Towering Oaks, A Sunny Day, Run or be Consumed, Shoot for the White Gates, 9th Cousin Monument

Oaks YA Devotional

In institute this week we showed the YA devotional from President and Sister Oaks.  As you would expect their counsel was clear and un-equivocating direction on our identity.  We loved their good humor and insightful teachings.  As a former member of the Utah Supreme Court and president of BYU, President Oaks has so many insights on the relationship between the law (keeping the commandments) and love (loving others no matter what they choose).   Here is one of our favorite quotes from the devotional, by President Nelson:

Sunny Jumps In

In the North Shields Ward in our stake we were able to participate in the baptism of Sunny. A few transfers ago, Elder Gilbert and Elder Kitchen were on an exchange when they were able to meet Sunny. He was a self-referral from the church's website.  He had been searching all the Christian church websites on the internet and only found one that supported asking questions on the website. He began to ask questions on-line and liked what he heard.  He really liked the community aspect of our church and how we care for each other.   He has come to grow a really strong testimony of Jesus Christ, and because of that, he loves the Plan of Salvation or Plan of Happiness contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is an amazing, sweet man dedicated to following the Savior.  (Technology doesn't always deliver, but this was a big delivery!) 

  

Run in the Park Day

Beginning Saturday, May 27th across the UK was celebrated the first ParkRun day of the season.  We found this out accidentally as Elder Betteridge was doing a jog and Sister Betteridge a walk in the nearby park.   On his jog, all of the sudden Elder Betteridge was overwhelmed from behind with a large group of  runners on his path, since he was unusually slow he was completely swallowed in the crowd.  He asked a nearby participant and she clarified, ParkRun.org.uk.  Check it out.  It is a worldwide phenomena.  With hundreds of registered 5k park runs going on every Saturday across the globe.  

Heaton & District Model Power Boat Club

In the same park on the pond where the runners were passing was a Model Power Boat Club competition (not radio controlled). This club was established in 1923 and a small hut was built next to the pond to house their boats and equipment.  The object is set your boat upon the water between two markers that designate the starting gate and then at the other end of the pond (about 200 feet away) is a series of markers spaced every 5 ft.  The goal is to let your boat go from the starting gate and hit the center gate white markers across the pond in as fast a time as possible.   Maybe like being born and being let loose in life and shooting for the Celestial Kingdom?  (Trying to bring some Gospel relevance into this story).  The dates on the sides of the boats are the year they were built.  We saw electric, gas, and steam powered boats. 

 

Monument to Elder B's 9th Cousin in Newcastle

Maybe that last story didn't testify enough to you of the reason we serve missions and what we are doing, but this one will-- a story about Elder B's 9th cousin.   I was poking around on the internet for some information about Charles Coulsen, my great grand uncle,  brother to Margaret Ann Coulson my great grandma.  I had discovered that this brother had settled in Newcastle upon Tyne, where we currently live, after being born in Scarborough, England - about 2 hours away.  I was looking for anything I could find about the Coulson family, when I discovered that William Lisle Blenkinsopp Coulson (1841-1911) was a hero in these parts. A monument was erected to recognize his efforts to assist the weak and defenseless among mankind and in the animal world.  I like this guy and feel honored to be related to him.  The monument was unveiled on May 27th, 1914.  On the back of the monument is the following inscription:

"What is really needed is an all-round education of the higher impulses true manliness, and womanliness, justice, and pity.  To try to promote these has been my humble and earnest endeavor, and until they are more genuinely aroused, the legislature is useless, for it is the people who make the laws."  

William Lisle Blenkinsopp Coulson. 

 

Finding Hope, A Taste of Christmas, A trip to Winnipeg, Penny Farthing, Big things from James & George

Finding Hope in the Light and Life of the World

This week in our institute classes we enjoyed discussing the doctrine of finding Hope in our lives and the role of the Savior in that process.  When we put the Savior at the center of this process we can see such brightness in our future.  In John 8:12 we read:  

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:  he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

We discussed choosing a flashlight if we were to take a hike in the darkness of night-- would we be happy with a 500 lumen light that gets dimmer over time, or would we be happier with a 5000 lumen light that sustains its brightness for eternity.  What choices would we need to make in our discipleship that would allow us to have a non-diminishing 5000 Lumen light on our journey?  Staying focused on the Savior, our covenants with Him and His promises, will help us get through our lives with a 'perfect brightness of hope'.  Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: 

"Hope is a gift of the Spirit [see Moroni 8:26]. ...[It is] the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. …No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. (“The Infinite Power of Hope,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 21, 22)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-09-0036-the-power-of-hope?lang=eng

Refreshments for Institute

We keep busy buying groceries and making meals for our two institute classes.  We made some snickerdoodles for the dessert last week.  To our surprise many in the class had never tasted a snickerdoodle.  One young lady in the class, Acacia, bit into the 'doodle and then said, "wow, this tastes like Christmas".  We thought that was a very cute comment and a great description. 

Talks in Newcastle Ward

We had the opportunity to speak in Newcastle ward on Sunday.  Sister Betteridge spoke on living Peaceably.  The Apostle  Paul in Romans 12:18 taught us:  "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."  Sister Sheri Dew said: 

"None of us needs one more person pointing out where we've fallen short.  What we do need are each others' compassion, prayers, and support.  What if we were to decide today that we would make just one assumption about each other -- that we are each doing the best we can?"

Our beloved prophet leader President Russel M. Nelson, wrote on his social media page in January 2022, the following: 

"Resolve to be kind to others.  When the Savior Jesus Christ visited the Americas, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, one of the first things He taught was the need to eliminate contention in our lives.  So, please be compassionate, be understanding, be slow to judge and be quick to forgive." 

Elder Betteridge spoke on the principle of forgiveness.  He pointed out that often times warm contentions arise between us and within our families which may sometimes drive us to feelings of anger.  He pointed out that it has been said that "Anger is like drinking poison and then hoping that someone else dies".   Such negative emotions usually fester and never resolve themselves unless we draw upon the power of the Savior's atonement to help us forgive others who we feel have offended us and often times we too need to seek forgiveness for our own actions and emotions. President Nelson recently taught that the Savior offers us the ability to forgive:  

"Through His infinite Atonement, you can forgive those who have hurt you and who may never accept responsibility for their cruelty to you.  It is usually easy to forgive one who sincerely and humbly seeks your forgiveness.  But the Savior will grant you the ability to forgive anyone who has mistreated you in any way.  Then their hurtful acts can no longer canker your soul." 

Dylan's Mission Call

We were so incredibly delighted this week to watch our grandson Dylan open his mission call (Son of Justin and Radene Betteridge). He will be serving in the Winnipeg, Canada mission for 24 months beginning September 4.  He is still growing and has reached the height of 6' 4 1/4" -- the taller he grows the lower he can sing;  he currently can hit 2 and 1/2 octaves below middle C which is a low, low F. We are proud of this physical and spiritual giant. 

Penny Farthing on the Waggonway 

As we were on a stroll with Peter and Polly Kennedy on the Wylam Waggonway, a path near the Tyne river, we were passed by a Penny Farthing cyclist going very fast on an original design bike.  The name comes from the size difference between the two wheels by comparing the relative size and value difference between two English coins, a Penny and a Farthing (1/4th of a Penny in value and size).  They stopped minting the Farthing in 1961.  This design was created by an English engineer James Starling in 1871.  The challenge with riding these things is if you stop too fast you somersault over the front and do a head plant.  Great design for the hard headed-- Elder Betteridge would be good at this!

On our walk on the Waggonway path we passed the boyhood home of George Stephenson (1781-1848).  He was the inventor of the first steam locomotive engine.  The English are pretty smart!

Becoming, Miracle of 9-square, Loren & Merlene Tour, Floggings, Elderly People Rock

Knowing, Doing, Becoming

The institute lesson this week discussed our journey to become like the Savior.  When we are baptized we covenant to be His disciples-- it is a journey for each one of us with highs and lows along the way.  The real question is-- Are we becoming like Him?  And, what is the difference between 'knowing', 'doing' and 'becoming'.  President Oaks of the First Presidency of the Church said:

"The pledge to become like the Savior takes us beyond just knowing about Him.  In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.” (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32)

  

The Miracle of 9 Square

We acquired a 9-Square game for playing on Institute nights.  It is a cross between 4-square and volleyball and is played with a ball in the air.  We set it up for the first time in Ashington and set it up in Gateshead as well.  The miracle was it attracted several people from the community, who had not seen it before and they enjoyed playing it with the institute students.  In Ashington a 15-person scout troop was touring the church building and were invited to join the game.  They loved it and are planning to make one for their troop.  Then, in Gateshead, we were playing the game outside and three neighborhood boys wanted to join in and and loved it as well.  

The L&M Tour

We enjoyed sharing several castle tours of the Bamburgh and Alnwick castles with Loren & Merlene and enjoyed a lunch together at the Alnwick Tree House cafe-- yes it is a real cafe in a real tree house.  Elder Betteridge had Coronation Chicken, a dish created for Queen Elizabeth when she was coronated in 1953, and frequently served at the time of coronations. 

 

We also toured Beamish Village in Durham, where floggings are still threatened. This village was created as a 'living museum' in 1973 where they show restored original buildings and surroundings to create themed communities from the past and the employees dress in period clothing.  We enjoyed seeing a 'music teachers parlor', circa 1900, where a music lesson would cost just 6 pence. 

Elderly People Rock

We have appreciated the respect the English people give to parents with children as evidenced by parking spots reserved for parents with children next to the handicapped parking spots.  We are also now impressed with signs warning of elderly people -- they really are a dying breed. 

Striving, Shocking Discovery, Tia's Baptism, Saint Hilda Delivers, A King

 Striving

We studied and taught institute lessons this week on STRIVING to be a disciple of Christ. Our favorite word in the whole lesson was the word "striving".  Each day, each week we try to follow His path.  We are not perfect, we frequently fall short, but we are granted joy in the journey.  Joy is an emotion that comes out of feeling love from our Heavenly Father.  He receives it when we strive to follow His son, and we receive joy when we make the effort to follow in His footsteps.  Here is a quote from the lesson material we loved:

"As you continue to work toward developing Christlike attributes, regularly review your progress. Don’t compare yourself with others. Rejoice in small successes. Learn from your mistakes. Trust that the Savior will extend help and strength as you strive to become more like Him."

We also loved this quote from President Faust:

“Many think that the price of discipleship is too costly and too burdensome. For some, it involves giving up too much. But the cross is not as heavy as it appears to be. Through obedience we acquire much greater strength to carry it.” 

He knows You

There is great comfort in reflecting on how well our Father in Heaven knows us. He desires to bless us and guide us through this mortal experience.  Our faith in Him and His plan for us can give us the perspective we need to move forward in difficult times.  And, there is no greater feeling than to feel His Love for us!  One of our favorite quotes this last week was from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

“The Infinite and Eternal Creator of light and life knows you. He is mindful of you.  Yes, God loves you this very day and always.  He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. He is aware that you reach up to Him in heartfelt and hopeful prayer. He knows of the times you have held onto the fading light and believed—even in the midst of growing darkness.  He knows of your sufferings. He knows of your remorse for the times you have fallen short or failed. And still He loves you.   And God knows of your successes; though they may seem small to you, He acknowledges and cherishes each one of them. He loves you for extending yourself to others. He loves you for reaching out and helping others bear their heavy burdens—even when you are struggling with your own.  He knows everything about you. He sees you clearly—He knows you as you really are. And He loves you—today and always!”

Shocking Discovery

The 'shocker' of the week was on Wednesday evening as we were preparing to teach institute in Ashington.  No one had arrived yet and we were just getting the meal set up.  We looked out the window and Heather said, someone just drove up and got out of the car.  Heather said, wow this guy looks just like Loren.  Mont looked out the window and said, oh my gosh, it is Loren!  Heather said and Merlene!  We were completely surprised as Mont's brother and wife Merlene, came to England for a surprise visit, all the way from Tacoma, Washington, USA.  They were on their way to Scotland to enjoy family history time with Merlene's Colquhoun clan (pronounced Cahoon), her maiden name is Cahoon.

Tia's Baptism

Saturday evening we were blessed to attend & help with Tia's baptism.  Tia & her family were found by Elder Lewis in the winter of 2018, she was 10 yrs old at the time.  The Elders made a huge impression on their family and were invited to the mom's birthday party the next day.  One thing led to another and soon the family (Tia, her brother Kobie, and mom Michelle) were all actively attending church and receiving lessons!  

Unfortunately, due to covid and some hold ups the family lost contact with missionaries and the church...but Tia held on to her Book of Mormon.  At 13 she was diagnosed with extreme spinal complications leading to advanced spinal surgery and the loss of her close friends.  She said she was the lowest she had ever been when a tiny voice told her to start reading the Book of Mormon again.  So she did.  She studied and pondered and finally worked up the courage to ask for missionaries again so they could teach her why that little Book always seemed to make her feel better.

In September last year she began to be taught by Sister Missionaries again and started attending church and youth activities on her own - walking  20 minutes to the building despite her medical issues.  In February she was invited to be baptised and it just so happened that her mom had seen Elder Lewis on Facebook say he was planning to take his wife on a tour of England.  A phone call to Utah decided it...Elder Lewis would be in England in May and would baptize the last person he ever taught before returning home 5 years prior.  Pictured below is 10 year old Tia and then 5 years later 15 year old Tia with the sister missionaries after her baptism, a 5 year journey. 

What happened at Saint Hilda's Church in South Shields?

We were pleased to recently learn from Emily (Bateman) Pulham that Mont's great great grandparents, Elizabeth Garnett and George Coulson, were married in South Shields, on August 28th, 1840.  South Shields is a seaside town just 15 minutes from where our flat is.  It has an LDS congregation which is in our Sunderland stake (like a diocese), where we are serving our mission.  Yesterday the four of us Mont & Heather and Loren & Merlene, visited the St. Hilda's Church (Church of England) where this marriage took place.  The church is still in use today, though it was closed when we visited.  St Hilda's church was built in the early 1700's. 

Visiting the Tynemouth Beach with L&M

After visiting St. Hilda's church, we crossed the river Tyne and visited the Tyneside Beach in North Shields with Loren & Merlene.   We are amazed at a very large swimming pool (built for 2000 people) that was built on the beach in the early 1900's and lasted until 1990, when it was closed.  The likes of Laurel and Hardy had visited this spot and performed at the Grand Hotel just off the beach. 

Encircled in His Arms

We had the delightful opportunity to lead the discussion in Sunday School on May 8th and fell in love with the picture of the Savior encircling us in His arms.  We played President Nelson's gratitude video and enjoyed this thought: "Gratitude for my blessings will bring me closer to God and help me feel His love."  

Coronation

The Coronation of King Charles was amazing.  We watched the whole thing and were very touched by the ancient ritual of coronation and the parallels to our ordinances in the temple.   King Charles said "I am here to serve not to be served" --  we were impressed by his commitment to serve his people and the nations of the world. 

 

Judgement, Harry Potter's Garden, Kathy's Immersion, 6 Foot Mushrooms

Trusting Jesus Christ as Our Judge

Each us will stand to be judged of Him [our Savior] according to our works AND the desires of our hearts.  This Institute lesson taught us why we can have complete confidence in Jesus Christ as our judge.  In addition to being our judge, Jesus Christ is also our Advocate with the Father.  One question we asked in class is how you might feel hearing Jesus Christ plead your cause before Heavenly Father?   (Do you think the Savior might also need to convince some of us, who are hard on ourselves, that we merit His mercy?)  

Elder Larry R. Lawrence, (from "What Lack I Yet" talk), in November 2015 Ensign, said: "The Spirit can show us our weaknesses, but he is also able to show us our strengths.  Sometimes we need to ask what we are doing right, so that the Lord can lift and encourage us. ... He rejoices every time we take a step forward.  To Him, our direction is ever more important than our speed.  Be persistent but never  be discouraged."  

President Oaks taught that the Final Judgment is more, than an assessment of our thoughts, words, and deeds, he said: "The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. … The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32)

Alnwick Castle Garden

We visited the gardens of Alnwick Castle (where Harry Potter went to school).  We were in complete awe at the beauty of these gardens and waterfalls.  The garden houses the world's largest orchard of Taihaku ornamental cherry trees - a total of 326 trees.  We walked amongst them in their fully bloomed state. 

Blossoms of Strength

In the Alnwick Castle garden we came across a secret garden door.  Our hearts were moved to joy as the words to the song "Come Into My Garden" came into our minds.  We felt surrounded by the Savior's love as we pondered walking through the door and into His garden.  These blossoms symbolized to us His Grace that can give us the strength to get through life's challenges. This image will stick with us for the rest of our lives as we picture coming into His garden every time we supplicate Our Father in prayer. 

 

 

  

Come to My Garden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtq7-uVbuvE

LILLY (Can be symbolic of the Savior):

Come to my garden, 

Nestled in the hills.

There I'll keep you safe beside me.

Come to my garden. 

Rest there in my arms. 

There I'll see you 

Safely grown and on your way.

Stay there in the garden, 

Where love grows free and wild.

Come to my garden. 

Come, sweet child.

COLIN (Us):

Lift me up and lead me to the garden,

Where life begins anew.

Where I'll find you,

And I'll find you love me too.

COLIN (Us) ...... LILY (Can be symbolic of the Savior): 

Lift me up and lead me to the garden .... Come to my garden,

Where life begins anew .... Rest there in my arms.

Where I'll tell you, .... There I'll

where I'll show you .... See you safely grown 

A new life, I will live for you.... And on your way.

I shall see you in the garden,.... I shall see you in my garden, 

Where spring will come and stay.... Where love grows free and wild.

Lift me up and lead me to the garden....Come to my garden,

Come, sweet day! .... Come, sweet day!

Baptism

It was a privilege to participate in a baptismal service of Aidan's mother.  Aiden a 16 year old young man joined the church about 6 months ago after having many struggles in his life.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ has now anchored him solidly on a firm foundation.  His example over the last 6 months has prompted His mother, Kathy, to investigate the church and resulted in him baptizing her this last week.  We had spent time with both Aidan and his mother in befriending them in the last few months.  The sisters that taught Aidan's mom were Sienna Holbrook and Kenzie Tait. 

Talks in Gateshead Ward

We were asked to give talks in the Gateshead Ward on Sunday.  Elder Betteridge spoke on the importance of Sabbath Day observance and the beauty of those who have the Spirit of the Lord with them.  Sister Betteridge spoke on loving others and living with difference.  The Bishop of the Gateshead ward is a physician from Hong Kong.  His wife is a nurse, born and raised in South Shields.  They met while on duty at the same time in1986 in a South Shields hospital.  (This is the same town where Elder Betteridge's great great grandmother Elizabeth Garnett and great great Grandfather, George Coulson, were married.)   

6 Foot Tall Mushrooms

We witnessed the transport of 6 foot tall amazing mushrooms which were transplanted in the children's park of the Alnwick Castle gardens.  These mushrooms could easily feed a family of 4 for a year or more!  (This park claims to be the home of the world's largest children's play structure).