News Archives - Page 33 of 77

Above Reproach

May 21, 2023

Perhaps you’re serving a mission, served previously, want to serve in the future or want to improve your relationships with others?

Young or old, in the mission field, the standards, the discipline, the expectations – are high.

To be an effective missionary, you must be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and be 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡, in all of your actions and dealings with everyone.

Building a Christlike character is a daily process, it is an individual responsibility.

By following the “Missionary Standards for the Disciples of Jesus Christ,” the example each missionary sets can always be above reproach.

What does it mean to be 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉?

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 – “Impossible to criticise, being good, blameless, unaccusable, faultless, exemplary, impeccable.

In the books of 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul referring to the qualifications of a Bishop, outlines virtues that an individual would have to possess in order to be “𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡”.

Similarly, a missionary is not arrogant or quick-tempered or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

Over these last two years, I know that it takes personal effort in all of our actions and communications to be above reproach.

Is your soul untarnished?

It may not be easy, but it is possible.

Our actions must be above reproach, not only in the public domain, but even more so in our own private moments.

How are your interactions with others?

As missionaries and disciples of Jesus Christ, being thoughtful of our spoken words, the things we say and share online, the way we treat others, and the way we live our daily lives, must always be above reproach.

I know the example that missionaries set, will indeed set the tone for others to follow, just like the millions who choose to follow the ultimate example of being above reproach, even Jesus Christ.

Are you true to yourself?

A true missionary is one who is living a life above reproach.

If we are to find true happiness, real joy, missionary or not, then living our life above reproach, should be a given.

This week during Zone Conferences, we ran expert panels with 13 soon to be departing for home missionaries. It was fun!

I love these pictures of missionaries serving with all of their hearts, learning what it means to honour missionary standards, and to serve above reproach.

How do you maintain your personal character and live your life 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡?

Reframing

May 16, 2023

“What do you mean by reframing?”…asked the missionary.

In response I said, “Well, what I mean by reframing, is that you see a current situation from a different perspective.”

Essentially, reframing can help you see things differently, all of which can be really helpful in problem solving, decision making and learning.

Over many years in my coaching practice, I’d often use reframing to help someone become unstuck.

Similarly, I find it regularly in coaching interviews with missionaries too.

For example, a missionary may say, “I really doubt that I can do anything about this issue.”

In response, I know I’m likely to say something such as “So, what is one small step that you can take?”

I often find myself moving from the past to the future with missionaries too.

Oftentimes I’ve heard a comment like “I’ve never been good at speaking with people.”

If I hear that kind of comment, my response is something like “If you imagine yourself being successful in speaking with others, what would that look like and feel like?”

Changing the language you use is helpful.

For instance, a missionary may say “I am really struggling with my new companion, I don’t understand him, and we just don’t connect at all.”

Reframing that could look like this “Getting to know a new companion can take a lot of time and work. I have done it before successfully. It’s very rewarding and a great opportunity to learn something new about myself and others.”

Reframing is allowing yourself the opportunity to reinterpret a situation in a way, that is going to help you move through the challenge faced.

By reframing a threat to a challenge, can help us to feel courageous.

In summary, reframing an experience can give you access to more productive and positive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

What is your favourite reframing tactic?

Mothers who Hope

May 14, 2023

Today throughout much of the world, it’s Mother’s Day.

To each of you dear mothers, we express our sincere gratitude and thanks.

Your precious sons and daughters are safe as they serve here in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Thank you for being marvellous mothers and doing all the things you do.

Thank you for the sacrifices you and your family make every day.

Daily, like you, we hope and pray for the success and happiness of your missionary.

We pledge to guide them, help them, love them, watch over them and treat them as if they were our very own sons and daughters.

We promise you, every single day, we sense as if they really are!

Take a look at our latest mission picture.

This was just before everyone headed off to Keukenhof.

Prior to Keukenhof, we held a morning of service and doing good in the community, which was filled with spiritual insights, magical musical moments, sweet testimonies, and a whole lot of laughter too.

Our Report

Our report is this… your sons and daughters and the mission are thriving!

We have enjoyed the most incredible faith filled last few weeks.

It is a sweet honour and privilege to serve side by side, shoulder to shoulder, with each of your sons and daughters.

We truly work with the greatest young men and women on planet earth.

We know that, and feel that, every single day.

We know too that they love you, so very, very much.

And likewise we know that your love is unconditional, unbreakable, and forever.

The love you have for your son or daughter is like nothing else in the world.

President Nelson

You will recall a recent statement by President Russell M. Nelson… “Our Heavenly Father has reserved many of His most noble spirits—perhaps, I might say, His finest team—for this final phase. Those noble spirits—those finest players, those heroes—are you!”

It is our witness, that each of your sons and daughters are part of “His finest team” here in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Dear Mothers – we pray for the sweetest blessings of heaven, to be poured out upon each of you on this special day.

Diligence!

May 12, 2023

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭?” asked the missionary…

We agreed upon a definition that diligence was someone who was steady, consistent, earnest, had zeal and energetic effort.

We also agreed that diligence implies that we really care about whatever it is we are doing.

To be diligent takes some effort.

I considered the opposites for a moment, negligent, lazy, careless, idle.

The scriptures are filled with references to diligence or being diligent.

One of my favourites is found in Moroni 9:6, when Mormon counselled his son Moroni saying: “Let us labour diligently…. For we have a labour to perform…”

I thought for a moment about the labours I have to perform, and am I diligent in performing them?

What labours do you have to perform?

As a father, as a mother, as a brother, as a sister, as a son, or as a daughter?

As an employer, as an employee, as a volunteer, as a missionary?

At home, in the workplace, in the community or in the mission field?

“He who labours diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labour.” – Mark Water.

Diligence is a prized possession that I hope we all want to have in our lives.

How does a lazy person transition to being diligent?

In my experience, there is usually some kind of a wake-up call, a painful experience perhaps, that opened their eyes to the trouble their lazy ways have reaped.

I hope that you haven’t had too many wake up calls in life and choose to be diligent!

Are you diligent?

And we’re off! (again)

May 9, 2023

The 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 constant in life is 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆.

Fasten your seatbelts everyone!!!

Change in the mission field accelerates at an unprecedented speed.

Yet, our six-week mission transfer cycle ensures that the pace of change is also predictable.

While this is overwhelming for some, it isn’t going to stop anytime soon!

If you are serving as a missionary in any one of the 416 missions around the world, you’ll need to keep up!

The work of salvation is hastening even faster, there is an increased urgency and speeding up of the work, is an absolute, it is a given!

So how do you keep up?

Maintaining a regular constant regime of learning, through daily routines can really help.

In our mission, like others, there is a strong focus on 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠.

We decelerate on a few occasions too, in order to accelerate once more.

Slowing down in our Mission Leadership Council, Zone Councils, District Councils, Zone Conferences, weekly huddle calls and 1-1 personal coaching sessions with every missionary, allows each of us to catch our breath just long enough, communicate, have some deep dialogue, get aligned, then set the right attentions and intentions for the remainder of the transfer.

I have experienced that our environment of constant change is as natural as breathing.

But, like anything else, it takes time to adjust and find your rhythm.

Weaving agility, flexibility, adaptation, and resilience into our personal DNA help us feel comfortable.

Ultimately, change happens through people.

I have learned that if you want to keep pace with change and tackle future changes, then the 𝐤𝐞𝐲 is to 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔.

How do you manage to keep up with change?

Heirs of the Kingdom

May 7, 2023

This has been perhaps the heaviest week of our missionary service.

I tested positive for Covid last Sunday, and Monic tested positive on Friday.

It meant a massive change in our schedules, missing our mission gathering at Keukenhof and both of us being ill all week long!

All that said, it was our P-day yesterday, and to cheer myself up, I enjoyed watching the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

There was plenty of pomp, pageantry and processions, along with a day filled with history and tradition, ending with a Royal family gathering on the Palace balcony to watch a flypast featuring the Red Arrows.

Charles has been an heir to the kingdom, and preparing for this moment, all of his life.

The coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, are now king and queen of the United Kingdom and fourteen other Commonwealth realms.

Unlike Charles and Camilla, few of us will reign in such majesty, in this life.

There is however another kingdom to come, in which we will.

The Lord’s Kingdom

We read in Romans 8:16-17 “We are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”

The term “heir of God” emphasises our relationship with our Heavenly Father. As His children, each of us have divine, eternal potential.

And as His children, we have “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade . . . kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4)

Neil L. Anderson has taught that “Every person on earth is the ” offspring ” of God, but to be called the ” children of God ” means much, much more. As we come unto Jesus Christ and make covenants with Him, we become ” his seed ” and ” heirs of the kingdom.”

Think about it, every blessing, every opportunity will be given to us if we honour the covenants, we make with Him.

One of the key covenants Jesus Christ gave to help us qualify for entrance back into the kingdom of God is baptism.

Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3); “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

The Doctrine of Christ, namely, faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the holy ghost and enduring to the end.

Now is the time to act.

Speak to the missionaries today.

They will help you understand what it means to be an “𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎…”

Faith v Fear – The Mull of Kintyre

May 5, 2023

Counselling many of the missionaries as they return home, reminded me of this experience from a few years ago. I’ve shared it before, but it is time to share it again….

It was 2002. Setting off in the early hours of the morning, I knew it was going to be a very, very long day.

In fact, not one that I was particularly looking forward too. Following a client visit in Dumbarton, I arrived in Campbeltown around lunchtime. However, the journey down along the A83 that day was absolutely stunning – Scotland at its very best!. I was there on a sales visit with a supplier, who was demonstrating a new CCTV system to a large new potential client. It was only 175 miles from home, but it had taken over 4 hours to get there. After another 4 hours of demonstration, it was time to turn around and head home. By this time, it had gone 6pm. There wasn’t much of a rush hour down there, in fact I decided that I would take a leisurely drive back home. I didn’t have any real haste. The lessons learned over those next few hours were unquestionably a pivotal point in my life.

My Journey home

As I started back up the A83, the sun started to set. My thoughts turned from the demonstration of the afternoon, to much more important questions – such as “What am I doing with my life?”, “I’m not in the least bit interested in CCTV – so why am I driving for hours on end selling this stuff anyway?” “Is this just all about the money?”

As the light started to fade I pulled over to look over the sea towards Northern Ireland to view the onset of the night sky. It was a beautiful clear evening. As I was reflecting on all those questions and more, I witnessed several shooting stars as well as the Northern lights (for the first time), in all their majesty.

I gazed heavenward, it was a quite remarkable, inspiring light show.

I stood for a while fascinated by the beauty of creation. Those few moments had a real impact upon me. I started for home determined to face the future with much more faith and to embark upon a career journey that would enable me to get up every day and really love what I was doing.

Career Choices

That career journey has taken lots of twists and turns over the ensuing 21 years. There have been numerous difficult decisions. Lots and lots of personal procrastination, other seemingly more important priorities, along with mega doubts & fears within myself that I could actually do something that I loved.

The journey also included two redundancies, a challenging selection of opportunities in between, mixed with a real belief that I could eventually take the leap of faith, face the fear of the unknown and start on my own.

The differentiators?

A supportive family – who put up with me long enough and encouraged me to turn the dream into a reality. Supportive colleagues over many years, who helped me to understand the capabilities that I had been gifted with and developed over a long period of time. All of whom helped me develop my faith and take that step into the unknown. Thank you one and all.

“Smiles in the sunshine and tears in the rain
Still take me back where my memories remain
Flickering embers go higher and higher
As they carry me back to the Mull of Kintyre”

These are the words from the third verse of Paul McCartney’s – Wings #1 Hit record – The Mull of Kintyre. I have often reflected upon my journey that day and these words have always inspired me to reach for higher ideals, values and purpose in life.

So, it is with all of us – don’t settle for the mundane – in fact never settle for it!

It is important for each of us to have those meaningful conversations with ourselves and nearest and dearest about happiness and what makes each of us tick! If you are stuck in an unhappy career, perhaps its much more to do with your personal motivators.

Now is not the time to revisit Herzberg’s Motivation theory – around incentives and hygiene factors – but I wish to encourage you to look deep inside yourself and question the reason and purpose of your work – is it meaningful – is it what you really want to do? Looking inward is the critical step, to face up to your fear. Now is the time for faith – not fear!

I love this quote from a wise leader Boyd K. Packer, he stated… “Faith, to be faith, must centre around something that is not known. Faith, to be faith, must go beyond that for which there is confirming evidence. Faith, to be faith, must go into the unknown. Faith, to be faith, must walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness.”

One of my favourite poems is by Christopher Logue.

Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It’s too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And they came,
and he pushed,
and they flew.

As you consider your challenges at home, at school, or in the workplace – reflect upon those things that really matter most.

Face up to your fears, look inside and take those first few steps into the darkness – you can do it!

Counselling Together

April 30, 2023

“In the abundance of council, there is wisdom” – Dallin H. Oaks.

Yesterday, we met in our mission leadership council. It was a wonderful opportunity to discuss and counsel together.

Not everyone gets the chance to lead in the mission, so it is a privilege for each of the young missionaries assigned, to serve in a leadership role.

We discussed behaviours of a good leader, including self-awareness, collaboration, respect and influence.

Then, we posed the question…”𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”

With a leadership role there is a responsibility, to come prepared and be ready to share.

“When we can work together cooperatively…, we can accomplish anything. When we do so, we eliminate the weakness of one person standing alone and substitute the strength of many serving together.” – Thomas S. Monson

In our counselling together we discussed objectives and concerns of the mission, with mutual understanding and a shared vision being the ultimate goal.

Encouraging everyone to express their feelings was key.

It was clear that counselling together required everyone to listen as much as they spoke.

What is a SWOT Analysis?

We introduced everyone in the council session to a SWOT analysis and we used the model to address some of the challenges we face.

In essence, we are the problem-solving team of the mission.

The active participation of missionary zone leaders and sister trainer leaders, broadens the base of their leadership experience and understanding, which in turn leads to better solutions and improves communication throughout the mission.

As Russell M. Ballard said; “People who feel ownership of a problem are more willing to help find a solution, greatly improving the possibility of success.”

He also taught that it was important to “Lean upon them. Learn from them. Love them. Listen to them.”

In the Old Testament, the Prophet Isaiah said; “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). And in our day, we read in Doctrine & Covenants 50:10; “Let us reason together, that ye may understand.”

Ultimately, we came to some conclusions that everyone agreed with, and then noted some appropriate actions that they had to follow through on.

Russell M Ballard said that he has maintained all his adult life, (stemming from his background in business,) that “if you want to improve something, you’ve got to counsel about it.”

What do you counsel about?

The List

April 24, 2023

Preparing to go shopping this morning, Monic asked “Have you seen the shopping list?”

“No” I responded.

“Would you mind going to look for it in the car, I think I may have left it in my jacket?” – she said.

Off I went.

I checked in the car and looked in her jacket pockets.

“Nothing there” I remarked.

“It may be upstairs” said Monic, and off she went.

Then I stated, “I’ll just put the bins out whilst you look.”

Off I went out back into the garden pulling two wheelie bins and put them beside all the other bins on the street for collection.

I came back inside via the back door and waited in the living room.

I got distracted by a message on my phone.

Then I waited a while longer.

“What a time she is taking” I thought.

The doorbell rang.

“Who can that be so early?” I thought.

I opened the door.

It was Monic!

I was perplexed, I thought she was upstairs!

“What are you doing, I’m waiting in the car” she said…

We smiled.

Then we laughed.

Actually, we laughed a lot!

“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone, whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness–and call it love–true love.” — Robert Fulgham, American author

Good, Better, Best.

April 23, 2023

This week, we joined with other European Mission Leaders at a 4-day Seminar in Den Haag, here in the Netherlands.

We counselled collectively together and received inspiring instruction from the Central Europe Area Presidency.

It was wonderful to share many experiences together, including the obligatory visit to Keukenhof!

Personally, it gave me the opportunity to reflect upon all that I have learned as Monic and I have served concertedly in Belgium and the Netherlands for nearly two years.

Through the course of the 4 days, many principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were discussed.

For a few brief moments we spoke too about “The Chosen”.

The Chosen

For the uninitiated, it’s an enjoyable multi-season television series about Jesus Christ that has been watched by tens of millions, throughout the entire world.

Monic and I have watched all the series and are sure that many reading this post will have done likewise.

However, reflecting upon all that I continue to learn about Jesus Christ, from my perspective I have come to conclude this truism.

Connecting…

Connecting to Jesus Christ…

– Through the Chosen is 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅.

– Through the Missionaries is 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓.

– Through the Scriptures is 𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒕.

I love The Chosen and I love our missionaries too.

Both play their part in helping many to understand the three most powerful behavioural words spoken by Jesus Christ, namely “Come Follow Me” – see Luke 18:22.

I know that as you personally study the scriptures, you will come to know the Saviour and His teachings.

Few things you do will bring greater dividends, as you absorb his words by pondering them, then letting them sink deeply into your heart and applying them into your life.

Spencer W. Kimball emphasized the need to continually read and study the scriptures. He said: ” I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.”

Enjoy The Chosen!

Invite the missionaries to speak with you!

They’ll guide you through the scriptures as you accept His personal admonition to “Come Follow Me.”

How have the missionaries helped you?