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).