Tag Archive for: gratitude

Meant to Be

Back in mid-December 2024, I met Ella Henricksen for the first time at BYU, in Provo, Utah.
She was a little excited about a possible internship in Scotland.
What I didn’t know then was just how much of a blessing she’d become for me personally.
Ella was set to become the first intern I was responsible for placing in Scotland.
It was a tall order with an extremely tight deadline, to find her a placement by mid-January, with the Christmas holidays in between.
The clock was ticking.
I’d found a willing museum in Edinburgh, but we soon faced challenges with HR and logistics when she arrived in Scotland, that left us scrambling for a plan B.
In those moments of uncertainty, what unfolded felt less like chance and more like divine help.

Plan B

I was hesitant at first to ask Ella to help with something so personal (Plan B) – the final editing of my own book, on top of her podcast work and a few tasks for the FoRB Foundation.
But the more I considered it, the more I realised she was exactly the person I needed.
Ella brought great editorial insight, discipline, and a sense of calm competence.
We met for lunch, mapped out what was left to do, and she got to work.
From there, something special grew, not just a productive collaboration, but a genuine friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
We enjoyed many wide-ranging healthy conversations, which became a highlight of our time together.
Ella has made a real difference.
I know she’ll miss Scotland, and truth be told, I’ll miss her too!
As she heads back to the U.S. today, I’m grateful for the way everything came together, even those early setbacks seemed to have purpose.
Some might call it coincidence, but I’d say it was more of a God-incidence.
Thank you, Ella, for all you’ve given. 😊
What unexpected help have you been grateful for?

Think and Thank

To thank is to think and to think is to thank.
When you think, you can’t help but to thank.
Recently, I discovered this powerful thought…
“What you think about and what you thank about is what you will bring about.”
Can you think of something that you are thankful for?

Gratitude

Gratitude seems to be rare these days…
An “absence of gratitude is the mark of a narrow, uneducated mind” – Gordon B. Hinckley.
I know that gratitude creates the most wonderful feeling.
It can resolve disputes.
It can strengthen friendships.
It will change others hearts and they will respond differently than they have before.
Funnily enough – you’ll be happier too!
Someone once said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
And another has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
Sometimes gratitude does not come very easily.
Yet, we need to be more grateful.
“The words “Think and Thank” are inscribed in many of the Cromwellian churches of England. These words ought to be inscribed in our hearts, too: “Think and Thank”. Think of all we have to be grateful for and thank God for all our boons and bounties.” – Dale Carnegie

Pause

If we pause to think, we’ll have cause to thank.
As we think, there are so many things we can give grateful thanks for.
Including the gift of life, our families, friends, our loved ones, the beauty of the earth, our freedom to choose, our faith and Jesus Christ.
Mother Teresa said: “The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.”
Its time to think and thank – today.
“Gratitude is medicine for the soul” – Russell M. Nelson.
How can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude within your own heart and soul?
What are you grateful for?

Handwritten

“Thank you” I said.
I was moved by another handwritten note.
It contained a thoughtful message of love, gratitude, and appreciation.
What is it about receiving a handwritten note?
There is something so special and powerful about it.
It is a labour of love.
Knowing that someone has sat down, taken time, crafted some words, written by their own hand, and then either posted it or given it to you.
Seeing actual words, penned in their own writing, somehow conveys feelings in a much more powerful, intimate, and personal way.
It indicates a deeper investment of time, in you.
The words used, can speak volumes to your heart, conveying deep meaning.
Such as, “I can’t even express…” or “You won’t even know…”
It is something unique.

I care

It also says something about you, that you care enough to make a genuinely personal gesture.
Recently, I have counselled with a few missionaries about taking time to craft a handwritten letter to a family member or friend.
In our digital world that feels increasingly disconnected, and impersonal, a handwritten note, really can make all the difference.
In fact, these notes grow rarer, day by day.
Each handwritten note, says “𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮.”
A handwritten note may seem like a small gesture, but I know it can have a huge impact on both the sender and the receiver.

They’re all about love

They are special messages for you and me.
I’ve kept all of the ones I’ve received in the mission field.
When I’ve felt a little low, I’ve reread many.
They act as a powerful reminder that others love and care.
All I have to do is open them and start reading.
In a similar manner, the scriptures are like special handwritten, crafted messages from our Heavenly Father for you and me.
All we have to do is open them and start reading.
In the Book of Mormon, we read in Nephi 4:15 “I write the things of my soul…”
Consider your feelings…
Craft a handwritten note, by sharing some things from your soul.

It is a Privilege

Privilege: a special right or advantage that a particular person or group of people has.
In the course of my daily responsibilities, I feel extremely privileged.
I recognise the divine privilege of loving and serving one another.
Humbly, and boldly, I have the privilege of representing Jesus Christ as a disciple, every day.

Missionary Service

I have the privilege to lift and serve missionaries.
It is a continuing privilege to have worked with them daily, for 2 ½ years.
I have the privilege of interviewing each of them 1 by 1, every few weeks.
It is an honour and privilege to be associated with each of them.
This week, I have the privilege to interview 8 departing missionaries for the last time and 9 arriving missionaries for the first time.

Priesthood Service

I have the privilege of holding the priesthood of God and bestowing blessings.
I have the privilege to officiate in the temple.
I have the privilege of a temple marriage, being sealed to my companion for time and all eternity.
I have had the privilege of raising three wonderful children.
I have the privilege of being born at this time when the gospel has been restored to the earth.
I have the privilege to frequently testify of the reality of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
I have the privilege of travelling throughout Belgium and the Netherlands to meet with so many wonderful people both in an out of the church.
I have the privilege of associating with so many incredible leaders of the church in these nations and regularly counsel with them.
I have the privilege of seeing so many new members join the church, week in week out.
I have the privilege of choice, to determine what I want to do every day.

Family Service

I have had the privilege of being born of “goodly parents.”
I am grateful for the privilege of being a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and friend.
What an honour and privilege it is to be living here and now.
Privilege might feel like a difficult word to discuss, but it doesn’t have to be.
With front row seats on the world stage, in these last days, let’s not be spectators, but participants in the two great Commandments of loving and serving one another.
What a wonderful privilege.
What privileges are you grateful for?

I’m grateful

Reflecting this morning on 2023, I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude swelling in my heart.
I am thankful for so many wonderous things.
I am grateful for the gift of life.
I am grateful for my noble parents and wonderful siblings.
I am grateful for my incredible wife on our eternal quest and remarkable children entrusted to our care.
I am grateful for my extended family and friends.
I am grateful for the hundreds of missionaries that I’ve come to know and for their devotion.
I am grateful for the blessings of service.
I am grateful for the beauties of the earth.
I am grateful for the lifting power of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, for Him, His Atonement and my testimony of those truths.
I am grateful for Preach My Gospel!

Recollections

I recall an experience from 28th and 29th June this year.
Preach My Gospel – 2nd Edition had just been published online.
Those two days of Zone Conferences, in Antwerp and Utrecht, were revelatory.
Our printers rushed through hard copies for everyone.
All the missionaries only had an online access for 4 or 5 days.
In the meetings I asked if anyone would like to come forward and share anything that they’d learned in those few days, from the new version.

One by One

One by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one, by one….. they came forward unceasingly.
I wept.
Something powerful, something unique, something inspiring, something unifying happened that day to all of us, together, as we learned about the Power of Preach My Gospel – the nuts and bolts of missionary work.
Quotes from my journal entries those days “special” “great” “wonderful” “exhausting.”
We all changed.
Those were just 2 of 365 remarkable days of 2023.
Unashamedly, unabashedly, honestly – I am a man of faith.
I am grateful for all those one-by-one experiences that strengthened my faith once more.
What are you grateful for?

In a dark place?

Sometimes, we can find ourselves in some dark places in our life.
It can be debilitating.
It’s been my experience, that everyone has low mood days.
And I mean everyone.
When they come (and they will), what can you do about it?
There has been lots written in recent years about positive thinking, mindset, mindfulness, sleeping patterns etc.
Personally, for years, I have maintained a daily habit of journaling.
Unquestionably, it has helped to maintain my mental well-being.
However, one of the most frequently recommended practices by psychologists, counsellors and coaches to help those with dark moods, anxiety or stress, is to keep a 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥.
What is a gratitude journal anyway?
Simply, a gratitude journal helps you appreciate life more.
Its easy to begin.
Find a small notebook, some quiet “me” time to reflect, maybe 15 minutes at the end of the day and write down three things that you are grateful for.
Let the gratitude flow…
Here are some ideas to get you started…
• Someone you’re happy to have in your life.
• Your favourite part of the day
• Someone who gave you good advice.
• Good news or something that made you smile.
• Something beautiful you saw today.
• Someone who inspired you.
• Something you love about your work.
The outcomes?
It’ll reduce stress, lower anxiety, release tension, provides clarity, it’ll make you happier and will help you gain a better understanding of yourself.
The more practice you get, the easier it becomes, and you’ll more easily feel the sensations that come into your thoughts as you focus on gratitude.
Go on, give it a go, and start today.

Friendship

And that’s the end of our first full month (already!), back home in the Netherlands.

One thing that has struck me is the importance of 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩.

We have spent a large chunk of our first month making lots of new friends and reacquainting ourselves with many old ones too.

As we have visited together, we have laughed, cried, talked, sung, enjoyed meals, walked, played games, hugged, encouraged, helped and above all really listened to one another’s stories and experiences.

It has been a real joy to be with such wonderful friends.

My experience is that all of our interactions together are made more enjoyable and productive when they are accompanied by genuine feelings of friendship.

I remember years ago the counsel from Ralph Waldo Emerson who said “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞.”

To be a good friend, show genuine interest in others, smile, care about them, be kind, be grateful and show respect. Above all…

– 𝐁𝐞 Real
– 𝐁𝐞 You
– 𝐁𝐞 your authentic self!

Being who you are is key!

What kind of friend are you?

Generosity

When you think of a generous person, who first comes to mind?

Generosity – “a willingness to give help or support, especially more than is usual or expected.”

Who has inspired you the most to greater generosity?

I hope that it won’t be some famous celebrities or philanthropists, rather it’ll be a family member, a friend, someone in the community, or a co-worker perhaps.

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” said Debbie Macomber.

One by One.
Act by Act.
Service by Service.
Little by Little.
Each of us can make a difference.

I am encouraged by the words of the Dalai Lama who said – “Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.”

We simply don’t talk about generosity enough.

We desperately need more men and women in society at large to look around, to look beyond themselves and consider the needs of others. To become more selfless, outward looking, to give more, to be more compassionate and much, much more generous. Some will think it airy-fairy. Yet, it is a powerful, personal, potent, peace giving potion.

What can you do, who will you help today?

Thank you NHS

Millions are suffering. Fear, worry and anxiety have gripped the hearts of so many. Hundreds of thousands of lives are being lost.
Despite all this, I have personally witnessed a flood of helping hands. Kind acts of compassion and service have touched the hearts of millions.
Many homes, pubs, churches, community centres, businesses, colleges, universities, sports clubs and many others have opened their doors to help. In addition thousands of individuals have transformed their local communities by selflessly giving of their time and energy in a multitude of kind acts of service, establishing food banks or simply going out of their way to do good. I cannot say enough about them, for their goodness, drive and vitality.
We are now witness to a Herculean effort by our NHS in the UK and health organisations the world over, to vaccinate populations in record times as COVID-19 spirals out of control. The next few weeks will be challenging. There may be a few more bumps in the road, but I’d like to express my gratitude and thanks to those who serve tirelessly, lovingly and so compassionately. The very least we can do is pray for them every day.
You know who you are. We are indebted to each of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and depths of my soul.

Council Together

I am grateful for the many opportunities to council together with friends, colleagues and especially family members this last year.

There have been many challenges to address over the last few months and as I look to the year ahead, I am certain there will be many more.

Meeting together as a family council, we set technologies aside, we listen to one another, we discuss concerns, we make plans, set goals, we support and strengthen one another. Jointly, we search for solutions to the problems of the day. When open and candid conversation is filled with love, patience, kindness and respect for the opinions of each other, the council has always been a success.

In addition, when each member of the family is invited to contribute to the discussion, they can and do feel part of any decision reached. In turn, this leads to positive reinforcement of their own feelings and supports our family to move forward in a unified manner, as we each take ownership of the issue.

Whether it is around the family dinner table, the work canteen table, or the board room table, the principles of sitting in council together are universal.

Why not give it a go today? Focus on an issue and ask – What can we do about it? What are your ideas?