March 5- 11, 2024
SUNDAY
This afternoon, we spent some time studying from the Come, Follow Me lesson this week, Matthew 8:23-27 and Mark 4:35-41. There is so much good information from a myriad of sources. The following is just a few thoughts about Calming the Storm in our own lives.
Why are ye so afearful? “…decreased fear and increased faith will follow” as we “begin anew truly to hear, hearken to, and heed the words of the Savior.” (Russel M Nelson, Go Forth With Faith, GC, Apr 2020)
How is it that ye have no bfaith? Am I able to keep my faith in Jesus Christ even when what I hope for does not happen? Even when the rain continues to come down, or a loved one is not healed?
What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? I need to ask myself this same question that the disciples of old asked; Who is this Jesus? Is He really able to calm the storms in my heart? I know that He can calm the storm, but do I stay faithful even when He doesn’t do it in my preferred timetable.
From Doug:
"Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." 3 Nephi 27:27
I love the play on words between these two references with regard to "What manner of man" Mark 4:40 and "What manner of men" 3 Nephi 27:27
In the first reference who is this man, how can he do what he does? Once we develop "true faith" then we come to know what manner of man he is; He is the Christ and he loves us to the point of wanting to care for us, to support us, to see us succeed. In the second reference we learn "what manner of men we ought to be"; we must be as Him and must develop that faith, that love, that support he exhibits.
MONDAY
It's always a full day at the office on Monday. And today President and Sister Watson were there for interviews of the office staff and a few other missionaries. The Ehlert's stopped by after their appointment for their IND cards in Den Haag. Sisters Stewart, Perry and Wadsworth also stopped in after their IND appointment. The Assistants have been working on transfers with the President. It is always fun to watch the Transfer board develop!
TUESDAY
Several months ago, we visited a wonderful lady in the Utrecht Ward, Willy De Bruijn. She is unable to come to church because of health reasons now but loves to have visitors. She has asked Alja and Henk about us and wonders if we are still here in The Netherlands. Today we were able to visit her again.
Again, I marvel that even though I can not speak Dutch, I can understand almost all of the conversation between her and Doug. Not every word, but the general ideas. At the close of our visit, Doug asked her if she would like us to pray. During the prayer, I thought I really want to have a deeper conversation with this dear lady. Then the thought came..."You can, once you are both on the other side of the veil." It was a powerful witness that
- God knows our hearts and our desires.
- Not everything we want will happen immediately.
- Life after death is real.
- Relationships extend beyond this life.
WEDNESDAY
We had missionaries come for dinner tonight because Elder van der Put had an obligation tomorrow and he is going home next week. We wanted to have him one more time before he departs. With a smaller group, we were able to have a wonderful gospel discussion. They each shared what they have learned on their mission that they want to take home with them. Elder van der Put talked about how he wants to keep gospel living his priority. He has seen friends that have returned home from their missions and soon let school, work and recreation become priorities. He is aware of that trap and wants to always have Jesus Christ the first priority; the other things will follow. Elder Snow shared his love of the Book of Mormon. When his companion was sick a few weeks ago, he read the entire Book of Mormon in three days and it all came together for him. He has always loved the stories, but now he could see how it all fits together. Elder Bevell said his appreciation for the Priesthood has grown. He always wants to be ready and able to give a priesthood blessing whenever he is asked. He also mentioned how we use Priesthood power every day as set apart missionaries. Sister Anderson shared how she is learning to recognize personal revelation.
THURSDAY
Brother Adri Piket came to the office today to begin training. He just retired and is getting acquainted with the financial system used by the Mission. It is unclear what his role will actually be as he wants to be in the office just one day each week and work from home one day. But for now, he will get an overview. He and his wife have wanted to serve a full time mission, but her health prevents them from doing that. He is a good man with a lot of experience that will be very useful in the office.
Another dinner with missionaries tonight! Because I knew Bro. Piket would be training today, I didn't have the time to go home early to make dinner, so we took the office Sisters, Elder De Jong and the Utrecht Elders out to a little restaurant, Swing, in the Gouda Centrum. We have been there several times and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and delicious food.
FRIDAY
We enjoyed a delicious dinner with Andries and Jana Meirijnk. The VandeWal's joined us as well. Jana is a member of the Utrecht Ward. She was raised Catholic and joined the Church about 35 years ago. She is originally from Illinois. She met and married Andries and they have lived in the Netherlands 30+ years. He claims to be an atheist, but comes every week to church and translates the meeting to English. It has been such a blessing to have him translate each week.
SATURDAY
We started the day by shopping for supplies for the WarmKamers evenings and then delivering the food to the Rotterdam Stake Center. Several weeks ago, we met Suzie at the Rotterdam Dutch class. She is American and has just moved here with her brother to start a bakery business. For now, they are selling baked goods at the Markt in North Rotterdam. This was a great opportunity to stop by and support them. The Pecan Banana Cake was good, but the Zucchini Cake with thick cream cheese frosting was amazing!😋 After dessert😂, we bought some Thai food for a little lunch.
Our next stop was Apeldoorn, about a 90 minute drive. We had things to deliver to the Sisters there, including their First Day of the Month Club treat. This is what Doug gives to each companionship that gets their fuel receipts for the previous month to him by the 1st. With transfers coming up this next week, we needed to get the treats delivered. 😁
Near Apeldoorn is a Steam Engine Museum. During July and August there is a Steam Engine Train that travels to various stops and returns to the original station. It's mostly a tourist thing. That's why it's only in the summer. But we were able to walk around and see the trains. It looks like most were used during WWII for transport.
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