Tag Archive for: blessings

Mothers who Hope

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.

Christmas Memories

This Christmas season has brought many opportunities to spend time together making memories.
Over the last few months, there have been a number of missionaries who have brought the piano in the mission home to life by playing some wonderful musical numbers.
In our family, over the last couple of days each of us have shared our piano skills.
Yesterday, patiently, lovingly, carefully, Cristi spent an hour or so, practicing some simple Christmas melodies on the piano.
Very slowly and with a little more attention, her confidence grew.
It was the first time she’d sat in front of a piano for many years.
I watched, I listened, I encouraged and occasionally annoyed her too! Dads are good at that sometimes! But for me, I enjoyed the music and simplicity of the tunes. It’ll be an abiding memory that will stick with me for many years to come.
Through it all was family time, with loved ones both near and far.
Catching up, telling stories, playing games, enjoying a delicious meal, video calls and reminiscing on Christmas’s past. It’s just about spending time together, talking, laughing, sharing, serving, loving, and making memories.
There were far fewer gifts this year, but what I learned is that creating good memories are real blessings.
The spirit of service was very real in our home yesterday.
May we give as the Saviour gave.
I learned too that families don’t really want or need anything from you, but your love, your time, and your memories.
Think on your own life.
What abiding memories do you have of Christmas past and present?