Tag Archive for: following

Counselling Together

“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?

What path are you following?

Where will you walk today?
We love to walk!
Walking in the Netherlands is a big thing! The annual avond vierdaagse of 5, 10 or 15 km, usually held in May or June around the country are always massive events. I have fond memories of taking part in an event in 1995, when I think virtually the whole community participated!
For many years walking has been prescribed as an exercise that is very beneficial to our health. There is something very stimulating about walking, not only the physical exercise, but it also refreshes our spirits and lightens our mood.
The dictionary says that to walk is to move on foot, step by step. To advance in life we are required to take several kinds of steps.
In the book of Romans 6:4, in the New Testament, Paul speaks of some of those steps when he shared about those who were baptised and then walked forth in a newness of life. And in his epistle to the Ephesians 5:2, Paul invited them to follow Christ by walking in love.
The primary purpose of the gospel is to allow Jesus Christ to guide us in our path and walk through life. At the end of the day, this is the path that leads to the greatest reward of all. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus stated that it is the strait and narrow way that leads to 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 – this is the right path, leading to the greatest reward.
What path are you following?

Do you remember the song ” I walked Today where Jesus Walked”?

I walked today where Jesus walked,
In days of long ago.
I wandered down each path He knew,
With reverent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed,
A sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked,
And felt Him close to me.
My pathway led through Bethlehem,
A memory’s ever sweet.
The little hills of Galilee,
That knew His childish feet.
The Mount of Olives, hallowed scenes,
That Jesus knew before
I saw the mighty Jordan row,
As in the days of yore.
I knelt today where Jesus knelt,
Where all alone he prayed.
The Garden of Gethsemane,
My heart felt unafraid.
I picked my heavy burden up,
And with Him at my side,
I climbed the Hill of Calvary,
Where on the Cross He died!
I walked today where Jesus walked,
And felt Him close to me.
We may not be able to physically walk where Jesus walked today, but perhaps we can be mindful of Him, walk in his footsteps by following His example in our lives through humility, faith, love and service.
I hope that each of us will choose the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life – missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, can help you to find it.
Enjoy your walk today – wherever that may be!