God that passeth all understanding.” You will find answers if you just ask. He will not hold back His love from you, He will comfort you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
-Elder Trotman
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