Tag Archive for: Jesus Christ

Life is Finite

You can look at it in lots of different ways.
An average life span is 76.9 years.
That’s 4,000 weeks.
Or 28,000 days.
Or consider even – 672,000 hours.
I’m rapidly approaching my 60th birthday, which means I only have around 882 weeks to go or 6,174 days!
Not too long really, some of us will get a little more, some a little less.
Thinking about things like this in purely numerical terms can certainly change your perspective about a few things.
Dr Seuss – “How did it get so late, so fast!”
Yes – our mortal lives are finite, a time of learning, growth, challenges and development.
James 4:14 – “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.”
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 #𝟏 – each of us will die.
Our earth life is brief, yet crucial for each of us, as we prepare for eternal life beyond deaths door.
Death is part of life.
Beyond death, immortality and eternal life awaits.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 #𝟐 – each of us will live again.
Eternal Life is infinite.
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22
As Easter approaches, my thoughts are returning to the infinite atonement of our Saviour Jesus Christ, providing resurrection from the dead and immortal life for all of mankind.
Because of Him, to all those who have lost loved ones, I wish to assure you that there is indeed life after life, death is not the end – it’s a doorway.
“Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. We are eternal beings… God’s plan for His children includes not only mortal life, but also life beyond.” – Russell M. Nelson.
I find great comfort and reassurance in the great plan of salvation, a perfect plan which helps us to find our way back home to God, who gave us life.
Life is finite, but His love and plan are infinite.
So, with whatever time remains, how will you choose to live it – and what truly matters most to you as you journey home?

Two Journeys, Two Spirits

This weekend, Monic and I travelled south, to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
We journeyed down to enjoy a production of Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God.
For weeks now, I’ve watched several videos of the British Saints’ Symphony Choir and Orchestra rehearsing.
It certainly built a hi-level of expectation on our part, and we weren’t disappointed.
The “Lamb of God” is a powerful oratorio about the final days of Christ’s life from the last Supper through to His Resurrection.
Unlike other choral compositions, it combines orchestral arrangements with both solo and choral performances, creating a distinctive and immersive experience that appeals to people of all faiths.
To fully appreciate the musical, it is helpful to understand the events of the last week of Christ’s life, including His entry to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the Betrayal, His Crucifixion and glorious Resurrection.

Hope

Even in the darkest moments of Christ’s life, the musical production communicates hope.
In fact, some of the most impactful spiritual moments of the oratorio came during the number “Here is Hope”, which touched our hearts and moved us to tears.
We both thoroughly enjoyed our evening, and it was fun to catch up with so many old friends.
The train we caught back to our hotel in Chorley was completely full, with standing room only and filled with a contrasting type of revelry all together.
We commented to each other that the vast majority of those on the train were filled with a different kind of spirit.

Opposite experience

Reflecting on the contrast between the sacred, uplifting spirit of the oratorio and the boisterous atmosphere on the train, I couldn’t help but think about the journey of discipleship.
Life often presents us with a choice – do we seek after things that elevate and inspire, or do we allow ourselves to be swept along by the distractions of the world?
Just as the oratorio beautifully depicted Christ’s final days, our own lives are a journey filled with trials, joys, and moments of profound decision.
The music reminded me that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope- through Him.
In our daily walk, are we seeking to fill our lives with the spirit of Christ, or are we merely going along with the noise of the world?

Eyes that Shine

I have heard it often said that the “eyes are the windows of the soul.”
Have you ever made eye contact with someone and simply smiled?
I know that our eyes are the means whereby people can look into our hearts.
They reveal more than words ever could, including joy, sorrow, love, pain, truth, or sadly even in some, deception.
A glance can reassure us, uplift us, or even pierce through a carefully constructed façade.
Over the years, I have learned that our radiant, eternal spirits, shine through our eyes.
The Saviour taught, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light” (Matthew 6:22).
I know that when our hearts are pure and our intent is righteous, that light shines forth, illuminating not only our own path but also touching those around us.

Childlike

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child filled with innocence and wonder?
Lately, I’ve had that opportunity several times with our newborn grandson, Oscar.
It is always such a simple, wonderful, beautiful experience, filled with love and joy.
I know that little children are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit.
Or perhaps you have had the chance to gaze into the eyes of someone who has suffered much, yet somehow through it all, their soul radiates peace.
Their eyes reflect the spirit within, and a quiet testimony of who they truly are continues to shine through.
I remember that look in my fathers eyes in the last few days of his life.
Sometimes, darkness enters our lives through sin, doubt, or despair, and it can dim the light in our eyes.
Over years of ministering to many, I have felt and seen that on numerous occasions.
Eyes that once sparkled with faith may have become clouded with sadness or indifference.
Have life’s experiences taken away your childlike faith and trusting heart?
I witness to the fact that the miracle of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is that light can always return.
Christ’s love, when embraced, will always brighten our souls.
And when our souls are full of His light, it is unmistakable.
So, the next time you look into someone’s eyes, pause.
Seek to truly see them.
In that moment, you may catch a glimpse of the divine within.
What do your eyes reflect today?

From Birth to Rebirth

On 26th November 1999, at 3:02 am, Monic gave birth to our daughter Megan, 28 days early, a precious gift, she has forever altered the rhythm of our lives.
Twenty-five years later, on 26th November 2024, at 3:30 am, Megan brought her own firstborn child, Oscar, into the world, 12 days late.
Reflecting on this extraordinary overlap of life’s moments, of shared birthdays, made me reflect yet again on God’s providence.

Gospel Parallels

With this profound connection I want to invite you to reflect on the miracle of physical birth and its parallel, the transformative gift of spiritual rebirth through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Birth itself is a remarkable miracle.
It is the culmination of waiting, preparing, and trusting in God’s perfect design.
Just last week, I wrote about Megan’s experience of waiting for Oscar’s arrival, likening it to the gospel principle of trusting in the Lord’s timing.
The Scriptures repeatedly remind us that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9) and that His plans unfold precisely as they should.
This shared birthday between Megan and Oscar is more than mere coincidence; it’s a divine reminder of the intricate weaving of our lives into God’s eternal tapestry, God-incidence.
As Megan transitions into motherhood, she enters a new season of selflessness, love, and spiritual growth.
For us as grandparents (Oma and Grandad), Oscar’s arrival highlights a legacy of faith, a continuation of priesthood promises, sealed through generations of time.
Holding this perfect little boy in our arms was simply beautiful and joyful!

Rebirth

The timing of Oscar’s birth also echoes the promise of rebirth offered through Jesus Christ.
While physical birth brings us into mortality, spiritual rebirth through covenant living and the grace of God prepares us for eternity.
Christ Himself taught, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Just as Megan has given Oscar the gift of life, our Heavenly Father offers us the ultimate gift: the chance to be born again through Christ’s atonement, to become new creatures in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).
These moments of birth, and the spiritual parallels they draw, urge us to prepare for the ultimate reunion with our Heavenly Father.
Reflecting on the miracle of birth, may we also renew our commitment to the miracle of rebirth.
For in Christ, we find the fulfilment of every promise, the redemption of every waiting season, and the joy of eternal life.
What moments in your life have shown you God’s timing and the hope of spiritual rebirth?

The Source

In my preparations for a forthcoming learning intervention with a large company, I held a 1-1 call with the leader of the organisation.
He shared lots of thoughts, feelings, analysis and views about current issues, yet I felt I needed more.
After some in depth discussion, I suggested that it would be helpful to meet 1 by 1 with each of the Senior Management Team (SMT).
Thus, I travelled south, to be with them this week.
After setting the context, I asked one question and ran a little activity, repeating it several times over two days.
In each of my personal encounters, one by one they spoke openly and passionately about their responsibilities.
The outcomes were insightful, helpful and enlightening.
Spending time with each leader, connecting with them, grasping their perspectives and engaging with them personally helped me to discern the nature of the challenges at hand.
Direct communication, powerful questioning and active listening were key to each of them giving me their personal views.
Reflecting upon this activity, I believe it to have been a successful use of everyone’s time.

Why?

I went to 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞.

In our dialogue, connecting with each member of the SMT was a powerful 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 of helpful insight, allowing me to foster authentic relationships and avoid any distortion of information.

Since then, I have thought about another 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 of even greater insight.
Going to 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞, especially in matters of faith and spirituality, carries an unparalleled significance that cannot be replaced by second-hand knowledge, interpretation, or analysis.

Who?

I believe that Jesus Christ is “𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆”” of all peace, light, truth and joy.
When we go to Him, we are referring to an intimate, personal encounter with the divine that shapes our spiritual understanding and life in ways that books, sermons, or even conversations with others can never fully achieve.
Encountering Jesus Christ in a personal, direct manner leads to deep, long-lasting change.
𝐇𝐞 is 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 of the living waters, providing an abundance of life, spiritual sustenance and joy.
Speaking to the Samaritan woman as she drew from Jacob’s well, Jesus declared “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” – John 4:13-14
I hope that we will all choose to drink from the divine 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 of all living waters and connect with Him, even Jesus Christ.

London

It’s approaching nearly 5 years since I was last in London.
Unbelievable.
My last time was on 18th December 2019 for some consulting.
Covid came along early in 2020 and blocked all travel for a while.
Then we were in Belgium and the Netherlands from June of 2021 for another 3 years.
Yesterday, it felt good to be back on the warmest day of the year.
32C! It was hot!
In amongst some business networking, I visited with a great friend in Parliament – Julie Jones and we talked all about Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB).
It was a real delight to catch up after so long.
I stopped by South Kensington too.
As an 18-year-old, I spent a lot of time as a young missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in and around that area.
That was 40 years ago now!
It felt as if the platform was exactly the same.
Many memories came rushing back for me, as I thought about the many times I’d been on the platform before.
Later it was off to Kensington, to meet up with Emerson Randle, one of our missionaries from Belgium and the Netherlands.
She is in London for a summer internship.
It was an absolute joy to be with her for a wee while and reminisce.
Sweet memories for us both came flooding back.
The visits with Julie, Emerson and to South Kensington – all have one thing in common.
The connection – Jesus Christ.
This quote from C.S. Lewis, sums up perfectly how I feel about yesterday and being with dear friends and special places.
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else.”
It is because of Him that I see what is possible in our lives.
And so can you too.

Lost and Found

Meet Blue.
On returning home two weeks ago, our youngest daughter Cristi, moved into student accommodation in Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, no pets are allowed there.
Subsequently, we have become the caretakers of her cat, Blue.
Now, I am not a cat lover.
It’s not been the easiest of adjustments for sure.
Monic has done much better than me!
Daily, Blue is in and out of the house, all day long.
However, yesterday, we were a little concerned as neither of us had seen Blue for over 24 hours.
Going to bed last night, we reckoned it was nearing 30 hours.
Now that may be common for cats, but admittedly, we were both concerned.
Arising early this morning, what do we hear at the front door, but a meowing cat, hungry, cold, in need of some attention and love.
It is now sat purring on my knee, falling asleep.

Bible Scriptures

I am reminded of the stories of the lost shared by Jesus Christ, in Luke chapter 15.
The Lost Sheep
The Lost Coin
The Prodigal Son.
M. Russell Ballard taught “If for any reason you … have lost your way, then you need only apply the Saviour’s teachings from Luke, chapter 15, to correct your course. … Why did Jesus teach these parables? He wanted us to know that none of us will ever be so lost that we cannot find our way again through His Atonement and His teachings.”
I know in life, many can lose their way.
Yet, every soul is of equal worth to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Indeed, the worth of each soul is so great that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will go to every effort to seek out, find, and save each one—one by one.
Recently, President Russell M. Nelson said “At age 99, I have no need of physical gifts. But one spiritual offering that would brighten my life is for each of us to reach out to “the one” in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone.”
I’m actually feeling a little joyful this morning, that Blue is home – safe and well.
Similarly, I know that as you find your way home to Jesus Christ, you’ll feel joyful too.

Joyful Reunions

Time insisted that we finally move on.
Arriving home on Friday, we laughed, hugged and shared one or two tears at Edinburgh airport with our children.
Cherished moments never to be forgotten.
Life has taught us that you can’t hug family and friends over the internet.
Heading to the car park, we bumped into the outgoing mission leaders in the Scotland/Ireland Mission, James and Andrea McCrudden, who commenced their service at the same time as us in June of 2021.
Then another fortunate coincidence, as a dear consulting friend, just back from an assignment in India, walked up to me… “Daryl! – that can’t be three years!”, “Gordon! – it certainly was!” I replied.

Heavenly

All of these special moments were heavenly.
It was a day of celebration of shared experiences and the rekindling of our family bond and connection.
And no reunion is complete without a hearty spread of food (haggis nacho’s) and the resonance of genuine laughter together.
Heavenly reunions are filled with love and deep appreciation for family and friends.
Catching up with mum was fun!
The key ingredient of happiness is family.

Reunions

After so many tearful farewells over the last three years, I long for many more of these happy reunions in the years ahead.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy.
Coming to understand our Heavenly Father’s “great plan of happiness” – Alma 42:8, you will find many of life’s questions are answered in the gospel of Christ.
The Apostle John said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” – John 3:17.
Life is a journey woven with threads of connections, some fleeting and others enduring.
I am thrilled that over these last three years we have woven many remarkable connections that will endure forever, weaving our past, present, and future into a tapestry of lasting happiness.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”
I know that as we seek to be happy in life, we should remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It’s in their hands…

Over the last three years, I have penned many Sunday morning thoughts, sharing everyday parallels to gospel truths.
This will be my last in the Belgium Netherlands Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
It has been a labour of love and joy.
Each weekend, as I consider the days gone by, some insight or reflective thought always comes.

New Leaders

Our new friends, Marius Natanya Von Mollendorff, will arrive on Wednesday.
By Friday, they’ll be leading the mission, and we will be on a plane back home to Scotland.
Thinking about the future of the Belgium Netherlands Mission, I couldn’t get the phrase “𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔” from my mind, as Monic and I depart the scene.

Safe Hands

Indeed, the mission is in a very safe pair of many hands, all trustworthy and reliable.
It reminded me of a quote from President Thomas S. Monson who said “We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”
When I think of our missionaries, I often think of them stretching out their hands to lift, comfort, bless, love, serve, and minister to the one, by offering hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Daily they try to emulate the great example of Jesus Christ.
They are called by a Prophet of God, to represent Him and to serve.
To serve, just as Jesus Christ served.
As a result of the Saviour stretching out His hands to touch others, they became stronger and better.
Similarly, “…as we emulate His perfect example our hands can become His hands” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

It has been my experience these last 3 years, that as we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful always happens.

Whilst on the Lord’s errand, I am a witness to the fact, that as missionaries combine their efforts with others, oftentimes impossible tasks are accomplished in miraculous ways.
The result – over and over again, many people become much stronger and happier as the Gospel of Jesus Christ comes into their lives.
I hope and pray that our hearts and hands just like the missionaries, can be stretched out in love and compassion towards many others.
Like the missionaries you too can become His hands.
For the moment, He asks us to be His hands, by “doing good” – Acts 10:38
What good can you do today?

Assembled Ones

After our final mission conference on Friday, Monic and I excused ourselves for a short time, whilst everyone gathered outside for our last photographs together.
Minutes later, we emerged from the chapel, dressed in our national costumes, catching everyone by surprise!

Gathering

We were greeted with smiles, laughter, whistles and a huge round of applause.
It was a very special moment.

Gathered around us were 138 of our dearest friends.

Individuals we love immensely.

Assembled Ones

The group comprised of one hundred and thirty-eight, unique, individual, 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔.
After the initial gathering (see pictures below), a line was formed and individual pictures were taken 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞, with Monic and I.
It took 75 minutes to capture individual photographs together.
Earlier in the day, I’d shared the principle of 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, as taught by Jesus Christ in 3 Nephi 11-28, in The Book of Mormon.
In chapter 11, our resurrected Saviour visits 2,500 assembled ones, gathered at the temple.

One by One

Verse 15 reads: “….the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 until they had all gone forth….”
Just 30 emotionally charged seconds, with 138 of our dearest friends had taken us around 75 minutes to meet with each of them individually, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆.
Can you imagine if you had been one of those 2,500, “until they had all gone forth” seeing with your eyes, feeling with your hands and knowing of a surety, bearing record, “…that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.” (verse 15)
At 30 seconds each, without any breaks, that equates to around 21 hours to complete the process.
And yet He spent every precious second with His dearest friends.
Would 30 seconds be enough?
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.
It contains a powerful witness of His 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 personal ministry.
Over the last three years, our ministry has been focused upon and directed to ones.
Every one of our missionaries, minister, individually, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞, to help others find the peace and joy that only the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring them.
Hundreds of thousands of ones, find Him every year, and you can be 𝐨𝐧𝐞 too.
Speak with a missionary today…