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.