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August 16, 2022

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲?

Monic and I love to take walks through Leidschendam.

The length of our walk is generally determined by the amount of time we have allocated to exercise in our daily routines.

We have identified three routes.

Short – 20 minutes

Medium – 40 minutes

Long – 1 hour

Our morning conversation usually goes something like this.

“Is it short, medium or long today?”

Yesterday, we decided the “medium” walk was in order.

We then put in the necessary effort to make the journey.

As usual, we enjoyed our walk together.

Talking, observing, laughing, sharing and planning.

Regularly we are surprised how very few people we see out walking.

Oftentimes, we will complete our walks without meeting a soul.

Yesterday we especially enjoyed seeing and hearing the green parakeets. There were about 10 of them and they like to make a lot of noise.

In addition, we loved seeing many little ducklings.

Slowing down allows us to see, feel and hear different things.

It is during our walks that I notice many simple moments are filled with a sense of connection and peace.

Why is that we miss so many moments in our own life?

Is it that there are always more busy thoughts that preoccupy our minds?

It’s time to slow down.

Where will your journey lead today?

#journeys

Words Matter

August 14, 2022

Do you listen to your heart?

Words matter.

All week long one word has played continually into my thoughts.

I’ve felt as if it has been etched not only upon, but also into my heart and mind.

No matter where I went, or what I did, it would always return.

It’s an unusual word.

Indefatigability…! (Dutch – onvermoeibaarheid)

I wasn’t even too certain what it meant, so I looked up the dictionary definition.

“Tireless determination, incapable of being tired out; not yielding to fatigue; untiring.”

I reflected upon the definition for a while.

I questioned myself and asked “What does this word mean for me?”

After a while, I began to understand.

Day in, day out, week in, week out, I am surrounded by young missionaries who possess the most remarkable indefatigable spirit.

I am with them, constantly.

Being with them one by one, in group training sessions and large conferences, I am reminded of the desire of their hearts to share their witness and testimony of Jesus Christ.

They all take several knocks – daily.

GRIT

Yet, each of them possesses grit!

True grit! And I’m not talking about John Wayne!

A toughness, an indefatigable resilient courage, to bounce back, again and again and again.

As defined by Angela Duckworth, grit is “Our passion and perseverance to reach long term goals.”

I am so grateful for my association with each and every one of them.

They have been called from many different countries and cultures all across the world to bring a message of hope and peace to a world that is in constant peril and commotion. (2 Timothy 3:3/D&C 45:26)

Through my personal interactions with each of them, I am a witness to the fact, that they possess an indefatigable zeal and testimony of the message they share.

It is a message of great hope, peace and centred in their love of Jesus Christ.

I know that when the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy, regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in the world or in our lives.

As President Russell M. Nelson has said “the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”

If you want to find real joy, peace, purpose and meaning in life, then I suggest you listen to your heart.

Reach out to one of these indefatigable young men or young women today. They will help refocus your life.

#HearHim

Transfers

August 11, 2022

“𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫?”

It’s a question I’ve asked myself a lot recently.

Transfers in the mission field come around every six weeks.

And they come ever so quickly!

They are always on my mind.

In our missionary service, this is already our 10th cycle, of 27.

Questions to consider include…

What area should they serve in?

Who should be their companion?

What do they need?

Will they bring out the best in each other?

You simply don’t know all the factors that determine who should serve with whom.

Preparing for and planning for transfers in the mission field is time consuming.

There are a lot of moving parts and factors to consider, but ultimately it is a spiritual process.

Prayer is a constant.

It is always the best solution.

Seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost is critical.

Remembering that it is the Lord’s transfer of missionaries is vital.

I am comforted by a verse of scripture in Matthew 6:8 “ for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

Considering the needs of each missionary and thinking about each of them, one by one, is also key.

Information precedes revelation.

Regular interviews and weekly communication really help.

Hence the question “𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫?”

Life moves so swiftly.

In the lasting things of life, do we help each other to be at our best?

Slow Down.

August 9, 2022

Did you miss anything?

Every day, I try to learn a new Dutch verb and place it in a sentence using the different tenses.

Today’s verb was “haasten” – to hurry.

For a short moment, as I practiced the tenses out loud, I laughed a little.

One of my key messages over the last few months, including yesterday, is the complete opposite – to 𝐒𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍!

We often move too fast.

One route into our home here in the Netherlands, brings us along a road with several speed bumps.

For the optimum experience, I have learned that is it best to reduce my speed, slow down and steady my course.

It is a simple, but critical lesson to learn.

We all know the uncomfortable consequences of a high-speed journey over a speed bump!

I have concluded that speeding up isn’t the answer.

And so, it is with life.

Choosing to slow down, over obstacles and challenges in life is the answer.

In addition, for a much deeper examination of a course of study or to give consideration to a particular challenge, spend a little more time exploring by slowing down.

It will in the long run allow you to speed up elsewhere.

It takes effort.

Sometimes great effort, to catch ourselves and slow down.

My experience… slowing down helps to prevent you from missing anything!

How will you slow down today?

Just this once

August 7, 2022

“Can’t we do it just this once President?”

Sound familiar?

Small choices, big consequences!

The question reminded me of this piece from a long time ago by Richard L. Evans.

“There is in our language a dangerously disarming phrase by which people often persuade other people to compromise principles.

It is the phrase “𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞.”

“Just this once” has a siren-like lure.

It is the forerunner of the phrase “Just once more.”

It is the beckoning voice of a false friend that leads us from safety to a false position, first “Just this once,” and then “Just once more.”

“Just once more won’t matter.”

“Just once more, and then I’ll quit.”

And so, we sometimes move from one false step to another, often deluding ourselves into thinking that this is the last time.

In some social and personal matters, many of us live somewhat this way.

Tomorrow

We may know, for example, that we are living our lives at a pace we cannot keep up, but we hate to refuse a friend. Thus, we are led from obligation to obligation, and each time we say “yes,” we tell ourselves that we are saying it “Just this once” and that tomorrow will be better.

But tomorrow is seldom better except as we have the backbone to make it better.

In matters of eating and appetite, people often go from one indulgence to another, always saying to themselves, “Just this once, Tomorrow I begin to diet.” “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.”

“Just this once” becomes especially serious when people persuade other people that a principle is a matter of frequency rather than a clear-cut matter of right or wrong.

It is true that a onetime offender is looked upon with more leniency than a frequent offender. But stealing “Just this once,” lying “Just this once,” deceiving “Just this once,” or any other act of immorality urged upon anyone “Just this once” is a dangerous doctrine.

“Just this once” is a long step, but “Just once more” is an easier step, and so men often forget their own fetters from link to link.

If it isn’t right, let it alone. Don’t do “Just this once” what shouldn’t be done at all.”

Listen out for the phrase in your own life – you may be surprised how often it occurs.

Consider your actions carefully, and the consequences that may occur.

How will you respond next time?

Motivation

August 5, 2022

“Do you have time for a game President?”

This question has become a regular one whilst I’m in the office once a week.

This week was no exception.

I do enjoy a game of table tennis.

I think my very best days are well behind me now though.

As a teenager growing up in Scotland, many an evening was spent at the local community centre with school friends, fine tuning my table tennis skills. Mum and dad were pretty good too.

I was always very competitive. Although, I could never beat dad.

It wasn’t until I was 16 that I had a breakthrough and won a match against him. Growing older, I’m not actually sure if I beat him, or he actually let me win, in order to encourage me further!

These days the goal is a simple one….. “To beat President!”

They have an extremely strong motive!

There are several good players amongst the missionary force at the moment.

Two of them are regularly in the office when I am in too, namely Leif Andersen and Atticus Snow.

Week in, week out – they ask me the question.

And week in, week out – I am still managing to hold my own and win – just!

Both are definitely improving.

Practice is an important way to improve skills.

It is repetition of skills during practice that enables you to learn from mistakes and become a much more confident player.

My practice time is extremely limited and won’t be changing anytime soon.

Their motivation is high, and their practice time is much higher than mine!

For the moment, I’m enjoying the victories whilst they last!

My conclusion – my days are numbered!

What is your motivation to succeed?

Warnings!

August 2, 2022

“There it goes again” – I thought.

At that moment yesterday, I knew the exact date and time.

All over the Netherlands, the public warning sirens are tested at exactly 12.00 noon on the first Monday of every month (except on national holidays)

The siren sounds for 1 minute and 26 seconds without interruption. (I am not sure why it is that precise period of time – perhaps a Dutch person can tell me why?)

Why do they do it?

It is a test signal, so if you know what it is, there is nothing to worry about!

If you don’t (foreigners like me) then that is another matter!

I can remember hearing it for the first time 12 months ago in Leeuwarden, it was a little disconcerting, as I had absolutely no idea what it was. Yet people were just going about their business as normal.

It is certainly a great way to identify tourists!

There are approximately 3800 sirens across the country.

They are a constant reminder to take action – if necessary.

The Dutch word for it is “Waarschuwingsstelsel”

The Government tests the sirens regularly, so people living here know exactly what they mean, and what they should do if there was indeed an emergency of some kind.

If the sirens are heard on any other day of the month, then it is not a test and people are advised to go inside – immediately, shut all doors and windows and turn on the television or radio for further instructions and updates.

There is now an additional system which sends a text message to every mobile device, which is tested twice a year.

For people who’ve never heard the test before it can be a confusing and slightly worrying 90 seconds.

Warning signals are everywhere – do we heed them?

What constant reminders to take action do you hear?

I have heard a few teases about the alarm.

One of my favourites was “That means it’s time to put your clogs on… it’s the law.”

Perhaps there are a few gullible folks, who may just believe that one!

How did you react on hearing it for the first time?

Do you have any unusual traditions where you live?

Somethingism

July 31, 2022

Do you believe in 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠?

Our beliefs define who we are and what we do.

Belief – “the feeling of being certain that something exists or is true”

Somethingism – “an unspecified belief in some higher force”

I’ve met so many people here who believe in something, but they’re not sure what that something is.

When you believe in something – when you believe it to your very core – your genuine actions speak for you.

Action starts with one critical element: 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒇!

Your actions will speak louder than words when you stand strong in your beliefs.

When you live by what you believe in, you not only make a difference to yourself, but also your family, your friends and your community.

Belief is the result of experience.

Beliefs can bring us together or even tear us apart.

Belief is a way of understanding and discovering ourselves and the world around us, both things seen and also unseen.

We all believe in things we can’t see, because frankly it’s not possible to see everything. For example…

– Do you believe in love?

– Do you believe in mercy?

– Do you believe in kindness?

– Do you believe in hope?

– Do you believe in justice?

All of these things we can’t see, but we know exist.

When it comes to spiritual things, I believe the answers are much the same.

Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Believing is part of life.

When it comes to matters of faith, I have confidence in my experience of reality.

I experience the fruits of my faith, every day.

The deepest things in life are not seen but felt. They bring joy.

When those deepest things get into our hearts, our very natures are changed.

And so it is with our beliefs.

I believe in something.

That something is a someone.

He is Jesus Christ.

In your pursuit of something, I know that the most important something you can learn, comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

I invite you to come to know Him and love Him as I do.

As He said to the ruler of the synagogue in Mark 5:36 “…Be not afraid, only believe.”

Consider this invitation from The Book of Mormon.

…in Alma 32:27 “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧?

#HearHim

Is it for real?

July 29, 2022

𝐃𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮?

100 missionaries.

2 days of multi-zone conferences in Antwerp and Utrecht.

Inspiration galore.

Remarkable experiences.

Real joy.

Each afternoon, role play, after role play, after role play, after role play, with 4 different scenarios to consider.

The cheering each other on, the laughter, the glee and camaraderie was a joy to behold.

It had been a while since I’d been so involved, but once I dived in, I loved it!

So why spend so much time in role plays?

– It develops communication and language skills

– It creates opportunities to explore, scrutinize and experiment

– It allows everyone to act and make sense of real-life scenarios.

– It encourages creativity and imagination

– It motivates and engages everyone

– It inspires greater confidence

– It advances listening skills

– It promotes in the moment creative problem solving.

– It builds empathy by experiencing new perspectives

– It provides opportunities for feedback through critical observation from peers.

And above all – many new friendships were formed.

Yes – roleplay is more than just make believe.

Creating a safe space to explore scenarios together was a wonderful experience.

My personal learning takeaway was – through acting out a variety of situations, role-playing teaches that we can be 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞.

Yes, they always smile back at you!

Do you?

#learning

Cullen Skink

July 26, 2022

“President, you look a little tired, you should take a 10-minute nap!”

She was right.

These last few days, with the really hot days and sticky nights, I hadn’t slept too well.

And yesterday, it really started to catch up with me.

Arriving home from the office around 4.30pm, I lay down on the bed and didn’t take just 10 minutes but enjoyed nearly a full hour.

It was bliss.

Walking downstairs and into the living room, Monic said…“Feeling better, are you ready to eat now?”

A few moments later, a hearty bowl of Cullen Skink soup was served up for dinner.

Monic loves to make it. And we love to eat it!

Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish soup made of fish (traditionally smoked haddock), potatoes, onions/leek and cream.

It was absolutely delicious.

The nap rebooted my brain!

The soup rebooted my body!

Refreshed, Recharged, Revitalized and Ready to go – the evening turned out to be a breeze.

What happens when you take a nap?

#napping