Transfer - New Address

Here is Elder Trotman's new address:

76 (rear) Ben Lomond Street
Uniontown, PA 15401

This will likely be his last area before he comes home in July.

True Repentance

During our lesson at church yesterday, we discussed true repentance. It was an interesting discussion as we all agreed upon the fact that repenting is not just because we are all awful people and need to become good, but rather that we are all good people and our Heavenly Father knows that we can, and expects us to, become better.

President Ezra Taft Benson said, "Yes, Christ changes men, and changed men can change the world." So let us all, men and women, allow Christ to change us!
A musical artist named Common once said, "Every day women and men become legends. Sins that go against our skin become blessings... One son died, his spirit is revisitin' us. Truant livin' livin' in us, resistance is us."

Bro Lubin made the point that we have one thing that is completely our own, and that is our will. When we sin, we create that will in us and we own that. So giving up sin, giving our will to God is the one and only thing we can truly give. I love how Common says that sins can become blessings; that we can grow. It is not our own sins, but rather the actions of others that can help us become stronger. By giving our will to The Lord we receive blessings. We become better, not just good but better.

Remember what Ghandi said, "Be the change in the world you want to see." Or the words of Michael Jackson, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place. take a look at yourself, and then make a change." Make the change, repent and become better. Change the world! We can change the world... But it starts with us...

Love,
Elder Trotman

Frozen Custard in the Snow

The Agony of the Garden

President Uchtdorf comments on the "achingly beautiful" picture by Frans Schwartz called The Agony of The Garden in this months’ First Presidency Message in the Ensign (picture is below). He bears a simple yet powerful testimony of the atonement; the pain, the love and the blessings that flowed that night. As you gaze upon the picture you notice the angel gently holding The Savior and comforting Him. Even The Son of God needed divine assistance to endure the burdens of life. So do not ever feel discouraged, lost, forgotten or alone in the path that we walk. The Savior has walked our path and the path from Gethsemane to Golgotha. We too can feel the warm arms of an angel hold us in times of pain but He, The Christ, "will be more than an angel to us." President Uchtdorf says, "It humbles me to know that all who accept this gift and incline their hearts to Him can be forgiven and cleansed of their sins, no matter how dark their blemish or how oppressive their burden." Remember, no hole is too deep, no cave is too dark. No struggle is too great a feat, no distance is too far. He is our great Redeemer and Deliverer.

Love,
Elder Trotman

New Investigators

We picked up two new investigators this last week. They are related, part-member family, to a very active family here in the ward. Also, another part-member family, three of their daughters will be 8 years old in March and they want to get baptized! We're pretty excited! The Lord is blessing this ward so much!

Before I forget, go to mormonchannel.org and watch the main video that you see. It's part of the His Grace series. You'll recognize it... I cried, that's all I have to say... So ya, I'm doing great!! Have a wonderful week!

Love,
Elder Trotman

Beautiful Prayer

Last night before we left a family's house after enjoying some tacos, their son said a beautiful prayer for us. In his prayer he said, "As we go to sleep tonight please help us feel thy gospel in our hearts and that we may pray with you sitting beside us." As those words flowed from this 8 year old boy, my mind seemed to just stop. I could feel my heart beat through every muscle. All of a sudden, my dreams became more than a portrait for my subconscious, it became a canvas for the gospel to paint a beautiful picture of God's will for me, to align my subconscious to His omniscient mind and will. It was beautiful... I woke up this morning thinking about it, I worked out thinking about it, I studied with it consuming my mind. I hope that you find the same influential power in this little boy's prayer as I did.

Here is a picture of my new comp:

Baptism Picture