SUNDAY
We really enjoy the Utrecht Ward. They are very welcoming! Even though I understand very little, the Spirit is there and I'm glad to be there. I have joked that President Nelson introduced the 'home centered-church supported' curriculum a few years ago knowing I would be in a Dutch ward soon and would need to know how to study the gospel at home.😀In Relief Society, my new friend, Annaliese, sat beside me and translated to English the discussion. She is a lovely woman and very helpful. Alja, the RS President is also very friendly. The ward had a potluck after church today to celebrate being able to gather together again. I sat with Alja and learned a little more about her. She and her husband have strong testimonies of the restored gospel. She was born and raised Catholic and joined the Church as a young adult. Her brother was the first to join the Church, followed by Alja and her parents.
We had Elders Blodgett and Ludlow for dinner tonight. It's good to have them in our home and share a meal with them.
It was the Yucaipa Stake conference today and we were able to watch via Zoom. The Stake leadership was reorganized. President Darryl Cartozian and his counselors Jim Wilson and Dusty Headley were released and President Travis Salisbury was called with Dusty Headley and Andrew Gardner as counselors.
We talked to a few of our kids and feel so grateful that we can be connected with them even though we are far away
MONDAY
Ryan and Brianna called this afternoon with the exciting news that they are soon to be parents! We are thrilled for them and so happy to welcome another little one to our family.
TUESDAY
Alma 56:27-29 "...brought unto us many provisions...we were prepared with...provisions...receiving provisions and strength."
It is important as we fight our daily battles against sin, temptation, discouragement, sadness and challenges that we receive 'provisions and support' from others. In this case, the fathers of the young warriors brought food and provisions. We can be that source of support to others as we notice they are battling any affliction. We can ask the Lord to make us aware of their circumstances so we can offer help.
WEDNESDAY
We've gotten into the habit of playing Rummikub in the evening. There is a good mix of luck and skill and a nice break from computer screens and a good time to eat dessert 😋
THURSDAY
Today was Mission Conference, hopefully the last time we will need to meet via Zoom since The Netherlands is relaxing Covid restrictions as of tomorrow and more loosening next week.
It was a wonderful time together! The discussions, testimonies, lessons (in Dutch), invitations, and music were all uplifting.
In a discussion this morning, the question was asked, "What is something you have learned that you didn't know before about finding joy as a missionary?" One Sister said she has learned to be joyful and happy for everyone's successes because we are all on the same team (the Lord's team) and we have the same purpose. I have learned that I can find joy working in the office. I truly enjoy the work we are doing and find great satisfaction in serving in this way.
Sister Watson offered some Tips for 'Being One' as a companionship.
1. work hard
2. be focused
3. be aware of each other
-slow down and have fun occasionally
4. you don't need to be the same to complement each other. ie. the Bible and the Book of Mormon are not the same but they support and compliment each other
5. communicate together and with God
6. Corinthians 12:12-31
7. important to know
-who we are (children of God)
-our purpose
-what we are capable of
If Heavenly Father knows we are available and dependable, He will make us capable
President Watson taught using 2 Ne 28:30 as his text and cited Elder Bednar in a Area Meeting for Stake and Mission Presidents in Europe. He started by asking us to find the pattern in the following:
8 5 4 9 1 7 6 3 2 0
One of our Elders saw it quickly...they are in alphabetical order.
Elder Bednar talked about the importance and significance of repetition in our learning and growth. The sacrament prayers are repeated each week, the temple ordinances are repeated each time we attend the temple. We read the scriptures over and over. As soon as we finish the Book of Mormon, we begin again. As ,missionaries we read Preach My Gospel repeatedly. We learn new things because of our experiences. He cited the visits of Moroni to Joseph Smith on 21-22 Sep 1823. During the first visit, Moroni taught about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, quotes the Old and New Testaments and talks of prophesies to be fulfilled. He repeated the exact same message three more times, each time adding a little more information. In the second visit Moroni told Joseph of great judgements which were coming upon the earth and great desolations such as famine, pestilence and war. During the third visit after rehearsing the same message, he added that Satan would try to tempt him [Joseph] to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich, and warned him that the only motive to getting the plates was for the building of the kingdom of God. During the fourth visit, which occurred the following morning, Moroni repeated the entire message once again and then told Joseph to go and tell his father of the vision and commandments he had received. So even though Joseph received the same message, a little more was added each time, line upon line.
Elder Bednar's invitation is to (1) read the chapter headings of Moroni chapters 1-10 in that order. Is this just a random collection of stuff at the end of the Book of Mormon? Why would Moroni share such things? (2) read the same chapter headings, this time in reverse, from 10-1. Do you see the pattern, the pathway, the series of steps? Read in conjunction with 2 Ne 31.
How do we know if something is doctrine.
1. It occurs repeately in the scriptures, a pattern of repetition.
2. Repeated teachings of the Prophets and Apostles in General Conference. The Covenant Path is the most spoken of topic in General Conference during the past 5 years.
3. In the authorized teachings, declarations and proclamations from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
4. General Handbook
F I T T
We had Elders Ludlow and Blodgett again for dinner. We are trying to have them every week. It's good to get to know them a little better each time.
FRIDAY
The wind is blowing today! Apparently this is the biggest storm this century?! All I know is that walking home today, I held on to Doug's arm so I wouldn't get blown off my feet 😀. It's about what we used to see living below Cajon Pass. The trains stopped running because of possible debris (trees) on the tracks and everyone is advised to stay inside as much as possible.
It has been good to talk to several of the kids and gkids today. I miss everyone and it's so nice to be able to talk with and see them (virtually) occasionally!
SATURDAY
The wind has calmed down, now just the normal breeze/wind, so I went on my morning walk. There were lots of twigs and branches and one tree was split almost in two. No damage that I could see but the top branches were on the house. There were also broken roof tiles everywhere. We noticed them especially when we walked to the grocery store in the early afternoon. So the warning to stay inside yesterday was a good one...I would not liked being hit with a falling roof tile!
Doug continues to study Dutch and is getting really good at speaking with others. He greets people on the street and is really good at buying cheeses, breads and tulips! Every day he gets better and that brings more confidence. Elder Kempenaers is native Dutch so he helps with grammar and such.
Another week has gone by!
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