life Archives - Page 3 of 4

What is of greatest worth?

October 30, 2022

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮?

It’s a question that often crosses my mind.

For a large portion of my adult life, I have been an ordained minister of religion.

As such, I have met with many people who in their older years were preparing to depart this life and pass through “the gateway we call death” – Russell M. Nelson.

I treasure the many sweet memories that I’ve been blessed to have with family members and dear friends who have already passed beyond the veil of death.

Family and Faith

Visiting with those in the closing days of life, we’d frequently reminisce about those things of greatest worth, namely, family, friends, experiences and ultimately for many, their faith in and encounters with Jesus Christ.

Cherished family experiences and special tender moments are shared in a very intimate manner.

Truths are shared lovingly and freely.

Special insights, sweet stories, incredible experiences, along with miracles and wonders are commonplace, as the individual approaches death’s door and shares what matters most.

During those tender moments, attentively listening, loving, caring, sharing, spending time and being fully present is key.

A multitude of moments have been etched into my memory, in turn enriching my experience of life.

Scriptures

In my personal study of the scriptures, I have found great comfort in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Reading the final chapters of Nephi (2 Nephi 33), Jacob (Jacob 7), Mormon (Mormon 7) and Moroni (Moroni 10) – these remarkable prophet/writers provide some insights into those things that may be of greatest worth to all of us.

Each of them shared a similar experience in their lives’, namely they all had a personal experience with Jesus Christ.

And so, fittingly perhaps, their closing words recorded in the final chapters of their respective books, give us a deep, meaningful look into their hearts, minds and very souls.

Moroni 10:32 “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.”

Moroni’s testimony and invitation to “come unto Christ” is a powerful and enduring one that has impacted generations of people the world over.

Like so many others, I hope that each of us will have faith in and encounter Jesus Christ in our life.

What is of greatest worth to you?

Patterns

October 25, 2022

That’s a 3-year-old me on the left, with my younger sister – both wearing cardigans knitted by my mum.

Throughout her life, mum used knitting patterns to create woollen wonders.

As a child I recall watching my mum knitting hats, socks, gloves, scarves, shawls, cardigans, jumpers and so forth! As she settled down to watch the television, she would inevitably pull out her latest knitting project – and off she went.

On a few occasions I’ve tried my hand at knitting.

Knitting

Mum gave me some pointers on casting on, and the appropriate techniques – but then I had to learn the pattern!

Have you ever tried reading a knitting pattern?

To the uninitiated, they can look like a foreign language, cast on 140 sts, knit 1, purl 1 repeat etc!

But to those who know – they are a sure pattern, followed precisely, will lead to success, each and every time. Indeed, their beauty is in their simplicity, if you understand the direction. Each pattern doesn’t just suddenly appear, it needs to be carefully considered, written and practised.

As we stand on the shoulders of those giants who have preceded us, who have lived by these patterns before, we soon realise that we can replicate success or failure depending upon the patterns of life we choose to live by.

Just as there are many thousands of well used knitting patterns, in a like manner, there are tried and tested “patterns for life” that once understood and emulated will always lead you to higher ground.

In fact, followed with exactness these patterns will always lead to success.

So what are these patterns and how do we follow them in our lives?

And by following them, what will we become?

Regarding the fundamental nature of our characters, Gordon B. Hinckley stated that; “The course of our lives is not determined by great, awesome decisions…….our direction is set by the little day-to-day choices which chart the track on which we run.

If we apply that maxim to our lives, we could say that we are the result of many small decisions.

In effect, we are the product of our choices. We must develop the capacity to recall the past, to evaluate the present, and to look into the future in order to accomplish in our lives.

Patterns for Life

Likewise I believe that we can succeed in life by following simple patterns.

1. 𝐃𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. In your work and career choices, its a simple fact that if you do something that you love – then you will never work one day in your life. If you are currently following the wrong pattern – then perhaps you need a new one?

2. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞. Take it one step at a time, for some it may take a lifetime to discover. But most importantly along the way, you need to apply pattern #1 – do something you love! That will help you to find your purpose and meaning in life and your work. Are you currently using the wrong-coloured wool and need a new yarn?

3. 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬. Find out exactly who you can help and serve along the way. Follow the promptings of your heart and apply pattern #1 – give service through doing something you love! This will help you find even more joy in the journey. Perhaps you are using the wrong sized needles and you need some larger ones?

4. 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Choose to Act, and not be acted upon.

I know that our daily actions will determine our character. Take ownership of your own personal journey. What’s holding you back, is it perhaps that you have got stuck with a complicated part of your pattern? Why not seek out a personal coach to help you along the way? In turn they can help you to interpret the pattern for your life.

For me, I have witnessed a lifetime of beautiful woollen wonders created by mum and many others who can read the patterns.

In a like manner as we form our patterns for life, our life will be formed by those patterns.

Get yourself organised!!

Why not follow a new pattern, get some new yarn, some different needles for yourself, home and career today by knitting together some life changing habits – you won’t regret it!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞?

Seasons

October 9, 2022

“There’s that clatter again…” I thought.

This week, whilst in Apeldoorn, interviewing our missionaries we observed a few facts.

Here in the Netherlands, things had started to fall.

Firstly, temperatures started to fall, thankfully I’d brought my jacket.

Secondly, the nights started to draw in, the amount of daylight is decreasing.

Thirdly, as the wind blew, literally thousands of acorns were falling from the oak trees around the chapel and clattering against the roof.

I won’t forget the crunching noise of all those acorns underfoot as we walked back to the car.

Days that were long and sizzling have become short and chilly.

The season has changed.

Autumn has arrived.

In nature, seasons come and go, yet nothing remains the same for very long.

Just as in nature, we experience different seasons in our life.

‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.’ Ecclesiastes 1:2-3.

Truly, the seasons represent our time on earth.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 by Rainer Maria Rilke

The leaves are falling, falling as from far,

As if far gardens in the skies were dying;

They fall, and ever seem to be denying.

And in the night the earth, a heavy ball,

Into a starless solitude must fall.

We all are falling. My own hand no less

Than all things else; behold, it is in all.

Yet there is One who, utter gentleness,

Holds all this falling in His hands to bless.

Your current season of life may be difficult, but if you pause long enough, you may find it’s also a special one with unique blessings and challenges too.

Thomas S. Monson commented on making the most of each season in our lives to “provide time for family, time for work, time for study, time for service, time for recreation, time for self — but above all, time for Christ”

I’ve learned in life, that no matter how far we may fall, Jesus Christ will always lift you up again.

What are you learning in this season of your life?

Too much to do?

September 30, 2022

Are you pushing yourself too hard?

Personally, I’m the kind of person that likes being busy, at least most of the time.

If you are not careful enough though, the side effects of the daily routines can include – physical aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, missing meals, abandoning exercise, headaches, stomach problems, forgetting things, feeling overwhelmed, feeling guilty, isolating yourself, irritability, anxiety and even depression can all kick in.

Have you noticed any new aches and pains recently?

Maybe you should listen to your body more often?

Yes, we all need to kick into a higher gear occasionally to get things done, but we need to put things into perspective, by taking care of ourselves and our relationships.

The way to succeed is not to work long hours, but to work hard in each hour.

And take short breaks – regularly!

Remember – life is short!

It is important to take time every day for yourself and to slow down, to enjoy the beauty you can find all around.

Open your eyes and see.

Perhaps it is time for you to re-connect with your core purpose and watch how your behaviours will shift along the way.

What can you do to slow down today?

A Heroes Journey

September 13, 2022

Have any of these people touched your heart recently?

Harry Potter, Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Ironman, Wolverine, Black Panther, Hulk, Cinderella, Bambi, Snow White, Luke Skywalker, Simba (Lion King), Maverick, all of the X-Men, Kung Fu Panda, Aladdin, Tarzan, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan, Ariel (Little Mermaid), Bilbo Baggins, Wall-E and many more….

What do they all have in common?

You may be surprised to learn that every character listed is an orphan or a semi-orphan (separated from at least one parent).

The Orphan Hero is not new in storytelling.

Is it a coincidence?

So, what is the purpose of creating such characters?

May it somehow represent a journey that all of us need to go through?

There are usually different parts to a typical storyline.

The Storyline

Firstly, there is usually some kind of awakening story shaped by adversity of some kind.

Secondly, as the hero’s journey commences, there is a provocation of sorts that stimulates an awakening, frequently with a mentor on hand (usually older).

Thirdly, on their journey, the hero discovers some purpose, or true identity and embraces their own authenticity.

Through triumph and tragedy these movie characters have all played into large chunks of our life’s.

Without their parents, we are drawn into the storyline by the insecurity that is created. Perhaps we even start to imagine how we’d react to such perils in our own life.

Subsequently, the characters are all forced to deal with the challenges of the respective storyline and almost always faced with one or several transformational experiences.

As a coach and mentor, I’ve noticed that there is frequently a guide who plays a special part in the journey.

For example – Gandalf, Yoda, Obi Wan Kenobi, Dumbledore, Alfred, Xavier and many more.

Generally, these characters have a central role in the story and oftentimes eventually disappear.

The Hero’s Journey is in fact a formulaic template used successfully for generations.

Although formulaic, this journey is open to all of us.

Consider the adversities and challenges you have overcome in your own life.

What story are you living?

Do you have a mentor or guide?

What makes a real hero for you?

Choose to Play

July 21, 2022

“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲!

“𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡…𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧!? – 𝐍𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐞!”

Why me? Perhaps the better question is why not me?

All too frequently as a teenager – that’s where I found myself in the High School Basketball team. I just wanted to play in the game.

I wanted a jersey, I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines – I simply wanted to play!

In my youthfulness and eagerness to play, long hours of practice and effort eventually paid off, and I became a regular starter – playing constantly.

I learned too, that sometimes when you are not playing well, the coach can take you out of the game.

Similarly in life, I want to be where the action is.

Sitting on the sidelines is just not for me.

At home, at work, in the community I need to be involved, I need to play, to make a difference.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes said “It is required of a man that he share the action and the passion of his time at the peril of being judged not to have lived.”

Whatever it is that is most important in your life…

– choose to be engaged

– choose to participate

– choose to practice and expend the effort

– choose to get involved

– choose to make a difference

Decide now to get up off the bench, move from the sidelines and into the field of action – 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚!

What will you choose to do today?

#sidelines #commitment #Change

Its time to wake up!

July 12, 2022

Are you wide awake or sleepwalking through life?

Are you aware & conscious about all that is going on around you?

Are you stuck in a rut?

Some clues…

– You may endlessly scroll through Facebook, Instagram or Tik Tok.

– You lack a clear direction in your life.

– You are often stressed, worried or anxious.

– You frequently complain or moan about other people.

– You can’t seem to find quiet time to even breathe.

Sound familiar?

It is really easy to slip into a very comfortable and rigid routine in your daily life.

We fall into an emotional state of autopilot and disconnect from our real feelings.

Each can bring exactly the same.

Choose to 𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒖𝒑!

Start today by choosing the life you want to create!

Choose to find some fun today. George Bernard Shaw said…

“𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐥𝐝; 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠.”

Be curious, look around. Enjoy the moment

Put your phone away today – stop scrolling!

Have a real conversation with someone! If you struggle with that then get someone else to hold you accountable.

Start journaling! Record your feelings, recall what makes you happy and capture the conversations you had in the day.

Call or write to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Learn to stop and awaken your five senses of listening, touching, looking, smelling, and tasting.

In slowing down, you will recognise that you have much to learn as you awaken from your slumber.

Its time to wake up!

Understanding

June 12, 2022

Let me dispel the misunderstanding…

Today I will be attending church in Utrecht (again).

I first attended there over 28 years ago, on Sunday 5th September 1993.

It was my first Sunday in the Netherlands.

I had no knowledge of the language and struggled throughout to understand.

Thankfully Monic was on hand to help my understanding a little.

Consider for a moment the word 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠.

It is defined as – “to know how something works or to know what something means.”

As everyone knows, I am religiously active as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In my efforts to promote understanding, perhaps I can be a bit annoying and even unduly enthusiastic about my faith at times!

I certainly understand how easily that can happen, as the subject of religion can be a little touchy for many people.

Have you ever wondered why I am so anxious to share my views?

Like me, you may worry about the conflicts in the world, the political turmoil, the economic instability, and the pressures of living in a world where illness, or the death of a loved one may have taken their toll on you in all kinds of physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional ways.

I certainly do not understand the complexities of all of the volatility and turmoil in the world.

Through it all however – your family are probably the most important thing in the world for you.

As you look to the future, you may be anxious what it may hold for you, your partner, your children, and your grandchildren.

At times, I am.

But then I stop and remember my why.

My understanding of a much greater plan, which I believe to be immensely important for everyone.

It centres around my belief in Jesus Christ.

He always brings peace and safety.

My faith in Him it is not passive; it is very active.

Like so many others, maybe you are searching for something?

Just as Monic helped me understand Dutch a little all those years ago, our missionaries can help you come to understand a little more about the purpose of life, why you are here, the plan of salvation and even answer that question that troubles so many – is there life after death?

Perhaps it’s time, once and for all to understand these things, to let God prevail – He is no great mystery after all.

I promise – you too can 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅.

#HearHim

The Book of Life

June 9, 2022

I was asked recently, “𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲?”

Did you know that some of the most important historical records are the diaries and other personal writings of individuals from all different walks of life?

Living in the Netherlands, I am often reminded of one the most significant diaries of our time – that of Anne Frank, the 13-year-old Jewish girl living here, who, at the age of 16, died in a German concentration camp.

Her diary, written whilst she was confined in an Amsterdam apartment house, shares her story of how she and her family went into hiding for two years to avoid Nazi persecution. Since her death, the words from her diary have inspired millions. And because of her diary the world has known all about the terrors of growing up during the Holocaust.

My journaling journey began early when I was a young 12-year-old.

It has been the first thing I’ve done every morning for as long as I can remember.

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧?

You do not have to write every day, even though this would be good. It could be weekly. It could even be as and when there is something that is memorable or moving or meaningful.

Remembering is an important part of life and journals help us to do that. They also help me to slow down!

𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 – by Zelda Davis Howard

Life is a book made up of days

Each one of us writes one,

It’s opened when we come to earth

And closed when life is done.

No pen but ours ere touches it

In our own way we write,

Whether we fail or succeed

Turns with the page at night.

And there is no erasing it

To add or take away,

The yesterday’s account is closed,

Sealed within white or grey.

The morning gives another sheet

That’s broad and very white,

And oh, how glorious to have

Another chance to write!

No bad is there too small to show

No good that’s ever lost,

All that we do goes into Life’s book

In black and white embossed.

Every life is a tale worth telling.

Why not begin yours today?

Is there a God?

April 12, 2022

Frequently I’m asked – “Is there a God, is there a creator?”

In answer to that question, consider this response…

“What are the odds that a tornado spinning through a junkyard would create a Boeing 747?” – Bruce C. Hafen.

In Alma 30:44, Alma states to Korihor “All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion.”

A study of the sciences, helps us to understand that if the earth were just slightly closer to the sun, then all life on earth would simply be burnt up.

Conversely, if the earth was slightly further from the sun, then all life on earth would freeze!

I choose to believe that a divine power holds things in place through laws that have been irrevocably decreed from long before this earth was created.

I know that no matter what era we live in, we can find peace in the powerful parallels between the scriptures and our own lives.

#BeacuseOfHim

Tag Archive for: life

What is of greatest worth?

Family and Faith

Scriptures

Patterns

Knitting

Patterns for Life

Seasons

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 by Rainer Maria Rilke

Too much to do?

A Heroes Journey

The Storyline

Choose to Play

Its time to wake up!

Understanding

The Book of Life

𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 – by Zelda Davis Howard

Is there a God?

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