News Archives - Page 25 of 57

Silence has power

June 11, 2022

The world is getting louder.

There is a lot of noise out there.

In fact, the world is now in continual commotion.

Have you ever cultivated silence for yourself?

Perhaps it is time for a quiet reflective moment, to find some time to think?

Why not ditch your phone and take a walk through nature?

Or better still limit input!

Take a fast from social media and the news for a full day, resting from unending social media feeds or current events.

𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫.

Silence is in fact golden!

Build some periods of silence into your day to refresh, replenish and renew – they are powerful times to reawaken.

Why not try it for a week and see the effects on your stress levels, creativity, and well-being.

Go on – give it a go!

#silence

The Book of Life

June 9, 2022

I was asked recently, “𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲?”

Did you know that some of the most important historical records are the diaries and other personal writings of individuals from all different walks of life?

Living in the Netherlands, I am often reminded of one the most significant diaries of our time – that of Anne Frank, the 13-year-old Jewish girl living here, who, at the age of 16, died in a German concentration camp.

Her diary, written whilst she was confined in an Amsterdam apartment house, shares her story of how she and her family went into hiding for two years to avoid Nazi persecution. Since her death, the words from her diary have inspired millions. And because of her diary the world has known all about the terrors of growing up during the Holocaust.

My journaling journey began early when I was a young 12-year-old.

It has been the first thing I’ve done every morning for as long as I can remember.

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧?

You do not have to write every day, even though this would be good. It could be weekly. It could even be as and when there is something that is memorable or moving or meaningful.

Remembering is an important part of life and journals help us to do that. They also help me to slow down!

𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 – by Zelda Davis Howard

Life is a book made up of days

Each one of us writes one,

It’s opened when we come to earth

And closed when life is done.

No pen but ours ere touches it

In our own way we write,

Whether we fail or succeed

Turns with the page at night.

And there is no erasing it

To add or take away,

The yesterday’s account is closed,

Sealed within white or grey.

The morning gives another sheet

That’s broad and very white,

And oh, how glorious to have

Another chance to write!

No bad is there too small to show

No good that’s ever lost,

All that we do goes into Life’s book

In black and white embossed.

Every life is a tale worth telling.

Why not begin yours today?

The Right Thing

June 7, 2022

“𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠?” I asked…

Life has some strange turns – let me explain.

Recently I recalled an experience from some years ago, when I faced a difficult moment of truth, when my moral courage was challenged to do the right thing.

I was faced with a difficult decision of remaining quiet during a tough sales negotiation with a senior colleague, or correcting (what seemed to me) a deliberate glaring error that my colleague had made.

The error that was influencing the clients buying decision in a very positive way.

Correcting and embarrassing my colleague in front of the client was forefront of my mind – I didn’t want to do that.

So, I decided to wait for a break in our negotiations.

During the break, I pointed out the error to my senior colleague – who was not too pleased with me. I chose to hold my ground.

Some minutes later, it was determined to return to the negotiation table, share the mistake (at great cost to our deal), but secure the deal with our integrity intact.

We did “𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈.”

I was reminded by a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley; “The problem with most of us is that we are afraid to stand up for what we believe, to be witnesses for what is true and right. We want to do the right thing, but we are troubled by fears. So we sit back, and the world drifts about us, and society increasingly adopts attitudes and standards of behaviour that most of us do not approve of.”

My message today is – consider your moral compass and choose to do 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠!

Do what is right even though it seems that you will be alone in so doing.

Your conscience will always be clear and the truth will set you free.

Facing a tough choice today? Remember to do the right thing.

#integrity

Being one.

June 4, 2022

Manchester, Dundee, Leeds, Newcastle, Carlisle, Torquay and even West Ham all have something in common….. do you know what it is?

The answer…

……Football teams with the word “𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝” in their title.

Historically, football teams were often amalgamated from more than one smaller club, and then became united.

United – made into or caused to act as a single entity, agreed, in harmony, when people are united, they agree about it and act together.

How united are you – at home, with your neighbours, in your community or in your workplace?

Being united, does not mean being the same.

I know that listening closely to and learning from the perspectives and experiences of others can sometimes be very uncomfortable.

Yet doing so, helps us recognise just how much we see the world as we are rather than as it is.

It may require a change in attitude, building on our many shared common interests, but we must learn to appreciate the differences in others.

Our differences enhance our ability to work together in harmony to accomplish the most difficult of challenges.

Being United…

I have learned that we must constantly work hard at creating unity in diversity.

Working to achieve your goals all alone can be difficult, frequently you need the support of people around you to help – that is what diversity and unity is all about.

Staying united can provide us with a sense of security, support and inner strength in times of difficulty and can allow us to achieve great things.

If ever there was a time for people to stand together it is now.

There is a great power that comes as we work together with others as one.

United we stand, divided we fall.

Unity, harmony and goodwill are virtues that we can all foster in our homes, communities and business organisations. It is essential for any family, community or organisation to thrive.

J.K. Rowling said “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”

What can you do to build unity?

Be there!

May 31, 2022

𝐁𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!

Whilst on a video call last night with our three grown children, my mind drifted back to when they were all much smaller.

In my minds eye, I was holding hands with our youngest daughter, walking through our beautiful park in town.

It felt like only yesterday, but 10 years have swiftly passed by.

Those tender moments are one of the sweetest, most enjoyable parts of life.

Suddenly – growing older, there can come a sense of having been there – and yet knowingly perhaps, I should have enjoyed the journey much, much more.

I’m sure those old like me, or older even – will understand my sentiment.

Life is going on all of the time.

Sometimes we are so focused on the next big thing, that we miss much of the beautiful scenery along the way.

Time with loved ones, the holidays, the picnics, the walks, the challenges are all part of 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.

There is purpose and meaning to all that we experience and undergo in this life.

We should enjoy our children when we have them around us, as I know now, they won’t always be with us.

Back then when they were young, they not only needed us, they also wanted us too!

We live through each part of our life only once, we don’t go back, so it is vitally important that we 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆!

There are few sweeter memories than your child’s hand in yours, walking with you.

Wherever you are, 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, be present and enjoy the moment, our life after all, is only a nanosecond of time.

How can you focus better, be present and be engaged in the here and now?

What is my destination?

May 29, 2022

Daily we travel throughout Belgium and the Netherlands – by road.

With the onset of spring and summer – boats of all shapes and sizes are back on the Dutch waterways.

The Results

• Bridge watchmen are busy again

• Bridges of all shapes and sizes constantly open and close.

• More traffic jams and delays are constant daily occurrences.

• Boats wait for the opportunity to pass under bridges.

My observation – delays and waiting are once again commonplace.

Another thing for sure, over the next few months, in our journey planning, if we are to arrive at our destination on time, then we need to make sure that we leave a few minutes earlier.

During my planning, I frequently consider a few questions.

– Where am I going?

– How do I intend to get there?

– Which road will I travel?

– When do I need to arrive?

These questions are regular considerations in my current assignment.

Perhaps these are similar for you too?

In a like manner – there is a much bigger question in life that each of us must deal with…

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Thinking about our journey toward eternal life, in each of our own journeys through our mortal experience, there will be many delays, along with several twists and turns.

Life is a long journey on a long road, but it helps to have a vision of where that road eventually leads too and to understand what our final destination is.

Ultimately, there is One to whom we can look, One whom we can trust with our whole hearts. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” – John 14:6

He will help overcome all of the delays and bridge the gap for each of us to eternal life through the Atonement and His personal sacrifice.

I know that following Jesus Christ is the only sure way to arrive on time, without delay at our 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

And so can you…

#HearHim

The extra mile

May 27, 2022

Recently I was asked, “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞?”

A scripture from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:41 came readily to mind… “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

Back in the times of Jesus, a Roman soldier could compel a Jewish male to carry their hefty packs, armour or weapons for one mile (it was the law after all).

I am certain that back then the paths would be sweltering, dirty, difficult to travel and many (if not all) of the Jews must have detested carrying the items.

But then Jesus taught them to “go with him twain.” …meaning to carry the soldier’s packs for two miles.

What does that mean for us today?

In this verse of scripture, Jesus was teaching us one way that we can love and serve others.

We don’t carry Roman packs anymore, but the principle applies to every area of our lives today.

When we go the first mile, we are only really doing what is expected of us.

But when we go the second mile, we are giving freely of our time and service to others.

Here is a little personal story.

Shortly after arriving in the Netherlands, one experience taught me a lot about going the extra mile.

Due to corona, the number of missionaries we had serving was at approximately 20% of our complement.

All of the missionaries were swamped with things to do.

I recall a missionary called me one day and asked “President, you know that we are very busy. Can we get up one hour earlier every day, so we can get everything done?”

My heart melted.

I must admit to shedding a tear or two.

I replied, “Of course but remember to be careful and take time to rest.”

The first mile is often required of us, in many things that we do.

The second mile however, is only made possible by being obedient to the first mile.

You cannot go the second mile without influencing others.

It only takes one second miler to impact others lives.

I shall ever be indebted to Daniel Andrade for the lesson he taught me that day. Thank you.

James E. Faust said “Some of the most rewarding times of our lives are those ‘extra miles’ hours given in the service when the body say it wants to relax but our better self emerges and says, ‘Here am I, send me.’”

How can you apply this principle and go the second mile today?

Finishers Wanted

May 24, 2022

Recently I was asked; “How do I improve my self-discipline?”

It requires time and effort on your part.

It also requires the development of daily habits by reminding yourself often why you need this ability and how it will help you achieve your goals in life.

Remember the little poem…

Finishers wanted.

Stick to your task, till it sticks to you;

Beginners are many, but enders few.

Honour, power, place and praise will come, in time, to the one who stays.

Stick to your task, till it sticks to you;

Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too;

For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile

Will come life’s victories after a while. (Anonymous)

Focus and self-discipline are the foundations for producing truly amazing results and performance.

Plato said: “The first and best victory is to conquer self; to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.”

Consider these ideas…

Set clear goals.
Start small.
Learn how to say no.
Know where you will struggle and where you succeed.
Find a way to monitor your progress – create a to do list.
Encourage yourself to stick to your plan, a partner can help too!
Get rid of your distractions.
Forgive yourself when you fail – begin again!
Keep a journal.
Practice, repeat, practice, repeat.

The path may be tough, but the results are amazing.

The pain you feel today, will be the strength you feel tomorrow.

It starts with you – begin now!

Why do you think self-discipline is important to your progress and happiness?

Is love the answer?

May 22, 2022

𝐈𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫?

Celebrating my 57th birthday this week, I received several lovely cards and gifts from family and friends.

One particular gift came from the missionaries.

A folder of 60 pages, 109 letters, 30 photos and a few sketches too.

As I read through the album on Thursday evening, I must admit to being moved.

The letters and photos simply touched my heart.

I shed a few tears of joy.

Think of the last time you experienced joy.

Real joy – that deep enduring feeling that seems to warm your entire soul.

I felt of their love, one by one.

“God’s love is always there for you, whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.” – Thomas S. Monson.

Arriving in the Netherlands nearly a year ago now, in a few meetings Monic and I have frequently sung together (also with the help of missionaries too) “Love One another.” It is always a beautiful experience.

In the book of John, Jesus spoke to His Apostles about love “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you…. By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

“Love is the greatest of all the commandments—all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the living Christ. It is the one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives.” Joseph B. Wirthlin

There are a number of ways you can feel the Saviour’s love.

Its different for everyone – but the missionaries can help you along the way.

“Love is the greatest power and will have the most powerful influence. – Elaine S. Dalton

May we love Him and love one another.

#HearHim

Do you accept mistakes?

May 17, 2022

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬?

We all make mistakes, its part of being human – they are a natural part of life.

There are however a lot of negative connotations around making mistakes, which can lead to each of us avoiding things that may stretch us.

Yet, getting it wrong is often the best way to learn.

Albert Einstein once said, ““Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

In fact, giving ourselves permission to fail takes courage!

That may even feel scary too, because it may make us a little vulnerable.

Learning from mistakes can be challenging.

Yet, mistakes are actually very valuable, as long as you learn from them, grow from them, and improve yourself.

Indeed, mistakes are an opportunity to do better next time, and we should make the best out of every mistake we make.

Top Tips

– It is important to acknowledge your mistake and own it.

– Take a deep breath, admit the error, and make your apologies.

– Identify where you went wrong.

– Find the lessons so you can improve next time.

– Apply those lessons so you don’t repeat the mistake.

– Consider sharing what you have learned with others

– Get ready for new mistakes!!

In summary – learning from mistakes is about understanding what you did wrong and making sure that you do not do it again.

What did you learn from your last mistake?