May 8-16, 2022

 SUNDAY

Happy Mother's Day! We celebrate our moms, sisters, daughters and friends today. I'm so grateful for the example of my mom as she taught me while I was growing up but especially after I had my own kids, she was always there to remind me I was doing OK and to 'carry on'. Sally is such an inspiration to me. She has welcomed me to the Glauser family with open arms. She is amazing at keeping track of all her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Her love of the Gospel is evident every time I talk with her. And to see each of my daughters and daughters-in-law raising their kids today is inspiring. It's good we celebrate our moms on this day. The Utrecht Ward is no different, some things are universal. Like the Primary kids singing 'Mother Dear I Love You So' at the top of their lungs and a little treat for all the women. The difference here is that we got two pancakes, with two pieces of chocolate wrapped in cellophane.

And Doug gave me not one but two bouquets of flowers...and some Linder Balls...and made breakfast...and dinner!

We spent the evening talking to many of our kids. The time zone differences make that hard sometimes. We are so grateful for each of them.

MONDAY

Today was a hard day. It felt like nothing was going right and I needed help with every little task. I felt so inadequate. We had just talked about being humble at Zone Conference last week. Well, I certainly was humbled today.  In the end, everything worked out, but not until after some tears of frustration. Doug was so good to remind me that I am doing and can do this assignment. I know that the Lord is helping me all the time and am so grateful to be able to see the miracles most of the time. And I realize again my need for His help each day. 

TUESDAY

Our dryer quit working on Saturday, so today the repair company that fixes the mission washers and dryers came to our house and discovered a broken belt. Thankfully, an easy fix!

It's always good to gather at the weekly Office Staff meeting on Tuesday afternoons. We all are grateful for the leadership of President and Sister Watson and realize whatever part we play is supporting the work of the Gathering of Israel. Doug and I have seen miracles even working with the vehicles and finance. The Lord cares about this work down to the smallest detail.

WEDNESDAY

District Council is a highlight of our week. We love serving with such dedicated and good people.  Today our DL, Elder Snow, finished up by reminding us of the Stripling warriors in Alma 56:46-47.

46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will ^anot suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.

47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the ^aliberty of their ^bfathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their ^cmothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

Elder Snow reminded us that they were ready to go and assist the army already engaged in a battle. They were prepared long before the battle was at hand. They had been taught by their mothers to have faith. Similarly, today there are people out there who are being attacked by the adversary. We have been prepared since we were children to save them. The Lord's timing is perfect. We are here now at this time for this very reason.

THURSDAY

We enjoy having the Office Elders over for dinner most Thursdays. Today The APs, Elders Auston and Kempenaers were able to join us as well. What a great spirit they bring with them!

Elders Landon Boyer, Kyle Austin, Tee Ludlow, Adrian Blodgett, Aiden Henrie, Jorne Kempenaers, Doug Glauser

FRIDAY

On my walk this morning, I listened to a BYU Speeches podcast with Niell Marriott. She was addressing the studentbody at BYU earlier this month. She talked about how we need to be focused on the Savior, realize that He is the only source of peace. One thing she said made me think more about how I trust in the Lord. She mentioned how we need to follow the Prophet's counsel to examine our life and get rid of the 'debris'. The debris comes in many forms, including doubts, sin, distractions, etc. I know that as I trust in the Lord and remember that He knows my heart and what I need more than I do, I will be happy and find great joy. In the April 2022 General Conference it was said, 'Peter trusted Christ more than he trusted his boat' when he showed his faith by stepping out of the boat to walk toward Christ on the water. Sometimes we think we are in a safe place and are content to stay, but we need to be able to exercise our faith in Christ and 'step into the water'.

Doug and I drove to Almere, Lelystad and Alkmaar today to deliver a bike and other needed items and pick up two broken bikes in need of repair along with various unwanted or unneeded things from those apartments. It was a beautiful drive through country I had never seen before. The road from Lelystad to Alkmaar is a two-lane road on a strip of land (dike?) 27km across the bay. It was so crazy to have water on both sides of the road for as far as you could see.

Elders Elias Hansen, Thomas Jones 

and Doug Glauser

SATURDAY

Even the weeds are pretty in Holland!

I finally ventured out on the bike this morning! I've been so worried about all the pedestrians, bikes, motorcycles, cars, trucks and buses all using the same roadway. But this morning we left early and rode out of the city to some beautiful meadows. There were a few other people out walking their dogs or riding their bikes, but not many. It was a lovely morning. I'll definitely be doing this more often 😁🚴

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